CITY OF BERKELEY LAKE
4040 BERKELEY LAKE ROAD
BERKELEY LAKE, GA 30096-3016
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 9, 1999
Those in attendance for the City Council meeting and Public Hearing were as follows:
Mayor – Marguerite Cooke
Council Members: Anthony Arakawa, Kelly Goff, Tom Kitchens, Sherwin Levinson, Sherry Ruys
City Attorney – Richard Carothers
City Engineer – Earl Duckett
Zoning Enforcement Officer – Stan Kelly
Citizens Present: 50 for Public Hearing
22 for City Council Meeting
Mayor Marguerite Cooke called the Public Hearing to order at 7:07 p.m. at 4043 South Berkeley Lake Road.
Carolanne Eaves, Leader of Ladies Bible Study Group in Berkeley Walk and Director of Preschool at First Baptist Church of Norcross, gave the invocation.
Refreshments were provided by City Attorney, Richard Carothers.
Mayor Marguerite Cooke opened the Public Hearing at 7:11 p.m. This hearing was called for the purpose of giving three presentations:
1). Councilman Tony Arakawa/Chief Randall Belcher - Duluth Police Proposal for services to the City of Berkeley Lake
2). Councilman Kelly Goff – Proposed 6.0 millage rate, recommended by Financial Affairs Committee
3). Councilman Tony Arakawa/Connie Wiggins, Executive Director of Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful – Waste disposal options
Mayor Cooke explained that immediately following the presentations, citizens would have 40 minutes to make comments or ask questions.
Duluth Police Services - Councilman Tony Arakawa, Duluth Police Chief Randall Belcher
Councilman Arakawa explained that, over the past 6 months, the possibility of alternative policing solutions for the community has been explored. We currently employ a contractual arrangement with Gwinnett County for 6 hours per day during the morning and afternoon rush hours. These alternative solutions were suggested based on new developments in our community. These developments included a rapid increase in traffic, not only during the commute hours, and more people exposed to our community through construction and growth in our area. We also feel like we have an added incentive to look into alternative solutions because of incidents around the lake and a higher accident rate than in the past. These new developments caused us to consider looking into the option of having a response time of about five minutes and capability of immediate backup and 911 routing through Duluth.
We have met with the Duluth Police chief, the Duluth Mayor and the Duluth City Planner, there are some details that have been worked out, but many details remain, including legalities of this proposition, what our investments would be and what type of liabilities we would face. Mr. Arakawa further explained that this is merely a pilot project, nothing has been decided, and we want the citizen’s input on this project. If the citizens feel like this is a viable option, we will explore it further and analyze its impact on our community, if it doesn’t work for both of us, then we will end the project. Mayor Cooke stated that Duluth Police Chief Randall Belcher would entertain questions later in this session.
Property Tax Proposal – Councilman Kelly Goff
Councilman Goff first thanked the community for attending this hearing and for taking an interest in what is being discussed. Councilman Goff then presented a check to Mayor Cooke in the amount of $6,000. He explained that this was the first interest check to come from the CD’s that were inaugurated in early 1998 and that it will bring us very close to our goal of making $50,000 in interest this year.
Councilman Goff then provided a brief summary of the Finance Committee’s activities over the last several months. We have a budget that we will be presenting to the Mayor and Council for their approval. The 1999 Council proposes a 6.0 millage rate. The largest portion of our budget goes to pay down the bond debt that we incurred several years ago to purchase woodlands. This large payment does decrease the amount we have in disposable income, which pays all our day to day expenses. But, one good footnote to this year’s budget, is that we budgeted $106,000 out of our surplus to balance the budget, and we believe that we will come in with at least a $50,000 savings over that budgeted amount.
Waste Disposal Options – Tony Arakawa, Connie Wiggins
Councilman Arakawa introduced Connie Wiggins, Executive Director of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful.
Ms. Wiggins explained that for the last twelve years, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful has served as Gwinnett County’s solid waste department, they are responsible for coordinating solid waste collection, recycling programs, disposal and planning. The City of Berkeley Lake is already involved with Gwinnett County, GC & B and eight other cities in terms of long range planning for the future of managing our waste wisely. Your city is to be commended for these efforts, because once cities begin to ignore illegal dumping and littering, that is an indication that a community is in decline and an increase in other, more serious, types of crime begin to occur, known as the "Broken Window" theory.
