Irvine Council discusses city map, announces new hire

A local property owner addressed the Irvine City Council on Monday night about a farm he bought on Kirkland Avenue many years ago.
Dwight Arvin said he always paid county taxes in the past but has recently been billed as if his farm is within city limits.
“When was it annexed, when was it incorporated?” he asked the council.
Irvine Mayor Ernest Farmer said he doesn’t know when the property was incorporated into city limits, because it did not happen in the eight years he has been in office.
He said, judging by the city-approved map that he signed in 2008, that Arvin’s farm appears to be in the city, and he would assume it was so, unless he saw proof to the contrary.
Arvin said he is not worried so much about the taxes as he is the ordinances governing the property if it is within city limits.  He wondered if he would be prevented from keeping livestock or could be denied hunting privileges.
County Attorney Rodney Davis said if the land continues to be used for a pre-existing (prior to zoning) purpose, there probably would not be a problem with that.
Mayor Farmer said he would do some research into when the properties and others were incorporated into the city, so the issue can be settled for Arvin and other landowners in the area.
County Attorney Davis said he doesn’t know how the city boundary was determined either, but that it was probably established for planning and zoning purposes and not for establishing individual boundaries.
In his monthly report, the Mayor reminded the council that the Mushroom Festival is next week, and the city workers are getting ready.  Last week festival banners were hung downtown.
City Clerk Robin Sewell said a privilege license had been issued to Josh Wilson and Jason Richardson to open Double J Auction House and Flea Market in the former location of Conrad Motors.
The Mayor announced that the city has hired Sam Hensley as a new addition to the Irvine Police Department.  He has worked for the parks system and as an officer in Orange County, Florida.
Police Chief Brad Smith said Hensley is originally from Irvine.
He also noted that someone from the ABC came down on April 3 and “took a walk around” the three locations applying for a package liquor license.
“We should have a decision, probably by the end of the week,” he said.
Bill Arthur said Wes Hensley had taken a look at the city’s backhoe and had estimated that it would take from $3,500 to $4,000 to overhaul the motor. The mayor recommended that they go ahead and have that done.
The discussion of the city garage was discussed, and Irvine Fire Chief Tony Murphy suggested a new metal roof be installed on it.
Councilman Tommy Bryant said paint crews will be working around the city this week.   He also recommended the city make a “top 5” priority list of projects to accomplish.
Councilwoman Nelle Williams suggested that everyone bring in their personal ideas of what should be on that list at the next meeting.
Another call was made for people to serve on the planning and zoning board.
Councilwoman Janice Bush thanked everyone for their continued prayers and support for her husband Eugene, who is still recuperating from a fall.  She said he is “slowly but surely” getting better.