COUNCIL MEETING
November 6, 2003
The meeting was called to order with Councilman Ray leading in prayer. The minutes of the October 2nd meeting were reviewed. Councilman Waller made a motion to approve said minutes, Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Council was advised that Attorney Gerard has received Richard Meyer’s right of way deed for the property on which Bloomingdale is going to relocate Stagecoach Road. It was noted that Mr. Meyers has advised council that the two driveway entrances for a tree farm he plans opening on the new road needs culverts at least 30’ long to accommodate log trucks and he needs verification from council as to whether this request will or can be accommodated. Council discussed the request, but questions were raised about who would pay for the installation of the culverts. Fett Burke reported that in previous paving projects he thought that the state usually pays approximately ½ the cost of driveways that are installed as part of the project. Councilman Ray stated that he felt Mr. Meyers should be responsible for the cost of the driveways and several other council members agreed. Councilman Wedincamp stated that Mr. Meyers may feel he should not have to pay this cost since he was donating some of the land for the roadway. It was noted that Mr. Meyers would also be benefiting from the improvements to Stagecoach Road that will occur as a result of the change in the road. Councilman Tyler stated that he felt it would be alright to approve the size of the driveways tonight, but any financial commitment should wait until we knew more about the cost. Councilman Tyler made a motion to approve the installation of two (2) 30’ culverts on the Meyer’s property without any financial commitment from the City at this time for the cost of the culverts. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Attorney Gerard reported that inter-office documents he has obtained from the county indicate that Wildcat Dam Road was been handled as a public right of way, therefore, the City is responsible for its maintenance. Council discussed the Wildcat Dam Road bridge improvement issue at length. Councilman Ray suggested we contact DOT to see if they could provide the City some assistance in determining what would be acceptable repairs to the bridge since the county plans to make major changes to the canal and bridge in the near future. Mayor Rozier stated he would contact Gary Priester to see if the DOT could provide us with some assistance on this matter. Mayor Rozier also stated that he had received a letter from Pooler City Manager, Dennis Baxter, on October 20th informing him that the City of Pooler stands ready to assist the City of Bloomingdale with the necessary repairs to the Wildcat Dam Road.
Attorney Gerard stated that he was in the process of reviewing documents obtained from Bill Lovett with Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung, Inc. regarding the financing of the upgrade to the Bloomingdale/Pooler wastewater treatment plant and should have information available at the next meeting.
Mayor Rozier reported that he has been in contact with David Hicks regarding his request to re-occupy the nonconforming mobile home at #1301A E. Hwy 80 and should have something to present to council by the next meeting.
Council was informed that Attorney Gerard has prepared an easement encroachment license document for execution by the McNeils and the clerk’s office will schedule a time for them to come by City Hall to sign the paperwork.
City Attorney Gerard advised council that Barry Anderson has approximately fifteen (15) more days to answer the lawsuit filed by the City against B.M.A. dba Waste Systems of Savannah for damages to the 1995 Ford garbage truck.
Councilman Tyler stated that he plans to present information regarding specifications and details on requesting bids for fencing at the lift station and well sites at the next meeting.
