Minutes from November 13, 2006

Mayor Burgess called the meeting to order with the following Council Members present: Anne Peppers, Angela Porter, Traysa Price and David Terry. Also present were City Attorney Joe Reitman, City Manager Doug White and City Clerk Susan Roper.

Mayor Burgess led the pledge of allegiance.

Teri Wommack, President of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce gave Mayor and Council a report for 2006. She also presented a contract for 2007. Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Terry to approve the contract as submitted. All were in favor.

City Manager Doug White reported to Mayor and Council that Tom Lutton of Sycamore Restaurant still had a problem with parking with CSX employees. Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Peppers to make ½ of the parking spaces across from Sycamore Restaurant 2 hour parking. All were in favor.

R. J. Wood gave Mayor and Council an update on the CDBG Sewer Project.

The agenda was approved as submitted.

Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to approve the minutes for October 9, 2006 and November 6, 2006 with noted corrections (David Terry was listed a making the motion to approve the rezone application; should have been Traysa Price). All were in favor.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to approve the financial statements for October 2006. All were in favor.

Council Member Price made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to recommend approval of the DOT Right of Way documents as presented for Spring Street. In addition Mr. White presented that DOT would pay $30,000 to resurface Spring Street but the project could cost up to $120,000. Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to table until the next meeting. All were in favor.

Mayor Burgess called to order a Public Hearing to discuss the proposed Residential Occupancy Limitations Ordinance. Mayor Burgess informed the public that each side would have 10 minutes to present their comments.

Jenny Metcalf spoke in favor of the ordinance. City Attorney Joe Reitman explained the ordinance and suggested that this meeting be a formal first reading and provide additional information at the next meeting.

There was no one present wishing to speak against. Mayor Burgess closed the public hearing.

City Manager Doug White explained to Mayor and Council the problems the City was having with turn over with Meter Readers. He indicated that with new technology we may be able to eliminate that problem and increase the efficiency in the meter reading. He introduced Robby Miller from the Gas Department who introduced Brandon with Master meter who explained the Automated Meter Reading technology. Mayor Burgess asked for a detailed cost analysis for Mayor and Council to consider.

City Manage Doug White informed Mayor and Council that the recent wreck with the Sewer Machine had caused the insurance company to determine a total loss. He asked for permission to purchase a new machine from P & H Supply for $34,600 and finance with GMA. Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to approve the recommendation of the City Manager. All were in favor.

City Manager Doug White introduced a contract received from Walton County for maintenance on Laurel Street. He recommended non approval as the City could get the work done more efficiently than the proposal from the County.

City Manager Doug White introduced a contract received from Walton County for Fire Protection and Rescue Services. After some discussion Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to approve as presented. All were in favor.

City Manager Doug White and Assistant Public Safety Director Steve Shelton reported to Mayor and Council that Social Circle had received a FEMA grant for $184,000 of which $9,200 is city match.

Meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.