The City Council met in regular session on August 20, 2001, in City Council Chambers.  A quorum being present, Mayor Cleveland L. Rippons called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Those Commissioners in attendance were Commissioners Bohlen, Watkins, Weldon, Atkinson and Travers.

 

Ed Kinnamon led in the Lord’s Prayer.  Commissioner Atkinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Commissioner Watkins made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2001 Council meeting as distributed.  Commissioner Travers seconded the motion.  The motion was passed unanimously.   

 

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

Council to Thank Mrs. Carl Anderson for C&K Tower & Antenna Services, Inc.’s Donation of a Park Bench at Long Wharf—Mrs. Anderson was not present at this time.

 

                       

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Council to Award Bid for Desktop Computer System for CPD—After reviewing the bid proposals for the eleven desktop computer systems, Chief Wroten recommended awarding the bid to the low bidder, Dell Computers in the amount of $10,461.00.  Commissioner Atkinson made a motion to award the bid to Dell.  Commissioner Travers seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Pastor Tom Schuyler to Request Permission to Use City Lot on the Corner of Race and Cedar Streets for Cambridge Gospel Fest 2001 on Sept. 29^th  (Date Change – Was Sept. 15^th)—Commissioner Watkins made a motion to grant Pastor Schuyler permission to use the City lot on September 29^th.  Commissioner Weldon seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Decision on Subordination of Patamoke Mortgage—The City is the second lien holder on the lots in Patamoke II.  A homeowner would like to take out a second mortgage moving the City into third position.  At this point Council does not feel they have enough information and Rob Collison will send a letter to the homeowner to that effect.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Discuss Sewer Rates for Clark Construction—When Clark Construction took over the water bill for the Hyatt property in 1999, they continued to be billed for water and sewer.  For the period of November 1999 to April 2001 this equated to $30,084.  Upon taking over the property, Clark demolished the buildings; therefore, the sewer lines were destroyed.  They never used the City sewer because they established a holding tank that is pumped out as required.  This is going into the City’s system and paid for accordingly.  Clark Construction contacted the City to discuss the sewer charge for a service that was not used.

 

An ordinance was passed by the previous council whereby irrigation water, which does not enter the sewer system, is being billed at a rate of 50 percent of the water dollar value.  Commissioner Atkinson made a motion that the sewer rates be handled in the same way that irrigation rates are handled.  Commissioner Travers seconded it.  This will cover the period from November 22, 1999 through April 30, 2001.  The motion was passed unanimously.  Clark Construction’s bill will be adjusted for this period.

 

Council to Approve Business License for Cambridge House, LLC—Ed Kinnamon reported that this should actually be a bed and breakfast license.  The new owners will take possession on August 31, 2001.  Commissioner Weldon made a motion to that the bed and breakfast license be approved for the new owners to become effective the day they take title to the property.  Commissioner Bohlen seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Approve Purchase Order 1972 Dell Computer Corporation  (CPD)—Commissioner Atkinson made a motion to approve Purchase Order 1972.  Commissioner Travers seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

 

WORK SESSION

 

Some time ago, Commissioner Atkinson asked Jim Michael and Rob Collison to see what the City can do about changing the ordinance on abandoned cars and boats.  There are several properties in the city with multiple abandoned vehicles.  He would like Mr. Collison to see what other towns do in similar situations.

 

George Ames reported on the 50^th anniversary celebration planned for the Korean War.    This would be the 3^rd veteran’s recognition celebration and this year they would like to have it at Sailwinds Park.  They are tentatively looking at October 27^th and are asking the City of Cambridge to support their project.  Commissioner Atkinson made a motion to support the recognition of Korean War Veterans.  Commissioner Travers seconded it. The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Mayor Rippons asked Commissioner Bohlen to look into a group called “The Brass Ring Society”.  This group travels across the Nation setting up arts and they have expressed an interest in having an exhibit in Cambridge. 

 

Mayor Rippons would like to have a joint session with the County Commissioners to review several issues.  Commissioner Atkinson made a motion to have the City of Cambridge host this meeting.  Commissioner Watkins seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Mayor Rippons updated the Council on the progress at Sailwinds Park.  As of last week, the Board raised over $50,000.  One of the bigger expenses will be the kitchen.  At this time, the manufacturers have already agreed to donate approximately $50,000 of new kitchen equipment (walk-in box, etc.)  This represents approximately 80 percent of the cost of the kitchen.  The rooms upstairs have been completed.  The shower has been installed in the bathroom.  The floors (upstairs) will be carpeted and the tiles (kitchen and bar areas) will be finished within two to three weeks.  The Board is looking at having a sign installed on Maryland Avenue which will not only promote Sailwinds, but the entire community.  The sign is roughly 20‑ft high and will be lighted. 

 

Ronnie Dove will be performing in September; Ronnie McDowell will be performing in October; and Percy Sledge will be performing in November. 

 

At the request of David Pritchett, Commissioner Atkinson made a motion to go into Executive Session (Real Estate) following this meeting.  Commissioner Weldon seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Jim Brohawn asked about the requirements to operate a hot dog dispenser in Cambridge.  He has a location on Cedar and Trenton Streets (private property).  He will be open 5 days a week from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Jim Michael reviewed the ordinance under Chapter 8 which currently does not allow hot dog stands or their trailers in the City.  Tony Thomas said his hot dog stand had to be approved by the Health Department; he had to get a license from the City; and he had to have a picture taken by the Police Department.  Rob Collison said this request  had to be referred to Planning and Zoning for their recommendation.  Council will then accept their recommendation, modify it, or disapprove it.  He would not need a peddler’s license if he were conducting business on private property. 

 

 

With no further business, Mayor Rippons adjourned this portion of the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

 

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate account of the Council meeting Monday, August 20, 2001, insofar as I personally am aware.

 

 

                                               

 

Edwin C. Kinnamon

Clerk & Treasurer