Attorney Gerard reported that he had researched the information on the plat provided by Don Amerson on property located on Poplar Street, but did not find any evidence that this unopened street had ever been dedicated for public use. Attorney Gerard advised Mr. Amerson that he should be able to obtain a building permit provided he opened the roadway to City specifications. Councilman Wedincamp asked if the City could just open the road. Attorney Gerard pointed out that the City had no right to open the roadway since the property had not been dedicated for public use. If, however, the City obtained the proper dedication from the adjoining property owners, it would then have to establish some criteria to use in determining the feasibility of opening this road, such as number of residents the road would serve, the cost to open the road, available funds, etc. Attorney Gerard also advised council that once the City opened a roadway, it would set a precedent and with numerous unopened roads in Bloomingdale, it could be very costly for the City to get involved in this phase of development. Councilman Ray asked Diane Amerson, Don’s mother, if she and Buddy had opened the road when they built their home on Chestnut Street. Ms. Amerson stated that the county required them to pay to have the road opened to the county’s
specifications and provide drainage. Ms. Amerson also pointed out that due to the length of time the process took that they had to purchase another building permit. Mr. Amerson stated that he could not afford to open the road just to build a house. Mayor Rozier advised him that just as Attorney Gerard pointed out the City cannot afford to go into the land clearing and road opening business because there were just not enough funds available. Several council members expressed the same concerns about the cost of opening roads for development and felt that these costs would have to be bore by either the individual or group of individuals wanting to develop the property. Mr. Amerson was encouraged to contact the property owners of the other lots joining the unopened road and see if they wanted to open the road as a joint project since they would definitely benefit with the road being opened as a public right of way. Councilman Tyler stated that there were numerous unopened roads in the City and was concerned that without getting these roadways opened, residential development may not occur. After additional discussion, Councilman Tyler suggested members of the General Services Committee get together to discuss the issue and bring something back to council at a later meeting.
The council was advised that after approving the resolution at last meeting adopting the revised Comprehensive Plan Short Term Work Program update, the City received notification from CGRDC and DCA that at least 60 days must elapse between submittal of the STWP for review and its adoption by the City Council. Since we approved the resolution prior to October 27th, council must now officially adopt the STWP as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Councilman Ray made a motion to approve a resolution adopting the Short Term Work Program update as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and authorizing implementation of said plan. Councilman Waller seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
NEW BUSINESS:
Council reviewed a request for a home occupation license from Sam Barnard, Jr. to operate the “office only” of a cement finishing business from his residence located at #10 Jackson Road. Mr. Barnard stated that he understands there can be no outside traffic related to the business coming to the residence. The Mayor also informed Mr. Barnard that he cannot wash off any of his equipment related to the business at the residence. Mayor Rozier advised council that they have the option to waive the public hearing requirement provided there will be no outside traffic. Councilman Tyler made a motion to waive the public hearing, Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes. Councilman Johnson made a motion to approve issuance of the license to Mr. Barnard for the “office only” of his cement finishing business to be operated at #10 Jackson Road with the stipulation there will be no outside traffic and that he will not be washing off any of his equipment at the residence. Councilman Waller seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Mayor Rozier presented a request from Ira Horowitz to amend the home occupation license he obtained in March, 2003 for a mobile catering business. The license was approved for him to operate from #306A E. Hwy 80 and he has moved to #305 E. Moore Street. Council was advised that Mr. Horowitz has obtained written permission from the owners, Roland and Ann Waller, to operate the business from the Moore Street address. After a brief discussion, Councilman Tyler made a motion to waive the public hearing requirement and transfer the license with the understanding that the same stipulations apply regarding no outside traffic related to the business coming to the residence. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Council was informed that the City had been contacted by Catherine Wolfe, the owner of a large parcel of land on Lynn Street, and advised that she is interested in providing the City with the right of way needed to widen the street for future paving.
Mayor Rozier reported that the City had received a letter from Wendall Kessler with Amby Development, Inc. advising that he is developing a subdivision in Effingham County on Old River Road near the Meldrim community and wants to place a central sewage system in that area to service the 134 homes which will be built within the development. However, in order to obtain his permit, he must first obtain a response from Bloomingdale, as well as other nearby communities, that it would not be feasible to service this area with a municipal wastewater facility. Mr. Kessler needs Bloomingdale’s response as soon as possible so he can proceed with his permitting process. After a brief discussion, Councilman Johnson made a motion to provide Mr. Kessler with a letter advising him that the City of Bloomingdale could not provide wastewater service to his development on Old River Road. Councilman Waller seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Council was advised that Virginia Lamb, Chatham County Solid Waste Coordinator, is requesting a meeting with council representatives to discuss potential opportunities for consolidated solid waste services. It was noted that there were some preliminary discussions at the time the Short Term Solid Waste Plan was being updated earlier in the year, but Ms. Lamb feels there needs to be another meeting to determine the City’s interest in participating in consolidated efforts for solid waste services. After a brief discussion, Councilman Johnson, Chairman of the General Services Committee, agreed to set up a meeting with Ms. Lamb, Fett Burke, and the City clerk to discuss these issues.
