COUNCIL MEETING

 December 7, 2000 

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Strozier with Councilman Waller leading in prayer.

The minutes of the November 16th 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:

Councilman Tyler reported that demolition of the structure at #9 Chestnut Street is scheduled for the first of January. Preliminary work is presently underway and should be completed soon.

Chief Anderson advised council that Juni Rickett’s case had been passed until December 13th.

Mayor Strozier recognized Junior Bragg who was seeking permission to leave a mobile home on his property on White Drive while it was being repaired.  The Mayor explained that the City had received a call from a citizen living in the area about the mobile home being moved onto the property and Mr. Bragg was given permission to place it there temporarily until he could come to council meeting to discuss the matter.  Mayor Strozier pointed out that although the area is zoned for mobile homes and are allowed on individual lots, there were mobile homes already on the property and these would have to be moved before a permit could be issued.  Mr. Bragg explained that he had purchased the property from Robert White with the understanding the mobile homes, along with other debris, would be moved.  The Mayor asked Mr. Bragg if he had any idea how long it would take him to make the repairs and move the mobile home.  Mr. Bragg stated that he might be interested in setting up the mobile home on the property permanently, but realized the other mobile homes would have to be moved first.  After additional discussion on the matter it was agreed that the mobile home would be moved in 90 days or Mr. Bragg would get a permit to set it up permanently.  It was noted the issuance of the permit would depend on the removal of the other mobile homes.

Attorney Gerard reported that Attorney Grant Washington has not contacted him since our last meeting concerning the requirements for obtaining a building permit on the property of Johnny Padgett.  Council was reminded that since Main Street is not a dedicated right of way, Mr. Padgett would be advised that he would have to include a minimum of a 25’ strip of property abutting Hwy 80 as part of the tract in question to obtain a building permit. 

Council was advised that negotiations on the purchase of the Charles Donaldson property at #9 West Hwy 80 have been completed and the seller has agreed to a purchase price of $35,000.  A survey of the property is underway and a closing date of December 15th has been scheduled.  Councilman Waller made a motion to proceed with the purchase of the Charles Donaldson property and to amend the budget to purchase said property from monies in the fund balance from previous years.  Councilman Rawlins seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

The Mayor reported that we have received notice from DOT that authorization has been given to proceed with the preparation of a City contract for the Hiram Road, Main St., Main St. Ext. and Miller St. paving projects.

Chief Anderson advised council that he has obtained prices for the school crossing lights on Pine Street.  The cost of the lights will be approximately $1200.  The Chief reported that he felt he could get the lights installed by Judge Hearn for the cost of the parts only.  The Mayor asked if funds were available for their installation and the Chief stated he planned to use monies from the auction of surplus vehicles to be held in January.  Councilman Johnson made a motion to approve installation of the lights with payment from the above-mentioned funds, Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

The Mayor informed council that the City has received notification from Herndon & Costner, Attorneys at Law, that claims are being advanced against the City of Bloomingdale for the wrongful death of Jennifer Brooke Lacross.

Council was advised that the City has receive the application from The Church of God of the Prophecy for their building permit and we needed to advise them whether or not the City can provide them with water.  The Mayor asked that members of the water/sewer committee meet with their representative as soon as possible to discuss the matter. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Mayor Strozier recognized Phillip and Henry Morgan who discussed with council their concerns about the proposed route of the gas pipeline within the City limits of Bloomingdale.  Information was distributed for council’s review and a VCR tape was provided for their viewing that showed the results of an explosion involving a similar gas pipeline.  Citizen Martin Collins also shared some information he had obtained and stated that he would like to see the line located somewhere else.  Council discussed the matter and based on the concerns expressed by the Morgans and other property owners agreed it would not be in the best interest of our citizens to have the gas line running through Bloomingdale.  The Mayor presented a resolution opposing said line for adoption and submission to the Cypress Natural Gas Co. Councilman Waller made a motion to adopt the resolution, Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.  Council agreed that copies of the resolution should be distributed to county, state and federal officials.

The Mayor reported that Lewis Newton was requesting a building permit for his property located off Elm Street.  He pointed out that there are about three major drainage ditches that are located on Mr. Newton’s property and suggested we try to work with him to obtain maintenance easements on these ditches.  Mr. Newton has asked that he be allowed to place a culvert in one of the ditches so he can reach the back part of his property.  Council discussed the matter and agreed that the City should proceed with steps to obtain a survey update and related paperwork for these maintenance easements and work with Mr. Newton on putting the pipe in the ditch for access to the back portion of his property.  Councilman Rawlins made a motion to take the action as outlined above, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

Council was advised that the City needed to set the occupational tax fees for the year 2001.  After a brief discussion, Councilman Waller made a motion to leave the rates the same as 2000. Councilman Rawlins seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

The Mayor reported that copies of the 2000 Update to the Chatham County Comprehensive Water Supply Management Plan were distributed to councilmembers after last meeting for their review.  After discussion of the plan, Councilman Tuten made a motion to approve a resolution adopting the Comprehensive Water Supply Management Plan and approving it submission to EPD.  Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

Mayor Strozier presented a recommendation from Planning Commission to approve a minor subdivision submitted on behalf of JoAnn Howard for her property located on Morgan Road.  Councilman Tyler made a motion to approve said minor subdivision with the stipulation that it is approved by the Chatham County Department of Public Health.  Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.  It was noted that once the director of the Chatham County Department of Public Health signs the plat, it would be submitted to the City officials for their signatures.

