COUNCIL MEETING

COUNCIL MEETING

AUGUST 16, 2001

Mayor Strozier, who opened in prayer, called the meeting to order.

The minutes of the July 19^th meeting were reviewed. Councilman Tuten made a motion to approve said minutes, Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

Mayor Strozier recognized Mr. John King, Principal Bloomingdale Elementary School, and Mr. Roger Allen. Mr. King expressed his appreciation to Mayor and Council for their support of the school. Mr. King also thanked the City for the paving of Main Street and the new school crossing lights. Mr. King stated that he intended to be here for a long time and looked forward to working with the City. Mayor Strozier expressed his concern about the portable classrooms that had been brought into the City without notification from anyone from the board or the school. The Mayor stated that he had been advised that according to state law the board was exempt from the zoning and building codes of Bloomingdale. Although he acknowledged the state laws concerning the school board property, the Mayor felt there should be a permitting process for inspections, water & sewer service and fire codes to assure the safety of the children. Mr. King stated that he was as surprised as the Mayor that the classrooms were moved in without notice, but this issue is being worked out and he wishes to keep the lines of communication open between the City and the school. Mayor Strozier thanked Mr. King and Mr. Allen for attending the meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

The Mayor advised council that Attorney Gerard has made the recommendation that the City deal directly with the Telecommunications Company rather than Utility Services concerning the installation of an antenna on the City’s water tank. Councilman Tyler made a motion to work directly with the Telecommunications Company on the antenna. Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

Attorney Gerard advised council he had researched information regarding MPC’s rezoning of 32 lots located along Redwood Circle and Wilshire Boulevard. Attorney Gerard reported that the property owners in this area agreed to assimilate their lots into two large parcels in order to pursue the rezoning of the property. It was recommended that the property owners on Cheyenne Road follow the same type procedure. Mayor Strozier informed council that four of the six property owners that had submitted rezoning applications had withdrawn their applications. Council was advised that the property owners were not together on this issue as some wanted to maintain ownership of their property. Mike Wedincamp, Charles Rogers and Wayne James were present to discussion the rezoning issue. Mike Wedincamp informed council that he had been denied a curb cut on Jimmy Deloach Parkway for his 8-acre tract but was advised that a curb cut would be more favorable for an accumulation of acreage. Mr. Wedincamp’s property was approved for rezoning at the October 19, 2000 council meeting with the stipulation that he obtained a curb cut off Jimmy Deloach Parkway. Mayor Strozier advised Mr. Wedincamp that the owners needed to get together and come up with a plan that will work for everyone involved. There was some uncertainty as to how much property is enough to pursue a curb cut from the county. After much discussion, Mr. Rogers and Mr. James informed council that they planned to pursue the rezoning their property and they have submitted their application to city hall. Their property, along with that of Mr. Wedincamp, would be an accumulation of approximately 16 acres. The Mayor advised these owners that their rezoning application would be on the agenda for the Planning Commission meeting to be held August 21, 2001, but they needed to understand that the rezoning approval would be with the stipulation that they obtain a curb cut from the county coming off Jimmy DeLoach Parkway. Mr. Rogers advised council that he had come home today to find that his property had been surveyed and it appears from the survey markers that there is going to be a ramp to Jimmy DeLoach Parkway through his property and some of the property of other owners. Mr. Rogers had contacted the County Engineer’s office last week, but stated he found no information on a ramp. Attorney Gerard advised the property owners to submit an open records request to review plans for this development and stated that he would contact the County Engineer.

The Mayor advised council that Mr. Juni Ricketts has not responded to the City’s letter concerning the installation of bathroom facilities at his business. Mayor Strozier reported that D.K. Morgan had come by the office and advised the City that he has purchased the property and the current tenant will be out of the building by January 2002. Mr. Morgan will submit an outline of his plans for the property, but has requested that the City delay action on the issue of the bathroom facility until this tenant vacates the premises to give him an opportunity to determine the best use of the building for future tenants. These plans may include bathroom and shower facilities. Councilman Tuten suggested that a portable unit be placed on the property during this waiting period.

Council was advised that Cypress Natural Gas Company has withdrawn their request for a gas pipeline at the present time due to the lack of subscribers.

Mayor Strozier advised that Attorney Gerard has prepared an ordinance for council’s review concerning street damage. This matter will be tabled until the next council meeting to allow council members time to review the ordinance.

