CITY OF POOLER
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 21, 2008 

The regular meeting of the Pooler City Council was held on April 21, 2008. Mayor Mike Lamb called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Councilmen Bruce Allen, Travis Cowart, Mike Royal, Wayne Seay, Stevie Wall and Councilwoman Rebecca Benton. 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 Seay.

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 Seay presented the accounts payable information for March.

PUBLIC SAFETY
 Councilman Allen reported on the recent activities of the police and fire departments and stated that they assisted with the “Tour de Georgia” today, where recreational and professional cyclists rode through the City as part of the Tour de Georgia Foundation’s Ride for Research.

STREET/DRAINAGE/PARKS & TREES
 Councilman Cowart reported that the street, drainage and parks and trees departments have performed routine maintenance and stated that the parks department has received a donation from NASCAR and Lowe’s Home Improvement Center for the City’s parks.

WATER/SEWER
 Councilman Wall reported that the water and sewer departments performed routine maintenance and that the parameters at the wastewater treatment plant are elevated, but still within EPD’s guidelines. Councilman Wall expressed appreciation to Mr. Byrd, Parks and Trees Superintendent Ralph Wright and Public Works Director, Matt Saxon for the lighting that has been installed at the welcome sign on W. Highway 80.

RECREATION
 Councilman Royal reported that baseball and softball season is in full swing and that t-ball practice begins April 26th.


 BUILDING/ZONING
 Councilwoman Benton reported that 13 new single family residential permits, six (6) attached unit and two (2) commercial permits have been issued since the last meeting, totaling 71 single family, 33 attached unit and 22 commercial permits for the year, with 3037 inspections performed. Further, that a PUD Review Board meeting is scheduled for April 28th at 5:30 p.m.

State Representative Buddy Carter addressed Council in regards to this year’s Legislative session, stating that West Chatham County faired very well and that a Local Assistance Grant in the amount of $20,000 has been approved for improvements at Gleason Park.

Alan Burns, newly appointed Director of the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center, introduced himself to Council, stating that he is eager to work with them.

Councilwoman Benton made a motion to add Item #1 under Old Business. Motion was seconded by Councilman Cowart and passed without opposition.

1. Discussion concerning sketch plan of a proposed right-in/right-out access to West
Properties on Pooler Parkway
 Mr. Byrd stated that this item was tabled at the last meeting to allow him to meet with the owner, Ms. Becky West, and her legal counsel to address ongoing issues with the adjacent shopping complex, stating that a resolution was not reached. Steve Wohlfeil of Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung Engineering, Inc. presented the sketch plan of the proposed right-in/right-out. Councilman Wall stated that he was concerned about the close proximity of the overpass, asking if the plan has been approved by the Department of Transportation. Mr. Wohlfeil replied that the plan has been submitted to the DOT and the plan has been conformed to meet their requirements. Further, that the sketch plan has also been reviewed by Downer Davis Engineering, who has recommended approval. Councilman Wall questioned whether the median was adequate to handle the right-in/right-out, wherein Mr. Wohlfeil replied that it was 50' wide and could be made larger, if so required. Councilman Cowart reminded Mr. Wohlfeil that Planning & Zoning has recommended a five percent (5%) slope in lieu of the proposed seven and one-half percent (7 ½%), which Mr. Wohlfeil agreed to. Councilwoman Benton questioned why the access could not line up with the median break in front of the new fire station, wherein Mr. Wohlfeil replied that there is insufficient room and that this median break is for emergency purposes only. Mr. Byrd recommended the plan prohibit the use of the emergency access break, showing some sort of curbing. Mr. Wohlfeil suggested striping with a different type of asphalt and roll-over curb. Mr. Scheer stated that this item would be on the next agenda.


Under NEW BUSINESS the following was discussed:

1. Approval of minor subdivision of Lot 37, Westside Business Park
 Mr. Byrd presented this request from Meadow Lakes Development to subdivide Lot 37 into Lots 37A, 37B and 37C, stating that Planning & Zoning and staff have recommended approval. Travis Randall of Kern-Coleman & Company was present to answer any questions. Councilman Wall asked if the mylar being submitted was identical to the copy that has been submitted to Council. Mr. Randall stated that they were the same. Councilman Allen made a motion to approve the minor subdivision. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.

