The City Council of the City of Auburn, Alabama met in regular session on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber of the Auburn Public Safety Building at 141 North Ross Street.
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Bill Ham, Jr.
Mayor Ham called the meeting to order.
2. ROLL CALL.
Present: Councilpersons Arthur L. Dowdell, Sr., Sheila Eckman, Robin Kelley, Bob Norman, Dick Phelan, Tom Worden, and Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. Also present was City Manager Charles M. Duggan, Jr.
Absent: Councilpersons Brent Beard and Gene Dulaney.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/MOMENT OF SILENCE.
All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. Flag.
Mayor Ham asked all present to join the Council in observance of a moment of silence.
4. MINUTES. June 17, 2008.
Councilperson Dowdell moved that the minutes be approved.
Councilperson Worden seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the minutes approved.
5. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS. Mayor Ham.
Mayor Ham announced that Councilperson Beard will be present but will be late.
Mayor Ham announced that Councilperson Dulaney will not be present as he is coaching one of the All Star baseball teams for the Parks & Recreation Department.
a. Employee of the Month.
Liesa-Ann Garza Simpson.
Public Works Department.
Mayor Ham read a memorandum to City Manager Charles M. Duggan, Jr. from Public Works Director Jeffery Ramsey nominating Liesa Simpson as Employee of the Month for July 2008 for her outstanding work as she performs her duties as
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5. MAYOR’ COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
Public Works engineering assistant (a copy of the entire memorandum is attached to the original minutes). Mayor Ham presented Liesa with a framed Employee of the Month certificate and a small gift from the City Council. He thanked her for her professionalism, outstanding work, volunteerism, and willingness and eagerness to accept new challenges and responsibilities.
b. Service Pins.
Mayor Ham presented five year service pins to Jude C. Hackett and Clarence J. Stewart, IV of the Public Safety Department-Police Division. He presented a 15-year service pin to Kennth V. Frazier of the Public Safety Department-Police Division. The 5-year pin for Linda Burns of the Water Resource Management Department – Water Revenue Office will be presented to her by her Department Head, as she was unable to be present. Mayor Ham thanked all employees for their hard work and dedicated service to the citizens of Auburn.
c. Employee Recognition. D’Arcy Wernette. Human Resources
Department – Risk Management Division. Human Resource
Certification Institute. Senior Professional Certification.
Mayor Ham read a memorandum to City Manager Charles M. Duggan, Jr. from Human Resource Director Steve Reeves announcing that Risk Manager D’Arcy Wernette recently earned the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute. A copy of the entire memorandum is attached to the original minutes. Mayor Ham presented the SPHR award to D’Arcy and congratulated him for this achievement and thanked him for his commitment to the field of human resource management and his desire to serve well the community.
d. Committee of the Whole.
Mayor Ham stated that at the Committee of the Whole meeting previously held, the City Council approved the minutes from the prior Committee of the Whole meeting and discussed several questions posed to the City Manager and comments by the City Manager. He noted that additional information will be presented at the next meeting regarding the bike lane request from the Bike Committee.
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July 1, 2008
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5. MAYOR’ COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
f. Announcements.
Mayor Ham invited everyone to the 4th of July celebration scheduled for Friday night. He thanked the Parks & Recreation Department and other City employees who will be working to ensure that this is a great event.
6. AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS.
SGA Liaison Mike Geeslin reported that the SGA will be painting the Tiger paws in the streets on July 8, 2008. He thanked the City for its willingness to close Magnolia Avenue from Wright Street to Gay Street and College Street from Glenn Avenue to Thach Avenue beginning at 10:00 PM. Mr. Geesling reported that the last Camp War Eagle pep rally was held so all incoming freshman have had an opportunity to visit the campus. He said several SGA officers toured the new Student Center and plans are to move into the new facility in August 2008.
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
Mayor Ham prefaced Citizens’ Communications by requesting that the City Council be addressed in a fair and courteous manner. He noted in several past meetings he has noticed some degree of incivility from those wishing to be heard.
Mr. Dennis Drake, 651 Homewood Drive, addressed the Council regarding the speed of cars on East Thach. He said cars travel faster than the posted 35 mph speed limit and noted that the amount of pedestrian traffic on Thach Avenue with individuals utilizing the services of the Auburn Public Library, children walking to area schools and/or students waiting for the bus greatly concerns him. He suggested that a traffic study be done to assess whether it might be feasible to change the speed limit on Thach Avenue from South Ross Street to Dean Road from 35 mph to 25 mph. Mr. Drake also asked that the bike lanes on Thach be re-striped as the current striping has faded.
