The City of South Fulton will take the safety of residents more seriously, beginning in January, with a neighborhood watch program, City Manager Jeff Vowell announced during the South Fulton Commission meeting Dec. 17.
The City of Fulton recently implemented the program.
The first meeting will be held in the Harvey Vick Community Room of the Municipal Complex, Jan. 5, at 6:30 p.m.
Vowell said participation is imperative, and urged all citizens to attend. For more information contact South Fulton City Hall or South Fulton Police Department.
The city of South Fulton may have one less lot for which to be responsible, if the commission agrees to sell.
Local business owner, Jerry Lance is looking to purchase a lot, located in a flood plane, near East State Line and Pontotoc Park, in hopes of building a greenhouse, to expand his lawncare business.
The lot, owned by the city, is less than an acre, and was purchased in conjunction, with the purchase of other lots, by the city in 2002 for $39,000. At the time, the lot had a structure on it, but since then the structure has been torn down.
The market value of the property is $8,000, which would bring in approximately $34 annually in property taxes.
There are restrictions on building within a flood zone, according to Vowell. However, he said he did not see a problem with a greenhouse being in place, since it is not considered a permanent structure.
“Legally we can sell it. However, we need to advertise it. He can place a bid, and we can either accept or reject it. I would like to see it back privately owned, and I would like to see a local business expand,” Vowell said. The tax assessed value of $8,000, would remain.
City Attorney Karl Ivey advised the commission to include in the advertisement the city would not be responsible for surveying and the deed transfer, following concerns from Mayor David Crocker.
According to Vowell, there are no back taxes owed on the property. Vowell was given the authority to advertise, research, and take sealed bids on the property.
Quotes are being received for the repairs needed for the roof of the municipal complex, Vowell announced during the city manager’s report. Vowell said the remainder of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, funding was received, and he hoped to have repairs completed before the next budget.
A meeting to discuss the Community Development Blocking Grant, recently awarded for sewer system improvements, will be held Jan. 8, at the South Fulton Municipal Complex.
Minutes, November disbursements, and department reports were approved, and a change in accounting principles was noted, in regard to the year-to- date budget review.
