REGULAR CITY OF DAHLONEGA COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 6, 2006

CALL TO ORDER:

The Dahlonega City Council met in regular session on November 6, 2006 at City Hall. Council members present were Michael Clemons, Gerald Lord, Sam Norton, Terry Peters and Bill Scott. Mayor Gary McCullough opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with prayer and asked everyone to stand for the Pledge to the American Flag.

 PUBLIC HEARING-FINAL PLAT APPROVAL:

City Attorney Doug Parks conducted a Public Hearing concerning final plat approval for The Summit Development located on Airport Road. Mr. Guy Middleton presented his request for final approval of Phase 1 and 2. The Dahlonega Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the request. Mr. Parks asked for comments from the public either for or against approval of the final plat. Hearing no comments from the public, staff was asked for their recommendation. Planning Director Chris Head advised that infrastructure plans have not been completed. She recommended approval of the plats contingent upon final approval of infrastructure. A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve this recommendation. The motion was seconded by Bill Scott and approved by all members present.

 MINUTE APPROVAL:

A motion was made by Sam Norton to approve the minutes of the special meeting held October 2, 2006. This motion was seconded by Michael Clemons and approved by all members present. A motion was made by Bill Scott to approve the minutes of the Public Hearing held October 2, 2006. This motion was seconded by Michael Clemons and approved by all members present. A motion was made by Bill Scott to approve the minutes of the regular council meeting held on October 2, 2006. This motion was seconded by Sam Norton and approved by all members present. A motion was made by Sam Norton to approve the minutes of the special council meeting held on October 24, 2006. This motion was seconded by Gerald Lord and approved by all members present.

 REPORTS:

Mayor McCullough advised that reports were submitted by the Dahlonega Planning and Code Enforcement Departments concerning activities of those departments for the month of October, 2006. Dahlonega Historic Preservation Commission Chair Susan Newell advised that the commission met on October 18, 2006 and approved sign applications for The Loft and Keystone Mortgage. Application for improvements to Golden Classic was also approved. Chamber of Commerce Director Dale Steenbergen thanked the city for their assistance with plans for Old Fashioned Christmas. He advised that there has been a lot of response to the ice skating rink to be located at Hancock Park. Grand opening for the ice skating rink will be on November 18. The chamber has received $40,000 in sponsorships toward the ice skating rink. Tickets will be provided to under privileged children. Mr. Steenbergen advised that the chamber has spent $6,500 in support of the SPLOST Referendum.    He also announced that Sen. Pearson will be meeting withgovernment and college officials during December to address local legislative needs. One proposal before the Legislature will be a proposed regional SPLOST which could assist counties with transportation needs. Business after Hours will be held at the new hospital annex on Ansley Drive. Mayor McCullough advised that the city appreciates all the work of the Chamber for Dahlonega.

 CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS:

Council members were advised that the annual Christmas Party will be held December 1, 2006 at 1he Lumpkin County Park and Recreation Building at 6:30 p.m. City Manager Bill Lewis advised that a meeting was held with bank representatives concerning credit and debit card utility payments. Mr. Lewis recommended that only Visa and Master Cards be taken and that a three percent fee be charged for debit and credit card payments. Creative Logic gave a price of $7,900 for an accounting system that includes a new cash register that would provide a central place to enter payments. This system integrates with the bank credit card machine to process credit and debit card payments and also integrates to the accounting system. The price also includes on-site training. Mr. Lewis recommended that this system be implemented to coordinate with the renovations planned for city hall.      A motion was made by Bill Scott to approve these recommendations. The motion was seconded by Sam Norton and approved by all members present. The council was also informed that two pickup trucks have been purchased. These were approved in the FY 07 Budget under a GMA Lease Program. A Resolution is required to authorize the lease purchase of these vehicles at a price of $7,300.90 annually. A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve the attached Resolution. The motion was seconded by Sam Norton and approved by all members present. Mr. Lewis announced that the Council's Planning Retreat will be held at Cohutta Lodge November 9 and 10. 

MAYOR'S COMMENTS:

Mayor Gary McCullough advised that the regular council meeting for December has been changed until December 11, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. Mayor McCullough also announced that Randy Harvey has resigned as a member of the Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority. Mayor McCullough recommended that Chris Welch be appointed to fill this unexpired term. A motion was made by Michael Clemons to approve this appointment. The motion was seconded by Gerald Lord and approved by all members present. Mayor McCullough asked City Attorney Doug Parks to write an ordinance concerning regulations to enforce a no smoking policy for all city properties.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Gerald Lord announced that a Ground Breaking Ceremony will be held December 1 for the new NGCSU Student Parking Deck.

Gerald Lewy announced that Rep. Amos Amerson is seeking input from citizens concerning needs to be presented to the 2007 Legislature.