City of Bainbridge, Georgia
Mayor and City Council, March 16, 2010

In Tuesday's City Council meeting, Council member Roslyn Palmer stood on the edge of saying that passing the Historic Preservation Ordinance was a mistake.

Portion of comments made by Council
Jeff Findley, publisher of the Post Searchlight, appeared in front of City Council on Tuesday to appeal a decision made by the Historic Preservation Commission.  In his 6 1/2 minute presentation to Council, he stressed the need to upgrade the front appearance of the 1950's era building at 301 N Crawford Street.  His request to paint unpainted brick had been denied by the Commission.

Council member Palmer stated "When we did that(enacted the Historic Preservation Ordinance), I thought it would be an asset to further our redevelopment efforts in the commercial and residential historic district.  But, instead, what I see happening, if we don't allow something like this paint job, it becomes a liability."  She stated that she does not want to have empty buildings because we are not business friendly.

The Historic Preservation Commission had followed guidelines based on their policies and City Planner Dustin Dowdy's recommendation which included, "it was determined that regardless of the age of the brick, painting masonry surfaces that were previously unpainted will result in maintenance issues, specifically concerning moisture."

Jeff Weathersby, a representative for Southern Triad Construction, took issue with that statement saying "That is an incorrect statement.  The brick is like any other construction material, ... if you do not take care of the brick, it will deteriorate faster."

Council was split in half between those voting to follow the present guidelines and those voting to follow future guidelines they intend to set.

Council member Roslyn Palmer made the motion to grant the appeal and to look at changing the ordinance to one that will effectively deal with these types of situations.  Voting with her was Glennie Bench and Phil Long.  Voting nay were members Joe Sweet, Luther Conyers and Dean Burke.  Mayor Edward Reynolds broke the tie in favor of allowing the appeal.

From the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission
HP10-COA001: 301 North Crawford Street. Applicant Jeff Findley seeks to paint front facade of his building. Mr. Findley submitted photos to the commission to better explain his request. He stated that renovations on the inside of the building have been completed, as well as the three other sides of the exterior painted tan.

Mr. Findley stated the building's front is brick and contains several different colors and textures, and is mildewed and stained. Mr. Findley expressed his belief that painting the front would beautify the entire building. Jeff Weathersby, a representative for Southern Triad Construction stated the brick in question appears to never have been painted, however, the concrete and masonry block on the front have been. City Planner Dustin Dowdy stated that after speaking to Paul Forgey, Planning Director for the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, it was determined that regardless of the age of the brick, painting masonry surfaces that were previously unpainted will result in maintenance issues, specifically concerning moisture.

Chairman Julie Harris thanked Mr. Findley and opened the floor for discussion among the commission.
Commissioner New stated that the job of the commission is preservation, and in thirty to forty years, long term preservation of the building would be jeopardized if the Certificate of Appropriateness were approved.
Commissioner Penhallegon stated that he did not believe that the Commission could grant the request without violating the guidelines.
Commissioner Collins expressed his belief that granting this request would set a precedent for other requests of this nature.
Commissioner Ware stated that the building would indeed look better for now, but granting the request would go against the guidelines set forth for the Historic Preservation Commission.
Commissioner Phillips agreed.
Chairman Harris suggested that the concrete and masonry blocks that had previously been painted be allowed to be painted, and the unpainted brick in question remain unpainted.
Commissioner Penhallegon agreed and made that motion.
It was seconded by Commissioner New, and passed unanimously to deny the Certificate of Appropriateness to paint unpainted brick at 301 North Crawford Street.

In other business
Approved Street Closure Request From "The Lambs Temple Of God Working In Earth Ministries" for April 3 for Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd from Wheat Ave to Wheat Street from 10 am til 5 pm.

Approved Alcholic Beverage License Application-
   •Mr. Lance Godwin, Ms. Shelia P. Godwin and Mr. Yancey Scott Howell
   On Premises Beer/Wine and Spirituous Pouring

Approved Planning Commission Items
   a.RZ-10-003
   b.ZTA-10-001

Ordinance 614-Hazardous Materials Cost Recovery Ordinancem was introduced

Approved Amendment To GMA Master Lease to include 2010 Peterbilt Knuckleboom Loader

Departmental Presentation was made by Leisure Services.

Mayoral Appopintments

Approved Bids and Bills
Bills:

1. Decatur County Commissioners
  Bainbridge, GA.
  Inmate Charges, Inmate Housing & Landfill for February 2010  $39,186

2. JCI
  Moultrie, GA.
  Phase II Streetscape Benches  $21,600

Bids:

1. Ditch Witch of the Carolinas
  Charlotte NC
  Replace Stock
  5O -Cutterbody #977 - 30 305 6
  l00-Double Weld Raker # 97-200122  $7,739

2. GT Distributors
  Rossville GA.
  Body Armor & Accessories for the Viper Team  $3,451