Mayor Ham asked City Manager Duggan to check on the concerns Mr. Drake mentioned.
Mr. Duggan said he will provide a report to Council in a timely manner.
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7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
Mr. Tom Eden, 1789 Coopers Pond Road, addressed the Council regarding cable services. He said he recently moved to Auburn from Birmingham and was a Charter Communications customer there. He said he is now a satellite dish customer.
Mr. Eden said he attended the previous meeting when a cable TV presentation was made. He said that he uses a satellite dish rather than Charter Communications and that he purchased an antenna so that he could receive local channels in high definition. He said that the City could consider a program to install these antennas for citizens as a means of bringing competition to the cable TV market.
Mr. Eden said the Alabama Municipal Telecommunications Service Act allows municipalities to offer a multitude of services to citizens and cable is one that can be offered. He said this will be a way for the City to receive income and provide competition for the current cable company.
Mr. Eden said he is on the Bike Committee and offered his support for the bike lane proposal that was mentioned during the Committee of the Whole meeting.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan.
a. Alcoholic Beverage License. LMG, LLC dba/Zazu.
145 East Magnolia Avenue. Restaurant Retail Liquor License.
Consideration.
City Manager Duggan stated that LMG, LLC dba/Zazu, is seeking Council approval for a Restaurant Retail Liquor alcoholic beverage license. He said the property is located at 145 East Magnolia Avenue (former Buffalo’s American Grill) in the College Edge Overlay District (CEOD) and Urban Core (UC) zoning districts, which permits restaurants serving alcohol. Mr. Duggan said this restaurant was previously located on Martin Luther King Drive.
Councilperson Phelan moved that the request be granted.
Councilperson Kelley seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the motion carried.
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7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
b. Announcement of Board Vacancies. Appointments at the August 5,
2008 Meeting.
City Manager Duggan announced the following upcoming boards and commission vacancies and noted that appointments will be made at the August 5, 2008 meeting:
(1) Greenspace Advisory Board. Two Position. Four Year
Terms Expire August 7, 2012.
(2) Planning Commission. One Position. Six Year Term
Expires July 30, 2014.
9. ORDINANCES.
None.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Conditional Use Approvals. Planning Commission Recommendations.
Public Hearings Required.
(1) Lisalyn S. Parker/Kevin Harp (Authorized Representative).
Parker Building Company. Road Service Use (Best Tire
New Addition) in Comprehensive Development District
(CDD). Property Located at 1646 South College Street.
City Manager Duggan stated that Kevin Harp is requesting conditional use approval for a road service use (Best Tire New Addition), located in the Comprehensive Development District (CDD) zoning district. He noted that the subject property is located at 1646 South College Street. Mr. Duggan noted that Section 803 of the Zoning Ordinance establishes procedures for the review of conditional uses including a public hearing conducted by the City Council. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the request, subject to conditions, at its June 12, 2008 meeting. A public hearing is required.
Mayor Ham opened the public hearing.
There being no comments from citizens, Mayor Ham declared the public hearing closed.
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10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Councilperson Dowdell moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Worden seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-174
(2) Kathy Matthews/Lindburgh Jackson (Authorized Representative)
Commercial and Entertainment Use (Alteration Shop) in the
Redevelopment District (RDD). Property Located at 300 North
Donahue Drive.
City Manager Duggan stated that Lindburgh Jackson is requesting conditional use approval for a commercial and entertainment use (Alteration Shop), located in the Redevelopment District (RDD) zoning district. He noted that the subject property is located at 300 North Donahue Drive. Mr. Duggan noted that Section 803 of the Zoning Ordinance establishes procedures for the review of conditional uses including a public hearing conducted by the City Council. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the request, subject to conditions, at its June 12, 2008 meeting. A public hearing is required.
Mayor Ham opened the public hearing.
There being no comments from citizens, Mayor Ham declared the public hearing closed.
Councilperson Worden moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Dowdell seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-175
b. Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Auburn University Student
Government Association, and City of Auburn. Fall Downtown
Street Closings. Approval.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution authorizes the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the downtown merchants to hold sidewalk sales on each home football game Saturday in 2008 and on graduation day for fall semester. It also authorizes the closing of Toomer’s Corner to accommodate the painting of the tiger paw at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue and the closing of downtown streets for the City’s Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat celebration.
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10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Councilperson Kelley moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Phelan seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-176
c. Industrial Development Board. Auburn Technology Park West.
