COUNCIL MEETING

November 1, 2001

 

 

 

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

 

The minutes of the October 18th council meeting were reviewed.  Councilman Waller made a motion to approve said minutes, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

 

Mayor Strozier reported that on Sunday, November 4, 2001, the First Baptist Church of Bloomingdale would be celebrating their 75th Anniversary.  The Mayor shared some information on the establishment of the church as told to him by his mother.  In observance of this celebration, the Mayor presented a proclamation to Reverend Darrell Bailey declaring November 4, 2001 as “First Baptist Church of Bloomingdale Day” in the City of Bloomingdale.  The Mayor pointed out that he would be working on Sunday, but Mayor Pro-tem Waller would make the presentation of the proclamation to the congregation during Sunday morning’s program.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Council was advised that the City did not receive any bids on the Massey Ferguson tractor w/mower.  After a discussion with Attorney Gerard on the City’s options on selling the tractor, it was determined that the equipment could be sold for the minimum bid price of $4500 without having to re-advertise.  Councilman Tyler made a motion to sell the 1983 Massey Ferguson Tractor with the 1991 Bush Hog Flail mower for a price of $4500 on a first come, first serve basis.  Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

 

The Mayor reported that the Barbecue/Bake Sale Benefit raised $6400 for the victims/families of the September 11, 2001 attacks.  Mayor Strozier stated that a committee is currently checking into several options available to the City for distribution of the funds.  Reverend Bailey, who has been working on this project at the Mayor’s request, reported that he had made contact with the Metropolitan (Baptist) Association in New York City and they referred him to Mrs. Lisa Rose.  Mrs. Rose is in the process of putting us in contact with a church pastor who will provide the information we need to help two or three families directly affected by the disaster.  It was pointed out that the City wanted to try to get some help to families that may not qualify for any other aid.   Mayor Strozier stated he would report additional information to the citizens as it becomes available.

 

Attorney Gerard reported that he should know something next week on TLC Communication’s review of the proposed lease agreement to place an antenna on the water tank.

 

Mayor Strozier stated that the City has not heard anything back from the DOT on the possible options for additional warning devices for the intersection of John Carter and Little Neck Roads.  The Mayor pointed out that one of their initial suggestions was a caution light, but his concern was that if a driver does not see the stops signs or reflectors, he probably would not see a caution light.

 

Council was informed that Attorney Gerard has prepared a completely revised sign ordinance for our review.  The Mayor advised council that the ordinance included several changes that should be discussed prior to approval.  Attorney Gerard reminded council that the sign ordinance would have to go through the Planning Commission and a public hearing before adoption.  Mayor Strozier asked that council thoroughly review the ordinance and be prepared to discuss it at the next meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Council reviewed a request from Johnny Turner, Jr. to operate a roofing business from his residence located at #1401 Bloomingdale, Lot #9.  Mayor Strozier pointed out that the issuance of this home occupation license would only cover the operation of the office from this location and there should be no outside traffic related to the business going to and from the residence.  The Mayor reported that D.K. Morgan, the owner of the property, has submitted written approval for the business.  Council was advised that Mr. Turner’s application indicated that only one truck would be used in the business and there is only one employee.  After a brief discussion, Councilman Waller made a motion to waive the public hearing requirement for the home occupation license.  Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.  Councilman Tuten made a motion to issue a home occupation license to Johnny Turner, Jr. at #1401 Bloomingdale Road, Lot #9 for the “office only” operation of his roofing business.  Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

 

The Mayor presented a request from Karen Ledbetter to set up a second business at #208 E. Hwy 80 to sell feed, tack and animal health supplies.  Council was advised that there is currently a lawn care business being operated from this location.  Barbara Harden, operator of the lawn care business, reported that they planned to use two different entrances to the building for the businesses and they had worked out the parking arrangements.  Mayor Strozier advised them that there would be an additional base charge for the water and sewer for the second business, as well as another sanitation bill.  Councilman Tyler made a motion to approve the issuance of the license for the operation of a feed, tack and animal health supply business at #208 E. Hwy 80.  Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with affirmative votes from Councilmen Johnson, Rawlins, Tuten, Tyler and Waller.  Councilwoman Key voted no to the motion to approve the business.

 

Mayor Strozier informed council that the DOT is working on a program to control litter problems on our interstate and state highways.  The City was advised that pilot programs would be conducted in Chatham and Bryan counties.  The City of Bloomingdale has been asked to participate in the Litter Pilot Prevention Program launch and press conference on November 5th at 11:00am at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.  The Mayor stated that he would be working on Monday and asked Mayor Pro-tem Waller to represent the City at the meeting.  Councilman Waller stated that he would attend the meeting.

 

The Mayor advised council that for some time he and some members of the City council had been concerned about the need for professional assistance in addressing zoning issues and land development proposals submitted to the City.  He pointed out that with the anticipated growth expected over the next few years, it would be crucial that we make the right decisions regarding the land development that takes place in Bloomingdale.  The Mayor informed council that we needed to get some help in the review of our zoning/subdivision ordinances to make sure they were up to date and met the current needs of the City and we will be needing some assistance on the update to our Comprehensive Plan that is required by the State of Georgia.  Mayor Strozier stated that he, along with Attorney Gerard, the city clerk, and Councilman Tyler, had met with Bill Saxman, a former MPC employee, about the possibility of his doing some consulting work in these areas for the City of Bloomingdale.  Mr. Saxman has had extensive experience in this field and is willing to do some consulting work for Bloomingdale at a rate of $85.00 per hour.  The Mayor informed council that when the consulting work was related to the review of a proposed development, the developer would be responsible for these fees.  Mayor Strozier stated that a tentative contract was being reviewed by Attorney Gerard, but he needed to know if council agreed with the concept of hiring a consultant.  After discussing the matter, Councilman Waller made a motion that the City proceeds with securing the services of the consultant at a rate of $85.00 per hour.  Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

 

Council was advised that the City received an invitation to attend an Open House and Dedication Ceremony to be held at the new home site of Georgia State Patrol Post #42, which serves the Metropolitan Statistical Area (Bryan, Chatham and Effingham Counties).  The public event will take place at the facility located at #2792 Highway 21, Rincon, Georgia on Sunday, November 4th at 2:00pm.

 

Councilman Tuten reported that he had met with Mr. Meyers and the Oetgens concerning the securing of the necessary rights of way needed to widen and improve Stagecoach Road and they had agreed to deed the property to the City.  Councilman Tuten stated that he would provide additional information on this matter in the next couple of weeks.

 

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

 

Being no further business, Councilman Johnson made a motion to adjourn.  Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:30pm.

 

Mayor Strozier and all council members attended the meeting.