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