Traditionally, Cities and Counties have provided collection services; we are now seeing a shift away from that. More and more we are seeing contractual arrangements with private companies, or cities are going into the waste business themselves. Which I don’t believe would be the best option for your community based on the liability issues, investment of funds for capital property, and uncontrollable disposal costs since the City would not own their own landfill. A better suggestion would be to contract with one hauler, this way you determine what level of service you need and are freed from the many details that come with operating your own system. With one hauler, you also have the freedom to choose a volume based or pay-as-you-throw system. With volume based systems you can also choose to use bags, decals or different sized containers and historically, these programs encourage recycling by allowing users the choice to save money and not dispose of as much waste. Another option that I have seen in rural communities is the dumpster system. This option places a dumpster at a designated area and you use it as necessary. However, this system can often cause more problems than it will alleviate, by increasing illegal dumping and disposal of hazardous items, which then creates a hazardous waste site.
My observation is this, I believe that you are a very environmentally conscious City, you have a strong commitment to both recycling and doing your part for the environment. Second, each of you takes pride in this community and I wish I could transfer that pride to other sections of our County. Finally, the streets here are narrow and winding, they have great residential character and that poses some challenges to truck traffic. You might be better served with only one company operating in the City limits, which would also eliminate some air pollution issues by having fewer trucks on your roads, plus one company would also help appearances by limiting the days of the week that containers are at the curbside. These are some of my observations based on what I have seen in your community and your commitments to the environment and your community.
Mayor Cooke stated that she would allow 20 minutes for questions and answers and 20 minutes for comments related to these presentations. Mayor Cooke also asked that questions be kept brief so that we may get through as many as possible.
Lois Salter (650 Lakeshore Drive) – Mr. Arakawa stated we were considering going to 24 hour a day police coverage, I thought we already had that.
Councilman Tony Arakawa – We do have 24 hour a day service, however, since we are considered a low-crime area, response times are prioritized on that basis.
Lois Salter (650 Lakeshore Drive) – (speaking to Gwinnett County officers) If for example, someone was breaking into my house, would your response time be lower than that to Norcross?
Carter Leverette (Gwinnett County Police Central Precinct Captain) – Calls are prioritized on certain criteria and a car is not always in the area, however, when you call 911 we will get a car here as soon as possible.
Charlie Robson (755 Lakeshore Drive) – About 10 years ago, I heard that only 3 cars patrolled Gwinnett County at night, what is it today?
Carter Leverette (Gwinnett County Police Central Precinct Captain) – Minimum watch standards have been established they are as follows: night watch – 6 cars on patrol; day watch – 8 cars on patrol; morning watch – 5 cars on patrol.
Ray Dunlap (Berkeley Lake Police Coordinator) – Officers are mainly within the City limits during the morning and evening rush hours, that’s when we feel we are needed most. If the Mayor and Council alert us to problems, we will adjust our hours to accommodate for that.
Diane Cuttino (496 Lakeshore Drive) – I had the opportunity to call 911 about two years ago and I just wanted to commend the police and I don’t understand where the delay issue is coming from.
Councilman Tony Arakawa – This is a purely neutral position, for what they provide us they are doing an excellent job.
John Zibrida (87 Lakeshore Drive) – Is there data that we are having a problem with response times? I am in dismay about this issue, I thought we had adequate police protection.
Mayor Cooke – We have had some complaints.
Councilmember Tony Arakawa – There have been calls made to us. However, this is only an exploratory issue. If this solution is not what you want, that is why we are here, to get your feedback.
Dave Moffitt (814 Lakeshore Drive) - My complaint is with teenagers on the lake, what can the police do about that?
Mayor Cooke – We are aware of problems on the lake, however since it is private property, neither agency could respond unless a City or County law is being broken.
Dave Moffitt (814 Lakeshore Drive) – My yard is private, but the officers handle problems there.
Ray Dunlap (Berkeley Lake Police Coordinator) – We have boats available, and I have been out on the lake to handle disturbances there and, whether or not I have authority, when people see the uniform they decide that they don’t want to argue.
Sharie Moore (160 Bayway Circle) – Our observations have been that for minor property crimes response time has not been good, can you tell us what the differences would be with Duluth?
Chief Randy Belcher (Duluth Police Department) – Our calls are prioritized in much the same way as Gwinnett County, but our average response time is approximately five minutes.
Sharie Moore (160 Bayway Circle) – From our experience, response times have been right at 45 minutes for the county.