Council discussed the recommendation from Planning Commission to amend the zoning map to allow off-premise signs/billboards as a “conditional use” in commercial zones and the approval of an ordinance outlining regulations for said signs.  Mayor Strozier stated that he wanted to make sure everyone understood the ordinance allowed for only one sign per billboard and it was agreed that this was their understanding. Councilman Johnson made a motion to approve the amendment to the zoning map to allow off-premise signs/billboards as a “conditional use” in commercial zones.  Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.  Councilman Johnson made a motion to approve the first reading of the ordinance outlining regulations for said signs.  Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.  Councilman Tyler made a motion to dispense with the second reading, Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.  Councilman Johnson then made a motion to approve the adoption of the ordinance, Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

Mayor Strozier presented council with the resignations of Ernest Grizzard and Debra Brune from the Bloomingdale Recreation Executive Board.    He then presented a recommendation for the appointment of Lorrie Cannon to the Recreation Board to fill the unexpired term of Debra Brune that ends on June 30, 2001.  Councilwoman Key made a motion to approve the appointment, Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

Chief Anderson reported that negotiations were underway with the insurance company regarding the damaged patrol car involved in the auto accident on November 11, 2000.  The Chief had some questions about their proposal and requested council’s assistance.  Mayor Strozier recommended that the police committee meet with the Chief and make the decisions necessary to resolve this matter. Councilman Tyler made a motion to approve the recommendation, Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

Council was advised a price of approximately $900 had been obtained from Vital Signs for the lettering on the caboose.  The Mayor stated that we needed to decide the specific wording and placement of the information and suggested a committee consisting of Buddy Burke, Councilmen Tyler and Johnson, and himself work on this project.  Councilman Waller made a motion to approve the disbursement of these funds and the appointment of the committee to make the final decisions on the lettering.  Councilwoman Key seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

The Mayor recognized Shirley Hagans, a resident of #9 Ash Street, who asked council’s consideration for the use of the community building, at no charge, to have a birthday party for Charlie Hann.  Mr. Hann, a former resident of Bloomingdale, has been diagnosed with cancer and only has a short time to live.  He will be celebrating his 40th birthday the 9th of December and his friends and family would like to give him a birthday celebration. However, funds are limited and the cost of the rental on the building would be more than their budgets would allow. After considering several other options, council agreed that under the circumstances they would agree to waive the cost of the rental on the building, but Ms. Hagans would have to sign the normal paperwork assuming responsibility for the use and the cleaning of the building. Ms. Hagans stated she understood this requirement.  Councilman Rawlins made a motion to waive the rental fee for this activity, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

Mayor Strozier informed council that Bill Lovett with HGB&D has been in contact with the EPD concerning an increase in our water withdrawal permit, but it does not appear that any progress is being made.  The Mayor pointed out that their response to his inquiries indicate they feel the only options available to the City are the ones that include obtaining water from another city.  The Mayor stated that he felt we should contact Representative Ron Stephens once again and ask that he follow-up on this matter since he had informed the Mayor that he had made the contacts necessary to get an increase in our permit. Council agreed with this action and the matter was tabled until the Mayor could talk with Representative Stephens.

Mayor Strozier reported that he and Councilmembers Rawlins, Johnson, and Tuten had met with representatives from the City of Pooler on November 30th to discuss the Senior Citizens Center.  Information was provided to the committee on the proposed budget and future plans for the program.  Dennis Baxter advised those present that about 49 people attend the center on a regular basis and about a dozen of these seniors are from Bloomingdale.  The rest are from Pooler or areas outside both of our City limits.  Council was reminded that our 2000/2001 budget includes $7,000 for the center, however, Pooler indicates that it would take $36,000 to fully fund Bloomingdale’s share of the cost to operate the center.  This figure is based on about $3,000 per individual.  Council discussed this matter at length, but did not feel they could justify these funds to use in a program that only benefited such a small number of citizens.  Mayor Strozier stated he would contact the City of Pooler and advise them of the decision.

Mayor Strozier advised council that he had a matter to discuss with them concerning the possible acquisition of some property.  Councilman Johnson made a motion to adjourn into executive session. Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

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

After the executive session, Councilman Tyler made a motion to return to the general meeting.  Councilman Tuten seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

Mayor Strozier reported that council had discussed the possible acquisition of the property located on the corner of Hwy 80 and Cherry Street.  Councilwoman Key made a motion to allow the Mayor to enter into negotiations with the owners for the purchase of said property.  Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

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

Council discussed the possibility of canceling the December 21st meeting.  Attorney Gerard pointed out that Garden City had canceled its second meeting in December.  After a brief discussion, Councilman Rawlins made a motion to cancel the December 21st council meeting, the motion was seconded by Councilman Johnson and passed with six affirmative votes.  The clerk was instructed to take care of the necessary notices on the cancellation of the meeting.

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.                

The Mayor and all councilmembers were present

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