CITY OF MORROW, GEORGIA
Regular Council Meeting
December 14, 2004
PRESENT AT MEETING: ALSO PRESENT:
Thomas J. LaPorte, Mayor Pro Tem John J. Lampl, II, City Manager
C. R. Huie, Councilman
Virlyn Slaton, Councilman
Charles O. Sorrow, Councilman
EXCUSED ABSENCE
Jim Millirons, Mayor
Mayor Pro Tem Tom LaPorte called the regular meeting of the Morrow City Council to order at 7:30 p.m. The meeting took place in the Council Chambers of the Morrow Municipal Complex, 1500 Morrow Road, Morrow, GA 30260.
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Councilman Sorrow gave the invocation. Mayor Pro Tem LaPorte made an announcement that over the weekend the Mayor had successful surgery after having broken a hip. Mr. LaPorte asked that Mr. and Mrs. Millirons be in everyone’s thoughts and prayers.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Work Session - November 23, 2004
Regular Meeting - November 23, 2004
Councilman Huie made the motion to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Councilman Slaton. The motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATION:
Police Chief Sewell told of Officer Rick Meehan responding to a domestic disturbance call at Southlake Mall on November 18. The suspect fled from the scene. As Officer Meehan was pursuing him, an observant citizen, William Taylor blocked the suspect’s way which allowed Officer Meehan to subdue him. However, the suspect continued to resist and was able to take away the asp baton and place it under his body. Mr. Taylor again assisted by wrestling the baton away enabling Officer Meehan to handcuff the suspect and make the arrest.
Chief Sewell presented Mr. Taylor with The Alert Citizen Award which said, “William Taylor - For your courageous and unselfish actions which assisted in the apprehension of a criminal suspect and the safety of a Morrow police officer, presented to you this 14th day of December, 2004.”
PUBLIC HEARING:
For an amendment to the 1986 Zoning Ordinance of the City of Morrow, Georgia, as amended, concerning Article IX, Schedule of District Regulations, by establishing a single-family residential overlay district (ORS-80) as defined as RS-80 on the Future Land Use Map (Exhibit A) which was officially adopted May 25, 2004. If adopted, this ordinance will establish an overlay zone which permits other uses in addition to the uses permitted in the existing underlying zoning district and will require all development, including renovation and rehabilitation of existing buildings and structures, to meet the new standards of the ordinance.
Councilman LaPorte asked for public comment. There being none, he proceeded with the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
Item 1: Resolution 2004-16 of the Mayor and Council of the City of
Morrow, Georgia approving and authorizing the execution,
delivery and performance of an Intergovernmental Contract with
the Development Authority of Clayton County, and an
Intergovernmental Contract with the Development Authority of
Clayton County and the Board of Commissioners of Clayton
County, Georgia
Mr. Lampl explained an intergovernmental agreement with Clayton County was previously passed for the hotel/conference center. However, there were some legal modifications required by the bond attorneys, but the obligations of the City did not change.
Councilman Slaton made a motion to adopt Resolution 2004-16, seconded by Councilman Sorrow. The vote to approve was unanimous.
Item 2: First Reading of an Ordinance 2004-(24) to amend the 1986
Zoning Ordinance of the City of Morrow, Georgia, as amended,
concerning Article IX, Schedule of District Regulations, by
establishing a single-family residential overlay district (ORS-80) as
defined as RS-80 on the Future Land Use Map (Exhibit A) which
was officially adopted May 25, 2004. If adopted, this ordinance
will establish an overlay zone which permits other uses in addition
to the uses permitted in the existing underlying zoning district and
will require all development, including renovation and
rehabilitation of existing buildings and structures, to meet the
new standards of the ordinance.
This being the first reading, no further action is required.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Due to no agenda items, the Planning and Zoning meeting scheduled for
December 21, 2004, has been cancelled.
The December 28, 2004, council meeting has also been cancelled.
COMMENTS:
Citizens-
Mr. Rudd gave a recap of events that happened several weeks ago as he was watching a Jaws of Life demonstration in the Fire Department. He was talking with Firefighter/Paramedic Tommy Bowden and Sergeant Paul Bonner when he experienced a mini-stroke, and they recognized his condition. They immediately took him to the hospital where he later had five by-pass surgery. He appreciates the professionalism and aid he received from these two City of Morrow employees, and asked that they be told of his appreciation.
Mayor Pro Tem LaPorte expressed his delight at having Mr. Rudd back at the council meetings, and they haven’t been the same without his attendance. Also, if someone is sick, Tommy Bowden and Paul Bonner are about two of the best guys on the planet to take care of you.
City Manager-
Jordon, Jones, & Goulding has given the City some prototypes for the cart/path system. Public Hearings will start in January, running in conjunction with our Community Roundtables.
Mayor and Council-
Mayor Pro Tem LaPorte spoke of the many changes the City has had this year. New Police Chief Charlie Sewell and Economic Developer Grant Wainscott, two of the great changes, were in attendance. Even with the many changes, progress still continued. He felt as if we “hardly missed a beat”, and, in fact, “it may have even stepped up a notch.” He is very proud of all the work of the volunteers and employees in the City and all those who have decided to join our team and take us to the next level. He said, “We are delighted for all we can do in 2005 to keep Morrow Geared for Quality Growth.”
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
__________________Excused Absence ______________
JIM MILLIRONS, MAYOR
_______________________________________________
THOMAS J. LaPORTE, MAYOR PRO TEM
_______________________________________________
C. R. HUIE, COUNCILMAN
_______________________________________________
VIRLYN SLATON, COUNCILMAN
_______________________________________________
CHARLES O. SORROW, COUNCILMAN
ATTEST:
________________________________
Renee Murphy, City Clerk