Councilman Tony Arakawa – Chief Belcher, what is Duluth’s current crime rate and how does it rank in the state?
Chief Randy Belcher (Duluth Police Department) – Each year we send crime statistics to the State, we have been fortunate to have the lowest crime rate in the County for the last three years, in the metro area, we have either been the lowest or close to that for the last 4-5 years.
Charles Hardwick (770 Lakeview Lane) – Have two quick comments – served on the Grand Jury and must admit that the Duluth police were some of the best informed of any I saw. During a recent accident with a bicyclist, I experienced a twenty-minute response time with Gwinnett County.
Dave Meilander (736 Lakeshore Drive) – Have two questions – Is there any relative cost change between the services we are getting now and the services that are being proposed and what does that translate to in the form of a millage rate? Also what coverage does Duluth have on each of their shifts?
Councilman Tony Arakawa – Does not change the millage rate, there would be an increase, but it is nominal.
Chief Randy Belcher (Duluth Police Department) – 7 officers on duty 24 hours per day, plus canine units, Reserve Units and Special Operations units, there may be up to 15 cars on the road at any given time.
B.J. Barrett (13 Lakeshore Drive) – How many cars would actually be circulating around Lakeshore or around Berkeley Lake?
Chief Belcher (Duluth Police Department) – All cars would be available to this area. While not all routes have been worked out yet, cars would be assigned to this area only.
George Sipe (537 Lakeshore Drive) – Mr. Arakawa stated earlier that there would be no increase to the millage rate. However, we would have a $4,000 one-time charge, what about other charges?
Councilman Tony Arakawa – No other charges.
George Sipe (537 Lakeshore Drive) – I would like to see actual budget amounts with figures to show how we would get the money.
Jane Hardwick (770 Lakeview Lane) – My comment is that Berkeley Lake should not have to pay for patrol of Berkeley Lake Road, County should take care of their portion and City of Duluth should take care of their portion, if they would, then we could hire someone to take care of our small area.
Councilman Sherwin Levinson – I feel like an increased presence, no matter the officer, would help deter speeding and vandalism. On the two occasions I called Gwinnett County, response times were 20 and 90 minutes, respectively. The 90-minute occasion was due to an attempted murder at Gwinnett Place and the officer apologized. I’d like to know what the opportunities are for increased presence from the County.
Carter Leverette (Gwinnett County Police Central Precinct Coordinator) – The average for a suburban county is 1.2 officers per thousand, Gwinnett is 1 officer per thousand. If you call for an officer and believe the response time is too long, please call me at the precinct and I will try to explain the delay.
John Jenkins (3470 Mansions Parkway) – I believe it is more of a presence issue. I am getting weary of damage to my property. We need to present more cars and uniforms or buy cameras and trailers to catch speeders. We have chosen to use our tax dollars to buy green space, other communities use their money to protect the health and safety of their citizens. As this community grows we need more money for vital services such as police protection as well as protecting the environment.
Barbara Carroll (3430 Kingsland Circle) – We all know the reputation of the Duluth police on Peachtree Industrial between North Berkeley Lake and Pleasant Hill Road. If we were to engage the services of the Duluth Police, would our coverage increase?
Chief Belcher (Duluth Police Department) – This City would receive the same coverage as PIB.
George Kaffezakis (490 Lakeshore Drive) – I would like to hear from both sets of officers on how to handle some of the speeding on Lakeshore. Chief Belcher how would you handle surveillance?
Chief Belcher (Duluth Police Department) – A license is required to run radar on streets, we would have to apply for this license, and they take several years to receive. We do have several options, vehicles may be cited for too fast for conditions, we have a radar trailer that can be used, or we can place a marked patrol car on problem streets.
Ray Dunlap (Berkeley Lake Police Coordinator) – Gwinnett County officers do have radar and have been using it on Berkeley Lake Road. We can move that to Lakeshore Drive, if there are more problems there.
Carter Leverette (Gwinnett County Police Central Precinct Captain) – Lakeshore Drive is a very bad road, the officers would have to safely turn around and go after the violator, sometimes it is not worth the increased risk.
Chief Belcher (Duluth Police Department) – Due to state law and radar regulations, we have to allow speeders 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
Barbara Skrobko (3765 North Berkeley Lake Road) – Lived here for 12 years, countless accidents, each time I called the police, they responded in a short amount of time, so I must thank you for that. The only thing I have seen that helped the speeders on Berkeley Lake Road are the two stop signs and the ugly yellow arrows. I don’t think that without any businesses in the City that we need the type of protection that Duluth has.