Mayor Rozier recognized Vernon Gordy who stated that he and his partner, Michael Bart, were interested in transferring title to the City of the 22+ acres located on Adams Road in the City of Bloomingdale known as Westside Gardens Cemetery as well as some $31,000+ in cash in a maintenance escrow account to be used for grass cutting. Mr. Gordy explained that they had purchased the cemetery approximately twelve years ago as an investment, but it was taking more time to operate the business than either of the partners wanted to devote to it. According to the fact sheet provided to council, about 60% of the 22.28 acre cemetery property is surveyed which includes 7144 lots. There have been 475 lots sold and 155 burials. There is approximately $5125 in an escrow account for twenty-one (21) vaults and $31,240 in a perpetual care account for cemetery upkeep. Mr. Gordy pointed out that the partners had purchased two lots just outside of the cemetery to provide a location for construction of cemetery related buildings in the future and the outstanding debt on this property is approximately $13,837. The City could assume this debt to include the lots in the transfer or only accept the cemetery property. Mayor Rozier asked Attorney Gerard to do some research on this matter and advise council of the legal aspects of this type transaction and the requirements the City would have to meet to operate a cemetery. The matter was tabled until Attorney Gerard could provide this information to council.
The following recommendations were presented by the Planning & Zoning Commission as a result of their October 21st meeting:
1) The commission reviewed a request from Ellis Phillips to subdivide his 1.81 acre tract at Moore and Hickory Streets into a minor subdivision, but determined it would need to be handled as a major subdivision. As part of this issue, the Planning & Zoning Commission is recommending council consider rezoning this property to an R-1 zone rather than its current C-1 zone for the development of said property as residential lots. Council was advised that there has been no request from Ellis Phillips to rezone this tract and since residential development is allowed as a “conditional use” in a C-1 zone, council has the authority to approve the use of the property for residences. Council discussed this information, but since Mr. Phillips has not submitted an application, no action was taken.
2) The commission considered council’s request that a text amendment be made to the City’s zoning ordinance allowing the sale of storage buildings in commercial zones and recommended the following:
a) Utility and storage building sales lots not be allowed as a “permitted” or a “conditional” use in a C-1 zone, and
b) Utility and storage building sales not be allowed as a “permitted” use within a C-2 zone and only be allowed as a “conditional” use subject to specific conditions. A copy of the conditions was distributed to council.
Councilman Johnson asked Planning Commission member Margel Winn why the commission
did not feel this type business should be operated in C-1 zones and Ms. Winn stated that the
members agreed to propose the same recommendation as presented to them by Bill Saxman.
Council was advised that if the text amendment were approved, the utility/storage building
business that had been approved on a temporary basis at #208 E. Hwy 80 could not continue at
its current location. Council discussed the matter at length. Attorney Gerard was asked if the
property at #208 E Hwy 80 were changed from C-1 to C-2 would it be considered spot zoning
and he stated that since it was already commercial property this probably would not be an issue.
Council agreed that the text amendment to the zoning ordinance as proposed by the Planning
Commission should be pursued, but felt that the property at #208 E. Hwy 80 should be
considered for rezoning from C-1 to C-2 to allow for the sale of the utility/storage buildings.
