By Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
Growth was the theme of the Woodruff City Council during their Sept. 29 meeting, where they approved the incentive agreement for the Bojangles restaurant, approved the first reading for a proposed incentive agreement with the developers of a new master-planned community off Highway 101, and passed the first reading of a proposed property annexation petition.
Council members unanimously approved the finalization of the inducement and incentive agreement with the developers of a Bojangles restaurant to be located on north Main Street. According to the agreement that was negotiated as part of the incentive to bring the restaurant to the city, the developer will receive a reimbursement of the two percent hospitality tax for the first eight months of operation. Such incentive agreements are commonly used as economic development tools to attract new businesses or developments to a city.
Under new business, the Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to approve an incentive agreement with the developer of a new, 350-home master planned community to be located at Highway 101 and McElrath Road. The subdivision is expected to get started on construction in late 2021 and include a clubhouse and community swimming pool.
Under the terms of the negotiated agreement, the city would reimburse the developer for the construction of two submersible sewer pumps that would connect the development to the City of Woodruff sewer system following the completion of the first 25 homes in the community. The two pumps are estimated to cost between $40,000 – $70,000, depending on the final determination of the size and pumping capacity needed. After completion of the development, the developer would turn over ownership of the pumps and entire sewer system in the development to the city. The council unanimously approved the first reading and the second reading is expected to appear on the October City Council agenda for final approval.
City staff also presented the first reading of a petition for annexation of an approximately 1.5-acre parcel located on W. Georgia Road. With the approval of the petition, the annexation will move forward with a first and second reading at upcoming council meetings.
In other news, the Council approved the second reading of an update to the City’s ordinance regarding the humane tethering and sheltering of animals. The amended ordinance clarifies what is considered an acceptable shelter for animals, including being constructed of solid materials for the walls and roof, adequately raised to prevent rain or snow from accumulating, and being an adequate size for the breed of the animal. The ordinance also clarifies rules surrounding tethering animals, specifying that tethers must be connected to the animal with a collar or harness, tethers must to connected to a swiveling stake or elevated run line no more than seven feet off the ground, the tether must allow for free movement and access to shade, and it must be no less than 10 feet from a public road, among other additions. Fines for breaking the new ordinance can be up to $500 and 30 days in jail. The ordinance revisions were unanimously approved.
City Manager Lee Bailey also provided the council various updates, including the city’s budget being on track for the year, with revenues exceeding expectations and expenditures below expectations. He also provided an update on the upcoming drive-thru candy distribution for Halloween to be held in the City Hall parking lot. Families can bring their children and drive through the u-shaped lot where city staff and council members will be handing out candy.
Author: Tracy Sanders
