Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections
Digital Commons @Vtext
Community Archives - Houseal Collection
CA004-001-012
1985
Minutes, Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council, 1985 March 7
Houseal, Willi, H.
For this and additional works see: https://vtext.valdosta.edu/xmlui/handle/10428/6958
UUID: 83ADBF3F-53FC-52B6-4EDC-A19439DBC7BD
Recommended Citation:
Houseal, Willie H., "Minutes, Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council," March 7, 1985. Box 1, Folder 1, Houseal Collection, Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections, Valdosta, Georgia. [url]
This item is part of the Community Archives: Houseal Collection at Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections. Physical and intellectual rights are reserved by Dr. W. Houseal. Physical materials were loaned to Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections for the purposes of digital preservation. The digital items here are part of an online collection only. If you have any questions or concerns contact archives@valdosta.edu
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MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OP THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL 5:30 P.M. THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 1985
OPENING CEREMONIES
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nijem. All members of the Council were present. Dr. Dwyn Mounger, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation. The Pledge to the Flag was led by Girl Scouts Troop 26 of St. John's Catholic Church.
PRESENTATION OF OFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS
City Attorney Talley presented to the Mayor and Council the official tabulation of Election Results for the Special Election that was held on February 12, 1985, and the Special Run-Off Election held on February 26, 1985, certified by Election Superintendent Robert A. Goddard, Jr. As stated by Mr. Talley, those elected were:
City Council District No. 1:	Certified as elected with 68.1* of the vote, Mr. Willie Houseal.
City Council District No. 2:	For the Special Election on February 12, a run-off certified between Bunnis "B" Williams and Dr. L. W. Williams, neither receiving a majority vote.
City Council District No. 3:	Certified as elected with 70.1* of the vote, Mr. Joseph "Sonny" Vickers.
City Council District No. 2:	For the Run-Off Election held February 26
1985, certified as elected with 66.6* of the vote, Mr. Bunnis "B" Williams.
Board of Education District 1%	■Certified as elected with 100* of the vote,
Mr. Willie Rayford.
Board of Education District 2:	Certified as elected with 54.9* of the
vote, Ms. Minnie A. Martin.
Board of Education District 3:	Certified as elected with 73.9* of the
vote, Mr. Donald (Butch) Williams.
The Election Results were accepted unanimously by the Mayor and Council. Copy of Election Results is of record in the permanent file of the record of the meeting. The original is attached hereto.
ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS OF OFFICE
State Court Judge Richard Cowart administered the Oaths of Office to CouncilmanElect Willie HOuseal, District NO. 1» to Councilman-Elect Bunnis "B" Williams, District No. 2; and to Councilman-Elect Joseph "Sonny" Vickers, District No. 3. Copy of Oaths of Office are of record in the permanent file of the record of the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Consideration was given to the approval of the minutes of the February 7, 13 and 21 1985 meetings of City Council.
ELECTION RESULTS---------
' ■ ELECTION CITY OF VALDOSTA, GEORGIA SPECIAL ELECTION •* RUNOFF FEBRUARY 26, 19BS VOTING position CITY COUNCIL * DISTRICT 12 BUNNIS "B" WILLIAMS	4 DR. L. W. WILLIAMS	6 / f A^hr.t'	/ i^/1	.1 / ■t.M' - J- ' \.JT ^' ns~.£ " „ «*■ i/> w-V'’.,^.^ <• ir V ’ ‘fbif’ n iz* I / r yr	REPORT TVP«: TOTAL VOTING	VOTEVDAUOTS MRCwrACt	TO M POSITION	CAST	ELECTED 4	349	66.6	1 6	175	33.4 • ■ cwZ J A z^ 1 A
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MINUTES, CONTINUED	3/7/85, CONTINUED
A MOTION by Councilman May, seconded by Councilman Drumheller, was unanimously adopted, to approve the minutes of the February 7, 13 and 21, 1985 meetings of City Council as submitted.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH ARAUD
Consideration was given to the Employee of the Month Award for March, 1985.
The Incentive Awards Committee recommended for the award Staff Sergeant Remer Croft of the Valdosta Police Department.
A MOTION by -Councilwoman Bechtel, seconded by Councilman May, was unanimously adopted, that Staff Sergeant Remer Croft be named the March Employee of the Month.
Mayor Nijem presented the award to Sergeant Croft and he was congratulated.