Councilman Johnson made a motion to allow Dereall Joyner to continue to operate business of
selling utility/storage buildings from #208E Hwy 80 to allow property owner, Del Ferguson,
an opportunity to submit for approval a request to rezone his property from C-1 to C-2 with the
understanding that the City would be moving forward with a text amendment to allow the sale
of utility/storage buildings in a C-2 zone as a “conditional” use. Councilman Myrick seconded
the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Council was advised that D.K. Morgan has submitted a request to City Council to consider the division of his property located at #1724E. Hwy 80 into two tracts with a variance of 10’ for the road frontage of one of the lots. Council was reminded that there are currently three (3) buildings on Mr. Morgan’s property. One building is vacant and a second building is being used as the accessory building to Lanier Supply that is operating out of the third building (block building on the front of the lot). The City’s zoning ordinance only allows one principal building per lot, so Mr. Morgan wants to subdivide the property so he can make use of the vacant building. Mr. Morgan plans to construct a 40’ x 40’ building for a muffler shop on the smaller lot and will join it to the vacant building which will be used as a heating/air conditioning business. The connecting building will be used as storage buildings. Although the normal process is for a minor subdivision to be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission before being placed on council’s agenda, Mr. Morgan wanted council’s input on the feasibility of this plan before proceeding to the Planning & Zoning Commission. It was noted that since the City’s zoning ordinance only allows one principal building per tract of land, Mr. Morgan would have to join the new construction to the existing structure thus creating one building in order to obtain a building permit. Also, the two structures that exist on the other lot would have to be operated as part of the same business to continue to be utilized. Council reviewed Mr. Morgan’s proposed subdivision and agreed to approve a 10’ variance. Councilman Waller made a motion to approve the 10’ variance for the proposed minor subdivision at #1724E. Hwy 80 with the understanding that the plan would have to be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission for their review and approval as outlined in the Subdivision Ordinance. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes. Mr. Morgan was advised that the proposed construction would have to meet the requirements of the City’s zoning ordinance.
Mayor Rozier advised Mr. Morgan that the improvements to the existing sign at #1724E. Hwy 80 advertising Lanier Supply were made without obtaining a sign permit and this violates the City’s Sign Ordinance. Council advised the clerk to notify the party responsible for making these changes that they have ten (10) days from the date of notification to submit a sign permit application so it can be determined if the sign is in compliance with the ordinance.
Council was advised that the City had received a request from Jeffrey Thornburg to sub-lease a portion of the block building housing the offices of Lanier Supply located at #1724E. Hwy 80 for an Auto-Detail Shop. Mr. Thornburg wants to know if he can obtain a business license, if an additional bathroom would have to be added for his business and if there are any other stipulations council would want him to meet to operate said business. Councilman Myrick asked Mr. Thornburg what arrangements he would make for the run-off produced by the washing of vehicles. Mr. Thornburg stated that there would be very limited washing on the premises, but would take whatever steps were needed to comply with the City’s ordinances. Council advised him that there should be no washing of vehicles at these premises until he has made arrangements for this run-off. It was noted that the City may require the installation of an oil separation device that would have to be approved by the City’s engineer before the run-off could be put into the City’s sewer system. Although council indicated they would not require a separate bathroom for his business, Mr. Thornburg was advised that he would be charged for sewer and sanitation service by the City for his business.
Mayor Rozier informed council that Forrest Floyd is requesting information from the City regarding the development of three (3) lots that he has purchased at Douglas Court and Hwy 80. Some of the questions were water and sewer issues; however, others may need to be addressed in a plan review process with our zoning consultant, Bill Saxman. Mr. Floyd stated that he wanted to develop this property with two buildings housing four to five businesses in each building. Since the City’s current zoning ordinance only allows one principal building per tract of land, Mr. Floyd wanted to discuss the recombination of the three lots into two tracts. Council advised Mr. Floyd that the City’s ordinance currently requires him to pay water/sewer taps for each business located within the buildings and to serve each business with a grinder pump. Council did agree to consider the use of duplex grinder pumps for the buildings provided the feasibility of their use could be confirmed by the engineers and arrangements could be made for the wiring that would not hamper continuation of a business if services were disconnected for non-payment. Mr. Floyd stated that, at this time, he merely wanted council’s approval of his concept of developing the property and only planned to construct one building at first. Council discussed his plans, in general, and agreed that as long as he met the ordinance requirements for development, they had no objections to the plan.
