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DAHLONEGA CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 13, 2004
CALL TO ORDER:
The Dahlonega City Council met in regular session on September 13, 2004 at
City Hall. Council members present were Michael Clemons, Larry Crowel, Guy
LaBoa, Terry Peters, Bill Northquest and Dudley Owens. Mayor Gary McCullough
called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Rev. Kees DeVentee opened the meeting
with prayer. Mayor McCullough asked all present to stand and repeat the Pledge
of Allegiance to the American Flag. Mayor McCullough also requested a moment of
silence in memory of September 11, 2001.
MINUTE APPROVAL:
A motion was made by Larry Crowel to approve the minutes of the August 2,
2004 council meeting. This motion was seconded by Bill Northquest and approved
by all members present.
CITIZENS:
Jack Peck, owner of Jack's Restaurant, requested that the council study the
guidelines concerning the city's noise ordinance. Mr. Peck advised that
currently any type of amplified music is not allowed on the square. Mayor
McCullough advised that a meeting has already been set for November 3. A
committee has been appointed to meet with member of the Department of Community
Affairs for review of the downtown ordinances and develop a new version for the
downtown community. Members of the committee include the following: Gail Jones,
Hal Williams, Larry Crowel, Cameron Malloy, Tom Scanlin and another property
owner is to be appointed to serve on the committee. Jack Peck also agreed to
serve on the committee.
City Manager Bill Lewis introduced Ricky P. Stewart who has recently been hired
as the Special Projects Manager. Mr. Stewart is a civil engineer and currently
is working for North Augusta South Carolina. Mr. Lewis advised that Mr. Stewart
will be a real asset to the city's team.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
The council was advised that reports have been submitted by the Lumpkin
County Sheriff’s Department and Dahlonega Planning and Code Enforcement
Departments for the month of August, 2004.
Gerald Lewy, Chairman of the Dahlonega Historic Preservation Commission, advised
that the commission met on August 18, 2004.
The commission approved a new addition for David Causey at 169
Hawkins Street, banner application for Georgia Mountain Art Project, and sign
applications for the Pink Pineapple, located at 95 North Public Square, Piazza
Italian Restaurant, located at 24 East Main, Frog Hollow Photographic Studio,
located at North Park Street, and Twinkles Studio located at 42 Public Square.
FIRST READING AMENDMENT 1-ORDINANCE 2001-8-TREE ORDINANCE:
A motion was made by Larry Crowel to approve the first reading of Amendment
1 to Ordinance 2001-8-Tree Ordinance. This motion was seconded by Bill
Northquest and approved by all members present.
FIRST READING AMENDMENT 1-ORDINANCE
2003-3-BUILDING INSPECTION:
A motion was made by Larry Crowel to approve the first reading of Amendment
1 to Ordinance 2003-3-Building Inspection. This motion was seconded by Terry
Peters and approved by all members present.
FIRST READING FY 05 BUDGET:
A motion was made by Dudley Owens to approve the first reading of the FY
2005 Budget. This motion was seconded by Larry Crowd and approved by all members
present. City Manager Bill Lewis advised that the General Fund Budget has
increase by $68,621 which is 3.2% over the previous year and the Water and Sewer
Fund has increased by $246,751 which is 8.5% increase over the previous
year. The Water and Sewer Fund increase is due in part to the addition of a
water distribution crew with additional expenses for salaries and supplies. The
Solid Waste Fund is increasing by only $5,000 over the previous year. Mr. Lewis
pointed out that approximately $36,000 has been saved in tipping fees by the
contract negotiated with Eagle Point Landfill. An additional employee will be
hired also in the public works department. This department is experiencing
greater demands because of special events and the high level of attention to the
downtown area. $100,000 is also included in the general find budget as a match
for an anticipated D.O.T. grant of $100,000 to resurface our streets. A
contingency of $145,347 was also budgeted in the General Fund. Also budgeted in
the General Fund was $50,000 for a landscape contract to maintain the
landscaping on the Morrison Moore Parkway and entrance ways to the City. The
contract with Project Earth for maintenance of the shrubs runs out in March of
2005. Mr. Lewis also advised citizens that the milage rate will be rolled back
to 2.867. Alcoholic beverage license rates will increase from $300 to $500 each
for both beer and wine licenses. Cemetery lot fees will be raised to a flat $550
and there will be no discount for multiple purchases. The public was also
informed that the Capital Budget will increase over the next ten years.
