Those minutes contained Councilman Chris Fetterman's comment that Council voted to lease the city's new administrative offices as a political favor to a realtor.
Fetterman said after discussing it during last weekend's council retreat, he agreed to a clarification.
"After having an opportunity to review the history and background of the lease, I would like to clarify by saying that I do not believe the lease was a political favor," Fetterman said.
"While I still do not believe this lease was in the community's best interests, I believe the Council was working toward the best interests of the city."
Fetterman added after the meeting that he did not want Council to keep disagreeing over "little things" like the meeting minutes, which by law have to be approved.
"I was willing to give back some of what I originally stated," Fetterman said.
Fetterman seconded Craig Lutz' motion to approve the Feb. 6 minutes.
Councilman Allen Bryans joined in the approval. He had contended the minutes were unacceptable because Fetterman's remark was erroneous, perhaps even libelous.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Council members said they want a revised sign ordinance they can defend when it comes either regulating or prohibiting new LED Interstate signs.
City Attorney Ron Bennett suggested a proposed ordinance that strikes a balance.
"It would have regulation that promotes safety of the traveling public, but yet we could defend if we find ourselves in court," Bennett said.
Councilman Craig Lutz favored prohibition, but Councilwoman Mary Jones said the city might not be able to defend prohibiting the signs if challenged by sign companies.
The current sign moratorium remains in effect through next month, when Council plans to act on its revised sign ordinance.
WATERSHED PLAN COST
City Council found a price tag attached to a state mandated watershed protection plan they approved at Wednesday's meeting.
City Manager Bill Andrew said the plan calls for monitoring the Mulberry River basin not served by the city. That means no revenue to offset the estimated $80,000 cost.
"What's unfortunate is our water rate payers will be paying for monitoring in a basin we don't actually serve," Andrew said.
Andrew added the state requires the watershed plan for the city's planned wastewater treatment plant expansion to one million gallons a day.
PEDDLER'S FEE
It's going to cost door-to-door peddlers $60 to go peddling in Flowery Branch.
City Council approved the fee, recommended by City Attorney Ron Bennett, under the city's new solicitation ordinance.
"This ordinance is designed to target those people who come unannounced to sell you a good or a product," Bennett said, but it exempts youth and church groups.
Council members also got a look at the solicitation badge, which door-to-door sales people would have to wear when they go selling in the city.
Chris Fetterman
City Manager Bill Andrew
Door to Door sales badge
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/4/208640