City Council

City of Bowdon Mayor and Council Meeting Monday, November 13, 2023 7:00PM Mayor and Council Chambers, 182 Grammar School Road I.- VI. Agenda Items: The Mayor and City Council met for a regular meeting on Monday, November 13th, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jim Chaffin at 7:00PM. The invocation was led by Mayor Pro-tem Jan Johnson and was followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Mayor Jim Chaffin Mayor Pro-tem Jan Johnson Councilmember Marty Johnson Councilmember Wes McEntyre Councilmember Randy Saxon Staff present: City Manager Gary Bullock City Attorney Kevin Drummond Police Chief Mark Brock City Clerk Susan Pierce Main Street Director Jan Gibbs The minutes from October 9, 2023 were approved with no objections. The agenda was approved with no objections. VII. Public Comments Dalton McLeroy, Faizon Gillani and Ammar Gillani spoke about their plans for 340 E. College Street (formerly Styles Service Station). Dalton supports the Gillani’s plans to open a convenience store/gas station there. The Gillani’s questioned the new definition of convenience stores under the commercial section of the city’s Code of Ordinances. Mayor Chaffin stated that there were citizen complaints about the number of convenience stores in the city limits, which led to the ordinance update to limit the number of stores and the proximity of new stores to existing stores. Councilmember Saxon said that he supported the Gillani’s opening a new convenience store at the site. After further discussion, the Gillani’s were informed that the request must go before the Zoning Appeals Board as a variance request, since the proximity issue conflicted with the ordinance update. VIII. Business Session A. Consideration of a 60-day moratorium for issuance of permits for manufactured homes and mobile homes in the city limits – City Attorney Kevin Drummond will draft a resolution for the moratorium. Motion by Mayor Pro-tem Jan Johnson to approve the 60-day moratorium for issue of permits for manufactured homes and mobile homes in the city limits of Bowdon as presented; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried with a 3-0 margin, due to Councilmember Marty Johnson having stepped out of the room. B. Consideration of a convenience store business license request from Bowdon Holdings LLC for property located at 340 E. College Street (formerly Styles Service Station) – This item will be tabled until after a variance hearing before the Zoning Appeals Board.  City of Bowdon Mayor & Council Meeting Minutes November 13, 2023 Motion by Councilmember Saxon to table the request for a convenience store at 340 E. College Street until after a variance hearing before the Zoning Appeals Board as discussed during Public Comments; second by Councilmember Marty Johnson; motion carried with a 3-0 margin, with Councilmember McEntyre abstaining. C. Board Appointments: 1. The Historic Preservation Commission has recommended the appointment of Rhonda Keith to replace Bill Fordham, whose term is expiring and who does not wish to serve another term. They are also recommending the reappointment of Phil Coley, whose term is also expiring. Motion by Councilmember Saxon to approve the appointment of Rhonda Keith and the reappointment of Phil Coley to the Historic Preservation Board as presented; second by Mayor Pro-tem Jan Johnson; motion carried unanimously. 2. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has recommended Candace Koon to fill the vacant position on the DDA. Motion by Mayor Pro-tem Jan Johnson to approve the appointment of Candace Koon to the DDA as presented; second by Councilmember Marty Johnson; motion carried unanimously. 3. The Planning Commission has recommended the reappointment of Andrew Stewart for another term. Motion by Mayor Pro-tem Jan Johnson to approve the reappointment of Andrew Stewart to the Planning Commission as presented; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. D. City Manager reports – Mr. Bullock reported that there was still a lot of development activity in the city. Waffle House is in process of submitting plans. There are still plans for the single-family home development on Eason Street. Another builder is planning to build single family homes on West Avenue and N. Carroll Street. A developer has bought 13 empty lots in Scarlet Place. We are still working with Weeping Willow on their expansion plans. At the Wastewater Treatment Plant, a valve has been replaced. We have an unidentified substance in the water that we are trying to trace the source of so that it can be stopped. We are placing the ad this week for a Wastewater Plant Operator. We are also sending out an RFQ (request for quotes) this week for architectural services for the gymnastics building expansion. E. Department Reports – Jan Gibbs said that Bowdon By Candlelight went well. There were over 100 people at the tree lighting, and the merchants said they did well on Thursday night. The pictures with Santa did have to be moved inside at City Hall due to the rain. The parade went well and was the largest in recent years with 18 entries. She would like to thank all the Main Street Board and their family members who worked hard helping with all of the festivities. IX. Financial Session A. Property Tax Unpaid Balance summary – no comments B. October Financial Reports – no questions C. Cash balances as of 11/06/2023 – no comments Motion by Councilmember Saxon to enter into Executive Session to discuss real estate; second by Mayor Pro-tem Jan Johnson; motion carried unanimously.  City of Bowdon Mayor & Council Meeting Minutes November 13, 2023 X. Executive Session Motion by Councilmember Saxon to exit Executive Session; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to adjourn the meeting; second by Mayor Pro-tem Jan Johnson; motion carried unanimously. XI. Adjournment _________________________ ________________________ Mayor Jim Chaffin City Clerk Susan Pierce