Hello Ball Ground,

Due to staffing shortages stemming from COVID-19, our Curb-Side Sanitation and Recycle pick-up will take place this Saturday instead of Friday.

Eric

Hello Ball Ground –

Mayor Roberts continues to participate in a number of COVID-19 meetings (all virtual of course), trying our best to stay abreast of the most current information. We are happy to finally say that cases are again dropping for our area. While we are still considered a hot-spot, cases last week dropped 23% while deaths dropped 44%. Hospital admissions for COVID-19 dropped 32% over the reporting bed, and ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients dropped 13%. Probably one of the most significant numbers that has remained consistent over the past month is that of all the hospitalizations, only 15% are over age 65. This is really a major turn of events. However all improving numbers still exceed last summer’s COVID peak so social distancing and mask wearing when near others you don’t live with are still very important to keep cases falling.

Another significant thing Mayor Roberts learned this past week, direct from Doctor Toomey, is that the previous claims by certain vaccine providers that you MUST get the vaccine in the county in which you reside is completely false. According to Dr. Toomey, any Georgian can receive the vaccine anywhere in Georgia and she would like to hear of any offices that are denying vaccines based on county of residency. So if this happens to you, please let us know the specifics and we will report to Dr. Toomey.

If you are a Ball Ground resident, over the age of 65, that has been unable to obtain an appointment for the vaccine, we would like to hear from you as well, to assist you in getting a vaccination appointment Also, if you have an appointment, but have no way to get to your appointment, please let us know that as well and we will work to find you transportation.

The A.W. Roberts Water Line relocation continues. Last week the new replacement line was bored under State Route Business 5 just north of the shell station and has re-established our cross-highway connection. We will be meeting with the contractor today and determine the schedule for re-routing traffic on A.W. Roberts while that existing line is dug into and turned off. The project is now 60% complete. Again, the significance of this project is the promise by GDOT to come in and make substantial roadway repairs on A.W. Roberts and Gilmer Ferry Road which are badly needed. But only GDOT and not the City can make them on a state Highway.

We have received notice from our sanitation company, Advanced Disposal, that they will be increasing our rates by the annual consumer price index rate of 3.6%, effective February 1st, 2021. But given the growth in customer base, we will not need to pass this increase on to our customers at this time.

Let’s have a great week Ball Ground.

Eric

Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council
City of Ball Ground, Georgia
Ball Ground City Hall ~ 7:00 P.M.

Minutes
November 14, 2019

Mayor Rick Roberts called the November 14, 2019 meeting to order.

Council Members present:
John Byrd – Council Member
Mickey O’Malley – Council Member
Lee Prettyman – Council Member
Andrenia Stoner – Council Member
Chris Luly – City Planner
Darrell Caudill, City Attorney
Donna England, Finance Director
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk
Donald Campbell – Cherokee Tribune

Council Members Absent: Frank Homiller

Pledge of Allegiance

Appearances – None

Announcements – City Manager Eric Wilmarth
December 6, 2019 The March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots
January 13, 2019 – Mayor and City Council Planning Retreat

Consider Approval of October 24, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve the minutes of the October 24, 2019 Council Meeting and Work Session as submitted in writing by the City Clerk.
Motion unanimously approved

Old Business – None

New Business

Consider appointment to the Cherokee County Municipal Planning Commission
Council Member, Byrd put forth a motion Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to appoint Dennis Holt to represent the City of Ball Ground on the Cherokee County Planning Commission.
Motion unanimously approved.
Mayor Roberts stated Mr. Holt would serve a 14-month term expiring in January 2021. Thereafter the appointment would become an annual appointment in January.

Consider Storm Water Mapping Proposal from InterDev
InterDev submitted a proposal for a Stormwater Utility Data Collection Project in the amount of $20,175.00. In the proposal InterDev stated; by commissioning this work, Ball Ground will gain an authoritative data model of its stormwater utility network that can be used to generate insights on usage and maintenance as well as be built upon as the City grows. By using advanced collection methods, the results will be spatially accurate to within 1 meter, will have precise attribute data, and will be in a data model and format that is optimized for use within the City’s existing GIS platform.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve the proposal for services as submitted by InterDev in the amount of $20,175.00. Motion unanimously approved.

