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

Minutes
July 11, 2019

Meeting called to order by Mayor Rick Roberts

Present for the meeting
John Byrd – Council Member
Mickey O’Malley – 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 – Council Member Frank Homiller

Pledge of Allegiance

Appearances
Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather, annual report on fire/EMS services
Mr. Prather’s appearance postponed until August Meeting

Announcements – City Manager Eric Wilmarth
Upcoming Events: July 20 Stage Fright Band Performing in City Park at 7 PM
July 26 Open Mic

Consider Approval of June 13, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2019 Council Meeting as submitted in writing by City Clerk.
Motion Unanimously Approved

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

Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the second reading of the application for new alcoholic beverage license submitted by Ryan Turnage.
Motion Unanimously Approved

New Business
Consider Establishment of 2019 Operational Property Tax Millage Rate of 4.707 mills (revenue neutral).

Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve the levy of 4.707 mill for the 2019 Property Tax.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider Establishment of 2019 Special Tax District (Fire Tax)

Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the levy of 2019 Fire Tax.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider Memorandum of Understanding for Participation in the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad

Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve entering into a Memorandum of Understanding for participation in the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad between the Sheriff of Cherokee of Cherokee County, Georgia and the City of Ball Ground, Georgia.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider First Reading of Wireless Facilities and Antennas (Small Cell) Ordinance

An Ordinance designed to implement the Georgia Streamlining Wireless Facilities and Antennas Act., O.C.G.A. Title 36, Chapter 66C was introduced to the City Council for consideration. The Ordinance further establishes reasonable regulations for the installation, construction, maintenance, renewal, removal, and relocation of pipes, mains, conduits, cables, wires, poles, towers, traffic and other signals, and other equipment, facilities, or appliances in, on, along, over, or under the public roads of the City.

Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the first reading of this Ordinance.
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 June 30, 2019. The report showed cash on deposit totaled $758,154.49.

The Roberts Lake Park Project: All five parcels of property related to the project are under contract to purchase. It is anticipated the closing of the properties will take place in August.

The Valley Street Scape Project is nearing completion. The landscaping of the project in October will complete the project.

The GIS portal has been added to the City’s website and is now ready for public access.

Mayor Roberts Comments

Mayor Roberts stated a draft of a revised sign ordinance will be sent to council members next week for review.

The Historic Preservation Committee will hold their first meeting in August stated Mayor Roberts.

Mayor Roberts also commented on the Georgia Municipal Association Annual Training Conference. He stated he along with Council Members John Byrd, Mickey O’Malley, Lee Prettyman, City Manager Eric Wilmarth and City Clerk Karen Jordan attended the four-day training event.

While at the conference Council Member O’Malley received his Certificate of Achievement for completing 72 hours of training. The Municipal Training Institute is operated through a partnership between the Georgia Municipal Association and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Elected officials attend a series of training programs designed to help city officials enhance their knowledge and skills in municipal related matters.

Council Members Comments
Council Member O’Malley commended Mayor Roberts and Council Members on the progress the City has made. While attending the GMA Conference Council Member O’Malley stated he heard how many Georgia Cities our size was not as fortunate as Ball Ground has been.

Council Members Byrd, Stoner and Prettyman commended the city staff on the work they do for the City. Each expressed appreciation for the success of the annual fireworks display.

Council Member Stoner stated it was exciting to drive thru downtown and see how it is prospering. She said wherever she goes people are talking about the downtown and sharing their experience of visiting Ball Ground.

Public Comments

Larry Cavender invited everyone to attend the monthly meeting of the Ball Ground Historical Society on Tuesday, July 23 at 7:00 PM. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing Ball Ground resident Billy Childers will be speaking about his years working for NASA.

Glenn Braselton, resident of the Sage Hill Subdivision asked when the sidewalk damaged by a recent water leak repair would be repaired. Mr. Braselton also thanked Mayor and Council Member for the assistance provided to remedy a storm water issue.
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 at 7:50 PM.

The minutes of this July 11, 2019 City Council Meeting approved this 8th Day of August 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.

