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Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council
City of Ball Ground, Georgia
Ball Ground City Hall ~ 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
Item 1: Meeting Called to Order by Mayor Roberts
Council Members and Staff Present:
John Byrd – Council Member
Andrenia Stoner – Council Member
Lee Prettyman – Council Member
Darrell Caudill, City Attorney
Donna England, Finance Director
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk
Item 2: Pledge of Allegiance
Item 3: Approve Agenda
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the agenda with the following amendments: Remove Item 8 (a), and 9 (a), and add Consider Inmate Housing Agreement and Ratification Authorizing City Clerk to sign any and all documents related to the closing of the Swap Closing between the City of Ball Ground, and BG Partners, LLC on August 31, 2021.
Motion Unanimously Approved
Item 4: Appearances – None
Item 5: Public Comments
Dan Frechette of 306 Upper Pheasant Ct. addressed the mayor and council concerning the Loyd Development. Mr. Frechette thanked Mayor Roberts and the Member of Council for their influence on the Loyd Development withdrawing their annexation and rezone application. He stated the development would have had a detrimental effect on the traffic flow in the area.
Mayor Roberts thanked Mr. Frechette for his comments.
Mary Luchan of 201 S. Mountain Brook Way thanked Mayor Roberts and Member of Council for the issuance of the Executive Order related to the placement of signs in the city. Mrs. Luchan asked if the ordinance had been amended or did the Executive Order fix the issue.
Mayor Roberts stated there was an error in the ordinance,
City Manager Wilmarth stated that under Scrivener’s Rule the error was corrected by the Mayor’s Executive Order. If the elected body wants to consider a permanent 60-day allowance of the placement of signs the ordinance would have to be amended.
Mayor Roberts stated he would like for Council to discuss and determine if and what changes needed to be made to the ordinance.
Item 6: Announcements/Informational Items/Project Updates – City Manager
October 16, 2021 – Rivers Alive Clean up 9AM – 1PM
December 3, 2021 – Annual March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots 7PM
Item 7: Approval August 12, 2021, Council Meeting
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the minutes of the August 12, 2021, meeting as submitted in writing by the City Clerk.
Motion Unanimously Approved
Item 8: Old Business
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the City of Ball Ground Development Code as submitted for approval.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 9: New Business
A Proclamation unanimously adopted by Council Members and read by Mayor Robers urging all citizens to study the Constitution of the United States of America and reflect on the privilege of being an American with all the rights and responsibilities which that privilege involves; And furthermore, declared the week of September 17-23, 2021, ad Constitution Week in the City of Ball Ground.
City Manager Wilmarth stated he had received a proposal from Staurolite Minerals and Mines to lease property adjacent to 345 Gilmer Ferry Road. As part of the proposal, the City of Ball Ground would remove the marble from the property so to improve the parking area and install a black metal fence along the sidewalk between RockSolid Brewing Co. and Easy Ride Cars at a cost of approximately $35,000. In exchange for the improvements, the city would receive 4 years of use of the parking area without a fee. After four years, the city would then begin paying a monthly fee of $700.00.
Council Members discussed the need for additional parking in the downtown area. Council Member Stoner then put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to enter into a lease agreement with Staurolite Mineral and Mines.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
City Manager Wilmarth stated the 2014 Dodge Charger a police department vehicle is once again in the repair shop. Mr. Wilmarth said it is time to replace the vehicle due to the mounting cost to repair the car.
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to surplus the 2014 Dodge Charger and advertise the vehicle sale on GovDeals.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
City Manager Wilmarth stated in order to “refund” the lease on City Hall to generate the cash to construct the new police station it is necessary to declare the current City Hall and property as surplus, to advertise property for sale, and to accept bids for the sale of the property.
City Manager Wilmarth explained the process to Mayor Roberts and Council Members.
Following discussion, Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to adopt the Resolution supporting the public sale of a certain tract of the real property described in the Resolution; the authorization and ratification of notice of such sale, and the determination of deadlines for the receipt of sealed bids; and for other purposes.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
City Manager Wilmarth stated it is the intent of this Agreement, that in pursuance of law enforcement in and for the City and County, the County and Sheriff will accept, book, and house Inmates for the City, subject to the terms in the Agreement. The City will compensate the County a rate of fifty-five ($55.00) per inmate per day.
