The regular meeting of the Pooler City Council was held on September 15, 2008.  Mayor Mike Lamb called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. (delayed due to the public hearings held prior).  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 Councilwoman Benton, seconded by Councilman Wall, with no opposition.

Councilman Seay presented the accounts payable information for August.

Councilman Allen reported that the police department responded to 1260 calls during the period of August 24^th through September 14^th and that the fire department responded to 67 calls in September.  Chief Wade Simmons stated that the fire department has received a check from the City of Port Wentworth for reimbursement of material/equipment used for mutual aid.  Councilman Wall expressed his appreciation.

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.  Further, that there were water leaks over the weekend, affecting the southwest area of the City as well as a sewer leak.

Councilman Royal reported that the regular football season has begun and that the 2^nd Annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 4^th at Crosswinds Golf Club.

Councilwoman Benton reported that eight (8) new single family residential and three  (3) commercial permits have been issued since the last meeting, totaling 142 residential and 42 commercial permits for the year, with 5672  inspections performed.

Mayor Lamb stated that Julie Gerbsch, 7^th District Savannah-Chatham County School Board Representative, was unable to attend the meeting and read aloud a letter in regards to the site selection for the new high school in West Chatham County.

1.  Second Reading on new Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to include the D Firm      Panels and FIS (Flood Insurance Study)

Councilwoman Benton stepped down from her seat.  Mr. Byrd presented the new Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, stating that the properties that were previously not in the “floodways” are not able to be “grand-fathered” in with respects to the new flood maps approved by FEMA, adding that the City of Pooler does not approve the maps and how FEMA depicts the floodways on the maps.  Further, that the City’s engineer has been asked to give an opinion as to whether there are any errors on the maps relating to properties in the City of Pooler.  Mr. Byrd stated that the new maps will have dramatic effects on some properties.  Mr. Scheer added that the City has no choice but to adopt the ordinance to maintain its status with the Community Rating System to keep flood insurance rates affordable.  After discussion, Councilman Cowart made a motion to approve the ordinance on Second Reading, contingent upon the ordinance being applied uniformly throughout the other municipalities in Chatham County.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Wall and passed without opposition.  Councilwoman Benton returned to her seat.

1.  Requested 2' fence height variance to install a 6' chain link fence around the perimeter of West Chatham Elementary School

A public hearing was held prior.  Mr. Byrd presented this request from the Savannah-Chatham County  Board of Education to allow installation of a 6' chain link fence around the perimeter of West Chatham Elementary School to increase the security for students and staff members.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the variance, based on the request meeting variance standards # 1 and #3, contingent upon the fence being dark green vinyl coated with emergency access provided.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.

2.  Requested 2' fence height variance to install a 6' chain link fence around the perimeter of West Chatham Middle School

A public hearing was held prior.  Mr. Byrd presented this request from the Savannah-Chatham County  Board of Education to allow installation of a 6' chain link fence around the perimeter of West Chatham Middle School to increase the security for students and staff members.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the variance, based on the request meeting variance standards #1 and #3, contingent upon the fence being dark green vinyl coated with emergency access provided.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.

3.  Requested 2' fence height variance to install a 6' chain link fence around the perimeter of Pooler Elementary School

A public hearing was held prior.  Mr. Byrd presented this request from the Savannah-Chatham County  Board of Education to allow installation of a 6' chain link fence around the perimeter of Pooler Elementary School to increase the security for students and staff members.  Councilman Wall made a motion to approve the variance, based on the request meeting variance standards #1 and #3, contingent upon the northwest corner of the property being included in the fencing, the fence being dark green vinyl coated and being placed as close to the property line as possible.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Cowart and passed without opposition.

4.  Requested zoning map amendment at 708 W. Highway 80 from C-1 to C-2

A public hearing was held prior.  Mr. Byrd presented this request from Ercole Gaglio, owner of Little Italy Pizza and Subs Restaurant, to rezone the property at 708 W. Highway 80 from C-1 (light commercial) to C-2 (heavy commercial) to allow beer and wine sales, stating that Planning & Zoning has recommended approval.  Councilman Wall expressed concern about the permitted uses in the C-2 zoning and made a motion to deny the request.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Seay and passed with Councilwoman Benton and Councilman Cowart opposing.  Councilwoman Benton stated that her reasons for opposing the motion were due to the fact that this is a family-owned business, is located on a major artery, the business is not open on Sundays, it has strict hours and that no neighbors were present to oppose this request. As discussed in the public hearing, it was recommended to the owners, Mr. & Mrs. Campbell, to petition the City for a zoning text amendment to allow beer and wine sales by the drink as a conditional use at restaurants in C-1 zoning.  Kathy Bartlett, resident, expressed concern over the fact the owners were not clearly presented this information at the Planning & Zoning meeting.

5.  Approval of minor subdivision of Parcel 1, ADK Investments Tract, located east of           intersection of Pine Barren Road & E. Highway 80

Mr. Byrd presented this request to subdivide Parcel 1, located east of the intersection of Pine Barren Road and E. Highway 80, into two parcels, with Parcel 1-A being approximately 2.35 acres and the remaining portion being approximately 4.1 acres.  Councilman Wall made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Benton, to approve the minor subdivision, contingent upon Department of Transportation approval of the proposed curb-cut location for an accel/decel lane.  Motion passed without opposition.

6.  Approval of preliminary construction plan for Towne Center @ Godley Station,      Phase I

Mr. Byrd presented this request from the developer of Towne Center @ Godley Station, stating that Phase I will consist of installing the water, sewer and roadway systems to serve the 24 acre tract of land, which will include the proposed family entertainment center.  After discussion, Councilman Allen made a motion to approve the preliminary construction plan for Phase I, contingent upon EPD approval.  Motion was seconded by Councilman Cowart and passed without opposition.

7.  Acceptance of maintenance bond for Blue Moon Crossing Extension        

Mr. Byrd presented this request from the developer of Blue Moon Crossing Extension, stating that a final inspection was performed and that the public works department has approved the project to begin its 12-month warranty period.  Councilwoman Benton made a motion, seconded by Councilman Allen, to accept the maintenance bond, contingent upon the city attorney approving the bond.  Motion passed without opposition.

8.  Request from Pooler Crossroads Visitors Center to waive permit fees for upcoming       “Flying Pig Festival” and to permit 1 Mile and 5K Run on October 4^th

Anne Smith aka “The Flying Pig” addressed Council in regards to the permit fees being waived for the upcoming festival, permission for the 1 mile and 5K Run and for the City to approve off-duty police security during the festival.  Councilman Cowart made a motion to waive the permit fees, allow the run and for the City to provide security with off-duty police officers.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.

9.  First Reading on amendment to fence ordinance

Mr. Byrd presented an amendment to the fence ordinance to specify the gauge of fence and require vinyl coating to be black or hunter green in color for commercial/security and industrial/security fences.  Councilman Allen made a motion to approve the amendment on First Reading.  Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Benton and passed without opposition.

10.  First Reading on amendment to ordinance regarding meter reading; billing;                    collection

Mr. Byrd presented an amendment to the meter reading; billing and collection ordinance, stating that the current ordinance was hard to understand as to the actual due date and disconnect date for utility bills.  After discussion, Councilman Wall made a motion, seconded by Councilman Allen, to approve the amendment on First Reading.  Motion passed without opposition.

Christy Jackson, resident, addressed Council in regards to a problem at the recreation park involving a local photographer singling out three (3) football players from a team photograph.  Mayor Lamb instructed Mr. Byrd to handle this issue.