MINUTES

 

The regular meeting of the Pooler City Council was held on April 19, 2010.  Mayor Mike Lamb called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  Present were Councilman Bruce Allen, Councilwoman Rebecca Benton, Councilwoman Shannon Black, Councilman David Burke, Councilman Mike Royal and Councilman Stevie Wall.  City Manager Robbie Byrd and City Attorney Steve Scheer were also present. 

The invocation was given by Councilman Allen and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Royal. 

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed upon a motion by Councilman Allen, seconded by Councilwoman Benton, with no opposition. 

Report from the Standing Committees: 

FINANCE

Councilman Burke presented the accounts payable information for the month of April, making a motion to pay the bills in excess of $1500.00.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition. 

PUBLIC SAFETY

Councilman Royal reported that the police department responded to 981 calls from April 2^nd through the 15^th, totaling 7416 for the year, and that the fire department responded to 123 calls this month.  

PARKS & TREES/STREET/DRAINAGE

Councilwoman Benton reported that the parks & trees, street and drainage departments performed routine maintenance.  Councilwoman Benton urged everyone who has not yet received a Census form to do so at the West Chatham YMCA. 

WATER/SEWER

Councilman Wall reported that the water and sewer departments performed routine maintenance and all parameters are being met at the wastewater treatment plant.   

RECREATION

Councilwoman Black reported that baseball, softball and soccer games continue, that t-ball will begin this week and that the senior citizens will be holding a bake sale on April 30^th at Carter’s Pharmacy.

BUILDING/ZONING

Councilman Allen reported that eight (8) new single family residential and three (3) commercial permits were issued since the last meeting, totaling 53 single family and 14 commercial permits for the year, with 878 inspections performed.

Under OLD BUSINESS the following was discussed:

1.  Requested zoning map amendment of 2.83 acres located at 1915 Dean Forest Road from C-2 to I-1

Mr. Byrd presented this request which was tabled at the last meeting at the petitioner’s request.  Attorney Danny Falligant addressed Council, stating that his client, Dozier Cook, now has a viable site plan and is in agreement with Planning & Zoning’s recommendation to exclude item numbers 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 16 and 17 from the list of permitted uses in light industrial.  Clyde Munn, adjacent property owner on Dean Forest Road, presented concern over the potential for increased dust, lighting and traffic, asking that these issues be addressed.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the zoning map amendment, based on Planning & Zoning’s recommendation to exclude the aforementioned uses.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.

Under NEW BUSINESS the following was discussed:

1.  Requested side setback variances for a new residence constructed at 116 Tahoe Drive

Councilwoman Benton stepped down from her seat.  A public hearing was held prior wherein no opposition was presented.  Mr. Byrd presented this request from Hallmark Homes for a seven inch (7") right side building setback variance and a four inch (4") left side building setback variance.  Jeff Stovefield, contractor for Hallmark Homes, stated that the home constructed on Lot 225 in the Amberly section of Forest Lakes Subdivision and since is was constructed with a brick exterior instead of hardy plank as was originally designed, the home exceeds the required side setbacks. Further, that the air conditioning unit that is now located on the side of the property will be moved to the rear, as requested at the Planning & Zoning meeting.  Mr. Stovefield stated that in order to eliminate similar errors in the future, a “Lot Fit Study” has been completed for the remaining 50 home sites.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the variances, based on the request meeting #1 and #3 of the criteria and contingent upon the air conditioning unit being moved to the rear of the house and the “Lot Fit Study” being completed.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Royal and passed with Councilman Allen opposing.  Councilwoman Benton returned to her seat. 

2.  Approval of site plan for addition at Wee Tots Academy at 406 Gray Street

Mark Boswell of Boswell Design Services, Inc. presented a site plan for an addition to Wee Tots Academy at 406 Gray Street.  After discussion, Councilman Allen made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Benton, to approve the site plan.  Motion passed without opposition.

3.  Approval of engineering proposal for sidewalk extension on Highway 80 from Rogers     Street to Pooler Parkway

Mr. Byrd presented an engineering proposal for a revision to the 2004 sidewalk extension plan, stating that sidewalks will be moved five feet (5') off of Highway 80, to omit the need for curb and gutter.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the proposal, not to exceed $29,250.00.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without opposition.

4.  First Reading on amendment to utility ordinance regarding new billing dates

Mr. Byrd presented an amendment to the utility ordinance regarding the new billing dates, noting that accounts for residents on the south side of Highway 80 will be due on the first day of each month and that those on the north side will be due by the 15^th day of each month.  Mr. Byrd added that the due date for those residents who pay for sanitation-only service will not change and will still be due by the 15^th.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the amendment on First Reading.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Burke and passed without opposition. 

5.  First Reading on amendment to solid waste ordinance regarding billing

Mr. Byrd presented an amendment to the solid waste ordinance in regards to the new billing cycles (mentioned previously).  Councilman Allen made a motion to approve the amendment on First Reading.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition. 

6.  First Reading on amendment to solid waste ordinance regarding non-refundable maintenance fee (currently known as deposit)

Mr. Byrd presented an amendment to the solid waste ordinance to change the wording to clarify that the $75.00 charge is a “non-refundable maintenance fee” in lieu of a “deposit”.  Councilman Allen made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Benton, to approve the amendment on First Reading.  Motion passed without opposition.

7.  Resolution regarding 2009 budget adjustment

Michelle McNeely, Finance Director, presented a resolution to adopt the final budget adjustment for 2009, as recommended by the City’s auditor.  Councilman Allen made a motion to adopt the resolution.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.

There being no further business to discuss, Councilman Allen made a motion to adjourn at approximately 6:40 p.m.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Burke and passed without opposition.