Council was advised that there has been no other contact from Mr. R.E. Bland concerning his request for a water extension to his residence on Mesa Ave.

The Mayor informed council the tenants of the rental property located at #6 Adams Road, Builders Co-Op, Inc. will be vacating the premises by the end of August.

Council was advised that Forrest Floyd, owner of the property located at #1716 E. Hwy 80, has provided a letter from Wilder Land Surveyors reporting that the Billboard Sign Pole located on his property is 17’7” from his front property marker and would need a front yard variance to comply with the City’s ordinance. Councilman Tyler made a motion to grant a front yard variance of 8’. Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

Attorney Gerard reported that he could find no record that Towles Road was ever established as a public right of way and based on this information, the City would not be responsible for its maintenance. The ownership of this roadway is still uncertain but council agrees it needs to be established. Councilman Tyler made a motion that the City do some repair work to Towles Road to make it more passable, Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes. It was noted that future maintenance of the roadway would not be the responsibility of the City since it is a private road.

Mayor Strozier advised council that Chief Anderson has received a response from DOT concerning his request to add Main Street, Stagecoach Road, Hiram Road, and Miller Street to the Bloomingdale Speed Ordinance. It is our understanding that the ordinance is currently being revised and is updated on a two-year cycle. It is further understood that after the application has been filed, the police department has the right to enforce the speed limit on these streets.

The Mayor advised council that he had met with the City of Savannah on the water supply issues and that he would like to discuss this information with council at a later time.

NEW BUSINESS:

A request was submitted for a home occupation license from Carolyn Griffin to operate a massage therapy business from her residence at #8 Douglas Court. Mayor Strozier stated that Ms. Griffin travels to clients’ homes and offices and does not conduct any business at her home. Lance Hancock, a citizen who resides on Douglas Court, questioned the operation of the business. Ms. Griffin advised that she packs her table in her car and takes her business to the client, but her home is only used to receive phone calls. Mayor Strozier advised that this service allows a citizen to work out of his or her home provided there is no evidence to anyone riding by or living next door that there is a business located there. Based on her understanding that there can be no outside traffic related to the business coming to her home, Councilman Tyler made a motion to waive the public hearing requirement. Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes. Councilman Rawlins made a motion to issue the license to Mrs. Griffin for the massage therapy business, Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes. Mrs. Griffin was advised that she could pick up her license on Friday morning at City Hall.

Council reviewed a request for a home occupation license from Julie Ray to operate a lawn care business at her residence located at #309 Ash Street. Based on Ms. Ray’s understand of the stipulations related to this business, Councilman Tyler made a motion to waive the public hearing requirement. Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes. Councilwoman Key made a motion to issue the home occupation license to Ms. Ray, Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

A request was submitted for a home occupation license from Karen Davidson to operate a door/fireplace business from her residence at #35 Cheyenne Road. Ms. Davidson plans to use her home as an office only and informed the council that she has a storage facility at a location separate from her home. Mayor Strozier advised Ms. Davidson that the same stipulations apply to this business as with the preceding applications. Based Ms. Davidson’s understanding that there could be no evidence of a business being operated from this residence, Councilman Tyler made a motion to waive the public hearing. Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes. Councilman Rawlins made a motion to allow the issuance of the home occupation license to Ms. Davidson for her residence at #35 Cheyenne Road. Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

Council was advised that the city has received a letter from Mr. Joseph Young, Executive Director of Facilities with the Board of Education, apologizing for their failure to provide advance notification of the delivery of the modular units to Bloomingdale Elementary School. Attorney Gerard advised that the city could not regulate the Board’s expansion of educational facilities on Board-owned property. Mayor Strozier was concerned that there should be some permitting process to insure proper connection to the City water & sewer service and that the electrical and fire codes should be regulated to assure the safety of the children.

