Council Approves Furniture Purchase for City Hall

It was a busy night for the six City Council members and the Mayor - the big news, as reported earlier, was the announcement that city leaders had chosen a city manager.

Dr. Julian Jackson, the longtime administrator for the City of Monroe, was introduced at the City Council meeting on Tuesday night. It was the culmination of a nearly four-month search for a city manager.

"We looked very hard for several months to find the perfect City Manger for us, and we've done that in selecting Julian Jackson," said Mayor Mike Mason in a press release. "His professional experience and integrity, combined with common sense is the perfect mix for us."

Jackson served as Monroe's City Administrator since 2000. During his tenure he managed over 225 employees and seven departments for the city.

Jackson is married, he and his wife, Stacey, have been married 24 years and have two sons aged 20 and 16.

The City Council also heard a presentation by Michael McRae of Cedartown. Mr. McRae is an attorney and spoke to the City Council on ethics and procurement.

Michelle Alexander, the city's planning liaison working with the county provided an update on the application process for the five-member planning and zoning committee.

"We received 31 applications and expect to wrap up the interview process by Friday," said Alexander. The Council will make the final selection on the five members chosen for the committee.

The city's new community Development Director, Diana Wheeler, officially on the job since Monday, Aug. 27, spoke briefly providing an update on the Noble Village project addressing the concerns of a few of the homeowners whose property backs up to the new development.

"There will be a meeting for the homeowners to be scheduled Sept. 18 or 20," she said. "We will send out notices by mail so residents near the development can attend the meeting."

Mr. Marty Allen, City Manger for Suwanee, provided additional procurement training for the City Council.

Under Old Business, City Council approved a franchise agreement with Georgia Power to construct, maintain and operate power poles, cables and equipment within the borders of the new city.

The last item of the evening was approving the purchase of office furniture for the new City Hall.  City Council agreed to purchase furniture for five offices to be used by the City Clerk, City Manager, City Attorney, the Mayor and the Community Development Director.

Council member Lorri Christopher announced that carpet has been selected and is expected "to be installed by the end of the week."

All council members were present, no one came forward during the Public Comment period to speak.