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DAHLONEGA CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
APRIL
7, 2008
The
Dahlonega City Council met at City Hall on April 7, 2008. Council
members present were Michael Clemons, Sam Norton, Terry Peters, Guy
Laboa and Bill Scott. Mayor Gary McCullough called the public hearing
to order at 5:00 p.m.
City Attorney Doug
Parks conducted a public hearing to discuss the current traffic flow and
the possible change of some streets to one-way for the Mechanicsville
area which includes the following streets: Choice Avenue, Maple Street,
Martin Street, Arcadia Street, Ash Avenue, Riley Road, Schultz Avenue,
Tolbert Street, South Meaders Street, South Grove Street, Alma Street,
South Derrick Street, Stargel Street and Pine Street. City Engineer
Ricky Stewart presented the proposal. Mr. Stewart advised that Arcadia
and Martin Streets are very narrow and he proposed to widen them in
order to accommodate two-way traffic. Other streets were proposed to be
designed for one-way traffic. Mr. Stewart advised that all one-way
streets would be only one block to reach two-way streets.
Citizens were asked to
give their comments. Business owner Dudley Owens asked if there are any
changes from the first proposal. Mr. Stewart advised that Choice Street
is being proposed as a two-way street. Mr. Owens recommended that the
council look at each street individually to see what the impact would be
for businesses. He also recommended that Arcadia between South Park
Street be a two-way street. Eddie Green, resident of South Derrick,
requested that South Derrick be a two-way traffic street. Jim Kinnard,
resident of Choice Street, stated that he is opposed to Choice Street
being made one-way. Susan Southard, resident of Choice Street, stated
that she is concerned about the proposed traffic flow for Choice
Street. She was also upset with the manner in which residents were
notified of the hearing. She stated that she did not receive a notice
but was informed by her neighbors. Mike Young, Regions Bank employee,
stated that the Regions Bank Drive-thru access would be cut off if the
current proposal is enacted. He stated that other businesses in this
area would also have a problem with the proposed traffic flow. Jeffery
Knight advised that he is the co-owner of 4-Seasons Realty located at
the intersection of Arcadia and South Chestatee. He advised that the
proposal would adversely affect his customers. He recommended that no
changes be made. Tim Richmond, resident of 83 Choice Street, stated
that if the streets are widened they would become a major thoroughfare
and change the entire area. He stated that he was opposed to giving any
right-of-way to widen the streets. City Attorney Doug Parks advised
that the council is not ready to make any decisions but to receive
comments from all residents. Several hearings would be held before any
decisions are made. Resident Bonnie Richmond stated that if Grove
Street is widened it would result in truck traffic and tremendous
damages to streets. Property owner Thomas Scanlin stated that he is
concerned about changes to traffic flow. Widening streets would only
result in increase speeding and drainage problems. Bob Roberts,
resident of Arcadia Street, stated that he agrees with Mr. Scanlin that
widening the street will result in more traffic and erosion problems.
Sue O’Hanlon, resident of South Derrick Street, stated that the
proposal would result in confusion for older residents. In order for
citizens to go to the hospital they would have to cross more traffic to
enter the highway from Shultz. She stated that people already run stop
signs and traffic will be faster if the street is one way. Other
residents will have farther to drive just to get home. Becky Brown,
resident of South Derrick Street, stated that this is a quiet
neighborhood and one-way traffic would increase speed problems.
Business owner, Cindy White, stated that the proposal would impact
parking for her business. Dennis Brookshire stated that he had been a
resident of the area for fifty years and the proposal would take off his
front porch in order to widen the street. He urged the council to leave
the streets like they are and to make no changes. Arcadia Street
resident Jim Parks spoke in favor of changes for Arcadia due to safety
concerns. He stated that developers will build in this area for rentals
to college students and this will result in more traffic. He stated
that he wanted to go on record that he wants to preserve the area but to
also keep the area safe. Heather Adams stated that she was speaking for
her Grandmother. She stated that her Grandmother is very upset with the
proposal. There is no reason to widen the streets as this will only
increase traffic.
