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 Councilwoman Benton, seconded by Councilman Seay, with no opposition.

Councilman Seay presented the accounts payable information for July.

Councilman Allen reported that the police department responded to 1559 calls from July 18^th to the 31^st, with the total calls for the year being 21,048 and that the fire department responded to 192 calls in July, with a total of 1077 calls for the year.

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

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

Councilman Royal reported that the men’s basketball league registration continues through August 8^th;  football and cheerleading registration is complete, with over 200 children participating;  the second annual golf tournament is scheduled for October 4^th at Crosswinds Golf Club; and  the youth summer basketball season has concluded.  Further, that the senior citizen summer classes for ceramics and aerobics are averaging 30 members per class and quilting classes are now available.

Councilwoman Benton reported that four (4) single family residential,  13 attached unit and one (1) commercial permit have been issued since the last meeting, totaling 123 residential, 64 attached unit and 31 commercial permits for the year, with 5098 inspections performed. 

Kim Griffin, President of the Pooler Crossroads Chamber of Commerce, updated Council on the Chamber’s activities, adding that the Chamber’s  2007 audit is complete.

1.  Requested zoning map amendment of the northern portion of Lots 1 & 2, Stofers Subdivision from R-1A to R-2C

A public hearing was held prior.  Mr. Byrd presented this request from Isaac LaRoche, Sr. to re-zone the northern portion of Lots 1 & 2 of Stofers Subdivision, located at 134 N. Skinner Avenue from R-1A (single family residential) to R-2C (two-family residential with a minimum of 10,000 sq. ft. per lot).  Mr. Byrd stated  that Planning & Zoning have recommended approval and staff recommends Council review the criteria for granting a zoning map amendment prior to making a decision.  Mr. LaRoche was present.  Councilman Wall expressed concern about the number (density) of duplexes already in the area and the close proximity of the daycare, noting in the past duplexes were not approved.  But, based on the special circumstances (old house on property being in need of upgrading), he would consider re-zoning to R-2A (two-family residential with a minimum of 15,000 sq. ft. per lot), allowing only one (1) duplex to be constructed with separate driveways.  Mr. LaRoche stated that he wants the R-2C zoning, to be able to construct two (2) duplexes.  Councilman Wall stated that an updated survey is needed, particularly to better clarify the amount of square footage of the lot and after discussion, made a motion to table this item to allow Mr. LaRoche to submit a new survey.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.

2.  Requested conditional use to operate a truck sales office at 315 W. Highway 80, Suite B

A public hearing was held prior.  Mr. Byrd presented this request from Quality Truck Sales, LLC for a conditional use to allow operation of a sales office (telephone and computer activities only) at 315 W. Highway 80, Suite B.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the conditional use, contingent upon there being no trucks/trailers parked physically on the site.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without opposition.

A public hearing was held prior.  Mr. Byrd presented this request from A & B Properties, Inc, ABP Savannah-A, LLC and ABP Savannah-B, LLC for a 2' variance to place an 8' black vinyl chain link perimeter security fence (without barbed-wire) around the two (2) warehouses at their location on S. H. Morgan Parkway.  Mr. Byrd stated that Planning & Zoning has recommended approval and that staff recommends Council review the criteria for granting a variance prior to making a decision.  Councilwoman Benton made a motion to approve the height variance, based on the request meeting #1 and #3 of the criteria.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without opposition.

4.  Requested zoning map amendment at 820 W. Highway 80 from R-1A to C-1

A public hearing was held prior.  Mr. Byrd presented this request from Sandra Glick, property owner, to re-zone Lots A & B (the front 300' only) at 820 W. Highway 80 from R-1A (single family residential) to C-1 (light commercial), stating that due to comments in the public hearing, he is recommending this item be tabled to allow the property to be subdivided prior to re-zoning.  Councilman Wall stated that the residents present at the Planning & Zoning meeting held on July 28^th left with the understanding that the property was going to be re-zoned C-P (commercial-professional).  Councilman Cowart made a motion to table this item.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Wall and passed without opposition.

