COUNCIL MEETING
March 4, 2004
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rozier with Councilman Ray leading in prayer. The minutes of the February 19th meeting were reviewed. Councilman Ray made a motion to approve said minutes, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Attorney Gerard reported that he had talked with Pooler’s City Attorney Steve Sheer on Wednesday regarding the Pooler/Bloomingdale Waste Water Treatment Facility Agreement Amendment and was advised by Attorney Sheer that he was still reviewing the documents.
The Mayor advised council that Councilman Wedincamp was still working on obtaining signatures from the owners on the Cheyenne Road right of way deeds and Attorney Gerard is waiting for the remainder of the mortgage company responses.
Attorney Gerard stated that he researched documents on file at the Chatham County Courthouse related to the Rawlings property on Osteen Road and had obtained a copy of a subdivision approved by the county in 1977 and the recorded plat included a 15’ right of way for the future widening of the roadway. Attorney Gerard reported that apparently when the DOT was requesting the execution of the right of way deeds by the property owners, the Rawlings thought they were being required to give additional right of way and refused to sign the documents. Councilman Wedincamp asked why this information was not available when the DOT prepared the right of way deeds. Attorney Gerard stated that this information was recorded at the Chatham County Courthouse so the documents would have been available to the DOT when they prepared the abstracts. Mayor Rozier stated that he had scheduled a meeting with Susan Rogers with the DOT for Monday morning to discuss Osteen Road and other possible paving projects. Ms. Rogers advised him that Ernie, with the DOT, had a total history of the information related to the paving of this portion of Osteen Road and she would bring copies for his review. The Mayor recognized Andrew Rawlings who asked what he and the other property owners could do to expedite the process because he felt the road needed to be paved. Mr. Rawlings stated that his mother was ready to sign whatever documents she needed to sign in order to get the road paved. Mayor Rozier pointed out that Osteen Road was one of the roads on a short list for paving; however, there were other streets that were also being considered and these included unpaved portions of Main Street, Lynn Street, and Stagecoach Road. The Mayor informed Mr. Rawlings that after he met with the DOT to discuss possible funding and found out what would be required from the City regarding matching funds, right of way deeds from property owners, signature requirements, etc., he would get back with him.
Mayor Rozier reported that he had obtained two bids for the fencing at the lift station and the two well sites. The Mayor asked if council wanted to consider these two bids or wait for him to solicit other bids. Councilman Tyler made a motion to go ahead and consider these two bids. Councilman Wedincamp seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. The Mayor opened the bids and presented the following information: Bid #1 - Ram Fence: Remove ½ existing fence and install 6’ industrial chain link fencing (60’ one side & 35’ one side with one new 10’ D/D gate and two used 10’ D/D gate) at the Maple Street Lift Station - $4090; install 6’ industrial chain link fencing at Poplar Street well site (65’ one side & 70’ two sides with two 20’ D/D gates) - $4484 and install 8’ industrial chain link fencing at the Adams Road well site (40’ x 40’ with one 20’ D/D gate & one 10’ D/D gate) - $5322. Total cost for chain link fencing and gates - $13,896. A price of $5018 was provided to install a new 8’ stockade wood fence at the Maple Street Lift station rather than the chain link fence. Note: Ram Fencing’s bid included a notation that the prices were subject to change daily without notice and Ernest Grizzard reported that the company wanted ½ the cost of the fencing paid in advance. Bid #2 - Nations Fence: Install 6’ chain link fencing (60’ one side & 35’ one side with one new 10’ D/D gate and one used 10’ D/D gate) at the Maple Street Lift Station (no removal included); install 6’ chain link fencing at Poplar Street well site (65’one side & 70’ two sides with two 20’ D/D gates) and 8’ chain link fencing at the Adams Road well site (40’ x 40’ with one 20’ D/D gate and one 10’ D/D gate) for a lump sum total of $9077. A price of $3500 was provided to install an 8’ stockade wood fence at the Maple Street Lift Station which included removal of the old fencing. Mayor Rozier pointed out that he had done business with Nations Fence in the past and found their work to be of good quality and they were a national company. After discussing the bids, Councilman Johnson made a motion to accept the bid from Nations Fence at $9077 to install chain link fencing at the lift station and well sites. Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Council then discussed the financing of said projects. Ernest Grizzard reported that the 2003/2004 budget included $7500 for a fence at the lift station. Councilman Ray made a motion to amend the budget to pay the $1577 balance of the bid from the Water & Sewer Renewal & Extension Fund. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Councilman Tyler stated that although council had agreed to install chain link fencing at the Maple Street Lift Station he wanted to remind them that the citizens in the area had asked that a wooden fence be installed because it would look better than a chain link fence. Councilman Tyler stated that he did agree that for security and liability purposes a chain link fence would be the best but pointed out that other cities use wooden fencing around their lift stations and chain link fencing around their wells.
