What I would like for Christmas is a Skate Park and Wine Shop in Watkinsville
MINUTES OF MEETING
OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL
CITY OF WATKINSVILLE
December 10, 2008
PRESENT: Mayor Luken, Council members Link, Purcell, Brodrick, Walsh and Walter
VISITORS: See attached sheet.
QUORUM CHECK: Mayor Luken acknowledges a quorum is present. All speakers are asked to approach the lectern and address Council.
CHRISTMAS PARADE AWARDS: Mayor Luken appreciates Maridee Williams organizing and overseeing the Watkinsville Christmas Parade. He explains that he and Maridee discussed a couple of weeks ago that the parade at one point almost dissolved, but thanks to Maridee and The Oconee Enterprise, it has continued. “Maridee has done an incredible job”, he says. Maridee Williams presents the Christmas Parade Awards (See attached list of winners.).
MINUTES: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to approve the November 12, 2008 Minutes as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Link moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to approve the November 10, 2008 Called Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
JEFF MADDOX: Julie Sanders explains that the proposed location for the Zion Skate Park is not zoned to allow this type of business; however, the lot does back up to an area that does allow it. Mayor Luken explains a change to the zoning ordinance could be considered. Jeff Maddox and Rob Lanham presented a concept plan for the skate park including park set up, parking, rules and regulations. Councilman Brodrick seems it would make more sense to add recreational facilities in the definitions and in the matrix. Councilman Brodrick explains we need to cut across the zoning line here as he could see businesses such as “Pump It Up” coming as well. This is not a bad use of space, per Councilman Brodrick. After further discussion, no action was taken at this time as a change to the zoning ordinance will be required.
JOANNE NUCCI: Councilman Walter moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to approve the business for JEB-N-JATS at 20 Spring Circle. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
LINDSEY BYRAM: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Walsh seconded the motion to approve the business license for Stone Soup at 19 Main Street. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
RODNEY ELLERBEE: Councilman Brodrick moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to approve the building permit for a 16 x 20 office/garage addition to the existing residence at 1051 Christian Court. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
ANN MILLER-ANDERSEN: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Brodrick seconded the motion to approve the Beer and Wine Pouring License for Le Maison Bleu at 2 S. Main Street, Suite 111. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried 4 to 1. Councilman Link opposed.
JOSE ZAMBRANO: Councilman Walter moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to approve the Beer and Wine Pouring License for Jose’s Restaurant at 24 Greensboro Highway, Suite A. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried 4 to 1. Councilman Link opposed.
HEALTHY GOURMET: John Morrison and Ron Shilling present their concept plan to open a business at Town Center to sell unique foods such as specialty wines and different types of cheese. This is considered more specialty sales than package sales. Mr. Shilling explains only about 15% of his business is wine sales and all are specialty wines. Please consider the request to sell only wine, says Mr. Shilling. Councilwoman Purcell questions the time frame the gentlemen have in mind. Mr. Shilling explains the beginning of the year is their desire. Opportunity for discussion. No action was taken or necessary at this time.
RECONCILIATION REPORT: Councilman Walter moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to approve the October 31, 2008 Reconciliation Report as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Julie gives a summarized budget report as of today. We have received 52% of the expected revenue for the fiscal year and expensed 41% of the expected expenses.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Luken explains this past weekend was very busy with hanging Christmas decorations, lighting of the “Great Tree”, and the Christmas Parade. Thanks to Maridee Williams for handling the Christmas Parade. Thanks also to Peggy Holcomb for handling the lighting of the tree. There are lots of individuals that made all these events possible: Chief O’Dillon and the Watkinsville Police Department; Jerry Harris and the Street Department; The Georgia Power Company: Mike Lewis, Project Manager, Donnie Lumpkin, Stephens Mutton and Seth Larsen, GA Power Linemen; Herb Santana and Paul Martin with Oconee County Operations; Ted Evans, Sr. donated the tree; and Horst Klein with Engineered Fabrication Inc. fabricated the tree stand. There was no cost to residents for either event. The City bought a sign and candy.
Chief O’Dillon reports that the reflective vests for all patrolmen and street department employees have been ordered. We should have those soon.
