Presenting…
The meeting began with a declaration from Mayor Linda Kuhn proclaiming the month of July 2008 Recreation and Parks month. City Manager Sherman Yehl also presented an American flag, which had been flown in Iraq, showing his appreciation for allowing him to go.
Consent Agenda
The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda that included an $80,000 purchase of CityWorks Software, approval of an additional $350,000 for the construction of North White Cedar Road, and the acceptance of resignation from Richard Huber from the planning and zoning commission.
Sanford Lofts
The commission saw a request to approve a variance for Bob Horian’s six-story Sanford Lofts on North Palmetto Street, which they denied. Commissioners Art Woodruff and Jack Bridges, along with Mayor Kuhn voted for denial.
Although they denied Horian’s variance, the commission did approve a rezone for the property, allowing him to only build a four-story building there.
Condemned Cherry
Commission approved the condemnation of three properties, and allowed continuances on two. One of the properties allowed a continuance was “Cherry’s Corner,” (formally Cheap-o-Depot) on French Avenue.
On first reading the commission unanimously approved amending the Capital Improvement Element of the Comprehensive Plan and annexation of a property at Ruby Street.
Lien on me
The commission unanimously approved a request to reduce liens on three properties on West 17th Street. The lien was reduced from $86,905.49 to $6,000, but only if the owner sells the property to Habitat for Humanity and pays the fees at closing.
Signage
The commission approved five additional items unanimously, including the final variance to sign size for the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center. The theater plans to reconstruct it’s original corner sign reading, “Ritz Theater.”
They also approved a historic landmark sign to be put at George’s #1 Bar’s neon sign, which was erected in 1958. The commission added a provision that restoration of the sign had to be completed within 90 days.
Citizen Participation
During citizen participation, Dianne Wynn stood up and demanded the resignation of Police Chief Brian Tooley.
Wynn and others have been circulating a petition throughout the Goldsboro community asking for Tooley’s resignation.
While the commissioners did not respond to her statement, it was later recognized that there is an open investigation regarding Wynn’s statements.