Dick Lackey (134 Bayway Circle) – As far as speeding is concerned, I think we are fighting the symptom and not the cause. We are used as a cut-through, many years ago the suggestion was made to close Berkeley Lake road behind the dam, I think it was dropped because of the fire protection issue. Also, I think speed humps would considerably slow down traffic on Lakeshore. But I am impressed with the response time of Gwinnett County, I think the coverage we get is excellent.
Jeff Paul (881 Lakeshore) – I live one house from the end and I can tell you that the people I work with in Norcross know that the officers are here and they have slowed down.
Gary Moore (160 Bayway Circle) – When I do see police, the traffic slows down tremendously. This past year traffic has increased, when I run now, a car passes me, on average, every 7 seconds.
Ray Dunlap (Berkeley Lake Police Coordinator) – Lakeshore has a 7% grade and we cannot write tickets with radar on that hill. I have used the mph detection system and put it at the base of the dam and it works. I will try to bring that in monthly, we only have three for the entire county, so they are in high demand.
MAYOR COOKE THEN EXTENDED THE COMMENT TIME FOR ANOTHER TEN MINUTES TO ALLOW EVERYONE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
B.J. Barrett (13 Lakeshore Drive) – Please repeat what you said about hills and grades on Lakeshore and it not being worth your time to stop someone speeding on that street.
Carter Leverette (Gwinnett County Police Central Precinct Captain) – It’s not about the time, it’s the safety factor. The speed limit on Lakeshore is 25 mph, which means we have to give them to at least 36 mph, that is State Law, and Chief Belcher would have the same restriction. We have to turn around safely, then speed to go after them, which makes it more dangerous, because then you have two speeding cars. You cannot run radar on steep grades and curves; you must be visible for at least 500 feet.
B.J. Barrett (13 Lakeshore Drive) – We need to look into other methods of slowing people down on Lakeshore, other than having car chases.
Ray Dunlap (Berkeley Lake Police Coordinator) – No 7% grade on Lakeshore, the problem is the visibility. To catch a vehicle running 40, the officer must run 50-60, and it is not worth the danger for me to turn around and go after this. I have a Motorola radio that the speeder cannot outrun.
John Zibrida (87 Lakeshore Drive) – 2 comments and suggestions – Lakeshore can be very dangerous, cannot walk on either side of the road. I would suggest sidewalks and it would be tough because of the terrain, but it would help. Also, signs that say "Dangerous Curves" might help. I am not in favor of speed humps necessarily. Also, do we have neighborhood watch signs, and is the group active, that might help.
George Sipe (537 Lakeshore Drive) – Provided handouts to everyone. I think the important thing is how we would pay for this service. We would either have to increase taxes or sell our greenspaces or increases through ticket revenue would be another option. Please give careful consideration to what kind of community we would be if we took that step. If we go to a trial basis, we would almost be committed to the program.
Lois Salter (650 Lakeshore Drive) – I am in concurrence, I think we need more information about money, how can we increase from 6-24 hours with only a nominal fee. Another concern I have is parking big trucks on Lakeshore and you can’t see around them. I would like to see Council enact some sort of ordinance that says no one can block the lane of the road without stationing someone to direct traffic.
Councilwoman Ruys – How much does one of those radar machines cost? Could we purchase one and have it at your disposal at all times?
Councilman Goff – I get comments from citizens all the time, the best one was about making Lakeshore a toll road, we would make a fortune.
Mayor Cooke – I believe that everyone who wanted to make a comment has now been heard. Our City Treasurer has asked to be allowed to make a final comment .
Marcie Zielazienski (506 Lakeshore Drive) – I want to remind everyone of the municipal election. Election will be held on November 2, candidate registration is Monday, September 13, Wednesday, September 15 and Friday, September 17 from 9 a.m. until 12 Noon at City Hall. You must register on one of these days to run as a candidate. I would also like to ask for volunteers for poll workers.
Councilman Tony Arakawa – Thanks to our guests, Connie Wiggins, Captain Leverette, Officer Dunlap, and Chief Belcher. The progress and exploration we made here was because of inquiries made over the last year. After this meeting, there seems to be a groundswell for what we currently have and that was what Council needed to here. Thank you for coming.
MAYOR COOKE CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:26 P.M. WE WILL TAKE A BRIEF RECESS THEN GO INTO THE COUNCIL MEETING.