Mayor Luken reports that many city and local governments are citing increases in taxes and reduced services. Watkinsville will need to do neither in the near term. Our Local Option Sales Tax is in the normal parameters to date. A pre-legislative session indicated Homestead Rebates (HTRG) will be on track this year. Speculate that property taxes and business taxes will decline, but not fall off the table, per Mayor Luken. If SPLOST is approved in the Spring, we would receive assistance in Public Safety, Transportation (road repairs and sidewalks), Parks and Recreation, Water and Sewer facilities. This assistance will result in savings from capital projects from the general fund. We have saved and reapportioned monies from Capital Improvement. We have the purchase of a police car suspended until the SPLOST referendum.
Our Second Streetscape effort is alive. The MOU is in the next group to be released. We have kept monies aside from the last Streetscape to cover the City’s share. We also have a substantial number of Statements of Qualifications from interested parties.
CITIZEN’S COMMENTS: Peggy Holcomb says the downtown decorations and tree look great. She thanks Mayor and Council for a job well done. Ms. Holcomb also expresses sincere appreciation to the street department employees. She says they take great pleasure and pride in their work. She says it is very important to let them know how appreciated they are. All employees are doing a great job, she says.
OLD BUSINESS: (1) Consider SPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement: Mayor Luken summarizes the proposed use of SPLOST Funds as: $216,000 for public safety facilities and equipment; $842,000 for recreational and park facilities; $1,305,000 for roads, streets and bridges as well as $833,000 for water and sewer facilities. Attorney Reitman notes that he has reviewed this information over a period of time and all seems good to go. Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to approve the 2009 SPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS: (1) Discuss Solid Waste Management Ordinance Update: Mayor Luken explains the next step for an update to this ordinance will require a 15 day letter to the newspaper. Robert Hegge, Code Enforcement Officer, summarizes the process as well as discusses the recommended changes to the ordinance. Opportunity for discussion. No action taken or necessary at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Walter seconded the motion to exit regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Link moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to go into executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to exit executive session. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Link moved and Councilman Walsh seconded the motion to approve the employee bonuses as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Walter seconded the motion to adjourn the December 10, 1008 Council Meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
JULIE A. SANDERS, CMC
OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL
CITY OF WATKINSVILLE
December 10, 2008
PRESENT: Mayor Luken, Council members Link, Purcell, Brodrick, Walsh and Walter
VISITORS: See attached sheet.
QUORUM CHECK: Mayor Luken acknowledges a quorum is present. All speakers are asked to approach the lectern and address Council.
CHRISTMAS PARADE AWARDS: Mayor Luken appreciates Maridee Williams organizing and overseeing the Watkinsville Christmas Parade. He explains that he and Maridee discussed a couple of weeks ago that the parade at one point almost dissolved, but thanks to Maridee and The Oconee Enterprise, it has continued. “Maridee has done an incredible job”, he says. Maridee Williams presents the Christmas Parade Awards (See attached list of winners.).
MINUTES: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to approve the November 12, 2008 Minutes as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Link moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to approve the November 10, 2008 Called Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
JEFF MADDOX: Julie Sanders explains that the proposed location for the Zion Skate Park is not zoned to allow this type of business; however, the lot does back up to an area that does allow it. Mayor Luken explains a change to the zoning ordinance could be considered. Jeff Maddox and Rob Lanham presented a concept plan for the skate park including park set up, parking, rules and regulations. Councilman Brodrick seems it would make more sense to add recreational facilities in the definitions and in the matrix. Councilman Brodrick explains we need to cut across the zoning line here as he could see businesses such as “Pump It Up” coming as well. This is not a bad use of space, per Councilman Brodrick. After further discussion, no action was taken at this time as a change to the zoning ordinance will be required.
JOANNE NUCCI: Councilman Walter moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to approve the business for JEB-N-JATS at 20 Spring Circle. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
LINDSEY BYRAM: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Walsh seconded the motion to approve the business license for Stone Soup at 19 Main Street. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
RODNEY ELLERBEE: Councilman Brodrick moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to approve the building permit for a 16 x 20 office/garage addition to the existing residence at 1051 Christian Court. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
ANN MILLER-ANDERSEN: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Brodrick seconded the motion to approve the Beer and Wine Pouring License for Le Maison Bleu at 2 S. Main Street, Suite 111. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried 4 to 1. Councilman Link opposed.
