July 21, 1997
MINUTES
The regular meeting of the Pooler City Council was held on July 21, 1997. Mayor Buddy Carter called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Councilmen Al DeFilippis, Bud Jeffcoat, Jim Poteet, Wayne Seay, Marvin Strickland and Stevie Wall; City Manager, Dennis Baxter and City Attorney, Wiley Ellis.
The invocation was given by Mr. Baxter and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman DeFilippis.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed upon a motion by Councilman Poteet and seconded by Councilman Jeffcoat, with no opposition.
Report from the Standing Committees:
FINANCE
Councilman Jeffcoat presented bills for payment, and after discussion, made a motion to pay these bills subject to funds. Councilman DeFilippis seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Councilman Jeffcoat presented a budget adjustment for the fire department, decreasing account #6600 (travel) by $850, account #6620 (printing & publications) by $200, account #6690 (office equipment) by $450, account #6692 (building repairs) by $1700, account #6693 (medical supplies) by $675, account #6710 (uniforms) by $400, account #6720 (fire prevention) by $850; and increasing account #6691 (fire equipment) by $5125, to redistribute for the purchase of equipment for the new fire truck. Motion was made by Councilman Jeffcoat, seconded by Councilman Strickland, to approve this budget adjustment. Motion passed without opposition.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Councilman Strickland had no report at this time.
STREETS/SANITATION
Councilman DeFilippis reported that the streets that were in need of sweeping due to the projects going throughout the City were being taken care of and asked that any complaints be directed to Mr. Baxter.
WATER/SEWER
Councilman Poteet reported that the water and sewer department has performed routine maintenance work.
RECREATION
Councilman Seay reported that the all-star Pee Wee girls= softball team would be participating in the State championship this week. He also reported that football and cheerleading signups have begun.
BUILDING/ZONING
Councilman Wall reported that Planning & Zoning met last Monday, wherein they discussed their concerns about the City=s engineering firm reviewing their own plans.
He also reported that there was an impending vacancy on the Board.
Mayor Carter presented a certificate to the Honorary Councilmember for July, Mr. Tony Noles, thanking him for his service this month.
Under OLD BUSINESS, the following was discussed:
1. Approve lease/purchase for two (2) vehicles (unbudgeted) for Police Department
Councilman Strickland stated that due to mechanical problems with two (2) of the vehicles in the police department, it has become necessary to either lease or purchase new vehicles to replace them. He presented several options for leasing, and after discussion, made a motion to approve a three (3) year lease with a dollar buy out for an amount of $6,738.62 per vehicle, per year for the lease and $2000.00 per vehicle for the first year to dress them out. Motion was seconded by Councilman DeFilippis and passed without opposition.
Under NEW BUSINESS, the following was discussed:
1. Mr. Jodi Hawks regarding Port Wentworth Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Hawks addressed the Council regarding the Pooler Crossroads Chamber of Commerce, Inc., thanking them for helping him get the Port Wentworth Chamber of Commerce started. He stated that he looks forward to working hand-in-hand with the PCCC, Inc. and presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Ron Roberts.
2. Discussion concerning sanitation rate proposal from Waste Management
Councilman DeFilippis presented a proposal from Waste Management for sanitation rates beginning October 1, 1997. The proposed rate would be the same as is currently being charged and would extend for 12 months. After discussion, Councilman DeFilippis made a motion to approve this proposal from Waste Management. Motion was seconded by Councilman Wall and passed with Councilman Poteet opposing.
3. Approval of proposal from S&ME for underground storage tank closure
Mr. Baxter presented a proposal from S&ME for closure to the underground storage tank located near the old maintenance shop. The cost, $3300.00, includes all permits necessary to complete closure in accordance with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division=s Underground Storage Tank rules and regulations. After discussion, Councilman Strickland made a motion to approve this proposal. Motion was seconded by Councilman Poteet and passed without opposition.
