In one of the shortest meetings in recent memory, the Mayor and Council of Americus received an economic development update from Community and Economic Development Director Mandy Young at the regular monthly meeting Thursday.

Young briefed the council on a College Town Survey that was conducted by the Archway Partnership. The survey was conducted from students at both Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) as well as South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) to access specific information regarding the “college town notion.” According to Young, the survey provided a great deal of insight to the college population, and also pointed to if more events were offered, the students would be likely to participate in them.

Young also announced that due to the success stories and accomplishments in the downtown area, the City of Americus has been suggested as a tour stop for the Georgia Cities Foundation’s 2010 Heart and Soul Bus Tour. The purpose of the tour is to educate and inform tour participants of the role successful downtown development plays in the overall economic development efforts of a community.

In other items brought and voted upon by the Mayor and Council:

• Authorization Finance Director Suzanne Freeman to write down utility billing, property taxes and miscellaneous receivable.

• Unanimously passed the 2007 CDBG property acquisition, which authorizes the acquisition of identified property by purchase or condemnation in 2007 Lester/ Montgomery/Peppermint Street CDBG area for flood and drainage improvements.

• Held a first reading on an amendment to the personnel ordinance updating the drug and alcohol policy for the transit system as mandated by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

• Approved changing the time of the December council meeting to 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. due to a scheduling conflict.