City Clerk:  Kaylyn Bush

Appointed by the Mayor and Council, the City Clerk is the official record keeper for the City. Duties include recording and maintaining the Council’s official actions in the minutes, coordinating and distributing the agendas, maintaining contracts, ordinances, resolutions and agreements for the City, attesting signatures of the Mayor and Council, and keeping the City Seal. The City Clerk oversees the adoptions and publishing of the Code of Ordinances and helps to ensure that all open record requests are in accordance to the Open Records Act. The City Clerk also serves as the Superintendent of Elections for all City Elections.

About the City Clerk…

Kaylyn joined the City of Ball Ground in October 2023 as a Customer Service Clerk, bringing strong organizational skills and a commitment to public service. In January 2025, she was appointed as City Clerk. She is presently pursuing to become a Georgia Certified Clerk through the Georgia Clerks Education Institute offered by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia, furthering her knowledge and expertise in municipal administration.

In this role, she oversees official city records, supports the Mayor and City Council, and ensures transparency and compliance with municipal regulations. Kaylyn is dedicated to serving the residents of Ball Ground with professionalism, integrity, and a focus on community engagement.

Contact Info

Office phone:  770.735.2123
Email the City Clerk

Memberships & Affiliations

The Ball Ground City Council consists of five members elected at large by the residents of Ball Ground. In order to qualify as a candidate for office, an individual must be at least 18 years old and have been a resident of the City of Ball Ground for at least twelve consecutive months prior to the date of qualification. Each post is elected City wide, and a candidate may simply choose which post number they wish to seek election to. Council terms are for four years.

Questions?
Contact the City Clerk for additional information.

Scott Barnes, Council Member — Post #1

Sworn In: 2023

Scott Barnes and his wife Judy have lived in the City of Ball Ground since 2001.

Scott and his wife have two grown daughters who both grew up in Ball Ground. Scott is retired from Leadership at Publix Supermarkets after 43 years of service. Scott is currently a member of the Cherokee County Planning Commission which he been involved with for the past 14 years representing the City of Ball Ground. Scott has been involved across Cherokee County in various roles of community service since 1997. Scott’s passions are hiking, fly fishing, and spending time with family. Scott is a member of Orange United Methodist Church located in the Lathemtown community.

• Email Councilman Barnes

Call: 470-820-4826

Annette Homiller, Council Member — Post #2

Sworn In: 2023

Annette and her husband Dan live in the historic Stripling-Lovelady-Homiller house. They have two adult sons that they raised in Cary, North Carolina, two precious daughters-in-law, and one precious granddaughter. Having lived in New Mexico, New Jersey, Alabama, Ohio, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Brussels, Belgium before coming to Georgia for college; Annette brings a unique perspective to the City Council. She graduated with a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1986.

Annette regularly volunteers in the Ball Ground Care Closet—a clothing and food pantry inside the Ball Ground Elementary School. She is an active member of the Ball Ground Garden Club. Besides gardening, her other hobbies are sewing, crocheting, crafting, doing puzzles, reading, biking, and hiking. Annette also enjoys walking her dog, Sheba, a miniature Australian labradoodle.

• Email Councilwoman Homiller

Call: 470-820-5693

Vicki Benefield — Post #3

Sworn In: 2021

Mrs. Benefield was sworn in on November 18, 2021 to fill an unexpired Post #3 City Council seat.

Vicki and her husband, Bob first moved to Ball Ground in 2003, moving into the city in 2016.  She has been an active volunteer within Cherokee County since 1991 and has been involved with many charities.  As an entrepreneur, she developed an in-depth knowledge of research, writing, and maintaining government and private grants.  As a former congressional representative, Vicki is experienced in working with constituents and assisting them in resolving any issues they had. She brings experience, conservative values, commitment, and a keen desire to serve the people in our city.  “I am not a politician; I am a citizen who genuinely cares about Ball Ground and the people who live and work here.”

Council Member Benefield is a member of the Downtown Development Authority, Chair of the Roads, Streets and Sidewalks Committee and Co-Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee.

