Mt. Airy Town Council, at its regular monthly meeting Monday, had an agenda largely focused on town zoning and planning ordinances.
Council approved the first reading of proposed changes and updates to town zoning ordinances.
At Councilman Adam Tullis’ request, council agreed to table the second reading of a Manufactured and Mobile Homes Ordinance, which was on the Monday meeting agenda. He asked council to instead consider approving both ordinances together, since provisions of the ordinances are linked to each other.
Both ordinances are expected to have their second readings and then be approved at a 7 p.m. Oct. 10 called council meeting.
Properties with mobile homes will receive an R3 designation. The zoning must receive a positive recommendation by the town Planning and Zoning Board, then approval by council. Standard “stick built” dwellings will have an R1 designation.
If a property owner wishes to remove a mobile/manufactured home and replace it with a conventional house, a zoning change must first be granted. Similar approval will be required if a property owner wishes to take down a conventional home, then replace it with a mobile/manufactured home.
In other business, council:
• Approved the second and final reading of the Habersham County Subdivision Ordinances and voted to adopt the ordinances.
• Approved variances to town planning and zoning ordinances requested by Mike McCoy, a Crepe Myrtle St. resident. McCoy is a Mt. Airy councilman.
At a public hearing held prior to the council meeting, there were no public comments for or against the variance requests. McCoy abstained from participating and voting at the hearing and council vote, said Mayor Ray McAllister. He also noted McCoy’s variance requests had received approval recommendations from the town’s planning and zoning board.
The variance requests included reductions in property line setback requirements from 3o feet down to 15 feet and a reduction in dwelling size from 1,100 square feet to 900 square feet.
• Heard town department reports. Town Clerk Sheri Berrong noted property tax bills will soon be mailed to residents. “We try to get them out as early as possible,” Berrong told council. She noted property taxes are due December 20.
Berrong also noted she is preparing a town budget for Fiscal Year 2023, She also said she is still waiting for submittal of a Fiscal Year 2021 audit from Clarkesville-based accountants Duncan & Kitchens LLC.
• Heard that a request for bids for a waterline replacement on Lakeside Circle had not drawn any response from contractors, said City Manager/Police Chief Tim Jerrell. “No interest has been expressed in the project,”
Council agreed to hold the bid window open for another three weeks in hopes of attracting a response.
– Staff Reports