Watkinsville public meetings in 2023

City Council

The City Council will discuss reprogramming funds for sidewalk construction and park implementation. The meeting includes public hearings for two zoning variances and reviews of site development plans.

• Reprogramming $800,000 in TSPLOST funds for Simonton Bridge Road/Mulberry Sidewalk Construction
• Reprogramming $500,000 in SPLOST III funds for Harris Shoals Park Master Plan: Phase II Implementation
• Reprogramming $75,000 in SPLOST III funds for Simonton Bridge Road/Mulberry Sidewalk Survey & Engineering
• Zoning variance hearings for 51 and 55 Simonton Bridge Road and 1181 Jacob Drive
• Alcohol license application for Wing House Grill, LLC

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will hold public hearings and vote on annexing an unincorporated ~20-acre parcel (Parcel #C 03 022) and rezoning it from County R1 to City PRC (Parks, Recreation, Conservation). The council will also review the FY 2023 audit report, approve budget amendments, and consider two site development plans. Consent agenda items include accepting a donation deed and adopting state fire safety standards.

• Annexation and zoning vote for ~20-acre parcel #C 03 022 to PRC (Parks, Recreation, Conservation)
• FY 2023 Audit Report and budget amendments
• Site Development Plan for 1080 Experiment Station Road (A&B Holdco, LLC)
• Site Development Plan for 1041 Industrial Drive (RIOCO, LLC)
• Approve contractor for Harris Shoals Park paving and parking improvements

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on rezoning 1080 Experiment Station Road from Public Institutional (PI) to Downtown (DT). The agenda also includes routine financial and department reports, consent agenda items, and an update on a GDOT grant.

• Public hearing and vote on rezoning 1080 Experiment Station Road (Tax Parcel #W 03 001) from PI to DT
• Resolution to approve 2023-2024 Georgia Recreational Trail Program pre-application for Thomas Farm property
• Appropriate $14,000 from SPLOST III for Greenspace Community Engagement and Design Services
• Sidewalk Permit Indemnification Agreement
• Trove Donation Deed of Acceptance and Donation Agreement

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will hold a regular meeting with public hearings, reports, and votes on several items, including a demolition permit at 64 White St., a contractor for the Water Street drainpipe upgrade, an ordinance and fees for sidewalk permits, and an appropriation from SPLOST III for downtown streetscape improvements. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes, financial reports, and a consent item to ratify Rocket Field fees.

• Demolition permit for 64 White St. (Parcel #W 05 079, Third Thrasher Properties, LLC)
• Approve contractor for Water Street drainpipe upgrade and appropriation of funds
• Ordinance amending Chapter 32 for sidewalk permits for businesses
• Resolution to adopt fees for sidewalk permits
• Approve appropriation from SPLOST III for Downtown Streetscape Improvements

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council is considering three resolutions to fund the acquisition of the 100.837-acre Thomas Family Farm on Simonton Bridge Road. The council will vote on accepting a $3,550,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan, appropriating $745,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act Fund, and appropriating an additional $100,000 from SPLOST III for related expenses.

• Resolution to accept $3,550,000 loan from Clean Water State Revolving Fund for Thomas Family Farm purchase
• Appropriation of $745,000 from American Rescue Plan Act Fund for farm acquisition
• Appropriation of $100,000 from SPLOST III for additional expenses including $44,375 in loan fees and $50,000 for site work

City Council approved the renewal of employee health insurance and a maintenance agreement for Rocket Field. The council also authorized funding for sewer and stormwater projects and accepted a land donation for greenspace.

• Approved employee health insurance renewal with Anthem Blue Cross/BlueShield (5-0)
• Approved maintenance and scheduling agreement for Rocket Field with The Yard through June 30, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved $47,140.89 from Fund Balance for Sewer Line A Construction (5-0)
• Appropriated $60,000 from SPLOST III for stormwater conveyance system upgrades (5-0)
• Approved Trove Parcel Donation Agreement for greenspace passive recreation (5-0)
• Approved commercial ground lease for N. Main Street parcel to Hardigree Properties, LLLP (5-0)
• Appointed Laura Moore to the Oconee County Library Board (5-0)
• Approved updated fee schedule associated with Rocket Field (5-0)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will consider a consent agenda with several funding approvals, including $47,140.89 from fund balance for Sewer Line A construction and $60,000 from SPLOST III for stormwater conveyance upgrades. They will also vote on renewing employee health insurance with Anthem, approving a fee schedule, and a 7-year commercial ground lease for a N. Main Street parcel. The meeting includes proclamations, financial and department reports, and an executive session for personnel, real estate, and litigation matters.

• Approve $47,140.89 from fund balance for Sewer Line A construction
• Appropriate $60,000 from SPLOST III for stormwater conveyance system upgrades
• Approve commercial ground lease for N. Main Street parcel (Hardigree Properties, LLLP) for 7 years to expire August 31, 2030
• Approve renewal of employee health insurance with Anthem
• Approve fee schedule

The City Council approved the acquisition of the Thomas Family Farm on Simonton Bridge Road. Funding for the purchase includes a loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, American Rescue Plan Act funds, and SPLOST III funds.

• Accepted $3,550,000 from Clean Water State Revolving Fund for purchase of Thomas Family Farm (4-0)
• Approved $745,000 appropriation from American Rescue Plan Act Fund for Thomas Family Farm acquisition (4-0)
• Approved $100,000 appropriation from SPLOST III Fund for loan fees, site work, and closing costs for Thomas Family Farm (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an amendment to rezone conditions and revise the development agreement for Electric Avenue (formerly 111 S. Barnett Shoals Road), a 66.6-acre property owned by Wire Park, LLC. The proposal adjusts the number of residential units: single-family detached units decrease from 53 to 52, and attached units increase from 77 to 81, with a total of 133 units and not exceeding 231 bedrooms. The council will decide whether to approve this amendment.

• Public hearing and vote on amendment to rezone and revise development agreement for Electric Avenue (tax parcels C 04Q 001ACA, B, CCA, D, E, F, H, I)
• Adjust single-family detached units from 53 to 52
• Adjust attached residential units from 77 to 81
• Total residential units increase from 130 to 133, not to exceed 231 bedrooms
• Property is 66.6 acres, currently zoned Mixed Use Office and Detached Residential with Development Agreement

The City Council approved an amendment to the development agreement for Electric Avenue (formerly 111 S. Barnett Shoals Road). The change adjusts the number of single-family detached units and attached residential units.

• Approved amendment to rezone Development Agreement for Electric Avenue to adjust single-family detached units from 53 to 52 and attached residential units from 77 to 81 (not to exceed 231 bedrooms)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a variance for 1281 Christian Drive, approve drainage work on Colham Ferry Extension funded by SPLOST III, consider amendments to the animal ordinance, and discuss TSPLOST and SPLOST III funding changes. The agenda also includes routine items like financial reports, consent agenda approvals, and council reports.

• Public hearing and vote on variance for 1281 Christian Drive, Parcel #B 06L 015C
• Approve drainage work on Colham Ferry Extension and appropriation of SPLOST III funds
• Ordinance amendments to Chapter 6 (Animals)
• TSPLOST proposed programming amendments
• SPLOST III proposed funding request

Council approved several funding requests for paving and drainage at Rocket Field and Colham Ferry Extension. The board also approved a zoning variance for a residential property and updated the city's animal ordinance to align with county numbering.

• Approved Rocket Field Use Agreement and band contract for Creative Placemaking event (3-0)
• Approved DDA to submit RURAL Redevelopment Zone Application (3-0)
• Approved one-year contract extension with Oconee State Bank (3-0)
• Approved sale of three city vehicles via Govdeals.com (3-0)
• Approved side setback variance to 5 ft for 1281 Christian Drive (2-0)
• Approved $3,205 for drainage work on Colham Ferry Extension using SPLOST III funds (3-0)
• Approved animal ordinance amendments to synchronize with County Chapter 10 (3-0)
• Approved $51,000 TSPLOST and $15,000 SPLOST III funds for Rocket Field paving and drainage (3-0)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will hold public hearings and vote on the proposed 2023 property tax millage rate, the FY2024 budget, and a conditional use permit for a special events facility at 5 and 20 Harden Hill Road. The council will also consider consent agenda items including contracts, grants, and a compensation plan.

• Public hearing and vote on proposed 2023 property tax millage rate (increase from 2.081 to 2.92)
• Public hearing and adoption of FY2024 budget (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024)
• Conditional use permit for special events facility at 5 and 20 Harden Hill Road (CBW Unlimited, LLC)
• Approve $14,600 from SPLOST III for Harris Shoals Park Art Walk Project
• Approve surplus of three city vehicles (2009 and 2011 Crown Victorias, 2013 F-150)

City Council approved a balanced FY 2024 budget of $2,858,877 and increased the 2023 property tax millage rate to 2.921 mills. The council also approved several infrastructure contracts and a conditional use permit for a special events facility.