Off Site Sewer Improvements. Reimbursement from Water
Resource Management Department. $87,100.
City Manager Duggan stated that this resolution authorizes the reimbursement of $87,100 to the Industrial Development Board from the Water Resource Management Department for off-site sewer improvements.
Councilperson Worden moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Eckman seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-177
d. Contracts and Agreements. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Annual Audit-FY2008. Machen, McChesney and Chastain.
$108,000 and $10,000-$20,000.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute a professional services contract with the firm of Machen, McChesney and Chastain to audit the City’s financial statements for fiscal year 2008 in the amount of $108,000. He noted that the firm will also provide additional auditing services to document and assess the City’s system of internal control as required by newly applicable auditing standards for an additional fee of $10,000-$20,000.
Councilperson Dowdell moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Eckman seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-178
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July 1, 2008
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10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
(2) Compact Loader w/Brush and Tree Cutter. SunSouth LLC.
$74,872.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract with the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications, SunSouth, LLC to purchase a Compact Loader w/brush and tree cutter in the amount of $74,872. He noted that the equipment will be used by the Public Works Department for debris disposal.
Councilperson Norman moved that the resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Worden seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-179
(3) Compliance EnviroSystems, LLC. Professional Services.
Inspection, Cleaning and Root Control Applications.
Tullahoma Drive, Wrights Mill Road, and Carter Street.
Change Order No. 1. $13,415.28.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute Change Order No. 1 to the professional services contract with Compliance EnviroSystems, LLC for root control applications on Tullahoma Drive, Wrights Mill Road and Carter Street in the amount of $13,415.28.
Councilperson Worden moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Kelley seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-180
(4) AuburnBank Property. Purchase and Sale Agreement.
$1.6 million.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract with AuburnBank for the purchase of four parcels of property on North Gay Street including the AuburnBank drive-thru property for $1.6 million dollars, with provisions for AuburnBank to lease back the property from the City at a rate of $4,000 per month for continued use by AuburnBank until December 31, 2010.
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10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Councilperson Dowdell moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Norman seconded the motion.
Councilperson Eckman asked if this purchase includes the white building located next door to the bank drive-thru property.
City Manager Duggan answered affirmatively.
Upon the motion before the Council, the following Council members voted aye: Dowdell, Worden, Kelley, Phelan and Norman. Voting nay: Eckman. Abstaining: Mayor Ham.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-181
e. Drainage and Utility Easements, Street Easements, Temporary
Construction Easements, Rights-of-Way, and Quit Claim Deeds.
Acceptance, Vacation, and Settlement for Value Lost.
(1) Indian Hill Road. Indian Hill Subdivision. Vacate Portion of
Indian Hill Road Right of Way. Quit Claim Deeds. Public Hearing
Continued From April 15, and June 17, 2008 Meetings.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution vacates a ten (10) foot by sixty (60) foot portion of the Indian Hill Road right-of-way located at the end of Indian Hill Road adjacent to the proposed Tiger Town Corporate Park development in the City of Opelika. Mr. Duggan noted that a public hearing is required.
Mayor Ham opened the public hearing.
Mr. David Scott, 1103 Rocky Brook Road, Opelika, said he is the developer of the Tiger Town Corporate Park development and thanked the Council for its consideration and patience as they worked through the process. He said the traffic study requested by the City was commissioned and submitted to the City Council at the last meeting. He explained that the State Statute that allows a municipality to vacate a street is State Code, Section 23-4-2. He read the passage and commented that without the Indian Hill Road connection the only other way he will have to access his property is Watson Street which he said is not a viable option. He noted that the traffic study indicated that Indian Hill Road is large enough to handle the additional traffic from his development and in his opinion was built for this purpose.
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10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Mr. Scott said Indian Hill Road is not his first choice as he would prefer to connect to Skyway Drive through the property of Mr. Allen; however, Mr. Allen has not agreed to sell his property at the present time.
Mr. Scott noted that a good thing that could result from his property connecting to Indian Hill Road will be the possible installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Indian Hill Road and Frederick Road. He said without the additional traffic there will likely never be a traffic signal installed at this location to accommodate the 44 houses that currently make up the subdivision.
Mr. Scott commented that any project developed in Auburn or Opelika is good for Lee County. He said he is hurt that an elected official in Auburn would make a statement that he would never vote for a project in Opelika. Mr. Scott said he would like to see all of Lee County prosper.
Councilperson Dowdell asked Mr. Scott what is his Plan B if the right-of-way on Indian Hill Road is vacated.
