Jasper: Alcohol Ordinances In, Windstream Out

Last nights Jasper City Council meeting saw a contract award, alcohol ordinance changes and approval for auditing firms to bid for upcoming yearly audits.Windstream is the current telephone provider for Jasper but the city has expressed dissatisfaction with their service and has sought input from other avenues. On October 7, Ellijay Telephone Company made a proposal to the city citing a $575.18 decrease in monthly fees. At that time a committee was appointed and committed research to the decision-making process.

Councilman Jim Looney, part of the appointed committee, declined to offer any findings at last nights board meeting but invited city employee Lindsey Williams and a representative from E.T.C. to further explain how changing companies would benefit the city. After re-examination Williams now says the savings to the city would be over $700 per month. However, the city is still under contract with Windstream and to buy-out that contract would cost $6500 although as long as monthly payments are made that decreases.

Mayor John Weaver reported he had spoken with Windstream to see about the possibility of the city being allowed to be removed from the contract. The company promised to give Weaver an answer but have yet to do so.

E.T.C. said that while the contract buy-out would cost them, the savings would far exceed the expenditure. In fact, they project a savings of more than $27,000 for the 36-month contract they offered. The city currently owns all telephone equipment in use and the switch to E.T.C. should be seamless. They stated they can also service all existing equipment.

The council voted unanimously to sign a contract with E.T.C.

Planning and zoning director Michael Castagna was recognized by the board as he conducted first readings to changes in the city’s alcohol ordinances. Namely, the brown bag/open container and alcohol catering license ordinances.

In the first instance, the city proposes that any business licensed to sell alcohol as well as those not licensed shall not allow BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) customers onto the premises. It further outlines the responsibilities of persons having private functions.

The alcohol catering license ordinance grants the option of off-premises permits to licensed city establishments with licenses.

The ordinances aren’t currently in effect and although the four-page catering document wasn’t actually read aloud at the meeting, council members had copies to study and did consider it a first reading. Castagna is slated to read it in its entirety at the next council meeting.

BrownBagging1streading.pdf

AlcoholBeverageCaterersLicense2013.pdf

The city council also voted to put the 2013 audit up for bids for a two-year contract with an option for the third year (at the discretion of the city council). The last auditors, R.L. Jennings are able to bid in that process.

Chief Financial Officer Lisa Hoyle explained the process this way,

“Audit firms come out better cost-wise on a two year contract since the first year requires more work (documenting the city’s processes, internal controls, etc.).”

Selected video below: