Volga City Council Minutes from Monday, November 9th

The Volga City Council held a meeting on Monday, November 9, 2026 in the Volga City Hall. Mayor Elaine Follon called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Council members Parker Klingman, Tom Whittle, Tyler Phillips, Crystal Nicholson, and Rhonday Fry answered Roll Call. Mike Howard and Dave Palas were also in attendance.

Updates on Focus Areas:

Transportation Infrastructure: Council discussed coldpatch status, status of backhoe repair, plow truck electrical, and sand supply for the upcoming winter season.

Oak Street Bridge: Motion by Nicholson to approve the Mayor to accept City Bridge Funding Offer.

Second by Phillips. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Motion by Fry to authorize the clerk to work with Clayton County on the 28E Agreement for the Oak Street Bridge. Second by Klingman. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Community Beautification: Origin Design engineer did a site visit on the ditch erosion at the culverts at the Cass and Washington Street intersection and we are waiting for communication back regarding contractor involvement to remedy. No letters were sent to property owners at this time. Additional cleaning will need to be completed by the City along Cass to the old bridge and along Butler Street once the backhoe repair is completed.

Department Updates:

Public Works: Howard discussed the need for some type of self-propelled mower to replace the pull behind, as it does not handle thick, wet grass. He is requesting disposal of the pull behind prior to purchasing anything to replace it. Mayor Follon presented Resolution 2026-35: A Resolution Directing the Sale of Miscellaneous Property of Volga City (John Deere pull behind mower) through auction or private bids, with a reserve of $5000 minimum. Motion by Fry to approve Resolution 2026-35. Second by Whittle. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Klingman, Nicholson, Fry, Whittle, Phillips. Nay: none. Motion carried.

Followup on flood concerns: Mayor Follon discussed the high water event earlier this fall. Council discussed backup drivers (will contact Fire Department) for Public Works equipment in the event Howard is not in town during an emergency. Concerns were expressed for the need to install some type of floodgate covers to minimize water flow, sand supply, sandbag supply, and cooperation with Clayton County Emergency Management.

Mayor Follon discussed the current status of the Lease Agreement presented as Resolution 2026-37: A Resolution Approving Lease Agreement. The party is no longer interested as the parcel is city property that needs to be maintained by the City. Howard indicated it could be burned annually in the spring to see what debris is left, and remove as is possible. Motion by Fry to not approve Resolution 2026-37. Second by Nicholson. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Klingman, Nicholson, Fry, Whittle, Phillips. Nay: none. Motion carried.

Water/Sewer/Garbage Departments: Another grinder pump was purchased and replaced. Balance of Sewer Funds was discussed (<$10,000). Concern was expressed for items that are being put into the sewer system on the west side of the river that can damage the large grinder pumps that cost $20,000+ to replace. Mayor will include in the newsletter and a facebook post will be made.

Park Board: Fry reported that the Park Board received a UMGC grant for $3000 for trees at the Campground. The Board will be looking at the Living Roadways concept projects to determine projects and grant opportunities. Fry thanked the community for the can redemption support, reminding everyone that the items must be redeemable, and not to put recyclable items or garbage in the can area.

Emergency Services: Nicholson reported a good turnout for the EMS Breakfast.

Library Board: The Library has received a $9000 grant for wellness and will be planning for the use of those funds.

Clayton County Development Group: The Clerk attended a meeting in the library to discuss the City participating in the visitvolgacity.com website under a City Hall tab. All required postings from the State would be placed on that site/tab, and the city’s facebook feed would be included as well. The old page would no longer be used, but the domain name will still be owned by the City at no cost for as long as we participate. At this time, the funding has been secured through CCDG for no cost to the City through 2028. Motion by Tyler to participate. Second by Klingman. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Administration: Council reviewed a proposed Electric Scooter Ordinance. No action was taken. Council will bring ideas and edits back to the December meeting.

The Consent Agenda was presented with the following items: 1) Minutes, 2) Claims, 3) Treasurer’s Report-Oct 2026, 4) Bank Reconciliation-Oct 2026, 5) Monthly Budget Report, 6) Sidewalk Permit: Christine Pope, 504 Washington Street, 7) Sidewalk Permit: Del Reimer, 600 Washington Street, 8) Sidewalk Permit: Bryant Baker, 516 Washington Street. Motion by Phillips to remove item 8 until it is submitted and approve the remaining items. Second by Klingman. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Delinquent Utilities were reviewed and shut offs and lien notices approved.

Motion by Phillips to Adjourn. Second by Whittle. All voted in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 8:17pm.