Mr. Scott said he would have no recourse but to appeal the City Council’s decision to the Circuit Court. He thanked the Council for its consideration of his request not to vacate the Indian Hill Road right-of-way.
Mr. Neal Scott, 2580 Arapahoe Circle, said he is not related to the developer David Scott. He asked that the Council consider the makeup of the residents of the Indian Hill Subdivision noting that he and his neighbors represent the working man. He said the residents have given up numerous acres of greenspace so far for the current commercial development behind their property. He requested that the Council take into consideration that they have given up enough and make a stand for the common man in light of Mr. Scott’s comment that he plans to appeal the Council’s decision to the Circuit Court if the road is vacated.
Mrs. Donna Hesterman, 2633 Indian Hill Road, said she and her neighbors strongly support the Council vacating the right-of-way. She said she is unsure of the affect the proposed development will have on the resident’s property values but said they like living where they are and feel it is a perfect location for them. She said a road through the neighborhood will certainly devalue their property.
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10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Mrs. Hesterman thanked the Council and requested its favorable consideration of the vacation of the right-of-way on Indian Hill Road.
There being no additional comments, Mayor Ham declared the public hearing closed.
Councilperson Phelan asked Mr. Ramsey about the comment made by Mr. Scott that Watson Street is not a viable option for access for his development.
Mr. Ramsey stated that Watson Street is a more expensive option but is an option nonetheless.
Councilperson Norman asked if the project was in Auburn would the City Council consider allowing the access through this neighborhood.
Mr. Ramsey said the decision would be made by the Council; however, the same process to review traffic impacts of development is used for projects in Auburn.
Councilperson Kelley moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Worden seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-182
(2) Drainage and Utility Easements and Right-of-Way.
Acceptance.
(a) Carolyn Rogers, et al. Woodland Park Subdivision,
Phase 1, Fifth Revision. Property Located along
Tallyho Drive, North of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
And East of Woodland Park Subdivision, Phase 2.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution accepts the dedication of various drainage and utility easement and rights-of-way as shown on the plat, Woodland Park Subdivision, Phase 1, Fifth Revision, located along Tallyho Drive, north of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and east of Woodland Park Subdivision, Phase 2.
Councilperson Eckman moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Dowdell seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-183
City Council Minutes
July 1, 2008
Page 12
10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
(b) North Woods, Inc. Camden Ridge 11th Addition,
Phase Two. Property Located South of Camden
Ridge 10th Addition and the Extensions of
Keystone and Piedmont Drives.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution accepts the dedication of various drainage and utility easements and rights-of-way as shown on the plat, Camden Ridge 11th Addition, Phase Two, located south of Camden Ridge 10th Addition and includes the extensions of Keystone and Piedmont Drives.
Councilperson Phelan moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Dowdell seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-184
(3) Drainage and Utility Easements and Street Easements.
(a) LCR Tuscany, LLC. Tuscany Village, Plat No. 1A,
Redivision of 13A. Property Located at the Intersection
of Vinci Way and Montiano Lane. Drainage and
Utility Easement. Vacation.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution vacates a portion of a drainage and utility easement as shown on the plat, Tuscany Village, Plat No. 1A, Redivision of Lot 13A, located at the intersection of Vinci Way and Montiano Lane, specifically under the cluster home built on Lot 13A-B. Mr. Duggan noted that the owner has signed a hold harmless agreement and provided it to the City.
Councilperson Dowdell moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Worden seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-185
(b) Losal Unlimited, LLC. Martin Place Subdivision.
Property Located at 440 and 446 Martin Avenue.
Drainage and Utility Easements and Street Easements.
Acceptance.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution accepts the dedication of drainage, utility, and street easements as shown on the plat, Martin Place Subdivision, located at 440 and 446 Martin Avenue.
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10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Councilperson Phelan moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Worden seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-186
(c) Auburn University. O. D. Smith Hall. 135 South
College Street. Drainage and Utility Easement.
Twin City Court Extension Project. Acceptance.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution accepts the dedication of a drainage and utility easement from Auburn University for the Twin City Court Extension project.
Councilperson Dowdell moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Kelley seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-187
(4) Temporary Construction Easements. Acceptance.
(a) Robert Miller. 2480 Lee Road 61. Dean Road and
Harper Avenue Sidewalk Project. Settlement of
$250 for Value Lost.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution accepts the dedication of a temporary construction easement from Robert Miller for the Dean Road/Harper Avenue Sidewalk Project, and approving a settlement for value lost in the amount of $250.
