Watkinsville City Council wants me to skydive for ESP, Inc.

Candidate John Larkin hands out his card

The Watkinsville City Council gets approached for all kinds of contributions from their budget, including at the March meeting by my good friend Dr. Robert Wyatt of the Oconee County Library Board talking for Jackie Elsner (who was in the audience) of the libraries, who are seeking a solid $500.00 more than last year.

The budget process begins soon, and Mayor Charles Ivie complimented Dr. Wyatt on his excellent timing.

The unfunded mandated by the state of Georgia are part of the reason for the $25,000.00 shortfall on part of the libraries' budgets.

The budget increase is all of 3.5% - or $14,500.00 to $15,000.00.

Alvaro Villaveces points out where his septic tank will be to Brian Brodrick.

Immediately next door to the Watkinsville Community Center (where the City Council meets) on VFW Drive in Watkinsville is the Extra Special People Incorporated, a group designed to help developmentally disabled children and on the same day (former) UGA quarterback Aaron Murray was getting saluted by the State of Georgia for his work on behalf of this deserving charity.

ESP wants $600.00 for a skydive event in Monroe in what they are calling a Jump/Fly Event on April 26. In the past three years, this event had helped raise $42,000.00 to send some very deserving people to summer camp.

None of the members of the City Council seemed particularly anxious to participate in the actual skydiving, so the speculation turned to the remaining members of the audience, including yours truly. Council member Brian Brodrick demonstrated some remarkable candor by understanding the fact that they may be liability issues involved, but also Marci Campbell commented that she would be happy to contribute personally if city funds were not available (as did Brodrick).

So far there are 30 people who are going to jump out of a plane to raise money this year.  Mayor Ivie will run the plan by the City Attorney (who was absent this evening) and see if this is acceptable.

My girlfriend does not want me to skydive, but so far there are a lot of people on Facebook who seem to think it is a great idea.

Would you sponsor me if I did it?

Dr. Robert Wyatt asks for $500.00 more

I hate asking people for money. But don't be surprised if I hit you up should I take the plunge.

About the only other actual bit of news coming out of the meeting was the approval of Alvaro Villaveces building a 5,000 square foot warehouse across from Dory's and IMI in the Industrial Section of Watkinsville. His plan was approved pending a submission of an environmental letter approving the septic tank location later this week.

Oconee County Board of Commissioners Post 2 candidate John Larkin introduced himself to the council members and handed out cards in his battle against incumbent John Daniell.

John Larkin needs a stylist desperately.

The much ballyhooed Plan for Watkinsville authored by Bob Smith the younger was discussed briefly at the end of the meeting before the Council had an executive session to discuss real estate matters.

Brodrick and Campbell will be on a committee to discuss the matter further with Claire and Bob Smith at a future time.

Mayor Ivie and Mark Campbell met with the members of the Watkinsville First Christian Church to initially discuss what needs to be done to try to deal with the near constant flooding issues along Simonton Bridge Road near First Street.

They agreed it would be premature to discuss it much further after getting a query from Marci Campbell.