[0:02] Yeah.
[0:29] Yeah.
[1:53] No.
No, no, no, no.
[1:57] » Yeah.
[2:22] 4 minutes.
Okay.
[3:03] Oh, that is so sweet.
[3:08] Thank you so much.
John Gray.
[3:11] But that's when I was with
a friend of mine.
[3:16] And
[3:19] I know
[3:22] I know
[3:35] I think
[3:44] Very nice.
[3:49] Oh my god, there's so much going on.
[4:55] » Good evening. May I have your attention,
please?
[4:58] Uh we've got a good crowd tonight, so
we'd like to open with a few
[5:02] administrative remarks.
Uh would say that the fire marshal
[5:06] occupancy load for this room is 60
people.
[5:11] Uh we are in excess of that, so we'd
like to cover if the fire alarm should
[5:15] sound or if the chief of police
uh
[5:19] should call to evacuate,
everybody in the lobby should evacuate
[5:23] immediately, then those standing against
this wall would be the next out.
[5:28] Then we would go
from your seats and and leave out of the
[5:32] building. With this size of a crowd,
we're asking that you keep sidebar
[5:36] conversations to a minimum so that
speakers can be heard.
[5:40] And we would ask that all cell phones be
silenced at this time as well to not
[5:44] disrupt the meeting.
Mayor Nelson.
[5:49] Good evening, everybody. I call the
meeting to order.
[5:53] First item will be invocation led by
Pastor Mike Smith.
[5:58] If you will please stand.
[6:04] I want to thank Mayor Nelson for giving
us the opportunity to pray.
[6:08] We've found [snorts] out, at least I
have in my life, and I bet you have in
[6:11] yours, that when we put God first, he
blesses us.
[6:14] So, we're going to put him first
He's going to bless the city of Bowdon
[6:18] and all these council members with
wisdom.
[6:20] Pray with me. Father,
I just thank you for the power of
[6:23] prayer.
We know, Father, that prayer changes
[6:27] things.
I thank you, Father, that you give us
[6:29] opportunities. I ask that you be with
us. Continue to give us more
[6:32] opportunities.
Forgive us for the times that we've
[6:35] missed the mark and come up short on
things you wanted us to do.
[6:39] And I pray you continue to give us more
opportunities where you have placed us.
[6:43] Father, I pray for the city of Bowdon,
the ones that were born and raised here,
[6:48] committed [clears throat] to the life
they've had. For the rest of us, we got
[6:50] here as soon as we could.
So, we thank you, Father, for that
[6:53] blessing, that you brought us here.
So, I pray for all the city, Mayor
[6:58] Nelson, all the council members, all the
city employees. I pray for the
[7:02] city of Bowdon Police Department.
And I just pray, God, you bless them,
[7:06] that you would keep them safe in what
they do. Give them wisdom and
[7:10] discernment, Father, in everything that
they do.
[7:13] And I pray you be with all the families
here tonight. And I pray, God, you be
[7:16] with them and bless them and their
families.
[7:19] And Father, I pray even beyond the city
of Bowdon, I pray for Cherokee County.
[7:24] And also for our state of Georgia and
the nation. I pray for the governors of
[7:27] states,
mayors of cities and managers of
[7:30] counties and cities, that you would be
with them.
[7:33] Help them to know, Father, that it's by
your sovereignty that they're placed in
[7:37] leadership positions.
I pray for our president. I pray, God,
[7:40] you give him the strength and wisdom,
protection as he serves us. I pray to
[7:44] that he makes wise decisions. I pray for
his cabinet, the vice president. I pray
[7:49] for the Supreme Court. Give them wisdom
and discernment, Father, as they
[7:53] interpret law. Base it on what your word
says, Father, as they look at the law. I
[7:58] pray God you'd be with the House and
Senate, all the members that have
[8:03] integrity in what they do and represent
the people that put them there. I pray,
[8:07] Father, for the military, home and
abroad. I ask God you keep them out of
[8:11] harm's way and be with their families
while they're gone. I pray God that
[8:14] you'd be with law enforcement officers.