After discussing Mr. Floyd’s request, council addressed the City’s Zoning Ordinance requirement of only one principal building per lot. Council members discussed the possibility of allowing more than one building on commercial lots provided controls were in place for adequate parking and building access for emergency services. After discussing this issue, council agreed to submit a request to the Planning & Zoning Commission to consider a text amendment to the zoning ordinance that would allow more than one principal building on commercial lots, such as a “group development” category, and include provisions for this type development that would address adequate parking, building access and other concerns.
Councilman Tyler requested that discussions regarding increases in reconnection fees for water/sewer services disconnected for non-payment and possible extension of service hours for these reconnections be tabled until the next meeting.
Councilman Wedincamp presented a proposed plan for dedication of right of way for Cheyenne Road for council’s review. Attorney Gerard stated that the proposal seemed to meet his concerns regarding access by all property owners. After a review of the plat, council gave conceptual agreement of the plan provided the appropriate documentation was obtained by the parties involved. Attorney Gerard stated that he would start working on the title abstracts and right of way deeds, but pointed out that there may need to be some mortgage releases by lenders. Council agreed that once all the documentation was prepared and signed, the matter could be placed on a future agenda for acceptance as a public right of way.
Councilman Wedincamp reported that he had been contacted by Chris Patterson about presenting a request regarding the possibility of paving the portion of Osteen Road past the railroad tracts, but since there was no one at tonight’s meeting, he would prefer to table the discussion.
Councilman Tyler advised council that he had received a complaint regarding the accumulation of paint cans and the washing of equipment connected with a home occupation license held by James Hester at #105 Cypress Street. Councilman Tyler pointed out that he had seen the paint cans, but since he had not witnessed the washing of the equipment, he did not feel comfortable pursuing that issue with council. Since the washing of the equipment would constitute illegal dumping if the residue washed into the ditches and traveled to the drainage system, this would be handled by EPD. Councilman Tyler asked the City attorney how council should handle a violation of a home occupation license. Attorney Gerard stated that the City should notify Mr. Hester by certified letter that his home occupation license is being revoked due to his violations of the conditions of said license and he must appear at the November 20, 2003 council meeting to discuss the violations. Councilman Myrick made a motion to take this action, Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Councilman Tyler presented council with a citizen complaint about the number of vehicles that is parked on a daily basis at the residence of Jamie Kerby at #416 Chestnut Street. Councilman Tyler stated that it appears there is a business operating from this residence, however, there has been no license issued at this location. Attorney Gerard suggested the resident be notified that it appears he is in violation of the City’s zoning ordinance by operating a business from his residence and said operation must cease immediately or he will be issued a subpoena to court for this ordinance violation. Councilman Tyler made a motion to send said notification to Jamie Kerby at #416 Chestnut Street, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Mayor Rozier reported that the City has received notification from the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System Life and Health Insurance Fund (GMEBS) that there will be rate increases on both employee and dependent coverage for 90/80 PPO plans effective January 1, 2004 and HMO plans effective March 1, 2004. Employees will be receiving notification of these increases in November since deductions for dependent coverage for January, 2004 will begin in December for the 90/80 PPO plan and the dependent coverage for March, 2004 will be deducted starting in February, 2004 for those employees under the HMO plan.