Council was advised that the City had received a letter from Richard Meyer’s attorney stating that Mr. Meyer’s donation to Bloomingdale of the new Stagecoach Road right of way is not contingent on the installation of additional culverts for access to his property, however, he was requesting that the City sign an IRS form for the purpose of confirming a donation of the property with a value of $115,500. Councilman Tyler made a motion to approve Mayor Rozier’s execution of the IRS form confirming the donation at the above stated value. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.
NEW BUSINESS:
Council was advised that a decision needed to be made regarding the meeting schedule for the summer months. City Ordinance allows for only one council meeting during the months of June, July, August and September provided council votes to initiate this change. After a brief discussion, Councilman Johnson made a motion to hold only one council meeting during the months of June, July, August and September with the meeting to be held on the third Thursday of the month. Councilman Ray seconded the motion and it passed with affirmative votes from Council members Johnson, Myrick and Ray. Council members Tyler and Wedincamp voted against the motion.
Mayor Rozier presented a recommendation that Wayne Tipton be appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission as an alternate member. Councilman Ray made a motion to approve the appointment, Councilman Wedincamp seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. The Mayor advised council that Glenda Key had resigned as a member of the Planning & Zoning Commission as she has moved out of the City limits. Councilman Wedincamp stated that the committee was looking into getting someone to replace Glenda Key, but he did not have anyone to recommend at this time. Councilman Tyler suggested that the committee see if there was someone living in the areas south of I-16 that may be interested.
The Mayor reported the City had received a request for a home occupation license from Lorrie Shearouse who lives at #189 Wallace Drive to operate the office of a “house cleaning” business from her residence. Ms. Shearouse indicates on her application that she will be using her personal vehicle in the business and all work related to the business will be done away from the home. After a brief discussion with Ms. Shearouse about the business, Councilman Myrick made a motion to waive the public hearing requirement, Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Councilman Johnson made a motion to issue the home occupation license to Ms. Shearouse for the office of the house cleaning business to be operated from her residence located at #189 Wallace Drive. Councilman Wedincamp seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.
Council reviewed a request from Earl Newman for a permit for the construction of a 46’ x 32’ (1472 sq. ft.) garage on his property located at #7 Osteen Road. Mr. Newman states in his request that he is replacing an existing structure. Council was informed that Mr. Newman started the construction of the building without first obtaining a permit, but he was advised that he would need council approval before a permit could be issued and he was instructed to stop any additional construction until he received said approval. It was noted that buildings consisting of over 500 sq. ft. of enclosed area need council approval. Council reviewed Mr. Newman’s plan details. Councilman Wedincamp questioned why he even needed a permit if a building previously existed and was advised that he was completely replacing the structure, so a permit would be required and he would have to comply with existing City and building codes. The Mayor confirmed with Mr. Newman that the garage would match the home in paint color, siding and roofing and he agreed that it would. After a brief discussion, Councilman Tyler made a motion to approve issuance of the building permit for the 46’ x 32’ garage at #7 Osteen Road. Councilman Wedincamp seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.
Councilman Tyler expressed his concern that although Mr. Newman had presented some detailed information about the height of his garage and the materials to be used, there was still a potential problem in issuing permits for the construction of buildings that were not compatible with residential neighborhoods and wanted to pursue adopting some restrictions and requiring public hearings for large accessory buildings. Attorney Gerard pointed out that council could require the submission of detailed plans and could hold public hearings, but there would have to be adjustments to the zoning ordinance setting specific guidelines for accessory buildings before council could deny the building permits and development of these guidelines would take some time. Councilman Tyler agreed that the Planning & Zoning Commission would need to get involved, but in the meantime, he felt council needed to set a policy to hold public hearings before issuing the permits so the neighbors could have a say in what was going to be permitted. Attorney Gerard reminded council that until the ordinance is amended, there would be no basis for denying permits. The Mayor suggested that public hearings be required for accessory buildings that were going to exceed the height, width, length, or square footage of the residence. Council discussed the matter at length and agreed to postpone action on a policy until specific guidelines could be developed. In the meantime, the clerk’s office will continue requiring those persons requesting permits for buildings having more than 500 sq. ft. of enclosed area to submit details to council on the height of the structure and the materials to be used.
The Mayor presented a request from Robbie Marshall to construct a shop/storage building on his property located at #33 Hiram Road before obtaining a permit for his residence. Mr. Marshall states that he needs a place to store equipment and materials that will be used in the construction of his home as well as for storage of his tractor and boat. The shop/storage building consists of a 30’ x 30’ enclosed area (900 sq.ft.) and a 12’ x 30’ lean-to. Council was advised that since the enclosed area consists of over 500 sq. ft. the building permit had to be approved by council. Mr. Marshall provided council with a front, side, and rear view of the building with material and color information. Mr. Marshall stated that he plans to start building his home in approximately 90 days and will have power installed to both the house and the shop at the same time. Since the City does not normally issue permits for buildings having electric service on properties where residences are not already constructed, council has to give approval for the permit. Councilman Wedincamp made a motion to approve issuance of the permit for the shop/storage building consisting of 30’ x 30’ of enclosed area at #33 Hiram Road and to issue said permit prior to the issuance of the building permit for the residence at said location. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.
