The city of Richmond Hill is off to a good start for the new year, announced city manager Mike Melton as he reviewed city projects that are underway.

Among those projects are:

- The City Center "is well under construction, and the foundation is being poured as we speak."

- The sludge removal at the wastewater treatment center is "going well" and slated to be completed by the end of the month.

- The final engineering plans for the amphitheater project in J.F. Gregory Park should be ready within two weeks.

- What was originally projected as 800 feet of water line near Hwy. 144 that needed to be replaced turned into only 170 feet after research was conducted.

Also at the meeting, City Councilman Floyd Hilliard was unanimously approved by fellow council members to serve another term as mayor pro-tem for 2009.

"It’s a privilege to be nominated by the council, but it’s also a responsibility," Hilliard said. "The appointment requires me to be there when the mayor can’t, and he is required to do a lot of things and be at a lot of places."

Hilliard has been pro-tem for more than three years. He has been a council member for 12 years.

In other business:

- The revenue ordinance received final approval, which could raise 2009 city revenue five to 10 percent.

The ordinance takes into account the recent passing of ordinances to increase fees for items such as building fees, traffic fines and fees for city water.

- Melton said the 2009 "Bring One for the Chipper" event saw a record 600-plus Christmas trees recycled at J.F. Gregory Park.

- The Budweiser Clydesdales will make their return to J.F. Gregory Park this year. They will be under the pavilion from March 9-18 and will participate in Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. The Clydesdales were last in Richmond Hill for the 2007 St. Patrick’s Day parade.

"The Clydesdales are always a big attraction," Melton said.