Live at the City Council

7:37 p.m. The meeting wraps with announcements about weekend events and it's a wrap.

7:36 p.m. In an addition to the agenda, the council approved an agreement with the county that will allow FEMA reimbursement of city expenditures related to the tornado clean up in Crowe Springs. The city will get about $20,000 for time and equipment they provided the county to assist.

7:35 p.m. Another purchase — this time for pipe installation at the Water Pollution Control Plant. Councilmen approved the $15,900 bid by C&L Contractors. Water Department officials say the modification will improve the efficiency of the plant during storm water events.

7:34 p.m. Councilmen also approved the purchase of an asphalt hot-patch unit for Public Works in the amount of $29,530 from Spaulding Manufacturing. Tate asked about warranty and repair, and the out-of-state company has a local dealer.

7:31 p.m. In another bid award/purchase, the council approved the purchase of a commercial mower for Public Works in the amount of $8,930 from Franklin Tractor.

7:30 p.m. Leaders approved a bid award/purchase for the demolition of two homes that will be replaced with Habitat for Humanity houses — 407 Johnson St. and 26 MLK Jr. Drive. Cornerstone Demolition’s bid of $7,950 was approved.

7:27 p.m. The council held a first reading of an amendment to the Utilities Ordinance that would increase water/sewer fees by 5 percent, which would equate to about $1.50 per month for a residential customer. Officials say tiered rates are required by the state in an effort to conserve water and that the measure is needed to balance the fund.

7:25 p.m. Councilmen briefly discussed the budget, deciding property taxes would remain at the same level as fiscal year 2010-2011, and held the first reading of the budget ordinance that would establish a budget for fiscal year 2011-2012.

City Manager Sam Grove has recommended pay raises for employees, which would bring the proposed budget — by the latest calculations — up 10.72 percent or more than $15 million over last year. The majority of the increase is in capital outlays, including SPLOST projects.

7:10 p.m. The council held a first reading of and public hearing on an ordinance that would amend the city charter to redistrict wards as a result of the 2010 Census. Officials say the proposed minor changes affect councilmen Dianne Tate and Lindsey McDaniel Jr.’s wards. No one spoke during the public hearing.

Planning and Development Director Randy Mannino said that area is along Old Mill Road. Each councilmen will have about 3,300 constituents when the changes become effective, which could be as early as August.

Residents can find out about changes through voter registration, which will notify those affected.

7:07 p.m. Roll call — all councilmen present. Last meeting's minutes approved.

7:06 p.m. The meeting starts with the pledge and a prayer.

7:03 p.m. The council is making its way into chambers. Meeting should begin very soon.

7 p.m. The regular meeting has not yet begun. The council is in executive session for personnel matters.