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to enter into the Inmate Housing Agreement between Cherokee County and the City of Ball Ground pending review by City Attorney Caudill.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to ratify the authorization of City Clerk Karen L. Jordan to sign any and all documents related to the Swap Closing between the City of Ball Ground and BG Partners, LLC on August 31, 2021.
Motion Unanimously Approved
Item 10: City Manager Comments
City Manager Wilmarth provided Council Members with an unaudited report of account balances, and a statement of revenue and expenditures for the month ended August 31, 2021. Accounts on deposit totaled $1,637,222.74.
Chief Reeves presented a written report of the Police Department’s activity for the month ended August 31, 2021, for Mayor and Council Members to review.
The U.S. Census Bureau has released the 2020 results and it shows that Ball Ground had a population increase of 78%. Our present population is 2,560. Our population according to the 2010 Census data was 1,433.
City Manager Wilmarth also updated Mayor and Council Members on several projects ongoing in the city.
Item 11: Mayor Roberts’s Comments
Mayor Roberts said he hoped the number of COVID cases has peaked. The numbers are still being closely monitored with anticipation of their decline. Mayor Roberts encouraged everyone to get vaccinated.
Mayor Roberts expressed his excitement about the upcoming November 2, 2021, Municipal Election. He said he was flattered to be serving another four-year term. He also wished all the candidates good luck.
Item 12: Council Comments
Council Member Prettyman, Byrd, and Stoner thanked Chief Reeves and the entire staff for their dedicated service to the city.
Council Member Byrd said he appreciated the number of candidates who qualified for the November 2, 2021, Municipal Election.
Item 13: Executive Session – Discussion of Potential Litigation
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to adjourn into Executive Session to consult with legal counsel pertaining to potential litigation per O.C.G.A. 50-14-2.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene back into the regular council meeting.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 13: Adjourn
After reconvening back into regular session Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to adjourn the meeting.
The minutes of this September 9, 2021, City Council Meeting adopted this 14th Day of October 2021.
Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council
City of Ball Ground, Georgia
Ball Ground City Hall ~ 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
August 12, 2021
Item 1: Meeting Called to Order by Mayor Roberts.
Council Members and Staff Present:
John Byrd – Council Member
Mickey O’Malley – Council Member
Andrenia Stoner – Council Member
Lee Prettyman – Council Member
Chris Luly – Director of Planning and Zoning
Darrell Caudill, City Attorney
Donna England, Finance Director
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk
Donald Campbell – Cherokee Tribune
Item 2: Pledge of Allegiance
Item 3: Approve Agenda
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the agenda.
Motion Unanimously Approved
Item 4: Appearances – None
Item 5: Public Comments – None
Item 6: Announcements/Informational Items/Project Updates – City Manager
October 16, 2021 9:00AM – 2:00 PM Rivers Alive Event. Participants are asked to meet at City Hall at 9:00 AM
November 11, 2021, City Council Meeting has been rescheduled for November 18, 2021.
Item 7: Approval of July 15, 2021, Council Meeting Minutes and July 30, 2021, Special Called Meeting
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2021, Council meeting as submitted by the City Clerk.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Council member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve the minutes of the July 30, 2021, Special Called Council Meeting as submitted by the City Clerk.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 8: Old Business
Development Group
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the second reading of this agreement as presented.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Applicant: Lee Lusk – Mineral Spring Road (04N02-018, 020, & 021)
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve a Resolution relative to this annexation of three hundred thirty-four and 06/100 (334.06) acres, tax parcel maps 04N02, Parcels 004A, 008, 018, 020, and 021. The certain property is also described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein by specific reference, conditioned upon the following specific provisions which shall be met or completed prior to any approval of require permitting as follows:
Council Members Byrd, O’Malley, & Prettyman voted aye in favor of the motion.
Council Member Stoner voted nay against the motion.
The ayes have it, the motion carries
Applicant: Lee Lusk – Mineral Springs Road (04N02-004A)
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve the second reading of the annexation of three hundred thirty-four and 06/100 (334.06) acres, tax parcel maps 04N02, Parcels 004A, 008, 018, 020, and 021. The certain property is also described in Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein by specific reference, conditioned upon the following specific provisions which shall be met or completed prior to any approval of required permitting as follows:
Council Members Byrd, O’Malley, & Prettyman voted aye in favor of the motion.
