CITY OF MORROW, GEORGIA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 08, 2004
PRESENT AT MEETING: ALSO PRESENT:
Jim Millirons, Mayor John J. Lampl, II, City Manager
Thomas J. LaPorte, Mayor Pro Tem
C. R. Huie, Councilman
Virlyn Slaton, Councilman
Charles O. Sorrow, Councilman
Mayor Jim Millirons 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.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Work Session - May 25, 2004
Regular Meeting - May 25, 2004
Councilman Huie made the motion to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Councilman LaPorte. The motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Item 1: Angelia Lewis and Morrow Wal-Mart General Manager Louis Bonora presented
a gift of appreciation to the Fire Department. With their help in raising funds for
the Muscular Dystrophy Association the anticipated amount was doubled. The
check for $1,600 was accepted by Captain Donny Harry.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Item 1: Public Hearing for a proposed ordinance to amend the City of
Morrow Code of Ordinances, Title 8, Chapter 5, Signs, to conform
with recent court decisions; to repeal conflicting ordinances; and
for other purposes
The Mayor asked for comments. There being none, he proceeded.
Item 2: Public Hearing for a proposed ordinance to adopt the 2004-2005
Fiscal Year Budget to allocate Revenues and Expenditures for that
period for the operation and enhancement of the various services
delivered by the City to its citizens; for the health and well-being of
the residents and businesses of the City of Morrow; and for other
purposes
City Manager John Lampl gave explanations regarding the $10,072,321 budget. This year the budget is unique because of state mandated changes. The Uniform Chart of Accounts requires some of the Funds pay each other. Also, some revenue, such as the Confiscated Assets Fund (narcotics), cannot legally have an Expense budgeted out of it. We are now trying to plan our way out of the loss of approximately $1,000,000 of the Local Option Sales Tax revenue. This budget has been a challenge, but we are operating within our means and our employees are working hard. Therefore, the budget is being submitted with the maximum amount of cuts possible.
Mayor Millirons realizes the extreme difficulty of putting the budget together, and is thankful it was accomplished without having to loose any employees other than by attrition.
OLD BUSINESS:
Item 1: Second Reading of an Ordinance 2004-12 to amend the
“1986, Zoning Ordinance of the City of Morrow, Georgia”
concerning Article IX, Schedule of District Regulations, to establish a
Mixed Use Development (MU) Zoning District; a mixing of
residential, office, and retail space to allow for a district with a
pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, shared utility lines and better use of
green space; to establish an effective date; and for other purposes
Councilman LaPorte made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Councilman Slaton. The vote to approve was unanimous.
Item 2: Second Reading of an Ordinance 2004-13 to modify the “1986,
Zoning Ordinance of the City of Morrow, Georgia” by establishing
a Fee Simple Town Houses (RS-30) Zoning District; to encourage the
best possible site plans and building arrangements under a plan of
development rather than under lot-by-lot regulation; to establish
and effective date; and for other purposes
Councilman Sorrow made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Councilman Slaton. The motion passed with three in favor, one opposed (Councilman Huie).
Item 3: Second Reading of and Ordinance 2004-14 to modify the
“1986, Zoning Ordinance of the City of Morrow, Georgia” by
amending Article IX, Section 907A Community University Planned
District (C.U.P.D.), to create a site for mixed-use development that
forms a new town center for the City of Morrow; a mixing of
residential, office, and retail space to allow for a district with a
pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, shared utility lines and better use
of green space; to establish an effective date; and for other
purposes
Councilman Slaton made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Councilman Sorrow. The vote to approve was unanimous.
NEW BUSINESS continued:
Item 2: To declare a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria (VIN 2FAFP71W3WX174064)
as surplus property and authorize Acting Police Chief Sewell or his
designated representative to dispose of the property in keeping
with applicable laws
The motion to authorize disposal was made by Councilman Sorrow, seconded by Councilman Slaton. The vote in favor was unanimous.
Item 3: First Reading of an Ordinance to amend the City of Morrow Sign
Ordinance, Title 8, Chapter 5 as described above during the public
hearing
No action required at this time. Second reading will be June 22, 2004.
Item 4: First Reading of an Ordinance to adopt the 2004-2005 Fiscal Year
Budget as described above during the public hearing
No action required at this time. Second reading will be June 22, 2004
Item 5: First Reading of an Ordinance to amend Title 8, Chapter 3, Soil
Erosion and Sedimentation Control to protect the public health,
safety, environment and general welfare; to provide a collection
of structural practices and vegetative measures which, when
properly designed, installed, and maintained, will provide effective
erosion and sedimentation control; and for other purposes
No action required at this time. Second reading will be June 22, 2004.
Item 6: Update on the progress of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
Grant
Mr. Lampl gave the update required of the City at every council meeting informing the public of the grant’s progress.
Item 7: A Resolution 2004-09 authorizing the Mayor and Council of the City
of Morrow to submit proposed amendments of the Comprehensive
Plan, Short Term Work Program, and Future Land Use Map to the
Atlanta Regional Commission and Department of Community Affairs for
regional review
The motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilman LaPorte, seconded by Councilman Huie. The vote to approve was unanimous.
COMMENTS:
Citizens:
None
City Manager:
Mr. Lampl thanked Sylvia Redic, Joyce Bean and the staff for the tremendous effort done on the Comprehensive Plan which will be submitted tomorrow. By doing the work in-house, the City saved over $100,000.
Mayor and Council -
Councilman Huie expressed his appreciation to Wal-Mart for all they do for the City and for being such good neighbors. He also asked Captain Harry to convey appreciation to the entire Fire Department for the help they give on projects such as this which presents an excellent image of the City.
Councilman LaPorte concurred.
Mayor Millirons thanked Wal-Mart for their willingness to prosecute shoplifters which helps serve as a deterrent to such crimes.
Councilman Huie commended Mr. Lampl and his staff for the excellent job done on the Comprehensive Plan.
ADJOURNMENT:
The council meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm.
_______________________________________________
JIM MILLIRONS, MAYOR
_______________________________________________
THOMAS J. LaPORTE, MAYOR PRO TEM
_______________________________________________
C. R. HUIE, COUNCILMAN
_______________________________________________
VIRLYN SLATON, COUNCILMAN
________________________________________________
CHARLES O. SORROW, COUNCILMAN
ATTEST:
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Renee Abernathy, City Clerk