Rincon City Council met Monday night with all members present. After approving the night’s agenda and the previous meeting’s minutes, Council moved into a Public Hearing to give the public a chance to speak on Dr. Mathew Hamby’s request to rezone approximately 4 acres of land on Wisenbaker Road from R-4 to R-5.

Dr. Hamby explained that the land is an odd-shaped piece of property, and will not work for R-4 zoning. He noted that lots in R-4 require a lot width of 100’, while lots in R-5 can be 85’ wide. He also noted that most other residential property nearby is zoned R-6. One neighbor asked about the quality of the homes he would be building, concerned about the impact on the values of surrounding homes being negatively impacted. Dr. Hamby said he hopes the homes will be higher end homes, moreso that typical starter homes.

Teresa Bullock, the owner of the property, further assured neighboring homeowners that the homes would be nice homes, and would add to the neighborhood.

In Old Business, the first item was discussion of hiring the Fanning Institute to put together a packet for the Coastal Georgia RDC at a cost of $3,567.73. Mayor Lee said they’d met with the county and other municipalities, and they’re all still waiting on more information from the RDC. He suggested leaving the item on the table until the next meeting.

The second item was a Second Reading on a rezoning of 7.95 acres formerly known as Gowanville Subdivision off Fort Howard Road and Bunyan Kessler Road from AR-2 to R-4 Residential. The Second Reading was approved.

In New Business, Council approved Dr. Hamby’s request to rezone the property on Wisenbaker Road from R-4 to R-5. The vote was unanimous.

Next, Council considered a request by Fire Chief Raymond Smith to purchase ten new pagers for the Fire Department. Chief Smith said that some of the department’s current pagers are so old that they can’t be repaired, and they currently are not able to furnish pagers to the new members of the department. Acting City Manager Police Chief Mike Barton said the purchased was budgeted, and the item was approved for $3720.

Council then approved an intergovernmental agreement on Water and Wastewater service delivery area. Finally, Council named Councilman Scott Morgan as an authorized signature on the city’s checking accounts. The need for another signature arose with the termination of former City Manager Bob Brady, and since Mr. Morgan works in town, it will be easier to track him down for a needed signature.

In Administrative Reports, City Manager Barton update Council on EMC Engineering’s efforts to get agreements for dispensing water at the local golf course. He added that the city needs 2400 new water meters to provide all “touch read” meters for Rincon residents.

Barton also told Council they need to plan for another workshop to discuss solid refuse disposal, noting that they are currently paying about $4000 per month, “and it’s not even the busy season yet.” He expects the volume to double as people begin working in their yards again with the warmer weather.

Putting on his Police Chief’s hat, Barton told Council that his department in now short one employee due to a recent resignation. He added that detectives are helping to insure that all shifts are properly staffed. On another note, the department will soon be auctioning off two Crown Victorias and one Ford Mustang.

Fire Chief Raymond Smith asked to be included on the next workshop, planned for Thursday, March 23rd, to discuss the new contract with the County.

Building and Zoning Director Kathy Hughes said she’s working with the County to finalize the city’s new Zoning map. The new map will be presented for discussion and approval at the Council’s April 10th meeting.

Mayor Lee then informed Council that he’d heard from State Representative Buddy Carter that the changes to the City Charter had been approved by the State Legislature. Funding for playground equipment had also been approved.