COUNCIL MEETING June 21

COUNCIL MEETING
June 21, 2001

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro-tem Waller who led in prayer. Mayor Pro-tem Waller reported that Mayor Strozier would be not be chairing tonight’s meeting because he was attending a meeting in Pooler concerning the county canal maintenance program.

The minutes of the May 17, 2001 council meeting and May 21, 2001 called meeting were reviewed. Councilman Tuten made a motion to approve said minutes, Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Mayor Pro-tem Waller introduced Steve Corrigan, the Savannah Morning News Close-up Editor, who was attending the meeting along with participants in the “Neighborhood Newsroom” program. Mr. Corrigan explained the program is designed to provide training to potential journalists and thanked council for the opportunity to attend the meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

Fett Burke, General Service Department Supervisor, reported the debris removal at #9 W. Hwy 80 has been completed.

Mayor Pro-tem Waller stated that the dead tree on the property of Clarence McAllister on Osteen Road has been taken down.

Council was advised that there are at least eight (8) citizens of Bloomingdale that reported they had not been counted in the 2000 Census. Councilman Johnson stated that he felt we should find out what would be involved in challenging the Census 2000 figures because of the importance of an accurate count. The clerk was instructed to find out how we could pursue a challenge.

Mayor Pro-tem Waller advised council that no additional information has been received from the City of Pooler on the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant.

Mayor Pro-tem Waller reported that he and the city clerk had attended the “Pep Rally” held on Tuesday in support of the upcoming “All-America City/County Competition” being held in Atlanta this week.

The City Clerk reported that the City has received the $25,000 in Local Assistance Grant funds for use toward the purchase of equipment for the Bloomingdale Fire Department.

Council was advised that a proposal received from Richard Shirah on behalf of TLC Communications for the placement of an antenna on the water tank has been distributed to them for their review. Attorney Gerard is currently reviewing the lease agreement. Councilman Tuten made a motion that we ask Mr. Shirah to attend the July 19^th meeting to discuss the proposal with council. Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

The council was informed that the contractor and members of the Sparrow/Johnson families met this afternoon with City representatives concerning the opening of a portion of Cregor Street. However, due to the rain showers, not everyone attended the meeting. Councilmen Rawlins, Tuten, Tyler, and Johnson agreed to meet with them at the site immediately after tonight’s meeting. It was noted that the documents presented to the City on the rights of way deeds and easements for these improvements had been reviewed by Attorney Gerard and appeared to be in order.

Attorney Gerard is still checking on right of way information for Drescher Road, but the City has not yet received the plats from the Dreschers discussed at the May 17^th meeting.

Attorney Gerard has provided some information for council’s review concerning the EPD water restrictions and their enforcement. Attorney Gerard reported local governments through local ordinances on water shortages and/or emergencies must enforce these restrictions. In order to enforce the EPD water restrictions in Bloomingdale, the Mayor and City Council must declare a water shortage and that action would automatically trigger the requirement that outside watering will be allowed on alternate days. Council was advised that since our ordinance does not specify the times that watering will be allowed, we may need to amend it to reflect those hours designated by the state. After a brief discussion by council, Attorney Gerard was asked to prepare a draft amendment to the ordinance for council’s consideration.

NEW BUSINESS:

A request was submitted for a home occupation license from Cheryl Andrews to operate a cleaning business from her residence located at #124 Michael St. Ms. Andrews stated that she will use her personal vehicle in the business and understands there can be no outside traffic related to the business coming to the residence. Based on her understanding of the stipulations related to this type business, Councilman Tuten made a motion to waive the public hearing requirement. Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Councilman Johnson made a motion to issue the license to Ms. Andrews for the cleaning business to be located at #124 Michael St., Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Ms. Andrews was advised she could pick up the license on Friday morning here at City Hall.

Council was advised that the Mayor has executed an agreement with Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung, Inc. for their firm to assist the City with the preparation of the annual Consumer Confidence Report. This report is required by the EPD and action on the report is due before July 1^st. It was noted that their total fee would not exceed $500 without the City’s prior approval.

Mayor Pro-tem Waller presented for council’s review and approval a SPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement received from Chatham County. The agreement covers the distribution of funds collected with the imposition of the 1998-2003 SPLOST tax to be used for the purpose of purchasing public safety equipment. Bloomingdale’s total share will be approximately $200,000 over a five-year period. After a discussion by council, Councilman Johnson made a motion to approve the execution of the agreement, Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

An amendment to the City’s Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance was presented for council’s consideration. This ordinance complies with the 2000 amendments to The Erosion and Sedimentation Act of 1975. The amendment authorizes the City to assess and collect a minimum penalty of $250 per day for each violation involving the construction of a single family dwelling and further allows the issuing authority to assess a minimum penalty of $1,000 per day for each violation involving land disturbing activities other than the building of single family residences. The amendment also sets forth a procedure that the City must use in order to issue a stop work order in connection with a violation of the Act. After a brief discussion, Councilman Tuten made a motion to approve the first reading of the ordinance. Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Councilman Tyler made a motion to dispense with the second reading, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Councilman Johnson then made a motion to approve the amendment to the City’s Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance. Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Mayor Pro-tem Waller presented a request from the Department of Administrative Services for an update to the forms needed to maintain eligibility for the acquisition of surplus property from the state. Councilman Tyler made a motion to submit the designation of certifying officials and property selectors as prepared by the city clerk. Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Council was advised the City has received notification from the Chatham County Purchasing Department that the low bidder on fuel for the City of Bloomingdale for 2001/2002 is Barrett Oil Co. at a price of +$.1075 over O.P.I.S. for tank wagon loads of unleaded regular, unleaded premium and L/S diesel. Councilman Rawlins made a motion to accept this fuel bid, Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Mayor Pro-tem Waller reported the second reading of the proposed amendment to Bloomingdale’s Charter is being presented for council’s approval. The first reading of the amendment was approved at the April 19, 2001 meeting. The amendment would increase the limit of the authority of the Municipal Court Judge to impose sentences or imprisonment or community service for violations of any law or ordinances of the City from sixty days to six months and to increase fines for these offenses from $500 to $1000. Councilman Tuten made a motion to approve the second reading of said amendment. Councilman Rawlins seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