JOSE ZAMBRANO: Councilman Walter moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to approve the Beer and Wine Pouring License for Jose’s Restaurant at 24 Greensboro Highway, Suite A. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried 4 to 1. Councilman Link opposed.
HEALTHY GOURMET: John Morrison and Ron Shilling present their concept plan to open a business at Town Center to sell unique foods such as specialty wines and different types of cheese. This is considered more specialty sales than package sales. Mr. Shilling explains only about 15% of his business is wine sales and all are specialty wines. Please consider the request to sell only wine, says Mr. Shilling. Councilwoman Purcell questions the time frame the gentlemen have in mind. Mr. Shilling explains the beginning of the year is their desire. Opportunity for discussion. No action was taken or necessary at this time.
RECONCILIATION REPORT: Councilman Walter moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to approve the October 31, 2008 Reconciliation Report as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Julie gives a summarized budget report as of today. We have received 52% of the expected revenue for the fiscal year and expensed 41% of the expected expenses.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Luken explains this past weekend was very busy with hanging Christmas decorations, lighting of the “Great Tree”, and the Christmas Parade. Thanks to Maridee Williams for handling the Christmas Parade. Thanks also to Peggy Holcomb for handling the lighting of the tree. There are lots of individuals that made all these events possible: Chief O’Dillon and the Watkinsville Police Department; Jerry Harris and the Street Department; The Georgia Power Company: Mike Lewis, Project Manager, Donnie Lumpkin, Stephens Mutton and Seth Larsen, GA Power Linemen; Herb Santana and Paul Martin with Oconee County Operations; Ted Evans, Sr. donated the tree; and Horst Klein with Engineered Fabrication Inc. fabricated the tree stand. There was no cost to residents for either event. The City bought a sign and candy.
Chief O’Dillon reports that the reflective vests for all patrolmen and street department employees have been ordered. We should have those soon.
Mayor Luken reports that many city and local governments are citing increases in taxes and reduced services. Watkinsville will need to do neither in the near term. Our Local Option Sales Tax is in the normal parameters to date. A pre-legislative session indicated Homestead Rebates (HTRG) will be on track this year. Speculate that property taxes and business taxes will decline, but not fall off the table, per Mayor Luken. If SPLOST is approved in the Spring, we would receive assistance in Public Safety, Transportation (road repairs and sidewalks), Parks and Recreation, Water and Sewer facilities. This assistance will result in savings from capital projects from the general fund. We have saved and reapportioned monies from Capital Improvement. We have the purchase of a police car suspended until the SPLOST referendum.
Our Second Streetscape effort is alive. The MOU is in the next group to be released. We have kept monies aside from the last Streetscape to cover the City’s share. We also have a substantial number of Statements of Qualifications from interested parties.
CITIZEN’S COMMENTS: Peggy Holcomb says the downtown decorations and tree look great. She thanks Mayor and Council for a job well done. Ms. Holcomb also expresses sincere appreciation to the street department employees. She says they take great pleasure and pride in their work. She says it is very important to let them know how appreciated they are. All employees are doing a great job, she says.
OLD BUSINESS: (1) Consider SPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement: Mayor Luken summarizes the proposed use of SPLOST Funds as: $216,000 for public safety facilities and equipment; $842,000 for recreational and park facilities; $1,305,000 for roads, streets and bridges as well as $833,000 for water and sewer facilities. Attorney Reitman notes that he has reviewed this information over a period of time and all seems good to go. Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to approve the 2009 SPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS: (1) Discuss Solid Waste Management Ordinance Update: Mayor Luken explains the next step for an update to this ordinance will require a 15 day letter to the newspaper. Robert Hegge, Code Enforcement Officer, summarizes the process as well as discusses the recommended changes to the ordinance. Opportunity for discussion. No action taken or necessary at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Walter seconded the motion to exit regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Link moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to go into executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to exit executive session. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Link moved and Councilman Walsh seconded the motion to approve the employee bonuses as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Walter seconded the motion to adjourn the December 10, 1008 Council Meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
JULIE A. SANDERS, CMC
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