Following is the text of the citation:
Staff Sergeant Remer Croft of the Police Department has been selected to receive the Employee of the Month Award for March, 1985. Since Staff Sergeant Croft has been with the Police Department he has accomplished several high goals that he has set for himself. In June of 1983 he was transferred to the newly formed special duty unit where he was assigned the task of organizing and implementing the operation of this new unit. Staff Sergeant Croft has initiated, organized and played a central role in a reverse sting operation which resulted in the arrest of three individuals and confiscated $15,000 in cash money. In 1984 Staff Sergeant Croft was also instrumental in a two year federal investigation into an organized gambling operation resulting in the arrest of 27 people.
Staff Sergeant Croft is also certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training Council and the National Rifle Association as a Firearms Instructor and in the month of February 1985 he qualified the entire Nashville, Georgia Police Department. He has also qualified new members of the Valdosta Police Department, all qualifying in the 90 *s. Staff Sergeant Croft also teaches firearms for women which is open to the public and is done on his off duty time. He also teaches firearms for Law Enforcement at ABAC Regional Police Academy for basic Police Academy students as well as defensive tactics.
It should also be noted that Staff Sergeant Croft is presently assigned to the Detective Division and that he was recently named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Exchange Club of Valdosta. This speaks well for him and the Police Department and makes him a fitting candidate for Employee of the Month.
CITIZENS
Nr. Paul Mitchell, 1509 Shealy Place, cited this day as a great day in the history of Valdosta with the election of the new district Council members, saying that now the City is fairly represented. Mr. Mitchell also cited the need for an increase in staff at the fire station in the southeastern section of the city. He said that there has been no increase in the number of firemen since 1971—72 and that this section of the City of Valdosta has experienced enormous growth since that time. Mr. Mitchell asked that this request be given consideration.
Ns. Thelma Branham, 751 South Lee Street, invited the Mayor and Council to a reception to be given in their honor at Mathis Auditorium on Sunday, March 24th.
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3/7/85 CONTINUED
PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Nijem convened public hearin? for consideration of the annexation and rezoning requests that were advertised for the March 7th meeting.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE, TABLED WITHOUT FURTHER ADVERTISEMENT
Consideration was given to tabling.without further advertisement for the April 11, 1985 meeting of the Mayor and Council amendments to the Valdosta Zoning Ordinance (Section 6-4, Planned Development; Section 4, Definitions; Section 7-10.3, Curb Cut Requirements; Section 6-2, Neighborhood Development; Section 5-2, Schedule of Permitted Uses and Development Standards).
A MOTION by Councilwoman Bechtel, seconded by Councilman Drumheller, was unanimously adopted, that the amendment proposed to the Valdosta Zoning Ordinance, and particularly Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 relating to Planned Development, be tabled without further advertisement for the April 11, 1985 meeting of the City Council.
ORDINANCE NO. 85-7, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE VALDOSTA ZONING ORDINANCE
Consideration was given to an ordinance rezoning from R-6 to C»C zoning classification property of Benny G. and Betty W. Cole, located at 400 East Ann Street.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request. Planner Garren addressed planning considerations and departmental reviews as reported in the minutes of the Planning Commission dated February 25, 1985. Mr. Garren said that this address is incorrect because 400 East Ann is the corner lot and the location of Peacock Paint Center and this should be resolved. Another concern was that this land is a part of the lot where the paint store is located and the developer is to assume all costs of providing the utilities.
No questions were asked of Mr. Garren, nor did anyone speak for or in opposition to the rezoning request.
A MOTION by Councilman Drumheller, seconded by Councilman Williams, was unanimously adopted, to enact Ordinance No. 85-7.
Complete text of Ordinance No. 85-7 will be found in Ordinance Book IV, p. 1043.
ORDINANCE NO. 85-8, AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE CITY LIMITS (VOTING DISTRICT 5)
Consideration was given to an ordinance annexing with R-15 zoning classification property of David and Brenda M. Brown, located at No. 8 Ramblewood Circle.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the annexation request. Planner Garren addressed planning considerations and departmental reviews, stating that the 1.5 acre tract, which is the residence of David Brown, would be designated to Voting District 5 if annexed. Water, sewer and fire protection are not available at this time, but the applicants are aware of the limited availability of services and plans are down the road for providing them. The Planning Commission also discussed the surrounding properties being a part of the City.