Mayor Cooke called the Council meeting to order at 8:41 p.m.
There were 22 citizens present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The August 12 minutes were approved unanimously; with the clarification by Mayor Cooke that a typographical error on page three had been corrected.
The August 26 Special Council meeting minutes were approved unanimously. Mrs. Ruys questioned the phrase "Council spontaneously agreed to adjourn." Mayor Cooke explained that an accident occurred outside City Hall and the meeting was quickly dispersed to call 911.
APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL REPORT
Approval of the July financial report was unanimous, with the clarification by Mayor Cooke that the report was for 9 months.
Approval of the August financial report was unanimous, with the clarification by Mayor Cooke that the report was for 10 months.
SPEED HUMPS PETITION
Councilman Levinson moved that we allow Item 1 under New Business to be taken up at this time, Mayor Cooke did not call for a second but ascertained that Council was in unanimous agreement to do this. Item 1 under New Business - Speed Hump Petition – B. Grimes was taken up and Mr. Grimes was allowed to address Council.
Mr. Grimes read the petition, "We the undersigned are petitioning the Mayor and City Council of Berkeley Lake to study and investigate or cause to have investigated the feasibility of installing speed humps along the full length of Lakeshore Drive in the City of Berkeley Lake. The citizens of the community including those driving cars, riding bicycles, walking, running, checking their mailboxes, working in their yards, and playing on and adjacent to the road are requesting that safety measures be taken including the addition of speed humps to eliminate or significantly reduce speeding and speed related accidents."
Mr. Grimes continued, Lakeshore Drive is the heartbeat of Berkeley Lake’s unique community, it is imperative that we try to keep it safe for all to use and enjoy. One of last month’s accidents narrowly avoided being fatal, therefore, residents of Lakeshore Drive initiated a grassroots campaign to petition the City Council to start the process that is required for installing speed humps. Over 175 individuals living on Lakeshore, Hilltop, Valley View, Ridge, Little Ridge and Lakeview have signed the petition. These signatures representing over 95 homes petition the City Council to initiate the first step toward installing speed humps or speed tables.
Mr. Vince Edwards, Speed Control Engineer, Gwinnett County DOT has agreed to conduct a speed study along Lakeshore Drive between 17-21 of September. Marsha Anderson, owner of Street Smarts, has agreed to contact Councilman Arakawa with a cost estimate and timetable for conducting an independent study of Lakeshore Drive, also included in this study will be all subdivision roads as well as North and south Berkeley Lake Road. Street Smarts is also prepared to offer alternative suggestions. Mrs.Anderson could also provide an educational program.
The results of the speed study would be available within 21 days. Street Smarts will deliver their proposal to Council on or before October 16. We the petitioners charge Berkeley Lake City Council to contract in a timely manner with a professional engineering company such as Street Smarts to complete an independent speed control study, starting with Lakeshore Drive, throughout the City of Berkeley Lake. We also request that the Council form a special speed control committee under Councilman Arakawa’s direction in order to study speed control alternatives. We request that Mr. Edwards, along with engineers from the County along with other private concerns be invited to address a public hearing, prior to the October Council meeting, the purpose of this meeting would be to report the findings of their study, answer our questions. We also request that there be a series of City sponsored public hearings as new information is obtained from theses studies. Thank you for allowing me to make this presentation.
B.J. Barrett (13 Lakeshore Drive) – Many people are very much in favor of this. I don’t like speed humps personally, but they will be there 24 hours a day 7 days a week, not like a police officer.
Mayor Cooke stated that she was impressed with the hard work and information that was put together. You have 188 signatures, representing 95 of the homes along Lakeshore.
STAFF AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Mayor and Council have received the following reports for August: Police Report; Roads and Public Works Report, Zoning Enforcement Officer Report; Conservation Committee Minutes from Mrs. Ruys; Codes Revision Committee Minutes from Mr. Levinson; the Emergency Management Task Force/Greenspace Reforestation Committee minutes from Mr. Kitchens, there is also a status report on the Early Warning System and the Traffic Control/Waste Management and Grants Committee report from Councilman Arakawa. Mayor Cooke asked if there were any updates, there were none.