• Adopted FY 2024 General Fund Capital and Operating Budget of $2,858,877 (5-0)
• Approved 2023 Property Tax Millage Rate at 2.921 mills (5-0)
• Approved Conditional Use for Special Events Facility at 5 Harden Hill Road (5-0)
• Awarded $47,057.03 contract to Garrett Paving for Bunny Hop Trail resurfacing (4-0)
• Awarded $208,956 contract to Mayweather Concrete Finishing for sidewalk segments (5-0)
• Approved $14,600 from SPLOST III for Harris Shoals Park Art Walk Project (5-0)
• Approved SPLOST III reprogramming amendments for streetlights (4-1)
• Approved Urban Forest Plan and Wastewater Capacity for Hillside Business Park (5-0)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council is holding a work session to review the recommended FY24 Capital & Operating Budget of $2,858,877, which includes a proposed 0.84 millage rate increase to fund the purchase of the 100-acre Thomas family farm for greenspace. No final action is taken at this work session; the budget and millage rate will be formally considered at public hearings on May 17 and June 21.

• Recommended FY24 budget of $2,858,877, up 6.9% from FY23
• Proposed millage rate increase from 2.081 to 2.921 mills to fund Thomas family farm purchase on Simonton Bridge Road
• $186,851 increase for parks, including debt service on farm purchase
• $67,604 for implementation of Condrey & Associates pay study
• New full-time Judicial Assistant position at $52,220 annual cost

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council is holding a public hearing on a proposed 2023 property tax millage rate of 2.921 mills, an increase of 0.84 mills from the current 2.081 mills. If adopted, the increase would raise an estimated $268,011 in additional tax revenue compared to 2022. The council will receive public input before deciding whether to approve the rate.

• Proposed millage rate increase from 2.081 to 2.921 mills
• Estimated $268,011 increase in tax revenue over 2022
• Example: $300,000 home would see tax increase of $137.50
• Example: $500,000 commercial property would see tax increase of $233.04
• Public comment limited to 4 minutes per speaker

The City Council conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed 2023 property tax millage. No public comments were made, and no formal vote on the millage was recorded during this session.

• Held public hearing for proposed 2023 Property Tax Millage
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

City Council

City Council approved the purchase of 100.837 acres on Simonton Bridge Road and granted two site development plans. The council also approved a zoning variance for a rear setback reduction at 26 School Street. A proposed property tax millage rate increase from 2.081 to 2.92 was discussed in a public hearing.

• Approved purchase of 100.837 acres on Simonton Bridge Road (4-0)
• Approved variance to reduce rear setback from 15 to 5 feet at 26 School Street (5-0)
• Approved Site Development Plan and Wastewater Capacity Allocation for 1240 Greensboro Highway (5-0)
• Approved Site Development Plan for Hillside Business Park / Morrison Street (5-0)
• Approved resolution activating a Public Facilities Authority (5-0)
• Approved IGA with Downtown Development Authority for FY2023 Hotel/Motel Taxes (5-0)
• Tabled EnviroSpark Agreement until next month (5-0)
• Tabled selection of contractor for FY23 GDOT resurfacing projects (4-0)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will hold a regular meeting with public hearings and votes on several items, including a beer and wine license application, a demolition permit, and multiple wastewater capacity allocation requests. The council will also receive financial and departmental reports, consider a contract for financial software services, and hold a public input session for the FY2024 budget.

• Consideration of beer and wine license for Kike's Kitchen at 18 S. Barnett Shoals Road
• Demolition permit for 1210 Greensboro Hwy (Big Springs Properties)
• Wastewater capacity allocations for 1461 Greensboro Hwy (Valero) and three suites at 1461 1/2 Greensboro Hwy
• Contract award for financial software services
• Public input for FY2024 capital and operating budget

City Council approved a beer and wine license for Kike’s Kitchen and a demolition permit for 1210 Greensboro Highway. The council also approved several wastewater capacity allocation requests and a board appointment.

• Approved Beer & Wine License for Glirian Chacon dba Kike’s Kitchen (5-0)
• Approved demolition permit for 1210 Greensboro Highway/Tax Parcel #C 04 002F (5-0)
• Approved Wastewater Capacity Allocation Requests for 1461 and 1461 ½ Greensboro Highway (5-0)
• Approved Urban Forest Board appointment of Susanna Drennan for 2-year term (5-0)
• Approved MOU for Georgia Main Street Program application and DDA appointment (5-0)
• Approved February 15, 2023 meeting minutes with corrections (5-0)
• Tabled Resolution Public Facilities Authority Item #19 contract for financial software services

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will review financial reports, economic development updates, and FY24 capital and operating budget requests, including from the Oconee County Fire Department and Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation. They will also consider an amendment to the alcohol ordinance regarding promotions, discuss establishing a Public Arts Committee, and hear updates on historic preservation and the library. The meeting includes public hearings for a subdivision plat at 60 S. Main Street and site plans for the Calls Creek Water Reclamation Facility.

