|
REGULAR CITY
OF DAHLONEGA COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 2005
CALLED TO ORDER:
The Dahlonega City Council
met in regular session at City Hall on August 1, 2005. Council members present
were Michael Clemons, Guy Laboa, Bill Northquest, Dudley Owens, Terry Peters and
Bill Scott. Mayor Gary McCullough called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Mayor McCullough requested that everyone remember local residents Bobby
Mayfield and Chris Dockery who are serving their country in Iraq. Mayor
McCullough opened the meeting with prayer and everyone repeated the Pledge to
the American Flag.
MINUTE APPROVAL:
A motion was made by Dudley
Owens to approve the minutes of the Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting held on July
11, 2005. This motion was seconded by Bill Northquest and approved by all
members present. A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve the minutes of
the regular meeting held on July 11, 2005. This motion was seconded by Bill
Northquest and approved by all members present. A motion was made by Dudley
Owens to approve the minutes of the special meeting held on July 21, 2005. This
motion was seconded by Terry Peters and approved by all members present. A
motion was made by Dudley Owens to approve the minutes of the special meeting
held on July 28, 2005. Mr. Owens requested that the minutes be amended to
reflect that he excused himself from the meeting and did not vote on any actions
taken. A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve the minutes as amended.
This motion was seconded by Dudley Owens and approved by all members present.
CITIZENS:
A motion was made by Dudley
Owens to approve a beer and wine license for Sonny Goodwin for the Back Porch
Oyster Bar Restaurant. This motion was seconded by Guy Laboa and approved by all
members present.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
A motion was made by Dudley
Owens to approve the reports as submitted by the Dahlonega Planning and Code
Enforcement Departments concerning activities of those departments for the month
of July, 2005. This motion was seconded by Michael Clemons and approved by all
members present.
Gerald Lewy gave the report of the Dahlonega Historical Preservation
Commission. Mr. Lewy advised that the commission approved a sign application for
Natural Balance Reflexology located at 87 North Chestatee Street. They also
approved a structure change for the Woodmen of the World building located at 44
North Park Street. Council members asked if the Discover Dahlonega Sign had been
removed. After discussion it was the
consensus of council members to leave the sign up since it does not relate to
any business.
SECOND READING ORDINANCE 2005-5 ANNEXATION:
A motion was made by
Michael Clemons to approve the second reading of Ordinance 2005-5-annexation of
1.425 acres owned by Bill Hardman identified as Tax Map 62A Parcel 91. The
property is to be zoned as B-2. This motion was seconded by Dudley Owens and
approved by all members present.
SECOND READING AMENDMENT 2-0RDINANCE 99-3:
A motion was made by
Michael Clemons to approve the second reading of Amendment 2 to Ordinance 99-3 -
Taxicab insurance requirements. This motion was seconded by Bill Northquest and
approved by all members present.
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS:
City Manager Bill Lewis
requested that Ben Williams give a quarterly report concerning the city's
projects that are currently being conducted by JJ & G Engineering. Mr.
Williams advised that two projects are currently underway. Both projects are
within budget and on schedule. Mr. Williams advised that the Yahoola Creek
Assessment and Protection Plan deals with wastewater. This is required by the
state and it will take approximately thirteen months to complete. Samples must
be taken in four different locations within the city's service delivery area.
Sampling must also be done during wet/dry weather conditions. There has been
some delay in obtaining three consecutive days without rain to obtain samples.
Mr. Williams also advised that he plans to use Lumpkin County's GIS mapping
system to obtain estimates concerning future land use plans. City Manager Bill
Lewis advised that city staff members have been involved in the project and this
has saved the city considerable costs. Mr. Williams advised that the Water and
Wastewater Master Planning is also underway. These plans will give projections
for the next twenty years and will assist the city in planning capital
improvements needed for both water and sewer systems. Projects will be
identified to meet all system demands for both water and sewer treatment and
distribution. These plans should be completed by October or November of this
year.
