Transcript

Event transcript
And you? 00:00:07
Dude, she's waiting to me. Hi. Hi. You want to say hi? 00:00:22
All right, we might have to turn the lights on and off to get the kids attention tonight. 00:00:31
All right, but the. 00:00:53
Welcome to the. 00:00:58
Sport month, is it September? Watkinsville City Council meeting. We have a quorum here. We're excited to have such a great group 00:01:00
here. The first thing we start our meeting off with is the Pledge of Allegiance. I bet all the kids know the Pledge of Allegiance, 00:01:05
so let's all stand and say the pledge. 00:01:10
I pledge allegiance to the flag. 00:01:16
Of the United States of America. 00:01:19
And to the Republic for which it stands. 00:01:21
One Nation. 00:01:24
Under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:01:26
All right. I made a brief announcement, but not everybody was here, so I'm going to very briefly make it again. 00:01:35
The Before we get into proclamations there, there was a rezoning tonight that has been pulled. 00:01:40
Some people were coming in here to express their opposition to that. 00:01:47
I did want to let people know that that has been pulled, so if you're here to express your opposition to the rezoning on Hardin 00:01:52
Hill Rd. that won't be before us tonight. There is still a demolition permit. 00:01:56
That will involve knocking down the trailer. 00:02:01
Otherwise, we are going to get going. We're going to move pretty briskly through the meeting tonight. So we're going to start with 00:02:04
an exciting moment. And kids, I'm glad you're here. You're going to learn a little bit about civic life. We have to do the oath of 00:02:09
office for a new police officer, and that is Jay Higgins, who's recently moved back to Oconee County. We're excited to have Jay 00:02:14
joining our police force. So, Jay, if you'll come forward, our city attorney will administer the oath of office for you, Officer 00:02:18
Higgins. 00:02:23
We'll do it right here. Seems to be fine. How are you, Sir? Joe? Right. 00:02:35
All right, this time we will commence the oath. We raise your right hand, please. 00:02:39
View Jason Higgins solemnly swear or affirm that you will. 00:02:43
Faithfully execute the Office of Police Officer. 00:02:47
For the City of Watkinsville, and to the best of your ability, support and defend the Constitution of the United States. 00:02:50
The Constitution of Georgia and the charter, ordinances, and regulations of the City of Watkinsville. 00:02:57
And that you are not the holder of any unaccounted for public money. 00:03:03
Do this state or any political subdivision or authority thereof, and. 00:03:07
That you're not the holder of any Office of Trust. 00:03:12
Under the government of the United States, any other state, or any foreign state. 00:03:14
Which you by laws the state of Georgia will be prohibited from holding and. 00:03:19
That you are otherwise qualified to hold said office according to constitution and laws of Georgia. 00:03:23
And that you will perform the duties of your office. 00:03:29
In the best interest of the city of Watkinsville, the best of your ability. 00:03:32
Without fear or favor, affection, reward, or expectation thereof. If you agree with that oath, you can say I do or I do, So help 00:03:35
me God I do. 00:03:39
Congratulations, Sir. 00:03:43
We're going to have Officer Higgins family come up for photo with him. 00:03:51
Congratulations. 00:03:55
Congratulations welcome. 00:03:58
Here, I'll stand there. We have any other officers? 00:04:05
Dealing with the. 00:04:12
All right, let me just get with the family. 00:04:21
Thank you. 00:04:25
All right, to prevent somebody now we have several proclamations tonight, so I'm just going to come up here and. 00:04:46
We're going to work through them quickly, but they're all important. First of all, we're going to recognize, we're going to 00:04:52
recognize Constitution Week and. 00:04:55
I think. 00:05:00
We're going to have Dory Brown Dory, if you and your and Tina and those of you can come forward here here for. 00:05:01
Constitution week if y'all come on up here. 00:05:07
Both of you, yeah, we're. 00:05:11
I'm just going to kind of cover off on both a little. 00:05:13
OK, so some of you may have noticed the American flags that are lining that are lining that are lining Main Street. And the reason 00:05:17
that we're doing that is September 1st through September 23rd is? 00:05:22
Is we display those for two reasons. One is it's Patriot Day. 00:05:28
The victims. 00:05:32
Of that tragic event on September 11th. And then US Constitution Week is September 17th, the 23rd, which is a celebration of the 00:05:33
Constitution and the freedoms that it guarantees. So the flags remind us of those two days and these events. 00:05:40
The sacrifices that patriots made to help our country and preserve our great nation. 00:05:46
So as you drive down Main Street, we don't put those flags up for any old reason. It's really important that they're out there. So 00:05:52
I'm going to share a proclamation. 00:05:56
For Constitution Week here and I'll give one to each of your organizations. The Constitution of the United States of America, the 00:06:00
guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government and a Republic dedicated to rule by law. September 17th, 00:06:05
2025 marks. 00:06:10
138th anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention. 00:06:16
It is bidding and property to afford official recognition to this magnificent document. 00:06:22
And it's memorable anniversary and to the patriotic celebrations. 00:06:27
Commemorated, whereas Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation issued by the President of the United States. 00:06:31
September 15th through 23rd. 00:06:37
Constitution Week. 00:06:40
I, Brian Broderick, to the authority vested in me as the Mayor of Watkinsville, do hereby proclaim the week of September 17th 00:06:41
through 23rd this Constitution Week in Watkinsville, Georgia and I urge our citizens to reaffirm the ideals the framers of the 00:06:47
Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms. 00:06:52
Guaranteed through us. 00:06:58
Guaranteed through this guardian of our liberties. 00:07:00
Must I've here under set my hand and caused the seal of Watkinsville to be affixed the 17th day of September. 00:07:03
2000. 00:07:08
25. 00:07:09
So each of the two organizations that are here with us tonight, we have. 00:07:11
The Daughters of the American Revolution and we have Dory Brown also with the William Daniels Society. 00:07:14
Of the American Revolution and who's representing? Is that you? I'm getting things. 00:07:21
President, Miss Taylor, OK Taylor, thank you for being here. So we have two organizations that we're recognizing. We're grateful. 00:07:28
To y'all for supporting us and everything that you do for our community. 00:07:34
And I think after what's? 00:07:38
America, it's a. 00:07:40
Find ourselves Constitution. 00:07:41
So thanks to you both for being here. I don't know if you want to make any remarks about the week. 00:07:44
Your organization or anything else if you do. 00:07:49
Here's a chance. 00:07:52
Taylor. 00:07:54
Mr. President, either. 00:07:57
We'd love to have you as a member of the of the William Daniels Society. 00:08:03
And we've got a big plans for America's 250th birthday coming up in July, so hopefully we'll have some of you guys out for that as 00:08:08
well. So stay tuned for more on that. 00:08:12
Here's your proclamation. 00:08:16
Is the proclamation. 00:08:20
You want to do a photo or anything? All right, great. 00:08:25
They're not members. 00:08:30
All right, I would give you that picture and we'll get one with the mayor. 00:08:41
Thank you. 00:09:03
All right. Brooks Thomas. 00:09:24
Who's where's Brooks and his family? 00:09:27
OK. 00:09:30
All right, books. 00:09:36
We got Knox, he's a survivor as well. We have any other kids. We have any other childhood cancer survivors. So these are two. 00:09:39
All right guys, well we are so grateful that y'all were here. 00:09:49
It's also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so we have a proclamation about that that we've signed and are going to get to you and 00:09:52
your families. That is in September. And so we are specifically doing that in honor of Brooks Thomas, who's the son of Ty and 00:09:57
Elise Thomas. 00:10:03
And then remind me of your name. 00:10:08
Knox. 00:10:12
Noble, Knox. Noble. All right, so Brooks and Knox, we're going to do this in honor of you, I'm briefly going to read this. So 00:10:14
families. 00:10:17
Who have had a son or daughter pass away from childhood cancer often choose to honor their loved one by continuing to fight 00:10:21
against childhood cancer. 00:10:24
It's the family support, research and advancements in childhood cancer, often funded by private charities run by individuals who 00:10:28
have personally witnessed the long term effects and outcomes of childhood cancer. Many healthcare providers, charitable 00:10:33
organizations, religious and social groups come together during the member of September to host events, raise funds for research, 00:10:37
and offer families physical, emotional, spiritual and financial support. These groups are committed to supporting families and 00:10:42
children through. 00:10:47
Through and after the uniquely difficult treatment process. 00:10:52
Childhood cancer effects 47 new children every day nationwide, a battle that impacts entire communities including parents, 00:10:55
grandparents, siblings, friends and neighbors. This disease impacts hundreds of children each year in the state of Georgia. 00:11:00
Including some of our youngest. 00:11:06
Some of our youngest children. 00:11:08
So now. 00:11:10
I'm proclaiming. 00:11:11
September 2025 is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Watkinsville and encourage all residents of Watkinsville to join us in 00:11:12
supporting activities and events. 00:11:16
Throughout the month of September to honor families walking through this journey at every step of the way to let them know that 00:11:21
they are brave and they are not alone. 00:11:24
And you guys are incredibly brave because you went through it, you survived it. And look at all the people that you've inspired 00:11:28
here tonight, right? All your friends, your family. 00:11:32
Pretty awesome. 00:11:39
Is there anything you want to say to these people here tonight? Either of you want to say anything? 00:11:40
Right. Well, here's what I'd love to do. So I'd love to have. 00:11:45
Let's see, maybe get your families to come up here and we'll get a picture with you and your families. And then if we can pull 00:11:49
this off and kids, you're going to have to be. 00:11:52
You know, listen to your parents is how we do this. I want us all to kind of come once we do the families after Miss Sharon and 00:11:56
the red jacket says she's got the picture she needs, then we'll let all of you. 00:12:01
Come up and gather up around these guys and we'll get the, we'll get a picture with all the kids who are here and the families if 00:12:07
they want to, too. OK, so y'all come on up with just your families. Miss Sharon's going to get a picture and then we'll bring 00:12:13
everybody up. And City Council, if y'all want to join that picture, come on. 00:12:18
What did you share on the red coat? 00:12:30
Alright, alright, alright. 00:13:54
Thank you. 00:14:05
I remember. 00:15:01
All right, we know why most people were here tonight. 00:15:10
All right, is anybody here for the Georgia Reads Day proclamation? 00:15:26
Right. If you're not, then we're not going to read the proclamation. It is also. 00:15:30
We're going to proclaim September 22nd as Georgia Reads Day. 00:15:36
But since they didn't come tonight, we will. We're grateful for. 00:15:41
All the reading, we'll put it that way in Watkinsville, but I will forego the reading of that proclamation. 00:15:45
And we'll move on through the agenda. 00:15:50
I will note that as we. 00:15:53
Typically, do we have a hearing loop system in the council chamber that's a wireless network for people who may have hearing 00:15:56
difficulties? 00:15:59
Unfortunately, that system was affected by a recent power surge and it is out of service. 00:16:04
So tonight we're trying to get that fixed, obviously as fast as we can. 00:16:09
We have a system over on the right by that computer that is showing tonight's meeting in closed caption. So if someone here does 00:16:14
have hearing difficulties. 00:16:18
I'm looking around, everybody nod your head if you can hear me. I just want to make sure everybody can hear me if you haven't, 00:16:23
because if you don't not, I'm going to suggest you go to the computer there and look for the closed captions. So later on the 00:16:28
meeting when it is recorded is broadcast online with closed captions available in the lower right corner. 00:16:34
And it automatically appears on the recordings. 00:16:40
The current month's agenda is posted a week before the meeting to allow time for comments and writing to the court. 00:16:42
So with that, we'll get going with our regularly scheduled programming and that would be the approval of the Minutes Council. Do 00:16:48
we have any adjustments or edits to the minutes from the last meeting? 00:16:52
Can I have a motion to approve those minutes? Please make a motion to approve the minutes. All right. Do we have a second? Second. 00:16:58
All right, hearing no further discussion, all in favor say aye. Okay, motion carries unanimously. 00:17:04
On the agenda, we have a couple changes. 00:17:11
As I said a couple times, the rezone request. 00:17:13
The applicant has notified us that he is requesting a withdrawal of the rezone application at 49 Harden Hill Rd. so items 14 and 00:17:17
15 under public hearing will be removed from the agenda. 00:17:23
The applicants request for a demolition permit and wastewater capacity allocation at that same address. 00:17:28
Remain on the agenda. 00:17:33
OK, so he's. 00:17:34
Not asking to split the lot. 00:17:35
Or for a reason. Instead he is asking to demolish the trailer and apply for sewer capacity and will likely build 1 home on that 00:17:37
lot. 00:17:41
It is not official, but he will. 00:17:46
Under item 23, under new business, I would like us to consider a policy and procedure for dope memorial bench dedications in city 00:17:48
parks. 00:17:52
With those two changes, unless anyone wants to remove anything from consent, I'll request the approval of the agenda. 00:17:57
I'll make a motion to approve the agenda with the changes noted by Mayor Broderick. 00:18:04
All right, do we have a second? 00:18:08
I'll second. 00:18:10
Any comments? 00:18:11
Hearing none, all in favor say aye aye. Any opposed? 00:18:12
Motion carries unanimously. 00:18:16
We will move into administration. Before we do, I'll remind everyone here about public input at a Watkinsville City Council 00:18:18
meeting. We are a little less formal than some government, so if you have something you want to comment on, raise your hand. 00:18:25
There will be a formal public comment point. 00:18:32
Portion at the end of the meeting, but if there's something that's being discussed that you want to. 00:18:34
Comment on generally, we will allow that. That is at the Council's discretion. 00:18:38
The comments should be directly related to that matter. At that point you would need to come to the podium, speak from the podium, 00:18:42
offer your address 4 minutes per person. 00:18:46
And you would need to address that so, so if you see something that you want to comment on, then just feel free to raise your 00:18:50
hand. And again, it councils discretion if the meeting runs along. 00:18:54
Or if we don't want to allow that, then we will move back and just follow the formal zoning procedures laws. But generally we 00:18:59
allow informal comment as much as we can. 00:19:03
So moving on from that, we'll go to Financial Reports Manager Dickerson. Thank you, Mayor. 00:19:09
Everyone should have received the balance sheet, the revenues and expenditures, not anything alarming or concerning there. So if 00:19:14
you have any questions, just just let me know. 00:19:18
Our spots three, our special purpose local option sales tax. 00:19:22
That began in October 21, and since that's in September 27, we get 8.63% of all sales tax in the county under an agreement with 00:19:26
the county. 00:19:30
We are averaging about $85,000 a month. We budgeted about 60, little less than 65. So it's a pretty good. 00:19:35
Pretty good revenue stream coming in. 00:19:42
We have a little bit more than $1,000,000 in the bank. 00:19:45
And last month? 00:19:47
Because we always receive revenues at the end of the month, so July we got at the end of August. 00:19:49
The the revenue was 97,000, which was almost 10% more than this same time last year. 00:19:54
Some of the projects that we're supporting with SPLOST 3 include. 00:20:02
Public safety. 00:20:06
Our Thomas Farm preserve and the acquisition of that as well as the Simonton Bridge Rd. pedestrian project, which the mayor will 00:20:07
talk about in his report later. 00:20:11
Taste bosses are transportation special purpose local option sales tax. It began in 20 in April of 23 year old sunset in March of 00:20:17
28. 00:20:20
We get 7.77% of all sales tax the county collects. We're averaging about 81,000 a month. We budgeted 78. So we're a little bit 00:20:24
higher than what we thought we would be already. 00:20:29
We have a little bit more than 1.1 million in the bank. 00:20:34
And 82,000 was our take in July. That's a little bit again about 10% more than we had. 00:20:37
The same time last year. 00:20:43
Again, some projects that we're completing with the T spots, money, sidewalk construction, Sumption Bridge Rd. project that were 00:20:46
the mayor will talk about. 00:20:50
We start resurfacing local roads. We have a big project coming up the end of the month, the. 00:20:53
What's the name of the subdivision officer? Bishop and Bishops Vineyard will be will be resurfaced as a result of some of these 00:21:00
funds. 00:21:03
On the economic development, we have business built business and alcohol licensing fees. We had four pretty much pretty slow 00:21:09
month. 00:21:12
But we had four business licenses come in for a little bit more than $600. 00:21:16
Our excise taxes that we collect again, we collect them after the fact. So August comes in the end of September we did get, we do 00:21:20
have a little bit comes in the first, but. 00:21:24
We're tracking the at or above where we projected we would be. 00:21:27
The the all STVR that's our short term vacation rental, hotel, motel tax that we get from Airbnbs and the like. 00:21:32
Any questions on any of those? 00:21:41
OK. And then the last building permits for August, we had 10 permits for eight projects. 00:21:44
Three of three of the projects were actually in at Wire Park. So that's keeping bit, keeping us busy over there. 00:21:49
And that's that for those reports, I do have a short take a little. 00:21:56
Privilege here and introduce two of our We've already met Jay Higgins and our Police Department cuz he was. 00:22:00
Had his swearing in tonight but Nick Parker started Nick. 00:22:05
Started in March and I think with budget everything we just completely overlooked and he's so quiet so that he worked, he works 00:22:08
