Meeting Minutes

February 6, 2023 Town Board Meeting Highlights

All 5 Trustees Present                     Citizens Present: 18

Town of Augusta Calendar of Events is at the end of the Minutes.

NEW BUSINESS

* Bulk Trash Pick-Up scheduled for April 17, 2023.  Discussion was held.

*  The Short-Term Rental bill was approved as an ordinance to repeal Ordinance 2023-01.  (A copy is on the website.)

*  The Bill to Vacate and discontinue a portion of the street located at 255 Washington St. was approved as an ordinance.

OLD BUSINESS

* Hoffman wants to install Lighting on the Town Hall & Visitor Center to conform to other lighting in Town. The Town of Augusta will be responsible for paying the electric.

*Laura Miller led the discussion about the selection of a new computer for the Town.

OPEN TO CITIZENS

* Kristen Cavanaugh asked about the bright lights on the parking lot at Mt Pleasant Winery. Lights are left on 24/7 and very annoying at night for the comfort of our residents.  She requested that the Hoffman Company would look into this concern.

PUBLIC WORKS

*  Motion approved for up to $3,500 for the History Museum roof to include inspection for structural damage, painting, and repair.

*  Motion approved to allocate $5,000 to raise the canopy at the Town Park with tree trimming by Tree Brothers.

*  Laura Miller brought up a new idea for partnering with a company to train street sweepers.  Discussion held.

* Randall Oaks gave an update on potholes and their repair with a detailed map.

* Randall Oaks presented the idea of mailbox uniformity on Chestnut Street by the Post Office.

* Randall Oaks gave an update on the FEMA Floodplain requirements.  Discussion followed.

MUSEUM REPORT

*  The Museum received a $10,000 donation to be used toward a new restroom at the History Museum by Alan & Kathryn Frazier. This will be an annual gift to the Museum.

*  Town & Country will help with planting in the garden this spring.

PARKS COMMITTEE REPORT

* Trying to find a date and time to meet.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REPORT

* 62 artists have signed up for the Plein Air; 13 are new to the event.

 * The Chamber is still looking for lodging for at least 20 additional beds for Artists.

ZONING & PLANNING REPORT

* Recommended to deny the sign permits for the Hostel and Kickstand.  The Board approved the denial.

* Rezoning Application was approved for 5501 Locust Street to change from Commercial to Residential.

* Two separate Right-of-Way variances were approved by the Board of Adjustments for 255 Washington Street for Crown Properties Randy Greene and for 295 Washington Street.

* Two Conditional Use permit applications were received for Short Term Rentals for 229 Lower and 5593 Chestnut.

FARM REPORT  none submitted

TREASURER’S REPORT

*  Report was approved.  Checks were approved.

*  ARPA Funds update given by Ellen Knoernschild.  There is $29,793.82 remaining.

COLLECTOR’S REPORT

* Eff 1-17-23 $9912.46 Dec Collections;  Eff 1-23-23 $1134.80 RR Utility Tax Dec 2022

* 5 Business Licenses (@ $25) for Hoffman Gallery Augusta, White House Cafe’, Lindenhof B & B, Botanical Tea Room, and Pitman Funeral Home.

*  Land Use permits (@ $50) for Mark Lutz at 229 Lower Street.

*  2 Sign Permit applications (@ $10) for Ziglin Signs.

*  2 Conditional Use permits for Short Term Rental (@$500) for Charles & Esther Nobe and Bill & Debbie Shaefer.

* Rezoning Application ($1,000) for Crown Properties.

TREE COMMITTEE REPORT:  none submitted

Town Website and Photo Contest report  by Gay Eskew:

*”Best of Augusta” Photo Contest–I’m checking on a couple of places that I can be to promote the Photo Contest during the Plein Air.  A number of years ago, I spoke with members of the Plein Air committee about having a photography category.  They were interested.  There is a new committee in place now.  We could plan a “Best of Augusta” Photo Contest during the Plein Air and/or at the Harvest Festival.  I could probably have something in place to print out photographs from cell phones by September.  The Kids’ Contest could be in October, which is fine with the Augusta Elementary art teacher, Sarah Bayless.

*The first stated focus for the photos is highlighting the “uniqueness of Augusta.”