Council was advised that DOT has requested a priority list for the LARP program. The roads to be considered for resurfacing turned in by Mr. Burke, Maintenance Supervisor are:

1. Cregor St. from Pine to W. Haven 3,985’

2. Oak St. from Hwy 80 to the end 2,540’

3. Ash St. from Hwy 80 to the end 3,905’

This information must be submitted by the end of September with a map showing the road sections to be considered. Council Tyler made a motion to submit this list for possible funding through the LARP program. Councilman Rawlins seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

The Mayor advised council that Edna Elliott, on behalf of her mother, Ruth Jones, has filed a complaint in regard to the garbage and weeds at Builtrite Transmission located next to Ms. Jones at #301 E. Hwy 80. Chief Anderson reported the police department has contacted Mr. Williams, the owner of Builtrite, and advised him the property must be cleaned up. The Chief reported that the car that was blocking the dumpster has been removed but there is no evidence of any other clean up progress on this property. Mayor Strozier expressed concern that this is becoming a salvage yard and the cars that are parked there are not currently being worked on. Chief Anderson was advised to contact the owner and inform him that there should be some major improvements by the next council meeting that will be held on September 20^th to avoid a subpoena to court.

Ms. Elliott reported that the culvert that runs under Hwy 80 at #305 E. Hwy 80 drains directly to the front of her mother’s house and causes the water to stand in front of the property. Councilman Rawlins and Mr. Burke will look into this matter and contact the responsible party to see if there is a solution to this matter.

The Mayor reported that the City has received a complaint on the overgrown condition of property located at #702 E. Cregor Street. Chief Anderson has issued a letter to the owner of the property, Ms. Holly Ray, advising her of the problem, but as of this date, there has not been a response. Mayor Strozier stated he would contact Ms. Ray about the problem and report back to council at the next meeting.

Mayor Strozier advised council the city has received a letter from Anne Mueller on behalf of the Chatham County Legislative Delegation advising that meetings will be held October 17^th & 18^th at Savannah Technical College to receive request related to the next legislative session that begins in January 2002. The specific date and time will be assigned to us to make our requests and we will be informed of this information at a later date.

Council was advised that the CMA Quarterly meeting would be held September 5^th at Mary’s Seafood & Steakhouse. The social hour will start at 6:00pm with dinner being served at 7:00pm. Council members planning to attend need to advise the clerk.

The Mayor advised council that for some time now there has been consideration given to name a street in honor of 1960 Gold Medalist Lucinda Williams Adams. The newly paved section of Main Street beginning at Cherry Street going west to Osteen Road is the portion of road that runs adjacent to the area where Ms. Adams grew up. Councilman Tyler made a motion to name this portion of Main Street the Lucinda Williams Adams Highway. Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

Chief James Anderson informed council that a local agency has contacted him wishing to donate a trained drug dog to the Bloomingdale Police department. The Chief advised that as it stands we have to rely on other agencies to assistance with drug searches. Chief Anderson stated that the dog is only trained to locate drugs and is not an attack dog. The dog is trained to sniff out the drugs and when they are located he will sit down at that location. The expense that will be involved would be to put a partition in one of the vehicles and the food would be approximately $300 a year. Local veterinarians usually waive medical care for the animal. Chief Anderson also advised that Chatham County is a training facility for drug dog units. In considering a partner for the dog it is best that the officer live in the general area and at this time, two officers would qualify. Corporal Donald Schrambeck who lives in Pooler and Officer Ted Knowles who lives in Bloomingdale. The dog would be on duty with the designated officer and on call during other shifts. Councilman Tyler made a motion to accept the dog with the stipulation that a Standard Operating Procedure be in place and reviewed by Attorney Gerard before using the dog. Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

Joe Young, Recreation Director, advised council that Recreation Committee member Tracy Parker had resigned as of August 6^th. Mr. Young recommended that Brian Drescher be appointed to the Recreation Executive Board to replace Mr. Parker. Councilwoman Key made a motion that Brian Drescher be placed on the Recreation Board to replace Mr. Parker. Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes. Mr. Young informed council that the Massey Ferguson tractor is having transmission problems. The Mayor instructed Buddy Burke to check on the trouble with the tractor. Council was advised that signups for football and cheerleading are underway and practice will begin in about a week.

Mayor Strozier recognized Steve Hartley, Publisher of “The Spirit of the Westside” who advised council that he had received a call from a writer of the paper who was on the scene during the hostage situation in Garden City and she had commended the Bloomingdale Police on their assistance during this ordeal.

The accounts payable were reviewed. Councilman Tyler made a motion to pay the bills.

Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

Being no further business, Councilman Rawlins made a motion to adjourn at 8:30pm.

Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

Diane Proudfoot, Assistant Clerk

Members present: Mayor Strozier, Councilwoman Key, Councilman Rawlins, Councilman Tuten and Councilman Tyler