parks and has been doing a great job. So you guys may see him at Thomas Farm, Watkinsville, Woods, Hair Shoals. You'll see him 00:22:12
around and about. 00:22:17
So if you see them now, you know what he looks like, you can say, hey, so. 00:22:22
And then Mayor, I'm going to, you'd asked last month for an update on the business, sorry, Hillside Business Park and I'm going to 00:22:29
ask Mark to do a little update on that for you. Thank you. Yeah. So. 00:22:34
Will Lipkin was here for the the September meeting. I previously met the previous day with the general contractor. For that you 00:22:41
can see a couple pictures. That curb has been removed. 00:22:45
Thank you, Mr. Campbell. Sharon, anything else on economic development? 00:23:49
All right, Mayor Pro Tem Tucker, Downtown Development. 00:23:53
Absolutely. So we've had another exciting month. 00:23:56
The strategic planning process. 00:24:00
We are actually going to be reporting on that next month. So we wanted a little more time to just kind of feel out some more 00:24:02
things. We really appreciate everybody's input and how much time, effort and energy was put into it. So we want to make sure that 00:24:07
it's a really good. 00:24:12
A report when you guys get it. So that's why there's a little bit of a delay. 00:24:19
Umm, this Friday it is not too late. There are still a few spots left. We are having a tax credit, lunch and learn at Chops and 00:24:23
Hops. 00:24:27
You do have to register, but it is free and you get lunch. 00:24:32
And you? 00:24:36
Get to learn about how the rural zone. 00:24:37
In our downtown area. 00:24:41
The tax credits not only the Georgia tax credit options, but also there's some federal. 00:24:44
Incentives as well. So anybody who is thinking about. 00:24:50
Rehabbing, selling, buying. 00:24:55
In our downtown, this is a great opportunity. 00:24:58
Also want to mention Oh calf, one of our wonderful. 00:25:02
Private partners, nonprofits in our community. 00:25:06
They have a lot of great events all the time. And this Saturday, Grassland live music is playing four to seven at Rocket Field. 00:25:10
So. 00:25:14
And I don't think there's a cost. 00:25:19
For that, is there a cost for that Lawrence, or is the cost for that? 00:25:21
OK. 00:25:25
I got it wrong. Oh, you got it wrong in that five to seven, OK. 00:25:26
Did can I ask you what is? 00:25:31
This gates open forward and music 5 to 7. 00:25:33
OK, gates open at 4 Music. 00:25:36
Five to seven. Excellent. 00:25:38
15 is the cost. 00:25:40
Umm, Fields of Faith, October six, 6 to 9 and rocket field. 00:25:43
And we have our 51st fall festival, Coney Chamber Fall Festival October 18th. 00:25:48
On Rocket Field, so I'm sure everyone here is aware of what a great event that is for our community. It also means that there 00:25:55
you're going to need to be aware of traffic in Watkinsville that is our one day a year, unlike Athens in their seven days a year. 00:26:02
And American Heart Association Heart Walk October 23rd. 00:26:11
And also another time you need to be a little aware of traffic on Halloween. We have our super fun. 00:26:17
Trick or treating in downtown on Main Street. 00:26:23
But that is also obviously. 00:26:26
Traffic is very slow, as it should be with so many. 00:26:29
Kids trick or treating but it's super fun if you haven't seen. 00:26:32
Everybody dressed up and coming downtown. It's a really great community event. 00:26:36
And then lastly. 00:26:41
We have. 00:26:44
I'm announcing that we are going to do a downtown business holiday decorating contest and it is going to be themed around our 00:26:46
parade theme. 00:26:50
Which is hometown. 00:26:55
Holiday. Yes. OK, Hometown holiday. 00:26:58
And the reason we're announcing it in September, I am not someone who starts decorating in October for Christmas personally, but 00:27:01
we know a lot of business owners and store owners. You have to plan ahead and buy things and we want to give everybody a great 00:27:08
opportunity to do that. So this will just be a lot of fun that will have the theme of our parade. 00:27:14
Scattered through downtown for the whole holiday season, so more details to that. 00:27:21
On that to come. So thank you guys. 00:27:27
All right, what a great update and just a little editorializing, but I just love to see the energy out of OCAF these days. It's 00:27:30
really great to see all the programming and different things and. 00:27:34
Perspectives was so amazing, so great job to everybody who helped put that together. I know there's a few people in the room who 00:27:38
were very involved in that, so great job. 00:27:42
All right, Manager Dickerson, I believe you're doing Police Department report. 00:27:48
At a state conference for chiefs this week. So just some updates. We do have Cadet Walter Claire completed his ten weeks. He's 00:27:53
passed his midterm, so that's good news. 00:27:58
A Detective Sauceman has done some in-house training and they, both Detective Sosman and Officer Higgins, have completed their 00:28:03
quality. They qualified in their firearms training. Of course, you met our new officer tonight, Jay Higgins. 00:28:10
We do expect the Explorer with the replacement of that vehicle that you guys surplus. We do expect that in sometime this week. 00:28:17
They're preparing also for the fall festival, Halloween, Christmas parade. There's a lot going on with that. 00:28:23
And then just generally we had. 00:28:29
A higher arrest than we've had. A lot of them are driving their DUI related, some only one in speeding. 00:28:33
And then quite a few reports taken this month. 00:28:40
A little bit more than we normally have, so. 00:28:44
But nothing else we did, I believe we had other officers went outside, but we did have a tree go down right before the meeting. So 00:28:46
that's why two of my officers were not here. So for the swearing in for Officer Higgins, any questions? 00:28:52
OK. All right. Consents usually pretty brief, but there are a couple items on here that are important, So I want to offer a little 00:28:58
bit of context. 00:29:02
First of all, we're establishing 2 new. 00:29:07
Citizen Committees. 00:29:11
One is the Friends of Thomas Farm Preserve. 00:29:13
If you're here because you're were selected to be on that committee, will you stand, please? 00:29:15
OK, great. Welcome, everybody. 00:29:21
Ed. Lane Ed. 00:29:24
He is going to be your initial chair and that doesn't mean he's the chair forever, but it means he's the chair right now. 00:29:26
These groups are intended to be This will apply to the arts committee I'm going to speak to as well. 00:29:34
I want you to be sort of self-sustaining. 00:29:38
And decide who your chair should be. But Ed knows he helped plan, helped design the park. 00:29:41
So he really understands what we're trying to accomplish out there. I'll join your meetings as well. 00:29:48
But the idea is. 00:29:54
For Thomas Farm, we're looking for folks who are willing to lend their expertise, their energy, help us build community support 00:29:56
for all the things we need to do out there. We have 100 acres. 00:30:00
That has become one of the most beloved spaces in Oconee County and beyond. 00:30:04
So you all have a really important job and that's going to be to take care of this precious asset and to reinforce our two man 00:30:08
Parks Department in a lot of ways. So but also thinking through creative programming how we take great care of it. 00:30:15
You know, we've got all kinds of things. We're dealing with this today. We've got it. We've realized we've got a most some 00:30:22
invasives in the next two days or they're going to take over the back quadrant of the pasture. We've got branches that are falling 00:30:25
down. We've got. 00:30:29
Our next committee is our Public Arts Committee. 00:31:02
And if you're here because you're on the Public Arts Committee, please stand. 00:31:05
All right. 00:31:09
Your initial chair is going to be Mary Lily Watson. Mary Lily, raise your hand. 00:31:10
Same idea here. This is a group that we want. 00:31:15
You see, behind us the art land of Georgia was our was what we how we described ourselves for a long time. 00:31:20
We still want to describe ourselves that way, but we need to do a better job of paying that off with public art and programming 00:31:25
and thoughtful use of the arts in Watkinsville in partnership with OCAF. 00:31:30
So we have a committee again, same drill. I'll provide a brief charge. We've drafted bylaws. That's what we're adopting tonight. 00:31:36
Sharon will be in touch to schedule that. 00:31:40
You'll want to nominate your own. 00:31:45
Chair, Vice Chair. After your initial chair and vice chair, run the meeting. 00:31:48
I'd love it if they'd stay on, but I know they're also very busy, the folks who were selected for that so. 00:31:52
So we will see where that goes, but your charge is to really help us activate. 00:31:57
The Arts in Watkinsville. 00:32:02
Which is very important to us from a tourism, from a culture. 00:32:04
From an education. 00:32:07
Standpoint. So we're excited about your committee as well and can't wait to see what you do in the years ahead. So thank you as 00:32:09
well for being here. So that's two things that we're going to approve on consent tonight. The one other thing I will call out. 00:32:14
Is that we? 00:32:20
We have an easement that we're going to approve tonight and that's going to allow us to. 00:32:22
Do some of the sidewalk work we'll talk about cleanly later. 00:32:27
But with that background. 00:32:31
I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. 00:32:33
I make a motion to approve the consent agenda. 00:32:38
Is there a second? 00:32:40
All in favor, Say aye, all right. 00:32:42
Carries 50. Now we officially have. 00:32:45
Our Tom Friends of Thomas Farm Preserve Committee and our Public Arts Committee are established and we can't wait to see what 00:32:47
y'all do. 00:32:50
Yeah. 00:32:55
All right, we will move on through the agenda. Item 14 has been removed. Item 15 has been removed. Item 16. 00:32:58
Is our text amendment to allow conditional use for indoor recreation? 00:33:05
In historic Maine, this is going to be related to expanding our definitions, I think to allow. 00:33:09
Some additional indoor recreation opportunities Manager Dickerson and attorney Reitman since this is. 00:33:18
Kind of legal. I'm going to let y'all talk about that and then we'll have a public hearing. 00:33:23
If you want start, you want me to. I mean, yeah, it's more late all that. OK. Well, we're following the zoning procedures law. You 00:33:28
can see we have a robust definition in that. 00:33:32
Key phrase there is really family friendly. 00:33:37
So we want to ensure that we don't have what you see on the last three lines. 00:33:40
Billiards dice sports betting Vegas style table games the contrary. 00:33:45
What we're looking for are. 00:33:50
Leisure Sports. 00:33:52
Fitness skills based amusement. 00:33:54
Indoor golf, mini golf, indoor golf simulators, which is forthcoming. 00:33:57
Batting cages. Climbing walls. 00:34:02
Arcades with games again that are family friendly. Bowling, skating, trampoline, kids birthday party places. 00:34:04
Bounce houses, indoor playgrounds, laser tag escape rooms or similar. Again, that phrase family friendly. 00:34:10
That is the purpose and intent. 00:34:17
Are there any questions? 00:34:18
I guess at this time we'll be in the public hearing unless you're anything you want to add to that. 00:34:21
And just context, you're going to hear 4 items in a row that are all sort of related here. So we have to have a public hearing to 00:34:25
adopt this definition. 00:34:29
Then we have to vote. 00:34:32
To add that. 00:34:34
To allow that, to allow that amendment, then we're going to have a public hearing in a vote related to. 00:34:35
A new business that's going to be. 00:34:40
In that use zone after that. So we'll have 4 items in a row that are kind of about the same thing. 00:34:43
So with that, I'm going to open up a public hearing. 00:34:48
If anybody wants to speak to the text amendment to allow the conditional use. 00:34:51
Indoor recreation in the historic main, downtown and mixed-use office districts. 00:34:56
And as a permitted use in quarter commercial so? 00:35:01
What that means is a conditional use. It would have to come before Council in the first three areas. 00:35:03
Or it could just be a permitted use in quarter commercial. 00:35:08
Please come forward and speak to that. 00:35:11
You have 4 minutes. 00:35:14
If you want to speak, I'm seeing nobody, so I'm going to close the public hearing. 00:35:16
Next, we'll move to a vote. 00:35:19
On that text amendment. 00:35:21
Any further? 00:35:24
Comments from the attorney or from the manager. 00:35:25
I don't hear any so without any questions from the Council discussion. 00:35:28
I don't hear any. With that, we'll move to a motion. 00:35:32
I make a motion to approve. 00:35:35
All right, we have a motion to approve. We have a second. 00:35:37
Second, you have a second from Councilman Thomas. Any further discussion? 00:35:41
All in favor say aye. 00:35:45
Any opposed? 00:35:47
That motion carries 5. 00:35:48
We'll now move to a public hearing for a conditional use request. 00:35:50
For. 00:35:54
Swing Golf Lounge, LLC. 00:35:56
And so this is for a virtual golf lounge. I'll ask Engineer Campbell to provide an overview of this request. 00:35:59
Thank you, Mayor. 00:36:06
So this is a conditional use request for a virtual golf lounge, which would be within the indoor recreation conditional use 00:36:06
facility of the text amendment you just approved and the address is 8 School St. 00:36:13
Which is historic main zoning so. 00:36:19
If you want to get to the next lab. 00:36:23
Wasn't able to get just 8 School St. because it is the large red brick building that you may be familiar with there. That's at the 00:36:25
corner of School Street and 1st St. so based on the addresses there, 8 is in the middle. 00:36:31
68 and 10. 00:36:37
School St. There's the. 00:36:40
Somewhat older platform 1990 that that shows that 10,000 square foot building at the corner as indicated. So that that's 8 School 00:36:42
St. So School St. at that portion is a one way St. between Main Street and 1st St. 00:36:48
But that gives an idea of what you're looking at or what you're maybe used to driving by, but you may have known specifically that 00:36:55
that was in fact. 00:36:58
8 School St. 00:37:02
So, umm. 00:37:04
You just had the the hearing for allowing that indoor recreation as a conditional use within historic main, downtown and mixed-use 00:37:05
office. 00:37:09
This happens to be historic Maine. 00:37:13
Dan Over is the applicant on behalf of Oconee Wheel Drillers, as the owner of the property to allow a virtual golf facility, which 00:37:15
fits under that definition for indoor recreation as a conditional use. There's certain things that have to be followed legally. It 00:37:23
was, you'll see it as part of the application there, ABC and D to answer each one of those questions for a conditional use. 00:37:31
Permit. 00:37:39
Criteria and they also included within the application the Secretary of State's information for the organization known as. 00:37:40
Classic Swing Golf Lounge, LLC. 00:37:48
Happy to answer any questions. 00:37:51
I did review those, everything appears to be in order. 00:37:53
All right. 00:37:57
Is Chris Carter here? 00:37:58
All right, Mr. Carter, come on up. Why don't you tell us a little bit about your business? 00:38:00
Provide some additional information and then if Council has questions. 00:38:04
We can address those and then we'll have a brief public hearing as well in case the public has questions. 00:38:08
I am Chris, it's nice to meet everyone. I am a resident of Bishop. 00:38:13
I'm a graduate UGA. My wife and I both are from Lawrenceville. 00:38:17
So essentially we're just trying to bring in a high class nice practice facility. 00:38:20
Be able to come in, use it our youth leagues. 00:38:25
Our middle schools. Our high schools. 00:38:27
But also our membership based tiers and everything as well. 00:38:29
Just a nice 24/7 membership based. 00:38:32
High security, there's going to be cameras everywhere. They're going to have complete access at all times. 00:38:35
Everything will be automated. There will be no regular employees there. 00:38:39
But yeah, the idea is just to have a nice, clean, sleek place for come. 00:38:44
To practice, call and get better. 00:38:48
I live out in Lane Creek. 00:38:50
It's one of the only public golf facilities there. 00:38:52
Got 4 young kids, we struggle to get them in the golf programs around the county. 00:38:54
The idea is to open up some summer camps, fall camps, winter camps. 00:38:59
All the above and really make it more accessible to the community so. 00:39:02
That's the idea and I'm. 00:39:05
We're kind of hoping I've got one other partner. 00:39:07
Is a family member of mine also big? 00:39:09
Golfer as well, got kids as well and. 00:39:11
That's the idea is to make it family friendly, friendly kind of like y'all were discussing and. 00:39:14
Nothing like the clubs that you are. 00:39:18
Hopefully trying to keep out of here, so no franchise, just locally owned and operated and just try to do a good job. 00:39:20
Treat the community well so. 00:39:27
That's the idea Sir. I appreciate y'all time. I'm personally super super excited. I've got a 10 year old that plays. 00:39:29
Out at Lane Creek and part of the Golf Club look forward to that. 00:39:35
Any other questions for Mr. Carter? 00:39:41
Now don't we have another? 00:39:43
Business geared towards children that just opened in one of the adjacent spaces, is that right? 00:39:44
I think so, yes. 00:39:49
It's it's not a Montessori school, but it's like a little playground. It's like, that's kind of a Montessori. 00:39:51
Be, but it's more of a. 00:39:57
And then a Montessori. Yes, OK, yeah. 00:39:59
I just think it's interesting. There could be some shared, interesting shared programming they're just marketing between. 00:40:01
All three of those businesses, if the studio is still open and then what Beth's doing at O CAF, you want more youth programs. So 00:40:07
there's some interesting. Essentially the School of Rock. Yeah. So see in the, you know, there's kind of a. 00:40:12
An interesting thing happening on School St. that's kind of cool with with kids programming and activities. 00:40:18
Perfectly appropriate, right? OK. Any questions? Any questions from the public, Kathleen? 00:40:25
At Kathleen, Kathleen, you need to go up to the mic because we got. Yeah, thank you. 00:40:32
Well, I thought it was a little more casual. I would have repeated your question, Kathleen, but yeah. 00:40:39
Kathleen Mcquiston, 13 S Barnett Schultz Rd. So if there's not going to be an employee on. 00:40:44
Staff or in the on the facility. 00:40:48
Is there someone monitoring it from? 00:40:51
Afar. Yes ma'am. So also memberships. Just step a little closer Chris and y'all can share the mic. Yep. So memberships will have 00:40:53
24/7 access. True 24/7 access. 00:40:59
Background information on hand, they will have a digital code. 00:41:06
One time access code to get them in the door. Also one time digital code to log into the simulator they'll be using. 00:41:10
For daily rentals for events and everything else. 00:41:16
