COUNCIL MEETING

October 18, 2001

Mayor Strozier called the meeting to order and led in prayer.

The minutes of the October 4, 2001 meeting were reviewed. 

OLD BUSINESS:

Mayor Strozier reported that the proposed lease agreement with TLC Communications to place an antenna on the water tank is still under review.

Council was advised the Massey Ferguson tractor has been taken to Springfield Tractor for repairs as approved at the last meeting.

The Mayor informed council that the bid opening for the 1983 Massey Ferguson Tractor with the Bush Hog mower would be held on November 1, 2001.

Council was advised that the drainage work on the football field at Taylor Park is underway.

Chief Anderson reported that he, along with the City maintenance supervisors, had met with the DOT to discuss some possible ways to improve the safety at the intersection of and Little Neck and John Carter Road.  He reported the DOT was considering the feasibility of a caution light.  Mayor Strozier reported that he had investigated the warning devices at similar intersections in the area and found that this one was well marked compared to the others.  He pointed out that not only did it have two large stop signs and reflectors at the end of the roadway, but two “prepare to stop” signs were also posted.  Chief Anderson stated he would advise council of the DOT’s findings as soon as they were made available to him.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mayor Strozier reported that he had attended a meeting with the Chatham Legislative Delegation this afternoon and presented requests for state funding to be presented during the 2002 Legislative Session.  He stated that he submitted a request for state assistance in funding a long-range plan for future water extensions to tie into the City of Savannah’s water system via Pooler.  The estimated cost of the line extension is $499,000.  The extension would consist of a 12” line from Sangrena Woods to Conaway Road on the north side of Hwy 80 and a 10” line from Conaway Road to Cherry Street on the south side of Hwy 80.  The plan would include two bores under Highway 80 to tie into the old system.  The Mayor pointed out that the City is still pursuing an increase in our current well permit, but even if these efforts are successful we will eventually need to make this connection.  In additional to the funds for the water line extension, the Mayor presented a request for a lighted baseball/softball field at Taylor Park costing approximately $75,000.

The Mayor presented a request from Tom Terry to erect an off-premise sign on the corner of Hwy 80 and Adams road on property owned by the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department.  Mr. Terry was advised that the City’s current sign ordinance does not allow an off-premise sign within 2,000’ of a church or school and this location falls within that restricted area.  Mayor Strozier pointed out that the ordinance was not really designed for this type sign and some adjustments may need to be made to the ordinance addressing smaller signs.  Council agreed to table the request to allow time for the City Attorney to review the ordinance to see if it would be possible to make some adjustments to it that would not cause additional problems by allowing numerous signs to be erected along Hwy 80. 

Council was advised that the Planning Commission has submitted a recommendation to hold the public hearing on the proposed text amendment to the zoning ordinance related to private schools in an R-1 zone on November 15^th just prior to council meeting.  The Planning Commission will consider this matter at their November 20^th meeting and bring their recommendation back to council on December 6^th.

Mayor Strozier reminded everyone of the Barbecue Benefit for the “9-11” victims to be held on Friday, October 26^th and Saturday, October 27^th.  The Mayor stated that the clerk had tickets here tonight for anyone wanting to purchase them. 

The accounts payable were reviewed.  Councilman Tyler made a motion to pay the bills, Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Being no further business, Councilman Johnson made a motion to adjourn.  Councilman Rawlins seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.  The meeting adjourned at 7:15pm.

                                                       Respectfully submitted,

                                                       Sandra Jones, City Clerk

All members were present except Councilman Waller who was out of town.