Nicholson Council Meeting Minutes
Monday – December 7, 2020
6:30 P.M. Community Center
Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.
Attending: Mayor Jan Webster, Council Members – Thomas Gary, Mike Barfield, Lamar Watkins, Dusty Durst, Irma Robles, City Attorney-Jody Campbell
Pledge of Allegiance – All
Minutes: Dusty motioned to approve the November 2, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes; Lamar seconded. All were in favor. Motion Approved.
Financials: Thomas motioned to approve the November 2020 Financials; Dusty seconded. All others were in favor. Motion approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Council Vote on Property Rezone –
201 Wilbanks Circle – Habitat for Humanity – AG to SR – Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity was present to answer any questions that may have been asked. Also, neighboring property owner, Maxwell Price, attended to express his disapproval of having the property in question be cut into two lots that would both be less than one acre each and have homes built on each lot. After both sides spoke a motion was made.
Thomas motioned to not approve zoning request to rezone 201 Wilbanks Circle; Mike seconded. A vote was taken, 3 approved, Dusty opposed. Motion passed to not rezone 201 Wilbanks Circle for a Habitat for Humanity.
Sanford Drive Subdivision – Rezone both AG and RR to SR (Suburban Residential)
David Elder was available to answer any questions. Thomas asked about the stream/creek behind the land and buffering for the property. David assured that they will follow zoning ordinance requirements and that there are state water buffer requirements in place that require compliance. Jody also reminded all that the staff report from Jerry Weitz/Planning consultant, gave clear findings that “no adverse effects on environment…”
Mike motioned to approve the rezoning of the subdivision property from RR & AG to SR; Dusty seconded. All were in favor. Motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS: NA
LIBRARIANS REPORT: Per Library Manager
- $2000 grant won from Census… to help improve community. We will be using it to buy 2 T-Mobile Hot Spots. Here are the rules that will have to be followed. Once we buy the hot spots, the city will be responsible for the monthly payment. We have enough money for two years. We will see how the program goes. Other sister libraries have them and we can learn from them.
- The cost is around $30 a month. We do have to buy cases for the device. George procures them from Amazon for approximately $20 each.
- Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the library tomorrow. We will close the library at 5pm to sanitize. We will start taking names at 5:30 pm and call 3 families into the library at a time. Children will take home goodie bags from Santa and a craft.
- Library has “Passive Programs” – a craft a week, coloring sheets, mad libs, recipes and candy holders.
- Facebook Story Times: Enchanted Story Time with Ms. Sheri, Community Reader and Spanish. The sheriff was a huge hit as was Ms. Irma. Santa will be our featured reader this month.
- We won a $1000 grant from Sisters in Crime to buy graphic novels. Since the grant is from Sisters in Crime. I will buy more female centered graphic novels.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – Dusty motioned to go into Executive Session, Lamar seconded. Motion approved. Council stepped out of meeting room for executive session.
Jody explained that the City of Nicholson Adjourned to Executive Session to discuss matters of Attorney/Client privilege and are protected under the Open Meetings Act.
Thomas motioned to come out of Executive Session; Dusty seconded. All were in favor. Motion was approved.
MAYORS REPORT:
- Mayors Meeting today was hosted by Nicholson. Jan told council this went well.
- Still no word from USDA regarding the status of our Grant Application.
- Jan, Jody, Debbie and Municode Attorney Susan Hartmann Swartz met on Tuesday Dec. 1 for a 4 hour meeting to discuss city codes that were in question. Whether redundant text, possible changes in wording, and questions for Building Inspector, for building codes. Jody mentioned also the nuisance ordinance needed some revision and reorganization. Jody also told council that we should anticipate receiving a draft within 30 – 60 days.
- Jan asked council members to consider a date for the city retreat in January.
- Jan mentioned that the city needs to begin the Five Year Plan Update for our Comprehensive Plan. She explained to council members that this will require the city to choose members of a steering committee. This plan needs to be completed by October 2021.
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO SPEAK –
Adjournment: Mike motioned to adjourn; Dusty seconded. Motioned approved. Meeting adjourned at 7:43PM.
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Mayor Date
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Clerk
Announcements:
- Next Work Session Canceled – (there will be no work session in December)
- Next City Council Meeting in January 4, 2021
Approved for Website by City Clerk