Daily rentals there will only be during normal business hours, but again they will have a one time login code to get in the door, 00:41:19
one time login code to log into the simulator Bay. 00:41:23
24/7 access as far as the. 00:41:28
Cameras and everything. Security systems go. 00:41:32
There will be complete monitoring at all time also but each member. 00:41:35
We'll have that one time single just go to get in to use it. So we will know exactly who's in there all the time. So my question 00:41:38
is. 00:41:41
What monitoring means is that meaning you're going to be. 00:41:44
Filming. 00:41:47
So there will be, yes, ma'am, there will be 20 different cameras and positions throughout the facility, the 2600 square feet. 00:41:48
That have a picture of every single aspect of every foot of the floor. 00:41:54
And then to know who is in the building and who has access to it at that point in time. 00:41:58
They will have to use their specific membership code to get into it and to log into the simulator so we can keep track of exactly 00:42:02
who's in there, adopt what time and what time they enter, what time to leave, what time they're using the base. 00:42:08
OK. I have another question. All right. We're going to call it on 2nd. I want to call this the public hearing because we started 00:42:15
having some public comments. So this this will be our public hearing for this. So Kathleen, go ahead than anybody else who has 00:42:19
questions can come forward. 00:42:23
Parking around there. 00:42:27
And especially out on Main Street, because those businesses really are the ones who should have. 00:42:29
The easiest acts. 00:42:35
Parking access. 00:42:36
So how are you going to handle? 00:42:38
The parking where will that parking? 00:42:39
Be and how many people? 00:42:41
Can that facility handle? 00:42:43
At once. 00:42:45
So we. 00:42:46
Thank you, Kathleen. 00:42:49
For events, for small events and everything 5% or less of our revenue intake. 00:42:50
We anticipate 25 people or less and that's a maximum. 00:42:55
25 people or less on a regular basis. We have 4 bays that are operating. 00:42:58
A maximum of about 16 people there at one time. 00:43:02
But that's not going to typically be the case, 40% utilization on the market average. 00:43:05
As far as the. 00:43:10
Hours, so let's say 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 00:43:11
15 hours available, 40% of that is the market average. 00:43:14
To breakdown about 6 hours per. 00:43:17
We're talking about 24 hours between all four bays there over the entire day period. So there's really not going to be a lot of 00:43:20
people in there at one period of time other than like maybe an event. 00:43:25
Like a small birthday party, but again, we're going to cap it out at 25 people or less. 00:43:30
Mr. Elder has told us that we're able to use that parking lot right across from them for just small parking. 00:43:35
As far as anywhere from 10 or less people, if we have the event space, then we're going to talk to the church next to us. 00:43:41
About possibly. 00:43:47
Using that space for short duration rentals if we need. 00:43:49
But again, that's 5% or less of the revenue coming in from events and larger type. 00:43:52
Gathers it'll be a pretty small as far as. 00:43:56
10 people or less, I would say on a normal basis down there. 00:44:00
Mr. Elder also said we could talk about. 00:44:04
Designated parking spots in that parking lot right across the street from when it came to that so. 00:44:06
That's something that we're open to discussions. Well, my goal is not to take away like parking and everything from people, just 00:44:12
make it a very. 00:44:15
Highly secure. 00:44:18
Private, clean place to come and practice call. 00:44:19
Is the goal for it. 00:44:22
And, and just so you know, the city does have an agreement with the church that when the church isn't using that lot, that it's 00:44:24
available for public parking. 00:44:27
So unless you park outside the paved lot. 00:44:31
Then you wouldn't need a separate agreement and then. 00:44:34
The parking by Rocket Field that we added, it's also public parking, so you know if you. 00:44:37
You know, you know, just be aware of that. 00:44:41
OK. I think we might have had another. Did you have a question as well? 00:44:44
OK, perfect. 00:44:49
All right, any other we are in the public comment public hearing phase. Any other questions for Mr. Carter or for to council 00:44:50
Lawrence, come on up. 00:44:54
Yeah. 00:45:00
It's kind of. 00:45:02
Mine's Lawrence took I live at 13 Barnett Shoals and. 00:45:03
If you could review for the people here the policies about if you need any parking when you develop anything downtown because. 00:45:06
I understand that you can. 00:45:14
There's no requirement if you're downtown, but I just wanted maybe you could. 00:45:16
Clarify that. 00:45:20
Because if you. 00:45:21
Wanted to put 100 people in there. 00:45:23
I don't think it matters because the parking. 00:45:25
But could you explain that? Because. 00:45:27
So for a new development mark. 00:45:30
Downtown zone, I think there are parking requirements if you build something new, but not when you open a new business. Is that 00:45:32
correct? 00:45:35
In in general terms, yet that the parking requirements for things that are in the city center, whether that's in historic main or 00:45:38
in downtown are not the same when they're in more corridor commercial or further outside. So, so there is a lesser parking 00:45:43
requirement in closer to town because there's an idea that there's not dedicated parking spaces for each individual, but there's 00:45:49
more of a a shared parking spaces through the group and that's where public parking is more essentially focused in the downtown 00:45:54
area. 00:45:59
So but, but just because. 00:46:06
There's not an expectation when somebody opens a new business that they're responsible for creating the parking for that business. 00:46:07
Is that correct? That's correct. 00:46:11
Yeah, and then there's, you know, then we also have the space behind the courthouse, so. 00:46:14
I think sometimes people forget just how much how many parking spaces there are downtown. You just have to walk a block to utilize 00:46:18
it so. 00:46:22
And can I say? 00:46:25
At we. 00:46:26
It's actually good if. 00:46:28
You're not parking right in front of the business because. 00:46:30
We love for businesses to bring in. 00:46:33
Some people who might play golf, but maybe they park and they're like, oh, I didn't know this restaurant was here. I'm going to 00:46:36
eat here. I didn't know this shop was right here. I'm going to stop in and. 00:46:40
Get a birthday present or whatever and so. 00:46:44
That is. 00:46:47
One of the things about a downtown that. 00:46:48
That. 00:46:51
Yeah, it's good to walk. I mean, it's it's good for our bodies. It's good. And and it really isn't. I mean, if you think about the 00:46:53
old mall. 00:46:56
Concept. I say old now because it seems like they're dying away, I mean. 00:46:59
You would park way out in the parking lot, walk into the mall and if you wanted to go. 00:47:04
To a particular story, you often are walking halfway through the mall to even get to that and. 00:47:09
People didn't think anything of that and so. 00:47:14
Even if you parked at the back parking space in the courthouse. 00:47:16
Parking lot, you're probably closer than you would be to that store in the mall, so. 00:47:21
Yep, Yep. Great points, great questions. Any other questions for Mr. Carter? 00:47:26
Hearing none, I'm going to close the public hearing. 00:47:34
And at this point, we will vote on the conditional use request. Mr. Carter, stay tuned just in case we need you for anything else. 00:47:39
Council, any discussion on the conditional use requests if not? 00:47:46
Ask for a vote on. 00:47:50
Classic swing golf. 00:47:53
Hearing none, Mr. Carter, I think you're good. I'll entertain a motion to approve the conditional use request. 00:47:56
For classic swing golf. 00:48:02
I make a motion to approve. 00:48:03
Do we have a 2nd I'll second? 00:48:05
We have a second. 00:48:07
Any further discussion? 00:48:07
Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Motion carries 5-O. 00:48:09
All right, we will move on to appearances. 00:48:14
This is the demolition permit for and wastewater request capacity for 49 Harden Hill Rd. Engineer Campbell and Manager Dickerson 00:48:17
if you want to speak to this. 00:48:21
Thank you, Mayor. So. 00:48:27
Go through this 49 Harden Hill Rd. is at the corner of Hardin Hill Rd. and height. 00:48:29
Drive existing zoning is detached residential. It's a little bit less than half an acre in size. 00:48:34
The existing structures are actually 2 existing structures. It's an existing mobile home. 00:48:40
And an existing structure is being used as attached to garage. 00:48:45
So that's the location again from an aerial view of where the lot is located. 00:48:49
So if we'll go to the next slide. 00:48:55
There's the the survey that was submitted as part of the application as well, you can see. 00:48:57
The mobile home with the porch is essentially. 00:49:01
In the very center of the lot, the the garage is more on the southern side. 00:49:03
There's a picture from Harden Hill Rd. that shows that that garage in the structure. There will be another picture here on the 00:49:09
next slide. This is from Height Drive because it is a corner lot so this would be the back. 00:49:14
Of those structures that that you would see from height drive that are existing. 00:49:18
So then the final summary of those Coconut County tax assessor indicates the mobile home was constructed in approximately 1965. 00:49:23
The attached garage was constructed in approximately 1988. 00:49:31
So documentation associated with any mitigation is required as part of. 00:49:35
Any demolition permits in the last? 00:49:39
Comments also some standard language there. So even though the project is not disturbing an acre and it's not within 200 feet of a 00:49:42
stream and still have to have best management practices. So you don't create a segmentation or any pollution on an adjacent 00:49:47
properties as part of any demolition. 00:49:51
OK. Manager Dickerson, do you have anything to add? Yeah, So on the wastewater application, the initial application was for 2 00:49:57
units and so. 00:50:01
This would the request would only be for 260 gallons a day. 00:50:05
Instead of. 00:50:09
480. 00:50:11
I'm not sure that works out right. 00:50:13
5/25/20. 00:50:15
Sorry, Mr. Not wrong. So it's 260. 00:50:17
And that means that the our. 00:50:21
Capacity balance would be just a little bit less than 2200 gallons a day at this point. And I'll remind everybody that the. 00:50:23
We are still waiting for the additional. 00:50:30
Increase in capacity at the wastewater treatment plant Which? 00:50:34
We guess it's going to happen sometime this, you know, later this year, 1st of next year. And when that happens, the city will be 00:50:39
granted another 100,000 gallons of. 00:50:42
Wastewater capacity to. 00:50:46
Distribute and allocate. 00:50:47
So I have a question when I'm assuming then that this mobile home has been on? 00:50:50
If they're having to get a wastewater. 00:50:54
Is that? 00:50:57
Correct. 00:50:58
OK, So what happens when? 00:50:59
To the septic system in a situation like this. 00:51:02
So from. 00:51:09
A demolition standpoint. Typically the septic tank would be demolished as part of the demolition of a structure. That's that's 00:51:10
generally the the case. 00:51:14
So that that's part of a demolition of a structure just like you demolish a driveway or demolish some of those other types of 00:51:18
things as well. You're typically not demolishing the septic lines and less and. 00:51:24
Less and until there's any. 00:51:29
Proposed improvements, right? So you can't build a new structure. 00:51:31
On top of those lines, you're digging out foundations for buildings or some of those other types of things. So it's it's up to. 00:51:34
If. 00:51:41
There is, you know, wastewater allocation. 00:51:42
Or capacity for any new development, not just specifically this development. 00:51:44
That's connecting to a sewer line. Then you'll typically. 00:51:48
Demolish a septic drain field unless it's septic drain field is so remote or in such a place that it's not impacted by any future 00:51:51
development. 00:51:54
So is that? 00:51:58
Part of it I mean, you say typically, I mean like do we? Because I would think of a youth like an old septic tank stain on a 00:51:59
property. 00:52:02
Could not be good for the environment, correct? 00:52:07
Or does it not really I mean? 00:52:10
And that's why I say typically because it depends, right? So, so this specific. 00:52:12
Demolition permit would allow the demolition of the structure and the associated septic tank. 00:52:17
But it doesn't require that that be demolished at this time. That specific demolition would be dependent upon. 00:52:22
Any future development plans which have not yet been submitted? 00:52:29
It sounds like from the other end of the table, the typical thing is you just crush it or something. 00:52:32
Is that right? 00:52:37
Fill it up OK. 00:52:39
All right, OK. 00:52:41
All right. Good questions. 00:52:43
Any other? 00:52:45
Comments from staff. 00:52:47
All right. Is there anybody here representing Mr. Gibbs tonight? 00:52:49
I saw Adeline earlier, but I think Adeline might have left. 00:52:52
OK, nobody here represent Mr. Gibbs. 00:52:57
Any further discussion? 00:53:00
Questions. 00:53:03
All right, hearing none. 00:53:04
We will entertain a motion. 00:53:06
Regarding the demolition permit and wastewater capacity. 00:53:09
I'll make a motion to. 00:53:15
Permit the demolition. 00:53:19
And approved wastewater capacity. 00:53:21
Thank you, Councilman Thomas. Do we have a second? 00:53:23
2nd Councilman Garrett, thank you. Any further discussion? 00:53:26
Hearing none all in favor say aye, Any opposed? 00:53:30
Motion carries unanimously. 00:53:34
All right. Next we'll have 93 Mimosa Dr. which I think we had an unfortunate. 00:53:36
Fire there and someone's looking to rebuild. So Mr. Campbell, if you can give us a report on that and then we'll have the 00:53:42
applicant come forward. 00:53:46
Absolutely. Yeah. So 93 Mimosa Dr. is a little bit. 00:53:49
Closer to this current location here as Mimosa generally parallels VFW. 00:53:52
And so 93 is on approximately half an acre. It's also zoned. 00:53:57
Detached residential. 00:54:02
The existing uses residential, so the the request is for demolition of that existing structure. You can see where 93 Mimosa is 00:54:04
there on the southern side of Mimosa Drive again. 00:54:09
I'll call it halfway between VFW drive and Cedar. 00:54:15
There's an overlay of of a much older. 00:54:19
Platform 1974 with the current aerial conditions and highlighted in such a way to kind of show you. 00:54:22
Where that existing structure is, where it sits on the lot, those types of things. 00:54:28
And then these are the pictures if you've driven by. So it was damaged by fire. 00:54:32
So you can see the blue tops on the roofs. Same structure, just from a different angle there. 00:54:38
Of of 93 mimosa. 00:54:43
So. 00:54:45
Oconee County Tax Assessor information indicates this structure was constructed approximately 1978. It would have been after that 00:54:47
plant was recorded in 1974 that you saw on earlier. It has been damaged by fire. The applicant has indicated that the existing 00:54:53
foundation to the structure that was damaged would remain. 00:54:58
Again, applicant is required to install appropriate best management practices to prevent erosion. 00:55:04
As indicated previously and again, happy to answer any questions. 00:55:10
So you said it was detached? 00:55:18
Because it was a it's a duplex. Does that does that fit in there? 00:55:20
It is a current duplex. 00:55:25
The current zoning is detached residential. 00:55:26
OK. 00:55:29
OK. Any other questions? 00:55:35
All right. I'm sorry. So if it is zoned attached residential. 00:55:38
But it is currently duplex if it's demoed. 00:55:44
Can it be a duplex? 00:55:47
If it's rebuilt. 00:55:48
Based on the 75% rule from the zoning, that's what why it's important that the existing foundation of the structure is remaining. 00:55:49
Because of the the existing. 00:55:57
25% that would remain as part of the value of the overall development, my understanding. 00:55:59
From the rules. 00:56:05
Is that the answer to your question is? 00:56:06
Yes. 00:56:08
All right. I'll invite the applicant forward at this point. Mr. Lowry here. 00:56:10
All right. Welcome. 00:56:16
If you have any other information you want to add or council if you have questions for Mr. Lowry, now is your time to ask him. 00:56:18
Mr. Lowery, anything you want to share? 00:56:25
No, just that we are going back on the foundation, the original foundation. It will be a crawl space like it was before. 00:56:27
And we have Ted tested negative for asbestos. So it's. 00:56:35
You know, we've done all that ahead of time. 00:56:39
And are you the owner, are you the contractor, or both? 00:56:42
And I'm going to be the contractor also. All right. OK, great, great. 00:56:45
We appreciate you getting that. 00:56:48
Turned around and fixed up any questions for Mr. Lowery. 00:56:50
OK. All right. 00:56:55
Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to approve the. 00:56:57
Demo request. 00:57:00
Make a motion to approve the demo request. 00:57:01
Do I have a second? 00:57:05
I'll second. All right. We have a motion, we have a second. 00:57:07
Any further questions or discussion? 00:57:10
Hearing none all in favor say aye. 00:57:12
All right, any opposed? 00:57:14
Motion carries unanimously. Thank you for being here. 00:57:17
All right, in the building permit and everything's administrative, right share and we won't need to see him again. OK. All right. 00:57:19
OK. All right. Thank you. 00:57:26
All right. We have nothing under old business, under new business we have. 00:57:28
Approved service providers for employee health insurance. Always a fun exercise. 00:57:31
Umm, we'll let. 00:57:37
Manager Dickerson and her. 00:57:38
Trustee. 00:57:42
Insurance sidekicks and and Coldwell. 00:57:43
Give us the update on that. 00:57:46
Right. So our specific action tonight, we're going to ask that you that we renew with angle for medical. 00:57:48
Renew with Ant. 00:57:55
It expires the end of this month. 00:58:27
Council I have made it a budget party to cover 75% of employees benefits in that way. 00:58:29
Health insurance is absolutely vital for us with being such a small agency. 00:58:34
To attract and retain our employees. So we appreciate that. 00:58:39
You'll see here the last 7 fiscal years, our prices, how things have changed. 00:58:42
Not as bad as it could have been. I guess we got lucky early on and got an 18 month with Anthem back in 19. 00:58:47
Through 21. 00:58:53
So that helped out a lot, but we're asking to renew at the same rate. 00:58:55
I'll let her tell a little bit more about that in a minute. They did reach out. Oak Ridge Insurance Company is our broker. 00:58:58
Which saves me and Julie a lot of headache because they know what they're doing and we don't have to try to go out to the 00:59:03
marketplace. They do this all the time. 00:59:07
