June 13, 2019

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

Occupation Tax Certificates (Business License)

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.

Office of the Mayor

Mayor: Dennis Nelson

Chair to the Ethics Committee

Sworn In: 2026

Dennis and his wife, Dawn have lived in Cherokee County for over 32 years with seven of those years in Ball Ground. They reside in the Mountain Brooke North subdivision. Together, they have two grown sons and three grandchildren.

Dennis has worked in law enforcement for 46 years holding top executive positions with notable law enforcement agencies for most of that time. He is a former Police Chief, retired prison Warden, former Chief Jailer of the largest jail in the State of Georgia and is currently a Division Chief with the City of Alpharetta Police Department. Dennis was President of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police in 2017, the largest law enforcement association in the State of Georgia and was a delegate to the Nation of Israel training with their national police.

Dennis was elected to the Ball Ground City Council in 2021 as a councilmember and served as Mayor Pro-Tempore during those past four years. In November of 2025, Dennis was elected Mayor and was sworn in and began his term on January 15, 2026.

• Email Mayor Nelson

Call: 470-820-5608

Office of the City Manager

City Manager: Eric Wilmarth

The City Manager is responsible for providing oversight of the day-to-day activities of the city and project management on behalf of the Mayor and City Council. Other responsibilities include fiduciary responsibilities, public relations, policy implementation and coordination of City activities. The City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and serves at his pleasure.

Jack Tuszynski, PhotoJack.net, Photojack.net@gmail.com

About the City Manager…

Eric W. Wilmarth serves as the City Manager for the City of Ball Ground, Georgia, a rapidly growing City in northern Cherokee County with a population of approximately 3,500 people and combined annual operating budgets of approximately 7 million dollars. Having served in this position since 2001, he manages the operations of seven City departments and contract services.

Eric is a native of Kingsley, Pennsylvania, a retired Sergeant First Class and a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. He is married to Shena A. Mullins and together they have three children.

Contact Information:

Office Phone: 770/735.2123
Email City Manager

Memberships & Affiliations

Ball Ground City Manager 2000 – Present
Metropolitan Atlanta North Georgia Water Planning District Technical Coordinating Committee 2001 – 2004 and 2008-2010
Leadership Cherokee 2002
Regional Leadership Institute 2004
Class 3 Water Treatment Plant Operating License
Member of The Association of Water Professionals
Member of Georgia City-County Management Association
Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority Board Member 2017 – Present

Office of the City Clerk

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

Georgia Association of Business Tax Officials- Present

Georgia Municipal Clerks Association- Present

City Council

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
Mayor Pro-Tem

Chair of the Roads, Streets, and Sidewalks Committee

Co-chair of the Finance, Insurance, and Personnel Committee & Water, Sewer, and Sanitation Committee.

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

Historic Preservation Commission

Co-chair of the Roads, Streets, and Sidewalks Committee

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

Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Parks and Recreation Committee

Co-chair of the Ethics Committee & Public Safety Committee

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.”

• Email Councilwoman Benefield

Call: 470-820-5494

Kristine Rogers, Council Member — Post #4

Chair of the Public Safety Committee

Co-chair of the Economic Development Committee & Parks and Recreation Committee

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.

• Email Councilwoman Rogers

Call: 470-820-5555