CITY OF MORROW, GEORGIA

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

October 12, 2004

PRESENT AT MEETING:                                       ALSO PRESENT:

Jim Millirons, Mayor                                       John Lampl, City Manager

Thomas J. LaPorte, Mayor Pro Tem              

C. R. Huie, Councilman                                   

Virlyn Slaton, Councilman

Charles O. Sorrow, Councilman

Mayor 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, Georgia  30260.

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.  Councilman Sorrow gave the invocation.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:        Work Session           -  September 28, 2004

Regular Meeting  -  September  28, 2004

Councilman Sorrow made the motion to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Councilman Huie.  The motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC HEARINGS WITH PRESENTATION BY DEPARTMENT HEADS:

1.   Proposed annexation and zoning of unincorporated island:

Intention of the City of Morrow to annex property pursuant to 36-36-90

through 92 and 36-66-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

The proposed zoning classification of the residential property upon annexation is single-family residential (RS-80.) The current Clayton County zoning is RS110.   The zoning of the property known as Reynolds Nature Preserve is to remain as currently zones:  greenspace/recreational

Description of the property to be annexed:

1175 Burbank Trail                   1230 Burbank Trail                 5939 Malibu Drive

1179 Burbank Trail                   1231 Burbank Trail                 5946 Malibu Drive

1180 Burbank Trail                   1240 Burbank Trail                 5954 Malibu Drive

1184 Burbank Trail                   1243 Burbank Trail                 5966 Malibu Drive

1188 Burbank Trail                   1248 Burbank Trail                 5967 Malibu Drive

1191 Burbank Trail                   1251 Burbank Trail                 5971 Malibu Drive

1192 Burbank Trail                   1258 Burbank Trail                 5974 Malibu Drive

1195 Burbank Trail                   1259 Burbank Trail                 5982 Malibu Drive

1196 Burbank Trail                   1268 Burbank Trail                 5985 Malibu Drive

1199 Burbank Trail                   1271 Burbank Trail                 5988 Malibu Drive

1200 Burbank Trail                   1278 Burbank Trail                 5994 Malibu Drive

1203 Burbank Trail                   1253 Malibu Court 6000 Malibu Drive

1204 Burbank Trail                   1255 Malibu Court 6003 Malibu Drive

1207 Burbank Trail                   1256 Malibu Court 6006 Malibu Drive

1208 Burbank Trail                   5918 Malibu Drive 6009 Malibu Drive

1212 Burbank Trail                   5926 Malibu Drive 6012 Malibu Drive

1216 Burbank Trail                   5929 Malibu Drive 6015 Malibu Drive

1222 Burbank Trail                   5936 Malibu Drive 6016 Malibu Drive

And approximately 6 acres north of the Beverly Hills subdivision along the

east side of Phillips Drive.

2.   Proposed annexation and zoning of unincorporated island:

Intention of the City of Morrow to annex property pursuant to 36-36-90

through 92 and 36-66-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The

proposed zoning classification of the property upon annexation is single-

family residential (RS-80.) The current Clayton County zoning is RS180.

Description of the property to be annexed:

1860 Carla Drive                  1870 Carla Drive                  1880 Carla Drive

City Manager John Lampl presented comparisons of recently sold similar type homes, one inside the city limits and one just outside the city limits.  The home inside the city limits sold for $125,000 while the one in the county sold for $75,000. 

Mr. Lampl described other major benefits of living in the City.   The City does not bill residents for ambulance service above what the insurance company pays, and the service is free to residents who do not have insurance.  Also, if a home has a fair market value of $170,000 or less and homestead exemption has been filed, no City property taxes are imposed.  Also, by living inside the City limits the total tax bill will be less because of not having to pay the county fire district tax.

A PowerPoint presentation was given by the following:

1.  Public Works Director Jeff Eady presented the numerous services

provided by the Public Works Department and explained how the proposed annexed area would receive the same  high level of services. 

2.  Brandy Hicks of the Emergency Communications Department acquainted everyone with all the state of the art functions of that department.

3.  Fire Chief David Wall pointed out all of the functions of his exceptionally qualified personnel and his department’s average response time to calls is 3 minutes, 45 seconds.

4.  Police Chief Charlie Sewell explained his is a full service department with professional services as well as extensive interaction with the citizens.  He also pointed out that the high standards of the City’s excellent code enforcement helps to maintain the City’s elevated property values.

Mayor Millirons asked for questions or comments from the audience.

A few of the comments/questions from residents of Beverly Hills concerned contacting the City by e-mail, back door garbage service with trash containers provided,  street lighting will be increased, water service will not change, and the county handling tax assessments will not change.

A gentleman who has lived on Burbank Trail since 1968 said he was glad the initiative has finally been taken to place the entire subdivision inside the City limits, and he whole heartily endorses the annexation.  He has not been happy about county service to the area.    

The daughter of owners of one of the proposed properties to be annexed on Carla Drive spoke on behalf of her ill parents.  She thought the presentation tonight was very impressive.  However, she questioned the necessity of trying to persuade a person who is not interested in being annexed to rethink their position.   Mayor Millirons agreed and stated that even though she has opposing views, he appreciates her comments.

The Mayor also said he admires the wisdom of the legislators to recognize the inconveniences and lack of logical sensibility of unincorporated islands by passing legislation to allow this type of annexation. 

There being no further comments, the Mayor proceeded with the meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

Item 1:   First Reading of Ordinance to annex the aforementioned

               property in the Beverly Hills subdivision and approximately

6 acres north of the Beverly Hills subdivision along the east side of

Phillips Drive

No action is required at this time.  The Planning and Zoning Board will meet on October 19 to recommend zoning of the property.  A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for the October 26^th council meeting.

Item 2: First Reading of Ordinance to annex the aforementioned

               property on Carla Drive

No action is required at this time.  The Planning and Zoning Board will meet on October 19 to recommend zoning of the property.  A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for the October 26^th council meeting.

COMMENTS:

Citizens-  None

City Manager-  Mr. Lampl complemented Brandy Hicks for the wonderful job she did with her presentation.

Mayor and Council- None

ADJOURNMENT:  Mayor Millirons adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

_______________________________________________

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