Monday, December 4th ,2023
6:30 P.M. Community Center
Attending: Mayor Jan Webster, Council Members Josh Burkhalter, Mike Barfield, Lamar Watkins, and Thomas Gary. City Clerk Irma Robles, Library Manager Rhonda O’Keeffe, and City Attorney Jody Campbell. For public assistance, refer to the attendance sheet. Not present: Public Works Director Doyle Samples and Mainstreet News (emailed draft minutes to Mrs. Angela Gary on 12/5/2023).
CALL TO ORDER – 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – All.
APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 4TH, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA: Councilman Mike Barfield motioned to approve the December 4th, 2023 Council Meeting Agenda. Councilman Thomas Gary seconded; all were in favor. The agenda was approved.
APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 15TH, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES: Council member Thomas Gary motioned to approve the November 15th, 2023, Council Meeting Minutes; Councilman Lamar Watkins seconded. All were in favor. Minutes approved.
NOVEMBER 2023 FINANCIALS: Council member Lamar Watkins motioned to approve the November 2023 Financial report; Councilman Thomas Gary seconded; All were in favor. Financials were approved.
- PPR-2023-01 Preliminary Plat Review for Sanford Drive Subdivision. City Attorney Jody Campbell had an update and mentioned that at a meeting with applicant Randy Matheny this morning, he provided a design plan for the proposed homes in this subdivision. The house plan has 2,054 sq ft of heated space plus a non-heated two-car garage and front porch area, totaling 2,500 sq. ft. two-story homes. Applicant Matheny agreed to accept a condition from the city council that the homes that will be constructed would not be less than 2,000 heated sq. ft. The City Attorney also mentioned that the applicant provided some examples of other developments this particular builder has done in the area, and he shared those with the mayor and council today via email. Jody advised the city council on their options for tonight: 1. Approve the preliminary plat as presented, 2. Approve the preliminary plat with several conditions offered on the staff report by the Planning Commission and the ones discussed a moment ago; 3. Deny this application, and 4. The City Council has the availability to table this, so they have more time to consider it. Councilman Thomas Gary motioned to table the Preliminary Plat Review for Sanford Drive Subdivision, councilman Josh Burkhalter seconded this motion, and Council Member Mike Barfield opposed. 3 to 1, Motion carries. This agenda item will be an unfinished business for the January 2024 Council meeting.
- Appointment of NWA Board Member Brock Wilson. Councilman Thomas Gary made a motion to approve the nomination of Brock Wilson as NWA Board Member; Council member Josh Burkhalter seconded this motion, and Councilman Mike Barfield and Lamar Watkins opposed it. 2 to 2. The mayor broke the tie and voted in favor. Motion carries. Brock Wilson will serve on the NWA Board.
- Recognition of Sponsors for more than 40 Years Supporting the Daisy Festival. Councilman, Mayor Pro Temp Thomas Gary, and Mayor Jan Webster delivered plaques recognizing four local businesses that have supported the Nicholson Daisy Festival for over 40 years. The following business owners were present: Stephanie, Dennis, and Larry Barnett from Georgia Bark. Stone, Matthew, and grandson Jack Shirley from Shirley’s Feed and Seed. Carole’s Country Cupboard and Seymour’s Wrecker Services were recognized but were not present at the meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: N/A
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO SPEAK: N/A
- LIBRARIAN’S REPORT
Rhonda O’Keeffe, Library Manager
In November 2023, the Nicholson Library had:
-Turkeys out of toilet paper holders
-Make and takes were puppet owls and poppies
-December makes and takes was: Make your own ornament.
-The Nicholson Library Adult Club read “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and December is a Christmas Book of their choice.
-The library will have Santa’s visit plus crafts on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, from 6 pm-8 pm.
-Library Assistant Sherri Stephens is still reading to Candy Castle Daycare every week.
- MAYOR’S REPORT:
-Mayor Webster informed the city council about a plumbing emergency repair at the Community Center ladies’ restroom due to a rental on 11/23 (Thanksgiving). The city paid $2,500 to Patriot Plumbing. To fix this issue permanently, they will have to dig up concrete, redo the pipe, and repour the concrete that was put on top of it. Patriot Plumbing gave us an estimate for $8,500.00, and Doyle is trying to get quotes on this. The city council agreed to get more quotes from other companies and have a Special Called Meeting as soon as possible since the community center has several bookings for this month.
-Mayor Jan also mentioned that County Manager Kevin Poe attended the Arcade Mayor’s Luncheon today and stated that TSPLOST negotiations with the County will start soon.
-Mayor Webster informed the city council that David Abounader’s Workman’s Comp case has been settled.
-She invited everyone to the Christmas Tree Lighting on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 at 6:00 pm
-Mayor Jan reminded the city council that the next Events Committee Meeting is December 12th, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
-She also reminded the city council that the December Work Session is December 28th, 2023, at 6:30 pm, and the next Council Meeting is January 8th, 2024, at 6:30 pm due to New Year’s Day.
ADJOURNMENT: Councilman Josh Burkhalter motioned to adjourn the December 4th, 2023 Council Meeting; Councilman Lamar Watkins seconded, and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m.-
Announcements:
*Next Work Session– Thursday, December 28th, 2023 at 6:30 pm.
*Next Council Meeting – Monday, January 8th, 2024, at 6:30 pm.
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Approved by City Clerk Irma Robles