With allegations regarding the misuse of a city issued cell phone and mileage reports, George Anderson, director of Ethics in Government Group, addressed the council and Mayor Evan King. Abstaining from great detail regarding the alleged misconduct due to Towe's absence, Anderson concluded a brief presentation on ethics with a request for policy transcripts as well as a chance to sit down in conversation with city officials to help resolve the matter.
"This is the first time that I have been to Adairsville and before the council," Anderson said. "But I wanted to say to you this evening that I've got some concerns, several citizens have some concerns and I wanted to bring them to your attention tonight without going into strong detail but just to say that the documents will speak for themselves."
In Towe's absence, the mayor acknowledged that the city would cooperate fully with the requests as far as public information allows.
"We're going to provide him everything he's allowed by law. I look forward to meeting with him to see what his concerns are and like I say everything is open down here and whatever he requests we'll strive to meet that," King said.
Anderson's presentation to the council and mayor came on the same night as the first reading of a proposed ethics ordinance. The foundation for the ordinance was begun last year, King said, but was recently revived with the help of Interim City Manager Bill McCain.
The ordinance sets forth policies to strengthen the position of elected officials and salaried employees in an attempt to add accountability to the city government.
"We're trying to instill a sense of trust in the council itself and among its citizens and that's a big reason why we're looking at this," King said.
The first reading of the ethics ordinance was approved as were all other agenda items placed before the council Thursday evening. Those items included:
* The second reading of amended Alcoholic Beverages Ordinance Sections concerning the consumption of alcohol on patios.
* Authorization of King to sign Department of Transportation Local Assistance Road Project contract for resurfacing approximately 0.49 miles of Patterson Lane.
* The first reading of Erosion, Sediment and Pollution Control Ordinance as required by the state of Georgia.
* Improvements of gas services to Vista Metal at $32,000 and upgrade of water lines at $18,000.
* Increase of turn-off penalties for water and gas raising re-connect fees to $50. Replacement of broken locks will be $75 and replacement of broken valves or meters will be at cost of materials plus labor and a reconnect fee.
* Authorization of King to sign a letter of commitment to the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia for participating in the Public Awareness and Consumer Education program, which will offer incentives to attract new gas service customers.
* Authorization for engineering firm Peoples and Quigley to solicit bids for the project of resurfacing portions of College and Turner streets.