Protect them while they protect us.
[8:19] And I pray for our brothers in the fire
service. I pray you'd be with them in
[8:23] each and every call they run, the
paramedics and EMTs and the
[8:25] firefighters. Give them strength and
stamina and wisdom in every call they
[8:30] run as they protect property and save
lives. So, Father, we turn this over to
[8:34] [snorts] you this night. I pray God you
give discernment in everything that's
[8:38] said and done tonight. And I pray God
that you would
[8:40] be glorified. Help us always put you
first in everything that we do.
[8:45] And we realize, Father, when we do
you're going to bless it. So, I ask all
[8:48] these things in the precious name of
Jesus, your son
[8:51] and our savior. Amen. Amen.
If you'll remain standing, Mr. Randall,
[8:57] would you mind leading us in the Pledge
of Allegiance, please?
[9:16] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America, and to the
[9:21] republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and
[9:28] justice for all.
Please be seated.
[9:43] » Okay, we've modified the agenda a little
bit so we can uh
[9:47] take care of some uh public comments and
new business, but before that we need to
[9:51] adopt the agenda.
Has everybody had a chance to look at
[9:55] the agenda?
The changes?
[9:58] Mayor Nelson, I would like to ask that I
make a recommendation that
[10:03] item C
which is right for first reading of
[10:06] Evelyn Cox annexation be tabled. I
haven't been able to meet with staff
[10:12] and
I would like to have some additional
[10:15] time to review this with
staff.
[10:20] Second.
Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any
[10:23] discussion? Mayor Nelson, would that be
items C and D since they are linked?
[10:29] Yes. Yes.
[10:32] Any discussion?
Hearing none, all in favor, please say
[10:36] aye. Aye. Any opposed?
Okay.
[10:40] We will table items C and D from the new
business agenda.
[10:46] Now, it's my honor to uh recognize our
veteran of the month.
[10:53] Could I ask any guy on
[10:59] I'm proud to announce that tonight Ball
Ground's gone international. We've
[11:03] uh expanded our veteran of the month
program to include veterans from allied
[11:07] countries as part of our recognition
program.
[11:10] America's strength is not just in its
own military, but in the alliance of
[11:14] nations that fight alongside it.
Uh allied nations have stood shoulder to
[11:19] shoulder with the United States
throughout history
[11:21] from the World Wars to Afghanistan,
demonstrating a partnership built on
[11:26] shared security and sacrifice.
While leaders like King Charles III
[11:30] emphasized this unity, others have
highlighted the blood paid by partners
[11:35] like the United Kingdom and Poland in
joint conflicts.
[11:40] Uh up until
we started here right before the
[11:44] meeting, uh our veteran of the month did
not know that he would be receiving this
[11:47] honor.
And he's here with his wife, Sheila.
[11:51] Sheila met Tony in 1955, a few days
after her 16th birthday and his 18th
[11:56] birthday.
His birthday is also this month.
[12:00] They began dating and after about 9
months in, Tony told her that he
[12:03] couldn't see her anymore than then there
was another woman involved.
[12:07] Sheila got very mad at Tony and she let
him know it. Tony then confessed the
[12:11] other woman was the Queen of England.
[12:17] And that he got his call up papers from
the Queen. This is equivalent to the
[12:22] draft letter from Uncle Sam in the
United States.
[12:25] After completing his basic training in
the British Royal Air Force in Middle
[12:29] Wallop, Hampshire, he was sent to the
Royal Air Force Hednesford, Birmingham
[12:35] to train as a fighter plotter.
You probably seen plotters in the old
[12:39] war films. They're the ones that
push the models around the table, uh
[12:43] plotting where the assets are located.
[12:47] Sheila was working in a travel agency as
she still is and Tony called her to tell
[12:52] her where he had been posted. They
always thought that it would be he would
[12:56] be posted close to home as he had
the men or had the men for weeks before
[13:01] him.