2. Release of maintenance bond for Westbrook Subdivision, Phase 4A-2
 Mr. Byrd presented this request from the developer, stating that a final inspection was performed on January 22nd and that the Public Works Department recommends releasing the bond. Councilman Allen made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cowart, to release the maintenance bond. Motion passed without opposition.

3. Release of maintenance bond for Westbrook Subdivision, Phase 4B
 Mr. Byrd presented this request from the developer, stating that a final inspection was performed on January 22nd and that the Public Works Department recommends releasing the bond. Councilman Allen made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cowart, to release the maintenance bond. Motion passed without opposition.

4. Release of maintenance bond for The Farm @ Morgan Lakes, Phase 1-A
 Mr. Byrd presented this request from the developer, stating that a final inspection was performed on January 30th and that the Public Works Department recommends releasing the bond. Councilman Allen made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cowart, to release the maintenance bond. Motion passed without opposition.

5. Release of maintenance bond for The Farm @ Morgan Lakes, Phase 1-B
 Mr. Byrd presented this request from the developer, stating that a final inspection was performed on January 30th and that the Public Works Department recommends releasing the bond. Councilman Allen made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cowart, to release the maintenance bond. Motion passed without opposition.

6. Release of performance bond/acceptance of maintenance bond for Hamilton
Grove Subdivision, Phase I
 Mr. Byrd presented this request from the developer of Hamilton Grove Subdivision, stating that all of the improvements for Phase I are complete and that the Public Works Department has approved the development to begin its 12-month warranty period. Councilwoman Benton made a motion to release the performance bond and accept the maintenance bond, contingent upon the city attorney approving the bond. Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without opposition.


 7. Approval of surplus property list for 2008
 Mr. Byrd presented a list of items/equipment considered surplus, stating that an auction will be scheduled for the end of the month. Councilman Cowart made a motion to approve the surplus list. Motion was seconded by Councilman Seay and passed without opposition.

8. Approval of Information Systems & Internet Appropriate Use Policy
 Mr. Byrd presented a proposed policy regarding information systems and internet appropriate use for City employees. Councilman Wall made a motion, seconded by Councilman Allen, to approve the policy. Motion passed without opposition.

Leo McDonald, resident, expressed appreciation for the new power outlets that have been run in Joe Baker Park.

Jack Brewton, resident, addressed Council in regards to the problem the contractor has experienced with paving the parking lot at the new recreation park. Mr. Byrd stated that he is well aware of the situation and has apprised Council of the same. Mr. Brewton then presented concern over the cost of the concession stand, pointing out that similar size homes are being built for quite less.

Joey Broussard, resident, addressed Council in regards to the amount of trash/debris in the new phase of Sangrena and the condition of the entrance of the subdivision. Mr. Byrd stated that Matt Saxon, Public Works Director, is handling the matter regarding the debris. Councilman Wall stated that the subdivision entrance at Worthington is also in need of cleaning/cutting, requesting that Mr. Scheer look into whether the land is privately or publicly owned to determine if City crews can maintain both entrances.

Councilman Allen made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session at approximately 6:51 p.m. to discuss legal and personnel matters. Motion was seconded by Councilman Royal and passed without opposition.

Mayor Lamb called the meeting back to order at 7:11 p.m.


Mr. Scheer stated that the City has been under a consent decree with the Department of Justice with a settlement agreement reached, wherein the City has agreed to facilitate the construction of a low income housing project for the elderly. Mr. Scheer added that the City has not admitted to being discriminatory, but has agreed to assist a developer by providing a financial obligation of $475,000. Further, that the City has been offered a gift deed from Barnwell Land Company for 9.62 acres of multi-family zoned land, valued at $685,240 to allow Sheppard Station Apartments to construct this project, with the City to quit claim deed the 9.62 acres to this entity. Mr. Scheer stated that this amount will satisfy the requirements of the settlement agreement. After discussion, Councilman Cowart made a motion to accept the gift deed from Barnwell Land Company and approve to quit claim the 9.62 acres to Sheppard Station Apartments. Motion was seconded by Councilman Seay and passed without opposition.

There being no further business to discuss, Councilman Allen made a motion to adjourn at approximately 7:17 p.m. Motion was seconded by Councilman Cowart and passed without opposition.