The city of Palmetto has extended its moratorium for another year prohibiting

any more preliminary or final plats that require being tied into the

city's sewer system from being approved.

According to the resolution passed Monday night at the City Council

meeting, the reason for the extension, which will last through July 5,

2005, is "to study the city sewer capacity, to further identify

methods for the city to increase its sewer treatment capacity, and to

continue promotion of the public health, safety and welfare" of

Palmetto.

The original moratorium was passed on July 7, 2003.

In conjunction with the moratorium, a second resolution was adopted

stating that "in the best interest of the citizens" the city

is ready to "move forward without delay" on the construction

of the proposed wastewater treatment facility. The project is estimated

to cost $12.2 million and to extend at least through June 1, 2008. Mayor

Clark Boddie assured the council that any expenses taken out of the city's

pocket will be recouped from the proceeds of revenue bonds when they

are issued and delivered.

When asked at the May 20 Palmetto Planning and Zoning Board meeting

whether the new plant would be sufficient to handle new development,

City Administrator Bill Shell explained that the technology available

is much more efficient than what has been used in the past and could

easily be expanded if more land is annexed into the city.

In addition, a public hearing was held to address revisions to Article

VII of the Zoning Code of Ordinances. The minimum dimensional requirements

for single family dwellings was proposed to be raised by 200 square feet

for houses zoned R1, R2 and R3 with the lot size and setbacks remaining

the same.

Dennis Davenport, assistant city attorney, raised the question of greenspace

requirements and mentioned Georgia's Conservation Subdivision/Open

Space Overlay plan as a possible solution. Davenport claimed the overlay

would not increase density but allow for smaller lots with greenspace

provided and could also lower builder's infrastructure costs.

A percentage of greenspace for new residential developments: 5 percent

for R1, 10 percent for R2, and 15 percent for R3 is being proposed by

the Planning and Zoning Board. The final decision on all the Article

VII ordinances will be decided at the next City Council meeting.

The July meeting will be July 8 instead of July 5. There will also be

a public hearing at that meeting to consider the proposed budget for

2004-2005 and budget resolution.