Council Member Stoner voted nay against the motion.
The ayes have it, the motion carries
Item 9: New Business
Applicant: Loyd Development Services – Ball Ground Hwy.
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the first reading of Annexation Petition 2021-04 as submitted by Loyd Development Services, for 40+/- acres located on Ball Ground Hwy.
Motion Unanimously Approved
City Manager Wilmarth proposed the following items be surplused and sold as a lot sale on GovDeals. If the items are not sold, request approval for the items to be sold as scrap metal, and money be deposited into the general operating expense account. Utility Trailer 6X10, Husqvarna Push Mower, Yardman 22” push mower, Bulldog ATV, Echo Weed Trimmer, Husqvarna 327RJ Trimmer, Husqvarna Trimmer 225R, Husqvarna Trimmer 372RJ, (2) RedMax Trimmers, (2) Ryobi Blowers, KM110R Trimmer, Husqvarna push mower, Yardman 22” push mower, Snapper leaf vacuum, Yard Machine Edger, Norther Tool Snow Blower.
The following items are to be declared surplus and sold on GovDeal to the highest bid: Frontier SS1067B Broadcaster, Bush Hog Brand 5’ Offset Bushhog, and 1993 Ford f-350 Service Truck.
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the list of items as presented for surplus and sold as recommended by the City Manager.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Mayor Roberts stated that in 2007/2008 when City Hall was built the original architectural plans were to build three buildings. Based on the cost we opted to build two of the three while delaying the third, which was to house the police department. We have now reached a point where we need the space, and while being successful to obtain the funding we have decided to move forward with the construction of the third building to house the police department.
City Manager Wilmarth presented the financing proposal from Regions Bank. The document reads Regions Equipment Finance Corporation is pleased to furnish a Term Sheet to the City of Ball Ground for a $1,700,000.00 Tax Exempt, Bank Qualified Loan for the purposes set forth. The Borrower anticipated financing the Project, and closing costs associated with the financing, through the Georgia Municipal Association Bricks & Mortar Program.
Purpose: The proceeds of the loan will be used to (a) finance outstanding debt of $834,797 related to the construction of the City Hall/City Administration Building. (b) finance additional debt of $800,000 for the construction of the Police Department, and (c) cost of issuance (collectively, the (“Project”).
Loan Amount: Up to $1,700,000
Structure The Bank Qualified Ta-Exempt Term Loan will be financed through the Georgia Municipal Association Bricks & Mortar Program.
Interest Rate: The Loan is a Tax-Exempt, Bank Qualified Loan
The rate will be 2.40% throughout the term of the loan.
Repayment: Principal and interest shall be payable on the 1st of each month (calculated on the basis of a 30-day month and a 360-day year) commencing one month after closing. All payments are due on the same calendar day of the month.
Maturity Date: Fifteen years after loan closing with a 240-month amortization.
Security: GMA will assign to the Lender its interest in the Installment Sale Agreement, including its right to receive the Base Rental payable under the Installment Sale Agreement, and, in order to secure the repayment to the Lender of the Financing Amount, GMA will convey to the Lender security title to and security interest in the Project by a Deed to Secure Debt.
Mayor asked when the construction would begin.
City Manager Wilmarth replied the anticipated start date would be five to six months.
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to enter into a Bank Qualified Term Loan for up to $1,700,000 through Regions Equipment Finance Corporation and further agrees with to the conditions contained in Exhibit A of the Term Sheet.
Motion Unanimously Approved
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the adoption of the City of Ball Ground Development Code as proposed.
Motion Unanimously Approved
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the request from W. S. Lathem Properties, LLC to accept permanent maintenance and ownership of Harris Court, Covington Dr., sidewalks, street lamps, water, and sewer infrastructure on public right of way and stormwater in Olde Mill Subdivision as identified below:
Motion Unanimously Approved.
A Warranty Deed from W. S. Lathem Properties, LLC for all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lot 7 of the 3rd District, 2nd Section, Cherokee County, Georgia and being more particularly described as Exhibit “A” (Legal Description) attached hereto and incorporated herein was presented to Council for consideration.
City Manager Wilmarth stated this property is where the Sanitary Sewer Lift Station for the Old Mill Subdivision is located and is being granted to the City of Ball Ground FEE SIMPLE by W. S. Lathem Properties, LLC.