No questions were asked of Mr. Garren, nor did anyone speak for or in opposition to the annexation request.
A MOTION by Councilman May, seconded by Councilman Drumheller, was unanimously adopted, to enact Ordinance No. 85-8, and that the official map of the City of Valdosta for
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MOTION, CONTINUED
3/7/85 CONTINUED
Voting Districts is hereby amended by the addition of property located at No. B Ramblewood Circle, to Voting District 5.
Complete text of Ordinance No. 85-8 will be found in Ordinance Book IV, p. 1044.
REZONING DENIED, 2201 FLEMING STREET (CONDITIONAL ZONING RESTRICTIONS)
Consideration was given to a request from Mr. Jim Jamison to remove the conditional zoning restrictions placed on property located at 2201 Fleming Street.
The Planning Commission recommended the denial of the request to remove the conditional R-P zoning and recommended approval of O-P zoning of the property. Mr. Garren stated that the conditions placed on that address on October 8, 1981 were that it could be used only as an architect's office associated with his residence dwelling. If the property was ever sold the zoning would revert back to DR-10. The City Engineer concurred with Planning Commission that the application would be acceptable as far as services if it was rezoned to 0-P because the R-P zoning classification without those conditions could open the way for R-P zoning and apartments up that street. Council was advised that the property still could be used as an architect's office and residence if rezoned to O-P. Councilman-Tillman commented that this was an intrusion into an existing residential neighborhood and it was understood that the zoning would revert back to DR-10 if anything changed.
A NOTION by Councilman Tillman, seconded by Councilman May, was unanimously adopted, that the request of Jim Jamison be denied to remove the conditional zoning restrictions placed on 2201 Fleming Street, and that the property revert back to DR-10 zoning classification.
ORDINANCE NO. 85-9, AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE CITY LIMITS (VOTING DISTRICT 5)
Consideration was given to an ordinance annexing with R-15 zoning classification property of Steve Lincoln, located at the northwest corner of Country Club and Jerry Jones.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the annexation request. Planner Garren addressed planning considerations and departmental reviews relative to the 4.0328 acre tract of land which is undeveloped with the exception of an old house and barn on the property that are to be removed. Additionally, Planning Commission has reviewed the subdivision plat in connection with this application and recommended approval of that plat for seven single family dwellings, contingent upon annexation.
No one spoke for or in opposition to the annexation request.
A MOTION by Councilman Drumheller, seconded by Councilman May, was adopted on a vote of 7-1-1, to enact Ordinance No. 85-9, and that the official map of the City of " Valdosta for Voting Districts is hereby amended by the addition of property located at the northwest corner of Country Club and Jerry Jones, to Voting District 5. Councilman Houseal voted in opposition to the motion; Councilman Williams abstained from voting.
Complete text of Ordinance No. 85-9 will be found in Ordinance Book IV, p. 1045.
RESOLUTION NO. 85-1, A RESOLUTION CLOSING AN ALLEY
Consideration was given to a request for the closure of an alley running from
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RESOLUTION, CONTINUE)	3/7/85 CONTINUED
Force Street north and between North Lee Street and North Troup Street.
City Engineer Moody reported that this alley has not been used from 18 to 20 years and it has been cleared only within the past year by the Public Works Department at the request of the property owners. Mr. Moody recommended that the alley be closed and that the City Manager be authorized to execute quit-claim deeds to the property owners.
A NOTION by Councilwoman Bechtel, seconded by Councilman Williams, was unanimously adopted, that the alley be closed by the City of Valdosta as recommended, and that Resolution No. 85-1 be enacted.
Complete text of Resolution No. 85-1 will be found in Resolution Book II, p. 391.
RESOLUTION NO. 85-2, A RESOLUTION QUIT-CLAIMING MELODY LANE/GORDON STREET R/W
Consideration was given to quit-claim deed to the owner of property abutting the right of way at the northeast corner of Melody Lane and West Gordon Street (Edgewood Drive Right of Why).
Mr. Moody reported that the right of way which the property owner, Ms. Carole M. Mitchell, has petitioned for is the excess right of way of Edgewood Drive. Granting this deed would give the owner access to her land from the west side and it would in no way affect traffic safety.
A MOTION by Councilman Vickers, seconded by Councilwoman Hartman, was unanimously adopted, that the right of way be granted as recommended by the City Engineer, and that Resolution NO. 85-2 be enacted.
