CITY OF PINE LAKE

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

OCTOBER 12, 2009

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:                   Mayor Greg Zarus

Mayor Pro-Tem Kathy DeNobriga

Councilmember Greg Creech

Councilmember Bitsy Pitts

Councilmember Melanie Hammet

Councilmember J. Brent Walker

STAFF PRESENT:                                               City Administrator Phil Howland

City Clerk Valerie Caldwell

Police Chief Y’hudah-Green

Mayor Zarus called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Monday               10/12     7:30 PM                City Council Meeting                      Courthouse

Tuesday               10/13     6:30 PM                Candidate Forum                             Club House

Friday                    10/16  12:30 PM                DDA                                                       Take 2

Sunday                 10/18     3:30 PM                Pet Clinic                                              Club House

Tuesday               10/20     7:30 PM                ARB                                                        Club House

Thursday             10/22     7:00 PM                Neighborhood Watch                    Beach House

Sunday                 10/25     3:00 PM                Candidate Forum                             Club House

Tuesday               10/27     6:30 PM                TAB                                                        Beach House

Tuesday               10/27     7:30 PM                City Council Work Session            Courthouse

Saturday              10/31     4:00 PM                Halloween Party                               Beach House

Tuesday               11/03     7:00 PM                Post Election Party                          Beach House

COMMUNICATIONS:

Councilperson Hammet reported attending a census meeting and will establish a local committee within the next week and a half.  Stressing the urgency to make certain everyone is counted; she stated that it costs the city $1,300 in lost revenue for every citizen not properly counted.

A brief update was given on FEMA relief efforts and how to obtain assistance.

MINUTES:

Motion to approve the minutes of the September 29, 2009 meeting as presented was made by Councilmember deNobriga, seconded by Councilmember Creech and was unanimously approved.

City Council Meeting Minutes

October 12, 2009

Page 2 of 4

AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA:

The following amendments were made to the agenda upon motion by Mayor Pro-Tem deNobriga , second by Councilmember Pitts and unanimously approval:

Add agenda item for Confirmation of the 12/29 Council meeting, addition of an ARB discussion item, and approval of a contract for services between the City and Arborist Chris Barneycastle.

PUBLC COMMENTS:

Charlotte Neal thanked Council for their efforts in making Lakefest such an outstanding festival enjoyed by all.  She then expressed her concern about the recent increase in crime and lack of sufficient communication of this increase in criminal activity from the Chief.

Faye Ridling reiterated the point stating there was not adequate communication between the Police Chief and the Neighborhood Watch Committee.

Peggy Peas requested placement of a street light on the corner of Dahlia and Spruce, explaining that area is very dark and the additional lighting would enhance safety.

Megan Pulsts questioned the fence between the tennis courts and the stream.  A brief status discussion ensued regarding ownership of the fence and the apartment complex with the attendant tennis court currently being in foreclosure.

Charlotte Neal reported having witnessed kids coming from the wetland area.

Peggy Peas reported that her home had been burglarized two weeks prior.  Adding this incident to those in the recent past, she opined someone was clearly watching houses, and targeting electronic equipment.

In addressing these concerns, Chief Y’hudah-Green outlined the department’s efforts with regard to apprehension and prevention.

Faye Ridling suggested regular patrols at the end of Olive as the three homes in that particular area were extremely vulnerable.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

Chief Y’hudah-Green disseminated the monthly Police report, stating additional detail would be provided in future reports.  She continued with a briefing of the burglaries.  Mayor Zarus requested and received a list of items that had been recovered.  Chief Y’hudah-Green stated she would make available a list of the missing items to the Neighborhood Watch Committee.

City Council Meeting Minutes

October 12, 2009

Page 3 of 4

Mayor Pro-Tem deNobriga requested a report of code violations.  In further discussion regarding the downed fence, Mr. Howland reported that fence placement was prohibited within a flood plain.

Administrator Howland reported the following:

  • Leaf season had begun and encouraged composting.  He stated if not bagged, leaves would not be picked up, and warned against placing them in the gutters.
  • He would like to request the County allow usage of a Packer Truck for the leaves.
  • Report of environmental projects which have been complicated by the recebt flood, including damage to the lake, impoundment, and silt fencing.
  • Status of his various projects.
  • Non-functioning curb, the possibility of milling streets with LARP funds, and other possible solutions to flooding issues exacerbated by the curbing situation.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

There were no public comments at this time.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Contract for Arborist – At the request of the Tree Authority Board and Mr. Howland, motion to approve the proposed contract with Chris Barneycastle for services as city arborist was made by Councilmember Walker, seconded by Councilmember Hammet and was unanimously approved.

Resolution Regarding Unpainted Structures - There was no recommendation back from ARB on this issue.  Motion to table by Mayor Pro-Tem deNobriga, second by Councilmember Hammet and was unanimously approved.

ARB Councilmember Hammet discussed assistance for citizens impacted by the recent flooding.  For those structures that would require elevating and would need a variance to the maximum height restriction, Council discussed the possibility of waiving the variance fee.  Following a brief discussion, it appeared Mayor Zarus would be researching the issue.

City Council Meeting Minutes

October 12, 2009

Page 4 of 4

Fire Ring – No action had been taken on this item.  Motion to table by Councilmember Pitts, seconded by Councilmember Creech and was unanimously approved.  A proposed location is to be marked with spray paint for public viewing and comment.

Financial Reports – The various reports were reviewed and in-depth discussion ensured on the budget versus actual expenditure reports for Administration, Court and Police departments.  Various budget amendments will be forthcoming.  Mayor Pro-Tem deNobriga questioned a deposit in the amount of $171 not showing in the Department of Arts & Culture budget.  She also asked if sufficient funds were available for the bond payment due at the end of October.  Mr. Howland stated sufficient funds are available and would be reporting financial status at the upcoming work session.

NEW BUSINESS

Resolution # R-18-09 Extending Service Delivery Strategy The proposed resolution would extend the existing Service Delivery Strategy agreement through October 31, 2010.  Motion to dispense with the reading was made by Mayor Pro-Tem deNobriga, seconded by Councilmember Walker and was unanimously approved.  Motion to approve as presented was made by Councilmember Creech, seconded by Councilmember Walker and was unanimously approved.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no comments at this time.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

There were no comments at this time.

Mr. Howland stated the City was awarded a $70,000 streetscape grant from the MARTA money.  Application for these funds was submitted by DeKalb County on behalf of the City.

ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Walker, seconded by Councilmember Hammet and was unanimously approved.  10:00 PM.

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Valerie Caldwell, City Clerk