He was hoping to live at home and take
[13:05] the bus to his station every day, but
the Royal Air Force had a different
[13:08] plan.
She guessed Scotland? No. Germany? No.
[13:12] He then asked her, "Where is Cyprus?"
Cyprus is a small island in the eastern
[13:18] Mediterranean that has strong ties to
Greece and was a British protectorate in
[13:22] those days.
The island was populated by Turkish and
[13:26] Greek Cypriot citizens.
Each was fighting for the island to be
[13:30] either Turkish or Greek. Archbishop
Makarios was the terrorist leader.
[13:36] In addition, in late 1956, the Suez
Canal Crisis occurred, which involved
[13:41] the added participation of the French.
Tony had been living in a tent his
[13:45] entire time in Cyprus at Cape Greco.
There were 100 men in his camp. Living
[13:50] there was tough for Tony and his fellow
soldiers. Drinking water had to be
[13:53] brought in every day to survive.
The convoy handling that task had been
[13:58] ambushed and three of their men were
killed.
[14:01] The very next day,
Tony was ordered to do the job.
[14:06] And here he is.
Never wanting to Sheila know
[14:09] wanting Sheila to know what happened
during that time, Tony kept very quiet,
[14:13] but Sheila already knew all about it
because there were enormous headlines in
[14:16] the evening newspaper as she always
bought on her way home from work.
[14:22] After a year, Tony came home on 6 weeks
of leave and they had a great time
[14:25] together. He went back for another 6
months and was finally demobbed.
[14:30] Let me explain what that means cuz I
didn't know.
[14:33] Demob refers to the demobilization of
British servicemen and women after World
[14:38] War II.
When millions returned to civil civilian
[14:42] life, they were issued a demob suit,
>> [snorts]
[14:45] » which was a complete set of civilian
clothing including a tailored suit,
[14:49] raincoat, shirts, shoes, and a hat.
That helped them transition back to
[14:54] civilian life.
Well, that was the least the Queen of
[14:57] England could do.
Tony received two medals, the British
[15:02] National Service Medal with an image of
Queen Elizabeth II.
[15:06] The medal has an inscription of
Elizabeth II
[15:11] Dei Gratia Regina F.D. The reverse bears
the words for campaign service under a
[15:17] crown which is surrounded by a wreath of
oak leaves. He's wearing his medals
[15:22] tonight, too.
And the British General Service Medal
[15:26] 1918 to 1962 with the Cyprus clasp
featuring a winged victory figure
[15:33] victory on the obverse.
It was issued to British Army and Royal
[15:37] Air Force personnel for service during
the EOKA insurgency in Cyprus between
[15:42] April 1st, 1955 and April 18th, 1959.
Before I present Tony with his
[15:49] proclamation, I want to point out that
Tony and Sheila have been married for 66
[15:53] years.
[15:57] » [applause]
[16:02] » On their 60th anniversary, that lady
came back into their lives and wrote a
[16:06] wonderful personal letter, which you see
displayed.
[16:10] Um
and um she even signed it using her
[16:14] first name only,
congratulating them on 60 years of
[16:18] marriage.
Oh, by the way, his birthday is
[16:21] May the 16th,
where he will be a
[16:25] a uh
spry 89 years young. And next to Sheila,
[16:30] golfing is his life.
[16:34] And I hear he's a very good golfer.
[16:39] Uh Sheila looks like Queen Elizabeth.
[snorts]
[16:42] » [laughter]
>> So, uh Mr. Randall, if you'll meet me
[16:46] out front, I'll read the proclamation,
we'll snap a few pictures, and uh
[16:52] you can either hang out here with the
rest of us or you can leave.
[16:57] » [applause]
[17:07] [applause]
[17:14] » Okay, this is the proclamation Veteran
of the month. Whereas in 1954 President
[17:19] Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the first
Veterans Day proclamation calling on our
[17:24] nation to pay appropriate homage to the
veterans of all its wars who have
[17:28] contributed so much to the preservation
of this nation. And whereas the United
[17:33] States of America has long stood
together with allied nations in
[17:38] defense of freedom, democracy, human
dignity, and peace throughout the world.