• Email Councilwoman Benefield

Call: 470-820-5494

Kristine Rogers, Council Member — Post #4

Sworn In: 2022

Kristine and her husband, Donald, moved to Ball Ground in 2006. They currently reside in the Historic District in downtown. Kristine and Donald have two daughters, Alexis and Courtney. Alexis works at Northside Cherokee Hospital, and Courtney is a police officer. In 1990, Kristine graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Kristine worked as a Finance Director for a private college in Tampa, Florida. Since then, Kristine has been involved in various aspects of community outreach and volunteer work within the communities she has resided. Kristine has the best interest of both the citizens and the city in mind, and she looks forward to serving the community.

Council Member Rogers is the Chair of the Public Safety Committee and the Co-Chair of the Finance, Insurance and Personnel Committee.

• Email Councilwoman Rogers

Call: 470-820-5555

Dennis Nelson, Council Member — Post #5

Sworn In: 2022

Dennis and his wife, Dawn live in the Mountain Brooke North subdivision. They have lived in Cherokee County for 30 years and over six years in Ball Ground. They have two grown boys on their own now. One is a high school science and biology teacher and the other is a former combat United States Marine veteran. They have three grandchildren.

Dennis has a 45-year career in law enforcement and has held top executive positions with several notable Georgia law enforcement agencies. He has held positions of Police Chief, Chief Jailer of the largest jail in the State and is currently a Prison Warden where he oversees a department of 168 full-time employees assigned in the areas of corrections, code enforcement, and refuse control.

Council Member Nelson is the Mayor Pro-Tem, Chair of the Water, Sewer, and Sanitation Committee and the Co-Chair of the Public Safety Committee.

• Email Councilman Nelson

Call: 470-820-5608

The General Administrative Offices are located in City Hall at 215 Valley Street in Ball Ground.

Our administrative staff consists of the Customer Service Representative, Utilities, Planning and Zoning, Finance, City Clerk and City Manager.

Hours are Monday thru Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, except holidays (see listing).

Our staff is available during regular business hours to assist the public with applications for business license, code enforcement, municipal court, water, sewer and solid waste service accounts, zoning and building inspection or any other areas of business to be conducted with the City of Ball Ground.

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

MINUTES
May 9, 2019

Meeting called to order by Mayor Rick Roberts

Present for the meeting were:
Mickey O’Malley, Council Member
Lee Prettyman, Council Member
Andrenia Stoner, Council Member
Donna England, Finance Officer
Bryon Reeves, Police Chief
Darrell Caudill, City Attorney
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk

Absent: Council Members John Byrd and Frank Homiller

Pledge of Allegiance

Appearances – None

Announcements – City Manager Eric Wilmarth

Upcoming Events: May 11 – Movie in the Park
May 19 – Pickin’ in the Park
4th Friday – Open Mic at the Food Court
1st & 3rd Saturday – Farmers Market in the Food Court
June 29 – Fly Betty Band and Annual Fireworks Display

Consider Approval of April 25, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the minutes of the April 25, 2019 Council Meeting as submitted in writing by the City Clerk.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Old Business
Consider Second Reading of FY 2019-2020 Operating Budget

Mayor Roberts noted that the budget had been properly advertised and a public hearing was held on May 2, 2019 with only staff in attendance. No public comments received.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the FY 2019-2020 Operating Budget as submitted.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Consider Second Reading of Application for New Alcoholic Beverage License
Applicant: Miranda Jackson Business: Fire & Ice Events, LLC/Truck & Tap
Location: 340 Gilmer Ferry Road

Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the second reading of the application for a new alcohol license for Miranda Jackson for 340 Gilmer Ferry Road.
Motion Unanimously Approved

New Business
Consider First Reading of change to Dynamic Breaking Ordinance
The proposed change of the existing ordinance would include the stretch of SR 372 (Ball Ground Highway) from Cherokee Village Drive to Preserve Parkway and also Canton Highway (SR 372) (SR Business 5) to the northern City Limit and south to intersection of Canton Hwy and Howell Bridge Road.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the first reading of this ordinance as submitted.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider First Reading of Changes to Sign Ordinance

Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to remove this item from the agenda.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider Adoption of Sidewalk Policy/Sidewalk Fund

City Manager Wilmarth submitted a proposed Sidewalk Policy for Council consideration. The policy would allow the builder/developer an option of either installing sidewalks as required by code or pay into a sidewalk fund to be established by the City at the initial rate of $5.00 per square foot for sidewalk not installed. The fund would be used at the City’s discretion to reclaim, repair or construct sidewalks within the City. Should the developer believe the cost is too high, he (developer) may be given the option of using an approved crew to install the same linear footage of sidewalk at a location to be specified by the City.

Following Council discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Prettyman, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the Sidewalk Policy as submitted.
Motion Unanimously Approved

City Managers Report

City Manager Wilmarth presented Mayor Roberts and City Council with a written report of operational activities of the City over the previous month. The City Manager covered several of the items in a verbal report.

Chief Reeves presented Council Members with a written report of the Police Department activity for the month of April 2019.
Mayor Roberts Comments

Mayor Roberts stated negations are ongoing with Cherokee County as related to the Service Delivery Strategy. It is hoped we have a signed agreement with the County in the near future,

Council Members Comments
Council Members Prettyman and Stoner commended staff on the work each does for their respected departments.

Public Comments

Comments related to water drainage issues were made from several residents of the Sage Hill Subdivision

City Manager Wilmarth stated the City recently completed a project on South Sharp Mountain Church Lane to deter water from the Sage Hill Subdivision.

Mayor Roberts spoke to the residents concerning the matter and asked City Manager Wilmarth to further look into the complaints.

Executive Session (If Needed)

Adjourn

There being no further business for Mayor and Council Members to consider a motion was duly made and seconded to adjourn at 7:50PM.

The minutes of this May 9, 2019 City Council Meeting approved this 13th Day of June 2019.

_____________________________ ____________________________
Mayor A. R. Roberts, III Mayor Pro Tem John Byrd

______________________________ _____________________________
Council Member Frank Homiller Council Member Mickey O’Malley

______________________________ _____________________________
Council Member Lee Prettyman Council Member Andrenia Stoner

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
April 25, 2019

1. Call Meeting to Order by Mayor Rick Roberts at 7:05 PM
Council Members Present: John Byrd, Mickey O’Malley, and Andrenia Stoner
Council Members Absent: Frank Homiller and Lee Prettyman
Staff Present: Donna England, Chris Luly, Eric Wilmarth, Darrell Caudill, and Chief Bryon
Reeves
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Appearances
4. Announcements – City Manager Eric Wilmarth
5. Consider Approval of March 14, 2019, Council Meeting Minutes
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to
approve the minutes of the March 14, 2019, Council Meeting as submitted in
writing by the City Clerk.
Motion Unanimously Approved
6. Old Business
a) Consider Second Reading of Annexation Petition
Applicant: David W. Shirley & William R. Shirley
Located 370 & 374 Roy Haynes Drive
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to
approve the second reading of an annexation petition by David W. Shirley and
William R. Shirley for property located at 370 and 374 Roy Haynes Drive.
Motion Unanimously Approved
7. New Business
a) Consider First Reading of FY 2019-2020 Operating Budget
Mayor Roberts presented the FY 2019-2020 Operating Budget to Council and provided
a brief overview of the significant changes over previous years.
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to
accept the budget as presented for the first reading.
Motion Unanimously Approved
b) Consider Resolution for County Fire Marshal Services

