Unapproved Watkinsville Council minutes for your review
Great to have Julie Sanders back. I can comment that I meant the trash near Morgan Manor adjacent to Farmview, but no matter.
MINUTES OF MEETING
OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL
CITY OF WATKINSVILLE
July 8, 2009
PRESENT: Mayor Luken, Council members Link, Brodrick, Purcell, Walsh, Walter and City Attorney Reitman.
VISITORS: See attached sheet.
QUORUM CHECK: Mayor Luken acknowledges a quorum is present. Councilwoman Purcell is out of the country at this time. All speakers are asked to approach the lectern and address Council.
PRESENTATION OF THE WATKINSVILLE BEAUTIFUL YARD AWARD: Councilwoman Purcell announces the winners of the Watkinsville Beautiful Yard Award as Patrick and Susan Kennedy of 1011 Christian Court. Chicken Express sponsored this month’s beautiful yard award.
MINUTES: Councilman Brodrick moved and Councilman Walsh seconded the motion to approve the June 10, 2009 Minutes as presented with corrections noted from Councilman Link. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Brodrick moved and Councilman Walter seconded the motion to approve the June 24, 2009 Called Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
DWAYNE WILKES: Ken Beall represents the sketch plat for Dwayne Wilkes regarding the property on Barnett Shoals Road. Mr. Beall explains they have converted the plat presented last month into a sketch plat. Mr. Beall summarizes details of the plat to Council. Councilman Brodrick questions the curb cuts on Lots 6 & 7. Mr. Beall explains the initial thought was to have the driveways to these lots on the private access drive; however, then there would be more than three lots off an access drive, which is not allowed according to the Watkinsville Subdivision Regulations. Councilman Brodrick and Councilman Walsh question the sanitary sewer easement. Mr. Beall explains the driveway is designed over the sanitary sewer easement, which will be pushed along the property line to allow as much room as possible. There is a “spike” strip of property along Lawanna Drive to keep access off the property to Lawanna Drive. If a road is created to connect Wilson Road to Barnett Shoals Road, Lot # 2 would be eliminated, per Mr. Beall. Councilman Brodrick summarizes points in his email dated July 1, 2009 (see attached). Councilman Brodrick explains this plan doesn’t have connectivity and doesn’t meet with the spirit of the ordinance. He adds that there are too many lots and concerns about the number of curb cuts. It is inconsistent with what the citizens want, he notes. Councilman Brodrick further notes that he would prefer to work with Mr. Wilkes to create a plan that is more in the spirit with what the citizens want. Councilman Walter expresses concern regarding the private access drive. When repairs are needed, where will the funding come from. Mr. Beall explains this is not designed to meet road standards. This is a private access drive. This is not contemplated as being something maintained by the City or the County. Repairs will be handled by the covenants of the subdivision. Councilwoman Purcell suggests a multi-purpose path to go through the property to Wilson Road by including a pedestrian easement through the property. Mr. Wilkes and Mr. Beall agree this is something that could be included. Councilman Link expresses concern regarding the three curb cuts onto Wilson Road. Mr. Beall adds that the lot sizes as well as the curb cuts and private access drive all meet the requirements of the ordinances of the City. The pedestrian easement and green space is not a problem. When it comes to the front two lots, they would prefer not going through the old home lot with a road, as they are trying to preserve this existing house on a larger lot, says Mr. Beall. Mayor Luken notes that our zoning ordinance has worked out well. Our ordinance requires design and landscaping and Samantha’s suggestion regarding the pedestrian easement is wonderful. If seven houses are properly built, this will add to this area, says Mayor Luken. This is a valid plan according to the City Engineer and the City Attorney. We can look into the future to see there is anything we can make amendments to in our zoning or subdivision ordinances to address concerns on future projects. Mr. Wilkes did a grand job on restoring the historic home and also removed two old structures that were blight in the City. Councilman Brodrick adds that he does appreciate the restoration of the house and the contribution of trees; however, he is concerned about Mr. Wilkes’ responsibility ten years from now and whether or not the plan is as good as it could have been? Councilman Brodrick suggests taking 20-30 days to adjust the plan to get it as good as it could be and then move forward. Mr. Beall explains that Mr. Wilkes will still have to come back with a preliminary plat at a future date. By virtue, this is a sketch plat and typically those details are covered at the next level. We will definitely work toward including comments as it moves forward. Mark Campbell notes he will be reviewing to make sure the project meets the details of the preliminary plat. Mr. Campbell also suggests a condition placed on the sketch plat to include a building set back on the gazebo, which is considered a temporary structure. After further discussion, Councilman Brodrick asks what level of change could take place between the sketch plat and the preliminary plat. Attorney Reitman explains that approval of a sketch plat or a concept plan doesn’t mean approval of the preliminary plat, construction plans and/or the final plat nor does it give vested rights. The developer can’t use the sketch plat or concept plan to say they do not have to meet the ordinances and regulations, says Attorney Reitman. Further, if conditions are placed on the sketch plat or concept plan, those conditions must be met at the preliminary plat stage, Attorney Reitman adds.
