MARCH 1, 2004 – REGULAR MEETING

The regular meeting of the City of Lavonia Mayor and Council was held on the above date at 5:30 P.M. with the following members present: Mayor Ralph Owens, Council Members: Eddie Floyd, Don Canady, Kay McGlennen, and Jason Macomson. Also present was City Attorney John Dickerson, City Manager Gary Fesperman, Police Chief Randy Shirley, Assistant City Clerks: Susan Gorman and Madison Morris, Martin Eckles, Charles Cawthon, Ruth Davis, Ruth Ann Gillespie, Jimmie Rucker, Barbara Clark, Alton Rucker, Sr., Mary F. Johnson, Claire White, Bobby Lott, David Howell, Rick Whitworth, T.J. Robinson, Dan Christie, Falishia Kay, Annie Graham, Liz Moulder, Genny Cole, Harry Foster, Susan Watson, Sharon Gaines, Shonola Smith, Blythe Moorer, Sheldon Mayfield, Randy Moore, Rev. Larry Finger, Tim Chitwood, Mary Ann Blakely, Larry Gorman, Lawrence Richards, Morris Rivers, Elaine Knox, Bernard Rivers, Ila Allen, Mrs. Ralph Campbell, Mr. & Mrs. Ray Spencer, Teresa McCurry, Thurley McCurry, Janice Whitworth, Denise Matthews with the Franklin Co. Citizen, and Angela V. Greer – Clerk.

Mayor Owens called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. Dr. Larry Finger gave the invocation, followed by the pledge to the flag.

Motion by Kay McGlennen, seconded by Don Canady to approve the minutes of the February 2, 2004 Regular Meeting as presented. Motion carried.

Motion by Jason Macomson, seconded by Kay McGlennen to approve the following Building Permits: Motion carried.

#564 – Bobby Lott…………65 Hartwell Road……………….……………………….12 x 42 Metal Carport

# - First Baptist Church……Vickery St……………………………..………..Verner Parking Lot Project

Motion by Don Canady, seconded by Kay McGlennen to approve the Occupational License of Frontier Feed at 1010 East Main Street. Motion carried.

Motion by Jason Macomson, seconded by Don Canady to deny the Occupational License of Frances Place at 156 Second Street, after much discussion. Motion carried.

Motion by Don Canady, seconded by Kay McGlennen to approve the signing of the change order by ZEL Engineers, Jorge E. Jimenez to continue with the process of the wastewater facility expansion permit. Motion carried.

City Manager Gary Fesperman advised Mayor and Council that Larry Adams has completed the draft of the Community Water System Vulnerability Self-Assessment Evaluation to be in compliance with the new EPD mandates. The assessment must be completed by July 1, 2004. Also the City has received the Crawford Creek Reservoir Dam Report. There were 7 items that will need to be corrected/repaired and filed with the Department of Natural Resources. The T-21 Bear Creek Road Project bid date had been changed to March 9, 2004, at 12:00 noon.

Ruth Ann Gillespie approached the Mayor and Council about the fence that was constructed at the ballfield’s playground area. Mrs. Gillespie was appalled at the fence. Mayor Owens turned the project over the Tim Chitwood, Recreation Director, and told him to construct a fence that would keep the children from running into the parking lot. Mr. Chitwood then explained that a fence like the one Mr. Gillespie requested would not be beneficial to the park. He explained having a fence completely surrounding the play area would not be in compliance with the handicap accessibility regulations since the park was funded by a state grant. The fence she suggested would only make it more difficult for the handicap. Also, the gates at the road would still leave the opportunity for a child to enter in and out of the play area if the gate was not supervised by being closed at all times.

Daniel Chrisite approached the Mayor and Council to ask that his water bill at 1238 Tugloo State Park Road be adjusted due to a leak. Mayor advised Mr. Christie that our policy states that we are not responsible for loss on the customer’s side of the meter. However, if you reside in the City and are on City sewer, we would adjust the sewer portion of the bill. Mr. Christie pled his case and the Mayor and Council agreed that they could not adjust his bill.

Genny Cole, DDA Director along with Chairman Harry Foster approached Mayor and Council regarding allowing the DDA & Better Hometown to promote a Farmer’s Market at the railroad tracks on Saturday mornings during Spring & Early Summer.

Motion by Don Canady, seconded by Kay McGlennen to have a Farmer’s Market. Motion carried.

Mrs. Cole also advised Mayor and Council that City has achieved the Tree City USA Status. Mayor and Council thanked Mrs. Cole and Mr. Foster for their hard work. The Tree Commission and the DDA worked together on the application.

Motion by Eddie Floyd, seconded by Jason Macomson to appoint Ricky Whitworth to fill the remaining term of Director Carlton Godfrey, who resigned from the DDA board with health problems. Motion carried.

Motion by Kay McGlennen, seconded by Jason Macomson to allow the Boy Scouts to use the City Property below the Water Plant as a campsite. This would be at no liability to the City. Motion carried.

Jimmy Rucker came before Mayor and Council about his Occupational License. The Mayor advised Mr. Rucker that his license was denied last month in the council meeting.

Motion by Kay McGlennen, seconded by Don Canady to adjourn the meeting at 6:33 P.M. Motion carried.

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Ralph M. Owens, Mayor Angela V. Greer, City Clerk