The City of Ball Ground is pleased to offer a wide array of parks and recreation facilities for use by our residents and surrounding communities. To reserve these spaces, please use the button below.

Roberts Lake Trail and Park

Roberts Lake Trail is a hiking trail of moderate difficulty that provides the only access to Roberts Lake Park, a 45-acre green space tract along Long Swamp Creek.  In the 1920s the Roberts Family constructed a dam on Long Swamp Creek creating “Roberts Lake”.  A power generation facility was then constructed using a turbine, and power was then supplied to the City of Ball Ground.  After many years of supplying power to the City, Georgia Power became the regional supplier of power, and they purchased and removed the dam at Roberts Lake.  Ruins of the dam and power generation house remain on the site today and give a wonderful glimpse into our past.

To access the trail-head take Roberts Lake Road to the north off Georgia Highway 372 just east of Downtown Ball Ground (near the Wheeler House).  Once the pavement on Roberts Lake Road ends, a logging road continues for .25 miles to the trailhead.  The logging road only accommodates one-way traffic, so be cautious of other vehicles and at times you may have to pull over and back up to allow others to pass.  From the trailhead parking area (marked with signs) the trail runs .7 miles from the parking lot to the dam site.  The trail is of moderate difficulty with significant grade changes.

Valley District Linear Park

One of the few “almost” flat places in Ball Ground, the Valley District Linear Park provides a scenic and welcoming location for walkers, joggers, and bicyclists to enjoy the great outdoors.    The Valley District Linear Park was made possible by matching Special Local Option Sales Tax dollars with Federal grant dollars and has become the favorite walking destination for many in our community.

Calvin Farmer Multi Use Area

A great location for family fun.  Wide open spaces for picnicking, throwing a Frisbee, or flying a kite.

Sports Complex

A recreational area consisting of a ball field, tennis courts and a basketball court that adjoins Calvin Farmer Park.

CONTACTS

Permits and Inspections: Please call (770) 735-2123 or email mtanner@cityofballground.com for all building permits and inspections questions.

Planning and Zoning: Please call (770) 735-2123 for all planning and zoning matters, including annexation, deannexation, rezoning, variances, signs and plan review.

Addressing: Cherokee County GIS is responsible for addressing. Please visit their website for contacts and more information.

Impact Fees (ADOPTED 10/10/24)

• Methodology Report
• Capital Improvement Element (CIE)
• Ordinance

Dates of Public Hearings on Ordinance: 5/30/24 and 7/11/24

Dates of Votes on Ordinance: 5/30/24 and 10/10/24

Annexation Process:
Annexation applications are to be submitted to the City for review before they are provided to Cherokee County for a comment period. County staff has thirty days to review an application and provide comments ahead of a Board of Commissioners meeting, held the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. The Board will provide official comments to the City on the annexation.

The City holds two hearings on an annexation application with the second hearing taking place after the County has provided comments. The Mayor and Council will render the final decision on an annexation application at this second meeting.

Hard copies of annexation applications and submissions must be provided to City Hall, along with digital versions emailed to City staff. There is no fee associated with annexations.

Rezoning Process:
A digital copy of the Rezoning Application is submitted to City staff and then reviewed by City staff. The application and submittal are then sent to Cherokee County for review and scheduling of a public hearing before the Cherokee County Municipal Planning Commission. Public hearings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month. The Planning Commission also holds a Work Session on the 3rd Monday of each month, ahead of the public hearing, to discuss the agenda items. The purpose of the public hearing is for the Commission to hear the zoning case and make a recommendation to the City of Ball Ground for approval or denial.

The Mayor and Council will render the final decision on a rezoning application following a public hearing. If a rezoning is in conjunction with an annexation, the annexation process must be completed before a rezoning is considered.

City fees for rezoning applications can be found in the adopted fee schedule linked on this page. Applicants should contact Cherokee County Planning and Zoning for any additional fees associated with the public hearing.

Variance Process:
Any project that requires a variance must have a pre-application meeting with City staff prior to submission of an application. The Board of Zoning Appeals is authorized to hear and decide on variance cases for the City. This body meets on an “as-needed” basis.

Development Permits:

Development plans must be submitted to the Ball Ground City Hall for all proposed developments within the City. The plans will be reviewed for compliance with all City Ordinances. Development permit fees are project specific and are assessed based on the time required for plan review, engineering review, and number of reviews required. The standards of the Cherokee County Water and Sewer Authority have been adopted for water and sewer construction.

Land Disturbing Permits:

The City of Ball Ground is not an issuing authority. All applications for land disturbing activity (LDA) within the City limits must be submitted to the Georgia EPD. No development permits will be issued unless proof of submission to the Georgia EPD is provided.

Sign Approval Process:
New signs and changes to existing signs are reviewed and approved by City staff on a rolling basis. No sign permit is required for maintenance, cleaning, safety modifications, or changes to the COPY AREA only. For more information, see the City’s sign regulations here.

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

AGENDA
June 13, 2019

Meeting called to Order by Mayor Pro Tem John Byrd in the absence of Mayor Rick Roberts

Present for the meeting
Mickey O’Malley – 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 – Council Members Frank Homiller and Lee Prettyman

Pledge of Allegiance

Appearances
Brock Ryan of Interdev gave a presentation of the City of Ball Ground Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The GIS will provide useful information to staff as well the public.