Councilman Walter moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to approve Dwayne Wilkes’ sketch plat for a seven lot subdivision along Barnett Shoals Road and Wilson Road with conditions to require green space including a pedestrian pathway as well as movement of the gazebo currently located between Lots 1 & 2. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried 3 to 2. Councilman Brodrick and Councilman Walsh opposed.
RICHARD JENKINS: Councilman Brodrick moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to approve the business license for Richard Jenkins Construction located at 1231 Christian Drive with the conditions that there will be no parking on site for part-time or full-time employees and we receive notice of approval from the homeowners’ association. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried 4 to 1. Councilman Walter opposed.
SHERRY COX: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Walter seconded the motion to approve the business license for Details Design Center located at 17 S. Main Street. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
JAKE ROWE: Councilman Brodrick moved and Councilman Walsh seconded the motion to approve the business license for Jake Rowe Taxidermy located at 1461B Greensboro Highway. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously. Copy of State License was provided.
MICAH REDDEN: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Walter seconded the motion to approve the business license for Future Extreme, LLC located at 1031 Business Boulevard. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
ADMINISTRATION REPORT: No reconciliation report presented. June bank statements were just received in the mail.
MAYOR’S REPORT: The art tour and July 4th events went well. July 20th we are planning a Strategy Planning Session. We will discuss SPLOST, roadways, and county courthouse. The meeting will be held in Watkinsville. The site not yet determined. The meeting will be advertized and announced. DOT & DCA are in recession and not doing as much. We have a talented young man working with the street and parks department. He graduated from Cedar Shoals High School and working with us through RDC and the stimulus program. We have five new retailers opening up. Welcome back to Sherry Cox with Details Design Center. We have fixed one crosswalk and assessing another crosswalk that may also need repairing. Robert has included an updated code enforcement report (see attached). Julie Sanders has also provided a letter explaining she desires to continue working toward a Masters Municipal Clerk Certification (see attached letter). The Police Department is back to full staff now. There was an editorial in the Athens Newspaper indicating that Athens/Clarke County has been close to running fallow meetings. With the Strategy Planning Session, we will stay within the city limits of Watkinsville and the meeting will be open to the public.
CITIZEN’S COMMENTS: Johnny Lay asks if Golden Pantry has received their Beer and Wine Retail License. Mayor Luken explains they have not received the license as of yet. Mr. Lay feels no action should have been taken regarding this license until the financial documents were provided. Dan Matthews asks if the widening of Wilson Road made it into the budget. Mayor Luken explains that this was not included in the budget because this will be considered through SPLOST. Mr. Matthews also expressed concerns regarding trash along the railroad tracks in Morgan Manor Subdivision. Mayor Luken says we will look at the area and possibly schedule a clean-up day; however, we may have to contact the owners of the railroad first.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: (1) First reading – Franchise Fee Ordinance – Walton EMC: Julie Sanders states Walton EMC as well as Georgia Power has been paying franchise fees for years. We have a written agreement with Georgia Power; however, we do not have a written agreement with Walton EMC. This will create a written agreement with Walton EMC. No action taken or necessary at this time.