Consider Advertising to Accept Bids/Proposals (RFPs) for Solid Waste Services
City Manager Wilmarth stated he recently received notice from Santek, the City’s current solid waste provider that they would be increasing their rates 43% for services the coming year. Our current contract with Santek is set to expire on February 1, 2020. To ensure we are getting the best price for services it was recommended the City advertise for bids/RFP’S.

Mayor Roberts stated he would like to maintain cost as close to the current rates as possible.

Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to advertise for acceptance of bids for solid waste services.
Motion unanimously approved.

Consider State Wide Mutual Aid Agreement
City Manager Wilmarth stated the current Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement (SWMAA) is set to expire on March 1, 2020. The purpose of this agreement is to provide framework to support mutual assistance in managing an emergency or disaster occurring within any political subdivision that is a Participating Party, whether arising from natural disaster, technological hazard, human caused disaster, civil emergency, community disorders, insurgency, enemy attack, acts of terrorism, other significant events or homeland security activity. (See Agreement for additional terms and conditions) This agreement once executed is valid until March 1, 2024

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to authorize Mayor Roberts to execute the Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement as submitted.
Motion unanimously approved.

City Managers Report
City Manager Wilmarth provided Council Members with an unaudited report of account balances, and statement of revenue and expenditures for the month ended October 31, 2019. The report showed cash on deposit totaled $801,988.55.

Chief Reeves presented a written report of the Police Department’s activities for the month of October 2019.

City Manager Wilmarth informed Mayor Roberts and Council Members that the City’s status as a Qualified Local Government had expired. This is due from the cities and Cherokee County not being in compliance with the Service Delivery Strategy law. Until we are compliant we will likely not be able to obtain permits and funding of certain city project.

Mayor Roberts Comments
Mayor Roberts announced the Council Planning Retreat would be held Monday, January 13, 2020 at the Cherokee County Airport. Council Members were asked to pick a topic of interest for discussion.

Council Members Comments
Council Member O’Malley reported the City Gym is in high demand. Anyone inquiring about renting the facility is asked to call after March 1, 2020.

Council Member Byrd reported members of the Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Board are very active and highly interested in the development of the City.

Council Member Prettyman stated he had received many positive comments concerning the banners displayed around town recognizing Veterans Day.

Public Comments – None

Executive Session to consider acquisition of land parcel 2019(f)
At this time Mayor Roberts left the meeting because of the interest he and his family have in the item to be discussed. Mayor Pro Tem Byrd conducted the remainder of the meeting.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to adjourn into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing future acquisition of real estate. (O.C.G.A. 50-14-3(4))
Motion Unanimously Approved

Elected officials and staff convened into Executive Session to discuss subject acquisition of parcel 2019(f).

Upon completion of discussion a motion was put forth by Council Member Stoner, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene back into the open meeting.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Adjourn

There being no further business for Council discussion Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to adjourn the meeting.
Motion unanimously approved.

The minutes of this November 14, 2019 meeting approved this 9th Day of January,
2020.

Mayor A. R. Roberts, III

Attest: Karen L. Jordan
City Clerk

Work Session of the Mayor and City Council
City of Ball Ground, Georgia
Ball Ground City Hall ~ 6:00 P.M.
October 24, 2019

Call Meeting to Order – Mayor Roberts

Present for the meeting:
John Byrd – Council Member
Mickey O’Malley – Council Member
Lee Prettyman – Council Member
Andrenia Stoner – Council Member
Chris Luly – City Planner
Darrell Caudill, City Attorney
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk
Donald Campbell – Cherokee Tribune

Council Members Absent: Frank Homiller

The following agenda items were discussed:

Old Business
Consider Second Reading of Amendment to Retirement Plan Document

New Business
Consider Resolution of Support for DNR Trails Grant Application
Consider Resolution of Support for Long Term Maintenance Commitment if approved for DNR Trails Grant
Consider sale of 301 Gilmer Ferry Road (Surplus Property Declaration)
Consider First Reading of Proposed Changes to Sign Ordinance
Proclamation recognizing November 3, 2019 as Retired Educators Day
Consider Intergovernmental Agreement for Cherokee Co. to Conduct Elections for City of Ball Ground

The Work Session was adjourned with no action taken on the items discussed.

Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council
City of Ball Ground, Georgia
Ball Ground City Hall ~ 7:00 P.M.

Minutes
October 24, 2019

Call Meeting to Order – Mayor Roberts

Present for the meeting:
John Byrd – Council Member
Mickey O’Malley – Council Member
Lee Prettyman – Council Member
Andrenia Stoner – Council Member
Chris Luly – City Planner
Darrell Caudill, City Attorney
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk
Donald Campbell – Cherokee Tribune

Council Members Absent: Frank Homiller

Pledge of Allegiance

Appearances – None

Announcements – City Manager Eric Wilmarth

October 24, 2019, Spooktacular will be held at the Community Building. Sponsored by the Main Street Board.

Consider Approval of September 12, 2019, Council Meeting Minutes
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the minutes of September 12, 2019 as submitted in writing by the City Clerk.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Old Business

Consider Second Reading of Amendment to Retirement Plan Document
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the amendment to the City’s retirement plan as submitted.
Motion Unanimously Approved

New Business

Consider Resolution of Support for DNR Trails Grant Application
City Manager Wilmarth stated that over the next several years the City will continue to enhance the accessibility of the Roberts Dam Park. In order to do this, obtaining grant funds is a must. This resolution defines the need to expand the trail system through grant funding from the Georgia Stewardship Program.

Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to support providing ongoing maintenance and properly funding such maintenance on all trails constructed within the City.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Consider Resolution of Support for Long Term Maintenance Commitment if Approved for DNR Trails Grant
City Manager Wilmarth stated this resolution reflects the City’s commitment to provide ongoing maintenance, and proper funding for such maintenance, on all trails constructed within the City.

Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve this resolution reflecting the City’s commitment to provide ongoing maintenance, and proper funding for such maintenance, on all trails constructed within the City.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Consider sale of 301 Gilmer Ferry Road (Surplus Property Declaration)
After much discussion, Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to declare property located at 301 Gilmer Ferry Road (location of old City Hall) as surplus and to accept sealed bids for such property.

Motion Unanimously Approved.

Consider First Reading of Proposed Changes to Sign Ordinance
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd, to table this item of business for Ninety (90) days.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Proclamation recognizing November 3, 2019, as Retired Educators Day
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the proclamation proclaiming November 3, 2019 as Retired Educator Day in the City of Ball Ground.
Unanimously Approved

Consider Intergovernmental Agreement for Cherokee Co. to Conduct Elections for City of Ball Ground
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd, to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement for Cherokee County to conduct City elections.
Motion Unanimously Approved

City Managers Report
City Manager Wilmarth provided Council Members with an unaudited report of account balances, and statement of revenue and expenditures for the month ended September 30, 2019. The report showed cash on deposit totaled $743,100.82

Chief Reeves presented a written report of the Police Department’s activities for the month of September 2019.

Mayor Roberts Comments
Mayor Roberts reported the Historic Preservation Committee is making progress towards drafting a Historic Preservation Ordinance for Council consideration. It is anticipated the ordinance will be presented at the 2020 Council Retreat for review.

Mayor Roberts announced he would like to hold a planning retreat for either January 11, or February 1, 2020. The deciding date will be announced later.

Mayor Roberts stated he was impressed with the September 21 event held in downtown. He further stated he had received many positive comments and he looked forward to more of these types of events being held in the future.

Council Members Comments

Public Comments – None

Executive Session

Adjourn

There being no further business for Mayor and Council Members consideration a motion was duly made and seconded to adjourn at 8:40 PM.

The minutes of this October 24, 2019 City Council Meeting and Work Session approved the 14th Day of November, 2019.

Mayor A. R. Roberts, III

Attest: Karen L. Jordan
City Clerk