Replacement of worn out water and sewer lines, construction of a second water
treatment and wastewater treatment plant must be budgeted for. The current
financial position of the water and sewer fund will not allow the City to borrow
money or to be eligible for U.S.D.A. and GEFA grant funds. While there are no
rate increases recommended in the plan, there are significant fee increases,
many of them directed toward growth paying for itself however, there are some
fee recommendations that will affect the current rate payers. Mr. Lewis advised
citizens that copies of the FY 05 Budget are available in the clerk's office. A
press release will also be published in the paper and a letter will be sent to
customers affected by the rate increases. A motion was made by Dudley Owens to
hold a public hearing at the next council meeting scheduled for October 4, 2004.
This motion was seconded by Guy LaBoa and approved by all members present. City
Manager Bill Lewis advised that Tim Grogg would give a presentation of the
financial plan to citizens present at the public hearing.
SECOND READING AMENDMENT 16-ZONING
ORDINANCE 91-9:
The Dahlonega Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of an
amendment to Zoning Ordinance 91-9 to allow outdoor dining in the B3, B2 and CUD
zoning districts. A motion was made by Dudley Owens to approve Amendment 16 to
Zoning Ordinance 9 1-9. This motion was seconded by Bill Northquest and approved
by all members present.
SECOND READING ORDINANCE 2004-4-OUTDOOR DINING:
Sam Norton requested that the council consider changing the rates charged
for a permit for outdoor dining. Mr. Norton advised that much of the enforcement
for this ordinance would be left up to the Health Department and a restaurant
with only one or two tables should not be required to pay $150.00 for a permit.
A motion was made by Larry Crowel to approve the second reading of Ordinance
2004-4-Outdoor Dining. This motion was seconded by Michael Clemons and approved
by the following vote count: Voting for the motion were Crowel, Clemons and
Peters. Gary McCullough voted for the motion. A motion was made by Bill
Northquest to amend the ordinance to change the permit fee to $50.00.
This motion was seconded by Michael Clemons and approved by all
members present.
FIRST READING ORDINANCE 2004-6-HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLES:
A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve the first reading of
Ordinance 2004-6-Horse Drawn Vehicles. This motion was seconded by Larry Crowel
and approved by all members present. Council members pointed out that this
ordinance needs more study before final approval. Mayor McCullough advised that
a work session would be held.
FIRST READING AMENDMENT 21-ORDINANCE
82-1-BEER/WINE:
A motion was made by Larry Crowel to approve the first reading of Amendment
21 to Ordinance 82-1-Beer and Wine Ordinance. This motion was seconded by Bill
Northquest and approved by all members present.
FIRST READING AMENDMENT
6-ORDINANCE 83-7-CEMETERY:
A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve the first reading of Amendment 6
to Ordinance 83-7-Cemetery Ordinance. This motion was seconded by Terry Peters
and approved by all members present.
FIRST READING AMENDMENT 24-ORDINANCE 75-1-WATER/SEWER RATES:
A motion was made by Dudley Owens to approve the first reading of Amendment
24 to Ordinance 75-1-Water and Sewer Rates. This motion was seconded by Bill
Northquest and approved by all members present.
PROPERTY TAX MILAGE RATE APPROVAL:
A motion was made by Terry Peters to approve the milage rate of 2.867 for
the 2004 property tax digest. This motion was seconded by Guy LaBoa and approved
by all members present.
INVESTMENT REPORT:
A motion was made by Larry Crowel to approve the attached Investment
Report for the month of August, 2004. This motion was seconded by Guy LaBoa and
approved by all members present.
ELECTION SERVICE CONTRACT:
A motion was made by Bill Northquest to approve the attached Service
Contract with Election Superintendent Ida Brown for the upcoming special
election to be held November 2, 2004 concerning the sale of distilled spirits
for beverage purposes by the drink. This motion was seconded by Michael Clemons
and approved by all members present.
