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Regular Council Meeting <br />January 9, 2017 <br />Page 3 <br />just unkempt. Mayor Hashmi proposed the idea of organizing a rejuvenation project on Pine <br />Bluff Street in which the City helps the residents in bringing the old glory back by assisting <br />residents of that area. He suggested 1) assisting residents of that area by allowing them easy <br />deliverability of permits for renovations; 2) waiving of permitting fees for those who want to <br />improve the homes in that area; 3) Offer the home loan improvement program through the banks <br />that is already in place; 4) Start strict code enforcement; 5) cleanup city owned properties on that <br />street, and maintain them; and 6) give tax abatements (which already exist) on improvements <br />that are made, inform and assist local residents on how to obtain and apply for them. Mayor <br />Hashmi said this street was selected because it was heavy travelled, the City was already <br />spending a lot of money on improvements and it could become a pilot project for other streets, <br />and the project would be coming to completion in the near future. He also said at one time this <br />was a very glorious street, and there were really a lot of homes that required improvements on <br />this street. Mayor Hashmi ended his presentation by asking the Council if they would pass an <br />ordinance allowing the City to waive permitting fees on this project in an effort to help <br />rejuvenate this heavily travelled street in town. Mayor Hashmi also said he purchased two <br />homes on this street but would not be requesting waiver of permits for renovation, nor would he <br />be participating in the contest but would open the homes up for the tour. He also said that he <br />would continue to live in District Seven. <br />Council Member Drake said they would need to get the word out to the owners of the <br />properties. Mayor Hashmi said after he and Mr. Godwin walked the neighborhood, three more <br />of the dilapidated homes had sold. He said they would walk the neighborhood again and leave <br />brochures. Council Member Clifford thought it was an interesting idea. Council Members <br />Trenado, Jenkins and Lancaster favored the idea. <br />A Motion to approve waiver of fees of renovation of homes on this street and to create a <br />neighborhood empowerment zone as requested by city staff was made by Mayor Hashmi and <br />seconded by Council Member Lancaster. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. <br />Mayor Hashmi said he would like to move item 20 forward on the agenda. A Motion to <br />move item 20 forward was made by Council Member Drake and seconded by Council Member <br />Lancaster. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. <br />20. Discuss drainage issues located at 3915 Shannon Drive, and provide direction to city <br />staff. <br />Mayor Hashmi said he requested this item be placed on the agenda. He said when <br />neighbors built their homes, they built them higher. He also said at that time, either there was <br />not a code about elevation or those who were to be inspecting were not doing so. Mayor Hashmi <br />said the City was not required to fix personal property and then referenced the similarity of Patsy <br />Carcuffe's property that Council Member John Wright had placed on an agenda in the past. <br />Council Member Drake inquired if the homeowner had tried different options and Mr. Godwin <br />said they had and this had been going on for about thirty years. Council Member Frierson said <br />he would like to hear from the city attorney about this. City Attorney Stephanie Harris said they <br />had to be careful because it was unconstitutional to work on private property unless there was a <br />