MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE WALHALLA CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 21, 2020
5:30 pm.
Present: Mayor Danny Edwards, Councilman David Underwood, Councilman Dennis Owens, Councilwoman Sarai Melendez, Danny Woodward, Josh Roberts, and City Administrator Brent Taylor.
Absent:
Guest:
Mayor Edwards called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. Councilman Underwood led the pledge of allegiance.
Public Input:
There was no public input.
Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Woodward and unanimously carried, the minutes for the regular meeting on December 17, 2019 meeting were approved.
Reading of Resolutions and Ordinances:
Mr. Owens made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2019-21 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 402, 403, 403.5, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408 and 409 OF ZONING ORDINANCE 1994-8/2004-11/2017-11 11 ESTABLISHING R-10 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO – Mr. Underwood seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Discussion: There was no discussion.
Mr. Roberts made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2019-22 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE FY 2020 BUDGET (ORDINANCE NUMBER 2019-4) SO AS TO RECOGNIZE VARIOUS REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES IN THE GENERAL FUND. Mr. Owens seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
Discussion: The Administrator explained this is to address the flooding issues at the intersection of S. Broad St. and South College St. along with the Chamber of Commerce parking lot. Thrift Corporation will be performing the work. The funds are coming from the Oconee County Transportation Committee and city reserves. The project consists of 6 culverts and 500 feet of pipe. It will take 4 months to complete.
Mr. Underwood made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2019-23 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 2019-05 TO REGULATE, RESTRICT AND LIMIT, IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, THE USE AND OPERATION OF THE WATER WORKS SYSTEM MAINTAINED AND OWNED BY OR WHICH MAY BECOME THE PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF WALHALLA AND PROVIDING FOR VIOLATION THEREOF. The motion was seconded by Mr. Owens and it carried unanimously.
Discussion: There was no public input. Mr. Roberts said, “He is good with the current reduction in the non-payment fee to $35.”
Other Business:
Walhalla Makers Market
Ms. Melanie Shook spoke on behalf of the Walhalla Makers Market advocating for their spring event. She stated the request to allow tents on the sidewalk, close some of the parking spaces in front the stores and Hospitality Tax funding. She stated, “The tents would be in front of businesses from Blossom Gas to 28 West.” Mayor Edwards said, “He had no problem with this as long as the store owners are good with it.” He asked “Would they consider hosting it on a Saturday?” Ms. Shook said, “A weekday event seems to work better because of all the competition with other events such as college football in the Fall and Spring festivals.” Mr. Roberts asked “Are there any weather concerns?” Ms. Shook said, “It is a rain or shine event.” Ms. Melendez asked, “What is the funding was going to be used for?” Ms. Shook responded, “It will be used for advertising, incidentals and event insurance.” Mr. Underwood said, “It was a really good event last fall and he really enjoyed it.” He also asked staff to looking to directional signage for parking.
Mr. Woodward made a motion to allocate $1,000 of Hospitality funds to the Walhalla Makers Market. It was seconded by Ms. Melendez and approved unanimously.
Patriots Hall
Mr. Woodward made a motion to approve a request for $5,000 for Patriots Hall. It was seconded by Mr. Underwood and approved unanimously.
The Administrator stated, “It was for operations, maintenance and exhibits for the museum. Ms. Melendez stated she thinks they are hiring for a new position. “This contribution will help with what they are doing.”
The Mayor said, “They had 1635 visitors to the museum last year.”
Planning Commission Report
Mr. Underwood nominated Mr. Kelvin Bryant to the planning commission. He said, “Mr. Bryant will do a great job and is a fair person.”
Mr. Owens nominated Julia Leopard and also stated he thinks highly of Regina Orr.
Mr. Woodward nominated Regina Orr.
Council by secret ballot voted for two members to fill the two vacancies on the commission. Mr. Bryant and Ms. Orr received the most votes.
Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Edwards appointed Councilman Woodward as Mayor Pro Tem.
Committee Reports:
Fire/Codes:
Mr. Owens reported the department responded to 126 calls for service.
61 fire and 65 medicals.
Multiple calls 29% of the time.
Average 44 minutes on scene.
54 calls inside the City and 72 were outside.
16 instances of mutual aid.
Staff trained 244 hours.
Fire Marshall completed 39 business inspections and 9 residential inspections. Approved 10 pre-fire plans.
General Govt/Finance:
Mr. Roberts reported:
They received requests for Hospitality Funds for Patriots Hall and Makers Market.
They asked the Administrator to look into options to improve traffic issues on S. Catherine St.
We were updated on the Main St. Coordinator position hiring process.
Public Works:
Mr. Owens reported The Department collected the following:
280 tons residential garbage
54 tons commercial garbage
39 tons of brush = 12 loads
7 tons of C&D = 4 loads
4 tons of furniture = 3 loads
2.71 tons of mattress = 43 mattress
Department vacuumed leaves and put up Christmas decorations.
Recreation:
Ms. Melendez reported Basketball games began January 2, 2020.
City Basketball Tournament is January 24 and 25, 2020.
The County tournament begins February 13.
Chicopee Field fencing is complete and irrigation installation is in process.
Approximately 305 participants are playing basketball. Approximately 40% 119 are inside the city and 60% 186 live outside the City.
Police:
Mr. Woodward reported:
The Chief gave a presentation on the Zurcher system.
The department performed 126 license checks on New Year’s Eve.
The department, along with the Fire Department, managed the Christmas Parade and participated with “Shop with a Hero.”
The Chief highlighted some of his accomplishments during his first year as Chief.
Department had
41 Incidents
17 Arrest 2 DUI
Issued 201 tickets
681 Calls for Service
The Department for the year had 8819 calls for service and made 259 arrest.
Utilities:
Mr. Underwood reported:
Fortline gave presentation regarding the effectiveness of recently installed water meters.
Received updates on Stribling Shoals, Duck Pond Rd and Drive Thru parking lot projects.
The department is working on getting a Drive Thru window installed.
Mayor’s Comments: The Mayor commented on things he would like to see accomplished for the new year.
- Improve the condition of City Park.
- Develop a long-term plan for improvements to Chicopee Ball field.
- Continue working on improvements to Stumphouse Mt. Bike Park. He praised the state, county and other officials who have worked on this.
- Improve debris collections in the City. We may need to purchase equipment to make this happen.
- Plant more trees in the City. The tree committee has designated about 12 new trees to be planted immediately but wants to do more. He wants to see Walhalla become a Tree City.
- Implementing the Main St. Program. We have interviewed for a coordinator and should have a selection made by the end of the month. This will help communications, downtown development and special events.
- Purchase the new fire truck.
- Continue upgrading the police fleet. The fleet has been updated with six cars this year.
- He expects the work load of the Code Enforcement Officer to increase and need to prepare to work with developers.
- Construct a Drive-Thru at City Hall.
- Improve the Cane Creek sewer lines. Myself, Councilman Owens, Brent and Scott are attending a meeting with the Rural Infrastructure Authority to get guidance on how to better obtain grants to address this problem.
- Purchase new meters with improved technology.
- Build a new pump station to increase water pressure on Stribling Shoals.
- Move the line on Duck Pond Rd.
The Administrator added the City received a proposal to resurface the Pickleball Court and Soccer Court. Once the references check out, we should be awarding that contract. Mr. Roberts would like to see lights on the courts working. Mr. Underwood added they could be switched to LED.
Mr. Owens stated he would like to see a dog park added as part of the budget.
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Brent Taylor, City Administrator