GWMA MEETING
Mayor Cooke reminded Councilman Levinson that he is scheduled to attend the September Gwinnett Municipal Association Meeting. Mayor Cooke will attend the October meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Conservation Commission Ordinance
This ordinance is on 2nd read. Mayor Cooke asked for any questions or comments. She explained that this was originally designated the Parks Commission, then later changed to the Conservation Commission and added under Item 7A that it would include the area surrounding the City limits. Mr. Carothers clarified that he placed items in order of importance. The amendment was made to Item B, but it fit better with the context of Item A and was simply moved to A. Only the order of items was changed. Motion to approve establishment of Conservation Commission was made by Councilman Levinson and seconded by Councilwoman Ruys, approval was unanimous.
1999 Millage Rate
Mayor Cooke explained that Council has proposed that the millage rate for 1999 be set at 6.0 mils in accordance with the recommendation by the Financial Affairs Committee. Councilman Goff moved in favor of a resolution establishing the millage rate for Tax Year 1999 be set at 6.0 mils, seconded by Mr. Levinson, approval was unanimous.
Oath of Office Ordinance
Mayor Cooke explained that the new oath was now State law. City Attorney Carothers stated that he combined both State law and the existing City oath into one slightly longer oath. Councilman Levinson moved to adopt the new Oath of Office Ordinance, seconded by Councilman Kitchens, approval was unanimous.
Parks and Recreation Department Ordinance
Mayor Cooke explained that this ordinance will establish the Parks and Recreation Department, provide for the composition of such department, provide for appointment of a Director and the duties thereof and provide for the compensation of the Director. Councilman Levinson moved in favor of adopting the Parks and Recreation Department Ordinance, seconded by Councilman Kitchens, approval was unanimous.
Property Tax Bills Ordinance
Mayor Cooke explained that this ordinance would provide for the Property Tax bills to be mailed by September 15 and be due and payable by November 15. Councilman Levinson moved in favor of adopting the Property Tax Bills Ordinance, seconded by Councilman Kitchens, approval was unanimous.
Police Protection Services from City of Duluth
Mr. Arakawa moved to withdraw his motion to accept the proposed offer from the Duluth Police Department for a 6-month pilot program for their services in the amount of $4,000 per month. Mayor Cooke determined that there was no objection to this by Councilman Levinson, who had seconded the motion last month and that the Council was in unanimous agreement on the withdrawal.
NEW BUSINESS
Speed Hump Petition
Councilman Arakawa moved to establish a speed control committee, which would be under the direction of the Traffic Committee to study citywide solutions for speeding. Councilman Levinson seconded and Councilwoman Ruys asked for discussion. Councilwoman Ruys asked how much this study would cost. Councilman Arakawa responded that costs are currently being evaluated and they should be available in time for the September 15 Special Called Council Meeting. Mayor Cooke clarified that this would be a sub-committee under the direction of the Traffic Committee, and stated that Mr. Arakawa would be responsible for appointment of the committee. He agreed. There was no further discussion, and approval of the motion was unanimous.
Revised Tree Ordinance
Mayor Cooke explained that this item was to place the revised Tree Ordinance on first read. Councilman Levinson moved to replace the existing Chapter 22 of the City Ordinance with the revised Buffer, Landscape and Tree Ordinance and that this ordinance would be made available to citizens through the acting City Clerk. Councilwoman Ruys seconded, approval was unanimous.
Acting Ciy Clerk
Mayor Cooke asked for Council’s approval in appointing the City receptionist, Heather Ware to serve as acting City Clerk to attest to legislation and documents executed by the Mayor. Councilman Levinson so moved, Councilwoman Ruys seconded, approval was unanimous.
Working Sessions
Mayor Cooke asked for feedback on having a working session 30 minutes prior to the council Meetings. Councilman Levinson stated that a work session was not feasible, we should work on keeping the meeting short. Mayor Cooke stated that we would then continue to have special called meetings as necessary. No action was taken.
Preliminary Budget
Mayor Cooke stated that the preliminary budget would be discussed at the Special Called Council Meeting, immediately following the Financial Affairs Committee meeting, on September 15. No action was taken.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, COUNCILMAN LEVINSON MOTIONED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND COUNCILWOMAN RUYS SECONDED FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING POTENTIAL ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY. THE VOTE IN FAVOR WAS UNANIMOUS.
After Executive Session, the Council Meeting was resumed; approximately 3 citizens were present.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCILMAN LEVINSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN GOFF TO ADJOURN AT 9:38 P.M. APPROVAL WAS UNANIMOUS.
THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 14, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Audrey Turner,
Acting City Clerk Assistant
