2/26/2009 Work Session Minutes - Part 1 COUNCIL PRESENT: Figueras, Bruner, Wangemann, Dunagan, Hamrick STAFF PRESENT: Padgett, Palmour, Jordan Mayor Figueras called the meeting to order. FINANCE ISSUE: Alcoholic Beverage License Applications Senior Finance Technician Tracie Morris reviewed the following applications: Aj’s Shell Mart, 1878 Thompson Bridge Road The application for package sales of beer was in order. BP Food Mart, 2300 Browns Bridge Road The application was in order for package sales of beer and wine. Conchita Restaurant, 2115 Athens Highway The application for consumption on the premises of beer was in order. Monkey Barrel, 115 Washington Street The application for consumption on the premises of beer, wine and liquor was in order. Four applications placed on the March 3, 2009 Council Meeting Agenda PUBLIC UTILITIES ISSUE: Project Resolution: Year Twenty-One Water & Sewer System Improvements Contract II – Award of Contract Engineering & Planning Section Chief Mak Yari introduced Civil Engineer Joel Altherr indicating the two had been working on the GEFA Year 21 Contract III Project. This project involved 32 streets and 18 separate sites of which 16 are water main replacement projects. The remaining are water main extension projects. The bid opening had 8 pre-qualified bidders providing bids ranging from $1.06 to $1.85 million. The City’s estimate was $1.58 million. The department recommended awarding the bid to Pride Utility Construction Company (the low bidder). The total project cost was $1,317,327.18 which included contingency funding. The project would be funded by the Public Utilities Department Capital Projects Funds, Connection Fees and/or GEFA loan monies. Mr. Yari provided a brief update indicating this project will place the department within 13% completion of the overall GEFA project. Upon completion, 122 miles will have been addressed. Placed on the March 3, 2009 Council Meeting Consent Agenda PLANNING ISSUES: Public Hearing Items for the March 3rd Council Meeting Director of Planning and Development Rusty Ligon reviewed the two public hearing items. Gainesville Church of God Annex 3.0+ acres at 2920 Browns Bridge Road There were no departmental comments and one favorable public comment. The Planning and Appeals Board voted to approve the request. It was noted that the department’s philosophy regarding islands is to match the property with a comparable zoning classification. City Manager Kip Padgett stated the Public Utilities Department will be using their engineers to work on designing sewer for those areas that don’t already have it while business is slow. H. Donald Westmoreland Annex 1.36+ acres at 2, 4 and 6 Hilltop Street; and 152 and 154 Stringer Avenue There were no departmental comments and no public comments. The Planning and Appeals Board voted to approve the request with R-II zoning. Placed on the March 3, 2009 Council Meeting Agenda CITY MANAGER’S ISSUES: Resolution: Expanded Sidewalk Café for Downtown Gainesville Gran Prix City Manager Kip Padgett distributed a resolution from Main Street asking for expanded sidewalks for the downtown area during the bike race scheduled for March 28th. Placed on the March 3, 2009 Council Meeting Consent Agenda Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds City Manager Kip Padgett reported the City will receive an additional $107,000 from CDBG as part of the stimulus package. An amendment to the Plan will be required. Mr. Padgett stated it would be necessary to review the details to make sure there are no additional burdens on the City. Sales Tax Update City Manager Kip Padgett stated the sales tax report for December reflected higher revenues than they thought. The total was still less than projected. Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee City Manager Kip Padgett stated Council has approved the TAD policies and procedures and needs to make appointments to the committee. The Intergovernmental Agreement identified representatives from the City, County and Board Education. Three additional members are required addressing the following areas: Chamber of Commerce/Main Street, Real Estate/Development and Banking/Finance. Mr. Padgett shared his recommendations. Placed on the March 3, 2009 Council Meeting Agenda Economic Development Video City Manager Kip Padgett stated the City, County and Chamber of Commerce had been approached by a company that has identified Gainesville as a leader in economic development. They want to compile video footage that would be shown nationally and internationally at a cost of $24,000. The Chamber asked that the cost be split among the three entities. The footage would cover Gainesville and unincorporated Hall County. Council Member Hamrick felt the fee might be high. City Manager Kip Padgett stated the Chamber felt the cost was reasonable if the footage aired at a reasonable time. If Council wanted to participate, the cost could be split over two budget cycles. The production cycle would begin in April or May and the show would air in midsummer for three or four months in 3 to 5 minute segments. Franchise Fee Check City Manager Kip Padgett reported receipt of a franchise fee check from Georgia Power which was approximately $400,000 more than expected. COUNCIL ISSUES: Mayor Figueras 1. Reported there were light posts with banners that need some improvements. 2. Reported additional information had been received from the Bridge Group asking for special considerations. They need a space that allows them to play 6 days a week. The Parks and Recreation Department recommended the Martha Hope Cabin as the most viable option; however, the requester didn’t agree and wanted Council to make a decision. 3. Met with the new warden responsible for housing at the old jail. He stated the facility would be used as a pass through for deportations. He didn’t know if the razor wire could be removed and had been talking with the Planning Department to understand beautification efforts and other matters concerning the property. 4. Commended the Public Information Office, the Community Service Center and the Parks and Recreation Agency for various reasons. 5. Reported information regarding the Georgia Latino Forum would be available in the Mayor’s Office. Council Member Wangemann 1. Provided a brief report on a recent cleanup project. 2. Commented on the concept of changing to an elected Mayor indicating he was particularly interested in knowing the options as well as the pro’s and con’s of each. The City Manager stated he was working on this. Council Member Bruner Inquired about an email from the Health Department regarding disposal of medication. It was noted that this information was provided based upon concerns about disposing of medication through the water system. Upon inquiry from Council Member Hamrick, the City Manager stated the Public Information Office would be asked to share this information with the community. Council Member Hamrick Reported comments about people going elsewhere to play golf. He wondered if the City should consider a reduction in weekday fees noting Chicopee Woods had recently reduced their fees. Council Member Dunagan felt the fee should remain close to that of Chicopee Woods and felt the golf course should be moving toward becoming self supporting. Council Member Dunagan asked that the new Director of Golf have an opportunity to make recommendations before any changes occur.