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REGULAR CITY OF DAHLONEGA COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 6, 2005
CALLED TO ORDER:
The Dahlonega City Council
met in regular session at City Hall on June 6, 2005. Council members
present were Michael Clemons, Guy Laboa, Bill Northquest, Dudley Owens
and Terry Peters. Mayor Gary McCullough called the meeting to order at
6:00 p.m. Michael Clemons opened the meeting with prayer. Mayor
McCullough requested that everyone stand for the Pledge to the
American Flag.
OATH OF OFFICE:
The Special City Election
scheduled for June 21, 2005 was cancelled. Only one candidate
qualified for the open city council seat. Bill Scott was deemed to
have voted for himself and he was sworn into office by City Clerk
Janet Jarrard for the term ending December 31, 2005.
MINUTE APPROVAL:
A motion
was made by Michael Clemons to approve the minutes of the regular
council meeting held on May 2, 2005.
This motion was seconded by Bill Northquest and approved by all
members present. A motion was made by Bill Northquest to approve the
minutes of the special council meeting held on May 24, 2005. This
motion was seconded by Guy Laboa and approved by all members present.
A motion was made by Bill Northquest to approve the minutes of the
Public Hearing held May 24, 2005. This motion was seconded by Guy
Laboa and approved by all members present.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A Public
Hearing was held concerning downtown parking changes. City Manager
Bill Lewis advised that this proposal was recommended by a prior
traffic study and the proposal was presented to the Chamber of
Commerce, Downtown Merchant's Association and the City Council also
held a Work Session concerning the proposal. This proposal will make
streets safer for both vehicles and pedestrians and approximately 68
to 70 new parking spaces will be created by the proposal to make
Warwick Street and Hawkins Street from Meadows to Church one-way. Mr.
Lewis advised that during festivals, these now two-way streets are
being used for parking on both sides of the streets thus restricting
traffic to almost one way. Cars meeting each other on the street
during festival time cannot pass. If the streets are changed to one
way and parking marked on both sides it will legalize what is now
happening and also make the streets safer for vehicle traffic. City
Attorney Doug Parks asked for public comments: Lynn Pfeiffer requested
that the council reverse the one-way plan for Warwick and Hawkins. She
stated that if the plan is adopted as proposed tourist could not
conveniently get to the city parking lot.
A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve this
recommendation. The motion was seconded by Bill Northquest. Hal
Williams advised that the reversal would create a problem for tourist
buses. Dudley Owens advised that he disagreed with the reversal as
tourist can go only one block around to get to the parking lot and
directional signs can also be installed. The motion and second were
withdrawn.
No other comments either for or against the proposal were made
by citizens present and the Public Hearing was closed. A motion was
made by Dudley Owens to approve the proposal that was recommended to
make Warwick Street and Hawkins Street from Meadows to Church one-way.
This motion was seconded by Bill Northquest and approved by all
members present. The public hearing concerning parking was closed.
City Attorney Doug Parks opened the Public Hearing concerning a
rezoning request submitted by American Legion. American Legion applied
for rezoning of 1.5 acres out of their 19.64 acres located at 132
Legion Road. The rezoning is from 0-1 to B-2 to enable the applicants
to sell the parcel to Chick-Filet for the construction of a new
restaurant. Mr. Steve Smith spoke representing American Legion and
Chick-Filet Restaurant. Mr. Smith advised that he is working with DOT
concerning their requirements for traffic control on the state highway
adjacent to the property. Mr. Parks asked for public comments. There
were no public comments and the Public Hearing was closed. Planning
Director Chris Head advised that the Dahlonega Planning Commission
recommended that the rezoning application be approved. There is
existing commercial on all three sides of the property and this is the
appropriate zoning for the site. She advised that further subdivision
of the Legion property is prohibited without an approved site plan of
the entire tract. Mr. Smith was made aware that DOT personnel should
approve any plans for removal of the TEA shrubbery. Larry Sorohan
advised that the TEA Project was a twenty-year plan and the shrubbery
must be replaced. Mr. Smith agreed that TEA plants would be salvaged
and they would also add additional shrubbery if needed. A motion was
made by Michael Clemons to approve rezoning the property to B-2. This
motion was seconded by Bill Scott and approved by the following vote
count: Voting for the motion were Northquest, Clemons, Laboa, Peters,
and Scott. Dudley Owens voted against the motion.