Mr. Lewis requested Larry Sorohan to present information concerning the
new Signature Community Program. Mr. Sorohan advised that the Department of
Community Affairs has set up a new program to assist communities to address
their local needs. Each year, five Georgia cities will be selected to
participate in the new program. Technical assistance is available through the
program and also access to grants of up to $50,000 and access to matching grants
of up to $100,000. Mr. Sorohan
encouraged council members to approve the application. City Manager Bill Lewis
also recommended the program. A motion was made by Michae1 C1emons to approve
this recommendation. The motion was seconded by Terry Peters and approved by all
members present. Mr. Sorohan also
advised that he plans to close out the city
present TEA Grant and he will apply for another TEA grant if there is a
need. Council members requested Mr.
Sorohan to consult with the DDA and citizens concerning needs of the city that
may be applicable to this grant.
City Manager Bill Lewis advised that four bids were received for the DOT
resurfacing project: Apac Company, $367,978; CW Matthews, $261,748.56;
Colditz, $210,572; and Fortner Paving, $262,380.80. Staff
has verified the quantities and cost and recommended that the bid be awarded to
Colditz for $210,572. Mr. Lewis advised that $24,428.00 has already been spent
for patch work and the total cost of the project is now $235,000.00. Money is
available in the Street Department Budget to cover the $35,000.00 cost over run.
A motion was made by Dudley Owens to approve the low bid of $210,572. This
motion was seconded by Bill Northquest and approved by all members present. Mr.
Lewis advised that the paving should begin within the next 30 to 45 days and
will take approximately one and one half weeks to complete.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS:
Mayor Gary McCullough
announced that MOE's Southwestern Grill's grand opening will be held August 11
at 10:30 a.m. He also announced that he attended a reception of the 14th annual
Southeastern Tourism College in which the city received recognition from
citizens from all over the southeastern states.
Mayor McCullough recommended that Glenn Melvin be appointed as a regular
member of the Dahlonega Historical Preservation Commission. Mr. Melvin has been
serving an Ex-Officio member. A motion was made by Bill Northquest to approve
this appointment. This motion was seconded by Terry Peters and approved by all
members present.
Mayor McCullough advised
that it is illegal for a business to operate within the city limits of Dahlonega
without a city license or appropriate permits. He recommended that staff enforce
the regulations and write citations when necessary.
Mayor McCullough advised that the GEFA Loan to purchase the reservoir is
scheduled to be signed tomorrow. He
also stated that it is now apparent the city and county are unable to come to
any agreements concerning reservoir ownership. A motion was made by Dudley Owens
to give the Mayor authority to execute the reservoir documents. This motion was
seconded by Terry Peters and approved by all members present.
Mayor McCullough announced that the Clean-Up Campaign has been extended
through Wednesday of this week.
COUNCIL'S COMMENTS:
Michael Clemons advised
that he has received numerous calls from citizens concerning DOT lane changes
that have recently been made. Citizens are complaining that the changes are
hazardous. Mayor McCullough recommended that DOT be requested to look at other
alternatives. Council members also inquired about the status of a traffic light
for Pine Tree Road. Mayor McCullough recommended that the Chamber of Commerce,
DDA and city and county officials write a letter of request to the DOT
addressing the urgent need for a traffic light at this location. Mayor
McCullough stated that we should not have to wait for a fatality before a light
is approved.
Council members asked if the POST Election System has been approved by the
Justice Department. City Attorney Doug Parks advised that it has still not been
approved and we may have to revert to the old election system if we do not
receive notification of approval.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS:
Robert Bridges spoke
opposing the new MOE's Southwestern Grill sign. Mr. Bridges stated that the sign
is obstructing the view at the Morrison Moore Connector. City Planning Director
Chris Head advised that DOT has been requested to send a letter concerning the
sign location. Ms. Head advised that the sign location was approved when the
original building was constructed and she cannot find any city regulations to
prohibit the new sign being located on the same poles. Mayor McCullough asked
that the city attorney be consulted concerning this matter.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
It was announced that
Business after Hours will be held at the Buisson Arts Center tomorrow. City
Council members were encouraged to participate in the Citizens Leadership
Alliance to be held September 13 & 14, 2005 at Brasstown Valley Resort.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned
at 7:10 p.m.
APPROVED BY ME THIS DAY OF ,2005.
MAYOR
Attest:
CITY CLERK |
