City council held its second monthly meeting May 27 to discuss appointments to the planning and zoning board and a single ordinance and resolution.
City Manager Hank Griffeth reported utility customers called and reported they received a letter from American Water Resources offering to purchase a water service line repair contract.
“This is nothing coming from the city or a recommendation from the city,” Griffeth said. “So far the only thing we’ve gotten is a photo of the letters, but I want to make sure the public is aware that it is a private company and the city does not endorse it.”
Council heard the first reading of an ordinance amending the Land Development Code at 560 W. Martin Luther King Dr. The owner wishes to change zoning to community commercial in order to allow placement of boutique residences. The intent for the property is to provide long-term boutique rentals for visitors coming into the community, according to Griffeth.
The ordinance moved onto the planning and zoning board. Council moved into discussion of a resolution to authorize the conveyance by Quitclaim Deed of egress/ingress easement for 111 N. Wayne Street LLC. Council member Steve Chambers expressed concern of intent as well as parking.
“If we had all kinds of loft parking spaces I would not have any concerns about this at all. When it was brought to me to put on the agenda it was my understanding that it was needed for the financing to move forward,” said Griffeth. “That is unfortunate but, at least for me, I think we have to wait and see if the plans come to fruition and are approved … and those parking spaces have been identified.”
A representative in the audience for the project clarified, “I think on this piece we need to define what that area is. It is a small sliver of city property that is located behind a cement wall … so it is by no means a large parcel of land. It’s an awkward shape against the property and kind of encroaches into the property, so by getting this easement it will square that property out for us and give us more insurance moving forward to get the plans in place.”
City Attorney James Jordan recommended entering a contract with the company, assuming the project goes forward, to make the conveyance of the deed for the size of the property. Then, the contract may state, if it fails, it would become null and void, said Jordan.
The council amended the item to state: “The conveyance of the quick claim D be subject to a contract, with review of the city attorney, that this project is completed in accordance with the city ordinance.”
The meeting ended with the appointment of Milton Choice and Jessica McQuain to the planning and zoning board.