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to accept this property as identified above FEE SIMPLE by W. S. Lathem Properties, LLC.
Motion Unanimously Approved
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve Resolution R-04 requesting that the segment of State Route 372 between Flatbottom Road and State Route 5, thru downtown Ball Ground, also known as Gilmer Ferry Road and A. W. Roberts Drive be abandoned to the City of Ball Ground and removed from the State System upon completion of the proposed SR 32 Spur/Truck Route.
Motion Unanimously Approved
City Manager Wilmarth asked the council to amend the existing fee schedule to add a fee schedule titled Planning and Zoning. The fees are for the following services: Rezoning, Annexation, Variance, Administrative Variance, Signs, Special Land Use Permit, Valley Overlay District Concept Plan Review, Residential Development Site Plan Review, Commercial Development Site Plan Review, Final Plat Review, Zoning Certificate, and Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy.
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the Schedule of Fees as related to Planning and Zoning and, Building as presented.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Council Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve Resolution R-05, which strongly encourages the State Transportation Board to consider revising the proposed Chapter 672-11 to reimpose a rate for use of municipal rights-of-way as clearly intended by the Georgia General Assembly, and such rate should be adequate to render the use of the municipal rights-of-way n a manner consistent with the Georgia Constitution and not as a gratuity.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 10: City Manager Comments
Item 11: Mayor Roberts Comments
Mayor Roberts commented on the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Cherokee County. Because of the increase we are advocating everyone entering City Hall wear a mask and practice social distancing. Signs will be going up around town to remind everyone to practice social distancing even if they are vaccinated. It is anticipated the present surge in COVID cases will peak within the month. Until then, we ask everyone to mask up and practice social distancing.
Mayor Roberts announced he has decided to attempt one more term as Mayor. He stated, we have a number of projects going on and he would like to continue to serve another term in order to see them completed.
Mayor Roberts talked about his attendance at the recent Georgia Municipal Association Annual Conference. He stated he attended a class where he gained information on how to form a Youth Council. Mayor Roberts said it was his intention to establish a Youth Council earlier in the year, but COVID halted the process. Mayor stated he is now hoping to establish a Youth Council before the end of the year. Mayor Roberts stated he is looking forward to having the input of our younger people and teaching them about government operations.
Item 12: Council Comments
Council Member Prettyman thanked Chief Reeves and his department for the wonderful job they do. He also expressed his appreciation to Mayor Roberts for allowing him to attend the Georgia Municipal Association Conference.
Council Member O’Malley thanked Mayor Roberts for the opportunity to attend the Georgia Municipal Association Conference. It’s a great way to educated yourself and connect with other elected officials on common issues we all share. He encouraged the newly elected officials to take advantage of attending the conference.
Council Member O’Malley announced that the fall ball playing season is just around the corner. The fields will be filled with teams from Dizzy Dean, Creekview Jr. Grizzlies Softball, and local ladies’ softball teams.
Council Member O’Malley also expressed his desire to form a youth council. He also attended the class while at the GMA Conference on how to create a Youth Council.
Item 13: Adjourn
There being no further business for Council consideration a motion was duly made and seconded to adjourn.
The minutes of this August 12, 2021, City Council Meeting adopted this 9th Day of September 2021.
Special Called Meeting of the Mayor and City Council
City of Ball Ground, Georgia
Ball Ground City Hall ~ 10:00 AM
Minutes
July 30, 2021
Item 1: Meeting called to order by Mayor Rick Roberts
Council Members Present John Byrd, Mickey O’Malley, Lee Prettyman, and Andrenia Stoner.
Staff Present: City Manager Eric Wilmarth and City Clerk Karen L. Jordan
Mayor Roberts stated that on July 29, 2021, he received the resignation of Council Member Frank Homiller. Council Member Homiller cited that his personal and work changes had made it difficult to effectively perform the obligations of his post, therefore he needed to step aside.
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to accept the resignation of Council Member Homiller.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 2: Consider Call for Special Election
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to call for a Municipal Election to be held November 2, 2021, to fill the unexpired term of Council Member Homiller, Post 3.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 3: Consider Setting Qualifying Dates for Special Election
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to set the qualifying dates of August 23, 2021 beginning at 9:00 AM through Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at 4:30 PM for the November 2, 2021, Municipal Election.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 4: Adjourn
There being no further business for consideration a motion was duly made and seconded to adjourn at 10:10 PM.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
The minutes of this July 30, 2021, Special Called Meeting approved this 12th Day of August 2021.
