Chelsea City Council Regular Meeting March 4th, 2003
The Chelsea Citizens Awareness Committee (CCAC) prepared the following information to distribute to those persons who have asked to receive this information. This information was recorded by a CCAC member and is his or hers understanding of the action taken at this meeting. These are not the official minutes of the meeting.
Call to Order
The City Council Meeting began with an Invocation by the Mayor.
Councilman Ritchie led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America Flag.
Council Members are: Allen Boone (Neighborhood), Doug Ingram (Streets & Roads), Jimmy Lovvorn (Beautification & Environmental), John Ritchie (Annexation), Earl Niven Jr. (Fire & Police), and Mayor Earl Niven.
--- Councilmen present: All
--- Councilmen absent: None
Approval of Minutes
The minutes February 4th and February 18 were accepted.
Committee Reports (Councilmen reporting)
Neighborhood – Councilman Boone reported the next neighborhood committee meeting will be March 17th at 7:00 p.m. Beautification and Environmental – Councilman Lovvorn reported that last Saturday was Arbor Day. This was also the seventh anniversary of Chelsea. 30-40 people attended this celebration where a Forester gave away trees and told how to plant them. Chelsea has also been awarded Tree City USA for the fourth year in a row. Oak trees were planted by the playground area. Streets and Roads – Councilman Ingram is making arrangements to have potholes repaired in Chelsea City limits. If you know of any, please contact City Hall. Fire and Police – Councilman Niven reported the COP had their annual dinner and awards meeting. Rod Jones received the award for Rookie Volunteer of the Year. He has also won the Blue Ribbon Award for contributing to an arrest. Bill Weldon was named Volunteer of the Year for all the hours he has put in for Chelsea. The City is about to take possession of a used Sheriff department patrol car that was donated by Shelby County to the City of Chelsea for their C.O.P. program. Annexation – Col Ritchie reported Shelby Forest Estates are gathering signatures for an election to come into the City. Twelve Oaks on Highway 69 is looking for a way to annex in, however they must first try to speak with landowners around them to be contiguous. Ashton Woods (Highway 36 & 39) is also has shown an interested in becoming a part of Chelsea, and they will hold a meeting on the 11th to discuss this issue. See below under Council Business for other annexation news.
Mayor's Report
The Mayor asked Council to consider the rezoning issue mentioned on February 24th (see Chelseaetimes). This vote will be on the rezoning of the property near 84 Lumber.
The Mayor bragged on the school report cards that were listed in the paper recently. Chelsea High School received an "A", The Middle School received a B+, and the Elementary School received an "A-". Please encourage our Board of Education to stick with their Five Year Plan.
Regarding the remodeling of the Yellowleaf Lodge, the costs could not exceed $50,000. They found the heating and cooling unit to be insufficient and there was no funds to upsize the unit; however a foundation that donates funds to municipalities donated the $1500 needed..
The audit report found a clean rating.
The Mayor received a call from an upset individual regarding swimming pools in Yellowleaf Subdivision. Several were mentioned that had no fencing. This issue will be looked into further.
Construction on the new City Hall will be discussed at the next meeting.
Council Business
Annexation Ordinance 03-03-04-214; Robert & Mary Black property is located in the Winstone area. The rules were suspended and the vote was unanimous to annex this property into Chelsea.
Community Forum
A citizen discussed a problem with portable toilets not being at construction sites, and allowing these workers to relieve themselves in full view of those around the site. The Mayor said he would have Bob Wanninger send a letter to try and have this matter looked into. He also stated he would keep his eyes open while traveling through subdivisions.
Mayor Niven set Tuesday March 11th for Mark Herrington to review the Cities Financial information he had requested.
Question & Answers
The following requests for information were presented to Mayor Niven prior to the meeting: The questions were not addressed.
Please provide the following information on the services the City is obligated to provide the Citizens of Chelsea.
a. Is the City obligated to provide Fire Protection & emergency service?
b. Is the City obligated to provide adequate law enforcement including control of speed in the neighborhoods?
c. Is the City obligated to provide street maintenance?
d. What additional services will be provided when the new city hall is completed?
e. What will be the cost of these additional services?
f. Commencement date of these services?
What is the status of the 69/74 water hookups between Columbiana and Westover Water?
What is the status of the installation of the weather sirens?
When will an ordinance that provides for dog control be enacted?
What should a citizen do when dogs are allowed to run loose in their neighborhood?
Please try to address why it is not in the best interest of everyone for the citizens to vote on the bond issue for the proposed financing ($4.5 million to $5 million) rather than have the Mayor and Council use alternative warrants which they can approve without a vote of the people.
Submitted by... Lori Cheney
Chelsea Citizens Awareness Committee Posted 3/6/2003