And so they reached out to all those agencies, service providers there, and I'm gonna let her talk a little bit about what they 00:59:10
found and I'm going to. 00:59:14
Dope, a couple slides so. 00:59:18
OK, sure. Hi, good evening. I was going to say good morning, but. 00:59:20
I'm seeing the Powell with Oak Ridge insurance agency. I service referred for employee benefits and thrilled to partner with the 00:59:25
City of Watkinsville to provide a benefits package for your team. We take it to market as Sharon mentioned and. 00:59:31
Strategize, analyze and come up with our contribution. 00:59:38
What makes sense for the city and deductions for the employees? 00:59:42
This year we are thrilled to announce that with Angle Health, we had moved to them last year. We have received a significant 00:59:45
renewal increase with Anthem last year. 00:59:51
We were able to decrease that renewal by switching to a new carrier angle help the network is Cigna, so still a national network 00:59:57
of providers and save a lot of premium dollars there. 01:00:02
This year with Engelhill. 01:00:08
We received a 7 1/2. 01:00:10
Percent increase. 01:00:12
And I've already negotiated that down December. 01:00:13
So we have a flat. 01:00:15
Renewal. 01:00:17
On our medical. 01:00:17
And on the dental envision, there was a slight change, but. 01:00:19
Not enough to make. 01:00:24
A difference we did. 01:00:26
Quote those out as well and compare with other carriers. 01:00:27
But we don't want the disruption of there wasn't enough savings to disrupt providers or. 01:00:31
Change of coverage, just that cost of change. 01:00:38
And. 01:00:40
Due to being a municipality. 01:00:41
We are limited in who will write our disability insurance, our short and long term. So that is with the standard. Some of the 01:00:44
other providers for carriers declined to quote that just due to our sick code, our industry code. 01:00:50
So yeah. 01:00:57
We're renewing as is. This is a great fun year. I love these types of meetings and. 01:00:58
And certainly. 01:01:03
You've been answering any questions. 01:01:04
So I did want to point out that during the budget process, you may recall that I because we did not know I talked to Sanden and. 01:01:06
She was recommending that we. 01:01:13
Anticipate, you know, we anticipate an increase that we anticipate a 15% increase in medical, 5% in dental, no increase in vision 01:01:14
as a result. 01:01:18
Because we're not having an increase, we're actually about $28,000 to the better as a result of this. So we did have an increase 01:01:23
in in the, in the dental a 4%, but. 01:01:28
That they are, well, net difference is about $28,000. And then I don't know, you want to speak to the last three points, you 01:01:33
always like to point out some of the extras we get. 01:01:37
Yes. 01:01:41
Let me read it real fast. 01:01:43
So angle health, obviously I mentioned the Cigna network we have, we do have perks. So if we end up in a surplus. 01:01:46
In our claims fund. 01:01:52
They do refund 10% of that. 01:01:54
Claims surplus back to plan. 01:01:58
Currently we are in that our claims are really running well, which is why we got such a favorable renewal and we're able to 01:02:00
negotiate that down. 01:02:04
Typical market trend is about 12 to 14% increase, so. 01:02:09
We were already under that. 01:02:14
And then, you know, got it back down again. 01:02:16
You do have an EAP service, so we are. 01:02:21
That's an employee assistance program. I believe that is with the standard. We're switching our paperwork to this. 01:02:25
Standard vault, some of anthems old. 01:02:31
Life and disability lines. And so it transitioned. So we'll do new paperwork for that. 01:02:34
I don't know if it's on this part, but. 01:02:39
The liberty national to colonial. 01:02:41
Next one, No, it's on the it's on. 01:02:43
Other part. So one reason we're changing from liberty national to the colonial. 01:02:46
Is. 01:02:52
Better product, better price and it integrates with our benefits administration system that we provide the city for free. 01:02:53
So. 01:02:58
That felt like a triple win. And we've got a great Rep, Mark Warren, he comes to our annual open enrollment meetings. He'll be 01:02:59
here. 01:03:03
For that this year as well. 01:03:07
And can assist. 01:03:09
Members independently or individually on the coverages that they have. 01:03:10
And if they want to keep their liberty national, the great thing is they can. 01:03:14
And they're locked into that. So we're not taking away anything. We're just offering. 01:03:17
Another better option. 01:03:22
Thank you. 01:03:25
All right. 01:03:27
Any questions or discussion from Council? 01:03:29
I'll just offer a little context. It's probably been what 5 or 6 years when we really. 01:03:33
This members of this council and previous councils made the decision to really step up and. 01:03:37
Increase our I think how we how we help fund insurance to make it affordable for employees. And before that, we had a lot of 01:03:42
employees who simply didn't use our insurance because it was so hard for them to pay for it. But the city now funds more of the. 01:03:48
Employee and their family's insurance to allow them to have that benefit. 01:03:55
Which is vital to keeping good folks. It's hard to get good folks. It's double hard if they can't afford insurance. So Sandon, 01:03:59
thanks to you and Sharon for doing this. 01:04:03
Hard work and getting this set up for us. 01:04:07
Council, if you don't have any questions, I'll entertain a motion. If you have questions, ask them now. 01:04:09
I make a motion to approve. 01:04:15
The action requested. 01:04:18
All right, we have a motion to approve. Do we have a second? 01:04:19
2nd. 01:04:22
Right. We have a second. Any questions? 01:04:23
Hearing none, all in favor say aye aye. 01:04:25
Any opposed? 01:04:28
Negotiate my interest. 01:04:29
Yeah, yeah, yeah. 01:04:33
Thank you Sanden, always appreciate your help. 01:04:34
All right. This, this is the new item. I'm going to let Sharon give a brief report on this and then we will we'll vote on it. OK. 01:04:37
So we're asking tonight for you to consider approval of a policy under procedure for memorial bench dedications. We've received a 01:04:45
number of requests, especially since Thomas Farm opened. 01:04:49
So I'm just going to give you the over overview you've got the more detailed. 01:04:55
Policy in front of you this the the purpose is just to have some. 01:04:58
Guidelines for dedicating benches only memorial benches We don't want to get into the case of of dedicating things to somebody who 01:05:01
might still create some problems in the future, so. 01:05:06
Unfortunately, that is that's something we need taking account. So this is a memorial only. We want to make sure they enhance our 01:05:11
community spaces along with our design standards. Anybody can pretty much request them. 01:05:16
We will have an application which I worked on today that they'll have to complete. 01:05:22
They'll provide you know where they would like it. The message they would like will workout how big the. 01:05:27
The dedication plate that will be on there, what it'll look like, what kind of material, all that kind of stuff, they will be 01:05:32
required to buy the bench. It can either be a new one or one we already have located out there. They can dedicate that money to us 01:05:37
and we can use it for other other streetscape projects. 01:05:43
And and by the. 01:05:49
A number of. 01:05:51
We will try our best to acknowledge within five days, inspect the site they would like to be at, hopefully with them. 01:05:52
Provide them all the information they need. 01:05:59
And and then funding again like I said would be. 01:06:02
On the individual requesting that. 01:06:05
And and then, but we would do the installation because we have to install them a certain way. 01:06:08
Obviously, the benches would continue to be maintained by the city. 01:06:14
Any repair, relocation of that we would. 01:06:17
Work with the person on that and then any exceptions to this policy would have to come back for mayor and council so. 01:06:20
That gives you guys the right to tweak it as you'd like down the road, but we're going to we've got. 01:06:26
In front of you. Just sort of a real basic, straightforward kind of. 01:06:30
Of policy to start. 01:06:33
OK. Any questions? 01:06:35
Yeah, how much are the benches? So the ones we buy are around $700.00. If we bought a whole bunch at one time, you know, we get a 01:06:37
discount. But there, Yulon, we bond through Uline and they're about 715, seven, $120.00. 01:06:43
And they're recycled plastic. 01:06:50
Yeah, I mean they're they're they're pretty sturdy product. 01:06:54
Recycled materials have been out for a long time, so they've sort of gotten that down to a science that they don't warp like they 01:06:58
used to. 01:07:01
So that's and They're the same ones we're using all over. 01:07:04
The community, yeah. 01:07:07
Any other questions? 01:07:10
All right, hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to approve the policy. 01:07:13
Make a motion to approve the. 01:07:18
Bench policy. 01:07:20
Do we have a second I second? 01:07:22
All right. Any questions? 01:07:24
Hearing none. All in favor. 01:07:26
Aye. 01:07:28
Any opposed? 01:07:29
Policy. 01:07:30
Clears all right. 01:07:31
We'll move to public comments if you'd like to make a comment. Same procedures before come up to. 01:07:33
The stand State your address 4 minutes per person. No debate, argument, personal attacks or irrelevant discussion. 01:07:40
Address remarks directly to the Council. We won't speak to litigation attorney Klein or personnel matters. 01:07:47
Anyone have anything they want to? 01:07:52
Ask us about tonight. 01:07:54
All right. Come on up, Kathleen. 01:07:58
It's OK. 01:08:02
Kathleen Mcquiston, 13 S Barnett Chills Rd. 01:08:05
I'd like to know what happened to the pavilion. 01:08:08
And if it was? 01:08:10
And who's paying for the repairs? 01:08:12
Thomas so after the. 01:08:15
After it was built, there was some several people noticed that the roof appeared to be. 01:08:19
Sinking or. 01:08:24
Not like it should be. And so we had a structural engineer come and look at it. 01:08:26
And they didn't. 01:08:30
Excuse me, the developer, the, the builder didn't plan on the amount of weight on that the engineered that they used hadn't 01:08:31
planned it very well. And so the, the developer, the contractor is actually paying for this 100%. They're they're having to make 01:08:37
it right and they're spending a fair amount to do it. So we really appreciate their effort. 01:08:42
The work should be done the end of this week. Of course I don't you know, the weather and whatnot, but it should be done the end 01:08:48
of the week and then we'll be able to start rent it. But yeah, it was we've learned a lot in the process that there's. 01:08:53
Probably a little bit of error on both sides. And we're really fortunate that they've, they're working with us. So the city paid 01:08:58
for the structural engineer to review it and make sure everything is right. He'll he'll inspect it when it's done to make sure 01:09:03
that it's good for the public and the contractors paying for everything else. 01:09:08
Thank you. Mm-hmm. 01:09:13
Good question. 01:09:15
All right. Anybody else? 01:09:17
You want you want to hear for civic lesson. 01:09:21
You here for scouts, for civics, for class? 01:09:23
No idea. 01:09:28
Here for scouts. 01:09:32
Welcome. Glad you're here. 01:09:34
I think a lot of scouts now watch these movies, watch these. 01:09:36
Meetings on video and don't come as much as they used to, so it's always good to have a scout with us, yeah. 01:09:40
All right, I guess we'll move on then, unless anybody else wants to comment. We're in the homestretch, y'all. We'll move through 01:09:45
the mayor's report pretty quickly. 01:09:49
We've got some good stuff happening. If you haven't been down to the Giardini green yet, it looks really great. 01:09:53
These photos were about a month ago. We've since added some additional sod Some. 01:09:58
Stone, some benches, some trash cans, all those are going in. 01:10:02
It's open to the public now, but we will have a. 01:10:06
Grand opening, probably in October, We're doing. We've met with the Giordani family and learned a lot about Mayor Giordani. 01:10:10
November we've met with. 01:10:16
They it was really remarkable. I mean, Mayor Giordani was pre Internet, right? And he was even pre Julie. 01:10:19
Klein and so our information sources were somewhat limited, but the family had some photo albums and a lot of background and 01:10:25
articles on him. 01:10:29
And he really, he spearheaded the the redevelopment of Harris Shoals Park, built the baseball field, built the boardwalk. 01:10:33
The playground, Lawrence, you remember that there's some great old photos of Lawrence Duke in those photo albums by the Larry 01:10:41
Stoke. I think is what it said then was the name. 01:10:45
So anyway, there was there was beards and dark hair and all kinds of things involved in those photos. So it was great to see. So 01:10:50
anyway, so we're really. 01:10:54
I was already excited about honoring Mayor Jeannie with the Giardini with the space, but even more after meeting with his family 01:10:58
and learning about what he did for Watkinsville and how he brought that park back to life. So excited about that, really great. 01:11:04
So we are making slow progress at the Simonton Bridge pedestrian connector. We're waiting on some engineering. 01:11:11
For the bridge abutments, everybody else is sitting on go. 01:11:18
So as soon as they finalize the engineering for the bridge abutments, we expect that to get started again. 01:11:21
Mark Campbell is. 01:11:27
Is he giving me a thumbs up that they were approved? 01:11:28
Today. 01:11:30
OK. 01:11:31
So that means we should see some activity down there again, as long as we didn't get too much rain tonight, hopefully we'll see 01:11:32
some activity down there before. 01:11:36
At the end of the week, sadly because of those delays, we've lost two good weeks of great weather to be working down there, but 01:11:40
we're still hoping to get that done by the end of the year. 01:11:43
Don Phillips assures me his guys are on track and that it shouldn't take long, he said. So. 01:11:47
We will see. 01:11:53
More exciting, we announced earlier this week that we're going to be able to extend that sidewalk all the way to the city limits 01:11:54
in Watkinsville First Baptist Church. 01:11:58
We're going to call that the relay connector, and then we're going to go on from First Baptist Church all the way to Wire Park. 01:12:01
In partnership with First Baptist Church and Wire Park, who are going to build. 01:12:07
Their portions of the path through their private property. 01:12:12
This is a this is a rough route. We may have to adjust that route depending on how negotiations go with the rail line, but we've 01:12:15
got options for getting. 01:12:18
That path over to Wire Park, so that's going to be called the relay connector. That's been something that people have asked for. 01:12:22
For a long time. 01:12:28
How do we connect wire Park to Thomas Farm Preserve to downtown to First Baptist Church? 01:12:30
Hope to have that done by next June. 01:12:35
Kathleen here's here's some photos of this. 01:12:39
Now I think it's fair to say, I don't want to say over engineered, but super engineered Pavilion. 01:12:42
And it is really they were getting after today. It's really coming along out there. 01:12:48
We also have the transmission line work at the back corner of the park, the northeast corner of the park that should be wrapping 01:12:53
up this week. 01:12:56
Georgia Power has replaced four of those large wooden poles back there with metal poles. 01:13:00
And so they've been taking. 01:13:05
These five ton trucks in and out of the park and. 01:13:06
I think they've minimized the impact as much as they can, but I think we'll all be glad when we can enjoy the park without the 01:13:09
Georgia Power trucks driving around back there. 01:13:12
We are having issues at the park with dogs off leash in the park. I would remind the public. 01:13:16
That if your dog is not in the off leash area, it needs to be on a leash, not because your dog may be. 01:13:23
Not friendly, but because there's some people who just aren't comfortable with dogs, believe it or not. 01:13:29
Running around and it makes them nervous they might fall, they might trip. So we do want to remind the public. 01:13:33
To please keep their dogs on a leash if they're not in the dog park. 01:13:38
Portion of Thomas Farm Preserve. 01:13:41
And, and Mayor, actually, we've had complaints at Rocket Field too, so we'll probably have some signs up around making sure people 01:13:44
have their dogs on leashes in those areas too. So, all right. 01:13:48
Great. 01:13:52
This is. 01:13:57
Hard to tell here, but we got some patchwork done from the developers of Waters Walk when they were repaving portions of Water St. 01:13:58
They patched, they patched a hole in a pothole on at this part of Water St. probably would have cost us $1000 to do on our own. 01:14:07
They did that at no cost to the city, so we're appreciative of that. 01:14:12
Christmas parade is December 7th. Parades at 4, tree lightings at six. 01:14:18
Hometown Holidays is the theme and I am so excited about what the DDA is doing, if we're going to really. 01:14:23
Glow up our businesses, that's going to be beautiful down there. So registration deadline. 01:14:28
Is November 14th for anybody who wants to participate in the parade? 01:14:33
We've got a new family member here in Watkinsville. This is Emerson Hughes. This is Lawrence, daughter Lawrence, our judicial 01:14:37
assistant. For those of you who. 01:14:40
Haven't met her. 01:14:43
But she's got a. 01:14:45
Beautiful new daughter born September 8th. 01:14:47
Yeah, yeah. 01:14:55
Councilman Thomas County. 01:15:00
Elementary school Councilman Thomas. 01:15:02
Happy birthday. Yeah. Yeah. 01:15:05
Glad you made it around the sun once again with us. And I think that's all. 01:15:08
That I've got. We'll move on to council, reports Councilman Garrett post one. 01:15:12
Had the opportunity to witness the muskets being fired this afternoon. That's pretty. 01:15:18
Pretty cool. 01:15:23
In front of the courthouse, All right, Yeah, OK. No one was armed in the firing of the muskets. The last. 01:15:24
The last shot he had had to. 01:15:30
Triggered two or three times to get it required. Yeah, that wouldn't have been good if he's in the war. 01:15:32
Muskets were fired, no one was harmed. Connie Massey Has there been any gunfire on 2nd St. 01:15:40
All right. Good deal. 01:15:46
Councilman Thomas. 01:15:48
Nothing to report, Sir. 01:15:50
All right, Mayor Pro Tem Tucker. 01:15:51
I'll just say that on my way here in the deluge, the the widened. 01:15:54
Umm, catch basin seemed to be working. 01:16:00
On Main Street, so that great news, great news. OK, like to hear that? 01:16:03
Councilman Campbell. 01:16:08
Nothing to report, nothing to report. 01:16:09
I don't think we need an executive session, so I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. I make a motion to adjourn. Second. All in 01:16:12
favor. Aye, we're adjourned. 01:16:16
Very efficient. 01:16:22