Mayor Gary McCullough
stated that all comments will be taken in consideration and another
public hearing will be held before any changes are made.
The meeting was
adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
DAHLONEGA CITY COUNCIL
APRIL
7, 2008
CALL TO ORDER:
The Dahlonega City
Council met in regular session on April 7, 2008 at City Hall. Council
members present were Michael Clemons, Sam Norton, Terry Peters, Bill
Scott and Guy Laboa. Mayor Gary McCullough called the meeting to order
at 6:00 p.m. and opened the meeting with prayer. Guy Laboa lead all
present in the Pledge to the American Flag. Mayor McCullough welcomed
students representing the NGCSU Governmental Classes.
MINUTE APPROVAL:
A motion was made by
Michael Clemons to approve the minutes of the regular council meeting
held on March 3, 2008. This motion was seconded by Sam Norton and
approved by all members present. A motion was made by Bill Scott to
approve the minutes of the special council meeting held on March 26,
2008. This motion was seconded by Terry Peters and approved by all
members present.
CITIZENS:
Roger Jones, a resident
of Calhoun Road, urged the council to work on speeding problems on
Calhoun Road. He advised that he requested that speed breakers be
installed seven years ago but this request was denied due to residents
that were in opposition.
Colleen Green requested
a beer, wine and distilled spirits license for the Rhapsody Grill.
Council members were informed that all paperwork has been completed.
The new background check has not been returned by the state but it was
recommended that the license be approved as Mrs. Green is a current
license holder for the Holly Theater and that background check showed no
record. A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve the licenses.
This motion was seconded by Bill Scott and approved by all members
present.
Lumpkin County Literacy
Coalition representative Diane Stephenson spoke to the council
concerning the coalition’s prevent illiteracy program. Ms. Stephenson
advised that approximately 7,500 Lumpkin County citizens do not have a
high school education and that approximately one half of those citizens
cannot read, write, or do simple math. The goal of the Literacy
Coalition is to teach kids to read before they enter school through
supplying age appropriate books to each child at no cost. Currently the
cost for this program is $48.00 per child and there are currently 600
children enrolled. The Literacy Coalition is requesting assistance with
funding. They are proposing to hold A Bear To Remember Festival. This
Festival will be held April, 2009 which is the same date as the Bear on
The Square Festival. An auction will be held in the fall of 2009 and
the coalition is requesting to display 25 to 30 bears in different
businesses. Mayor McCullough advised that the council will add this
request to their next work session agenda.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Mayor McCullough advised
that reports have been received from the Dahlonega Planning and Code
Enforcement Departments for the month of March, 2007. A report was also
submitted by the Dahlonega Corridor Committee and Dahlonega Historical
Preservation Commission for activities during the month of March, 2007.
Dahlonega Chamber of Commerce Director Gary Powers advised that the
chamber is the second busiest chamber in the State of Georgia, second
only to Savannah. Forty articles have been written concerning
Dahlonega this year alone. Mr. Powers announced that volunteers are
needed to assist with Tour de Georgia which will be held April 25. This
event will be televised world wide. The Bear on the Square Festival
will be held April 18-20. Mr. Powers recommended new signs to replace
the current No Skateboarding Signs. Mayor McCullough advised this item
will be considered at the council’s next work session.
The Hancock Park
Pavilion Design Committee presented a sketch of the proposed design for
a new pavilion for Hancock Park. A public hearing will be held at 5:00
p.m. on Tuesday, April 15. This design will also be presented to the
Dahlonega Historical Commission for their recommendation.
FIRST READING
ORDINANCE 2008-2-UNSANITARY CONDUCT ORDINANCE:
A motion was made by
Michael Clemons to approve the first reading of Ordinance
2008-2-Unsanitary Conduct Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Bill
Scott and approved by all members present.
FIRST READING
AMENDMENT 1-ORDINANCE 2080-10-95:
A motion was made by
Michael Clemons to approve the first reading of Amendment 1 to Ordinance
2080-10-95-Speed Zone Enforcement Ordinance. This motion was seconded
by Sam Norton and approved by all members present.