City Planner Chris Luly continued the presentation explaining how valuable the system will be to staff. The system is expected to be accessible to the public sometime in July.

Announcements – City Manager Eric Wilmarth
June 29 – 7:00 PM Fly Betty Band
9:45 – Annual Fire Works Display
Ryan Turnage with Barrel House Coffee provided information about an event that will take place in downtown on Saturday, June 29, 2019. The event Cherokee Gives A _______, will be held in conjunction with other cities in Cherokee County with the proceeds going to Allison Chambers to help with medical expenses.

Consider Approval of May 9, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the minutes of the May 9, 2019 Council Meeting as submitted in writing by the City Clerk.
Motion unanimously approved

Old Business
Consider Second Reading of Dynamic Breaking Ordinance
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the second reading of the Dynamic Breaking Ordinance.
Motion unanimously approved

New Business
Consider First Reading of Application for New Alcoholic Beverage License
Applicant: Ryan Turnage Business: Barrel House Coffee Co., LLC
Location 275 Gilmer Ferry Road

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the first reading of the new Alcoholic Beverage License for Barrel House Coffee Co., LL.
Motion unanimously approved

Consider Adoption of Tentative Millage Rate for 2019 City Property Taxes

City Manager Wilmarth stated that based on the total net assessed value of the estimated certified tax digest for the current year and the actual certified tax digest and millage rate for the previous year, it is his recommendation to roll the millage rate back to 4.707 mills. This would deem the millage rate as revenue neutral.

As required by O.C.G.A. § 48‐5‐32.1 three public hearings will be held prior to the final adoption of the millage rate.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to tentatively approve the 4.707 millage rate.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Consider Red Cross Facility Use Agreement

City Manager Wilmarth presented a Facility Use Agreement for council consideration between the American National Red Cross (Red Cross) and the City of Ball Ground. The agreement allows the American National Red Cross (Red Cross) to use the City of Ball Ground Community Center and City Gym as emergency shelter during a disaster.

Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the Facility Use Agreement as submitted by the American National Red Cross (Red Cross).
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider Land Acquisition 2019-A
City Manager Wilmarth explained the Capital Improvement Project is a project that requires the purchase of property from five land owners on or along Roberts Lake Road and Long Swamp Creek. At this time the properties are identified 2019-A through 2019-E. Until such time the properties are under contract the property owners will remain anonymous. However, one of the propertied does involve the family of Mayor Roberts of which he is the trustee. Therefore, he is not present at the meeting tonight and has recused himself from all meetings and negations of the properties involved.
Following the information disclosed by City Manager Wilmarth Council Members moved forward with the discussion of the purchase to 2019-A.

City Manager Wilmarth proposed Council Members enter into a contract to purchase all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lot 11, of the 3rd District, 2nd Section, in the City of Ball Ground, Cherokee County, Georgia, and being more particularly described as Exhibit “A” attached hereto and made a part of the sales agreement for the amount of $9,000.00.

Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to enter into a sales agreement to purchase the property identified as 2019-A and further described in the above paragraph in the amount $9,000.00.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Consider Land Acquisition 2019-B
City Manager Wilmarth proposed Council Members enter into a contract to purchase all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lots 12, 13 and 14 of the 3rd District, 2nd Section, Cherokee County, Georgia, Parcel #03N076-02 and being 1.1 acre tract of land more particularly described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto and made a part of the sales agreement for the amount of $44,000.00.

Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to purchase the property identified as 2019-B and further described in the above paragraph in the amount of $44,000.00.
Motion unanimously Approved

Consider Land Acquisition 2019-C

City Manager Wilmarth proposed Council Members enter into a contract to purchase all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lot 337 of the 4th District, 2nd Section, Cherokee County, Georgia, Parcel #04N04-031B and being a 1.34 acre tract of land more particularly described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto and made a part of the sales agreement in the amount $67,000.00

Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to purchase the property identified as 2019-C and further described in the above paragraph in the amount of $67,000.00.
Motion unanimously approved

Consider Land Acquisition 2019-D

City Manager Wilmarth proposed Council Members enter into a contract to purchase all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lots 12, 13, 312, 334, 335, 336, and 337 of the 3rd Districts, 2nd Section, Cherokee County, Georgia, Parcel # 03N07-062 and being 1.64 acre tract of land more particularly described in Exhibit “A” shaded in pink attached hereto and made a part of the sales agreement in the amount of $65,000.00.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to purchase the property identified as 2019-D and further described in the above paragraph in the amount of $65,000.00
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Consider Land Acquisition 2019-E
City Manager Wilmarth proposed Council Members enter into a contract to purchase all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lots 14 and 15 of the 3rd District, and Land Lots 335 and 336 of the 4th District, 2nd Section, Cherokee County, Georgia, containing 45.42 acres, as shown as Tract 1 on a Boundary Survey for the City of Ball Ground, Prepared by: LMX, Inc. certified by Brett Sisson, G.R.L.S. No. 3158, dated: April 10, 2019 and being more particularly described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto and made a part of the sales agreement for the amount of $231,642.00.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to purchase the property identified as 2019-E and further described in the above paragraph in the amount of $231,642.00.
Motion Unanimously Approved.