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Transcript

Event transcript
And you? 00:00:07
Dude, she's waiting to me. Hi. Hi. You want to say hi? 00:00:22
All right, we might have to turn the lights on and off to get the kids attention tonight. 00:00:31
All right, but the. 00:00:53
Welcome to the. 00:00:58
Sport month, is it September? Watkinsville City Council meeting. We have a quorum here. We're excited to have such a great group 00:01:00
here. The first thing we start our meeting off with is the Pledge of Allegiance. I bet all the kids know the Pledge of Allegiance, 00:01:05
so let's all stand and say the pledge. 00:01:10
I pledge allegiance to the flag. 00:01:16
Of the United States of America. 00:01:19
And to the Republic for which it stands. 00:01:21
One Nation. 00:01:24
Under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:01:26
All right. I made a brief announcement, but not everybody was here, so I'm going to very briefly make it again. 00:01:35
The Before we get into proclamations there, there was a rezoning tonight that has been pulled. 00:01:40
Some people were coming in here to express their opposition to that. 00:01:47
I did want to let people know that that has been pulled, so if you're here to express your opposition to the rezoning on Hardin 00:01:52
Hill Rd. that won't be before us tonight. There is still a demolition permit. 00:01:56
That will involve knocking down the trailer. 00:02:01
Otherwise, we are going to get going. We're going to move pretty briskly through the meeting tonight. So we're going to start with 00:02:04
an exciting moment. And kids, I'm glad you're here. You're going to learn a little bit about civic life. We have to do the oath of 00:02:09
office for a new police officer, and that is Jay Higgins, who's recently moved back to Oconee County. We're excited to have Jay 00:02:14
joining our police force. So, Jay, if you'll come forward, our city attorney will administer the oath of office for you, Officer 00:02:18
Higgins. 00:02:23
We'll do it right here. Seems to be fine. How are you, Sir? Joe? Right. 00:02:35
All right, this time we will commence the oath. We raise your right hand, please. 00:02:39
View Jason Higgins solemnly swear or affirm that you will. 00:02:43
Faithfully execute the Office of Police Officer. 00:02:47
For the City of Watkinsville, and to the best of your ability, support and defend the Constitution of the United States. 00:02:50
The Constitution of Georgia and the charter, ordinances, and regulations of the City of Watkinsville. 00:02:57
And that you are not the holder of any unaccounted for public money. 00:03:03
Do this state or any political subdivision or authority thereof, and. 00:03:07
That you're not the holder of any Office of Trust. 00:03:12
Under the government of the United States, any other state, or any foreign state. 00:03:14
Which you by laws the state of Georgia will be prohibited from holding and. 00:03:19
That you are otherwise qualified to hold said office according to constitution and laws of Georgia. 00:03:23
And that you will perform the duties of your office. 00:03:29
In the best interest of the city of Watkinsville, the best of your ability. 00:03:32
Without fear or favor, affection, reward, or expectation thereof. If you agree with that oath, you can say I do or I do, So help 00:03:35
me God I do. 00:03:39
Congratulations, Sir. 00:03:43
We're going to have Officer Higgins family come up for photo with him. 00:03:51
Congratulations. 00:03:55
Congratulations welcome. 00:03:58
Here, I'll stand there. We have any other officers? 00:04:05
Dealing with the. 00:04:12
All right, let me just get with the family. 00:04:21
Thank you. 00:04:25
All right, to prevent somebody now we have several proclamations tonight, so I'm just going to come up here and. 00:04:46
We're going to work through them quickly, but they're all important. First of all, we're going to recognize, we're going to 00:04:52
recognize Constitution Week and. 00:04:55
I think. 00:05:00
We're going to have Dory Brown Dory, if you and your and Tina and those of you can come forward here here for. 00:05:01
Constitution week if y'all come on up here. 00:05:07
Both of you, yeah, we're. 00:05:11
I'm just going to kind of cover off on both a little. 00:05:13
OK, so some of you may have noticed the American flags that are lining that are lining that are lining Main Street. And the reason 00:05:17
that we're doing that is September 1st through September 23rd is? 00:05:22
Is we display those for two reasons. One is it's Patriot Day. 00:05:28
The victims. 00:05:32
Of that tragic event on September 11th. And then US Constitution Week is September 17th, the 23rd, which is a celebration of the 00:05:33
Constitution and the freedoms that it guarantees. So the flags remind us of those two days and these events. 00:05:40
The sacrifices that patriots made to help our country and preserve our great nation. 00:05:46
So as you drive down Main Street, we don't put those flags up for any old reason. It's really important that they're out there. So 00:05:52
I'm going to share a proclamation. 00:05:56
For Constitution Week here and I'll give one to each of your organizations. The Constitution of the United States of America, the 00:06:00
guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government and a Republic dedicated to rule by law. September 17th, 00:06:05
2025 marks. 00:06:10
138th anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention. 00:06:16
It is bidding and property to afford official recognition to this magnificent document. 00:06:22
And it's memorable anniversary and to the patriotic celebrations. 00:06:27
Commemorated, whereas Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation issued by the President of the United States. 00:06:31
September 15th through 23rd. 00:06:37
Constitution Week. 00:06:40
I, Brian Broderick, to the authority vested in me as the Mayor of Watkinsville, do hereby proclaim the week of September 17th 00:06:41
through 23rd this Constitution Week in Watkinsville, Georgia and I urge our citizens to reaffirm the ideals the framers of the 00:06:47
Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms. 00:06:52
Guaranteed through us. 00:06:58
Guaranteed through this guardian of our liberties. 00:07:00
Must I've here under set my hand and caused the seal of Watkinsville to be affixed the 17th day of September. 00:07:03
2000. 00:07:08
25. 00:07:09
So each of the two organizations that are here with us tonight, we have. 00:07:11
The Daughters of the American Revolution and we have Dory Brown also with the William Daniels Society. 00:07:14
Of the American Revolution and who's representing? Is that you? I'm getting things. 00:07:21
President, Miss Taylor, OK Taylor, thank you for being here. So we have two organizations that we're recognizing. We're grateful. 00:07:28
To y'all for supporting us and everything that you do for our community. 00:07:34
And I think after what's? 00:07:38
America, it's a. 00:07:40
Find ourselves Constitution. 00:07:41
So thanks to you both for being here. I don't know if you want to make any remarks about the week. 00:07:44
Your organization or anything else if you do. 00:07:49
Here's a chance. 00:07:52
Taylor. 00:07:54
Mr. President, either. 00:07:57
We'd love to have you as a member of the of the William Daniels Society. 00:08:03
And we've got a big plans for America's 250th birthday coming up in July, so hopefully we'll have some of you guys out for that as 00:08:08
well. So stay tuned for more on that. 00:08:12
Here's your proclamation. 00:08:16
Is the proclamation. 00:08:20
You want to do a photo or anything? All right, great. 00:08:25
They're not members. 00:08:30
All right, I would give you that picture and we'll get one with the mayor. 00:08:41
Thank you. 00:09:03
All right. Brooks Thomas. 00:09:24
Who's where's Brooks and his family? 00:09:27
OK. 00:09:30
All right, books. 00:09:36
We got Knox, he's a survivor as well. We have any other kids. We have any other childhood cancer survivors. So these are two. 00:09:39
All right guys, well we are so grateful that y'all were here. 00:09:49
It's also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so we have a proclamation about that that we've signed and are going to get to you and 00:09:52
your families. That is in September. And so we are specifically doing that in honor of Brooks Thomas, who's the son of Ty and 00:09:57
Elise Thomas. 00:10:03
And then remind me of your name. 00:10:08
Knox. 00:10:12
Noble, Knox. Noble. All right, so Brooks and Knox, we're going to do this in honor of you, I'm briefly going to read this. So 00:10:14
families. 00:10:17
Who have had a son or daughter pass away from childhood cancer often choose to honor their loved one by continuing to fight 00:10:21
against childhood cancer. 00:10:24
It's the family support, research and advancements in childhood cancer, often funded by private charities run by individuals who 00:10:28
have personally witnessed the long term effects and outcomes of childhood cancer. Many healthcare providers, charitable 00:10:33
organizations, religious and social groups come together during the member of September to host events, raise funds for research, 00:10:37
and offer families physical, emotional, spiritual and financial support. These groups are committed to supporting families and 00:10:42
children through. 00:10:47
Through and after the uniquely difficult treatment process. 00:10:52
Childhood cancer effects 47 new children every day nationwide, a battle that impacts entire communities including parents, 00:10:55
grandparents, siblings, friends and neighbors. This disease impacts hundreds of children each year in the state of Georgia. 00:11:00
Including some of our youngest. 00:11:06
Some of our youngest children. 00:11:08
So now. 00:11:10
I'm proclaiming. 00:11:11
September 2025 is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Watkinsville and encourage all residents of Watkinsville to join us in 00:11:12
supporting activities and events. 00:11:16
Throughout the month of September to honor families walking through this journey at every step of the way to let them know that 00:11:21
they are brave and they are not alone. 00:11:24
And you guys are incredibly brave because you went through it, you survived it. And look at all the people that you've inspired 00:11:28
here tonight, right? All your friends, your family. 00:11:32
Pretty awesome. 00:11:39
Is there anything you want to say to these people here tonight? Either of you want to say anything? 00:11:40
Right. Well, here's what I'd love to do. So I'd love to have. 00:11:45
Let's see, maybe get your families to come up here and we'll get a picture with you and your families. And then if we can pull 00:11:49
this off and kids, you're going to have to be. 00:11:52
You know, listen to your parents is how we do this. I want us all to kind of come once we do the families after Miss Sharon and 00:11:56
the red jacket says she's got the picture she needs, then we'll let all of you. 00:12:01
Come up and gather up around these guys and we'll get the, we'll get a picture with all the kids who are here and the families if 00:12:07
they want to, too. OK, so y'all come on up with just your families. Miss Sharon's going to get a picture and then we'll bring 00:12:13
everybody up. And City Council, if y'all want to join that picture, come on. 00:12:18
What did you share on the red coat? 00:12:30
Alright, alright, alright. 00:13:54
Thank you. 00:14:05
I remember. 00:15:01
All right, we know why most people were here tonight. 00:15:10
All right, is anybody here for the Georgia Reads Day proclamation? 00:15:26
Right. If you're not, then we're not going to read the proclamation. It is also. 00:15:30
We're going to proclaim September 22nd as Georgia Reads Day. 00:15:36
But since they didn't come tonight, we will. We're grateful for. 00:15:41
All the reading, we'll put it that way in Watkinsville, but I will forego the reading of that proclamation. 00:15:45
And we'll move on through the agenda. 00:15:50
I will note that as we. 00:15:53
Typically, do we have a hearing loop system in the council chamber that's a wireless network for people who may have hearing 00:15:56
difficulties? 00:15:59
Unfortunately, that system was affected by a recent power surge and it is out of service. 00:16:04
So tonight we're trying to get that fixed, obviously as fast as we can. 00:16:09
We have a system over on the right by that computer that is showing tonight's meeting in closed caption. So if someone here does 00:16:14
have hearing difficulties. 00:16:18
I'm looking around, everybody nod your head if you can hear me. I just want to make sure everybody can hear me if you haven't, 00:16:23
because if you don't not, I'm going to suggest you go to the computer there and look for the closed captions. So later on the 00:16:28
meeting when it is recorded is broadcast online with closed captions available in the lower right corner. 00:16:34
And it automatically appears on the recordings. 00:16:40
The current month's agenda is posted a week before the meeting to allow time for comments and writing to the court. 00:16:42
So with that, we'll get going with our regularly scheduled programming and that would be the approval of the Minutes Council. Do 00:16:48
we have any adjustments or edits to the minutes from the last meeting? 00:16:52
Can I have a motion to approve those minutes? Please make a motion to approve the minutes. All right. Do we have a second? Second. 00:16:58
All right, hearing no further discussion, all in favor say aye. Okay, motion carries unanimously. 00:17:04
On the agenda, we have a couple changes. 00:17:11
As I said a couple times, the rezone request. 00:17:13
The applicant has notified us that he is requesting a withdrawal of the rezone application at 49 Harden Hill Rd. so items 14 and 00:17:17
15 under public hearing will be removed from the agenda. 00:17:23
The applicants request for a demolition permit and wastewater capacity allocation at that same address. 00:17:28
Remain on the agenda. 00:17:33
OK, so he's. 00:17:34
Not asking to split the lot. 00:17:35
Or for a reason. Instead he is asking to demolish the trailer and apply for sewer capacity and will likely build 1 home on that 00:17:37
lot. 00:17:41
It is not official, but he will. 00:17:46
Under item 23, under new business, I would like us to consider a policy and procedure for dope memorial bench dedications in city 00:17:48
parks. 00:17:52
With those two changes, unless anyone wants to remove anything from consent, I'll request the approval of the agenda. 00:17:57
I'll make a motion to approve the agenda with the changes noted by Mayor Broderick. 00:18:04
All right, do we have a second? 00:18:08
I'll second. 00:18:10
Any comments? 00:18:11
Hearing none, all in favor say aye aye. Any opposed? 00:18:12
Motion carries unanimously. 00:18:16
We will move into administration. Before we do, I'll remind everyone here about public input at a Watkinsville City Council 00:18:18
meeting. We are a little less formal than some government, so if you have something you want to comment on, raise your hand. 00:18:25
There will be a formal public comment point. 00:18:32
Portion at the end of the meeting, but if there's something that's being discussed that you want to. 00:18:34
Comment on generally, we will allow that. That is at the Council's discretion. 00:18:38
The comments should be directly related to that matter. At that point you would need to come to the podium, speak from the podium, 00:18:42
offer your address 4 minutes per person. 00:18:46
And you would need to address that so, so if you see something that you want to comment on, then just feel free to raise your 00:18:50
hand. And again, it councils discretion if the meeting runs along. 00:18:54
Or if we don't want to allow that, then we will move back and just follow the formal zoning procedures laws. But generally we 00:18:59
allow informal comment as much as we can. 00:19:03
So moving on from that, we'll go to Financial Reports Manager Dickerson. Thank you, Mayor. 00:19:09
Everyone should have received the balance sheet, the revenues and expenditures, not anything alarming or concerning there. So if 00:19:14
you have any questions, just just let me know. 00:19:18
Our spots three, our special purpose local option sales tax. 00:19:22
That began in October 21, and since that's in September 27, we get 8.63% of all sales tax in the county under an agreement with 00:19:26
the county. 00:19:30
We are averaging about $85,000 a month. We budgeted about 60, little less than 65. So it's a pretty good. 00:19:35
Pretty good revenue stream coming in. 00:19:42
We have a little bit more than $1,000,000 in the bank. 00:19:45
And last month? 00:19:47
Because we always receive revenues at the end of the month, so July we got at the end of August. 00:19:49
The the revenue was 97,000, which was almost 10% more than this same time last year. 00:19:54
Some of the projects that we're supporting with SPLOST 3 include. 00:20:02
Public safety. 00:20:06
Our Thomas Farm preserve and the acquisition of that as well as the Simonton Bridge Rd. pedestrian project, which the mayor will 00:20:07
talk about in his report later. 00:20:11
Taste bosses are transportation special purpose local option sales tax. It began in 20 in April of 23 year old sunset in March of 00:20:17
28. 00:20:20
We get 7.77% of all sales tax the county collects. We're averaging about 81,000 a month. We budgeted 78. So we're a little bit 00:20:24
higher than what we thought we would be already. 00:20:29
We have a little bit more than 1.1 million in the bank. 00:20:34
And 82,000 was our take in July. That's a little bit again about 10% more than we had. 00:20:37
The same time last year. 00:20:43
Again, some projects that we're completing with the T spots, money, sidewalk construction, Sumption Bridge Rd. project that were 00:20:46
the mayor will talk about. 00:20:50
We start resurfacing local roads. We have a big project coming up the end of the month, the. 00:20:53
What's the name of the subdivision officer? Bishop and Bishops Vineyard will be will be resurfaced as a result of some of these 00:21:00
funds. 00:21:03
On the economic development, we have business built business and alcohol licensing fees. We had four pretty much pretty slow 00:21:09
month. 00:21:12
But we had four business licenses come in for a little bit more than $600. 00:21:16
Our excise taxes that we collect again, we collect them after the fact. So August comes in the end of September we did get, we do 00:21:20
have a little bit comes in the first, but. 00:21:24
We're tracking the at or above where we projected we would be. 00:21:27
The the all STVR that's our short term vacation rental, hotel, motel tax that we get from Airbnbs and the like. 00:21:32
Any questions on any of those? 00:21:41
OK. And then the last building permits for August, we had 10 permits for eight projects. 00:21:44
Three of three of the projects were actually in at Wire Park. So that's keeping bit, keeping us busy over there. 00:21:49
And that's that for those reports, I do have a short take a little. 00:21:56
Privilege here and introduce two of our We've already met Jay Higgins and our Police Department cuz he was. 00:22:00
Had his swearing in tonight but Nick Parker started Nick. 00:22:05
Started in March and I think with budget everything we just completely overlooked and he's so quiet so that he worked, he works 00:22:08
