Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council
City of Ball Ground, Georgia
Ball Ground City Hall ~ 7:00 P.M.
Minutes
November 14, 2019
Mayor Rick Roberts called the November 14, 2019 meeting to order.
Council Members present:
John Byrd – Council Member
Mickey O’Malley – Council Member
Lee Prettyman – Council Member
Andrenia Stoner – Council Member
Chris Luly – City Planner
Darrell Caudill, City Attorney
Donna England, Finance Director
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk
Donald Campbell – Cherokee Tribune
Council Members Absent: Frank Homiller
Pledge of Allegiance
Appearances – None
Announcements – City Manager Eric Wilmarth
December 6, 2019 The March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots
January 13, 2019 – Mayor and City Council Planning Retreat
Consider Approval of October 24, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve the minutes of the October 24, 2019 Council Meeting and Work Session as submitted in writing by the City Clerk.
Motion unanimously approved
Old Business – None
New Business
Consider appointment to the Cherokee County Municipal Planning Commission
Council Member, Byrd put forth a motion Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to appoint Dennis Holt to represent the City of Ball Ground on the Cherokee County Planning Commission.
Motion unanimously approved.
Mayor Roberts stated Mr. Holt would serve a 14-month term expiring in January 2021. Thereafter the appointment would become an annual appointment in January.
Consider Storm Water Mapping Proposal from InterDev
InterDev submitted a proposal for a Stormwater Utility Data Collection Project in the amount of $20,175.00. In the proposal InterDev stated; by commissioning this work, Ball Ground will gain an authoritative data model of its stormwater utility network that can be used to generate insights on usage and maintenance as well as be built upon as the City grows. By using advanced collection methods, the results will be spatially accurate to within 1 meter, will have precise attribute data, and will be in a data model and format that is optimized for use within the City’s existing GIS platform.
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to approve the proposal for services as submitted by InterDev in the amount of $20,175.00. Motion unanimously approved.
Consider Advertising to Accept Bids/Proposals (RFPs) for Solid Waste Services
City Manager Wilmarth stated he recently received notice from Santek, the City’s current solid waste provider that they would be increasing their rates 43% for services the coming year. Our current contract with Santek is set to expire on February 1, 2020. To ensure we are getting the best price for services it was recommended the City advertise for bids/RFP’S.
Mayor Roberts stated he would like to maintain cost as close to the current rates as possible.
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to advertise for acceptance of bids for solid waste services.
Motion unanimously approved.
Consider State Wide Mutual Aid Agreement
City Manager Wilmarth stated the current Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement (SWMAA) is set to expire on March 1, 2020. The purpose of this agreement is to provide framework to support mutual assistance in managing an emergency or disaster occurring within any political subdivision that is a Participating Party, whether arising from natural disaster, technological hazard, human caused disaster, civil emergency, community disorders, insurgency, enemy attack, acts of terrorism, other significant events or homeland security activity. (See Agreement for additional terms and conditions) This agreement once executed is valid until March 1, 2024
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd to authorize Mayor Roberts to execute the Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement as submitted.
Motion unanimously approved.
City Managers Report
City Manager Wilmarth provided Council Members with an unaudited report of account balances, and statement of revenue and expenditures for the month ended October 31, 2019. The report showed cash on deposit totaled $801,988.55.
Chief Reeves presented a written report of the Police Department’s activities for the month of October 2019.
City Manager Wilmarth informed Mayor Roberts and Council Members that the City’s status as a Qualified Local Government had expired. This is due from the cities and Cherokee County not being in compliance with the Service Delivery Strategy law. Until we are compliant we will likely not be able to obtain permits and funding of certain city project.
Mayor Roberts Comments
Mayor Roberts announced the Council Planning Retreat would be held Monday, January 13, 2020 at the Cherokee County Airport. Council Members were asked to pick a topic of interest for discussion.
Council Members Comments
Council Member O’Malley reported the City Gym is in high demand. Anyone inquiring about renting the facility is asked to call after March 1, 2020.
Council Member Byrd reported members of the Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Board are very active and highly interested in the development of the City.
Council Member Prettyman stated he had received many positive comments concerning the banners displayed around town recognizing Veterans Day.
Public Comments – None
Executive Session to consider acquisition of land parcel 2019(f)
At this time Mayor Roberts left the meeting because of the interest he and his family have in the item to be discussed. Mayor Pro Tem Byrd conducted the remainder of the meeting.
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman 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 to discuss subject acquisition of parcel 2019(f).
Upon completion of discussion 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.
Adjourn
There being no further business for Council discussion Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to adjourn the meeting.
Motion unanimously approved.
The minutes of this November 14, 2019 meeting approved this 9th Day of January,
2020.
Mayor A. R. Roberts, III
Attest: Karen L. Jordan
City Clerk
