Minutes of the
REGULAR MEETING
For the
City Council of Lookout Mountain, Georgia
September 17, 2009
PRESIDING: Thomas G. Gifford, Mayor
PRESENT: Vice Mayor Dennis Eischeid, Council Members David Bennett, David Fussell, Sandy Gothard, Catherine Kelley, City Attorney Bill Pickering, and City Clerk Dana Driver.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gifford called the meeting of the City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1214 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain, Georgia.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of minutes of the regular meeting held August 20, 2009.
JIMMY CAMPBELL – Mr. Campbell thanked the Mayor and Council on their work on the Comprehensive Plan.
TAYLOR WATSON – Ms. Watson petitioned the City Council for speed humps on Rock City Trail. She presented a petition with 44 signatures all in favor of the speed bumps. The 44 signatures included most residents on Rock City Trail along with others who are concerned about the speeding problem on the street. Mr. Jackson Wingfield also appeared before the Council requesting a white line at the intersection of Rock City Trail and Elfin Road. The Mayor thanked Ms. Watson for the petition and stated that the Stormwater runoff issue must be addressed before the speed bumps are implemented. David Bennett seconded the motion made by Dennis Eischeid to research the issue of speed bumps and have a decision before the next Council meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE – The Council had previously approved an Ordinance on 1st reading to adopt seven of the eight standards from the International Building Code. After further review, it was decided by Building Official Larry Reed that all eight standards should be adopted. City Attorney Bill Pickering decided to draft a new ordinance including all eight recommended codes. David Fussell seconded a motion made by Sandy Gothard to pass the ordinance to adopt the eight recommended codes of the International Building Code. Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously passed, the ordinance was approved on first reading.
MILLAGE RATE – The millage rate will remain at 8.5 mil for 2009. The 5 year history has been advertised in the Walker County Messenger. There will be a called meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. to pass the 2009 millage rate ordinance on first reading.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROCESS – Councilman Sandy Gothard informed the Council that the Comprehensive Plan Process is progressing well. The next step in the process is for the Walker Collaborative to provide the final “draft plan” as soon final comments are received from the steering committee. After receipt of the draft plan and review by the steering committee and city officials, there will be a final public hearing presentation by the Walker Collaborative. This will probably be in early to mid-November.
MONTHLY STORMWATER & SEWER REPORT – The Mayor informed the council that the new chemicals were being used to clean out the sledge that had been built up in the sewer pipes as well as for odor control. The conversion to the new process was continuing and being closely monitored. Copies of the current storm water activity report were also distributed to the Council a copy of which is attached.
MAYOR’S REPORT
1) The Council approved a resolution allowing the Mayor on behalf of the city to execute all necessary documents to apply for a $200,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and a $100,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Immediate Threat and Danger Program). The grants would be used to repair the Flintstone subdivision sewer system.
2) The Council approved Doug Stein’s reappointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
3) Councilman David Bennett addressed the Council regarding the Fairyland School playground that would cost $15,000 to $20,000 to repair and upgrade. City Attorney Bill Pickering stated that state law prohibits the city giving money directly to the school. The Mayor suggested giving the funds to the joint recreational board for this work could do this. Subject to the availability of funds and determining what other funding may be available the Council was fully supportive of the project.
4) The City will participate in the 2009 Walker County Sheriff’s office Stocking Full of Love campaign. The city fire trucks will drive through the neighborhoods collecting toys and cash donations. The City employees have graciously agreed to help with this campaign.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Driver
City Clerk