Minutes from May 14, 2007

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

Mayor Burgess led the pledge of allegiance.

Mr. Anthony Baldoni gave Mayor and Council an update on the skate park.

Mr. Jackie Rainwater pointed out his concerns with the skate park in that he thought the location was not good, there were safety hazards with the water tank, traffic on Alcova, no sidewalk and liability to the City.

Senator John Douglas stated that he and Representative Jeff May had been able to get $25,000 for the skate park.

Mrs. Rebecca Dally pointed out that we should be careful about covenants in the passive park. There could be no spectator sports.

Mayor Burgess concluded the discussion on the skate park.

Mrs. Nancy Posner presented the commemorative plate for the 175^th anniversary to Mayor and Council.

Mr. Crenan Mills ask Mayor and Council if a decision had been made on the tree plantings for downtown. After some discussion Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to approve the proposal from the Tree Board to plant Japanese Zelkova through the Downtown Business District in coordination with the Streetscape grant. All were in favor.

Mr. Mills also announced that the City had received the growth award from the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Mayor Burgess thanked Mr. Mills for his kind contribution of flowers for the downtown again this year.

Mr. Cecil Strickland presented to Mayor and Council an opportunity to be part of a Newcomers Community Magazine. Mayor Burgess stated that Mayor and Council would take it under advisement.

John Anchors representing the Better Hometown Design Committed presented to Mayor and Council the updated paint colors for the Downtown Business District. He stated that a Facade Grant program was being considered by the Better Hometown and DDA.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to approved the color scheme and update the city ordinance to reflect the change. All were in favor.

Mr. Anchors asked about the sign ordinance and its enforcement. Mayor Burgess asked Attorney Abney to review the ordinance.

Scott Tolleson and Bryan Smith of the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia made a presentation regarding the City’s gas and how it compares to other providers in Georgia.

Council Member Terry made a request that Penny Keener be appointed to the Library Board to replace her mother Betty Jo Terry who recently passed away. Council Member Porter made a motion, seconded by Council Member Peppers to appoint Penny Keener to the Library Board to fill the unexpired term of Betty Jo Terry. All were in favor.

Mayor Burgess complimented City staff for cleaning up property in City. He also mentioned that he wanted to see about establishing a position of City Marshall in the upcoming budget.

Public Safety Director Steve Shelton made a presentation on activities in the Public Safety Department.

Council Member Price made a motion, seconded by Council Member Peppers to approve the minutes as presented. All were in favor.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Terry to approve the financial statements for April 2007 as presented. All were in favor.

Mayor Burgess opened a public hearing for Eugene Miller on E. Hightower giving 10 minutes for both side. There being no parties present to speak for or against Mayor Burgess closed the hearing. Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to rezone property for Eugene Miller at 961 E Hightower Trail from AG to GC as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission. All were in favor.

Council Member Price made a motion, seconded by Council Member Terry to approve the request from Arthur Barrett to move a house to 335 Poplar Avenue as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission. All were in favor.

The Corridor Overlay Ordinance was deferred to the June 11, 2007 meeting.

Council Member Price made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to appoint Thomas Jackson to the Planning & Zoning Commission to fill the unexpired term of Tommy Brown. (Recently vacated by Robert Howard) All were in favor.

The Adult Entertainment Ordinance was deferred to the June 11, 2007 meeting.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to approve the Comprehensive Plan Resolution attached. All were in favor.

Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to approve a donation of $850 for the Social Circle Baseball Team. All were in favor.