June 2, 2021
Jennifer Haynes
The work session began promptly at 5:30PM with a call to order and statement of current bills including payroll. De-annexation of property, Ordinances, and Amendments were discussed in preparation for the meeting.
The council meeting began with a Call to Order, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and the reading of the minutes from the previous meeting. Diving into the agenda further Mayor Baker read the current bills and payroll due totaling $377,794.95. The vote was unanimous to pay the bills. Greg South was requested and verbally appointed to fill the AMEA Representative position. He accepted and a motion to vote him in next meeting was made by District 3 councilman Jubal Feazell. Second by District 6 councilman David Ivey. All agreed.
De-annexation for Jackie Blacks property was discussed and a vote of No was made by all councilmen. It was said it goes against the current policies set in place.
Ordinance #631 section 4-12 was revisited. This ordinance states ‘No person shall keep or maintain any domestic or farm animals or fowl within the corporate city limits in any such manner, Several citizens have reached out that they be allowed to have a few hens for eggs. The councilmen renewed their previous discussion on this matter. They agreed to allowing Up to 8 hens, no roosters, to be kept in an established coop. The chickens will not be allowed to free roam. The coop must have sides and a top along with roosting box. Free running in any case, even fenced in yards is strictly prohibited. The animal control has final say on the coops adequacy. Terry Kiser added that this is to be understood No Gunnies, No Turkeys, No Roosters, just 8 laying hens.
Jubal Feazell began a discussion on concerns on Zoning Ordinance 549. “It is 20 years old, and very narrow in scope, but it was highly thought out and designed with the city and citizens in mind.” It is a working ordinance and he feared if we begin making amendments to it we will run into legal issues for pre existing homes as well as future homes. He believed they would be doing a lot of legal back tracking. Michelle Franklin, city clerk, suggested communication is key in handling these situations. It would be better to have a leaflet stating the requirements the home owner must fulfill for the mobile home to be placed on the property. Mayor Baker and Greg South agreed communication was key in helping the land owners better understand what is required by the law for mobile home placement. Caleb Pope said the only issue he had was the footprint section. This states if you replace an existing modular home it must be with one the same size or smaller. He stated this keeps the residents from prospering their property. District 2 Richard Williams said he believes as long as the resident stays within the property boundary guidelines, a citizen should be able to better themselves. Caleb Pope had the same sentiment two meetings ago. Greg South agreed the footprint clause is outdated , but before amending the ordinance the legalities of a change such as this needed to be looked over by legal council. The city will seek legal council and report the findings to the council after which they can make a educated legal decision on the amendment. Feazell motioned to dismiss the amendment until City Clerk Michelle Franklin had a chance to meet with the zoning commission to discuss the legalities of the footprint clause. Mayor Baker said we’ll follow what we have until corrections can be added or deleted to make the ordinance better.
District Reports. District 3 Feazell spoke on the Memorial Day celebration being a success and a good practice run for 4th of July. South and Pope also added they wish there had been a bigger turnout, but were told by many they weren’t even aware of it happening. Both suggested we advertise for future events, possibly by radio. District 6 Ivey wanted to say a job well done by all involved with the setting up of the celebration. Parks and Recreation, teamed with the Veterans Association for a wonderful remembrance ceremony and celebration of our military. District 7 Kiser also offered his thanks to all who put on such a great program. Mayor Baker said the Ricky Freeman presented a moving experience in the park with a wonderful speaker. The Marines performed exceptionally. He hopes both events will grow in years to come. Mayor Baker added Mapco will begin repaving their parking lot within 4 weeks. Also, a pipe needing replaced in Veterans park will be addressed this fall. The head start trailers are still on hold pending legal transference. If it is deemed illegal for them to be moved to the new location per the ordinance, then Baker suggests they just be sold.
Piedmont pool is now open. They had a great first day and invite it’s citizens to come cool down and have fun at the pool this summer. Meeting Adjourned.
