July 12, 2004 MLPA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Back to minutes and announcements archive

Board and Committee members present: Norman McKay, Alan Perry, Susan Drake, Charlotte Gillis, Julian Bene, Daniel Cherrix
 
Pres. McKay called the meeting to order at approximately 7:35 pm.  First order of business was the approval of the minutes for the June 14, 2004 MLPA Board meeting.  Corrections to minutes: the ending time for elementary school students is 3:00 ?????????? and correction to zoning action ?????????.  Motion to approve the minutes with notation of the foregoing, seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote.
 
Elected officials recognized. Anne Fauver spoke on upcoming election: very low turnout anticipated for July 20 election.  VOTE!  Sales tax increase of 1% on ballot as well.  Estimated 40% of revenue from sales tax comes from folks living outside Fulton County.  Council made sure that all of revenue from sales tax increase will go to water and sewer costs.  Even if approved, we won’t see a return until December.  Robbie__________ from the Mayor’s office also spoke.  Sales tax in effect for only 4 years but may be renewed twice for a maximum of 12 years.  8% rate only in effect until 1% for school capital works expires in 21 months, then back to 7%.  Anne also spoke on attempts to change liquor licensing law.  Effort is to have changes in place before renewals go out in September.  Right now, entity can only be restaurant or nightclub, not bar.  So suggestion to have new category with own rules.  Requirement that license fee be paid with certified funds and that all fees be collected at the beginning.  Other changes included.  Temporary license to be issued when ownership of establishment changes while new owner goes through "change" process.  Also change in how measuring distances.  Question re City’s position that Tree Ordinance does not apply to it and that it does not have to respond to appeal.  Anne confident that same number of trees that were cut will be replanted, admittedly not of the same diameter.  (More below).
 
Security/Public Safety: Dianne Olansky reported for Michael Carew who is under the weather.  Crime stats appear to be down.
 
Parks: Charlotte Gillis reported.  Status of Wellborne appeal -- good news is that it was deferred with the direction that a current final plan be developed.  Bad news is that none of appeal issues were addressed.  No new hearing date.  Also: Blank Foundation gave WUFG $400,000 which will be spent for acquisition and development of trail system.
 
Beautification: no report.
 
Schools: Barbara Fineberg reported.  Schools start in 6 weeks.  Inman will start on time but Grady may have some classes in portables.  Inman teachers won awards.  APS students travelled to Washington for events.  School starts August 9th.
 
Special Events: Daniel Cherrix reported.  $1288 in "profit" from Celebration of Summer.  Approval sought for payments of ????? (notes misplaced)
 
Traffic: Bill Ellis reported.  Major Spillane is back on the job.  VHMPA meeting and.  Test speed cameras will be used in our neighborhood at unspecified locations.
 
North MLPA: no report.
 
South MLPA: no report.
 
NPU Representative: Julian Bene deferred to NPU President Olansky who reported on large mixed use development taking place near intersection of Lavista and Cheshire Bridge.  Technically outside of our neighborhood but will obviously impact ours.
 
Finance: no report.
 
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer will be here later.
 
Zoning: Tad Christian reported.
V-04-152: 1535 Fordham Court.  Application to reduce north side yard setback from 7 feet required to 4 feet to allow for room addition to existing single-family house.  Applicant said 3 crepe myrtles and one 4-inch dogwood tree are the only trees that will be affected (within buildable area).  Motion to recommend approval as submitted. Passed by unanimous voice vote.
 
V-04-192: 1183 Reeder Circle.  Application for 4 variances: reduce east side yard setback from 7 feet required to 4.3 feet, reduce west side yard setback from 7 feet to 2.5 feet, reduce rear yard setback from 15 feet to 1 foot, and increase impervious surface from 50% to 54% to allow for room addition and carport.  Zoning Committee voted 4-0 to defer to August MLPA Zoning Committee.  August 3rd, August 9th, and NPU meeting and BZA meeting (Aug. 20th) are all opportunities for affected neighbors to be heard.  Motion to defer until August.  Passed by unanimous voice vote.
 
U-04-14: application for Special Use Permit for outdoor seating to be used by Alon’s.  Zoning Committee approved application as submitted conditioned that Permit will exist only as long as the Property’s use remains the same as proposed and only as long as the current owner owns the Property.  Passed 9-0-0.
 
Supplemental report by Anne Fauver on City’s tree cutting: City paid recompense before tree-planting plan so City has in effect "overpaid" on recompense.
 
Treasurer reported on payment of regular bills.
 
New Business
 
Julian Bene brought up issue of nonenforcement of ordinances.  Problem is that Atlanta code enforcement is not enforcing codes.  Only way to stop it is to pull plans at the City and discuss with City Planner, get Enforcement to visit site and then have City issue stop work order.  Extensive discussion of how to approach problem.  Suggestion that "how to" list be published in newsletter.
Bill Ellis raised issue with respect to authority of Fulton County Sheriff and Chief Deputy to invest millions of County dollars.
Handout passed out for Conservancy North Woods planning process.
Meeting adjourned at @ 9:15 pm.

Back to minutes and announcements archive