Minutes from September 17, 2007

David Terry, Angela Porter, Anne Peppers and Traysa Price. Also present were the City Attorney, Joe Reitman, City Manager Doug White and City Clerk Susan Roper.

Mayor Burgess led the pledge of allegiance.

Paul Preston, builder in Jubilee requested assistance from the City regarding the odor from ADF. He stated that it was affecting his residents and his potential buyers. Mayor Burgess relayed to Mr. Preston that ADF was currently working on a 4 million dollar investment to correct the odor. He said that the City was supporting this investment and was looking for ways to assist.

Council Member Price arrived at 6:07 PM.

Nancy Posner announced the Social Circle Theatre Schedule and invited everyone to come.

Jenny Metcalf reported that she had spoken with Kevin Little and he said there had been no official request to locate the skate park at the recreation facility in Social Circle. Mayor Burgess asked Council Members Terry and Porter to contact Mr. Little to see if anything could be worked out as a possible alternative to the Passive Park.

David Terry reported that there would be a county election at the First Baptist Church on 9-18-97 for ELOST.

Mayor Burgess reported that there was a meeting with Newton County Commissioners on October 4^th to discuss the annexation and explore if there was anyway to resolve the lawsuit still depending on the annexation.

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

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to approve the Financial Statements for August 2007 as presented. All were in favor.

City Manager Doug White made the following Planning & Zoning report to Mayor and Council:

Williams & Associates – Duplexes on Fairplay Drive/Ronthor Drive. Mr. White reported that P&Z had denied the request and Williams and Associates had since withdrawn their request.
The Community Bank – Garden, Circle and Storey Mobile Home Parks. Mr. White reported that P&Z had denied the request and The Community Bank had since withdrawn their request.
Timbervest – MUPB to AG. Mr. White reported that the request had been approved by P&Z and the matter was up for consideration by Mayor and Council. Mayor Burgess opened a public hearing to hear public comment regarding the rezone of 514 acres at I20 and 278 from MUBP to AG property belonging to Charles Martin. Speaking in favor was Joe Johnston who reported that P&Z voted unanimously in favor of the request. There being no one else present to speak for or against the matter Mayor Burgess closed the public hearing. Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to accept the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission and grant the rezone from MUBP to AG. All were in favor.
TownPark – Different ideas for Homes – Debbie Smith. Ms. Smith reported to Mayor and Council that TownPark was a good project and moving along well. She added that there had been some requests for smaller and larger homes. Her request was for consideration of a change in the plan for the development to add Cottages which would be smaller than the existing homes on the plan and to add Courtyards which would be larger than the existing homes on the plan. Mayor Burgess stated that these types of homes were becoming popular and that the city should consider working with the developer to modify the Development Agreement. City Attorney Joe Reitman said that he would review the Agreement and advise the council as to how best to proceed if that was their intention after further review on this matter.

Frank Sherrill representing UGA, Fanning Institute reported on the Mill Site Redevelopment meeting held earlier at 5PM. He said that some survey’s were filled out by those in attendance and that those would be forwarded to UGA to be compiled and a report completed.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to approve the amendment to the Litter Fine Ordinance raising the fine to $1,000 as presented. (2^nd reading) All were in favor.

City Manager Doug White showed Mayor and Council a drawing of the proposed Community Sign. He said that sponsors, Bank of Social Circle and Pinnacle Bank would pay for the biggest expense of the sign and City of Social Circle would have some incidental costs. He reported that he would be moving forward with the sign.

City Manager Doug White reported that he had met with the Mayor and Chairman of the BHT and plans were to move forward with the hiring of a full time director. He stated that money was appropriated in the budget, but there was a request from Council that his matter be further reviewed. He stated that this Director would report to the City Manager and would also carry responsibilities for Grant writing and Grant Administration for the City and be available to work on special projects as identified by the City Manager. Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Peppers to approve the advertising to hire a full time director. All were in favor.

Mr. White explained that the Memorial Drive Widening project should have a preconstruction meeting in the next 2 weeks. Mr. White briefly explained the project.

Mr. White updated Mayor and Council on the W. Hightower Left Turn Lane Design. He stated that drawings from R. J. Wood should be ready this week and he would then go and sit down with DOT officials to get their feedback.

Mayor Burgess stated that Regular Monthly Council Meetings would be moved to the 3^rd Monday of each month.

Meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.