[17:43] And whereas brave men and women from
allied nations have served with honor
[17:47] and distinction
besides members of the United States
[17:51] Armed Forces in times of war, conflict,
and humanitarian service
[17:56] strengthening the bonds of friendship
and shared sacrifice between our
[18:00] nations.
And whereas we recognize with gratitude
[18:03] the courage, dedication, and sacrifice
demonstrated by those
[18:08] uh allied veterans whose service
contributed to the preservation of
[18:12] liberty and the protection of democratic
values and cherished by free people
[18:17] everywhere.
And whereas the city of Auburn is proud
[18:20] to honor individuals who through
military service and steadfast
[18:24] commitment to duty
have exemplified valor, integrity, and
[18:28] devotion to the cause of freedom.
And now therefore I Dennis Nelson, mayor
[18:33] of the city of Auburn, do hereby
proclaim Tony Randall as veteran
[18:36] [snorts] of the month for May 2026
and extend our sincere appreciation for
[18:41] his faithful service
sacrifice, and contributions made
[18:46] alongside the United States and its
allies in the course of peace and
[18:50] liberty.
In witness whereof hereunto set my hand
[18:53] cause the seal of the city
to be affixed and we have all the
[18:56] council members sign it, too.
Thank you.
[19:01] » [applause]
[19:08] [applause]
[19:10] » Going for veterans.
It's Going for veterans? It's veterans
[19:15] memorial on the back.
[19:18] And uh she wants to do
a flower planting.
[19:22] Queen of England?
[19:39] And there's just one other thing. If you
don't mind, can I say something? Of
[19:42] course.
Some of you in the room know that Tony
[19:45] and I are Jewish.
This month also happens to be Jewish
[19:51] Veterans Month.
Just by coincidence.
[19:58] » [applause]
[20:02] [applause]
[20:05] » Is there anything you would like to say,
Tony?
[20:08] Because Tony Tony will grab a microphone
and be here in a while.
[20:13] Well, I'd like to say thank you very
much.
[20:17] Mayor Bass Aran
and
[20:21] uh
it's great to see so many turn out to be
[20:24] here for this special occasion.
And I thank you all. They're all here
[20:29] for you, Tony.
>> [applause]
[20:30] » Thank you.
[20:41] » [snorts]
>> You don't need to be pushing that.
[20:47] Strong.
[20:58] Okay, the next item we moved uh
public comments.
[21:04] And I have a list of those who signed up
to
[21:11] Our first speaker, Mr. Jimmy Gale.
[21:24] Good evening, uh
mayor, council members, and neighbors. I
[21:26] appreciate the opportunity to speak
before you today.
[21:29] I'm going to read so I get uh
under my 3 minutes and ensure that my
[21:33] message is clear. Um
from my back door, I have watched this
[21:38] town grow, the parking lots fill up, the
sidewalks get busier, the energy has
[21:42] shifted. On April 20th, I watched the
town parking almost get blocked and the
[21:46] city was left scrambling.
Heart sunk, panic set in, people felt
[21:51] helpless, and only one city
representative showed up that day.
[21:55] Over [snorts] the years, I've gotten to
know every business owner around me just
[22:00] by being a good neighbor, watching out
for their storefronts, listening, asking
[22:04] what they need, sometimes helping out
when the power goes out in the rain.
[22:09] I say that not to put myself forward.
This is not about me. This is about all
[22:12] of us wanting to build and love a
community we can be proud of.
[22:17] I have served on the variance committee
for 3 years. In 3 years, we have not met
[22:21] once.
I don't raise that to point fingers. I
[22:24] raise it because the structure we built
to be thoughtful only works if we use
[22:28] them.
And I have to be honest with you. The
[22:31] trust in our council is eroding. I'm not
alone in that, and I do not say it
[22:35] lightly.
