Two potential annexations were discussed and a a couple of zoning-related matters approved by the Hampton City Council at the January 11 regular meeting, along with a number of beginning-of-the-year appointments.

Actual annexation was not considered, but the council discussed compliance and adherence to state law related to a pair of applications on both sides of the city — 572 acres on the east side and 803 acres on the west side. Each site consists of multiple tracts of land.

A pair of ordinances were approved regarding the development of a mini-warehouse self-storage facility at 74 Oak Street. A conditional use permit was approved to allow the requested operation on the site, which is zoned neighborhood commercial, and a variance was approved to reduce the minimum lot size from five acres to the 4.1 acres that make up the site.

In other business, resolutions were passed approving a contract with Waste Pro of Georgia for solid waste collection services. According to one official, the move resulted in an absorption of charges to the city with no change in rates for customer and the probable discontinuation of recycling services.

The council voted to enter into a mutual aid agreement regarding local law enforcement. Also approved were the 2022 calendar of council meeting dates and city holidays along with a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a contract for a Livable Centers Initiative study regarding Daniel Street and King George revitalization.

Municipal Court Judge Wayne Jernigan was reappointed after serving the city for nearly five decades. Other appointments confirmed included mayor pro tempore, associate judge, city solicitor, police chief and city attorney. A vote to confirm the city clerk for 2022 failed and an interim clerk was named.

Mayor Ann Tarpley appointed herself, Sheila Barlow and city manager Alex Cohilas to an Ordinance Update Committee. Tarpley also appointed Willie Turner and Marty Meeks to a Speed Hump Ordinance Committee, with Meeks and Stephanie Bodie slated to continue on the Youth Council Committee. 

In other Hampton news unrelated to the council meeting, county officials announced construction of a reduced conflict U-turn (RCUT)  at Hwy. 3 and Franklin Rivers Drive. The contractor was scheduled to being work January 25.

Drivers have been advised to expect lane closures during the construction, which must be finished within 90 days, and to slow down and remain alert for equipment and employees during construction.

According to officials, RCUTs are designed to reduce the number and severity of crashes. They reduce potential conflicts among vehicles by limiting movement of side road traffic. Drivers don’t have to wait for gaps in traffic traveling in two directions on the main route. Delays and congestion are reduced for state route through traffic because drivers aren’t contending with cross road traffic.

When the RCUT is complete, drivers coming off Little Road and Franklin Rivers Drive will not be able to cross Hwy. 3 to go straight or turn left. Traffic will instead turn right onto Hwy. 3, travel a short distance and make a U-turn. Motorists on Hwy. 3 will not be affected and will still be able to turn left at the intersection.

This is a Georgia Department of Transportation Quick Response Project (QRP). Officials stated that such projects typically cost less than $200,000 and can be completed in a short period of time. The money comes from the state motor fuel tax and is primarily used for small projects on the state route system.