CALLED COUNCIL MEETING
March 10, 2008
10:00am
Mayor Tipton called the meeting to order. The Mayor stated that the purpose of the meeting was to consider an application from Henry Jimenez to obtain an occupational license for the operation of a metal recycling business at 1720B East Highway. Mr. D.K. Morgan, the owner of the property, was present at the meeting. Mr. Morgan explained that Mr. Jimenez was not able to attend, but had sent a letter outlining his plans for the business and some photographs of a similar business he operated at another location. In the letter, Mr. Jimenez explained that he would buy or pick up scrap metal that people no longer wanted and would bring it back to the Highway 80 location where he would prepare it for recycling. Mr. Jimenez noted that he would be collecting scrap metal cans, stainless steel and brasses. Council was advised that he would have a forklift, a truck for transportation, and a metal compressor at the location as well as scales and weighing devices. Mayor Tipton stated that Mr. Brady had been contacted and he reported that after a review of the site in Springfield, he felt that the “contractor equipment and material storage” classification in the City’s Zoning Ordinance would be appropriate for this type business that is allowed as a “conditional use” in a C-2, General Commercial, zoning district. Mayor Tipton stated that there were concerns that with Highway 80 being the main corridor through the City there could be problems if equipment or materials were stored outside of the building and were visible from the roadway.
Councilman Myrick reported that he was familiar with this company and the two businesses located in our area are handled in completely different ways. The Springfield location is clean and well organized without unsightly accumulation of metals or trash outside the building. However, the Hardeeville site is just the opposite. There is an unsightly accumulation of metal and trash stored outside the building and the ground is contaminated with old carburetors, aluminum and copper. Councilman Strozier stated that Mr. Morgan should be involved in the enforcement of the stipulation that everything remain inside the building because if we get complaints we will be contacting the business owner as well as the property owner. Councilmembers Strozier and Winn agreed that if everything was contained inside of the building, they would not have a problem with the issuance of the license, but if problems occurred with outside storage, the license should be revoked. Councilman Waller stated that if Mr. Morgan will oversee the operation and make sure Mr. Jimenez kept everything inside the building he would agree to issue the license. After Council discussed the best way for the loading and unloading of the vehicles and it was agreed that the vehicles should pull in the back door, come out the front door, and asked that this information be relayed to the tenant. Councilman Myrick questioned which building would be used for this business and was advised that it was the “Mule Barn” building. Councilman Myrick continued to stress the importance of the business owner, employees and Mr. Morgan realizing that all recyclable materials, storage bins, and equipment must be kept inside of the building. Councilman Strozier also stated that if, in the future, the business owner needed any additional outside storage, he must come back through council for approval. Mr. Morgan stated that the metal compressor would also be contained within the building. Council agreed that there should be no evidence from the outside of the building that a recycling business was being operated from this location. Mr. Morgan stated that the tenant did want to put a sign on the property. Council advised him they had no problem with a sign provided it met the requirements of the City’s sign ordinance and he must obtain a permit before a sign was erected. After this discussion, council agreed to approve a conditional use permit for the metal recycling business with the understanding that all materials and equipment will be stored inside of the building, any additional outside storage must be approved by council, and, when possible, all loading and unloading of materials should be handled from the back to the front of the building. Councilman Strozier made a motion to approve a conditional use permit and to issue an occupational license to Henry Jimenez for Henry’s Recycling Center to be located at #1720B East Highway 80. Councilman Waller seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.
Councilman Strozier made a motion to adjourn, Councilman Waller seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.
Mayor Tipton and Councilmembers Myrick, Strozier, Waller and Winn were present at the meeting.
Note: Section § 50-14-1 of the Official Code of the State of Georgia Annotated requires that the minutes shall, as a minimum, include a description of each motion or other proposal made, and a record of all votes. These minutes meet the minimum requirements. However, in an attempt to provide as much information as possible to the citizens, the recording clerk has included additional background data and discussion on the subjects present to council. The statements of individuals are not verbatim and may be summary in nature.