ADJOURN: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to adjourn the July 8, 2009 Council Meeting at approximately 8:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
JULIE A. SANDERS, CMC
MINUTES OF MEETING
OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL
CITY OF WATKINSVILLE
July 8, 2009
PRESENT: Mayor Luken, Council members Link, Brodrick, Purcell, Walsh, Walter and City Attorney Reitman.
VISITORS: See attached sheet.
QUORUM CHECK: Mayor Luken acknowledges a quorum is present. Councilwoman Purcell is out of the country at this time. All speakers are asked to approach the lectern and address Council.
PRESENTATION OF THE WATKINSVILLE BEAUTIFUL YARD AWARD: Councilwoman Purcell announces the winners of the Watkinsville Beautiful Yard Award as Patrick and Susan Kennedy of 1011 Christian Court. Chicken Express sponsored this month’s beautiful yard award.
MINUTES: Councilman Brodrick moved and Councilman Walsh seconded the motion to approve the June 10, 2009 Minutes as presented with corrections noted from Councilman Link. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Brodrick moved and Councilman Walter seconded the motion to approve the June 24, 2009 Called Council Meeting Minutes as presented. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
DWAYNE WILKES: Ken Beall represents the sketch plat for Dwayne Wilkes regarding the property on Barnett Shoals Road. Mr. Beall explains they have converted the plat presented last month into a sketch plat. Mr. Beall summarizes details of the plat to Council. Councilman Brodrick questions the curb cuts on Lots 6 & 7. Mr. Beall explains the initial thought was to have the driveways to these lots on the private access drive; however, then there would be more than three lots off an access drive, which is not allowed according to the Watkinsville Subdivision Regulations. Councilman Brodrick and Councilman Walsh question the sanitary sewer easement. Mr. Beall explains the driveway is designed over the sanitary sewer easement, which will be pushed along the property line to allow as much room as possible. There is a “spike” strip of property along Lawanna Drive to keep access off the property to Lawanna Drive. If a road is created to connect Wilson Road to Barnett Shoals Road, Lot # 2 would be eliminated, per Mr. Beall. Councilman Brodrick summarizes points in his email dated July 1, 2009 (see attached). Councilman Brodrick explains this plan doesn’t have connectivity and doesn’t meet with the spirit of the ordinance. He adds that there are too many lots and concerns about the number of curb cuts. It is inconsistent with what the citizens want, he notes. Councilman Brodrick further notes that he would prefer to work with Mr. Wilkes to create a plan that is more in the spirit with what the citizens want. Councilman Walter expresses concern regarding the private access drive. When repairs are needed, where will the funding come from. Mr. Beall explains this is not designed to meet road standards. This is a private access drive. This is not contemplated as being something maintained by the City or the County. Repairs will be handled by the covenants of the subdivision. Councilwoman Purcell suggests a multi-purpose path to go through the property to Wilson Road by including a pedestrian easement through the property. Mr. Wilkes and Mr. Beall agree this is something that could be included. Councilman Link expresses concern regarding the three curb cuts onto Wilson Road. Mr. Beall adds that the lot sizes as well as the curb cuts and private access drive all meet the requirements of the ordinances of the City. The pedestrian easement and green space is not a problem. When it comes to the front two lots, they would prefer not going through the old home lot with a road, as they are trying to preserve this existing house on a larger lot, says Mr. Beall. Mayor Luken notes that our zoning ordinance has worked out well. Our ordinance requires design and landscaping and Samantha’s suggestion regarding the pedestrian easement is wonderful. If seven houses are properly built, this will add to this area, says Mayor Luken. This is a valid plan according to the City Engineer and the City Attorney. We can look into the future to see there is anything we can make amendments to in our zoning or subdivision ordinances to address concerns on future projects. Mr. Wilkes did a grand job on restoring the historic home and also removed two old structures that were blight in the City. Councilman Brodrick adds that he does appreciate the restoration of the house and the contribution of trees; however, he is concerned about Mr. Wilkes’ responsibility ten years from now and whether or not the plan is as good as it could have been? Councilman Brodrick suggests taking 20-30 days to adjust the plan to get it as good as it could be and then move forward. Mr. Beall explains that Mr. Wilkes will still have to come back with a preliminary plat at a future date. By virtue, this is a sketch plat and typically those details are covered at the next level. We will definitely work toward including comments as it moves forward. Mark Campbell notes he will be reviewing to make sure the project meets the details of the preliminary plat. Mr. Campbell also suggests a condition placed on the sketch plat to include a building set back on the gazebo, which is considered a temporary structure. After further discussion, Councilman Brodrick asks what level of change could take place between the sketch plat and the preliminary plat. Attorney Reitman explains that approval of a sketch plat or a concept plan doesn’t mean approval of the preliminary plat, construction plans and/or the final plat nor does it give vested rights. The developer can’t use the sketch plat or concept plan to say they do not have to meet the ordinances and regulations, says Attorney Reitman. Further, if conditions are placed on the sketch plat or concept plan, those conditions must be met at the preliminary plat stage, Attorney Reitman adds.