Mayor Rozier asked Mayor Pro-tem Johnson to chair the next portion of the meeting due to a conflict of interest in the matter and Councilman Wedincamp also excused himself from discussion.
Mayor Pro-tem Johnson presented a request from Terry Massey for council’s input on the possibility of rezoning property located on Adams Road next to the Westside Memorial Garden Cemetery for a funeral home before he proceeds with a possible purchase of said property. Mr. Massey stated that when he had originally applied to the state for a permit for the cemetery he had not made provisions for the funeral home on the property so he would also have to get permission from the state for this change. Mr. Massey asked if there was water or sewer available and was advised that it was not and there were no immediate plans to serve the area at this time. Mr. Massey asked if Towles and Prescott Roads were private and were advised that they were. Attorney Gerard stated that the City’s zoning ordinance does not address a funeral home in its zoning classifications, but since it would be considered a commercial establishment the property would have to be rezoned. Attorney Gerard suggested that Mr. Massey complete the appropriate paperwork with City Hall if he was interested in pursuing the rezoning request.
Mayor Rozier returned to the podium to conduct the rest of the meeting.
Council was advised that requests have been submitted by Wesley Barnett, Jr. and Christopher & Summer Patterson to annex their properties located on Osteen Road into the City of Bloomingdale. It was noted that copies of their requests and maps showing the location of their properties have been distributed for council’s review. The Mayor pointed out that since their properties will not be considered contiguous until the annexations of the Tyler and Morgan properties have been completed, their requests will have to wait. Attorney Gerard advised Mr. Patterson that annexation petitions would have to be prepared for presentation to council and the zoning of the properties would have to take place before council could actually approve their annexations.
The council was informed that it needs to take action on a recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission to rezone the 1.81 acre tract of Ellis Phillips located at Moore & Hickory Streets from C-1 to R-1. Council was advised that this tract was recently subdivided and was in the process of being developed as residential property. The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve this change at their January 20th meeting. After a brief discussion, Councilman Myrick made a motion to approve the first reading to make this amendment to the zoning map. Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Councilman Ray made a motion to dispense with the second reading, Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes. Councilman Ray made a motion to approve the zoning map amendment. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.
After reviewing the accounts payable, Councilman Myrick made a motion to pay the bills. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.
Mayor Rozier reported that this concluded the items that were presented prior to the agenda deadline of Friday, February 27, 2004.
The Mayor recognized Recreation Director Joe Young who reported that basketball season has ended and the Bloomingdale Bear teams finished with one 1st place and three 2nd place trophies.
Councilman Myrick asked Chief Gossett to give a report on the citizen’s police academy that had started on Tuesday night. The Chief stated that there were about twenty-three that participated in the first two hour class and there were nine more classes in this session. The classes will consist of various aspects of law enforcement and if anyone is interested in attending there is still some space available.
Councilman Wedincamp asked the Chief if he was familiar with the computerized program being conducted in Garden City that initiates calls to seniors on a daily basis to check to see if they are alright. Councilman Wedincamp stated that if the senior does not answer the call an officer is dispatched to the residence to check to see if everything is okay. Chief Gossett stated that he was not familiar with this program, but he would contact the Garden City Police Department for details. Councilman Wedincamp stated he would like to see our police department initiate a similar program for our seniors.
Chief Gossett reported that the Bloomingdale Police Department is participating in the “A Child Missing” program that allows an officer to call a toll free number with a description of a missing child and within minutes the entire neighborhood is contacted by telephone asking them to check their yards, streets, etc. for the child. The Chief explained that this program could save valuable time in locating missing children, the elderly or the disabled.
The Mayor recognized Jill Hutchinson who stated that she lives at #501E. Moore Street and is experiencing some drainage problems. Ms. Hutchinson advised council that she had been directed to the meeting by the maintenance department, but did not realize she had to be added to the agenda. The Mayor stated that council may be able to address her concerns tonight, but needed to know the specific problems. Fett Burke stated that he had advised Ms. Hutchinson that the City was having a drainage plan prepared and the area where she lives will be covered in the proposed improvements. The ditch located at Moore & Ash is where some of the problems exist and he feels that once the drainage plan is developed and implemented her concerns will be eliminated. The Mayor informed Ms. Hutchinson that the engineering firm was working on the plan and council should be receiving updates soon.
Being no further business, Councilman Ray made a motion to adjourn at 8:00pm. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with five affirmative votes.
The Mayor and Council members Johnson, Myrick, Ray, Tyler and Wedincamp were present at the meeting.