Councilperson Dowdell moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Kelley seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-188
(b) Gary and Deborah Pegues. 1905 Sunset Drive.
Cox Road Improvements Project.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution accepts the dedication of a temporary construction easement from Gary and Deborah Pegues for the Cox Road Improvements Project.
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July 1, 2008
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10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Councilperson Kelley moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Worden seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-189
f. Condemnation Proceedings. Authorize City Attorney to Initiate.
Cox Road – I-85 Interchange Proejct.
(1) Property Located off Master Court and Beehive Road.
Tract 36. 1.84 Acres.
(a) Brantley Land, LLC.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution authorizes the City Attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings against Brantley Land LLC to acquire property for the construction of the Cox Road – I-85 Interchange Project.
Councilperson Dowdell moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Phelan seconded the motion.
Councilperson Eckman said she did not understand why this property is needed.
City Manager Duggan explained that ALDOT’s plan for the project is to widen that section of Beehive Road to Highway 29.
Councilperson Norman asked if the entire lot is needed.
Mr. Duggan explained that only a small portion of the property will be needed.
Councilperson Norman asked if the reminder of the property is being rendered unusable. He also wanted to know who did the appraisal of the property.
Land Acquisition Specialist Riley Brice stated that Volkert & Associates appraised the property.
Councilperson Kelley asked if his understanding is correct that the owner of the three properties is unwilling to work with the City.
Mr. Duggan stated that the condemnation guidelines have been followed in each instance.
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10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Councilperson Dowdell asked if the City can contact the property owner again before the City approves the condemnation proceedings.
Mr. Duggan suggested that the condemnation proceedings be started; however, he said the staff will contact the property owner to see if his position has changed. He said the ALDOT project is contingent on the acquisition of the necessary right of way in a timely manner so as not to hold up the project.
Councilperson Phelan said the offer of the City and the amount the property owner is requesting are not in line with each other.
Upon the motion before the Council, all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-190
(b) College Land LLC.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution authorizes the City Attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings against College Land LLC to acquire property for the construction of the Cox Road – I-85 Interchange Project.
Councilperson Kelley moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Worden seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-191
Councilperson Dowdell asked for an explanation of how the condemnation proceeding works once it is filed.
Mr. Duggan explained the process the City will follow.
(c) Tiger Crossing.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution authorizes the City Attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings against Tiger Crossing to acquire property for the construction of the Cox Road – I-85 Interchange Project.
Councilperson Worden moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Dowdell seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-192
City Council Minutes
July 1, 2008
Page 16
10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Councilperson Kelley asked how much it costs the City to litigate condemnation proceedings.
Mr. Duggan said he did not have an estimate on this cost.
Mayor Ham said the City is reimbursed the cost of litigation by the State.
Councilperson Norman asked if Beehive Road would be widened to College Street.
Mr. Duggan answered affirmatively.
Mayor Ham explained that the State requested that the City acquire property within the City limits and the State handle property within the County.
Mr. Duggan answered affirmatively.
(2) The Concrete Company c/o Hugh Sorrell. Property Located off
Lee Road 10. Tract 31. 2.704 Acres.
City Manager Duggan stated that this Resolution authorizes the City Attorney to initiate condemnation proceedings against The Concrete Company c/o High Sorrell to acquire property for the construction of the Cox Road – I-85 Interchange Project.
Councilperson Kelley moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilperson Norman seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 08-193
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
None.
Mayor Ham asked for comments from Council members.
Councilperson Eckman said she wanted to report on her recent field trip out of town and comment regarding bike lanes.
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July 1, 2008
Page 17
10. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
She reported that she supports the installation of bike lanes and would like everyone, including herself, to begin to think of bike use as more than recreational travel but think of the use of bikes as transportation. She said she recently attended the annual meeting of the Association of Grave Stone Studies in Amherst, Massachusetts which is home to five universities. She said bicycle use is extremely prevalent in that city.
She reported that the meeting of the association was extremely educational and she made a plea for more historic preservation. She said attendees hailed from all over the United States and several other countries, including Australia and Japan. She said the more the City can do to preserve the historic portions of our City, the more the City can open itself up to economic development that does not cost anything – tourism.
Mayor Ham wished everyone a safe Fourth of July holiday.
12. ADJOURNMENT.
Councilperson Dowdell moved that the meeting be adjourned.
Councilperson Worden seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
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Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Manager