Complete Town Board Meeting Minutes are in the Augusta Library.

TOWN CALENDAR

March 11 (Saturday) 7:00 pm              Augusta Ramble Concert:  Ivas John Band (Tickets $12)

April 3 (Monday)                                    Town Board Meeting

April 17 (Monday)                                  Augusta Bulk Item Pick-up

April 20 – 29 (Thursday – Saturday)  Plein Air Art Festival – check out:  https://www.augustapleinair.com/events/category/2023-plein-air/

May 13 (Saturday) 12:00 – 1:00 pm     Spring Vaccination Clinic for Dogs and Cats, Old Augusta Firehouse (636-239-2745)

 

January 9, 2023 Town Board Meeting Highlights

All 5 Trustees Present                     Citizens Present: 22

NEW BUSINESS

* Regulations for Short-Term Rentals, Ordinance 2023-01, was approved unanimously by the Town Board.  (A copy is on the website.)

* A new computer and its software was approved for up to $2,000 to replace the current one.

OLD BUSINESS: none

PUBLIC WORKS

*  The Augusta Library roof has been repaired with new shingles.  Thank you Hedrick Brothers!

* Pothole repairs will be discussed at the February 6,2023 meeting.

MUSEUM REPORT

* Tell It Like It Was live at the Harmonie Verein with Alan Frazier on January 10 at 7 pm.

PARKS COMMITTEE REPORT

* Chairperson will share new ideas for the design and possible playground equipment at the February 6, 2023 meeting.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REPORT

 * Chamber is holding a Membership Drive in February.

* Plein Air event coming in April 2023.     The Chamber is requesting housing for Artists.

* Approximately $4,000 was taken in on Trivia Night.  This will be added to the Playground Fund.

ZONING & PLANNING REPORT

* The request for a Conditional Use Permit with 2 conditions, including a multi-family dwelling, was approved for the Hanani House at 5568 Chestnut Street.

* Rezoning Application for 5501 Locust Street was submitted.  Public Hearing set for 2/21/23 & 3/1/23.

* Two separate Right-of-Way waivers were approved for 255 Washington Street for Crown Properties Randy Greene and for 295 Washington Street.

FARM REPORT 

* Levee repair completed and waiting for Corp of Engineers to certify.

TREASURER’S REPORT

*  Report was approved.  Checks were approved.

COLLECTOR’S REPORT

* Eff 12-13-22 $2100 1st Advance on December collections.                         Eff 12-15-22 $303.49 November collections.     Eff 12-21-22 $5000 2nd Advance on December collections.            Eff 12-28-22 $1500 3rd Advance on December collections.

* Rezoning application $1000 check for Jeff and Lisa Bina at 5501 Locust Street.

* 4 Business Licenses (@ $25) for Rockwood Asset.

*  2 Land Use permits (@ $50) for Hoffman at Gallery Augusta and The Hostel.

*  5 Sign Permit applications (@ $10) for Ziglan Signs at the White House Cafe (2 signs), the Emporium Coffee Shop (2 signs), and the Clothing Store (1 sign).

TREE COMMITTEE REPORT:  none

OPEN TO CITIZENS:  Sign up requests withdrawn.

Complete Town Board Meeting Minutes are in the Augusta Library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 5, Town Board Meeting Highlights

REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING — December 5, 2022  

All 5 current Trustees present.

New Business:

1.) Election is on April 4, 2023 for three Town Board members.  Signups will once again be in the library from December 6 – 27.

2.)  The Hoffman Family of Companies is opening a restaurant, a jewelry store, and rezoning for a clothing store.  Business licenses need to be obtained.

Old Business: 

1.)   Short-term rental moratorium will be discussed on December 15.  It will be voted on at the next meeting and go into effect on January 10.

Open to Citizens:

1.)  Gay Eskew presented the offer by a friend to purchase the four-way teeter totter on the Town Square playground.

REPORTS

Treasurer’s Report:

1.)  Town Assets are $488,075.00.

2.)  Go Daddy subscription is officially terminated.

Collector:

1.)  A check for $500 was received on 11/15 for a meeting house at Chestnut and Ferry.

Public Works:

1.)  Phase I for the Sidewalk Grant will begin in the spring.  Cochran has been contacted.

2.)  Post Office toilet was replaced.

