At Monday’s regular city commission meeting, and the first meeting of 2016, the commission elected Ward 3 commissioner Olivia Pearson as mayor pro-tem. “It’s just a blessing,” Pearson stated in her closing remarks at the end of the meeting. “It’s really a blessing to be here. It’s a blessing to serve. I’d also like to say thanks to my fellow commissioners for electing me as mayor pro tem. We’ve just got a lot of work to do and I feel confident that we will do a great job.”
The light department recommended the approval of a bid for new transformers for warehouse stock. These three transformers would be stored in the warehouse and used as needed and cost $13,402 in total. Commissioners approved the bids.
A resolution approved by the board of commissions Monday night will authorize the filing of a grant to help pay for three thermal imaging cameras. The cost for the cameras total $23,100, and the Assistance to Fire Fighters grant that is offered by the Federal Emergency and Management Agency would cover 95 percent of the cost ($22,000). Hazmat funds in the Community Development Department would cover the remaining five percent ($1,100).
Commissioner Pearson was nominated as GMA voting delegate for a special membership meeting being held for GMA. The First President of GMA, Mayor Edna Jackson of Savannah, did not retain her position in a recent election, moving Second Vice President, Mayor Boyd Austin of Dallas, into that vacant position. Mayor Dorothy Hubbard of Albany moves from her position as Third Vice President to Second Vice President, leaving the seat for Third Vice President open. A special meeting for voting delegates from each city to select a new Third Vice President is scheduled for Jan. 24, and Mayor Pro Tem Pearson will be representing Douglas at this meeting.
Several upcoming events were announced at the meeting. The Downtown Master Plan Public Open House is scheduled for Jan. 19 from 4:30-6 p.m. A survey available on the City of Douglas webpage and Facebook page has been posted to facilitate in the Downtown Master Plan initial development phase, and citizens are encouraged to fill these surveys out as well as attend the open house.
There will be several events celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the coming days. The MLK Celebration will begin on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “Straight Out of the Dream.” Commemorative worship service for MLK will be held at the Move of God Deliverance Center, 121 Pinecrest Drive. A free fellowship breakfast will also be held at the Move of God Deliverance Center on Jan. 18 at 8 a.m. A tribute for Martin Luther King will be held at the Martin Center at 10 a.m on Jan. 18. Children ages 5-11 are encouraged to participate in a Happy Birthday, Dr. King event at the Roundtree Center at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 18. Pleasant Grove Baptist Church will be holding a teen seminar from 1-4 p.m. also on Jan. 18.
Softball and baseball registration is currently underway, ending on Jan. 22. Regular registration for softball and baseball will begin on Jan. 25 through Feb. 5.
Each of the newly elected commissioners expressed gratitude toward the voters that supported them, and they look forward to serving the community.
This is the second term Mayor Tony Paulk has served as mayor, having been elected the first time in 2004. “It’s been eight years since God has blessed me to sit here as the mayor of the city of Douglas,” Mayor Paulk stated. “Time always brings about a change.” He assured that he and his administration would do the best they could to serve the City of Douglas and its citizens.