The Mayor stated that the City has received a request from GMA to participate in the 2003 Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade by providing gifts for patients in the Georgia Regional Hospital. The City has participated in this program for many years and in the past, council has agreed to donate up to $200 in gifts to the hospital for its patients. After a brief discussion, Councilman Myrick made a motion to continue participation in the program by donating up to $200 in gifts to the Georgia Regional Hospital. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Mayor Rozier reported that he felt the City had just about exhausted all efforts in obtaining an increase in our current water permit. The Mayor stated that he still has not heard anything from the Governor’s office regarding our request for an increase in our permit and neither has Representative Ron Stephens. In an effort to insure that the City’s development will not come to a complete halt, he wanted to provide council with some alternatives for obtaining additional water without having to purchase it from the City of Savannah using the City of Pooler’s water lines. Mayor Rozier advised council that he had invited Ron Kolat and Harold Gill with Carter & Sloope Consulting Engineers to provide some information regarding the possibility of obtaining a permit to draw water from the lower Floridian aquifer. The Mayor pointed out that Richmond Hill has obtained their permit and other permits are pending. Harold Gill stated that he is now employed by Carter & Sloope and that as a professional geologist with thirty (30) years of experience with water resource issues in Georgia; he felt that this area would produce the quantity of water in the lower Floridian aquifer that would meet the City’s needs for future development. Ron Kolat advised council that the EPD is issuing permits for the lower Floridian on a regular basis, as well as permits for the Miocene. Mr. Kolat pointed out, however, that there were no guarantees that the City would be issued permits, but if we met the criteria and provide the data required by the EPD, we should be able to get our permit. Councilman Johnson expressed his concern about the transfer between the upper and lower Floridian and asked if this would affect our current permit amount. Mr. Gill stated that the data that would be obtained as part of the permit process would determine the amount of leakage, if any, but he did not feel there would be any major change in our existing permit figures. Ron Kolat pointed out that in order to pursue obtaining a permit, the City would have to drill a test well and various water quality and quantity tests would have to be performed as required by the EPD. Mr. Kolat stated that as they drilled the test well, they would also test for the Miocene. Councilman Johnson asked how they determined the best area in which to drill. Mr. Kolat indicated that the western part of Bloomingdale was determined to be the better area due to data received from wells drilled in the City of Pooler. Mr. Gill stated that he felt sure that there was also Miocene water available in the Bloomingdale area. Questions were raised about the quality of the water in the lower aquifer and council was assured by Mr. Kolat and Mr. Gill that the depth of the well would determine the quality and they expected to reach water that was of very high quality that would not need any treatment. They pointed out that both the lower Floridian and the Miocene were good water sources in this area. Councilman Myrick asked about the process the City would have to go through to get a permit. Mr. Kolat explained that once the well is drilled and the City meets the EPD testing requirements, the public would be notified and they would have 30 days to object to the issuance of the permit. Mr. Kolat advised the council that he felt sure the City of Savannah was aware the City was looking into getting water from the lower Floridian aquifer.
Councilman Myrick asked if the City would have a better chance than a private company to obtain their permit even if there were objections and Mr. Kolat stated that he saw no reason why the EPD would deny the permit if the City was able to meet all of the required criteria. Councilman Myrick asked how much the test well is expected to cost. Mr. Kolat reported that the well and the testing required by EPD would be expensive and estimated the cost to be approximately $390,000 to $400,000, however, this cost does not include the pump, building, chlorinating system and other items. Mr. Kolat stated that the drilling and testing phase would take approximately six to nine months with the average period lasting about seven months. Council discussed concerns that were raised about the financing of the project. The Mayor pointed out that he and other council members had been approached by developers that were in need of water for various projects and felt sure that if we could get the water, the cost could be recovered through taps and user fees. Councilman Johnson asked if the same developers that were approaching us were the ones that had been talking with the City of Savannah about water, but no one knew if this was the case. Councilman Ray stated that he could not see the City of Bloomingdale putting the money up front with our current users having to absorb the costs since the water would be for new development—we should require that the developers pay for the project. Councilman Ray pointed out that unless the developers were willing to submit their commitment in writing, they could back out at any time leaving the City facing this expense. Councilman Ray also expressed his concern that meetings were being held in secret about these water issues and he felt that these things should be out in the open so the entire council—not just a couple of members—could decide what would be in the best interest of all the citizens. Mayor