parks and has been doing a great job. So you guys may see him at Thomas Farm, Watkinsville, Woods, Hair Shoals. You'll see him 00:22:12
around and about. 00:22:17
So if you see them now, you know what he looks like, you can say, hey, so. 00:22:22
And then Mayor, I'm going to, you'd asked last month for an update on the business, sorry, Hillside Business Park and I'm going to 00:22:29
ask Mark to do a little update on that for you. Thank you. Yeah. So. 00:22:34
Will Lipkin was here for the the September meeting. I previously met the previous day with the general contractor. For that you 00:22:41
can see a couple pictures. That curb has been removed. 00:22:45
Thank you, Mr. Campbell. Sharon, anything else on economic development? 00:23:49
All right, Mayor Pro Tem Tucker, Downtown Development. 00:23:53
Absolutely. So we've had another exciting month. 00:23:56
The strategic planning process. 00:24:00
We are actually going to be reporting on that next month. So we wanted a little more time to just kind of feel out some more 00:24:02
things. We really appreciate everybody's input and how much time, effort and energy was put into it. So we want to make sure that 00:24:07
it's a really good. 00:24:12
A report when you guys get it. So that's why there's a little bit of a delay. 00:24:19
Umm, this Friday it is not too late. There are still a few spots left. We are having a tax credit, lunch and learn at Chops and 00:24:23
Hops. 00:24:27
You do have to register, but it is free and you get lunch. 00:24:32
And you? 00:24:36
Get to learn about how the rural zone. 00:24:37
In our downtown area. 00:24:41
The tax credits not only the Georgia tax credit options, but also there's some federal. 00:24:44
Incentives as well. So anybody who is thinking about. 00:24:50
Rehabbing, selling, buying. 00:24:55
In our downtown, this is a great opportunity. 00:24:58
Also want to mention Oh calf, one of our wonderful. 00:25:02
Private partners, nonprofits in our community. 00:25:06
They have a lot of great events all the time. And this Saturday, Grassland live music is playing four to seven at Rocket Field. 00:25:10
So. 00:25:14
And I don't think there's a cost. 00:25:19
For that, is there a cost for that Lawrence, or is the cost for that? 00:25:21
OK. 00:25:25
I got it wrong. Oh, you got it wrong in that five to seven, OK. 00:25:26
Did can I ask you what is? 00:25:31
This gates open forward and music 5 to 7. 00:25:33
OK, gates open at 4 Music. 00:25:36
Five to seven. Excellent. 00:25:38
15 is the cost. 00:25:40
Umm, Fields of Faith, October six, 6 to 9 and rocket field. 00:25:43
And we have our 51st fall festival, Coney Chamber Fall Festival October 18th. 00:25:48
On Rocket Field, so I'm sure everyone here is aware of what a great event that is for our community. It also means that there 00:25:55
you're going to need to be aware of traffic in Watkinsville that is our one day a year, unlike Athens in their seven days a year. 00:26:02
And American Heart Association Heart Walk October 23rd. 00:26:11
And also another time you need to be a little aware of traffic on Halloween. We have our super fun. 00:26:17
Trick or treating in downtown on Main Street. 00:26:23
But that is also obviously. 00:26:26
Traffic is very slow, as it should be with so many. 00:26:29
Kids trick or treating but it's super fun if you haven't seen. 00:26:32
Everybody dressed up and coming downtown. It's a really great community event. 00:26:36
And then lastly. 00:26:41
We have. 00:26:44
I'm announcing that we are going to do a downtown business holiday decorating contest and it is going to be themed around our 00:26:46
parade theme. 00:26:50
Which is hometown. 00:26:55
Holiday. Yes. OK, Hometown holiday. 00:26:58
And the reason we're announcing it in September, I am not someone who starts decorating in October for Christmas personally, but 00:27:01
we know a lot of business owners and store owners. You have to plan ahead and buy things and we want to give everybody a great 00:27:08
opportunity to do that. So this will just be a lot of fun that will have the theme of our parade. 00:27:14
Scattered through downtown for the whole holiday season, so more details to that. 00:27:21
On that to come. So thank you guys. 00:27:27
All right, what a great update and just a little editorializing, but I just love to see the energy out of OCAF these days. It's 00:27:30
really great to see all the programming and different things and. 00:27:34
Perspectives was so amazing, so great job to everybody who helped put that together. I know there's a few people in the room who 00:27:38
were very involved in that, so great job. 00:27:42
All right, Manager Dickerson, I believe you're doing Police Department report. 00:27:48
At a state conference for chiefs this week. So just some updates. We do have Cadet Walter Claire completed his ten weeks. He's 00:27:53
passed his midterm, so that's good news. 00:27:58
A Detective Sauceman has done some in-house training and they, both Detective Sosman and Officer Higgins, have completed their 00:28:03
quality. They qualified in their firearms training. Of course, you met our new officer tonight, Jay Higgins. 00:28:10
We do expect the Explorer with the replacement of that vehicle that you guys surplus. We do expect that in sometime this week. 00:28:17
They're preparing also for the fall festival, Halloween, Christmas parade. There's a lot going on with that. 00:28:23
And then just generally we had. 00:28:29
A higher arrest than we've had. A lot of them are driving their DUI related, some only one in speeding. 00:28:33
And then quite a few reports taken this month. 00:28:40
A little bit more than we normally have, so. 00:28:44
But nothing else we did, I believe we had other officers went outside, but we did have a tree go down right before the meeting. So 00:28:46
that's why two of my officers were not here. So for the swearing in for Officer Higgins, any questions? 00:28:52
OK. All right. Consents usually pretty brief, but there are a couple items on here that are important, So I want to offer a little 00:28:58
bit of context. 00:29:02
First of all, we're establishing 2 new. 00:29:07
Citizen Committees. 00:29:11
One is the Friends of Thomas Farm Preserve. 00:29:13
If you're here because you're were selected to be on that committee, will you stand, please? 00:29:15
OK, great. Welcome, everybody. 00:29:21
Ed. Lane Ed. 00:29:24
He is going to be your initial chair and that doesn't mean he's the chair forever, but it means he's the chair right now. 00:29:26
These groups are intended to be This will apply to the arts committee I'm going to speak to as well. 00:29:34
I want you to be sort of self-sustaining. 00:29:38
And decide who your chair should be. But Ed knows he helped plan, helped design the park. 00:29:41
So he really understands what we're trying to accomplish out there. I'll join your meetings as well. 00:29:48
But the idea is. 00:29:54
For Thomas Farm, we're looking for folks who are willing to lend their expertise, their energy, help us build community support 00:29:56
for all the things we need to do out there. We have 100 acres. 00:30:00
That has become one of the most beloved spaces in Oconee County and beyond. 00:30:04
So you all have a really important job and that's going to be to take care of this precious asset and to reinforce our two man 00:30:08
Parks Department in a lot of ways. So but also thinking through creative programming how we take great care of it. 00:30:15
You know, we've got all kinds of things. We're dealing with this today. We've got it. We've realized we've got a most some 00:30:22
invasives in the next two days or they're going to take over the back quadrant of the pasture. We've got branches that are falling 00:30:25
down. We've got. 00:30:29
Our next committee is our Public Arts Committee. 00:31:02
And if you're here because you're on the Public Arts Committee, please stand. 00:31:05
All right. 00:31:09
Your initial chair is going to be Mary Lily Watson. Mary Lily, raise your hand. 00:31:10
Same idea here. This is a group that we want. 00:31:15
You see, behind us the art land of Georgia was our was what we how we described ourselves for a long time. 00:31:20
We still want to describe ourselves that way, but we need to do a better job of paying that off with public art and programming 00:31:25
and thoughtful use of the arts in Watkinsville in partnership with OCAF. 00:31:30
So we have a committee again, same drill. I'll provide a brief charge. We've drafted bylaws. That's what we're adopting tonight. 00:31:36
Sharon will be in touch to schedule that. 00:31:40
You'll want to nominate your own. 00:31:45
Chair, Vice Chair. After your initial chair and vice chair, run the meeting. 00:31:48
I'd love it if they'd stay on, but I know they're also very busy, the folks who were selected for that so. 00:31:52
So we will see where that goes, but your charge is to really help us activate. 00:31:57
The Arts in Watkinsville. 00:32:02
Which is very important to us from a tourism, from a culture. 00:32:04
From an education. 00:32:07
Standpoint. So we're excited about your committee as well and can't wait to see what you do in the years ahead. So thank you as 00:32:09
well for being here. So that's two things that we're going to approve on consent tonight. The one other thing I will call out. 00:32:14
Is that we? 00:32:20
We have an easement that we're going to approve tonight and that's going to allow us to. 00:32:22
Do some of the sidewalk work we'll talk about cleanly later. 00:32:27
But with that background. 00:32:31
I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda. 00:32:33
I make a motion to approve the consent agenda. 00:32:38
Is there a second? 00:32:40
All in favor, Say aye, all right. 00:32:42
Carries 50. Now we officially have. 00:32:45
Our Tom Friends of Thomas Farm Preserve Committee and our Public Arts Committee are established and we can't wait to see what 00:32:47
y'all do. 00:32:50
Yeah. 00:32:55
All right, we will move on through the agenda. Item 14 has been removed. Item 15 has been removed. Item 16. 00:32:58
Is our text amendment to allow conditional use for indoor recreation? 00:33:05
In historic Maine, this is going to be related to expanding our definitions, I think to allow. 00:33:09
Some additional indoor recreation opportunities Manager Dickerson and attorney Reitman since this is. 00:33:18
Kind of legal. I'm going to let y'all talk about that and then we'll have a public hearing. 00:33:23
If you want start, you want me to. I mean, yeah, it's more late all that. OK. Well, we're following the zoning procedures law. You 00:33:28
can see we have a robust definition in that. 00:33:32
Key phrase there is really family friendly. 00:33:37
So we want to ensure that we don't have what you see on the last three lines. 00:33:40
Billiards dice sports betting Vegas style table games the contrary. 00:33:45
What we're looking for are. 00:33:50
Leisure Sports. 00:33:52
Fitness skills based amusement. 00:33:54
Indoor golf, mini golf, indoor golf simulators, which is forthcoming. 00:33:57
Batting cages. Climbing walls. 00:34:02
Arcades with games again that are family friendly. Bowling, skating, trampoline, kids birthday party places. 00:34:04
Bounce houses, indoor playgrounds, laser tag escape rooms or similar. Again, that phrase family friendly. 00:34:10
That is the purpose and intent. 00:34:17
Are there any questions? 00:34:18
I guess at this time we'll be in the public hearing unless you're anything you want to add to that. 00:34:21
And just context, you're going to hear 4 items in a row that are all sort of related here. So we have to have a public hearing to 00:34:25
adopt this definition. 00:34:29
Then we have to vote. 00:34:32
To add that. 00:34:34
To allow that, to allow that amendment, then we're going to have a public hearing in a vote related to. 00:34:35
A new business that's going to be. 00:34:40
In that use zone after that. So we'll have 4 items in a row that are kind of about the same thing. 00:34:43
So with that, I'm going to open up a public hearing. 00:34:48
If anybody wants to speak to the text amendment to allow the conditional use. 00:34:51
Indoor recreation in the historic main, downtown and mixed-use office districts. 00:34:56
And as a permitted use in quarter commercial so? 00:35:01
What that means is a conditional use. It would have to come before Council in the first three areas. 00:35:03
Or it could just be a permitted use in quarter commercial. 00:35:08
Please come forward and speak to that. 00:35:11
You have 4 minutes. 00:35:14
If you want to speak, I'm seeing nobody, so I'm going to close the public hearing. 00:35:16
Next, we'll move to a vote. 00:35:19
On that text amendment. 00:35:21
Any further? 00:35:24
Comments from the attorney or from the manager. 00:35:25
I don't hear any so without any questions from the Council discussion. 00:35:28
I don't hear any. With that, we'll move to a motion. 00:35:32
I make a motion to approve. 00:35:35
All right, we have a motion to approve. We have a second. 00:35:37
Second, you have a second from Councilman Thomas. Any further discussion? 00:35:41
All in favor say aye. 00:35:45
Any opposed? 00:35:47
That motion carries 5. 00:35:48
We'll now move to a public hearing for a conditional use request. 00:35:50
For. 00:35:54
Swing Golf Lounge, LLC. 00:35:56
And so this is for a virtual golf lounge. I'll ask Engineer Campbell to provide an overview of this request. 00:35:59
Thank you, Mayor. 00:36:06
So this is a conditional use request for a virtual golf lounge, which would be within the indoor recreation conditional use 00:36:06
facility of the text amendment you just approved and the address is 8 School St. 00:36:13
Which is historic main zoning so. 00:36:19
If you want to get to the next lab. 00:36:23
Wasn't able to get just 8 School St. because it is the large red brick building that you may be familiar with there. That's at the 00:36:25
corner of School Street and 1st St. so based on the addresses there, 8 is in the middle. 00:36:31
68 and 10. 00:36:37
School St. There's the. 00:36:40
Somewhat older platform 1990 that that shows that 10,000 square foot building at the corner as indicated. So that that's 8 School 00:36:42
St. So School St. at that portion is a one way St. between Main Street and 1st St. 00:36:48
But that gives an idea of what you're looking at or what you're maybe used to driving by, but you may have known specifically that 00:36:55
that was in fact. 00:36:58
8 School St. 00:37:02
So, umm. 00:37:04
You just had the the hearing for allowing that indoor recreation as a conditional use within historic main, downtown and mixed-use 00:37:05
office. 00:37:09
This happens to be historic Maine. 00:37:13
Dan Over is the applicant on behalf of Oconee Wheel Drillers, as the owner of the property to allow a virtual golf facility, which 00:37:15
fits under that definition for indoor recreation as a conditional use. There's certain things that have to be followed legally. It 00:37:23
was, you'll see it as part of the application there, ABC and D to answer each one of those questions for a conditional use. 00:37:31
Permit. 00:37:39
Criteria and they also included within the application the Secretary of State's information for the organization known as. 00:37:40
Classic Swing Golf Lounge, LLC. 00:37:48
Happy to answer any questions. 00:37:51
I did review those, everything appears to be in order. 00:37:53
All right. 00:37:57
Is Chris Carter here? 00:37:58
All right, Mr. Carter, come on up. Why don't you tell us a little bit about your business? 00:38:00
Provide some additional information and then if Council has questions. 00:38:04
We can address those and then we'll have a brief public hearing as well in case the public has questions. 00:38:08
I am Chris, it's nice to meet everyone. I am a resident of Bishop. 00:38:13
I'm a graduate UGA. My wife and I both are from Lawrenceville. 00:38:17
So essentially we're just trying to bring in a high class nice practice facility. 00:38:20
Be able to come in, use it our youth leagues. 00:38:25
Our middle schools. Our high schools. 00:38:27
But also our membership based tiers and everything as well. 00:38:29
Just a nice 24/7 membership based. 00:38:32
High security, there's going to be cameras everywhere. They're going to have complete access at all times. 00:38:35
Everything will be automated. There will be no regular employees there. 00:38:39
But yeah, the idea is just to have a nice, clean, sleek place for come. 00:38:44
To practice, call and get better. 00:38:48
I live out in Lane Creek. 00:38:50
It's one of the only public golf facilities there. 00:38:52
Got 4 young kids, we struggle to get them in the golf programs around the county. 00:38:54
The idea is to open up some summer camps, fall camps, winter camps. 00:38:59
All the above and really make it more accessible to the community so. 00:39:02
That's the idea and I'm. 00:39:05
We're kind of hoping I've got one other partner. 00:39:07
Is a family member of mine also big? 00:39:09
Golfer as well, got kids as well and. 00:39:11
That's the idea is to make it family friendly, friendly kind of like y'all were discussing and. 00:39:14
Nothing like the clubs that you are. 00:39:18
Hopefully trying to keep out of here, so no franchise, just locally owned and operated and just try to do a good job. 00:39:20
Treat the community well so. 00:39:27
That's the idea Sir. I appreciate y'all time. I'm personally super super excited. I've got a 10 year old that plays. 00:39:29
Out at Lane Creek and part of the Golf Club look forward to that. 00:39:35
Any other questions for Mr. Carter? 00:39:41
Now don't we have another? 00:39:43
Business geared towards children that just opened in one of the adjacent spaces, is that right? 00:39:44
I think so, yes. 00:39:49
It's it's not a Montessori school, but it's like a little playground. It's like, that's kind of a Montessori. 00:39:51
Be, but it's more of a. 00:39:57
And then a Montessori. Yes, OK, yeah. 00:39:59
I just think it's interesting. There could be some shared, interesting shared programming they're just marketing between. 00:40:01
All three of those businesses, if the studio is still open and then what Beth's doing at O CAF, you want more youth programs. So 00:40:07
there's some interesting. Essentially the School of Rock. Yeah. So see in the, you know, there's kind of a. 00:40:12
An interesting thing happening on School St. that's kind of cool with with kids programming and activities. 00:40:18
Perfectly appropriate, right? OK. Any questions? Any questions from the public, Kathleen? 00:40:25
At Kathleen, Kathleen, you need to go up to the mic because we got. Yeah, thank you. 00:40:32
Well, I thought it was a little more casual. I would have repeated your question, Kathleen, but yeah. 00:40:39
Kathleen Mcquiston, 13 S Barnett Schultz Rd. So if there's not going to be an employee on. 00:40:44
Staff or in the on the facility. 00:40:48
Is there someone monitoring it from? 00:40:51
Afar. Yes ma'am. So also memberships. Just step a little closer Chris and y'all can share the mic. Yep. So memberships will have 00:40:53
24/7 access. True 24/7 access. 00:40:59
Background information on hand, they will have a digital code. 00:41:06
One time access code to get them in the door. Also one time digital code to log into the simulator they'll be using. 00:41:10
