City Council - 08 October 2007 Minutes

WORK SESSION OF THE
MAYOR AND COUNCIL

PRESENT:
Mayor Lasseter, Councilmembers Kirouac, Bomar, Mundrick, Dugan, Hall
City Administrator, Department Directors, City Attorney

A work session was held prior to the regular scheduled meeting to allow the elected officials to discuss and ask questions of department directors regarding this evening’s agenda items.

No other items were discussed and no action was taken.

MINUTES OF THE
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
CITY OF DULUTH, GA

6:50 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER:   Mayor Shirley Fanning-Lasseter
INVOCATION/PLEDGE:            Council member Jim Dugan
PLEDGE:                                       Scout Robert Rettig, Troop 2001
WELCOME RESIDENTS:           Castlemaine/Parc View North

1. EXECUTIVE SESSION – POTENTIAL/PENDING LITIGATION AND PERSONNEL
   1. A motion was made by Councilmember Kirouac, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to adjourn to executive session to discuss potential/pending litigation at 6:50 p.m.
      
      Those voting for: Council members Kirouac, Bomar, Mundrick, Dugan, and Hall
      Motion carried.
      
      After the discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Bomar, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to return to regular session at 7:00 p.m.
      
      Those voting for: Council members Kirouac, Bomar, Mundrick, Dugan, and Hall
      Motion carried.
2. CEREMONIAL MATTER
   1. COMMUNITY RECOGNITION – QUALITY OF LIFE AWARD
      Mayor Lasseter presented “Quality of Life” Awards to the Lamar Group for their Promenade at Berkeley property, and also to the Berkshires at Howell Station. These organizations are playing an active role in promoting and enhancing the aesthetics of the community and maintaining a desirable place to live, work and play for all.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
   1. APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 MINUTES
   2. LEASE AGREEMENT - RAILROAD DEPOT BUILDING [postponed]
   3. DONATION OF FORMER MOUNTED PATROL HORSE
      “Sunny,” a Tennesee Walker and former part of the City of Duluth Mounted Patrol unit, became unable to ride full time due to a hoof problem. After investigation, it was determined that there was no suitable non-profit organization which would accept him and it was costly for upkeep. Therefore, approval of this item authorizes the donation of “Sunny” to Ms. Sonya Bush, who has the necessary land and equipment to care for him.
      
      A motion was made by Councilmember Bomar, seconded by Councilmember Dugan, to approve items 1 and 3 of the Consent Agenda, and to postpone item 2 until October 22nd.
      
      Those voting for: Council members Kirouac, Bomar, Mundrick, Dugan, and Hall.
      Motion carried.
4. NEW BUSINESS
   1. ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DULUTH CODE – PHOTOGRAPHIC TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT
      [Exhibit “A”]
      As recommended by Judge Charles Barrett in order remain in compliance with State law, the Mayor and Council considered an ordinance to amend the Duluth Code regarding Photographic Traffic Enforcement by deleting the verbiage under Section 8-51 of Division 3 of Chapter 8 concerning “recorded images.”
      
      A motion was made by Councilmember Mundrick, seconded by Councilmember Kirouac, to approve the ordinance to amend the Duluth Code as presented.
      
      Those voting for: Council members Kirouac, Bomar, Mundrick, Dugan, and Hall
      Motion carried.
   2. AUTHORIZATION FOR GRANT APPLICATION – REPEATER SYSTEM - HOMELAND SECURITY
      The Mayor and Council considered authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to fund an independent Repeater System for the Incident Command Vehicle. Key points:
      
      Requesting equipment so that the Command Vehicle has an independent Repeater System and addition radios
      Self-sufficiency of Duluth team for up to two weeks, including food, water, security and lodging.
      Response includes: Command Vehicle and two pull-behind trailers, one for additional equipment and the second for lodging.
      Currently – Lt Harvey, Lt. Montgomery and Lt. Stevens are working towards IMT status. This is a State Response requirement for Incident Management Teams.
      
      The Repeater system would allow us to go into an area where all communications are down (no towers or repeaters). Without the ability to hook up to the local public safety towers or repeaters, the Interoperability is very hard to achieve and the service area is very small. The grant amount requested is $64,621.16 and the city match required would be $12,924.23. The match may be made from the drug fund.
      
      A motion was made by Councilmember Bomar, seconded by Councilmember Mundrick, to deny the request to execute the grant application as presented.
      
      Those voting for: Council members Kirouac, Bomar, Mundrick, Dugan, and Hall
      Motion carried.
5. MATTERS FROM COUNCIL/DEPT HEADS/CITY ATTORNEY
1. Councilmember Mundrick expressed appreciate to City employee Chris Collins for his hard work in the Planning Department.
   
   Councilmember Dugan reminded everyone about the upcoming Duluth Fall Festival September 29th and 30th and noted that it was the 25th anniversary.
   
   Councilmember Bomar noted that she attended the last showing of “It had to be You” at Red Clay Theatre and said it was a wonderful production.
   
   Mayor Lasseter reported that the Alzheimer’s Walk held in the Town Green on September 15th had over 200 walkers and raised over $50,000 for the cause.
6. MATTERS FROM CITIZENS
   1. Marline Santiago-Cook of 3958 Balleycastle Court came forward and thanked Council for inviting the residents of Castlemaine to the meeting. She expressed concern that they live close to the northern “Gateway to the City” and wanted to ensure the presentation of our “City of Excellence” as people enter Duluth. She asked that the City place emphasis on the web page and communication to the citizens about the importance of input and participation in the Large Building Study that is currently evaluating the effects of large scale development in the City of Duluth.
      
      Mr. Dan Woodley of Towne Park Place came forward to discuss the remaining condo/townhome units behind the Festival Center. He announced that there were 60 townhomes with 3 left to be built, 16 condominium flats and unique storage units, secured underground parking, etc. He explained a discount offer for all government employees, teachers, firemen, nurses, etc. and noted that they can get a lower rate mortgage through the Georgia Dream program. There would be a sealed bid process with bids accepted through Sunday October 14th at 6:00 p.m. and all properties come with a one year warranty.
7. MATTERS FROM COUNCIL/DEPT HEADS/CITY ATTORNEY
   1. CITY HALL BLOCK POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
      Downtown Development Authority (DDA) members Shelly Howard and Greg Whitlock came forward and introduced potential developers for the City Hall block.
      
      Mike Maschmeyer of Milestone Group, Bill Barnum of Coro Realty Advisors and representatives from Stevens & Wilkinson Stang & Newdow Architects were present to explain that they are currently very focused on in-town infill types of development for creating an “intentional community.” They made a presentation of their rendering to the DDA last week, which incorporates mixed uses of office, retail and residential, inclusive of adequate parking facilities for all the uses. This proposal includes potentially keeping the current City Hall building to provide for a community-related arts function, studios or workshops, etc. Mr. Maschmeyer outlined the schemes and style of architecture they envision for this area and said they held a design charette and got a lot of input from locals when planning.
   2. INTRODUCTION OF NEW PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
      Mayor Lasseter introduced and welcomed Mr. Cliff Cross as the new City of Duluth Planning Director. Mr. Cross comes from central Illinois with significant experience in Economic Development, revitalization and Planning/Zoning.
8. ADJOURNMENT
   1. A motion was made by Councilmember Bomar, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.