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

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: _____________________________

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

Minutes
March 14, 2019

Call Meeting to Order – Mayor Roberts
Present for the meeting were:
John Byrd, Council Member
Mickey O’Malley, Council Member
Lee Prettyman, Council Member
Donna England, Finance Officer
Bryon Reeves, Police Chief
Chris Lully, City Planner
Darrell Caudill, City Attorney
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk

Absent: Council Members Frank Homiller and Andrenia Stoner

Pledge of Allegiance

Appearances – None

Announcements – City Manager Eric Wilmarth

Consider Approval of February 7, 2019, Council Meeting Minutes
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2019, Council Meeting as submitted in writing by the City Clerk.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Old Business
Consider Second Reading of Amendment to Ball Ground Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 105 Title Floodplain Management; Section 105-4 Applicability.
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the second reading of the above-stated ordinance.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider Second Reading of Amendment to Ball Ground Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 28 Titled Utilities to Which to regulate fees and charges for storm water utilities 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 storm water utility.

Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the second reading of the above-stated ordinance.
Motion Unanimously Approved

New Business
Consider Purchase of Water Dept. Vehicle: 2019 Ford F-250 Pickup
City Manager Wilmarth presented Mayor and Council Members with a Resolution to lease/purchase a 2019 Ford F- Series SD under the Georgia Municipal Association Direct Leasing Program. This vehicle will be entered into the Public Works Fleet of vehicles. The cost of the vehicle is $29,964.00. As stated in the Resolution an appropriation in the City’s current operating budget has previously been made, which shall be sufficient to pay the “Rentals” and the “Termination Payment” during the “Starting Term” under such Lease Supplements.

Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to authorize City Manager Wilmarth to move forward with the purchase of the 2019-Ford F-Series SD vehicle for the Public Works Department.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider the Surplus of Public Works Vehicle 1993 F-350
Council Member Wilmarth informed Mayor and Council Members that this vehicle was no longer in operation due to costly maintenance issues.

Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to surplus the vehicle and advertise the sale of said vehicle as is on GovDeals.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider First Reading of Annexation Petition
Applicant: David W. Shirley & William R. Shirley
Located 370 & 374 Roy Haynes Drive

City Manager Wilmarth presented an annexation petition from applicants David W. Shirley and William R. Shirley for 3.377 acres located at 370 and 374 Roy Haynes Drive. The property is currently zoned Single Family Residential (R-40). He further stated Cherokee County had no objections to the application.

Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to accept the annexation petition of David W. Shirley and William R. Shirley as presented.
Motion Unanimously Approved

Consider Resolution Declaring April as National Safe Digging Month
The Cherokee County Local Utility Coordinating Committee sent a letter to Mayor Roberts asking that Ball Ground by Resolution proclaim the month of April as Safe Digging Month. Council Members unanimously passed the resolution signed and presented to Cody Averett by Mayor Roberts.

City Managers Report
A written and oral operational and financial report was presented to Council Members by City Manager Wilmarth.

City Manager Wilmarth noted that the Downtown was busier than usual last weekend due to the filming of another movie. Fayleure Productions Inc. filmed scenes for the movie AIRBORNE. The Burger Bus and City Gym was the locations used for filming.

City Manager Wilmarth announced that Chief Reeves and his department was recently recognized by the Cherokee County Board of Education as the “Partner of the Year”. The Police Department has built an outstanding relationship with students, parents, and staff. Chief Reeves and his officers have also been extremely active and present at school functions.

Chief Reeves presented a monthly report of the Departments activity for the month ended February 28, 2019, for Mayor and Council review.

Mayor Roberts Comments
Mayor Roberts reported on the Cherokee County Municipal Association Meeting he along with City Manager Wilmarth and City Clerk Karen Jordan attended the previous evening. He stated Michael Brown of Brown Pelican Consulting LLC gave a presentation regarding Service Delivery Strategy. Mr. Brown discussed the history of the topic, applicable laws, mediation, and litigation. Mayor Roberts stated negotiations with the Cherokee Board of Commissioners would be ongoing until an agreement could be reached.

Council Members Comments
Council Member O’Malley reported the improvements to the tennis courts have not been completed due to the weather. It is hoped this project will be completed soon.

Public Comments – None

Adjourn
There being no further business for Mayor and Council consideration a motion was duly made and seconded to adjourn at 7:40 PM.
Motion Unanimously Approved

The minutes of this March 14, 2019, Council Meeting approved this 25th Day of April 2019.

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

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Council Member Frank Homiller Council Member Mickey O’Malley

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Council Member Lee Prettyman Council Member Andrenia Stoner

Attest: _____________________________
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk