Callahan Mayor Bobby Rau read a special proclamation in honor of military personnel, veterans and their families Monday night.
The proclamation recognizes November as Military Family Month to encourage citizens to honor the military and their families.
Rau also extended his gratitude for military personnel, veterans and their families’ devotion to duty. The nation celebrates Veterans Day Friday.
Earlier, Walter Cooper Jr. sought ways to gain town funds for his outreach efforts through He Changed My Mind Ministries.
He and several educators plan to develop a program to assist community members in need.
Councilman Marty Fontes said the town council has assisted with numerous programs, but not with large amounts of money. He suggested that Cooper team with other local groups like Barnabas to gain assistance.
Cooper will readdress the council after the ministry obtains its non-profit status. He plans to launch the program in January.
Turning to other town news, Nassau County Economic Development Board Executive Director Laura DiBella updated the council about possible business prospects in western Nassau.
Three business entities are looking at one site, which could bring thousands of jobs and a billion dollar industry, DiBella said.
Joining her was Randy Knagge. He serves as Callahan’s NCEDB representative. He stressed the importance of creating jobs that support local graduates with a “good working wage.”
Following their presentations, Fontes said the council would consider contributing to the NCEDB at its next meeting.
The Town of Callahan grew slightly with the addition of land parcels. The voluntary annexations involve a triangular section of six small parcels located near Mahoney Avenue, Mickler Street and Airstream Avenue.
The item arrives via Ordinance 2016-04. A second annexation involving three land parcels near A1A will be designated for commercial highway use via Ordinance 2016-05. Both items were read into the record for a final public hearing.
As the meeting progressed, the council discussed its budget for the town’s annual Christmas party. They discussed whether to amend Resolution 2016-R25 to allow spending up to $1,000 for a catered dinner or amending the amount to up to $1,500. Councilwoman Janet Shaw had made a motion to increase spending in case expenses exceeded $1,000.
During the discussion, Councilwoman Kathy Smith didn’t see the need to increase the spending amount.
“I feel like $1,000 is enough,” Smith said.
The council also discussed whether a caterer could be secured without a contract as they considered costs of various catering services.
But Town Attorney Jeb Branham said that without a resolution, no one could enter a contract.
When a motion was made to amend the amount to $1,500, the vote was split 2-3 with Shaw and Councilman David Mellecker in favor. Fontes, Smith and Council President Ken Bass voted no.
The issue was resolved during a second vote when the council unanimously opted to go with the resolution as it was initially presented, spending up to $1,000 instead.
Before the meeting’s close, Town Manager Mike Williams asked the council to approve spending for software upgrades to the town’s water and sewer billing system. Employees are unable to balance accounts at the end of the month due to software issues. Williams suggested updating the town’s existing software at a cost of $3,375.
Employees are already familiar with the software and it is compatible with QuickBooks, Williams said.
The council unanimously approved the funding request, but may consider purchasing a new software program at a later date.
Williams also sought approval to purchase a storage shed to store appliances and kitchen items. Callahan Station 5 utilizes the equipment to prepare food for a fundraising booth at the Northeast Florida Fair.
Three storage sheds of various styles were presented at $3,212, $4,165 and $5,250. The council approved spending $4,165 for a 10-foot by 20-foot wood composite shed from S&S Portable Building and Structures.
Williams would like the building to be without windows.
Finally, the council will not hold its regular meeting Dec. 19 in observance of the holiday season. Remaining meetings this year are Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.