4. Approval of revision to DOT=s speed ordinance
Mr. Baxter presented this revision to DOT=s speed ordinance, which includes the new streets. After discussion, Councilman Strickland made a motion, seconded by Councilman Poteet, to approve this revision to DOT=s speed ordinance. Motion passed without opposition.
5. Request from BellSouth Mobility to place communication antennas on water tank
Councilman Wall made a motion to table this item. Motion was seconded by Councilman Jeffcoat and passed without opposition.
6. Approval of site plan for Aqua South Construction Co., Inc.
Councilman Wall stated that Planning & Zoning has recommended approval of this site plan for Aqua South Construction Co., Inc., and after discussion, made a motion to approve. Motion was seconded by Councilman Poteet and passed without opposition.
7. Approval of final plat for Cross Creek Subdivision, Phase 1B
Councilman Wall stated that Planning & Zoning has recommended approval of the final plat for Cross Creek Subdivision, Phase 1B, and after discussion, made a motion to approve it. Motion was seconded by Councilman Poteet and passed without opposition.
8. Request for recombination of lots 9 & 10, Symons First Addition
Councilman Wall stated that Planning & Zoning has recommended approval of this recombination of lots 9 & 10, Symons First Addition, located at Beatty and Morgan Street, and after discussion, made a motion to approve this recombination. Motion was seconded by Councilman Jeffcoat and passed without opposition.
9. Approval of change order for Godley Tract water & sewer extension project
Mr. Baxter presented this change order which would provide for the addition of water and sewer services to the Mill Creek Village development located in the Godley Tract. The Branigar Organization, Inc. has presented a contractual agreement to pay for the cost of this change order plus a 6% administrative fee. Mr. Rick White questioned whether or not the City would secure Branigar=s financial obligation. After discussion, Councilman Poteet made a motion, seconded by Councilman Strickland, to approve this change order in the amount of $129,665.00. Motion passed without opposition.
Councilman Poteet made a motion to add Item #10 under New Business. Motion was seconded by Councilman Seay and passed without opposition.
10. Mr. Fred Williams regarding Lots 119 & 120, Cross Creek Subdivision
Mr. Williams addressed Council regarding a letter ( copy of which is attached to these minutes) that he has received from the City=s building inspector, citing him on several violations to the building code at these lots. He then presented his appeal of this action. Mr. Williams has been asked to correct the violation of constructing a driveway along a drainage easement that runs between these two (2) lots. He stated that Chatham County required him to provide access to Hardin Canal, which he feels he has, in an aesthetically correct manner. Mr. Ellis stated that the plat that was approved by the City, showed the drainage easement and that the one that was recorded did not. He asked the Council to decide 1) whether residents may use easements to access their property, and 2) whether the installation of this driveway will interfere with the easement. Councilman Strickland questioned who will be responsible for repairs to this driveway if the County damages it. He then stated that Mr. Williams has turned the garages around to the side of the property, therefore, access is by the private drive, not public access by Cross Creek Drive, which is not acceptable to the City. Mr. Rick White questioned why this was not caught during the slab inspection, and why the City has waited until the houses were nearly complete to bring this to Mr. Williams= attention. After discussion, Councilman Poteet made a motion to approve the driveway being placed between Lots 119 & 120, contingent upon Chatham County=s approval of the easement being conveyed to them. Motion was seconded by Councilman Jeffcoat and passed with Councilman Wall opposing.
Mr. Dewey Whitaker addressed Council regarding the Beautification Committee=s plans to begin work in Joe Baker Park.
Councilman Jeffcoat made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel matter at approximately 7:28 p.m. Motion was seconded by Councilman Poteet and passed without opposition.
Mayor Carter called the meeting back to order at 8:10 p.m.
There being no further business to discuss, Councilman Strickland made a motion to adjourn at approximately 8:11 p.m. Motion was seconded by Councilman Poteet and passed without opposition.