Nicholson Council Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2016
7:00 P.M. Community Center
Call to Order – Meeting was called to order by Mayor Jan Webster. In attendance was, Mayor Jan Webster, Council Members – Lamar Watkins, Mike Barfield, Max Whitlock, City Clerk Debra Fontaine, and City Attorney Jody Campbell, John Ring- Planning Board Chairman, Jerry Weitz-Planning Consultant, Cameron Whitlock-Mainstreet News
Pledge of Allegiance
Mike motioned to approve the June 6, 2016 Agenda; Max seconded. A unanimous vote was taken and all were in favor. Motion approved.
Mike motioned to approve the May 2, 2016 Council Meeting Minutes; Max seconded, all were in favor. Motion approved.
Lamar motioned to approve the April 2016 Financials; Mike seconded, all were in favor. Motion approved.
PUBLIC HEARING – Mike motioned to open the Public Hearing on the Duncan Re-zoning and Property Variance Applications. Max seconded. Public Hearing was opened.
Jan asked if there were any comments from the Public regarding the Applications. Since the applicant was not in attendance nor were there citizens present in opposition, Mike Motioned to close the Public Hearing, Max seconded. The Public Hearing was closed.
John Ring stepped forward and gave particulars on the rezoning application and briefed the council on a couple issues brought to light. The first issue was Jackson County Health Dept.’s unfavorable report on the property septic system; the other issues were neighbors who visited City Hall wishing to make their opposition known regarding the Hobby Breeders opening next door. Jerry Weitz also spoke and explained to all present, the procedures in the application process, and in particular, the application made by John and Ellen Duncan to rezone the property on 441 from Suburban Residential (SR) to Highway Business (HB) for the purpose of breeding toy poodles to sell as show dogs. In the application process it was necessary for the couple to apply for a variance to the current zoning regulations for HB. After discussion and Q&A, Mike made a motion to deny the application due to information on the septic system as well as the complaint from the neighbors; Max seconded. Motion was approved to deny application.
Mike also made a motion to deny the Application for Variance; Max seconded. Motion approved to deny application for variance.
NEW BUSINESS:
Open Bids – Excess Equipment – The City advertised excess equipment that would be open for bid through a closed bid process. The following bids were opened and accepted as listed:
Crown Vic: Two bids were submitted for the 2003 Crown Vic. The first bid was $357 and the second was $1400. The bid was granted at $1400.
Golf Cart: Three bids were submitted for the Go-pro Golf Cart, $112, $500, and $402 – the highest bid was granted at $500.
Vermeer Chipper: One bid was made for the Chipper at $1600, this bid was granted.
Trailer: One bid was made for the trailer for $600. Mike motioned that the council reject the bid stating that it was worth more. Max seconded. Bid was rejected.
After discussion on the value of the trailer and the bidding process, council agreed to put the bid request back in the paper in hopes of higher bids.
Annex Unincorporated Islands – Jerry Weitz – Jan invited Jerry Weitz to explain to the council the process of annexing unincorporated islands. Jerry mentioned that State Law allows cities to annex unincorporated islands as defined, without property owner’s consent. The city first needs to verify that the islands were created lawfully. Jerry continued detailing the requirements of the process and let council know what steps would first take place at the staff level, followed by steps the city will need to take. Jody asked Jerry what the property areas were, and also asked if the zoning codes automatically allow annexed properties to be brought in with the same or like zoning classification as the surrounding properties. After explaining the location, Jerry said Nicholson codes do not make the provision Jody mentioned. However, the city would not collect a fee since the city is the applicant; there would be a small fee to run legal ads in the paper.
Comprehensive Plan – Jerry Weitz, Planner for the City of Nicholson spoke to Council Members about finalizing the Comprehensive Plan for Submission to Department of Community Affairs. Jerry answered questions about the plan, and the future land use map. After Q&A a date was set for the final Public Hearing required in order to submit the plan to NEGRC.
June 30, 2016 at 7:00pm was the date and time planned for the Public Hearing, which will be held during the City Council Work Session.
Ethics Committee – Jan reminded Council Members that each needed to provide 2 names for the Ethics Board that were asked about being on the board and willing to serve. All council members submitted their names.
Planning Board – Jan mentioned to council members that the City Planning Department needs two more board members due to two people resigning. Mike Barfield mentioned Chuck Wheeler and said he may be interested. Jan told John Ring if a recommendation could be made at the Session the City Council would be working on coming up with two individuals. It was mentioned that the individuals need to live within city limits.
Daisy Festival – Mike Barfield recognized several individuals that were a big help for the Daisy Festival. The following individuals received a plaque and words of appreciation:
Dwain Smith
Lamar Watkins
Dusty Durst
Mechelle Graham
Taylor Carithers
OLD BUSINESS:
Part Timer – Irma Robles – Jan told council members and citizens that the city hired a part time employee, Irma Robles. Irma will have a 90 day probation period. Jan told council members that the City has had many comments from customers showing appreciation for having a Spanish person on staff. She invited all to stop by and meet her.
Librarian Report – Rhonda distributed the Summer Reading Program that the Library is now doing. They are having Adult Summer Reading as well as for the Children. The program already has 100 kids signed up. Over 60 people came for the first program and a magician is coming tomorrow. There will also be meals coming on Wednesday for the new Lunch programs going on.
Materials loaned out from Library – 1900
Computers – 703
Patrons – 1927
Children’s Programs – 20
Number in attendance for Children’s Programs – 1702 (Includes Daisy Festival)
Adult Programs – 14
Attendance – 579 (Includes Daisy Festival)
Citizens Requesting to Speak – N/A
Adjournment: Max motioned to adjourn the meeting; Mike seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:50.