Minutes for May 20, 2008

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

Vice Mayor Terry led the pledge of allegiance.

Faye Detweiler, Chairman of the Merchants Association introduced herself to Mayor and Council and reported that she was committed to the downtown. Business district.

Jason Lowen asked Mayor and Council for a $750 donation for the Social Circle High School Summer Baseball Team. Council Member Porter made a motion, seconded by Council Member Peppers to approve the donation. All were in favor.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to approve the agenda with the following additions: 15. GMA Voting Delegate, 16. Surplus Property and 8b. Update on the Zoning Ordinance. All were in favor.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to approve the minutes for april 15, 2008 with the exception of the motion to approve a resolution and check for Mars Hill Church. All were in favor.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to approve the financial statements for April 2008 as presented. All were in favor.

Doug White stated the Amy Landers at 717 W. Hightower Trail had applied for a variance to close in a carport to build on to allow a disabled resident to get into a bathroom and be able to get outside. Vice Mayor Terry opened a public hearing giving 10 minutes per side.

Adrienne Anderson from Multiple Choices spoke in favor of the request and explained the situation with Mrs. Landers son. Vice Mayor Terry asked for any other comments, for or against. There being no others present desiring to speak for or against Vice Mayor Terry closed the public hearing. Council member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to follow the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission and approve the variance request. All were in favor.

City Attorney updated Mayor and Council on the Planning & Zoning Ordinance amendment. He stated that there would be some revisions, but the document (draft) passed out tonight. Should be ready for vote for P&Z in June and Mayor and Council in July.

Council Member Price arrived at 6:45 PM.

Council Member Porter made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to appoint Doug White, Virgil Hanks and Penny Keener to the Library Board for 4 year terms. All were in favor.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to authorize Doug White to engage services from JB. Trimble for services on the E. Hightower Bridge. All were in favor.

Council Member Price made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to authorize Doug White to execute a lease with GMA for a police car purchased in November 2007 for $29,867.68. All were in favor.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to approve a timber contract with Georgia Forestland Investments, LLC for thinning the trees in the Passive Park. All were in favor.

City Manager Doug White gave a brief report on the Memorial Drive Extension.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Price to appoint Vice Mayor Terry as the GMA Voting Delegate. All were in favor.

Council Member Peppers made a motion, seconded by Council Member Porter to declare the items submitted (list attached) as surplus property. All were in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 7:05 PM.