Consider Approval of GEFA Loan Package
A Resolution was proposed authorizing the governing body of the City of Ball Ground to borrow but not to exceed $425,000.00 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Administered by Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority to finance a portion of the costs of acquiring the land conservation project described in Exhibit A to the hereinafter defined Loan Agreement (the “Project”), pursuant to the terms of a Loan Agreement between the Borrower and the Lender.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the Resolution authorizing to borrow but not to exceed $425,000.00 from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Administered by Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority to finance a portion of the costs of acquiring the land conservation project described in Exhibit A to the hereinafter defined Loan Agreement (the “Project”), pursuant to the terms of a Loan Agreement between the Borrower and the Lender
Motion Unanimously Approved.

City Managers Report
Financial Report as of May 31, 2019
$940,373.80 total of all funds on deposit.

City Manager Wilmarth reported on other various projects and issues within the City.

Monthly report of police department activity was presented in writing by Chief Bryon Reeves.

Mayor Roberts Comments – None

Council Members Comments

Council Member Stoner remarked how much the city has changed since she first was elected to council. She stated it has been rewarding to see the city grow and prosper.

Council Member O’Malley stated the spring baseball season is over. The ball fields appear to be empty now, but it will not be long until the fall season will begin. Pickle Ball has become a very active sport and continues to gain momentum.

Public Comments

Executive Session (If Needed)

Adjourn

There being no further business for Council consideration Council Member Stoner mad a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to adjourn at 8:15 PM
Motion Unanimously Approved.

The minutes of this June 13, 2019 City Council Meeting approved this 11th Day of July 2019.

_______Absent_____________ ___________________________
Mayor, A. R. Roberts, III Mayor Pro Tem John Byrd

_______Absent_____________ _______________________________
Council Member Frank Homiller Council Member Mickey O’Malley

_______Absent_____________ ______________________________
Council Member Lee Prettyman Council Member Andrenia Stoner

Attest: _____________________________
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk

The Occupation Tax (Business License) Department is responsible for the collection of:

• Occupation Taxes
• Alcoholic Beverage Excise Taxes
• Financial Institution Taxes
• Privileged Licensing including:
  • Alcohol
  • Bail bonds
  • Pawnbrokers
  • Precious Metals
  • Taxi Cabs/Vehicles for hire
  • Solid Waste Service Providers
  • Temporary Use Licenses

Business Occupation Tax Certificates must be obtained prior to conducting business in the City Limits. Certificates must be renewed before January 1st of each year. New businesses opening after June 30th will pay a pro-rated fee for their license. For information about a business license, contact Kaylyn Bush at (770)735-2123 or email us.

You will find the Occupation Tax Application, a Affidavit Verifying Status, the eVerify Private Employer Affidavit, and the Occupational Tax Fee Schedule posted online to download and complete. Email or bring them to the City of Ball Ground offices.

Mayor:  A. R. (Rick) Roberts, III

Rick Roberts has been Mayor of Ball Ground since 1988, with a break in term between 1993 and early 1996. Mayor Roberts was an organizer of Cherokee Bank, N.A. in Canton, GA and a Board Member and EVP/Chief Financial Officer for the bank from 1999 until 2014.  He is currently retired from banking.

Prior to that, he spent twenty years with Citizens Bank, Cherokee County, in various capacities, the last six years as Executive Vice President.

A Georgia native and lifelong resident, Roberts attended University of Georgia (BS-1976) and Georgia State University (MBA Program). He is married to Elaine Fraser, and they have two adult sons.

Contact Information

Office Phone:   770.735.2123
Cell Phone:  770.598.4549
Email Mayor Roberts

Memberships & Affiliations

• Mayor of Ball Ground – 1988-1993, 1996-present
• President, Cherokee Municipal Association, 1998-2001, 2006-2016
• Member of the Cherokee County Municipal Planning Commission, 1987-2000
• Board Member, Cherokee County Development Authority, 2000-present
• Ball Ground STEM Academy Advisory Council Member, 1998-present
• Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District Board – 2001-2004 & 2008-2010
• Graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute, 1997
• Served as Vice Chair of Cherokee Recreation and Parks Authority, 1994-2000
• Member of the Reinhardt University Board of Trustees since 2009
• Charter Class member of Leadership Cherokee 1988
• Board member Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce 1996-2000
• Member Rotary Club of Canton 1990-1997
• Board member Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) 2006-2007; 2016-Present
• Awarded Certificate of Recognition  from Georgia Municipal Training Institute/Carl Vincent Institute of Government 2006,  Certificate of Achievement 2009, and Certificate of Excellence 2017.
• Georgia Municipal Association Board of Directors 2008-2010, 2014-present
• Inducted into the Georgia Municipal Association Hall of Fame 2009(48th inductee)
• Metro Atlanta Mayors Association Executive Committee 2006-2010; 2016 – Present
• GMA Legislative Policy Committee 2010-2012