Councilman Walter moved and Councilwoman Purcell seconded the motion to approve Dwayne Wilkes’ sketch plat for a seven lot subdivision along Barnett Shoals Road and Wilson Road with conditions to require green space including a pedestrian pathway as well as movement of the gazebo currently located between Lots 1 & 2. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried 3 to 2. Councilman Brodrick and Councilman Walsh opposed.
RICHARD JENKINS: Councilman Brodrick moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to approve the business license for Richard Jenkins Construction located at 1231 Christian Drive with the conditions that there will be no parking on site for part-time or full-time employees and we receive notice of approval from the homeowners’ association. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried 4 to 1. Councilman Walter opposed.
SHERRY COX: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Walter seconded the motion to approve the business license for Details Design Center located at 17 S. Main Street. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
JAKE ROWE: Councilman Brodrick moved and Councilman Walsh seconded the motion to approve the business license for Jake Rowe Taxidermy located at 1461B Greensboro Highway. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously. Copy of State License was provided.
MICAH REDDEN: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Walter seconded the motion to approve the business license for Future Extreme, LLC located at 1031 Business Boulevard. Opportunity for discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
ADMINISTRATION REPORT: No reconciliation report presented. June bank statements were just received in the mail.
MAYOR’S REPORT: The art tour and July 4th events went well. July 20th we are planning a Strategy Planning Session. We will discuss SPLOST, roadways, and county courthouse. The meeting will be held in Watkinsville. The site not yet determined. The meeting will be advertized and announced. DOT & DCA are in recession and not doing as much. We have a talented young man working with the street and parks department. He graduated from Cedar Shoals High School and working with us through RDC and the stimulus program. We have five new retailers opening up. Welcome back to Sherry Cox with Details Design Center. We have fixed one crosswalk and assessing another crosswalk that may also need repairing. Robert has included an updated code enforcement report (see attached). Julie Sanders has also provided a letter explaining she desires to continue working toward a Masters Municipal Clerk Certification (see attached letter). The Police Department is back to full staff now. There was an editorial in the Athens Newspaper indicating that Athens/Clarke County has been close to running fallow meetings. With the Strategy Planning Session, we will stay within the city limits of Watkinsville and the meeting will be open to the public.
CITIZEN’S COMMENTS: Johnny Lay asks if Golden Pantry has received their Beer and Wine Retail License. Mayor Luken explains they have not received the license as of yet. Mr. Lay feels no action should have been taken regarding this license until the financial documents were provided. Dan Matthews asks if the widening of Wilson Road made it into the budget. Mayor Luken explains that this was not included in the budget because this will be considered through SPLOST. Mr. Matthews also expressed concerns regarding trash along the railroad tracks in Morgan Manor Subdivision. Mayor Luken says we will look at the area and possibly schedule a clean-up day; however, we may have to contact the owners of the railroad first.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: (1) First reading – Franchise Fee Ordinance – Walton EMC: Julie Sanders states Walton EMC as well as Georgia Power has been paying franchise fees for years. We have a written agreement with Georgia Power; however, we do not have a written agreement with Walton EMC. This will create a written agreement with Walton EMC. No action taken or necessary at this time.
ADJOURN: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to adjourn the July 8, 2009 Council Meeting at approximately 8:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
JULIE A. SANDERS, CMC
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