City Council Minutes October 2, 2017 Regular Session

OTHERS PRESENT: Matt Pepper, Assistant City Manager; David Strickland, City Attorney; Dave Harvey, Chief; Lauran Willis, City Clerk; Jody Reid, Utility Superintendent; Hoyt & LaTrelle Oliver, Kendra Mayfield, Teresa & Darryl Welch, Terri Fullerton, Josh Roberts, Robert Bayless, Louise Eady, Donna Sneed, Jeff Wearing, Peggy Madden, Judy Greer, Anita Carson, Cheryl Ready, James Roach Jr., Lee Autry.

The meeting was called to order by the Hon. Jerry D. Roseberry, Mayor
Invocation:  Hoyt Oliver / Pledge of Allegiance:

Motion made by Windham, seconded by Ready to accept the Agenda for October 2, 2017 Mayor and Council Regular Meeting. Motion passed 6/0.  *

Honorary Councilmember *
Mayor Roseberry introduced Adrienne Waddey, Associate Director of Development for Oxford College, as the honorary councilmember for October appointed by councilmember David Eady.  Roseberry presented her with a proclamation for her participation.    

Consent Agenda *
               a. Motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 18, 2017.
               b. Motion to approve the Minutes of the Work Session September 18, 2017.
               c. Motion to accept the Minutes of the Public Hearing September 18, 2017.
              d. Motion to accept the Minutes of the DDA August 23, 2017.
              e. Motion to accept the Minutes of the Historic Preservation Committee meeting August 17, 2017.
Majority vote passed 6/0.   

PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS/PETITIONS *

Jeff Wearing, Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission presented a letter of request drafted by Chairman Jonathan Eady, from the Oxford Planning Commission regarding a proposal from Kendra Mayfield with Oxford College for a parking lot on the East side of Whatcoat Street.  His presentation was a request to council asking them to reconsider their decisions on the proposal as presented at the September meeting.  

Roseberry said that his vote was based on a study asking for citizens input on what they would like to see, and none mentioned that they wanted to see parking lots.  He concluded by saying that this could be put on the work session agenda at any time if council so desires.       

CITIZENS COMMENTS/CONCERNS
Council heard comments from Teresa Welch, Louise Eady, Terri Fullerton, Josh Roberts and Richard Henderson all in reference to the Whatcoat Parking Lot as presented by Jeff Wearing.

Cheryl Ready, Chair of Trees, Parks and Recreation said the city lost a lot of trees in the Tropical Strom Erma. Ready asked that if the city should receive any funding from FEMA that council consider assigning some of the funds to the tree board for replacing of trees.

MAYOR’S REPORT
Roseberry said the City has received from Newton County the first draw on the 2017 SPLOST in the amount of $22,973.15.

N. Emory Sewer Project First Reading for Sec. 36-93 Ordinance Change *
We had the first reading of the Ordinance change for (Sec. 36-93 “Use of public sewer required” ) based on the draft presented by Attorney Strickland 10/02/2017.  This will be on the November agenda for a Second reading and vote.  (Attached)

Asbury Street Parking Lot *
As part of Oxford College’s proposed Pierce Street and Whatcoat Street design, City Council will discuss and decide to approve or disapprove the proposed parking lot along Asbury Street behind Allen Memorial. 
Councilmember Eady said it was noted in the meeting minutes from September 18, 2017 Work Session that we did discussed a proposal to go ahead and request a change to the engineering design to make Asbury Street a straight shot from Pierce Street out to George Street, which will create more green space between Allen Memorial structures and any parking areas created. Eady suggested this be a part of the approval for this proposed parking area.  Mayor Roseberry said it has been reviewed and this proposed parking will not interfere with the George Street Park entrance.  Eady made a motion to approve the preliminary design of the parking with the adjustment of the Asbury Street moving further to the west and straighten out the southern end of that street subject to discussion with the College.   Windham moved that this item be tabled.  Motion passed 6/0.

Resurfacing Green Street
Assistant City Manager Matt Pepper said the FY2017 Capital Budget included the use of LMIG Grant funding for the purpose of resurfacing Green Street. The estimated project cost is $16,500. DOT has granted $23,873.46 for the completion of this project.  The city will supply the asphalt, and Newton County will provide the labor and equipment to complete the work. We recommend that Council approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with Newton County for this project.

A motion was made by Eady, seconded by Windham to approve the IGA with Newton County in the amount of $16,500. Motion passed 6/0  

INVOICES OVER $1,000.00 

Invoice Approval
Motion made by Holt, seconded by Davis to approve invoices. Motion passed 6/0.

Motion by Holt, seconded by Davis to adjourn the Regular Session for a break before entering the Executive Session at 7:39 pm. Motion passed 6/0.

Executive Session
Motion by Windham, seconded by Ready to go into Executive at 7:50 pm. Motion passed 6/0.
Roseberry gave a brief update on some personnel matters.
Attorney Strickland updated council on Real Estate matters.

Motion by Windham, seconded by Ready to leave Executive Session at 7:52 pm. Motion passed 6/0.
Motion by Windham, seconded by Eady to return to the Regular session at 7:52 pm. Motion passed 6/0.

There being no further business.
Motion by Windham, seconded by Davis to adjourn at 7:53 pm. Motion passed 6/0.

Respectfully Submitted;

Lauran Willis, CMC/FOA
City Clerk