February 11, 2003

 

The regular meeting of the Lawrenceville Town Council was called to order on February 11, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Keith W. Clarke with the following present:

 

Mayor Keith W. Clarke; Council Members: Joyce D. Bland, H. B. Brockwell, Jr., Wilbur Hardy, William E. James, Michael F. Moorman and Robert F. Pecht, III; Town Attorney, W. C. Outten, Jr.; Town Manager, C. J. Dean; Everette, Lynn and Zack Gibson; Chief of Police, Douglas R. Pond; Admin. Assistant, Wanda Johnson; Town Clerk, Alice B. Talbert and the press.

 

Absent:  Council Member: John J. Miller, Jr.

 

Mr. Hardy opened the meeting with a prayer.

           

                                                PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Clarke stated that this time had been advertised for a public hearing for a CDBG grant with Saint Pauls.  Mayor Clarke declared the hearing open.  As no one asked to speak, a motion was made by Mr. James and seconded by Mr. Hardy to close the hearing.  This was carried by all ayes.

 

                                                            RESOLUTION - GIBSON

Mayor Clarke reminded Council that at the last meeting we accepted the resignation of Everette Gibson. A motion was made by Mr. Pecht and seconded by Mr. James to adopt a Resolution for Mr. Gibson.  This was carried by all ayes.  Mayor Clarke read the Resolution and presented it to Mr. Gibson.

 

                                                            APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Brockwell to approve the minutes of the previous meeting suspend the reading and file.  This motion carried by all ayes.

 

                                                            WELCOME SIGNS

Mr. Dean stated that the quote for the welcome signs had been received and Brick and Tile would help with the brick.  A motion was made by Mr. Moorman to authorize Mr. Dean to negotiate with St. Pauls with the placement of the sign and report at the next meeting. This was seconded by Mr. Hardy and carried by all ayes.

 

                                                GOODRICH/DAVENPORT CDBG

Mr. Dean reported that in order to continue with the Goodrich/Davenport CDBG several forms would need to be adopted.  Copies were in the packets.  After a discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Moorman to adopt the Public Body’s Local Business and Employment Plan, Non-Discrimination Policy, Grievance Procedure, Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan and Fair Housing Certification.  This motion was seconded by Mr. Brockwell and carried by a vote of 5 ayes and 1 nay.

 

                                                POLICE BUDGET AMENDED

Mr. Pecht stated that the police budget would need to be amended to increase the capital in order to purchase the new police car.  A motion was made by Mr. Pecht to amend the budget to increase capital to $15,500 and decrease the following: overtime to $10,500; travel to $1300; supplies to $14,000; building maintenance to $1500; car repairs to $15,000.  This motion was seconded by Mr. Hardy and carried by all ayes.

 

Mr. Hardy asked that the cost of a new police car be included in the budget for the next 4 years.

 

                                                            PEEBLES PARK

Mr. Brockwell made a motion to accept the bid from September Enterprise after Mr. Dean confirms the cost to mow and landscape the Peebles Park.  He stated that his committee felt the landscaping company would better meet the needs.  This was seconded by Mr. Moorman and carried by all ayes.  Mr. Brockwell stated that the committee would continue to look at future needs of the park.

 

                                                5% PENALTY ON MONTHLY BILLS

Mr. Moorman made a motion to charge a 5% late penalty on the monthly water bill effective with the March billing.  A notice will be included in the February billing advising the customers of this change.  This motion was seconded by Mr. Hardy and carried by all ayes.

 

                                                            SAFETY REPORT

Mr. Brockwell stated that the safety report from the water department was very good and he would like to have one like it from the streets department.

 

                                                313 HIGH STREET – PUBLIC NUISANCE

Mr. Dean reported that the owners of the house at 313 High Street had been notified on January 21st that they had 21 days to demolish the house or appeal the notice from Mr. LeBlanc.  The time was up and they had not appealed.  A motion was made by Mr. Moorman to declare the house a public nuisance.  This was seconded by Mr. Brockwell and carried by all ayes.  Mr. Dean stated that the town would begin demolition.

 

Mrs. Talbert reminded Council of the cholesterol screening to be held on February 12th.

 

                                                PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS

A motion was made by Mr. Moorman and seconded by Mr. Hardy to pay the bills in the amount of $96,845.52 and charge to the proper accounts.  This carried by all ayes.

 

                                                HIGH SPEED RAIL

Mayor Clarke reported that at the last meeting there was some concern as to whether or not the high speed rail would carry freight.  Mr. Dean had checked into this and it would be carrying freight.

 

                                                ARTBANK GRANT APPLICATION

An application had been received to apply for a grant for the ArtBank.  A motion was made by Mr. Pecht and seconded by Mr. James to apply for the art grant in the amount of $500.00.  This motion carried by all ayes.

 

                                                            YMCA

Mayor Clarke reported that he and Mr. Dean would be forming a steering committee to look into the possibility of the YMCA coming to town.

 

Mr. Dean asked that all budget request information be turned in, as work on the budget will begin in March.

 

                                                DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Mr. Dean reported that the Department of Corrections needed to have some sewer improvement work done and had requested the town manage the projects.  We would get the work done and they would pay for it.  Mr. Dean was asked to talk with B & B Consultants and get a letter from DOC stating monetary support if council decided to proceed.

 

                                                            ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. James and seconded by Mrs. Bland to adjourn.  This carried by all ayes.   

 

 

 

______________________________MAYOR

 

 

_______________________________ATTEST