CITY MANAGER’S
COMMENTS:
City Manager Bill Lewis
presented an investment report for new bank accounts associated with the
issuance of bonds. A motion was made by Guy Laboa to approve the
opening of four new accounts associated with the issuance of bonds as
follows: Bond Series 2008-Capitalized Interest, Bond Series
2008-Project Fund, Bond Series 2008-Debt Service Reserve Fund and Bond
Series 2008-Renewal and Extension Fund. Also approved was the closing
of the 1973 Bond Account. This motion was seconded by Terry Peters and
approved by all members present. A Comprehensive Finance Policy was
presented to the council. A motion was made by Michael Clemons to
approve the policy. This motion was seconded by Bill Scott. Guy Laboa
recommended that the policy be more specific. After discussion the
motion was denied. Council members stated that they would like to
postpone the adoption of the policy to give more time for amendments.
The council was informed that .937 acres was acquired from the GADOT.
This property is located below the Post Office and was originally
obtained as right-of-way property for the connector. A motion was made
by Sam Norton to give City Attorney Doug Parks authority to dispose of
the property by sealed bids with the right to reject any and all bids.
This motion was seconded by Guy Laboa and approved by all members
present. The council was informed that Georgia Power is requesting
that an easement be signed in order for Georgia Power to install an
additional power pole to supply electricity to the Catholic Church’s new
facility. A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve this
request. The motion was seconded by Bill Scott and approved by all
members present. Sam Norton requested that the council consider going
underground will all utilities whenever feasible. In this case the
parking lot would have to be torn up to install underground utilities.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS:
Dahlonega Downtown
Development Authority Representative Rebecca Shirley requested that a
Resolution be adopted concerning the Preserve America Program. DDA is
applying to become a Preserve America Community. The benefits of the
designation include: White House recognition, A certificate of
recognition, A preserve America Community road sign, eligibility for
Preserve America grants, Authority to use the Preserve America Logos,
Listing in a Web-based Preserve America Community directory, National
and regional press releases and enhanced community visibility and
pride. A motion was made by Sam Norton to approve the attached
Resolution. The motion was seconded by Bill Scott and approved by all
members present. Council members complimented Ms. Shirley’s work with
the DDA as an NGCSU Intern.
CITY ATTORNEY’S
COMMENTS:
City Attorney Doug Parks
advised that Bill Hardman has requested that the council approve a
corrective deed to clarify an original deed easement instead of fee
simple title to the property. This would give Mr. Hardman unimpeded
access to his property. A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve
this request. The motion was seconded by Terry Peters and approved by
all members present.
COUNCIL’S COMMENTS:
Sam Norton made a motion
that the City Engineer personally interview all property owners between
South Park Street and Riley Road on Arcadia concerning their desires to
make Arcadia Street One-Way. He also asked that a cost analysis and
inventory of all sign changes be made and that this information be
presented to the council for action. This motion was seconded by Bill
Scott and approved by the following vote count: Voting for the motion
were Clemons, Laboa, Norton and Peters. Bill Scott voted against the
motion.
Bill Scott requested
that the Dahlonega Nugget print a report concerning the financial
condition of the city. The Dahlonega Nugget failed to print any
information concerning the city’s FY 07 Audit Report. Mr. Scott
announced that during the week of April 28 he plans to resign his
position as Council Member in order to run for Lumpkin County Commission
District One. Mr. Scott stated that his eleven years as a council
member has been a good experience.
Guy Laboa asked when
the Watershed Protection Plan needs to be approved by the council. Mr.
Laboa stated that the total burden for monitoring will fall on the city
and there are many cost implications associated with these requirements.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Guy
Laboa to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. This motion was seconded by
Sam Norton and approved by all members present.
APPROVED BY ME THIS
_____________DAY OF_________________, 2008.
MAYOR
Attest: CITY CLERK
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COPIES OF ALL CONTRACTS AND ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR
REVIEW AT CITY HALL |