For daily rentals for events and everything else. 00:41:16
Daily rentals there will only be during normal business hours, but again they will have a one time login code to get in the door, 00:41:19
one time login code to log into the simulator Bay. 00:41:23
24/7 access as far as the. 00:41:28
Cameras and everything. Security systems go. 00:41:32
There will be complete monitoring at all time also but each member. 00:41:35
We'll have that one time single just go to get in to use it. So we will know exactly who's in there all the time. So my question 00:41:38
is. 00:41:41
What monitoring means is that meaning you're going to be. 00:41:44
Filming. 00:41:47
So there will be, yes, ma'am, there will be 20 different cameras and positions throughout the facility, the 2600 square feet. 00:41:48
That have a picture of every single aspect of every foot of the floor. 00:41:54
And then to know who is in the building and who has access to it at that point in time. 00:41:58
They will have to use their specific membership code to get into it and to log into the simulator so we can keep track of exactly 00:42:02
who's in there, adopt what time and what time they enter, what time to leave, what time they're using the base. 00:42:08
OK. I have another question. All right. We're going to call it on 2nd. I want to call this the public hearing because we started 00:42:15
having some public comments. So this this will be our public hearing for this. So Kathleen, go ahead than anybody else who has 00:42:19
questions can come forward. 00:42:23
Parking around there. 00:42:27
And especially out on Main Street, because those businesses really are the ones who should have. 00:42:29
The easiest acts. 00:42:35
Parking access. 00:42:36
So how are you going to handle? 00:42:38
The parking where will that parking? 00:42:39
Be and how many people? 00:42:41
Can that facility handle? 00:42:43
At once. 00:42:45
So we. 00:42:46
Thank you, Kathleen. 00:42:49
For events, for small events and everything 5% or less of our revenue intake. 00:42:50
We anticipate 25 people or less and that's a maximum. 00:42:55
25 people or less on a regular basis. We have 4 bays that are operating. 00:42:58
A maximum of about 16 people there at one time. 00:43:02
But that's not going to typically be the case, 40% utilization on the market average. 00:43:05
As far as the. 00:43:10
Hours, so let's say 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 00:43:11
15 hours available, 40% of that is the market average. 00:43:14
To breakdown about 6 hours per. 00:43:17
We're talking about 24 hours between all four bays there over the entire day period. So there's really not going to be a lot of 00:43:20
people in there at one period of time other than like maybe an event. 00:43:25
Like a small birthday party, but again, we're going to cap it out at 25 people or less. 00:43:30
Mr. Elder has told us that we're able to use that parking lot right across from them for just small parking. 00:43:35
As far as anywhere from 10 or less people, if we have the event space, then we're going to talk to the church next to us. 00:43:41
About possibly. 00:43:47
Using that space for short duration rentals if we need. 00:43:49
But again, that's 5% or less of the revenue coming in from events and larger type. 00:43:52
Gathers it'll be a pretty small as far as. 00:43:56
10 people or less, I would say on a normal basis down there. 00:44:00
Mr. Elder also said we could talk about. 00:44:04
Designated parking spots in that parking lot right across the street from when it came to that so. 00:44:06
That's something that we're open to discussions. Well, my goal is not to take away like parking and everything from people, just 00:44:12
make it a very. 00:44:15
Highly secure. 00:44:18
Private, clean place to come and practice call. 00:44:19
Is the goal for it. 00:44:22
And, and just so you know, the city does have an agreement with the church that when the church isn't using that lot, that it's 00:44:24
available for public parking. 00:44:27
So unless you park outside the paved lot. 00:44:31
Then you wouldn't need a separate agreement and then. 00:44:34
The parking by Rocket Field that we added, it's also public parking, so you know if you. 00:44:37
You know, you know, just be aware of that. 00:44:41
OK. I think we might have had another. Did you have a question as well? 00:44:44
OK, perfect. 00:44:49
All right, any other we are in the public comment public hearing phase. Any other questions for Mr. Carter or for to council 00:44:50
Lawrence, come on up. 00:44:54
Yeah. 00:45:00
It's kind of. 00:45:02
Mine's Lawrence took I live at 13 Barnett Shoals and. 00:45:03
If you could review for the people here the policies about if you need any parking when you develop anything downtown because. 00:45:06
I understand that you can. 00:45:14
There's no requirement if you're downtown, but I just wanted maybe you could. 00:45:16
Clarify that. 00:45:20
Because if you. 00:45:21
Wanted to put 100 people in there. 00:45:23
I don't think it matters because the parking. 00:45:25
But could you explain that? Because. 00:45:27
So for a new development mark. 00:45:30
Downtown zone, I think there are parking requirements if you build something new, but not when you open a new business. Is that 00:45:32
correct? 00:45:35
In in general terms, yet that the parking requirements for things that are in the city center, whether that's in historic main or 00:45:38
in downtown are not the same when they're in more corridor commercial or further outside. So, so there is a lesser parking 00:45:43
requirement in closer to town because there's an idea that there's not dedicated parking spaces for each individual, but there's 00:45:49
more of a a shared parking spaces through the group and that's where public parking is more essentially focused in the downtown 00:45:54
area. 00:45:59
So but, but just because. 00:46:06
There's not an expectation when somebody opens a new business that they're responsible for creating the parking for that business. 00:46:07
Is that correct? That's correct. 00:46:11
Yeah, and then there's, you know, then we also have the space behind the courthouse, so. 00:46:14
I think sometimes people forget just how much how many parking spaces there are downtown. You just have to walk a block to utilize 00:46:18
it so. 00:46:22
And can I say? 00:46:25
At we. 00:46:26
It's actually good if. 00:46:28
You're not parking right in front of the business because. 00:46:30
We love for businesses to bring in. 00:46:33
Some people who might play golf, but maybe they park and they're like, oh, I didn't know this restaurant was here. I'm going to 00:46:36
eat here. I didn't know this shop was right here. I'm going to stop in and. 00:46:40
Get a birthday present or whatever and so. 00:46:44
That is. 00:46:47
One of the things about a downtown that. 00:46:48
That. 00:46:51
Yeah, it's good to walk. I mean, it's it's good for our bodies. It's good. And and it really isn't. I mean, if you think about the 00:46:53
old mall. 00:46:56
Concept. I say old now because it seems like they're dying away, I mean. 00:46:59
You would park way out in the parking lot, walk into the mall and if you wanted to go. 00:47:04
To a particular story, you often are walking halfway through the mall to even get to that and. 00:47:09
People didn't think anything of that and so. 00:47:14
Even if you parked at the back parking space in the courthouse. 00:47:16
Parking lot, you're probably closer than you would be to that store in the mall, so. 00:47:21
Yep, Yep. Great points, great questions. Any other questions for Mr. Carter? 00:47:26
Hearing none, I'm going to close the public hearing. 00:47:34
And at this point, we will vote on the conditional use request. Mr. Carter, stay tuned just in case we need you for anything else. 00:47:39
Council, any discussion on the conditional use requests if not? 00:47:46
Ask for a vote on. 00:47:50
Classic swing golf. 00:47:53
Hearing none, Mr. Carter, I think you're good. I'll entertain a motion to approve the conditional use request. 00:47:56
For classic swing golf. 00:48:02
I make a motion to approve. 00:48:03
Do we have a 2nd I'll second? 00:48:05
We have a second. 00:48:07
Any further discussion? 00:48:07
Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Motion carries 5-O. 00:48:09
All right, we will move on to appearances. 00:48:14
This is the demolition permit for and wastewater request capacity for 49 Harden Hill Rd. Engineer Campbell and Manager Dickerson 00:48:17
if you want to speak to this. 00:48:21
Thank you, Mayor. So. 00:48:27
Go through this 49 Harden Hill Rd. is at the corner of Hardin Hill Rd. and height. 00:48:29
Drive existing zoning is detached residential. It's a little bit less than half an acre in size. 00:48:34
The existing structures are actually 2 existing structures. It's an existing mobile home. 00:48:40
And an existing structure is being used as attached to garage. 00:48:45
So that's the location again from an aerial view of where the lot is located. 00:48:49
So if we'll go to the next slide. 00:48:55
There's the the survey that was submitted as part of the application as well, you can see. 00:48:57
The mobile home with the porch is essentially. 00:49:01
In the very center of the lot, the the garage is more on the southern side. 00:49:03
There's a picture from Harden Hill Rd. that shows that that garage in the structure. There will be another picture here on the 00:49:09
next slide. This is from Height Drive because it is a corner lot so this would be the back. 00:49:14
Of those structures that that you would see from height drive that are existing. 00:49:18
So then the final summary of those Coconut County tax assessor indicates the mobile home was constructed in approximately 1965. 00:49:23
The attached garage was constructed in approximately 1988. 00:49:31
So documentation associated with any mitigation is required as part of. 00:49:35
Any demolition permits in the last? 00:49:39
Comments also some standard language there. So even though the project is not disturbing an acre and it's not within 200 feet of a 00:49:42
stream and still have to have best management practices. So you don't create a segmentation or any pollution on an adjacent 00:49:47
properties as part of any demolition. 00:49:51
OK. Manager Dickerson, do you have anything to add? Yeah, So on the wastewater application, the initial application was for 2 00:49:57
units and so. 00:50:01
This would the request would only be for 260 gallons a day. 00:50:05
Instead of. 00:50:09
480. 00:50:11
I'm not sure that works out right. 00:50:13
5/25/20. 00:50:15
Sorry, Mr. Not wrong. So it's 260. 00:50:17
And that means that the our. 00:50:21
Capacity balance would be just a little bit less than 2200 gallons a day at this point. And I'll remind everybody that the. 00:50:23
We are still waiting for the additional. 00:50:30
Increase in capacity at the wastewater treatment plant Which? 00:50:34
We guess it's going to happen sometime this, you know, later this year, 1st of next year. And when that happens, the city will be 00:50:39
granted another 100,000 gallons of. 00:50:42
Wastewater capacity to. 00:50:46
Distribute and allocate. 00:50:47
So I have a question when I'm assuming then that this mobile home has been on? 00:50:50
If they're having to get a wastewater. 00:50:54
Is that? 00:50:57
Correct. 00:50:58
OK, So what happens when? 00:50:59
To the septic system in a situation like this. 00:51:02
So from. 00:51:09
A demolition standpoint. Typically the septic tank would be demolished as part of the demolition of a structure. That's that's 00:51:10
generally the the case. 00:51:14
So that that's part of a demolition of a structure just like you demolish a driveway or demolish some of those other types of 00:51:18
things as well. You're typically not demolishing the septic lines and less and. 00:51:24
Less and until there's any. 00:51:29
Proposed improvements, right? So you can't build a new structure. 00:51:31
On top of those lines, you're digging out foundations for buildings or some of those other types of things. So it's it's up to. 00:51:34
If. 00:51:41
There is, you know, wastewater allocation. 00:51:42
Or capacity for any new development, not just specifically this development. 00:51:44
That's connecting to a sewer line. Then you'll typically. 00:51:48
Demolish a septic drain field unless it's septic drain field is so remote or in such a place that it's not impacted by any future 00:51:51
development. 00:51:54
So is that? 00:51:58
Part of it I mean, you say typically, I mean like do we? Because I would think of a youth like an old septic tank stain on a 00:51:59
property. 00:52:02
Could not be good for the environment, correct? 00:52:07
Or does it not really I mean? 00:52:10
And that's why I say typically because it depends, right? So, so this specific. 00:52:12
Demolition permit would allow the demolition of the structure and the associated septic tank. 00:52:17
But it doesn't require that that be demolished at this time. That specific demolition would be dependent upon. 00:52:22
Any future development plans which have not yet been submitted? 00:52:29
It sounds like from the other end of the table, the typical thing is you just crush it or something. 00:52:32
Is that right? 00:52:37
Fill it up OK. 00:52:39
All right, OK. 00:52:41
All right. Good questions. 00:52:43
Any other? 00:52:45
Comments from staff. 00:52:47
All right. Is there anybody here representing Mr. Gibbs tonight? 00:52:49
I saw Adeline earlier, but I think Adeline might have left. 00:52:52
OK, nobody here represent Mr. Gibbs. 00:52:57
Any further discussion? 00:53:00
Questions. 00:53:03
All right, hearing none. 00:53:04
We will entertain a motion. 00:53:06
Regarding the demolition permit and wastewater capacity. 00:53:09
I'll make a motion to. 00:53:15
Permit the demolition. 00:53:19
And approved wastewater capacity. 00:53:21
Thank you, Councilman Thomas. Do we have a second? 00:53:23
2nd Councilman Garrett, thank you. Any further discussion? 00:53:26
Hearing none all in favor say aye, Any opposed? 00:53:30
Motion carries unanimously. 00:53:34
All right. Next we'll have 93 Mimosa Dr. which I think we had an unfortunate. 00:53:36
Fire there and someone's looking to rebuild. So Mr. Campbell, if you can give us a report on that and then we'll have the 00:53:42
applicant come forward. 00:53:46
Absolutely. Yeah. So 93 Mimosa Dr. is a little bit. 00:53:49
Closer to this current location here as Mimosa generally parallels VFW. 00:53:52
And so 93 is on approximately half an acre. It's also zoned. 00:53:57
Detached residential. 00:54:02
The existing uses residential, so the the request is for demolition of that existing structure. You can see where 93 Mimosa is 00:54:04
there on the southern side of Mimosa Drive again. 00:54:09
I'll call it halfway between VFW drive and Cedar. 00:54:15
There's an overlay of of a much older. 00:54:19
Platform 1974 with the current aerial conditions and highlighted in such a way to kind of show you. 00:54:22
Where that existing structure is, where it sits on the lot, those types of things. 00:54:28
And then these are the pictures if you've driven by. So it was damaged by fire. 00:54:32
So you can see the blue tops on the roofs. Same structure, just from a different angle there. 00:54:38
Of of 93 mimosa. 00:54:43
So. 00:54:45
Oconee County Tax Assessor information indicates this structure was constructed approximately 1978. It would have been after that 00:54:47
plant was recorded in 1974 that you saw on earlier. It has been damaged by fire. The applicant has indicated that the existing 00:54:53
foundation to the structure that was damaged would remain. 00:54:58
Again, applicant is required to install appropriate best management practices to prevent erosion. 00:55:04
As indicated previously and again, happy to answer any questions. 00:55:10
So you said it was detached? 00:55:18
Because it was a it's a duplex. Does that does that fit in there? 00:55:20
It is a current duplex. 00:55:25
The current zoning is detached residential. 00:55:26
OK. 00:55:29
OK. Any other questions? 00:55:35
All right. I'm sorry. So if it is zoned attached residential. 00:55:38
But it is currently duplex if it's demoed. 00:55:44
Can it be a duplex? 00:55:47
If it's rebuilt. 00:55:48
Based on the 75% rule from the zoning, that's what why it's important that the existing foundation of the structure is remaining. 00:55:49
Because of the the existing. 00:55:57
25% that would remain as part of the value of the overall development, my understanding. 00:55:59
From the rules. 00:56:05
Is that the answer to your question is? 00:56:06
Yes. 00:56:08
All right. I'll invite the applicant forward at this point. Mr. Lowry here. 00:56:10
All right. Welcome. 00:56:16
If you have any other information you want to add or council if you have questions for Mr. Lowry, now is your time to ask him. 00:56:18
Mr. Lowery, anything you want to share? 00:56:25
No, just that we are going back on the foundation, the original foundation. It will be a crawl space like it was before. 00:56:27
And we have Ted tested negative for asbestos. So it's. 00:56:35
You know, we've done all that ahead of time. 00:56:39
And are you the owner, are you the contractor, or both? 00:56:42
And I'm going to be the contractor also. All right. OK, great, great. 00:56:45
We appreciate you getting that. 00:56:48
Turned around and fixed up any questions for Mr. Lowery. 00:56:50
OK. All right. 00:56:55
Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to approve the. 00:56:57
Demo request. 00:57:00
Make a motion to approve the demo request. 00:57:01
Do I have a second? 00:57:05
I'll second. All right. We have a motion, we have a second. 00:57:07
Any further questions or discussion? 00:57:10
Hearing none all in favor say aye. 00:57:12
All right, any opposed? 00:57:14
Motion carries unanimously. Thank you for being here. 00:57:17
All right, in the building permit and everything's administrative, right share and we won't need to see him again. OK. All right. 00:57:19
OK. All right. Thank you. 00:57:26
All right. We have nothing under old business, under new business we have. 00:57:28
Approved service providers for employee health insurance. Always a fun exercise. 00:57:31
Umm, we'll let. 00:57:37
Manager Dickerson and her. 00:57:38
Trustee. 00:57:42
Insurance sidekicks and and Coldwell. 00:57:43
Give us the update on that. 00:57:46
Right. So our specific action tonight, we're going to ask that you that we renew with angle for medical. 00:57:48
Renew with Ant. 00:57:55
It expires the end of this month. 00:58:27
Council I have made it a budget party to cover 75% of employees benefits in that way. 00:58:29
Health insurance is absolutely vital for us with being such a small agency. 00:58:34
To attract and retain our employees. So we appreciate that. 00:58:39
You'll see here the last 7 fiscal years, our prices, how things have changed. 00:58:42
Not as bad as it could have been. I guess we got lucky early on and got an 18 month with Anthem back in 19. 00:58:47
Through 21. 00:58:53
So that helped out a lot, but we're asking to renew at the same rate. 00:58:55
I'll let her tell a little bit more about that in a minute. They did reach out. Oak Ridge Insurance Company is our broker. 00:58:58
Which saves me and Julie a lot of headache because they know what they're doing and we don't have to try to go out to the 00:59:03
marketplace. They do this all the time. 00:59:07
