Fountain Green council approves planning‑and‑zoning ordinance amendments, advances WUI adoption and cemetery‑shed plans

At its Jan. 22 meeting, the Fountain Green City Council approved ordinance amendments recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission, moved toward adopting a local Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) code and map, and directed staff to pursue a lower‑cost cemetery shed proposal.

A motion (Unidentified Speaker 2) to accept Planning & Zoning’s ordinance changes — targeted to clarify subdivision language and allow applicants to pay impact fees before scheduled increases — carried by voice vote. Councilors said the amendments are minor wording changes intended to remove barriers that could prevent applicants from paying at current rates ahead of impact‑fee increases in February and March.

On wildfire safety policy, fire officials recommended minimal WUI designation for the city’s existing developed area and outlined a process to redraw the WUI map with the county fire warden and then submit a tailored ordinance to Planning & Zoning for a public hearing. Unidentified Speaker 11 explained that, under state guidance, Fountain Green currently follows the International Building Code and the WUI layer would add a defensible‑space component; staff will prepare a map and template ordinance for a public hearing.

On facilities, staff presented alternatives for a new maintenance shed versus a smaller cemetery shed. A single bid of $236,175 was noted for a 40x80 maintenance shed; staff proposed a 24x35 metal building for cemetery use priced at roughly $22,530 plus approximately $8,000–$10,000 for concrete and about $600 for engineering (total ~ $32,000). Council asked staff to prepare a site plan, solicit competitive bids and return with a budget proposal next month.

Other business during the meeting included library certification work, an IT update on the city’s email/billing delivery issues, and routine approvals of city bills. The council adjourned after approving the bills and a motion to close the meeting.