ROME CITY COMMISSION AGENDA
Monday, December 1, 2008
Caucus
Rome Public Information Officer Jennifer Collins and the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau presented an overview of their efforts to market the city to new residents, businesses and tourists.
The CVB’s Last Stop Gift Shop is having an open house Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that will feature souvenirs and local artwork that is part of the state’s “Georgia Made, Georgia Grown” initiative.
The gift shop is next to the Rome Civic Center on Jackson Hill.
A contingent of Berry College hydrology students presented findings from a three-month study of the Burwell Creek area on Riverside Parkway.
Melissa Kemm, Nikki Weaver and Steve Yungerberg looked at current conditions and the potential effect of an 84-acre retail development proposed on city-owned land by R.H. Ledbetter Properties Inc.
The students determined runoff would increase significantly if the land is covered with pavement and buildings — affecting both the creek and the Oostanaula River it feeds.
Their preliminary calculations showed the first 84.7 millimeters of rain is absorbed by the soil, while the rest runs into the creek. With the development, only the first 13.37 millimeters would be absorbed.
Recommendations are to use a permeable material for the parking areas and install vegetated swalesinstead of medians to absorb the rain.
The study also showed the development should be built 30 feet above the current surface to be out of the range of 100-year flood events — and that the city’s closed landfill on the site is leaching into the creek.
Calculations show the level of iron is at 100 parts per million above the landfill, at 110 ppm at the landfill and 220 ppm below the landfill.
The report and recommendations will be given to Ledbetter. A presentation also is scheduled for the city’s River Development Committee meeting at 11 a.m. Thursday.
REGULAR MEETING
Invocation and Pledge to the Flag - Commissioner Slack
Roll Call — Present: Mayor Wright Bagby Jr., Commissioners Milton Slack; Duane Reid; Evie McNiece; Bill Fricks; Bill Collins; Kim Canada; Jamie Doss; Buzz Wachsteter
Approved Minutes: Nov. 17, 2008
Approved a resolution to start condemnation proceedings for Right-of-Way at Turner McCall Boulevard and North Fifth Avenue..
The property, owned by Larry Martin and housing Ark’s Liquor, is needed for a turn lane funded through the 2006 special purpose, local option sales tax.
City Manager John Bennett said Martin would not accept the city’s appraisal. Negotiations are continuing but a court action, if necessary, would settle the fair market price, Mayor Wright Bagby Jr. said.
Approved a resolution to adopt Solid Waste Management Plan Draft Update.
The plan must be updated and sent to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs every 10 years.
Approved a first reading of an alcohol service permit ordinance amendment.
The amendment, which would establish licensing requirements for waiters serving alcoholic beverages, is slated for adoption at the board’s Dec. 15 meeting.
Public Hearings:
For location maps and planning commission deliberations on the rezonings: click here.
Approved rezoning from H-TR High Density Traditional Residential to C-C Community Commercial for existing car wash and oil change facility at 6 South Hanks Street.
Approved rezoning from M-R Multi-Family Residential to O-I Office Institutional to construct homeless services complex on property located at Crane Street, East 18th Street and East 19th Street.
The move clears the way for William S. Davies Homeless Shelter to build a new, 30-bed facility and relocate to the site.
Daryl Scott, whose house abuts the property, voiced neighborhood concerns regarding the influx of transient strangers.
But Shelter Director Allison Mitchell said the facility is would offer structured programs aimed at helping people become self-sufficient.
Mitchell also cited a September survey by the Rome Homeless Task Force showing the need for the facility.
Accepted on first reading the proposed 2009 budgets.
The spending plans are scheduled for adoption at the board’s Dec. 15 meeting.
Broad Street business owner Roger Wade said he has made cutbacks due to the economic downturn and he realizes the city is trying to cut costs as well — but he hopes the budget does not include a millage rate hike.
Bagby said plans are to operate without an increase, although Bennett added a caution that it depends on the economic situation when the millage rate is set in August.
Bennett said a proposal to build a $15 million mixed-use development on city-owned West Third Street property has fallen through.
David Doss and Tom Hackett withdrew their $1.2 million offer to buy the 1.75-acre property, primarily due to economic conditions, he said.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the city is keeping $5,000 of the $20,000 in earnest money put up by the partners.
Commissioner Kim Canada said the city’s Redevelopment Committee he chairs will meet soon to discuss other options for the property.
For a previous story about the city’s purchase of the property and a link to its conceptual plan for the area, click here.
Announcement: Employee Barbeque Luncheon - Friday Dec. l2 at 11 a.m. at the Civic Center
Announcement: Meeting with state legislators and Rome City Commission at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2 in the Sam King Room at City Hall.
Announcement: Georgia Municipal Association District 1 Luncheon - Wednesday December 3. 2008 Noon at the Rome Boys and Girls Club.
Committee announcements:
Planning Commission to Meet Thursday December 4 at 2:30 p.m. in the Sam King Room at City Hall
Community Development to Meet Wednesday December 10 at 8:30 a.m. in the Sam King Room at City Hall
Water and Sewer Committee to Meet Tuesdav December 4.2008 at 9:00 a.m. in the Caucus Room at City Hall
Downtown Development Authority to Meet Thursday December 11 at 11:30 a.m. Restaurant location to be announced.
Commissioner Bill Fricks announced that the annual Mayors Motorcade will deliver gifts to 295 patients at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital at 10 a.m. Dec. 16.
Most of this “forgotten group of citizens” have no contact with family and friends, he said, and many will live their whole lives at the mental institution.
To donate, call Fricks at 706-232-5902.
Adjourn
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