A public hearing concerning the renewal of the GEMS Ambulance franchise proved &uot;short and sweet&uot; on Monday night at Greenville City Hall.

During a public hearing held prior to the city council meeting, Greenville Fire Chief Mike Phillips, chair of the EMS advisory committee, recommended renewal of the franchise.

Phillips explained GEMS met all the requirements in personnel, equipment and physical ability to perform the job. No opposing opinions were expressed, and the request for renewal was later approved without opposition during the city council meeting.

During the meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Jeddo Bell sat in for an absent Mayor Dexter McLendon, with council members James Lewis, Ed Sims, Jean Thompson and Tommy Ryan all present.

In other new business, approval was obtained to change Order No. 1 for the HYSCO industrial access road project, phase II. &uot;The contract was originally awarded to APAC for $722, 300.50…the amount is now $611, 655.00,&uot; Bell explained.

Under approval of expenditures, $2,210.57 was approved to McCain Uniforms for the purchase of four body armor vests for the police department. The vests will be funded by Department of Justice grant monies.

In announcements, Bell encouraged everyone to turn out and enjoy the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade this Sat., Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. downtown.

&uot;Downtown Holiday Shopping Night will be next Thursday, Dec. 8, and I hope everyone who has some shopping to do will come out for the evening,&uot; Bell said.

On Dec. 6, Bill Brooks will be in concert at the Ritz Theatre at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a new toy or canned goods to donate to the county DHR Christmas program.

&uot;Put this on your agenda and let’s support this concert,&uot; Bell said.

A change was announced in the schedule for the next Baptist Hill CDBG Housing Rehabilitation and Application Meeting, moved from Dec. 8 to Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Butler County BOE Office.

The City Employee Christmas Luncheon is slated for Wed., Dec. 14, at Dunbar Center.

&uot;The food and the fellowship is just wonderful at this event, so do not miss it,&uot; Bell said.

The next regular city council meeting is slated for Monday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m., to be proceeded by a public hearing regarding landfill expansion.