3.)  Discussion was held about the yard waste dumpster at the ballfield.  People have been using it for items other than the intended yard waste.  It caught on fire three times with hot coals igniting the yard waste and other items.  A discussion was held about purchasing a video camera.  The decision was made to keep the dumpster.  It has been called in for pickup and a replacement from Grace Hauling.

4.)  Library roof shingles were presented for inspection.

5.)  A discussion was held about installing decorative lamps to aid with lighting on the street along the path of the new sidewalk.  They cannot be part of the grant, but the lighting conduits can be put in place while the sidewalks are torn up during Phase 2 of the grant.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Zoning & Planning: 

1.) Zoning needs a replacement for the Board of Adjustments since Randall Oaks is now a Town Trustee.  Ashley Hesjedal has agreed to take the position.  A second alternate has been contacted, Hayley Jehling, who has also agreed to accept the appointment.

2.)  A zoning meeting will be held on December 19 to discuss turning 5578 Chestnut into the Hatte House, a point of refuge for those who need help.  Residents will stay a few months.  The permit is for fixing up the basement with additional bedrooms.

3.)  294 Washington is selling their home with a right-of-way encroachment on Town property.  The situation was sent to the Town attorney.

4.)  Seven signs were denied.  They may appeal to the Board of Adjustments by February 8.

History & Museum:  

1.)  Paul Ovait will interview another person on January 10 at the Harmonie Verein.

2.)  The downspout needs to be fixed as soon as possible.  The goal is to fix it and then make it historically accurate.

Chamber of Commerce:  

1.)  The Christmas Walk went well.  Thank you to all the volunteers.  Expecting another good turnout for 12/9.  Santa’s place was wonderful this year; it was magically decorated in the bottom bay of the Town Hall.

2.)  House tours went well.  A fifth home was added at the last minute.  Discussion was held about future tours.

3.)  Trivia Night will add to the Parks coffers for the new playground.

4.)  Parking presented some problems on the streets around the Town Square.  It was suggested to block off Walnut and Chestnut Streets with No Parking signs.  Alternative places for parking were suggested such as Mt. Pleasant, the ballfield (with lighting), building a parking garage behind the Visitor’s Center, and other ideas.  A trolley could transport guests around Town.

5.)  The 53 foot trailers and buses have a difficult time, if not impossible one, getting around Town.  Discussion followed about where they could turn around.

Farm Report:   No report submitted.

Tree Committee:

1.)  Annual tree city application submitted.  Two leaflets sent to the Town residents.  The school students postponed the tree planting.

Parks Committee:

1.)  Met with a group of men to discuss the conceptual design for the new playground.  The Town has allocated $10,000 and the Chamber currently has $15,000 with another addition coming soon from the Trivia Night.

2.)  Some of the playground equipment will be eliminated.  A person is interested in purchasing the 4-way teeter totter; he will also dismantle and remove it.  Discussion followed about a sale of the unwanted playground equipment at the Town Park and also the school.

Cemetery Committee:  No report submitted

KIDS’ “BEST OF AUGUSTA” PHOTO CONTEST  display board with the 30+ entries is now in the Augusta Library for your viewing pleasure.  Any suggestions for the 2023 Photo Contests?  I’m investigating the possibility of printing off photos taken with cell phones at events such as the Plein Air and the Augusta Harvest Festival.   Should we again solicit gift certificates or other prizes once again from Town businesses?  Responses included using a theme such as “the uniqueness of Augusta.”  The printing off of photos is a good idea for the adult contests.

TOWN OF AUGUSTA WEBSITE  will include winners of the town decorating contest, the gingerbread house winners, the latest minutes, and other information.

CALENDAR  EVENTS

December 2 & 9, 2022            Christmas Walk  (5:00 – 10:00 pm)

December 10, 2022                 Trivia Night — Roaring 20’s Theme

December 15, 2022 at 6:30 pm –Town Board Meeting for final discussion of the Short-Term Rental Moratorium

December 19, 2022 at 7:00 pm — Zoning Meeting to discuss the change to a multi-family dwelling at 5568 Chestnut

January 9, 2023 at 7:00 pm —  Town Board Meeting at 7:00 pm

January 10, 2023                        Paul Ovait interview at Harmonie Verein