Minutes from October 15, 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.

Wayne McMillan, Chairman of Better Hometown presented a Guiding Light Program to the Mayor and Council and Citizens. The program would allow for Citizens to nominate an individual who has had a positive impact on Social Circle to have a light downtown named after them. Money would be raised to pay for the light in that persons name.

Mayor Burgess presented a resolution to Col. Clay Harris for his contributions to Social Circle over the years.

Terri Womack, Director Walton County Chamber reviewed Chamber Activities for the past year and upcoming events. She also presented a contract for services for the next 12 months. Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to approve the contract as presented.

Jenni Metcalf made a report on the City Wide Cleanup held on October 13^th. She stated that the committee was very pleased with the turnout and thanked different ones for their assistance.

Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to move the regular meetings to the 3^rd Monday of each month. All were in favor.

The agenda was approved with the inclusion of changing of meeting date.

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

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

Mayor Burgess opened a public hearing giving 10 minutes for both sides for a Variance request from Blue Willow Village regarding the setbacks and buffers.

Louis Van Dyke spoke in favor giving Mayor and Council the details of the project and stating that he had agreed at the direction of the Planning and Zoning Commission to work closely with the Tree Board Chairman, Crenan Mills on the plantings on the project. There being no other parities to speak in favor and none present to speak against Mayor Burgess closed the public hearing. City Manager Doug White added that the City’s Engineer had reviewed the plans for the retention pond and was in agreement with the project engineer. He also stated that this was a Unique project that will greatly increase the value of the property. It will be tastefully done in keeping with the historic nature of the whole premises. Mr. Van Dyke has agreed to additional vegetative screening throughout the project in keeping with the requirements from the Planning & Zoning Commission. Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to grant the variance as Planning & Zoning Commission recommended. All were in favor.

Mayor Burgess opened a public hearing giving 10 minutes for both sides for a preliminary plat approval for Social Circle Exchange (commercial/residential development on N. Cherokee and A P Henderson). Dana Sorrow spoke in favor of the request stating that all requirements of the Planning & Zoning Commission had been met. There being no others present to speak in favor and none present to speak against Mayor Burgess closed the public hearing. Council Member Price made a motion, seconded by Council Member Terry to approve the plat as submitted. All were in favor.

City Manager Doug White reported that he had bids to pave Clover Drive, Hickory Drive, Jones Drive, Walnut Drive and Ronthor as well as portions of Alcova and Fairplay for $304,709.10. Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to approve the expenditure. All were in favor.

City Manager Doug White reported that he has been working with DOT for intersection improvements at Cherokee and Hightower to include turn lanes to try and relieve the traffic situation during school hours. He stated that he was waiting for Georgia Power to provide plans and cost estimates. He also presented a plan for a stamped cross walk that would tie in to the stamped sidewalks downtown. He reported that he would be back to Council with more details as he received them.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to approve the proposed written amendment to the HPC Ordinance changing the advertising requirements for applications. All were in favor.

Council Member Terry made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to approve a GMA Lease Document for the purchase of a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria for the Public Safety Department for $26,864.30. All were in favor.

City Manager Doug White reported that the City needed to adopt an ordinance for the Hard Labor Creek drainage basin stream buffers. After some discussion Council Member Price made a motion, seconded by Council Member Terry to approve the ordinance and instructed City Attorney Reitman to codify for Social Circle. All were in favor.

City Manager Doug White gave a report on the Mill Property. He stated that grants to do an environmental site assessment and a grant to clean up what is found have been applied for.

City Manager Doug White reported that he was waiting on a bid from the Northeast GA RDC to update our Planning & Zoning Ordinance.

Council Member Porter made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to appoint the following as managers for the upcoming election on November 6, 2007:

Mary Lynne Reinagel, Manager, Joe Johnston, Asst. Manager and Lizzie Wright, Asst. Manager. All were in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 6:55PM.