Complete text of Resolution No. 85-2 will be found in Resolution Book II, p. 392.
VICTIMS-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Consideration was given to a presentation by Mr. H. Lamar Cole, District Attorney, regarding a Victims-Assistance Program.
Council reviewed a program budget which Mr. Cole handed out to them at the meeting. He said that he had received no answer from Lowndes County to their participation. Lowndes County, however, had already stated that they would immediately support the program with some in-kind contributions which were shown on the budget that he submitted. They have, he continued, no firm financial support for this program, and the County asked him to come first to the Council for that and then to come back to them. Mr. Cole was advised that requests of this nature are normally considered at budget time.
A MOTION by Councilman HOuseal was seconded by Councilman Vickers that the Council include this much needed program in the 1985-86 budget, and until that time the City Manager and County Manager negotiate for in-kind contributions and an agreement to what funds may be appropriated until the time of the new budget.
Discussion was held regarding the request for funds. Some members of the Council felt this request was a classic example of double taxation and that it should be a county-wide financed organization. Other members of Council, however, felt that the idea was a joint effort of the City and County for a small sum for a much needed program. At the request of Mrs: Hartman, Councilman Houseal withdrew the motion on the floor, and Councilwoman Hartman made the following motion:
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PROGRAM, CONTINUED
3/7/85 CONTINUED
A MOTION by Councilwoman Hartman was seconded by Councilman Hill, that the request be tabled until the April 11th meeting of the Council, and that the Mayor appoint a committee to look into the matter and come back with some recommendations concerning the funding of the Victims-Witness Assistance Program. Question was called and the motion was adopted on a vote of 8-1; Councilman Houseal voted in opposition to the motion.
Mayor Nijem appointed a committee of Councilmembers Houseal, Tillman, Drumheller and Vickers to investigate funding possibilities.
RULES OF VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL AMENDED
Consideration was given to amendments to the Rules of the Valdosta City Council.
A MOTION by Councilman May, seconded by Councilman Drumheller, was unanimously adopted, to change the Rules of the Valdosta City Council to the Policy Procedures and Guidelines of the Valdosta City Council; to amend paragraph 3) on page four, "Conduct", to read: In the future no member of the Mayor and Council shall hold any other position in City Government as volunteer or auxiliary services because of the appearance of a conflict of interest; to amend paragraph B), on page five, "The Agenda", to read: No items will be voted on that are not on the agenda unless they are of an emergency nature and have been previously discussed at a work session; to amend paragraph B), page six, "Citizens to be Heard", to read: Citizens to be heard should be placed before the public hearings. Citizens are requested to keep their comments within five minutes if possible so that all who wish to be heard have adequate time.
NORTH VALDOSTA FIRE STATION PROPOSAL
Consideration was given to a proposal to purchase land for the North Valdosta Fire Station (tabled February 21, 1985).
City Manager Cason asked Councilman Hill, chairman of the Fire Station Committee, to give a report to the Council on the Committee's findings.
Councilman Hill stated that the recommendation of the Committee was, and he would put that in the form of the following motion:	.
X MOTION by Councilman Hill was seconded by Councilwoman Bechtel, that the Fire Station Committee recommends the acceptance of the gracious offer of the Valdosta Board of Education, and that a new fire station, hopefully, will be built within the very near future at the site* located where the present Valdosta High School is situated.
Councilman May suggested that the Council ask for a study to be made by consultants of fire station needs in Valdosta. Councilman Hill referred to other studies which have been already beep taade relative to fire protection in Valdosta, stating that these are available for review of any of the Council members.• He said that he felt it was time that they accept this site and get on with the building program. Question was called and the motion was adopted on a vote of 8-0-1; Councilman Tillman abstained from voting.
HISTORIC DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
Consideration was given to a request from the Valdosta Preservation Commission that the Historic District boundaries be designated and a statement of intent from the Mayor and Council to designate a Historic District.
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HISTORIC DISTRICT BOUNDARIES, CONTINUED	3/7/85, CONT'D
Councilman Houseal asked that the boundaries of the Historic District be extended somewhat to include certain areas to the souths City Attorney Talley advised that in order to do this they would have to start the process over with public notice, etc., but that was something the Commission probably needed to study. Councilman Houseal was referred to the Preservation Commission to meet with them and then bring the matter back to the Council.
