Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2410
Harlem City Hall
March 6, 2008
The City Council of the City of Harlem, Georgia met for a Called Meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Harlem City Hall with Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon presiding.
Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon, Councilman Tom Blalock, Councilwoman Robin M. Root and Councilman John Thigpen; STAFF: City Manager Jean R. Dove, City Clerk Debra E. Moore, and City Attorney Stephen Brown; ABSENT: Mayor Scott Dean; VISITORS: Ann Blalock, Phil Turner and Melonie Dappie.
Purpose: Resolution-Charter
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro tem Dixon at 1:30 p.m.
The Invocation was given by Mayor Pro tem Dixon.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Thigpen.
Resolution-Charter: City Attorney Brown opened with changes had been discussed with City Manager Dove and the Legislative Committee at the Capitol. Council is here to discuss the changes prior to approval of the Resolution to send the updated Charter to the Legislature. The major changes pertained to elections. The following are some of the changes presented:
Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2411
March 6, 2008
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Resolution-Charter (cont’d): As there was no further discussion, Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion. Councilman Blalock made the motion to approve the changes to the Charter for the City of Harlem; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.
Mayor Pro tem Dixon presented the Resolution to Council which is requesting that the updated Charter be sent to the Representative for the 117th District to introduce local legislation during the 2008 legislative session enacting a new Charter for the City of Harlem, Georgia. Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion to approve the Resolution as written and read and for the approval of his signature; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.
Being no further business before Council, Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion to adjourn the Called Meeting; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor. The meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra E. Moore
City Clerk
Joint Work Session-City Council/Historic Preservation Commission Page 1
Harlem City Hall
March 6, 2008
Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon, Councilman Tom Blalock, Councilwoman Robin M. Root, and Councilman John Thigpen; HPC: Chairman Ann Blalock, Commissioner Phil Turner and Commissioner Melonie Dappie; STAFF: City Manger Jean R. Dove and City Clerk Debra E. Moore; ABSENT: Mayor Scott Dean.
The Work Session was called to order by Mayor Pro tem Dixon at 2:05 p.m.
Mayor Pro tem Dixon opened the floor for discussion.
Councilman Thigpen recognized HPC Chairperson Ann Blalock and presented a second proposal for the district. His district would bring the W. Forrest Street area back in. The areas on the south side of town that are predominantly black were left out due to his being told they did not want it and that it would be a violation of their civil rights. He would like to see what he is proposing passed and then start adding on from there.
Commissioner Turner had some general comments. He stated that the first proposal that Councilman Thigpen had presented to the Commission had left out about 79% of the original designated area by the Commission; the new proposal is estimated at 50% to 60%. He is in agreement with leaving out the Harlem Heights area due to the negative comments and is also in agreement with leaving out the black community as well for the same reason; he would like those areas to be properly identified. He had some questions on the W. Trippe Street area; this area had been left out of the second proposal by Councilman Thigpen. In Commissioner Turner’s opinion anyone that is asking to be in now that is contiguous should be added now; he feels that the W. Trippe Street area that has been left out should be completely in. He also feels that we need to solidify the block that is the “original” Harlem (N. Hicks squared around to W. Forrest to W. Boundary [inclusive N. Bell and W. Trippe]).
Chairman Blalock recommends getting a letter from the leaders of the black community stating they do not want to be included; could possibly bring another type of “suit”.
Councilman Blalock commented that the time has passed for education.
Councilwoman Root questioned what would happen if no district is approved; City Manager Dove that they would have to continue until one is designated and that moratoriums on building permits could still be in place.
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March 6, 2008
Continued from page 1
Final comments from the Commission included Commissioner Turner stating that he hoped that Council will vote on one. Chairman Blalock stated that the Commission has to have at least three members and that it was close to being only two; she is tired of the whole thing. She would support keeping the main district intact and taking out the black community if a letter was received.