City Attorney Doug Parks opened the Public Hearing concerning
determining the need in Dahlonega for a taxicab service. Mr. Parks
asked if anyone wished to speak for or against the taxicab service.
Arthur Atkinson, owner of Paddy's Taxi Service, introduced his drivers
and advised that there is a demand for the service in Dahlonega and
the service would bring in tourist and help law enforcement. He also
stated that the city's taxicab ordinance is very restrictive and
requested that it be repealed. Mr. Atkinson advised that the insurance
requirement is unobtainable. Other citizens spoke in favor of the taxi
services including: Jean Harvey, Joyce LeBree, Lynn Pfeiffer, Axa
Hughley, Marshall Jones and Hal Williams. They advised that the
service would be used by intoxicated citizens, elderly and handicapped
citizens, people coming off the Appalachian Trail, citizens traveling
to and from the airports including Atlanta and Wimpy's Airport. Dudley
Owens made a motion to accept the need for a taxicab service in
Dahlonega. This motion was seconded by Bill Northquest and approved by
all members present. Mayor McCullough advised that a work session
would be held to discuss the ordinance requirements and Mr. Atkinson
would be notified of the meeting date. Mayor McCullough also thanked
the public for their comments and attendance.
Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority Chairman Randy Harvey
gave an update concerning activities of the DDA. Mr. Harvey advised
that the DDA's service area has been expanded. They have been
working on a number of projects including: increasing the number of
downtown parking spaces, street sign age, renovation of sidewalks and
benches for the public square. The DDA recently assisted with the
purchase of a new printer for printing brochures for the Chamber of
Commerce. DDA is getting a group together to share in a common vision
for Dahlonega and Lumpkin County. They have also been investigating
the possibility of purchasing properties for future development. Mr.
Harvey stated that he appreciated the funding the city provides to the
DDA.
Mayor McCullough asked for
the council's approval of a letter to GEFA concerning options for the
reservoir. A motion was made by Dudley Owens to approve the letter.
This motion was seconded by Terry Peters and approved by all members
present.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS:
The council was informed
that all paperwork has been completed for the transfer of the beer and
wine license for the Fast Stop Chevron to Alisa Peak. A motion was
made by Bill Northquest to approve this transfer. The motion was
seconded by Guy Laboa and approved by all members present.
The council was informed that all paperwork has been completed
for a beer license to be issued to Laura Estrada for Botanas
Restaurant located at Greenbriar Shopping Center. A motion was made by
Dudley Owens to approve the license application. This motion was
seconded by Guy Laboa and approved by all members present.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Mayor McCullough advised that reports have been
received concerning the activities of the Dahlonega Planning and Code
Enforcement Departments for the month of May, 2005.
Gerald Lewy, Vice-Chairman of the Dahlonega Historic
Preservation Commission, advised that the commission met on May 18,
2005 and approved sign applications for Gee's Home Furnishings, A
Childs Garden, Littlefield Cottage and Cinos Financial Services.
FIRST READING OF AMENDMENT 4-0RDINANCE
85-2-HOTEL\MOTEL:
A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve the
first reading of Amendment 4 to Ordinance 85-2-Hotel Motel Tax. This
motion was seconded by Dudley Owens and approved by all members
present.
FIRST READING ORDINANCE 2005-4-RESERVOIR MANAGEMENT PLAN: A
motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve the first reading of
Ordinance 20054-Reservoir Management Plan. This motion was seconded
by Bill Northquest and approved by all members present.
SECOND READING AMENDMENT 25-0RDINANCE 75-1-GRINDER PUMPS: A
motion was made by Terry Peters to approve the second reading of
Amendment 25 to Ordinance 75-1-Grinder Pump Fees. This motion was
seconded by Dudley Owens and approved by all members present.