And so they reached out to all those agencies, service providers there, and I'm gonna let her talk a little bit about what they 00:59:10
found and I'm going to. 00:59:14
Dope, a couple slides so. 00:59:18
OK, sure. Hi, good evening. I was going to say good morning, but. 00:59:20
I'm seeing the Powell with Oak Ridge insurance agency. I service referred for employee benefits and thrilled to partner with the 00:59:25
City of Watkinsville to provide a benefits package for your team. We take it to market as Sharon mentioned and. 00:59:31
Strategize, analyze and come up with our contribution. 00:59:38
What makes sense for the city and deductions for the employees? 00:59:42
This year we are thrilled to announce that with Angle Health, we had moved to them last year. We have received a significant 00:59:45
renewal increase with Anthem last year. 00:59:51
We were able to decrease that renewal by switching to a new carrier angle help the network is Cigna, so still a national network 00:59:57
of providers and save a lot of premium dollars there. 01:00:02
This year with Engelhill. 01:00:08
We received a 7 1/2. 01:00:10
Percent increase. 01:00:12
And I've already negotiated that down December. 01:00:13
So we have a flat. 01:00:15
Renewal. 01:00:17
On our medical. 01:00:17
And on the dental envision, there was a slight change, but. 01:00:19
Not enough to make. 01:00:24
A difference we did. 01:00:26
Quote those out as well and compare with other carriers. 01:00:27
But we don't want the disruption of there wasn't enough savings to disrupt providers or. 01:00:31
Change of coverage, just that cost of change. 01:00:38
And. 01:00:40
Due to being a municipality. 01:00:41
We are limited in who will write our disability insurance, our short and long term. So that is with the standard. Some of the 01:00:44
other providers for carriers declined to quote that just due to our sick code, our industry code. 01:00:50
So yeah. 01:00:57
We're renewing as is. This is a great fun year. I love these types of meetings and. 01:00:58
And certainly. 01:01:03
You've been answering any questions. 01:01:04
So I did want to point out that during the budget process, you may recall that I because we did not know I talked to Sanden and. 01:01:06
She was recommending that we. 01:01:13
Anticipate, you know, we anticipate an increase that we anticipate a 15% increase in medical, 5% in dental, no increase in vision 01:01:14
as a result. 01:01:18
Because we're not having an increase, we're actually about $28,000 to the better as a result of this. So we did have an increase 01:01:23
in in the, in the dental a 4%, but. 01:01:28
That they are, well, net difference is about $28,000. And then I don't know, you want to speak to the last three points, you 01:01:33
always like to point out some of the extras we get. 01:01:37
Yes. 01:01:41
Let me read it real fast. 01:01:43
So angle health, obviously I mentioned the Cigna network we have, we do have perks. So if we end up in a surplus. 01:01:46
In our claims fund. 01:01:52
They do refund 10% of that. 01:01:54
Claims surplus back to plan. 01:01:58
Currently we are in that our claims are really running well, which is why we got such a favorable renewal and we're able to 01:02:00
negotiate that down. 01:02:04
Typical market trend is about 12 to 14% increase, so. 01:02:09
We were already under that. 01:02:14
And then, you know, got it back down again. 01:02:16
You do have an EAP service, so we are. 01:02:21
That's an employee assistance program. I believe that is with the standard. We're switching our paperwork to this. 01:02:25
Standard vault, some of anthems old. 01:02:31
Life and disability lines. And so it transitioned. So we'll do new paperwork for that. 01:02:34
I don't know if it's on this part, but. 01:02:39
The liberty national to colonial. 01:02:41
Next one, No, it's on the it's on. 01:02:43
Other part. So one reason we're changing from liberty national to the colonial. 01:02:46
Is. 01:02:52
Better product, better price and it integrates with our benefits administration system that we provide the city for free. 01:02:53
So. 01:02:58
That felt like a triple win. And we've got a great Rep, Mark Warren, he comes to our annual open enrollment meetings. He'll be 01:02:59
here. 01:03:03
For that this year as well. 01:03:07
And can assist. 01:03:09
Members independently or individually on the coverages that they have. 01:03:10
And if they want to keep their liberty national, the great thing is they can. 01:03:14
And they're locked into that. So we're not taking away anything. We're just offering. 01:03:17
Another better option. 01:03:22
Thank you. 01:03:25
All right. 01:03:27
Any questions or discussion from Council? 01:03:29
I'll just offer a little context. It's probably been what 5 or 6 years when we really. 01:03:33
This members of this council and previous councils made the decision to really step up and. 01:03:37
Increase our I think how we how we help fund insurance to make it affordable for employees. And before that, we had a lot of 01:03:42
employees who simply didn't use our insurance because it was so hard for them to pay for it. But the city now funds more of the. 01:03:48
Employee and their family's insurance to allow them to have that benefit. 01:03:55
Which is vital to keeping good folks. It's hard to get good folks. It's double hard if they can't afford insurance. So Sandon, 01:03:59
thanks to you and Sharon for doing this. 01:04:03
Hard work and getting this set up for us. 01:04:07
Council, if you don't have any questions, I'll entertain a motion. If you have questions, ask them now. 01:04:09
I make a motion to approve. 01:04:15
The action requested. 01:04:18
All right, we have a motion to approve. Do we have a second? 01:04:19
2nd. 01:04:22
Right. We have a second. Any questions? 01:04:23
Hearing none, all in favor say aye aye. 01:04:25
Any opposed? 01:04:28
Negotiate my interest. 01:04:29
Yeah, yeah, yeah. 01:04:33
Thank you Sanden, always appreciate your help. 01:04:34
All right. This, this is the new item. I'm going to let Sharon give a brief report on this and then we will we'll vote on it. OK. 01:04:37
So we're asking tonight for you to consider approval of a policy under procedure for memorial bench dedications. We've received a 01:04:45
number of requests, especially since Thomas Farm opened. 01:04:49
So I'm just going to give you the over overview you've got the more detailed. 01:04:55
Policy in front of you this the the purpose is just to have some. 01:04:58
Guidelines for dedicating benches only memorial benches We don't want to get into the case of of dedicating things to somebody who 01:05:01
might still create some problems in the future, so. 01:05:06
Unfortunately, that is that's something we need taking account. So this is a memorial only. We want to make sure they enhance our 01:05:11
community spaces along with our design standards. Anybody can pretty much request them. 01:05:16
We will have an application which I worked on today that they'll have to complete. 01:05:22
They'll provide you know where they would like it. The message they would like will workout how big the. 01:05:27
The dedication plate that will be on there, what it'll look like, what kind of material, all that kind of stuff, they will be 01:05:32
required to buy the bench. It can either be a new one or one we already have located out there. They can dedicate that money to us 01:05:37
and we can use it for other other streetscape projects. 01:05:43
And and by the. 01:05:49
A number of. 01:05:51
We will try our best to acknowledge within five days, inspect the site they would like to be at, hopefully with them. 01:05:52
Provide them all the information they need. 01:05:59
And and then funding again like I said would be. 01:06:02
On the individual requesting that. 01:06:05
And and then, but we would do the installation because we have to install them a certain way. 01:06:08
Obviously, the benches would continue to be maintained by the city. 01:06:14
Any repair, relocation of that we would. 01:06:17
Work with the person on that and then any exceptions to this policy would have to come back for mayor and council so. 01:06:20
That gives you guys the right to tweak it as you'd like down the road, but we're going to we've got. 01:06:26
In front of you. Just sort of a real basic, straightforward kind of. 01:06:30
Of policy to start. 01:06:33
OK. Any questions? 01:06:35
Yeah, how much are the benches? So the ones we buy are around $700.00. If we bought a whole bunch at one time, you know, we get a 01:06:37
discount. But there, Yulon, we bond through Uline and they're about 715, seven, $120.00. 01:06:43
And they're recycled plastic. 01:06:50
Yeah, I mean they're they're they're pretty sturdy product. 01:06:54
Recycled materials have been out for a long time, so they've sort of gotten that down to a science that they don't warp like they 01:06:58
used to. 01:07:01
So that's and They're the same ones we're using all over. 01:07:04
The community, yeah. 01:07:07
Any other questions? 01:07:10
All right, hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to approve the policy. 01:07:13
Make a motion to approve the. 01:07:18
Bench policy. 01:07:20
Do we have a second I second? 01:07:22
All right. Any questions? 01:07:24
Hearing none. All in favor. 01:07:26
Aye. 01:07:28
Any opposed? 01:07:29
Policy. 01:07:30
Clears all right. 01:07:31
We'll move to public comments if you'd like to make a comment. Same procedures before come up to. 01:07:33
The stand State your address 4 minutes per person. No debate, argument, personal attacks or irrelevant discussion. 01:07:40
Address remarks directly to the Council. We won't speak to litigation attorney Klein or personnel matters. 01:07:47
Anyone have anything they want to? 01:07:52
Ask us about tonight. 01:07:54
All right. Come on up, Kathleen. 01:07:58
It's OK. 01:08:02
Kathleen Mcquiston, 13 S Barnett Chills Rd. 01:08:05
I'd like to know what happened to the pavilion. 01:08:08
And if it was? 01:08:10
And who's paying for the repairs? 01:08:12
Thomas so after the. 01:08:15
After it was built, there was some several people noticed that the roof appeared to be. 01:08:19
Sinking or. 01:08:24
Not like it should be. And so we had a structural engineer come and look at it. 01:08:26
And they didn't. 01:08:30
Excuse me, the developer, the, the builder didn't plan on the amount of weight on that the engineered that they used hadn't 01:08:31
planned it very well. And so the, the developer, the contractor is actually paying for this 100%. They're they're having to make 01:08:37
it right and they're spending a fair amount to do it. So we really appreciate their effort. 01:08:42
The work should be done the end of this week. Of course I don't you know, the weather and whatnot, but it should be done the end 01:08:48
of the week and then we'll be able to start rent it. But yeah, it was we've learned a lot in the process that there's. 01:08:53
Probably a little bit of error on both sides. And we're really fortunate that they've, they're working with us. So the city paid 01:08:58
for the structural engineer to review it and make sure everything is right. He'll he'll inspect it when it's done to make sure 01:09:03
that it's good for the public and the contractors paying for everything else. 01:09:08
Thank you. Mm-hmm. 01:09:13
Good question. 01:09:15
All right. Anybody else? 01:09:17
You want you want to hear for civic lesson. 01:09:21
You here for scouts, for civics, for class? 01:09:23
No idea. 01:09:28
Here for scouts. 01:09:32
Welcome. Glad you're here. 01:09:34
I think a lot of scouts now watch these movies, watch these. 01:09:36
Meetings on video and don't come as much as they used to, so it's always good to have a scout with us, yeah. 01:09:40
All right, I guess we'll move on then, unless anybody else wants to comment. We're in the homestretch, y'all. We'll move through 01:09:45
the mayor's report pretty quickly. 01:09:49
We've got some good stuff happening. If you haven't been down to the Giardini green yet, it looks really great. 01:09:53
These photos were about a month ago. We've since added some additional sod Some. 01:09:58
Stone, some benches, some trash cans, all those are going in. 01:10:02
It's open to the public now, but we will have a. 01:10:06
Grand opening, probably in October, We're doing. We've met with the Giordani family and learned a lot about Mayor Giordani. 01:10:10
November we've met with. 01:10:16
They it was really remarkable. I mean, Mayor Giordani was pre Internet, right? And he was even pre Julie. 01:10:19
Klein and so our information sources were somewhat limited, but the family had some photo albums and a lot of background and 01:10:25
articles on him. 01:10:29
And he really, he spearheaded the the redevelopment of Harris Shoals Park, built the baseball field, built the boardwalk. 01:10:33
The playground, Lawrence, you remember that there's some great old photos of Lawrence Duke in those photo albums by the Larry 01:10:41
Stoke. I think is what it said then was the name. 01:10:45
So anyway, there was there was beards and dark hair and all kinds of things involved in those photos. So it was great to see. So 01:10:50
anyway, so we're really. 01:10:54
I was already excited about honoring Mayor Jeannie with the Giardini with the space, but even more after meeting with his family 01:10:58
and learning about what he did for Watkinsville and how he brought that park back to life. So excited about that, really great. 01:11:04
So we are making slow progress at the Simonton Bridge pedestrian connector. We're waiting on some engineering. 01:11:11
For the bridge abutments, everybody else is sitting on go. 01:11:18
So as soon as they finalize the engineering for the bridge abutments, we expect that to get started again. 01:11:21
Mark Campbell is. 01:11:27
Is he giving me a thumbs up that they were approved? 01:11:28
Today. 01:11:30
OK. 01:11:31
So that means we should see some activity down there again, as long as we didn't get too much rain tonight, hopefully we'll see 01:11:32
some activity down there before. 01:11:36
At the end of the week, sadly because of those delays, we've lost two good weeks of great weather to be working down there, but 01:11:40
we're still hoping to get that done by the end of the year. 01:11:43
Don Phillips assures me his guys are on track and that it shouldn't take long, he said. So. 01:11:47
We will see. 01:11:53
More exciting, we announced earlier this week that we're going to be able to extend that sidewalk all the way to the city limits 01:11:54
in Watkinsville First Baptist Church. 01:11:58
We're going to call that the relay connector, and then we're going to go on from First Baptist Church all the way to Wire Park. 01:12:01
In partnership with First Baptist Church and Wire Park, who are going to build. 01:12:07
Their portions of the path through their private property. 01:12:12
This is a this is a rough route. We may have to adjust that route depending on how negotiations go with the rail line, but we've 01:12:15
got options for getting. 01:12:18
That path over to Wire Park, so that's going to be called the relay connector. That's been something that people have asked for. 01:12:22
For a long time. 01:12:28
How do we connect wire Park to Thomas Farm Preserve to downtown to First Baptist Church? 01:12:30
Hope to have that done by next June. 01:12:35
Kathleen here's here's some photos of this. 01:12:39
Now I think it's fair to say, I don't want to say over engineered, but super engineered Pavilion. 01:12:42
And it is really they were getting after today. It's really coming along out there. 01:12:48
We also have the transmission line work at the back corner of the park, the northeast corner of the park that should be wrapping 01:12:53
up this week. 01:12:56
Georgia Power has replaced four of those large wooden poles back there with metal poles. 01:13:00
And so they've been taking. 01:13:05
These five ton trucks in and out of the park and. 01:13:06
I think they've minimized the impact as much as they can, but I think we'll all be glad when we can enjoy the park without the 01:13:09
Georgia Power trucks driving around back there. 01:13:12
We are having issues at the park with dogs off leash in the park. I would remind the public. 01:13:16
That if your dog is not in the off leash area, it needs to be on a leash, not because your dog may be. 01:13:23
Not friendly, but because there's some people who just aren't comfortable with dogs, believe it or not. 01:13:29
Running around and it makes them nervous they might fall, they might trip. So we do want to remind the public. 01:13:33
To please keep their dogs on a leash if they're not in the dog park. 01:13:38
Portion of Thomas Farm Preserve. 01:13:41
And, and Mayor, actually, we've had complaints at Rocket Field too, so we'll probably have some signs up around making sure people 01:13:44
have their dogs on leashes in those areas too. So, all right. 01:13:48
Great. 01:13:52
This is. 01:13:57
Hard to tell here, but we got some patchwork done from the developers of Waters Walk when they were repaving portions of Water St. 01:13:58
They patched, they patched a hole in a pothole on at this part of Water St. probably would have cost us $1000 to do on our own. 01:14:07
They did that at no cost to the city, so we're appreciative of that. 01:14:12
Christmas parade is December 7th. Parades at 4, tree lightings at six. 01:14:18
Hometown Holidays is the theme and I am so excited about what the DDA is doing, if we're going to really. 01:14:23
Glow up our businesses, that's going to be beautiful down there. So registration deadline. 01:14:28
Is November 14th for anybody who wants to participate in the parade? 01:14:33
We've got a new family member here in Watkinsville. This is Emerson Hughes. This is Lawrence, daughter Lawrence, our judicial 01:14:37
assistant. For those of you who. 01:14:40
Haven't met her. 01:14:43
But she's got a. 01:14:45
Beautiful new daughter born September 8th. 01:14:47
Yeah, yeah. 01:14:55
Councilman Thomas County. 01:15:00
Elementary school Councilman Thomas. 01:15:02
Happy birthday. Yeah. Yeah. 01:15:05
Glad you made it around the sun once again with us. And I think that's all. 01:15:08
That I've got. We'll move on to council, reports Councilman Garrett post one. 01:15:12
Had the opportunity to witness the muskets being fired this afternoon. That's pretty. 01:15:18
Pretty cool. 01:15:23
In front of the courthouse, All right, Yeah, OK. No one was armed in the firing of the muskets. The last. 01:15:24
The last shot he had had to. 01:15:30
Triggered two or three times to get it required. Yeah, that wouldn't have been good if he's in the war. 01:15:32
Muskets were fired, no one was harmed. Connie Massey Has there been any gunfire on 2nd St. 01:15:40
All right. Good deal. 01:15:46
Councilman Thomas. 01:15:48
Nothing to report, Sir. 01:15:50
All right, Mayor Pro Tem Tucker. 01:15:51
I'll just say that on my way here in the deluge, the the widened. 01:15:54
Umm, catch basin seemed to be working. 01:16:00
On Main Street, so that great news, great news. OK, like to hear that? 01:16:03
Councilman Campbell. 01:16:08
Nothing to report, nothing to report. 01:16:09
I don't think we need an executive session, so I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. I make a motion to adjourn. Second. All in 01:16:12
favor. Aye, we're adjourned. 01:16:16
Very efficient. 01:16:22