The Summerville City Council approved several agenda items during Monday night’s meeting, including equipment purchases, lease agreements, firefighter funding, and policy changes.

Council members approved a bid for a mini excavator after discussion about competing bids and warranty coverage. The city council selected a higher bid over the lowest bidder due to warranty considerations involving Yanmar equipment.

The council also approved lease agreements involving properties at 45 Economy Street and 10014 Commerce Street. Discussion centered around expanding public parking near The Depot and providing parking access for nearby businesses and events.  Each of the lease agreements were for $1 per year and were approve unanimously by the council

Council members also voted to accept an offer from the Georgia Department of Transportation tied to property needed for the Highway 27 bypass project. The transaction involved parcels near Highway 100 and Highway 114, with city officials noting the transfer would not impact use of the Scout Hut property. The council somewhat reluctantly approved the measure with comments that if they did not accept the Georgia DOT’s offer of $17,400, the state would take the land by imminent domain.

The council approved annual payments totaling $64,730 for the Summerville Volunteer Fire Department. Meeting discussion noted the department currently has 14 volunteers and responded to more than 1,000 calls during the year.

Council members also approved an amendment to the city holiday policy adding Veterans Day as a paid holiday.

Another discussion focused on a sign request from SunFlower Nails on Commerce Street. The council approved the sign, but on the recommendation of City Manager Jason Winters, did not approve a request for a mural on the front of the building due to current zoning regulations.  Mayor Rickey Hughes told the owners of the salon, that the council would discuss the request for the mural and get back with them at a later date.

During public comments, residents addressed property concerns and development issues involving land ownership disputes connected to property that has requested permission for development.