5.  Approval of final PUD/site plan for Town Lake Park of Commerce

Mr. Byrd presented the site plan and request for approval of the final PUD for Town Lake Park of Commerce located at 125 Southern Junction Boulevard, stating that a professional office park consisting of seven (7) buildings is proposed, with a 100' buffer between the site and the residential property to the north.  Mr. Byrd stated that Planning & Zoning has recommended approval.  Councilwoman Benton made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cowart, to approve the final PUD/site plan, contingent upon the detailed landscaping plan and signage plan being approved by Bill Dempsey of Dempsey Land Design for compliance with the Godley Station PUD Development Standards and a “hold harmless” agreement being approved by the city attorney.  Motion passed without opposition.

6.  Approval of site plan for Pooler Mega Storage, Phase I

Mr. Byrd presented the site plan for Phase I of the Pooler Mega Storage, located at the intersection of Durham Park Boulevard and Pooler Parkway.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the site plan, contingent upon the signage plan and lighting plan being approved by Bill Dempsey of Dempsey Land Design for compliance with the Godley Station PUD Development Standards.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Allen and passed without opposition.

Mr. Byrd presented this request from the developer of The Hunt Club, stating that a final inspection of Phase 2 was performed on September 18, 2007 and that all punch list items have been addressed.  Councilman Allen made a motion, seconded by Councilman Cowart, to release the performance bond and accept the maintenance bond, contingent upon the city attorney approving the bond.  Motion passed without opposition.

8.  Approval of alcoholic beverage license for Lata Patel at The Food Mart

Mr. Byrd presented an application for alcoholic beverage (beer and wine) sales for Lata Patel at The Food Mart, a new convenience store at 900 Pine Barren Road, stating that Police Chief C. E. Chan has recommended approval.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the license.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed with Councilman Allen opposing.

9.  Approval of alcoholic beverage license for Matthew Cohen at the Crown & Eagle Café

Mr. Byrd presented an application for alcoholic beverage sales for Matthew Cohen at the Crown & Eagle Café, located inside of the Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum, stating that Chief Chan has recommended approval.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the license, to include Sunday sales.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed with Councilman Allen opposing.

10.  Request from Gerald Cramer for median cut and traffic signal at intersection of Grand Central Blvd, Pooler Parkway and Pipemakers Road

Mr. Byrd presented a request from Mr. Cramer to remove this item from the agenda.  This request was honored.

Councilman Allen made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session at approximately 6:38 p.m. to discuss personnel and legal matters.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Seay and passed without opposition.

Mayor Lamb called the meeting back to order at 8:03 p.m.

A public hearing was held prior to the regular City Council meeting on

August 4, 2008.  Mayor Mike Lamb called the hearing to order at 5:30 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 purpose of this hearing was to discuss a requested map amendment of the northern portion of Lots 1 & 2, Stofers Subdivision from R-1A to R-2C.  Isaac LaRoche, Sr. has requested a zoning map amendment for 134 N. Skinner Avenue from R-1A (single family residential) to R-2C (two-family residential with a minimum of 10,000 sq. ft. per lot).  Mr. LaRoche plans to demolish the two (2) homes that currently occupy the lot and construct two (2) duplexes.  Councilman Wall presented concern over the number (density) of duplexes already in the area, noting a potential for a traffic hazard, particularly due to the close proximity of a daycare center and a problem with shared driveways at the duplexes.  Further, that consideration be given for re-zoning to R-2A  (two-family dwelling with a minimum of 15,000 sq. ft. per lot), which would permit only one (1) duplex to be built with separate driveways for each dwelling unit.

There being no further discussion, the hearing was adjourned at approximately 5:36 p.m.

A public hearing was held prior to the regular City Council meeting on

August 4, 2008.  Mayor Mike Lamb called the hearing to order at 5:40 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 purpose of this hearing was to discuss a requested conditional use to operate a truck sales office at 315 W. Highway 80, Suite B.  Quality Truck Sales, LLC has requested a conditional use to allow the operation of a truck sales office, with telephone and computer activities only at this site on Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Charlie Morrow and David Francis, owners, were present, stating that no trucks or trailers will be located on the site.

There being no further discussion, the hearing was adjourned at approximately 5:45 p.m.