Being no further discussion, the Work Session adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
Debra E. Moore
City Clerk
Work Session Notes Page 1
March 13, 2008
Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Scott Dean, Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon, Councilman Tom Blalock, Councilwoman Robin M. Root and Councilman John Thigpen; STAFF: City Manager Jean R. Dove, City Clerk Debra E. Moore and City Attorney Stephen Brown; VISITORS: See attached list.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Dean at 6:00 p.m.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Melvin Adams of New Holt Baptist Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Blalock.
Streetscape Project: City Manager Dove reported that there will be a walk through in two weeks; have received the notice to proceed to complete the parking lot. Mayor Dean recommended having a ribbon cutting once completed and to make sure to invite anyone who was instrumental in getting this completed.
Waste Water Treatment Plant Expansion: City Manager Dove reported that we have received a report from EPD to address comments that are required for the permit; they have been mailed in.
Planning & Zoning: City Manager Dove reported on the following:
The Planning and Zoning Commission is recommending for approval all requests. The Final Plats have been approved by the City Engineer and are also being recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Annexation Ordinance-Alex Murphy Property, 1st and 2nd Reading: Mayor Dean reported that the property is located at 745 Fairview Drive Ext.; it is .48 acres and is contiguous to Dr. Murphy’s existing annexed property. This will become effective April 1, 2008. Council will need to approve.
Historic District Designation: City Manager Dove reported the district map that is being proposed is the 2nd proposal by Councilman Thigpen. It will include District 1, Sawdust Community District, and Sanders Community District. District 1 will include W. Forrest Street to capture the Middle School, but will leave out N. Bell and W. Trippe.
Work Session Notes Page 2
March 13, 2008
Other: There was none at this time.
Being no further business before Council, the Work Session was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Debra E. Moore
City Clerk
Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2412
Harlem City Hall
March 13, 2008
The City Council of the City of Harlem, Georgia met for the Regular Meeting on Monday, March 13, 2008, immediately following the Work Session that was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Harlem City Hall with Mayor Scott Dean presiding.
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Mayor Dean.
Approval of Minutes: Mayor Dean called for a motion to approve the Minutes of the February 18, 2008 Regular Meeting as written; that motion was made by Councilwoman Root; 2nd by Mayor Pro tem Dixon. Motion carried; all in favor.
Special Recognition: Mayor Dean recognized Reverend Melvin Adams and Ms. Mary E. Sanders. He presented Ms. Sanders with a drawing of the building being erected at the City Park. Mayor Dean announced that the building will be named the Mary E. Sanders Community Center and Headstart/Family Connections Center. Ms. Sanders has been an educator for many years and also has the special designation of being the oldest living resident of Harlem that was actually born in Harlem. Council will make the final approval in the business section of the meeting.
Public Comment: There was one Public Comment, Mr. Jerry Hogan of 155 E. Trippe Street. Mr. Hogan spoke on the Historic District and is against it. He does not feel that having the designation will bring people to Harlem to live. He commented that he had received information from his realtor that this property was not in the designated area; if he had known that it was, he would’ve never brought the property. He does not feel having a Historic District is a good idea.
Department Reports: The following reports were given for the month of February 2008:
Community Connections Julie Miller, Director
Planning & Zoning Robert Fields, Asst. Public Works Director
Police Department Jerry Baldwin, Public Safety Director
Fire Department Jerry Baldwin, Public Safety Director
Museum Scott Dean, Mayor
Administration Jean Dove, City Manager
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Rezoning-Sam Jones, 515-525 N. Louisville Street: Mayor Dean called for a motion to accept the recommendation of the Planning & Zoning Commission to approve the rezoning request of Mr. Jones to rezone from B-1 to R-2; that motion was made by Mayor Pro tem Dixon; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.
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March 13, 2008
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS (cont’d):
Historic District: Councilman Thigpen presented Council with a second map for consideration at a previous Work Session. This is the map for approval. It will include three districts which will have to be approved by separate ordinances.
Mayor Dean called for a motion to approve the district designated as the Sawdust Community District as drawn on the map and for this to constitute as the 1st and 2nd reading of the Ordinance making that designation; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Mayor Pro tem Dixon. Motion carried; all in favor.
Mayor Dean called for a motion to approve the district designated as the Sanders Community District as drawn on the map and for this to constitute as the 1st and 2nd reading of the Ordinance making that designation; that motion was made by Councilwoman Root; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Motion carried; all in favor.
