Statham Council Hears Water Appeal, Donates to Black Diamond Gala

• Who met: Statham City Council
• Date: Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011
• Location: 
• Who was present: Council members Joe Hayes, David Huth, Betty Lyle, Hattie Thrasher and Gayle Steed; Mayor Robert Bridges; City Clerk Susan Gabriel and city attorney Thomas Mitchell
• Top agenda items:

1. The council approved a statute requiring use of the Georgia Storm Water Manual. Anyone who receives a storm water permit must abide by the standards set out in the manual or face citation. A second proposed statute that would have required builders to use the International Building Code was deemed unnecessary, as the code was adopted a few years ago. The council also adopted a resolution to recognize Sept. 11 as a day of remembrance. 

2. Jose Angel of 462 B25 McCarty Road spoke with the council regarding a $400 water bill. Angel said he noticed a leak about two feet from the meter outside his mobile home. He called city hall to report it and said he ended up fixing the problem himself a few days later. The leak was between the meter and his home, making him responsible for any repairs. He asked that his bill be reduced. Council Member David Huth told Angel he should have cut off the water. The council did not allow his bill to be reduced, but Mayor Robert Bridges suggested he make a payment plan.

3. Cyndi Ball gave the council a report on the Statham Farmers Market. This is the first year for the market, which has had about 15 vendors each weekend and about 300 customers every Saturday. This weekend is Kids Week, where children can have a table with no fees. The council approved finding space for a Farmers Market Contra Dance, which will be held in the evening on Sept. 3. Contra dance is similar to square dancing.

4. The council received several committee reports. The Sunflower Festival has 75 to 76 vendors with one month to go. The dog park committee is hosting bingo at 7 p.m. Saturday and will have a booth at the Sunflower Festival where they will be raffling off a golf cart. The second annual Christmas in Statham will be an all-day event held Dec. 10, with booths where vendors will sell holiday items.

5. The council voted to give $400 to the Black Diamond Gala, which benefits adult literacy. The amount is the same as last year's donation. 

The Statham City Council will meet again at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 at City Hall.