• FY24 Capital and Operating Budget Process
• Independent Agency FY2024 Budget Requests (Oconee County Fire Department, Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation)
• 60 S. Main Street (Parcel W 08 001) subdivision of plat
• Calls Creek Water Reclamation Facility Site Plans
• Ordinance amendment to Alcohol Ordinance Section 4-99 (Promotions)

City Council approved the site plans for the Calls Creek Water Reclamation Facility and an amendment to the city's alcohol ordinance. The council also approved a subdivision plat for 60 S. Main Street. Budget requests for the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation and Oconee County Fire Department were presented for the FY2024 budget.

• Approved subdivision plat for 60 S. Main (5-0)
• Approved Calls Creek Water Reclamation Facility Site Plans (5-0)
• Approved Amendment to the Alcohol Ordinance Section 4-99 regarding promotions (5-0)
• Approved February 15, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will hold public hearings and vote on annexing the Luxury Inn Motel property at 6331 Macon Highway into the city, along with a zoning change to Corridor Commercial. The council will also consider several resolutions, including a civility policy, the 2023-2027 Comprehensive Plan work plan, budget amendments, and designations of SPLOST III and future TSPLOST funds. Reports on financials, economic development, police, parks, and historic preservation are also on the agenda.

• Annexation and zoning vote for 6331 Macon Highway (Luxury Inn Motel), parcel #W 12 003
• Resolution to practice and promote civility
• Approve 2023 Comprehensive Plan Short Term Work Plan for 2023-2027
• Approve Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Amendments
• Approve designation of SPLOST III and future TSPLOST funds

City Council approved the annexation and Corridor Commercial zoning of 6331 Macon Highway. The board also adopted a five-year comprehensive work program and approved budget and SPLOST fund designations. Council members discussed a potential Historic Preservation Ordinance but took no formal vote.

• Approved annexation of 6331 Macon Highway (5-0)
• Approved Corridor Commercial zoning for 6331 Macon Highway (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution to Practice and Promote Civility (5-0)
• Adopted 2023 Comprehensive Plan Short Term Work Program for 2023-2027 (5-0)
• Approved Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Amendments (5-0)
• Approved designation of SPLOST III Funds (5-0)
• Approved designation of future TSPLOST Funds (5-0)
• Approved January 18, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will administer the oath of office to newly elected members, elect a Mayor Pro-Tem, and receive financial, economic development, and police reports. They will also hold a public hearing on a site improvement plan for an Oconee County School District parcel on N. Main Street, receive an annexation petition for the Luxury Inn Motel at 6331 Macon Highway, and consider an ordinance amending public comment rules. The agenda includes consent items for bank signature authorization, 2023 qualifying fees, and a $9,191 budget amendment for email migration.

• Public hearing: Site Improvement Plan, Urban Forest Protection Plan, Wastewater Capacity Allocation for Parcel No. W 03 006, N. Main Street (Oconee County School District)
• Receipt of annexation petition from Subhash and Nayn Bhakta for 6331 Macon Highway (Luxury Inn Motel)
• Ordinance amendment to Sec. 2-26 rules of procedure and order of business
• Approve budget amendment of $9,191 to migrate city emails to Microsoft Hosted Exchange
• Set and approve qualifying fees for 2023 election

City Council approved a site improvement plan and urban forest protection plan for the Oconee County School District on N. Main Street, including a 2,063 gpd wastewater capacity allocation. The council also appointed a Mayor Pro-Tem and approved a budget amendment for email migration.

• Appointed Christine Tucker as Mayor Pro-Tem (4-0)
• Approved $9,191 budget amendment to migrate city emails to Microsoft Hosted Exchange (4-0)
• Approved Oconee County School District site improvement plan with 14 conditions (4-0)
• Approved Oconee County School District urban forest protection plan with 2 recommendations (4-0)
• Approved 2,063 gpd wastewater capacity allocation for Oconee County School District (4-0)
• Approved ordinance amendment synchronizing meeting time to 6:30 PM on the third Wednesday of each month (4-0)
• Approved December 21, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (4-0)