A MOTION by Councilman May, seconded by Councilman Drumheller, was unanimously adopted, to approve a request from the Valdosta Preservation Commission that the Historic District boundaries be designated; and, further, that it is the intent of the Mayor and Council to designate a Historic District.
BIDS, PAYMENTS
Consideration was given to bids for grit chambers chains for the Withlacoochee Wastewater Treatment Plan.
Purchasing Agent Richard Carter recommended the acceptance of the low bid in the amount of $6,470.00 from Valdosta Fastener for the chains.
A MOTION by Councilwoman Hartman, seconded by Councilwoman Bechtel, was unanimously adopted, to accept the low bid of $6,470.00 from Valdosta Fastener for treatment plant grit chamber chains.
Consideration was given to payment to Transpower, Inc. in the amount of $7,553.85 for the emergency repair of Cummings Diesel Engine on Fire Ladder One.
Fire Chief Ogburn recommended payment for the repair work which has already been completed.
a MOTION by Councilman May, seconded by Councilman Vickers, was unanimously adopted, to authorise payment in the amount of $7,553.85 for the emergency repair of a Cummings Diesel Engine on Fire Ladder No. One.
WATER MAIN EXTENSION, COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE AND BAYTREE ROAD
Consideration was given to the extension of 12-inch water main on Country Club Drive, from Jerry Jones to Greenmeadow Drive, and that an allocation be made in the amount of $15,042.75 from the Water and Sewer Construction Fund for the City’s portion of the cost of the extension.
The City Engineer recommended authorization to extend the 12-inch water main to these areas in accordance with the City’s Master Plan for water distribution in the northwest area of Valdosta.
A MOTION by Councilman Drumheller, seconded by Councilman Houseal, was unanimously adopted, to authorize the extension of 12-inch water main on Country Club Drive, from Jerry Jones to Greenmeadow Drive, and that an allocation be made in the amount of $15,042.75 from the Water and Sewer Construction Fund for the City s portion of the cost of the extension.
WATER MAIN EXTENSION, BAYTREE ROAD
Consideration was given to the extension of 12-inch water main on Baytree Road, from Norman Drive to Sherwood Drive south, and that an allocation be made in the amount
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MAIN EXTENSION, CONTINUED	3/7/85 CONTINUED
of $8,778.20 from the Water and Sewer Construction Fund for the City's portion of the cost of the extension.
Mr. Moody recommended that the additional expenditure to run the 12-inch main be authorised in accordance with the City's Master Plan for Water Distribution^
A MOTION by Councilwoman Hartman, seconded by Councilman May, was unanimously adopted, to authorise the extension of 12-inch water main on Baytree Hoad, and that an allocation be made in the amount of $8,778.20 from the Water and Sewer Construction Fund for the City's portion of the cost of the extension.
AGREEMENT WITH SEABOARD COAST LINE RAILROAD COMPANY, SIGNALS RELOCATION AT ASHLEY STREET
Consideration was given to an agreement between Seaboard Coast Line Railway System and the City of Valdosta for the relocation of signals at Ashley Street and Patterson street.
Mr. Moody recommended that the City Manager be authorized to execute the agreement. He said that the City already has an agreement with DOT to pay for this project at no cost to the City.
A MOTION by Councilwoman Bechtel, seconded by Councilman Drumheller, was unanimously adopted, that the City Manager be authorized to execute an agreement on the City's behalf with Seaboard Coast Line Railroad System for the relocation of railroad crossing signals at Ashley and Patterson Streets.
BOND REFERENDUM, COMMITTEE APPOINTED
Mayor Nijem appointed a committee of Councilmembers Tillman, Hartman, Williams and Vickers to work with the City Manager and Finance Director on the proposed bond issue.
TELEPHONE SOLICITATION ORDINANCE
City Attorney Talley discussed with the Council the Telephone Solicitation Ordinance and previous action of the governing body on March 24, 1983, suspending the enforcement of Code Section 11—5007. Mr. Talley advised Council that he questioned that action as legal;, that he did not know if Council could suspend enforcement without passing an ordinance to repeal it. To clarify any question of that if they desired they could rescind action suspending enforcement of the ordinance. Following some debate regarding the matter, Mr. Talley was authorized to have advertised in the Valdosta Daily Times notice of warning to citizens that the Police Department is in no way involved in the solicitation of funds by telephone for a National policemen's organization.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nijem adjourned the meeting to meet again in regular session on Thursday, March 21, 1985, City Council Chambers.