Mayor Dean called for a motion to approve the district designated as the Harlem District 1 as drawn on the map and for this to constitute as the 1st and 2nd reading of the Ordinance making that designation; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Mayor Pro tem Dixon. Discussion: Councilman Thigpen wanted to clarify that this district was amended from his original proposal and will include W. Forrest Street. Councilman Thigpen questioned that if this proposed district is approved if it can be added/subtracted from; City Manager Dove and Mayor Dean both responded in the affirmative. Motion carried by a vote of 3-1 with Councilman Blalock opposing.
City Manager Dove will provide Council with the actual Ordinances to include the complete property owner information, map/parcel numbers for the property, etc.
Other: Mayor Dean called for a motion to approve the name designation for the Headstart/Family Connections Building as the Miss Mary E. Sanders Community Center and Headstart/Family Connections Center; that motion was made by Mayor Pro tem Dixon; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Planning & Zoning:
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March 13, 2008
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NEW BUSINESS (cont’d):
Planning & Zoning (cont’d):
Annexation Ordinance-Alex Murphy Property, 1st and 2nd Reading: The property is located at 745 Fairview Drive Ext.; Map and Parcel No. 031A 045B; Zoning R1-A; .48 acres. This property is contiguous to property previously annexed that is owned by Mr. Murphy. Mayor Dean called for a motion to approve the annexation request for the .48 acres located at 745 Fairview Drive Ext.; Map and Parcel No. 031A 045B; Zoning R1-A and for this to constitute as the 1st and 2nd Reading and the approval of his signature to said Ordinance; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Mayor Pro tem Dixon. Motion carried; all in favor.
Public Works Office-Relocation: Due to the sale of City property located off W. Forrest Street, the City has 30 days to remove the building that is currently Public Works Director Daniel Cason’s office. The estimate for removal and re-setup is $10,000.00. The building will be moved to the property at 700 N. Louisville Street (WWTP). Mayor Dean called for a motion to approve the moving of the building and the allocation of up to $10,000.00 from the Capital Projects Fund to cover the costs and to approve a budget adjustment to that effect; that motion was made by Councilman Blalock; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Discussion: The building is being placed back to its original site. Motion carried; all in favor.
Announcements:
March 15 Easter Egg Hunt, 11:00 a.m., Harlem City Park
March 18 Garden Club, 4:00 p.m., The Blalock’s
March 24 Oliver Hardy Meeting, 7:00 p.m. City Hall
March 26 Community Breakfast, 7:00 a.m. Harlem Middle School-
Superintendent Charlie Nagle will be in attendance
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Announcements (cont’d):
March 29 Trash to Treasures, 8:00 a.m., HUMC Field
April 1 Administrative Council Committee Meeting, 9:00 a.m.
April 15 Planning & Zoning Hearing, 7:00 p.m. City Hall
April 17 Work Session, 7:00 p.m.
April 18-19 Relay for Life, Harlem High School, 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
April 21 Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Other: There was none at this time.
Being no further business before the Council, Mayor Dean called for a motion to adjourn the meeting; that motion was made by Mayor Pro tem Dixon; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra E. Moore
City Clerk
VISITORS AT THE MARCH 13, 2008 REGULAR MEETING:
Clara E. Johnson
Brenda G. Johnson
Carolyn R. Burbridge
Ariedell O. Germany
Ola Mae Tankersley
Penny Salley
Daniel W. Cason
Fred Fischer
Floyd Simons
Eddie Germany
Eleanor Germany
Ruby O’Bannon
Shirley Johnson
Jerry Hogan
Doris Wheeler
Joe Wheeler
Brenda Sanford
Richard Hopper
Harold Smith
Charles Sanford
LeeAnn Meyer
Joanna Genning
Alicia Fitzgerald
David Payne
Doris Belcher
Ms. Mary E. Sanders
Ericka Dean
Bobby and Linda Culpepper
Franklin Jennings
Robert Fields
Jerry Campbell
Jerry Baldwin