Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Esco Hall, Jr. made a first motion and Councilman Bass gave a second, authorizing Mayor Steve Rigdon to sign a resolution recognizing Floyd Hunter for his 38 years of service to Baxley and Appling County serving as Clerk of Superior Court. This was unanimously approved by council members.
Mayor Pro Tem Hall made a motion, with Councilwoman Livingston giving the second to approve a contract with the Appling County Board of Elections, subject to minor changes by City Attorney Alex Johnson. This motion was was unanimously approved.
Mayor Pro Tem Hall reported he attended the Development Authority meeting yesterday. He also attended the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, DC March 7-11.
Old business
Councilman Bass made a motion, with Councilman Tim Varnadore giving the second, to approve the second reading and adoption of an ordinance to rezone property owned by Tonya and Patrick Fordham, located at 481, 606, and 505 Holmesville Avenue, from the present Residential (R-15) zone to a Professional (P-1) zone. This item was unanimously approved.
Councilwoman Livingston made a motion, with Councilman Bass making the second, to approve the second reading and adoption of an ordinance rezoning property owned by Allison Lott Murray, requesting her property located at W. Tollison Street be rezoned from the present Residential (RM-10) zone to a Business (B-2) zone. This was unanimously approved.
Councilman Bass made a motion, with Councilman Tim Varnadore giving a second motion, to approve the second reading and adoption of an ordinance rezoning property from the present Residential (RM-10) zone to a Business (B-2) zone. This was unanimously approved.
City manager report
Manager Jeff Baxley reported that the CDBG pre-construction conference was held last week (March 11). The paving of Elizabeth Circle, James and Wright Drive should start soon.
He reported that the solar arrays contract with Greenovations would be completed soon.
Manager Baxley reported the City’s group health insurance renewal is June 1. The preliminary figures are looking like a 14 percent increase.
Manager Baxley announced a meeting would be held Wednesday, March 25 concerning the City/County/Chamber web site getting a makeover.
He stated today a luncheon would be held with the winners of the 6th grade essay contest.
Baxley reported on the HB170 and stated it passed the senate with some changes and GMA now supports the language in this bill. A committee has been formed to work out differences between House and Senate versions.
He announced that the LMIG paving projects have begun on Lakeview Drive, McRorie Street, Lee Street, and on both sides of the railroad track of Park Avenue West.
Baxley reported that he attended the Kiwanis Club last Thursday and representatives from the hospital gave a demonstration on how the telemedicine program will work. This is the program Andy Smith, CEO of Appling Healthcare System reported on at the last meeting.
Shane Crosby, Codes Enforcement Officer for the City, gave a report on figures pertaining to permitting for the last three years relating to building, remodeling, additions, and alterations to properties as well as land disturbance and soil and erosion permitting. Crosby stated that in 2012 – 73 permits were issued, in 2013 – 172 permits were issued and in 2014 – 186 permits were issued. He also stated that 2013 permitted values were 6 million and those values doubled to 12 million in 2014.