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS:
City Manager Bill Lewis advised that a culvert on Happy Hollow Road had to
be replaced which also required the replacement of a speed table. Only one
proposal from Moore Paving for $2,400 was received. During the same period of
time notice was received from D.O.T. that two approved LARP projects for Warwick
Street and Mechanic Street resurfacing would occur. Both streets required
patching and in order to save costs, Moore Paving was requested to expand their
proposal. The total costs on both streets were $6,800. Mr. Lewis asked the
council for retroactive approval for these projects. The council was also
requested to approve a contract with Moore Paving for $5,280 to resurface both
Stargel Street and Schultz Avenue. A motion was made by Dudley Owens to approve
these requests. The motion was seconded by Bill Northquest and approved by all
members present.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS:
Mayor Gary McCullough signed a proclamation for Business Retention and
Expansion Process. The proclamation was presented to Dudley Owens in his
position of Interim Director of the Lumpkin County Development and Water and
Sewer Authority.
ANNOUNCEMENTS-PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Hal Williams advised that Dahlonega has made the first cut as the proposed
location for the finish line for the 2005 Tour De Georgia Bike Race.
Angela Wilson advised that there is a vagrancy problem on the square. Mayor Gary
McCullough advised that he met with the Sheriff concerning these problems and a
contract is being developed in which the Sheriff will provide off duty officers
to patrol the downtown square area five days per week six to seven hours daily.
The schedule will be staggered. Other merchants present at the meeting spoke of illegal mufflers on autos and
motorcycles, loitering, and shoplifting problems. Mayor McCullough stated that
the extra police enforcement should help alleviate all these problems.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Bill Northquest to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m. The
motion was seconded by Michael Clemons and approved by all members present.
APPROVED
BY ME THIS
DAY OF
, 2004.
MAYOR
Attest: CITY CLERK
2004
TAX DIGEST AND 5-YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
THE CITY OF DAHLONEGA DOES HEREBY ANNOUNCE THAT THE MILLAGE RATE WILL BE SET
AT A MEETING TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 13, 2004, AT 6.00 P.M. AT CITY HALL, 465
RILEY ROAD. PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF O.C.G.A. 48-5-32, WE DO
HEREBY PUBLISH THE FOLLOWING PRESENTATION OF THE CURRENT YEAR'S TAX DIGEST AND
LEVY ALONG WITH THE HISTORY OF THE TAX DIGEST AND LEVY FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
CURRENT
2004 TAX DIGEST AND 5-YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY
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1999
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2000
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2001
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2002
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2003
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2004
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FY00
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FY01
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FY02
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FY03
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FY04
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FY05
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REAL &
PERSONAL
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78,104.865
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85,960,940
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94,639,932
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135,808,871
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143,662,554
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151,446,792
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MOTOR VEHICLES
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2,714,766
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2,971,784
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3,030,670
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3,196,860
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3,441,780
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3,863,360
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MOBILE HOMES
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425,316
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401,777
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393,488
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487,989
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383,201
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578,594
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NET DIGEST
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81,244,947
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89,334,501
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98,064,090
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139,493,720
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147,486,535
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155,888,746
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GROSS MILLAGE
RATE
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9.64
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10,791
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9.883
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7.231
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7.20
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7.267
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LESS ROLLBACKS
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5.64
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6.805
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6.000
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4.300
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4.30
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4.40
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NET LEVY
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4.00
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3.986
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3.883
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2.931
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2.90
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2.867
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TOTAL CITY LEVY
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324,980
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356,087
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380,782
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408,856
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427,711
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446,933
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NET LEVY $
INCREASE
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22,712
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31,107
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24,695
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28,074
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18,855
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19,222
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NET LEVY %
INCREASE
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7.5%
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9.5%
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7.99%
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7.31%
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4.59%
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4.49%
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INVESTMENT
REPORT AUGUST, 2004
$30,000 C.D. MATURED AT LUMPKIN COUNTY
BANK - AUGUST 15, 2004 WATER DEPOSIT FUND RESERVED ACCOUNT.
THE FOLLOWING BIDS WERE RECEIVED:
BB&T
1.75%
REGIONS BANK
1.60%
UNITED COMMUNITY BANK
1.85%
LUMPKIN COUNTY BANK
1.75%
WACHOVIA BANK
NO BID
CD FOR $40,000 - INVESTED WITH UNITED
COMMUNITY BANK INVESTMENT REQUIRED TO BE
INCREASED DUE TO INCREASE IN CUSTOMER WATER DEPOSITS HELD
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