Members of the Demorest City Council didn’t see quite eye to eye about a grant writer contract that was presented during the work session Tuesday afternoon.
Council member Jimmy Davis began the discussion with a prepared statement that he read to the council. From his statement, he indicated to the council that City Manager Mark Musselwhite had hired Brad Day as a part time employee and introduced him as the new Funding Coordinator to the Downtown Development Authority. He indicated that Musselwhite had provided Day with a city email account and business cards, all without council approval.
Davis told the council that during the interview process, he and Council member Andrew Ferguson did not get a good vibe from Day and “that he was not a good fit for the city.” He told the council that Musselwhite stated that he would go through the DDA to hire Day in an attempt to bypass the council and give Day a two year contract.
Council member Shawn Allen interjected and said “That was not what was said either.” Davis told Allen to let him finish. Allen replied, “”Well, you gonna make up stuff, someone needs to counter.” Davis replied, “When I’m done talking, you can speak.”
“Just don’t want the audience to listen to stuff that is made up,” Allen told Davis. Davis replied, “Please don’t interrupt me again. This is not made up. It’s well documented.” Allen replied, “Made up.”
Davis continued with his prepared statement. He told the council that over the last few months he wanted to know about the contract with Day. According to Davis, Musselwhite told him that the original contract was thrown out and a new contract would be written by the attorney.
Davis said the council received the contract on Monday evening, not giving the council time to review the contract. just prior to the work session and meeting on Tuesday and that the contract was on the agenda for both meetings. A review of the agenda for both meetings has the Brad Day contract as an agenda item. The agenda was sent out to the media and posted on August 1.
He told the council, “This is so far beyond what the council approved. It’s my belief we should disassociate the city from Mr. Day.” Davis recommended to the council that Day be removed and denied access to the city’s email server and retrieve any business cards. He also recommended that the city continue its search for a grant writer.
Mayor Jerry Harkness told the council that for years the city had discussed finding a grant writer. “We set forth looking for a grant writer,” he said. He added, “Mark brought forth the best grant writer that was found on the market.”
He told the council that Day comes with a great and extensive resume and that he has worked with several municipalities.
Harkness explained to Davis that the reason that Day had an email account is that he works for the city. Davis objected, telling Harkness that he does not work for the city. Harkness countered that Day does work for the city, as a contractor. “It’s industry standard to see that,” he said. He explained that many contractors have a company email when doing work for the business.
He told the council that he too had been asking about the contract and was aware that it had been passed back and forth to get the best terms for the city as possible.
Davis addressed concerns about the city paying travel expenses for Day going to conferences. Musselwhite explained to Davis that him going to conferences is part of receiving grants. Also, Day represents numerous cities and any cost associated with his travel would be shared with all of his clients, not just Demorest.
Contract payment and travel
The contract with Brad Day of Southern Prosperity Ltd, Company outlines the compensation that the city would pay for his grant writing services to the city.
The payment schedule outlines what Day would be paid. For grants that are approved by the city for Day to secure, he would be paid 6% of the total grant amount not to exceed $30,000. He would not be paid until Demorest received the grant.
For grant administration for grants awarded to the city, he would receive 3% of the grant total not to exceed $45,000.
He would receive an annual fee of $5,000 for tactical analysis. This is working with the city to seek out and prioritize which grants the city wishes for him to pursue.
For any loans that the city wishes Day to pursue, he would receive 2% of the loan amount.
Travel expenses are outlined in the contract as well. Day will be reimbursed by the city for travel and lodging that is solely for the benefit of the city of Demorest. The contract states that if travel is partially incurred on behalf of the city, the city would be allocated its portion of those expenses.
The city would pay a portion of the cost for professional affiliations that would be split among Day’s existing clients. One such professional affiliation is with the Georgia Municipal Association.
The contract automatically renews each year unless the city chooses not to renew. Day would be notified of the contract termination prior to May 16.
During the City Council’s regular meeting, the council voted 2-2 on approving the contract. Allen and Council member Donnie Bennett voted for approving the contract. Davis and Ferguson were the dissenting votes. Mayor Jerry Harkness voted to break the tie, approving the contract 3-2.
