Work Session of the Mayor and City Council
City of Ball Ground, Georgia
Ball Ground City Hall ~ 6:00 P.M.
October 24, 2019
Call Meeting to Order – Mayor Roberts
Present for the meeting:
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
Eric Wilmarth, City Manager
Karen L. Jordan, City Clerk
Donald Campbell – Cherokee Tribune
Council Members Absent: Frank Homiller
The following agenda items were discussed:
Old Business
Consider Second Reading of Amendment to Retirement Plan Document
New Business
Consider Resolution of Support for DNR Trails Grant Application
Consider Resolution of Support for Long Term Maintenance Commitment if approved for DNR Trails Grant
Consider sale of 301 Gilmer Ferry Road (Surplus Property Declaration)
Consider First Reading of Proposed Changes to Sign Ordinance
Proclamation recognizing November 3, 2019 as Retired Educators Day
Consider Intergovernmental Agreement for Cherokee Co. to Conduct Elections for City of Ball Ground
The Work Session was adjourned with no action taken on the items discussed.
Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council
City of Ball Ground, Georgia
Ball Ground City Hall ~ 7:00 P.M.
Minutes
October 24, 2019
Call Meeting to Order – Mayor Roberts
Present for the meeting:
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
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
October 24, 2019, Spooktacular will be held at the Community Building. Sponsored by the Main Street Board.
Consider Approval of September 12, 2019, Council Meeting Minutes
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the minutes of September 12, 2019 as submitted in writing by the City Clerk.
Motion Unanimously Approved
Old Business
Consider Second Reading of Amendment to Retirement Plan Document
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the amendment to the City’s retirement plan as submitted.
Motion Unanimously Approved
New Business
Consider Resolution of Support for DNR Trails Grant Application
City Manager Wilmarth stated that over the next several years the City will continue to enhance the accessibility of the Roberts Dam Park. In order to do this, obtaining grant funds is a must. This resolution defines the need to expand the trail system through grant funding from the Georgia Stewardship Program.
Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to support providing ongoing maintenance and properly funding such maintenance on all trails constructed within the City.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Consider Resolution of Support for Long Term Maintenance Commitment if Approved for DNR Trails Grant
City Manager Wilmarth stated this resolution reflects the City’s commitment to provide ongoing maintenance, and proper funding for such maintenance, on all trails constructed within the City.
Council Member O’Malley put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Prettyman to approve this resolution reflecting the City’s commitment to provide ongoing maintenance, and proper funding for such maintenance, on all trails constructed within the City.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Consider sale of 301 Gilmer Ferry Road (Surplus Property Declaration)
After much discussion, Council Member Byrd put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to declare property located at 301 Gilmer Ferry Road (location of old City Hall) as surplus and to accept sealed bids for such property.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Consider First Reading of Proposed Changes to Sign Ordinance
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd, to table this item of business for Ninety (90) days.
Motion Unanimously Approved.
Proclamation recognizing November 3, 2019, as Retired Educators Day
Council Member Prettyman put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member O’Malley to approve the proclamation proclaiming November 3, 2019 as Retired Educator Day in the City of Ball Ground.
Unanimously Approved
Consider Intergovernmental Agreement for Cherokee Co. to Conduct Elections for City of Ball Ground
Council Member Stoner put forth a motion, Seconded by Council Member Byrd, to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement for Cherokee County to conduct City elections.
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 September 30, 2019. The report showed cash on deposit totaled $743,100.82
Chief Reeves presented a written report of the Police Department’s activities for the month of September 2019.
Mayor Roberts Comments
Mayor Roberts reported the Historic Preservation Committee is making progress towards drafting a Historic Preservation Ordinance for Council consideration. It is anticipated the ordinance will be presented at the 2020 Council Retreat for review.
Mayor Roberts announced he would like to hold a planning retreat for either January 11, or February 1, 2020. The deciding date will be announced later.
Mayor Roberts stated he was impressed with the September 21 event held in downtown. He further stated he had received many positive comments and he looked forward to more of these types of events being held in the future.
Council Members Comments
Public Comments – None
Executive Session
Adjourn
There being no further business for Mayor and Council Members consideration a motion was duly made and seconded to adjourn at 8:40 PM.
The minutes of this October 24, 2019 City Council Meeting and Work Session approved the 14th Day of November, 2019.
Mayor A. R. Roberts, III
Attest: Karen L. Jordan
City Clerk