________________________________
A.R. Roberts, III, Mayor
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
July 15, 2021
Item 1: Meeting Called to Order by Mayor Roberts.
Item 2: Pledge of Allegiance
Item 3: Approve Agenda
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the agenda with the following amendments: Remove Item 8(e) and move Item 12: Public Comments to Item 5.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 4: Appearances
Council Member Prettyman presented Chief Bryon Reeves with a Life-Saving Award for the life-saving measures he performed on a city resident on June 30, 2021. Council Member Prettyman stated that thanks to Chief Reeves the man is now home recuperating, and doing well.
Item 5: Public Comments
Jennie Byers resident of 490 Gilmer Ferry Road expressed to Council Members her support of the proposed, land exchange agreement with the Lynwood Development Group.
Vickie Holyfield resident of 166 N. Mountain Brook Dr. stated, she, personally was in favor of the proposed high-end development of townhomes, and single detached home planned for Old Dawsonville Rd. Ms. Holyfield stated she did have concerns about the traffic the development would create, but the proposed land swap would eliminate her concerns.
Kim Kelley resident of 200 Dear Lane expressed her support of the Farmer’s Crossing Residential Development. Kim stated that she is very thankful the way Mr. Snell is honoring the Farmer Family by naming the development after her family.
Kris Rogers resident of 217 Chestnut St. expressed her support of the Farmer’s Crossing Residential Development.
Mrs. Rogers also posed questions related to who is performing building inspections, types of fees being paid by development, and the rumor of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office taking over the Ball Ground Police Department.
City Manager Wilmarth replied that the City recently entered into an agreement with Macon E. Gooch Building Consultants, Inc. to begin inspections of all new developments. Building permit fees go into the City’s general operating budget. Water and sewage fees collected are used to purchase additional water and sewage capacity from the Cherokee County Water and Sewage Authority and for infrastructure improvements. City Manager Wilmarth further stated that it is anticipated that our police department will be able to provide 24/7 coverage in approximately eighteen months.
Mr. Bob Hosack is an associate of Woody Snell of Lynwood Development. Mr. Hosack assured Mayor Roberts and Council Members that Woody Snell was a top-quality developer and they would not be disappointed with the Farmer’s Crossing development. Mr. Hosack also encouraged Mayor Roberts and Council Members to consider the approval of the proposed land swap agreement.
Cherrie Martin of 350 Groover St. expressed her support of the Farmer’s Crossing Development. She stated it will be great to have the development within walking distance of downtown.
Woody Snell, President of the Lynwood Development Group, LLC, and also the developer of the Farmer’s Crossing Residential Development expressed his excitement to be working in Ball Ground. He stated the land swap between the City, and Lynwood Development Group, LLC is incredible. It will provide pedestrian connection to the downtown as well as easy access to the Roberts Lake Trail.
Item 5: Announcements/Informational Items/Project Updates – City Manager
Item 6: Approval of June 17, 2021, Council Meeting Minutes
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the minutes of the June 17, 2021, Council Meeting.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 7: Old Business
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the second reading of the amendment to Appendix A-Zoning; Division 104. – District Standards and Permitted Uses Section 104.14 Valley Overlay District of The Code of The City of Ball Ground as presented.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Licensee: Nancy Ann Wurtz/Lora Mae’s
Location: 420 Old Canton Rd.
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve the application for a new alcohol license for Nancy Ann Wurtz/Lora Mae’s as presented.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 8: New Business
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the opening of a checking account in the name of the City of Ball Ground American Rescue Plan Funds. Authorized check signers of the account are Mayor Roberts, City Manager Eric Wilmarth, Police Chief Bryon Reeves, and City Clerk Karen L. Jordan.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member
Stoner to approve the following budget for the American Rescue Plan (ARP)
Funds:
Total Revenue: $409,846.50
Total Expenditures: $409,846.50
Proposed Projects and estimated cost:
Groover St. Drain Crossing $85,000.00
Storm Drain @ 372 Northridge Rd $11,000.00
Storm Drain @ 372 & Dean property $15,000.00
Storm Drain, Curb/Gutter Groover St. $30,000.00
Library $10,000.00
Purchase Water Capacity $150,000.00
Purchase Street Broom $20,000.00
Purchase Cellular Water Meters $88,846.50
This motion was unanimously approved.
