Council holds second reading of ordinance regulating sexually oriented businesses By SANDRA STONE The Brandenburg City Council held its regular monthly meeting Nov. 13. Brandenburg Mayor Ronnie Joyner welcomed Mayor-elect David Pace to the meeting. Two other citizens were in attendance to express their concerns about development of property accessible only by substandard roads. The property in question is a 10-acre tract which currently fronts the Bypass. The citizens stated there is a request before Brandenburg Planning and Zoning to separate the tract into eight lots, six of which will be accessible only by a 10-foot gravel road. He further stated he felt a problem was being created and the city needs to make sure roads are brought up to adequate standards. When asked if the city has development standards which prohibit development off private roads, Joyner responded it does not. He further stated the city council was in the process of developing road standards and recommended the citizens contact Tim Smith, engineer for the city, for further clarification. Resolution 2006-05 was passed accepting municipal road aid for Howard Drive. The second readings of three ordinances were conducted and approved. First was Ordinance 444 regarding sexually oriented businesses. The first reading of this ordinance had been held June 20, 2005, but it has been tabled several times while the city council awaited a definitive answer regarding allowable locations for such businesses. With those answers in hand, the council approved the ordinance with one addition which prohibits such a business from locating within 500 feet of a daycare facility. On a motion by Patsy Lusk, seconded by Carol Nelson, all were in favor. Ordinance 455 adopts street right-of-way and construction standards for the city of Brandenburg. On a motion by Scotty Applegate, seconded by Maggie Love, the motion unanimously passed to accept the second reading and adopt the ordinance. Ordinance 456 adopting building and inspection regulations was tabled as questions regarding a fee structure remain unanswered. Ordinance 457 adopting street name changes to comply with E-911 standards was also tabled. A special called meeting to discuss name changes will be held prior to the second reading. On a motion by Applegate, seconded by Love, a one-time employee salary adjustment was approved – $250 for full-time employees $125 for part-time employees. The council approved the signing of a contract between the city of Brandenburg and BBURG LLC/John O’Bryan and Rivergate Apartments/Mickey Chism. The contract states the city will purchase, build and install a lift station for the developers, who will then reimburse the city for the total project costs. On a motion by Applegate, seconded by Nelson, all were in favor. A city backhoe, which has approximately 5,000 hours on it, broke down, and it was determined the cost to repair would be between $8,000 and $12,000, more than the backhoe is worth. The public works director recommended purchasing a new backhoe. The city will pursue financing and return to the council for approval. The low bid for engineering services for the new well was unanimously accepted on a motion by Lusk, seconded by Applegate. Chief of Police Jeff Cox, presenting the police department report, noted 209 complaint calls received in October; 57 citations and 121 warnings issued; 36 arrests; and 13 accidents. Citizens on Patrol continue their service to the city with 764 miles traveled in October and 142 volunteer hours logged. Public works director T.J. Hughes reported water loss at 19 percent. Hydrant flushing has been completed. Four or five were found with problems and are being addressed. Work on the new elementary school lines is complete, and the construction crew returned to Rivercliff for Phase II. Hughes reported on a leak in Lusk’s basement, stating it wasn’t coming from a city water line. Lusk stated the water had to be coming from somewhere and wanted to know where. A sump pump has been installed, and Joyner ordered a water sample taken from the sump pump to try to determine the source of the water. A business license for Cozy Furniture at 2015 Bypass Road was unanimously approved. In a roundtable discussion prior to meeting’s close, the returning council members thanked the voters of the city for their vote and confidence. Additionally, Lusk noted it was the time of year for fighting leaves and recommended the city look into a leaf collection option prior to next fall.
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