|
|
 |
|
City Commission Meetings: Minutes
MINUTES The City Commission of the City of Toccoa met in Regular Session at City Hall on Monday, September 18, 2008, five o’clock P. M. with Mayor Andy Pavliscsak presiding. The invocation was given by Reverend Paul Garrison followed by the Pledge Of Allegiance to the Flag. On roll call the following were present: Mayor Andy Pavliscsak Motion by Commissioner Troup, seconded by Vice Mayor Seib and unanimously carried to approve the Agenda as presented, a copy of this agenda being attached as Exhibit “A”.
Under reports the following reports were heard:
Commissioner Troup reported that a few weeks ago he asked the City Manager to get with the Department Heads and other people and develop a list of possible ways the City could save a few dollars. He said they brought forth a list and he noted they had already saved on some of the things. He said there were other good suggestions and in a few weeks they would be looking at those to see if they could save a few more tax dollars. Commissioner Austin reported he had received his County tax bill that day and it had gone up 16%. He said when people received their city tax bill they would notice that city taxes had not gone up. He also paid tribute to former Mayor and City Commissioner Lucius Alewine who passed away on Wednesday, September 17th . He commented that Lucius did a lot for this community over the years and he would be missed. He asked that they all remember the family in their prayers. City Manager Morse reported they would once again start their water system hydrant flushing in October; the work would be done each night starting October 5th with work to be completed October 31st. He advised this was done to remove any silt that might have built up in the system over the last year. He also reported that a joint dinner meeting with the Stephens County Commission had been scheduled for October 13th to immediately follow the next regular meeting. He further reported he just wanted to update them on the Hickory Circle Court Project, and let them know they were working on a variety of issues including:
Attorney Dickerson reported he was happy to report, as they had heard on the news, that the County had agreed that the City was entitled to receive 20.548% of additional SPLOST collections. He explained this SPLOST period was extended by the Department of Revenue under their original contract in January 2003. He explained there was a provision whereby they could collect that additional percentage until the expiration of the SPLOST period. He advised it would be appropriate and in order if they would authorize by Resolution the City Manager to execute the amendment to SPLOST IV agreement. He advised they would have to probably tweak it a little but once they got it approved, he was sure they would like to go ahead and get the money. He explained the amendment would provide as follows: Toccoa will be entitled to receive 20.548% of additional SPLOST collections that would have been denominated as collections under the SPLOST IV agreement. Stephens County will forward those payments as collected and received by Stephens County.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Seib that they adopt the Resolution as outlined by Attorney Dickerson. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Austin and unanimously carried, a copy of this Resolution being attached as Exhibit “B”. Mayor Pavliscsak next recognized any visitors who wished to speak on any of the Agenda items. There were no persons present who wished to be heard.
I. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Commissioner Troup, seconded by Vice Mayor Seib and unanimously carried to approve the following Consent Agenda items as submitted:
A. Approval of Minutes of September 8, Work Session. B. Approval of Minutes of September 8, City Commission Meeting.
II. OLD BUSINESS:
None.
IV. NEW BUSINESS:
C. Discussion of Issues Relating to Off-Road Vehicles on Private Property.
Mr. Morse explained the Planning Commission had reviewed the issue of ATV/Off Road Vehicles as requested by the City Commission. He advised the Planning commission did not recommend any amendments to the off-road vehicle ordinance, but did suggest the City Commission review the nuisance ordinance to see if it could be strengthened concerning noise and dust. He advised they had a citizen’s petition concerning this matter and he believed a few of them were present that night to discuss this matter. The Commission heard first from Ken Cox, 210 North Boulevard. Mr. Cox told the Commission his concern as to this was two-fold and one was safety. He explained when you had a powerful machine like these were and a small city lot like they had, these things were not controlled and when you had people doing wheelies on them, riding two on the back, and in this particular neighborhood there was not much ground. He said they had four on a quarter vacant lot that also had a pool and two buildings on it. He explained there was only a wooden fence separating Mrs. Orr’s property where her children were playing behind that fence. He brought out that if they hit the fence and the children were there it could be catastrophic. He said the second thing was the noise and dust. The Commission next heard from Mrs. Courtney Orr, 926 East Tugalo Street. She also had a complaint about the noise and dust. She said they had a pool in the back yard and there was just a small area where they could ride the SUVS. She said they could hit the wooden fence and it would come down on her children. Mr. Don Pruitt, Planning Commission Chairman, was present and explained the Planning Commission’s recommendation regarding the request to amend the off-road vehicle ordinance. Their recommendation was that the nuisance ordinance be reviewed to see if it should be amended to have more measurable and enforceable requirements for noise, dust etc. After discussion of the issues relating to off-road vehicles on private property, the Commission referred this to the City Attorney to review and strengthen the nuisance ordinance.
D. Consideration of Agreement with the Stephens County Historical Society Concerning the Conveyance of Personal Property to the City of Toccoa for Insurance Purposes. City Manager Morse explained the Historical Society was looking for a cost effective way to provide insurance on their personal property, which of course was their historical artifacts. He advised the Historical Society has requested the City consider covering the items under the city’s policy. He said they had checked with the city’s insurance carrier, the Georgia Municipal Association, and this could be done at minimal to no cost. He said however, to do this, then the City needed to “own” the items. After discussion, this matter was referred back to the City Attorney for additional information.
E. Consideration of Appointment/Reappointment of the Ethics Committee. Mr. Morse told the Commission that some of the members of the Ethics Committee appointed in 2001 may no longer live in our community, or may no longer want to serve on the committee. He advised they had a list of all the members in their packets. He said he thought it important to note that since the Ethics Committee was first appointed, they had not needed to meet to discuss any ethic complaints. Mayor Pavliscsak advised he had a name he would like to offer for appointment to the Committee and that was Bill Ayers who lived on Skyline Drive and was a retired GM employee. The appointment was seconded by Vice Mayor Seib and unanimously approved. He also suggested that the City Manager go through the list and then advise them of the people who had moved or did not wish to serve anymore or were not eligible to serve. Vice Mayor Seib suggested that the City Manager contact the members of the Ethics Committee without the Commission present, and maybe have a session with the City Attorney to point out the purpose of the Committee and responsibilities. F. Recognition of Visitors Wishing to Speak on General Items. There were no persons present who wished to be heard IV. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned by Mayor Pavliscsak at 5:45 PM. #
|
|
Home | About Us | Calendar | Contacts | Government | Press Releases | Services | Main Street Toccoa
CityofToccoa.Com © 2008 |