The city clerk reported the Department of Transportation is requesting the execution of a “Local Government Project Agreement” by the City of Bloomingdale agreeing to the maintenance of bicycle signs located on the route specified in the Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The designated route through Bloomingdale is along GA 17 starting at the Effingham County line. The route runs through our city limits along Cherry Street to Pine Barren Road. The only signs we would be required to maintain would be those posted on City streets. The portion of the route bordering a City Street in Bloomingdale is along the portion of Pine Barren Road from Cherry Street to the sharp curve. The state and county would maintain the other signs. The City would be agreeing to annually inspect the signs, repair and/or replace any signs that have been reported as damaged and provide an annual report to the DOT of our inspection and repairs. A motion to approve the agreement was made by Councilman Tuten, Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

The Planning Commission presented recommendations for approval of the following matters:

1) A revision to the subdivision plat of Stagecoach Village on Godley Road to add an additional lot provided the Chatham County Public Health Department approves the revision. Councilman Tyler made a motion to approve their recommendation with said stipulation. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes. Councilman Tuten abstained from voting.

2) A minor subdivision of property owned by Becky Rawlins on Conaway Road provided the residence to be constructed on Lot #2 is built on the lot where it is at least 100’ wide. Councilman Rawlins made a motion to approve the minor subdivision with the stipulation on Lot #2, Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

3) A minor subdivision of property owned by William Hood on Pine Barren Road. Councilman Tyler made a motion to approve the minor subdivision, Councilman Rawlins seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Mayor Pro-tem Waller presented a resolution for the approval of the proposed 2001/2002 budget. Councilman Tuten made a motion to approval said resolution, Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Attorney Gerard presented a resolution for council’s consideration authorizing the Board of Elections of Chatham County to perform all duties as municipal superintendent of elections, with the exception of the qualification of candidates; authorizing the Chatham County Board of Registrars to perform the duties of absentee ballot clerk; authorizing the City Clerk to qualify candidates; and establishing qualifying period and fees for the November 6^th general election. Councilman Tyler made a motion to approve said resolution, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Council reviewed a request from the Church of God of Prophecy for a 15-day temporary permit to erect a tent on their property at #1501 E. Hwy 80. A “Tent Revival” is planned for August 16^th –25^th. They plan to use a saw pole on the property as a temporary power source and will provide portable toilets for the event. The parking will be off the right of way and the church will provide the necessary traffic control. Jeff Thornburg advised council that he would be in charge of the event and planned to erect a 60’ x 40’tent. After a discussion of the request, Councilman Tyler suggested the approval of the permit include a stipulation that the City’s building inspector approves the electrical hook-ups and the set-up of the tent prior to the start of the event. Council members agreed this would be a good idea to insure the safety of those persons attending the revival. Councilman Tuten made a motion to issue the temporary permit with the stipulations outlined by Councilman Tyler. Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Mayor Pro-tem Waller presented a recommendation on behalf of Mayor Strozier to renew the appointments of Wayne Tipton and Jackie Lowman to the Planning Commission. Their current terms expire 6-30-01 and their terms would be extended until 6-30-04. Councilman Tyler made a motion to approve the appointments, Councilman Rawlins seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Council was advised that there are four members of the Bloomingdale Recreation Executive Board whose terms expire on 6-30-01. The members are: Lorrie Cannon, Ben Rozier, Karen Davidson, and Lois Douberly. Mayor Strozier has suggested the Recreation Committee talk with these members at their July 2^nd meeting to see if they are interested in remaining on the board. If not, the City will not reappoint them to the board. The Recreation Committee agreed to meet with these members at 7:00pm on July 2^nd and the clerk was asked to contact the board members and inform them of the meeting. It was noted that the Recreation Executive Board appointments would be made at the July 19^th meeting.

The city clerk reported that the City’s current “No Smoking Policy” does not address smokeless tobacco and the Mayor asked that Attorney Gerard prepare an amendment to the policy for council’s consideration at the July 19^th meeting.

Mayor Pro-tem Waller recognized Mike Wedincamp, a resident of Cheyenne Road, who raised some questions about the state’s plan to widen Highway 80. He pointed out that the plans only include one 60’ culvert at Cheyenne Road and he was concerned that this would not provide access from Highway 80 for some of the property owners. Attorney Gerard stated he would check into the details regarding the existing rights of way and report back to council.

The accounts payable were reviewed. Councilman Rawlins made a motion to pay the bills. Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Being no further business, Councilman Tuten made a motion to adjourn at 7:50pm. Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

THOSE PRESENT:
Mayor Pro-tem Waller
Councilman Johnson
Councilwoman Key
Councilman Rawlins
Councilman Tuten
Councilman Tyler