Applicant: Lee Lusk – Mineral Springs Road (04N02-018, 020, & 021)
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the first reading of annexation application 2021-A05 with conditions, which will be read into the minutes at the August 12, 2021, City Council Meeting.
Council Members O’Malley, Byrd, & Prettyman voted aye in favor of the motion.
Council Member Stoner voted nay against the motion.
The ayes have it, the motion carries
Applicant: Lee Lusk – Mineral Springs Road (04N02-004A)
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the first reading of annexation application 2021-A06 with conditions, which will be read into the minutes at the August 12, 2021, City Council Meeting.
Council Members O’Malley, Byrd, & Prettyman voted aye in favor of the motion.
Council Member Stoner voted nay against the motion.
The ayes have it, the motion carries
City Manager Wilmarth stated that in the proposed agreement the City would give 5.28 acres of City property valued at $401,700. to the Lynwood Development Group. In exchange, the City of Ball Ground would receive 12.03 acres valued at $665,700. from the Lynwood Development Group. The appraisal to determine property values was performed by Manning Appraisal Service, LLC on May 28, 2021. A full copy of the report and survey specifically identifying the property locations is available for viewing City Hall.
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to move forward with entering into the Land Exchange Agreement.
Following discussion, Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to rescind the motion.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to initiate the Land Swap Agreement between the City of Ball Ground and
the Lynwood Development Group in accordance with the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to call for a Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021, to elect a mayor and two council members. Qualifying for the office of Mayor (Incumbent A. R. (Rick) Roberts, III); Council Member Post 4 (Incumbent John Byrd); and Council Member Post 5 (Incumbent Mickey O’Malley) will begin at 9:00 AM on Monday, August 16, 2021, and conclude at 4:30 on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Mayor Roberts opened the floor for any public comments prior to adopting the 2021 property tax millage rate. No comments received.
Mayor Roberts attributed the ability to roll back the millage rate to the increase in property values and growth.
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to levy a millage rate of 4.633 for the 2021 property taxes.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
City Manager Wilmarth stated that each year the Fire Tax is set by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, which we adopt. This year the BOC has not yet set the millage but recommended we adopt the same rate.
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion Seconded by Council Member Stoner to adopt the Fire Tax Millage Rate as set by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.
Motion Unanimously Approved
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to appoint city resident Stephanie Joyner to serve a three-year term on the City of Ball Ground Board of Zoning Appeals.
Motion Unanimously Approved
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to appoint city resident Julie Arthur to represent the City of Ball Ground on the Sequoyah Regional Library County Board for a term of three years.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to appoint city resident Josh Briggs to represent Ball Ground on the Cherokee County Comprehensive Transportation Plan Committee.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 9: City Manager Comments
City Manager Wilmarth provided Council Members with an unaudited report of account balances, and a statement of revenue and expenditures for the month ended June 30, 2021. Accounts on deposit totaled $1,593,548.96.
Chief Reeves presented a written report of the Police Departments’ activity for the month ended June 30, 2021, for Mayor and Council Members review.
Chris Luly was introduced as the City’s first Director of Planning and Zoning. Chris stated he is a native of Cherokee County and happy to be in Ball Ground.
Item 10: Mayor Roberts Comments
Mayor Roberts commented on the success of the City’s pre 4th of July fireworks display held on June 26, 2021. It was the biggest crowd of people we’ve ever had. The attendance was estimated at around 7000. I’m very excited to see Ball Ground alive and doing well said Mayor Roberts. Mayor Roberts also extended his appreciation to Eric and the staff for their work in making the event a success.
Item 11: Council Comments
At the request of the local pickleball league, Council Member O’Malley asked council members to consider converting one of the tennis courts into a pickleball court at an estimated cost is $10,500.00
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Stoner to approve the expenditure to convert one of the tennis courts into a pickleball court.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Item 12: Public Comments
Item 13: Adjourn
There being no further business for consideration a motion was duly made and seconded to adjourn at 8:10 PM.
The minutes of this July 15, 2021, City Council Meeting adopted this 12th Day of August 2021.
Ball Ground City Hall
215 Valley Street
Ball Ground, GA 30107
770-735-2123 770-735-4552
