COUNCIL MEETING

COUNCIL MEETING

NOVEMBER 2, 2000

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Strozier who lead in prayer.

The minutes of the October 19^th meeting were reviewed with Councilman Waller making a motion to approve said minutes. Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mayor Strozier stated that he would contact Mayor Carter about setting up a meeting with the committee from Pooler to discuss the Senior Citizens Center budget for 2001.

Council was advised that the fire department is working on the permits needed to proceed with the demolition of the structure at #9 Chestnut Street.

Chief Anderson reported that the court case on Juni Ricketts has been passed until November 29^th, but Mr. Ricketts is making some progress on cleaning up the property.

The Mayor reported that he and Councilman Tuten had met with representatives from the City of Savannah about the possibility of their selling water to the City of Bloomingdale. Although Savannah has agreed to allow us to use their permit for up to five (5) years at a cost of $1.30 per 1,000 gallons, they will expect us to tie into their line within that same time period. However, their water main stops at I-95, so we will have to connect to the City of Pooler’’s line from Sangrena Woods to I-95. In addition to the cost to the City of Bloomingdale of running the main to tie-in to their line, there will be a $1450 tap-in fee that must be paid to Savannah every time a new customer comes on the system. Also, there will probably be a tap-in fee that will be required by Pooler. Both of these would be in addition to our own tap-in fee. Mayor Strozier stated that council feels this would be a hardship on Bloomingdale’’s citizens and will continue to pursue alternatives to this plan.

Chief Anderson reported that the police department had received complaints from neighbors of Wayne Newton at #122 Michael Street about vehicles being parked in the roadway at this residence. These vehicles appeared to be related to his business. Council was reminded a home occupation license had been approved for Mr. Newton in September with the stipulation that there would be no outside traffic related to the business coming to the residence. Chief Anderson reported that Mr. Newton had been given a warning about the vehicles. Mayor Strozier advised the Chief that Mr. Newton should be subpoenaed to council if the problems continued to discuss his violation of the stipulations of the home occupation license.

NEW BUSINESS:

Council reviewed a request from Edgar Rodriguez to operate a home occupation business at #8 Osteen Road. Mr. Rodriguez has a concrete pumping business but states the only equipment to be parked at the residence related to the business would be a 1990 Chevy pickup. Mr. Wingate, the owner of the property, has given written permission for the business provided there is no sign placed on the property. Mayor Strozier advised Mr. Rodriguez that this type business was allowed in a residential zone provided there was no outside traffic or evidence of a business being operated from the residence. Mr. Rodriguez stated that he understood these stipulations. Based on this information, Councilman Johnson made a motion to waive the public hearing, Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Councilman Tuten then made a motion to issue the home occupation license, Councilman Rawlins seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Chief Anderson presented a request for approval of the submission of a grant application to the State of Georgia for up to $10,000 to pay overtime for police officers. The City will be required to provide $1,111 in matching funds if the grant is approved. Mayor Strozier suggested this matter be turned over to the Police Committee for their review and approval. Once approved by the committee the application could be submitted to the state. Councilwoman Key made a motion to refer the application to the police committee for approval and submission to the state. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Mayor Strozier reported that he and Recreation Director Joe Young had met with Traci Parker to discuss his request to be appointed to the Bloomingdale Recreation Executive Board. The Mayor stated that based on that meeting, he recommended Mr. Parker’’s appointment. Councilman Tuten made a motion to appoint Traci Parker to the board, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Mayor Strozier pointed out that Mr. Parker’’s term would expire 6-30-03.

Council was advised that the Bloomingdale Elementary School has requested that an elected official attend the installation of their newly elected student council officers and have set tentative dates of November 8^th, 9^th, or 13^th at 8:30am. The school is willing to schedule the program on a day that will be convenient for the council member. Mayor Strozier stated he would ask Councilman Tyler to attend the program on behalf of the City of Bloomingdale.

The Mayor reported the City had received a petition from the parents of the Mini PeeWee football/cheerleading team about being allowed to do fundraisers during the summer for new pants for the mini boys. They would also like to do a fundraiser for their banquet and trophies. Council discussed the matter and it was agreed that the City’’s policy should be followed concerning fundraisers which requires that all fundraising activities must benefit the whole program. Therefore, individual teams cannot conduct their own fundraisers. The Mayor encouraged Joe Young to talk with the parents about the matter and advise them that fundraisers to benefit the entire program are encouraged and if they are willing to volunteer for this type activity the Recreation Executive Board will help them organize an event. Joe stated he will meet with the parents as soon as possible.

Mayor Strozier recognized Robert White who reported that he had sold his property at #5 White Drive and was in the process of cleaning it up. He stated that the neighbors had informed him that the police department had been on his property several weeks ago and he wanted to know what it was all about. The Mayor stated that the EPD had been in the area checking several parcels of property and it was his understanding they had checked the property on White Drive. Chief Anderson confirmed that he and the EPD representative had been on Mr. White’’s property about a month ago. Mr. White stated that his agreement with the new owner was that he would be responsible for removing specific items and he was working diligently to clean up the property.

Fett Burke advised council that the maintenance department was in the process of cleaning out and improving the drainage ditch along the old railroad between West Haven and the cemetery. Mr. Burke stated that some of the work was going to require the use of rental equipment (120 John Deere). The cost of renting the equipment was $800 for two days and $1100 for three days. Councilman Tuten advised him there would probably be a delivery fee of about $300. Fett Burke pointed out that he would like to complete the job while the ground was dry. Council discussed the matter and it was suggested that if there is similar work in the area, we should probably get it done at this time since we would be paying the delivery charges no matter how many days we used the equipment. After this discussion, Councilman Johnson made a motion to approve the renting of the equipment for up to one week. Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

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

The Mayor informed those present that the council needed to go into executive session to discuss the acquisition of some property. Councilman Tuten made a motion to adjourn into executive session. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

A copy of the affidavit on the executive session as required by the Open Meeting Law is attached.

At the completion of the executive session, Councilman Waller made a motion to return to the general session. Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

Mayor Strozier reported that council had discussed the possible purchase of the Charles Donaldson property located across the street from City Hall on the corner of Walnut St. & Hwy 80. The Mayor pointed out that the City is interested in obtaining this property for possible development in the future. It was noted that there is a small structure on the property, but it is not in very good shape. The proposed purchase price is $40,000. Councilman Waller made a motion to pursue the purchase of this property, Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:00pm.

THOSE PRESENT:
Councilman Johnson
Councilwoman Key
Councilman Rawlins
Councilman Tuten
Councilman Waller