The Commerce City Council made quick work of a long agenda Monday night and resolved a number of issues that have consumed much of its energy over past weeks.
The council approved the resolution of the conflict between Oconee Point subdivision residents and Northeast Georgia Bank over a rezoning/greenspace issue, approved three amendments to its alcohol ordinance to reduce the cost of one license and to allow for permits for special events, approved the agreement to retain an interim city manager who will also lead the city’s search for a replacement for Clarence Bryant, and put to rest a longstanding conflict over whether the city should charge a permit and provide inspections for the re-roofing of houses.
Oconee Pointe Resolution
With the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. accepting the agreement between the subdivision and the bank negotiated by Commerce Planning Commission chairman Joe Leffew, the council voted to annex 5.17 acres and rezone it for greenspace.
The bank gets five lots formerly set aside for greenspace to sell for potential development. The homeowners retain five lots of greenspace, plus the additional greenspace on the North Oconee River and a greenway connecting the two sections of greenspace.
Amendments To Alcohol Ordinance
The first amendment provides for the issuance of special permits for the sale of alcohol by the drink on city property — basically the civic center and cultural center — and their grounds. The vote was unanimous.
The second reduces the cost of a license to sell distilled spirits by the drink from $4,000 a year to $1,500 in the central business district. There is no change in the license fee for those serving distilled spirits outside the central business district. The vote was 4-2 with Archie Chaney, Steve Perry, Johnny Eubanks and Keith Burchett in favor and Mark Fitzpatrick and Darren Owensby opposed.
The third amendment allows the city to issue permits to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol in Spencer Park. The city council would vote on each permit. The vote passed 4-2 with Chaney, Eubanks, Perry and Burchett in favor and Fitzpatrick and Owensby in opposition.
City Manager Search Agreement
The council’s agreement with Tom Berry of Underwood & Company officially begins the process of finding a replacement for Bryant, who retires June 30.
It involves a three-month search process, during which the firm will interview the mayor and city council individually and as a group, and talk to other Commerce people to decide what qualities the city wants in a manager. It will develop a job description, provide advertising and conduct the search, during which it will screen applicants, do background checks and conduct interviews before providing a short list of final applicants. It will also assist in negotiating a contract.
The agreement also provides for up to three months of interim city manager service by Berry, one of the firm’s principals, who is a former city manager.
The company will also review the city charter and its operations and recommend any changes deemed necessary.
The company will charge $5,000 for the city manager search and city charter evaluation and $5,000 a month for interim city manager service.
The council approved the agreement unanimously Monday night without further discussion.
Compromise On Roofing Permit Issue
The council put to rest a long-simmering disagreement among members over whether the city should charge $50 for permits and two inspections when residences are re-roofed.
The council has discussed the topic for several months.
Monday night, members approved a suggestion by Chaney, that the city do away with the mandatory permit/inspections, but offer that as a service.
“Why can’t we let the homeowners make the decision?” he asked.
Residents who want their roofing work inspected can pay the $50 fee. Those who do not will no longer be required to purchase the permit.
The vote on his suggestion passed unanimously.
