The Milledgeville City Council met Tuesday to hear a technology report from the Milledgeville Police Department (MPD) and approve several agenda items.
MPD Chief Dray Swicord and his three drone pilots spoke to the board about the department’s technology and how it supports not only Baldwin County but surrounding counties, too. MPD currently uses five drones, and an officer claimed it is one of the top agencies in Georgia for technology use. Officers reported several Central Georgia agencies also visit to use the MPD lab or request the use of its drones.
As of Oct. 2, the officers said approximately 30 requested deployments had been received to include multiple agency assists, including from Baldwin, Hancock, Washington, and Newton counties, the U.S. Secret Service, Ocmulgee Drug Task Force, and the U.S. Marshall’s Southeast Region Fugitive Task Force. The drones primarily have been used for search-andrescue operations, major crime scenes, traffic monitoring, event management, motor vehicle crashes, suspect location and apprehension, and public relations.
Council also was shown several videos of the drones in action during motor vehicle crashes, suspect location and apprehension, and at Deep Roots. Several board members praised MPD for its use of the technology and its persistence in staying on top of technological advancement.
Following the presentation, the board unanimously approved a resolution to authorize a contract with Sanders Welding & Fabrication for fence repairs and replacement at Bone Cemetery, Memory Hill Cemetery, and West View Cemetery. All fencing will be replaced at the Bone Cemetery, fencing will be removed and replaced on the rear and west sides, adjacent to South Clark Street and Flag Chapel Lane, in Memory Hill Cemetery, and all fencing will be replaced on the west side of West View Cemetery.
The board also unanimously approved a deed cancellation for property located at 520 S. Warren St.
“We get a deed cancellation about once every two years. That is always associated with when the City of Milledgeville had the CHIP program,” said Hank Griffeth, city manager. “You’ll see the one canceled tonight was granted in 2009. They usually come back up once a piece of property is being sold or being conveyed to someone else.”
The meeting concluded with the board unanimously approving the first list of alcohol license renewals for 2025.