April 25, 2019
Ball Ground City Council Meeting Page 1

Mayor Roberts put forth a request asking Council to approve a resolution affirming
the City of Ball Ground to begin using the services of the Cherokee County
Fire Marshal for plan review and required commercial building inspections.
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to
approve the resolution.
Motion Unanimously Approved
c) Consider GMA Lease/Purchase of Kubota 4wd ATV
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to
approve the lease/purchase of a 4-wheel drive Kubota ATV from Nelson
Tractor Company in the amount of $11,250.00 through the Georgia Municipal
Association Lease/Purchase Program.
Motion Unanimously Approved
d) Consider the Surplus of Public Works Equipment
City Manager Wilmarth presented Mayor and Council with a list of property he
recommends be surplused and place on GoveDeals for public auction. Items
are identified as: Ferris TA26 Sidearm Mower, John Deere 3120 Tractor, John
Deere PTO drive fertilizer spreader, a 5’ offset bush hog and a Bull Dog ATV.
A motion was put forth by Council Member Stoner, Seconded by Council Member
Byrd to place the above-listed items on the auction site. Motion Unanimously
Approved
e) Consider Application for New Alcoholic Beverage License
Applicant: Miranda Jackson Business: Fire & Ice Events, LLC/Truck & Tap
Location: 340 Gilmer Ferry Road
A motion was put forth by Council Member Byrd, Seconded by Council Member
O’Malley to approve the first reading of an application for new alcoholic
beverage license, applicant Miranda Jackson with Fire & Ice Events, LLC/Truck
and Tap at 340 Gilmer Ferry Road.
Motion Unanimously Approved
f) Consideration Resolution Authorizing Membership in the Georgia Interlocal
Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) Liability Insurance
A motion was put forth by Council Member Stoner, Seconded by Council Member
Byrd to adopt a resolution authorizing membership in the Georgia Interlocal
Risk management Agency (GIRMA) for Liability Insurance.
Motion Unanimously Approved
g) Consider Purchase of property 2019-A
This item of business discussed in Executive Session. No action taken.
h) Consider Purchase of property 2019-B
This item of business discussed in Executive Session. No action taken.
i) Consider Purchase of property 2019-C
April 25, 2019
Ball Ground City Council Meeting Page 2

This item of business discussed in Executive Session. No action taken.
j) Consider Purchase of property 2019-D
This item of business discussed in Executive Session. No action taken.
k) Consider Purchase of Property 2019-E
This item of business discussed in Executive Session. No action taken.
8. City Managers Report
City Manager Wilmarth presented Mayor Roberts and City Council with a written report of
operational activities of the City over the previous month. The City Manager
covered several of the items in a verbal report.
City Manager Wilmarth announced that a meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee
would take place at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 30
th
to discuss the Community

Center, Parks Property and future needs.
9. Mayor Roberts Comments
Mayor Roberts informed Council of the creation of a Historic Preservation Committee
with an initial charge of inventorying the historic properties within the existing
historic district. Mayor Roberts explained that since the initial inventory 15 years
ago numerous structures have been altered or destroyed and it was necessary to
get a new inventory and also to begin planning for the adoption of a Historic
Preservation Ordinance, hopefully by September 2019. Mayor Roberts appointed
the Committee to consist of Stefanie Joyner, Sylvia Bowles, Josh Briggs, and
Anne Hartness and Karen Jordan.
10. Council Members Comments
Council Member O’Malley reported that repairs were being made to the tennis courts and
when finished the courts would also be stripped for pickle ball. No other
comments were received.
11. Public Comments – None
12. Executive Session
• At this time Mayor Roberts left the meeting because of his family interest in one
of the items to be discussed. Mayor Pro Tem Byrd conducted the remainder of the
meeting.
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley 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 in the conference room to
discuss subject acquisitions. Upon completion of discussion Elected officials and
staff returned to the Council Chambers.
April 25, 2019
Ball Ground City Council Meeting Page 3

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.
13. Adjourn
There being no further business for consideration Council Member Stoner put forth a
motion, Seconded by Council O’Malley to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
The minutes of this April 25, 2019, City Council Meeting approved this 9

th Day of May,

2019.

_______________________________ _____________________________
Mayor A. R. Roberts, III Mayor Pro Tem John Byrd

______________________________ _____________________________
Council Member Frank Homiller Council Member Mickey O’Malley

______________________________ _____________________________
Council Member Lee Prettyman Council Member Andrenia Stoner

Attest: _____________________________