Friday, June 11, 2004

Palmetto moratorium renewed By LINDSAY BIANCHI lbianchi@thecitizennews.com The city of Palmetto has extended its moratorium for another year prohibiting any more preliminary or final plats that require being tied into the city’s sewer system from being approved. According to the resolution passed Monday night at the City Council meeting, the reason for the extension, which will last through July 5, 2005, is “to study the city sewer capacity, to further identify methods for the city to increase its sewer treatment capacity, and to continue promotion of the public health, safety and welfare” of Palmetto. The original moratorium was passed on July 7, 2003. In conjunction with the moratorium, a second resolution was adopted stating that “in the best interest of the citizens” the city is ready to “move forward without delay” on the construction of the proposed wastewater treatment facility. The project is estimated to cost $12.2 million and to extend at least through June 1, 2008. Mayor Clark Boddie assured the council that any expenses taken out of the city’s pocket will be recouped from the proceeds of revenue bonds when they are issued and delivered. When asked at the May 20 Palmetto Planning and Zoning Board meeting whether the new plant would be sufficient to handle new development, City Administrator Bill Shell explained that the technology available is much more efficient than what has been used in the past and could easily be expanded if more land is annexed into the city. In addition, a public hearing was held to address revisions to Article VII of the Zoning Code of Ordinances. The minimum dimensional requirements for single family dwellings was proposed to be raised by 200 square feet for houses zoned R1, R2 and R3 with the lot size and setbacks remaining the same. Dennis Davenport, assistant city attorney, raised the question of greenspace requirements and mentioned Georgia’s Conservation Subdivision/Open Space Overlay plan as a possible solution. Davenport claimed the overlay would not increase density but allow for smaller lots with greenspace provided and could also lower builder’s infrastructure costs. A percentage of greenspace for new residential developments: 5 percent for R1, 10 percent for R2, and 15 percent for R3 is being proposed by the Planning and Zoning Board. The final decision on all the Article VII ordinances will be decided at the next City Council meeting. The July meeting will be July 8 instead of July 5. There will also be a public hearing at that meeting to consider the proposed budget for 2004-2005 and budget resolution.