CITY OF POOLER CITY COUNCIL MINU

CITY OF POOLER
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JUNE 2, 2008

The regular meeting of the Pooler City Council was held on June 2, 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 presented for approval. Mr. Scheer stated that he has recommended a correction be made to Item #2 under New Business regarding Attorney Harold Yellin’s statement. Councilwoman Benton stepped down from her seat due to a conflict of interest. Councilman Allen made a motion to approve the May 19, 2008 minutes, subject to Mr. Scheer’s correction. Motion was seconded by Councilman Royal and passed without opposition. Councilwoman Benton returned to her seat.

Report from the Standing Committees:

FINANCE

Councilman Seay presented the accounts payable information for the month of May.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Councilman Allen reported that the police department responded to 1521 calls during the period of May 20^th through June 1^st and that the fire department responded to 168 calls.

STREET/DRAINAGE/PARKS & TREES

Councilman Cowart reported that the street, drainage and parks and trees departments performed routine maintenance.

WATER/SEWER

Councilman Wall reported that the water and sewer departments performed routine maintenance and that the wastewater treatment plant is meeting its permit, however, the influent flow is still going through the ponds and then being re-pumped to the plant, which is being discussed with the EPD.

Councilman Wall stated that he has received several complaints regarding the condition of the Pooler Parkway overpass, stating that the City is very aware of this problem and has contacted the Department of Transportation requesting maintenance. Mr. Byrd pointed out the fact that the City has no responsibility for maintaining the road, due to it still being under contract.

RECREATION

Councilman Royal reported that summer basketball begins June 9^th and that the GRPA sub-district baseball and softball tournaments begin June 16th.

BUILDING/ZONING

Councilwoman Benton reported that five (5) single family residential permits and one (1) commercial permit has been issued since the last meeting, totaling 92 single family and 28 commercial permits for the year, with 3839 inspections performed. Further, that a PUD Review Board meeting is scheduled for June 9^th at 5:30 p.m.

Mayor Lamb welcomed Senator Eric Johnson to the meeting.

Mayor Lamb presented a 15 year service pin to Raymond Gaskin, Parks & Trees Crew Leader/Foreman, thanking him for his continued service.

Mayor Lamb presented a 10 year service pin to Susan Edwards, Senior Citizens Arts & Crafts Coordinator, thanking her for her continued service.

There was no OLD BUSINESS to discuss.

Under NEW BUSINESS the following was discussed:

1. Approval of engineering proposal for Groundwater Withdrawal Special Conditions

Mr. Byrd presented a proposal from Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung, Consulting Engineers, stating that he met with Bill Lovett today regarding the costs associated with this proposal and asked that this item be tabled. Councilman Cowart made a motion to table this item. Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without opposition.

2. Approval of alcoholic beverage license for Yirong Zheng at Sawa Restaurant

Mr. Byrd presented an application for alcoholic beverage (beer & wine) license for Yirong Zheng at the new Sawa Restaurant on Traders Way, stating that Police Chief C.E. Chan has recommended approval. Councilman Wall made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Benton, to approve the license, including Sunday sales. Motion passed with Councilman Allen opposing.

3. Approval of amendment to City Employees’ Drug Free Policy

Mr. Byrd presented an amendment to the City Employees’ Drug Free Policy to require that all employees involved in a work related accident, whether at fault or not, be required to submit to a drug test. Councilman Cowart made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Benton, to approve the amendment. Motion passed without opposition.

4. Approval to reduce maintenance bond by 50% and accept water system for Dean Forest Business Park

Mr. Byrd presented this request from the developer of Dean Forest Business Park to reduce the maintenance bond by 50% and accept the water system, stating that a final inspection was held on May 14^th and all the punch list items have been completed. Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the bond being reduced by 50% and to accept the water system, contingent upon the city attorney approving the bond. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.

Councilman Cowart presented information regarding the ongoing drainage problem on Symons Street, stating that the City’s engineer has recommended several options, one being re-directing the drainage in the area.

Mayor Lamb invited everyone to a “Flag Retirement” Ceremony being sponsored by the American Legion on June 14^th at 5:00 p.m. at Taylor Park in Bloomingdale.

Councilman Wall stated that he has been in contact with Congressman John Barrow, requesting assistance with a new post office.

There being no further business to discuss, Councilman Allen made a motion to adjourn at approximately 6:23 p.m. Motion was seconded by Councilman Cowart and passed without opposition.