But I don't believe any of you ran for
[22:38] the seat to let that happen.
I believe you ran because you love this
[22:42] city the same way we do.
The same way the families and the shop
[22:46] owners sitting in this room do.
So, I'm asking, not demanding, asking
[22:50] for three things. Open the doors. When a
decision shapes our streets, our
[22:54] businesses, our neighborhoods, let us
see it being made. Closed meetings
[22:58] should be the rare exception, never the
comfortable habit. Plan forward. Before
[23:03] the next project breaks ground, tell us
the infrastructure plan. Tell us the
[23:06] parking plan. A city that grows without
a plan doesn't grow. It strains.
[23:11] Align with each other
and with us. Lean in. Talk with your
[23:15] business owners. Talk with your
neighbors. Residents and businesses are
[23:18] not an obstacle to good governance. We
are the reason for it. Bring us in
[23:22] early, not after the ink is dry. The
city has so much ahead of it. I want the
[23:26] story we tell 10 years from now to be a
good one. The one where the council and
[23:31] the people built it together in open and
on purpose. Thank you for the time.
[23:36] Thank you.
>> [applause]
[23:44] » Well, okay, Mr. Skarda.
Our next speaker, Dylan Brown.
[23:55] I'm actually here to say thank you.
So, uh
[23:58] you guys are about to read for the
second reading for the uh open
[24:01] container, and it's something that I
have fought for diligently for a couple
[24:05] of years now, and you heard me.
So, thank you. I appreciate you. It's
[24:09] It's a big win for not only me,
but everybody here. Everybody here. It's
[24:14] a big win.
So, thank you very much. I appreciate
[24:17] that.
Now, to talk about parking.
[24:21] We need to lease. We need parking for
our city.
[24:24] We have a lot of people. A lot of
people, okay?
[24:27] It's a big deal.
We don't need to be behind the eight
[24:30] ball, okay? We need to be in front of
it. We don't need to be held by
[24:34] developers or anybody.
The city needs to figure out parking.
[24:39] It's my understanding there's an
opportunity to sign a 5-year lease.
[24:43] We should do that.
And then in that 5 years,
[24:47] we should figure out how to never have
to worry about it again.
[24:51] I would love to volunteer to be a part
of a committee. I'm a business owner. My
[24:55] business is in dead center of town.
I have some ideas.
[25:00] I don't have all the answers. If I did,
wouldn't be doing this. But, I think if
[25:06] we had a committee
that has business owners,
[25:10] some council members,
maybe some citizens,
[25:13] we could come up with something. There
are some opportunities, and I think that
[25:17] if we do that, that's great. But, right
now, today,
[25:21] we need parking.
We need to We need a lease, and we need
[25:25] to get that solved. Then, we can discuss
how we go further and how we solve the
[25:31] problem.
That's all I have to say. But, thank
[25:34] you. I appreciate y'all listening. Thank
you, Mr. Brown.
[25:37] » [applause]
[25:41] » Mr. Ryan Turnage.
[25:48] Good evening. I'm also going to read.
As you know, my name is Ryan Turnage. My
[25:52] wife, Katie, and I own Barrel House
Coffee Company, as well as the old
[25:56] Hubbard building and adjacent courtyard
at 275 Gilmer Ferry Road,
[26:00] which is also home to Perch and Barrel
House. Parking has been a concern for as
[26:04] long as we've lived here and operated
our business.
[26:07] Recently, and to no fault of his own, as
you've already heard, Woody Snell, who
[26:11] owns the property directly behind us and
beside us,
[26:14] which includes the only parking lot west
of the railroad tracks,
[26:18] if was informed or informed us that he
received some information that the city
[26:22] was attempting to do an adverse
possession claim on his property.
[26:26] Whether true or not, this led him to
react the same way I would as a property
[26:29] owner. He reacted by blocking the
property with concrete barricades.
[26:34] We find ourselves in this position where
a single man dictates the fate of many
[26:37] long-standing businesses by controlling
the parking.
