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

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

Minutes
September 12, 2019

Mayor Pro Tem John Byrd called the meeting to order.

Present for the meeting
John Byrd – Council Member
Lee Prettyman – Council Member
Andrenia Stoner – Council Member
Donna England – Finance Director
Bryon Reeves – Chief of Police
Chris Luly – City Planner
Darrell Caudill, City Attorney
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk
Donald Campbell – Cherokee Tribune

Absent: Frank Homiller, Mickey O’Malley and Mayor Rick Roberts

Pledge of Allegiance

Appearances
Marie Harrington representing the Cherokee Volunteering Aging Council (VAC) addressed the council members on the upcoming fundraising events and the mission of the VAC.

Mayor Pro Tem Byrd thanked Ms. Harrington for coming and presented a Resolution to her commending the VAC for the assistance they provide for struggling seniors and senior veterans in Cherokee County.

Announcements – City Manager Eric Wilmarth

September 21 – Downtown Music Festival Noon – 9:00 PM
Farmers Market continues through October
Concert in the Park on October 26 at 7:00 PM

Consider Approval of August 8, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2019 Work Session and Council Meeting as submitted in writing by the City Clerk
Motion Unanimously Approved
Old Business – None

New Business
Consider adoption of Service Delivery Area Map with Cherokee County Water and Sewer Authority (CCWSA)
City Manager Wilmarth presented for council consideration a map identifying the Service Delivery Area with the Cherokee County Water and Sewer Authority (CCWSA). The map highlights two areas in the City’s Service Area that are serviced by CCWSA and should be included in the area rather than the City’s.

Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to relinquish the two areas identified on the map to the Cherokee County Water and Sewer Authority (CCWSA).
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider A Resolution of the City of Ball Ground to authorize the Mayor to establish a Franchise Fee applicable to holders of cable and video franchises issued by the State of Georgia
City Manager Wilmarth presented to Council for consideration a Resolution authorizing the establishment of a franchise fee of 5% of any cable or video state franchise holder’s gross revenues received from the provision of cable or video service generated within the corporate boundaries of the City of Ball Ground, pursuant to a franchise issued by the State of Georgia pursuant to O.C.G.A. 36-76-1 et seq. known as the “Consumer Choice for Television Act” of 2007.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to authorize Mayor Roberts to sign the Resolution as submitted.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider a change to Schedule of Fees
City Manager Wilmarth proposed Council Members amend the schedule of fees to include a Four-dollar ($4.00) service fee as a means of funding stormwater management services in the city. The Ordinance to regulate fees and charges for stormwater utility services, define the scope of responsibility, establishes an enterprise fund, credit and appeal policies, billing and collection policies, and other policies and procedures related to establishing the stormwater utility was adopted in March.

Mr. Wilmarth also proposed Council Members amend the schedule of fees to include a fee of Seven Hundred Fifty dollars ($750.00) for a “Long Side Bore” as related to water capacity fees.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to add the Four-dollar ($4.00) service fee for stormwater management and the Seven Hundred Fifty-dollar ($750.00) fee for long side bores to the schedule of fees.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider an amendment to Retirement Plan Document
Council Members considered an amended Adoption Agreement and General Addendum for the City’s Municipal Employees Benefit System (“GMEBS”) Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (“Plan”). The Addendum to the Adoption Agreement reads (4) Credited Past Service under the Plan for specified classes of employees (see Section 13 of Adoption Agreement regarding Credited Past Service): With respect to Participants who (1) were employed by or in office with the City as of July 1, 2019, and (2) were employed by (at least 24 hours per week) or in office with the City prior to July 1, 2019, a maximum of (5) years of service with the City prior to July 1, 2017, shall count as Credited Past Service for purposes of benefit computation.

Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the amended Adoption Agreement and General Addendum for the City’s Municipal Employees Benefit System (“GMEBS”) Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (“Plan”) as submitted.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider granting authority to CCWSA for Industrial Pre-Treatment Inspections and Compliance of City of Ball Ground Sewage System
City Manager Wilmarth asked council members to consider an agreement between the City of Ball Ground and Cherokee County Water and Sewer Authority (CCWSA) for Industrial Pre-treatment Inspection and Compliance Enforcement. Mr. Wilmarth stated The Riverbend Waste Water Treatment Plant has permit limits established by The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Therefore, in order to maintain permit compliance, they must have an office dedicated to inspection and enforcement of Industrial Discharge to make sure entities are not discharging chemicals that could result in permit violations. The City does not have in house staff properly trained or certified in Industrial Pre-Treatment. The City relies on CCWSA for this service.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to enter into an agreement with the County Water and Sewer Authority (CCWSA) for Industrial Pre-treatment Inspection and Compliance Enforcement.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider Resolution to Cherokee Chamber Regarding Local Control on Architectural Standards
A Resolution supporting locally-established building design standards for residential dwellings was presented to council members for consideration.
Mr. Wilmarth stated legislation was introduced in the 2019 Legislative Session that would prohibit cities from establishing architectural controls and guidelines for development within their corporate limits. Although the Georgia Chamber of Commerce supported the bill the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce did not. Therefore, the cities are calling on the local chamber to oppose the bill and other similar legislation in the 2020 Legislative Session.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to pass this Resolution asking the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce to oppose any and all legislation prohibiting local governments from establishing architectural controls and guidelines for development within their corporate limits.
Motion Unanimously Approved

City Managers Report
City Manager Wilmarth provided Council Members with an unaudited report of account balances, statement of revenue and expenditures for the month ended August 31, 2019. The report showed cash on deposit totaled $791,743.59

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

Mayor Roberts Comments

Council Members Comments

Council Members Byrd, Prettyman and Stoner commended each department for their dedicated service to the City.

Public Comments

Executive Session – Discussion of possible land acquisition
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to adjourn into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the future acquisition of real estate per O.C.G.A. Section 40-14-3(4).

Council Members convened into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing acquisition of real property identified as parcel 2019-06.
No action taken.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene back into the regular meeting.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Mayor Pro Tem Byrd called the regular meeting back to order.

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

The minutes of this September 12, 2019 Council Meeting approved this 10th Day of October 2019.

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.

Minutes
August 8, 2019
Mayor Roberts called the meeting to order.

Present for the meeting
John Byrd – Council Member
Lee Prettyman – Council Member
Andrenia Stoner – Council Member
Donna England – Finance Director
Chris Luly – City Planner
Abby Roach, City Attorney
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk
Donald Campbell – Cherokee Tribune

Council Members Absent: Frank Homiller and Mickey O’Malley

City Manager Wilmarth presented a copy of the Service Delivery Strategy Agreement to each council member for review. Each of the forms included in the document was explained by City Manager Wilmarth.
No Action taken.

Adjourn
There being no further items for discussion the meeting was adjourned.

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

Minutes
August 8, 2019

Mayor Roberts called the meeting to order.

Present for the meeting
John Byrd – Council Member
Lee Prettyman – Council Member
Andrenia Stoner – Council Member
Donna England – Finance Director
Bryon Reeves – Chief of Police
Chris Luly – City Planner
Abby Roach, City Attorney
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk
Donald Campbell – Cherokee Tribune

Council Members Absent: Frank Homiller and Mickey O’Malley

Pledge of Allegiance

Appearances
Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather presented the department’s annual report on Fire/EMS services for the City of Ball Ground and Cherokee County.

Mayor Roberts commended Chief Prather and his department for the services they provide to the residents of Ball Ground and Cherokee County.

Announcements – City Manager Eric Wilmarth

Consider Approval of July 11, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2019 City Council Meeting as submitted in writing by the City Clerk.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Old Business
Consider Second Reading of Wireless Facilities and Antennas (Small Cell) Ordinance

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve the second reading of the proposed ordinance.
Motion Unanimously Approved

New Business
Consider relinquishment of unused sewer easement
City Manager Wilmarth stated that in 2001 a construction easement was acquired from Valley Street property owner Mrs. Margaret Stancil to install a sewer line across a portion of her property. During construction, the line was installed without involving Mrs. Stancil’s property. The property is now for sale and the owner is requesting relinquishment of the easement.

Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to relinquish the easement granted to Mrs. Stancil.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider adoption of policy regarding bidding by employees on surplus property/equipment
City Manager Wilmarth presented the proposed policy for Council consideration. He stated the purpose of this policy is to outline the position of the City of Ball Ground pertaining to the ability to bid on surplus property/equipment. No employee, elected official, nor member of any board or committee of the City of Ball Ground shall bid on, nor cause to be bid on by a third party, of any surplus property outlined in the policy.

Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to adopt the proposed policy as submitted regarding employees bidding on city owned surplus property or equipment.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider adoption of Sewer Capacity Fee Schedule
City Manager Wilmarth submitted for Council consideration a Sewer Capacity Fee Schedule. The fees are for commercial business and are calculated based on their projected consumption.

Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the Sewer Capacity Fee Schedule as submitted.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider adoption of Service Delivery Strategy Agreement
City Manager submitted for Council consideration the Service Delivery Strategy Agreement between Cherokee County Board of Commissioners and the City of Ball Ground.

Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to authorize Mayor Roberts to execute the agreement as submitted.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider adoption of Intergovernmental Agreement between Cherokee County and City of Ball Ground regarding MHz Radio System
City Manager Wilmarth presented an Intergovernmental Agreement between Cherokee County and the City of Ball Ground regarding a Cherokee County Simulcast Remote Radio Site to be constructed and located on property owned by the City of Ball Ground. Also, outlined in the IGA Cherokee County will implement a Voice Trucked Wide Area Radio System replacing the current system. Terms of this agreement are outlined in the IGA.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve entering into the Intergovernmental Agreement with Cherokee County and authorize Mayor Roberts to execute the document.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider adoption of an Intergovernmental Funding Agreement for the Cherokee Office of Economic Development
An Intergovernmental Funding Agreement for of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development was presented to Council Members or consideration. The City of Ball Ground will provide an annual payment of $5,000.00 and an additional $1,000.00 Cherokee Office of Economic Development GIS contribution on February 1 of each year. Additional terms of the agreement are outlined in the IGA.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve entering into the Intergovernmental Funding Agreement with Cherokee County and authorize Mayor Roberts to execute the document.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Consider adoption of Inmate Housing Agreement between Cherokee County and City of Ball Ground
City Manager Wilmarth stated the intent of the agreement will be for the Sheriff’s Department to accept, book, and house Inmates for the City, subject to the terms outlined in the Agreement.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to enter into the Intergovernmental Inmate Housing Agreement with Cherokee County and authorize Mayor Roberts to execute the document.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider adoption of Storm Water Fee Schedule
Per the City’s Storm Water Utility Ordinance Section 28-103 Titled Establishment of a stormwater utility and enterprise fund the City Council from time to time may establish fees for such service. Therefore, it is proposed by the City Council to establish a fee of $4.00 per month and such fee shall be include in the monthly water bill of each city water customer. The $4.00 fee per month shall be billed annually to non-water customers.

Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to establish a $4.00 per month fee for each city water customer to be include on their monthly water bill and the $4.00 fee be billed annually to non-water customers.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Consider InterDev Agreement for GIS Services
City Manager Wilmarth presented to council members for consideration a proposal from InterDev to continue providing GIS services to the City of Ball Ground. This is a 3-year agreement with a 4% escalator per year beginning on the first anniversary from the effective date of the agreement. The escalation fee schedule is as follows: Year 1: $29,120.00 Year 2: $30,285.00
Year 3: $31,496.00.

Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the 3-Year agreement for GIS services from InterDev as submitted and to authorize Mayor Roberts to execute the document.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider Annexation Notification and Land Use Dispute Resolution
City Manager Wilmarth stated the Annexation Notification and Land Use Dispute Resolution is part of the Service Delivery Strategy Agreement and is to be submitted with the annexation notice to Cherokee County.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the Annexation Notification and Land Use Dispute Resolution and to authorize Mayor Roberts to execute the document.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

City Managers Report
City Manager Wilmarth provided Mayor Roberts and Council Members with an unaudited report of account balances, statement of revenue and expenditures for the month ended July 31, 2019. The report showed cash on deposit totaled $774,015.28.

Mayor Roberts Comments
Mayor Roberts commended City Manager Wilmarth for his hard work and dedication in making the Roberts Lake Project a reality. This will be a tremendous asset to the City of Ball Ground for many years to come.

Mayor Roberts commented that his great uncle once operated a power plant on the property that once supplied power to the city. Remains of the operation are still visible today.

Council Members Comments

Council Members each commented on the growth of the City and commended the employees for the work they do each day.

Public Comments

Scott Barnes, who has represented the City of Ball Ground on the Cherokee County Planning Commission for the past 13 years submitted his resignation to Mayor Roberts and City Council. Mr. Barnes stated his place of employment no longer allowed him to serve on this board because of potential conflict of interest. Mr. Barnes stated October 2, 2019 would be the last meeting he would attend.

Mayor Roberts extended his sincere appreciation to Mr. Barnes and presented him
with a plaque for his thirteen years of service.

Executive Session (If Needed)

Adjourn

There being no further business for Mayor and Council Members consideration a motion was duly made and seconded to adjourn.
The minutes of this August 8, 2019, City Council Meeting approved this 12th Day of September, 2019.

Mayor A. R. Roberts, III

Attest: Karen L. Jordan
City Clerk