At last week’s meeting, the Oneonta City Council accepted the resignation of part-time community developer Rachel Gargus. Upon offering her resignation, she advised the council to update the position and Mayor Richard Phillips agreed. “The 110 Building is becoming a kind of visitor center and there needs to be someone there full-time.” Gargus will work until the end of the year when her retirement will officially begin.
Multiple public hearings were also set for Dec. 28. At 5 p.m. the council will discuss the possible rezoning of property located at 282 Fieldstone Road; at 5:10 p.m. they will discuss the possible rezoning of property located at the intersection of Champion Road and Highway 231; at 5:15 p.m. the council will address the alcohol license application of SIV, LLC located at 1007 Second Avenue; at 5:20 p.m. they will discuss ordinance number 1221-01 amending the Zoning Ordinance; and at 5:30 p.m. they will discuss ordinance number 1221-02 amending Section 13 – License and Taxation of the Oneonta Code of Ordinances.
Jim Ed Clayton, director of the Blount County Children’s Center, thanked the city for their support throughout the years. The city has provided financial support for the center since 1989.
Clayton explained that while many services have been limited due to COVID, the center has been able to recover and stay strong financially thanks to federal COVID relief and United Way relief money. He said a number of supporters have made donations to honor those who died during the pandemic as well.
Clayton concluded by saying to the council, “Thank you for your funding and thank you for your continued, faithful support. On behalf of our board and our staff, thank you for being a part of what we do.”
The council meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. A 5:45 p.m. work session precedes each meeting.