[26:41] Again, it's not his fault.
It's this council's responsibility to
[26:45] have a plan or at least approve one.
The same parking lot was previously shot
[26:49] down, the one that we're discussing
tonight, by some members of this council
[26:53] over a year ago, is my understanding.
Despite an exuberant amount of effort
[26:57] from your permanent staff to present
possibilities,
[27:00] you have failed to approve any solution.
It's easy to say no to an idea, but
[27:04] leaders bring solutions to the table.
I'm curious to hear what solutions you
[27:07] all are bringing to the table. Without
adequate parking, the businesses die.
[27:11] Without the businesses, the downtown
dies.
[27:13] We've all poured ourselves into this
community, and to see that attempting to
[27:16] be ripped away due to the lack of a plan
by our elected officials is truly
[27:20] eye-opening.
Two of you clearly opposed the plan
[27:23] during the working session on May 7th.
I've also been informed by a council
[27:26] member that the same two are advocating
to dissolve the contract for the parking
[27:29] lot next to Scooped.
Is that because you don't think having
[27:34] adequate parking for our growing
downtown is in the best interest of the
[27:36] businesses or the city as a whole? When
Woody starts construction soon and shuts
[27:40] down his parking lot, what's your plan?
He's adding businesses, which is a
[27:44] wonderful thing,
but it will significantly increase
[27:47] parking demands to an already
overwhelmed downtown. His new lot being
[27:51] public will not serve solve the current
or long-term problem.
[27:54] This decision may determine the future
of many of our downtown businesses. If
[27:58] you patronize your small businesses more
frequently, as your campaign photos
[28:02] imply that you do, then you would learn
more about our concerns and have the
[28:05] necessary data to make informed
decisions.
[28:09] Vote yes to approve agenda A
for the new parking lot lease, and then
[28:13] get to work bringing solutions to the
table that will actually have a positive
[28:16] impact on your city. Thank you. Thank
you.
[28:19] » [applause]
[28:26] » Miss Charlie Rowland. Uh Lauren, I'm
sorry. Lockrin. Lockrin.
[28:30] » You almost got it, sir. Almost.
Hi, y'all.
[28:33] » Hi, Charlie. Hi. Hi. Um my husband and I
are um the owners of Sunshine Life on
[28:38] 205 Gilmore Ferry Road. My husband Bo,
over there. Um I'm proud to say that
[28:43] next month we will be 5 years in that
location. I'm here
[28:49] » [applause]
>> Um I'm here tonight because of the
[28:52] impending closure of the parking lot
behind Barrel House and lack of planning
[28:55] for other parking alternatives, which is
creating significant concern and
[29:00] uncertainty for our business as well as
many of our neighbors.
[29:04] For small businesses, parking is not a
convenience. It is part of the
[29:08] infrastructure that allows us to
survive. Customers need reasonable
[29:13] access to shop, pick up items, and visit
local businesses.
[29:18] The planned loss of parking threatens to
reduce
[29:21] accessibility for not only our
customers, but also employees, delivery
[29:26] drivers, older visitors, and people
carrying purchases or navigating
[29:30] mobility challenges.
What is especially concerning is the
[29:35] lack of a clearly communicated
transition plan or sufficient
[29:39] replacement parking before these
closures move forward by the developer
[29:43] who purchased the prop- property nearly
two years ago.
[29:48] Businesses are being asked to absorb the
impact first and hope solutions come
[29:53] later.
Many of us have invested years into
[29:56] helping keep this area active,
attractive, and economically viable.
[30:01] We support local events, pay taxes,
employ residents, and help fill
[30:06] storefronts that otherwise may sit
vacant.
[30:10] Decisions affecting access to our
businesses deserve careful planning and
[30:15] meaningful collaboration with us.
We are not opposing progress or
[30:20] development. We are asking for balanced
planning
[30:24] that does not unintentionally place
small businesses in a position where
[30:30] customers become unsustainable.