SECOND READING ORDINANCE 2005-2-ALCOHOL ORDINANCE:
A motion was made by Bill Northquest to approve the
second reading of Ordinance 2005-2-Alcohol Ordinance with the
following changes: Delete the title -Section 5 concerning provisional
license; fees for distilled spirits to be consumed on the premises
will be set at $1000.00 for the first year (pro-rated to $500.00 after
July 1) and $1,750.00 for licenses issued for 2006 and thereafter;
license fee for beer consumption on the premises was set at $500.00
and the license fee for wine consumption on the premises was set at
$500.00. The council also recommended that business owners wishing to
apply for a 2005 distilled spirits license be permitted to begin the
process immediately to obtain a background check by paying for the
GCIC report at the Sheriff's Office. The city will refund this payment
upon presentation of a copy of the receipt when the application is
processed July 1. This motion was seconded by Bill Scott and approved
by all members present.
SECOND READING ORDINANCE 2005-3-HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE:
A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve the
second reading of Ordinance 2005-3-Horse Drawn Carriage Ordinance.
This motion was seconded by Guy Laboa and approved by all members
present.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS:
Mayor McCullough advised that the council met in work
session at 5:00 p.m. concerning the bids for the city's banking
contract. The following bids were received: United Community Bank,
4.15 APY on checking accounts, and tax anticipation loans at 65% of
Wall Street Journal Prime Lending Rate; Lumpkin County Bank, 2.25 APY
on checking accounts and interest on TAN's at 70% of Prime; Regions
Bank 2.00 APY on checking accounts and interest on TAN's at 90% of
Prime; BB & T offered a variable Fed Funds Target Rate on checking
accounts and variable rates on TAN's. A motion was made by Dudley
Owens to approve the attached two-year contract with United Community
Bank. This motion was seconded by Guy Laboa and approved by all
members present.
Mayor McCullough recommended that the council meeting scheduled
for July 4 be changed to July 11 due to the holiday. A motion was made
by Guy Laboa to approve this recommendation. The motion was seconded
by Terry Peters and approved by all members present.
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS:
City Manager Bill Lewis advised that a work session
was held to discuss extension of water and sewer utilities
to a proposed retirement facility with developers Guy Middleton and
Neal Anderson. The developers requested that the city agree to install
utilities on the public road to the property line and also install
water and sewer taps. Mr. Lewis recommended that the construction of
the line be bid and taps be installed by the city. A motion was made
by Michael Clemons to approve this recommendation. The motion was
seconded by Bill Northquest and approved by all members present.
Mr. Lewis recommended that the attached lease agreement be
approved for use of Woodrow Parks' parking lot. The city has used this
private lot for a number of years without payment. A motion was made
by Michael Clemons to approve the attached lease agreement. This
motion was seconded by Dudley Owens and approved by the following vote
count: Voting for the motion were Northquest, Clemons, Peters, Scott
and Owens. Guy Laboa voted against the motion.
Mr. Lewis also recommended that the city purchase the GIRMA
Pollution insurance coverage. Mr. Lewis advised that because of the
attention focused on pollution nationwide and because of the potential
exposure we have in our lift stations and at the wastewater treatment
facility we may need the additional coverage. The cost will be
$3,638.00 annually. A
motion was made by Dudley Owens to approve this recommendation. The
motion was seconded by Bill Northquest and approved by all members
present.
COUNCIL MEMBERS COMMENTS:
Council Member Guy LaBoa
reminded everyone that June 6, 1944 was the date of the Normandy
Invasion or D Day. 200,000 American Soldiers participated and we
should always remember their sacrifices. Memorial Day events were held
in Dahlonega last Monday and citizens were urged to attend the annual
event next year.
CITY ATTORNEY'S COMMENTS:
City Attorney Doug Parks advised that a contract for
Indigent Defense has been prepared and has been sent to Atlanta for
review.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor McCullough announced
that Sally Sorohan has resigned as a member of the Legacy Link Board.
A recommendation for replacement will be made at a later date. Mayor
McCullough reminded citizens that the GMA Convention will be held June
25-29. Business After House will be held tomorrow.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
APPROVED BY ME THIS ______ DAY
OF _________________ ,2005.
MAYOR
attest:
CITY CLERK
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