Rozier stated that the meetings were not held with all of the council because these must be advertised and the developer did not want to be identified at this time. Councilman Ray commented that this was exactly what he was talking about—any commitments made on behalf of the City should be public information. Councilman Myrick asked with the City’s current permit at 156,000 gpd, would we still have this same quantity if there was no leakage from the upper to the lower aquifer and he was advised by Mr. Kolat that we would not lose the amount of our existing water permit. Councilman Tyler stated that the council needed to decide how we wanted to pursue getting additional water—do we want to tap into the I & D water from Savannah or sink our own well. Councilman Tyler advised council that we are pumping more water than our current permit allowed and was concerned that this would cause problems with the EPD in the near future. Councilman Myrick stated that he felt the developers must provide the City either letters of credit or something in writing committing to the funds that would be needed to proceed with the project. Councilman Johnson stated that when we had requested that commitment in the past through Bill Lovett with Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung, Inc., there was no response from the developers, but he did not feel that we could attempt this project without commitments from developers to help pay for it. Councilman Wedincamp asked Councilman Johnson if he would go along with the project if letters of credit were submitted and he stated that it would make it a much easier decision if the cost of the well was covered. Councilman Myrick asked if there was any guarantee the engineers could provide that we would find the quality and quantity of water that we needed and that we could get a permit from EPD. Mr. Gill stated that he saw no reason why the City should be turned down if we met the criteria required by EPD. Councilman Tyler stated that there were no guarantees, but we still did not know if we took the EPD to court that we could get our current water permit increased. Councilman Tyler asked the engineers where a City could go to get monies for this type project, but they did not have an answer for his question. Councilman Tyler asked what the next step would be and was advised that a site would need to be determined and the engineers could come up with a couple of options for council to review. It was noted that Taylor Park did not seem to be a good site, but there should be others to choose from. Mr. Kolat pointed out that when picking a site the City would need to try to stay away from our current sites using the upper Floridian aquifer to avoid the leakage we had been discussing. Councilman Myrick stated that he would like to see some figures that would compare the total cost involved in sinking our own well with that of what it would cost us to get water from the City of Savannah over maybe a ten (10) year period. Councilman Johnson agreed that council needed to see some cost comparisons as well as some exact figures on what the total project would cost the City. Councilman Tyler stated that we had gotten some of this information in the past and Mr. Kolat confirmed that the cost for the City sinking its own well would probably be higher, but they would have some control on the long term costs. Councilman Tyler suggested that the water/sewer committee meet with Mr. Kolat after he has gotten these prices and comparison together and bring something back to the council for their consideration. Councilman Tyler stated he would let council members know when they were getting together if anyone wanted to attend. The matter was tabled until the information could be obtained from Mr. Kolat.
Mayor Rozier advised council that this concludes the agenda items that were submitted by the Friday, October 31, 2003 deadline.
Councilman Wedincamp requested that council consider amending tonight’s agenda to add a discussion of the sign installed at #1304 E. Hwy 80 without a sign permit. The sign is advertising Randy Wood’s guitar business and Dennis Baxter’s BBQ business. Councilman Tyler made a motion to add the discussion to the agenda. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes. Councilman Wedincamp expressed his concern that a sign permit was not obtain, especially since the City’s own building inspector was running one of the businesses that was being advertised and other council members expressed the same concern. After additional discussion, council authorized the submission of a letter to Randy Wood, owner of the property located at #1304 E. Hwy 80, notifying him of his violation of the City’s Sign Ordinance by erecting a sign without a sign permit and instructing him to submit a sign permit application within ten (10) days from receipt of said notification or to take down the sign.
Mayor Rozier advised council that he had received notification from State Representative Tom Bordeaux that the Chatham County legislative delegation will host two days of public hearings to hear the requests and concerns of citizens in anticipation of the 2004 legislative session and he has extended an invitation to Bloomingdale to participate in the process. The hearings will take place on November 21st and December 6th. The Mayor asked that council members be prepared to discuss and approve items for submission to the legislative delegation at the November 20th meeting as he plans to present the City’s requests on November 21st.
The accounts payable were reviewed. Councilman Tyler made a motion to pay the bills, Councilman Waller seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Being no further business, Councilman Waller made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:30pm. Councilman Ray seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
The Mayor and all council members were present at the meeting.