The Hampton City Council voted at its August 13 regular meeting to pass a new ordinance that includes new restrictions on downtown parking.
A second reading of the ordinance was approved by a 4-2 vote. It includes a new provision that makes it unlawful for anyone to park a vehicle overnight between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. on portions of East Main Street, James Street, Cherry Street, Tom Eason Drive, and Barnett Street – as well as in the parking lot of any city-owned or operated property. The new restrictions do not apply to citizens living in the residential sections of the downtown district.
In other business, the council voted to place the so-called “brunch bill,” which would extend the hours for Sunday alcohol sales, on the November ballot. The vote to approve was 5-1. The measure will be on the ballot in all four cities as well as unincorporated Henry County.
A separate initiative containing a number of amendments to the city’s Zoning Ordinance failed in its second reading by a 3-4 vote.
Another ordinance whose second reading was approved addresses some of the duties of the city manager. It passed 5-1. It states that the city manager shall “supervise the employees of the Administration Department, including the city clerk subject to contractual provisions, the director(s) and employees of the Police Department, Public Works Department, Economic Development Department, Community Development Department, Finance Department, and director(s) and employees of any other department that may be created in the future.”
The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a $75,303.44 contract for the installation of a new phone system at City Hall and other city facilities. The total bid from NetPlanner Systems, Inc./Mitel includes non-recurring charges of $9,080 plus $1,839.54 per month for 36 months. Also approved unanimously were the authorization of an employment contract for a city clerk appointment and the hiring of accounting consultants at a rate of $175 per hour.
First readings of ordinances regarding the annexation of two parcels on South Hampton Road were approved 4-3.
Why are there an even number of positions on the council? And the council being composed of the directors of each section of the cities government system would not only assure unanimity but also comprehensive budget oversight and full understanding on anything that comes before the council.
Oh also time of day limitations on alcohol sales is near about entrapment. Either sell it on Sunday or don’t. By selling it only at certain times of the day you have lost the reason behind not selling it on Sunday anyway so just go ahead and remove the restriction. It’s just the sales of it anyway the consumption choice is upon the individual and their faith.