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)