COUNCIL MEETING
October 5, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tipton with Councilwoman Winn leading in prayer. Councilman Waller made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 21, 2006 council meeting. Councilman Ray seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes. A motion was made by Councilman Ray to approve the agenda of the October 5, 2006 council meeting, Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Tipton reported that the City had received notice from EPD of approval of the City’s request for an increase in our groundwater withdrawal permit pending receipt of a copy of the contract with the cities of Pooler and Savannah to provide I & D water to areas of Bloomingdale. Bloomingdale is waiting for a copy of the fully executed documents from the City of Pooler.
Council was advised that the City had completed the sales of six surplus items as approved at the September 21st meeting. The Mayor stated that after a review of the bids that had been submitted on the remaining two items, but not accepted due to their being less than the minimum bid, council may want to reconsider the minimum bids of $25 each that was set at the September 21st meeting. Council was informed that bids of $500 or more were submitted on the camper and a bid for $100 was received on the four-wheeler. After a brief discussion, Councilman Ray made a motion to change the minimum bids on these two items and to advertise their sale with minimum bids as follows: 1) ’28 Marathon 5th Wheel Camper, Minimum bid $500 & 2) Badger Yamaha 800CM3 4-Wheeler, Minimum bid $100. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
The council discussed disposal of two appliances that were replaced during the renovation of City Hall and agreed to advertise for bids on these items at City Hall with minimum bids of $50 each. The items included a Kevinator 16 cu. Ft. Refrigerator and a Tappan 30” Electric Stove. Councilman Ray made a motion to declare these two items as surplus equipment, Councilman Strozier seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes. Councilman Ray made a motion to sell these two items with minimum bids of $50 each with the posting of this information at City Hall. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Mayor Tipton reported that he had talked with Fire Chief Tyler concerning the execution of the documents related to the transfer of properties from the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department to the City of Bloomingdale and was advised that the City can expect to receive this paperwork the first of next week.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Mayor reported that the City of Bloomingdale received second place in the state in the “Keep Georgia Beautiful” campaign and Mary Mitchell plans to go to Atlanta on October 11th to accept the award on behalf of the City. Mayor Tipton expressed his appreciation to Ms. Mitchell for her hard work on this project. Councilman Rawlings stated that he would also like to recognize the citizens, the members of the Planning & Zoning Commission, and the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department for their part in making the event a success.
Council was advised that the City had received requests for home occupation licenses from two citizens and the council has the option to waive the public hearing requirements on these requests. The requests were as follows:
1) The Mayor recognized Mark Waller who is requesting a license to operate the “office only” of a home construction business from his residence located at #225 Adams Road. Mr. Waller stated that he and his brother would be working in the business and there would be no outside traffic related to the business coming to his residence. After a brief discussion, Councilman Myrick made a motion to waive the public hearing requirement and issue the home occupation license to Mr. Waller with Councilman Strozier seconding the motion. The motion passed with five affirmative votes. Councilman Waller abstained.
2) Mayor Tipton recognized Charles T. Mock, Jr. who stated that he was requesting a license to operate the “office only” of a pressure washing business from his residence located at #102 Boulevard Street and he would be the only employee. It was noted that the owner of the property, Nathan Nadel, has provided a written statement giving Mr. Mock permission to operate the business from this location. Mr. Mock advised council that there would be no sign posted and no outside traffic related to the business coming to the residence. The council questioned Mr. Mock about the equipment he would be using in the business and was advised that the pressure washing machinery was small and would fit in the back of his pickup truck. Councilman Strozier made a motion to waive the public hearing requirement and issue the home occupation license to Mr. Mock, Councilman Waller seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Council considered a request from Kevin & Kay Heritage for the renewal of the “medical hardship” permit for the secondary mobile home located on their property at #1230 Bloomingdale Road. According to a letter from her physician, Dr. Troy Murphy, the medical condition of Kay’s mother, Ho Shim Shaw, still exists and she requires daily assistance from her daughter. Ms. Heritage is requesting a six month extension of the permit which is allowed by the zoning ordinance. Councilman Myrick made a motion to approve the extension as requested, Councilman Strozier seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Mayor Tipton reported that the City has completed preparation of the budget for FY 2006/2007 and a public hearing for citizen input has been scheduled for October 12, 2006 at 7:30pm. The budget will be presented for adoption at the October 19, 2006 council meeting.
Mayor Tipton stated that this concluded the items presented prior to the council agenda deadline of Friday, September 29, 2006.
Committee reports:
Councilman Rawlings reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission continues their review of the sign ordinance and expect to make a recommendation to council after their November meeting. Councilman Rawlings stated that the Planning & Licensing Committee will be meeting on October 12, 2006 at 5:30pm to review occupational license fees.
Councilman Myrick advised council that a public meeting has been scheduled for October 12, 2006 at 6:30pm to meet with property owners on Church Street to discuss the proposed paving project.
The accounts payable were reviewed. Councilman Ray made a motion to pay the bills, Councilwoman Winn seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Being no further business, Councilman Waller made a motion to adjourn at 7:13 p.m. Councilman Strozier seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.
Mayor Tipton and all council members were present at the meeting.