When parking becomes limited, confusing,
[30:36] or unavailable, customers just simply go
elsewhere.
[30:41] It is difficult not to feel overlooked
when decisions with major consequences
[30:46] for the business community and the
residents in the downtown district
[30:50] proceed without clear mitigation plans
or substantial dialogue with those
[30:55] directly affected. We want to be part of
the solution. However, right now the
[31:00] burden of inadequate planning is falling
heavily on the small businesses and
[31:06] threatens to put us out of business in
the very near future.
[31:10] Development can be phased, construction
can be phased, but customer loss and
[31:15] business closures caused by a lack of
access are often permanent.
[31:20] I would ask the council to pause,
re-evaluate the current approach,
[31:25] consider the real economic impact, and
work collaboratively with the downtown
[31:30] business community on practical
solutions.
[31:34] Growth that outpaces infrastructure risk
weakening the very businesses and
[31:40] downtown area that make this city
desirable in the first place. Thank you.
[31:46] You got it.
>> [applause]
[31:51] » Good [applause] timing.
>> [cheering]
[31:55] » Kimberly Vanderhaar.
[32:02] Hi. Hi. So, um, I'm I'm Kim Vanderhaar.
I'm actually here on behalf of Ball
[32:07] Ground Hounds. Um, I was there the
evening that Jenny and Ryan were both
[32:11] talking about when there was the risk of
losing the parking lot. Uh,
[32:16] it'll be detrimental to a lot of the
businesses in town to lose that space,
[32:20] but having the possibility of leasing
the lot across from and still having
[32:24] customers be able to,
I don't know, carry a 40-lb bag of food
[32:28] or have one of us do it. We have a lot
of pregnant women and elderly ladies
[32:31] that come in
where they're reliant on having close
[32:35] parking and close availability.
Parallel spaces in front are nice to be
[32:39] able to have, but
we really would appreciate you guys
[32:43] putting on thought and consideration
into making sure that we have accessible
[32:48] parking for our customers.
That way we can remain. We've been here
[32:51] for 10 years. We'd love to have another
10.
[32:54] So.
>> [snorts]
[32:55] » Thank you. Thank you.
>> [applause]
[33:03] » David Westrick.
[33:13] Mayor Castle, thank you very much for
talking to us tonight. Um, you've heard
[33:17] from a significant amount of the
businesses in our community. And you
[33:22] know, Mayor, you when you and I talked
prior to your election, prior to you
[33:26] winning the election, one of the things
I've told all of y'all and I've talked
[33:29] to all [snorts] of y'all about is the
the the the need for transparency and
[33:33] the need for communication. And watching
this unfold over the last 3 weeks or 4
[33:38] weeks on Facebook, through all the
different sources,
[33:43] it's been
pitiful. Truthfully, we have done a
[33:46] pitiful job of communicating to these
business people who have businesses, who
[33:52] pay a large amount of our property
taxes, our sales tax, and it's just we
[33:57] have not done a good job. And I implore
y'all
[34:00] to
take this and learn from it. Let's move
[34:03] forward.
Don just offered to be a part of the
[34:06] committee. I'll be a part of the
committee, but I think we've got to have
[34:09] some transparency in what's going on.
We all understand that this is to some
[34:15] degree we've got to do certain things
that can't be 100% transparent, but
[34:20] conversation goes miles.
We're not having conversation. I've
[34:25] talked to everyone here almost. We're
not having even conversation.
[34:29] So, if you have no conversation, all of
us know in the absence of conversation,
[34:33] your imagination goes crazy.
You know, the city's going to shut down
[34:37] tomorrow.
You know, somebody could say that.
[34:40] And our imagination would let it happen.
So, I feel like we have definitely
[34:44] failed
in this matter,
[34:47] not necessarily because we don't have a
perfect plan, but because we haven't
[34:51] communicated any plan.
I appreciate it. I think y'all ought to
[34:54] consider that and think about that for
the future.
[34:57] Thank y'all. Thank you.
>> [applause]
[35:03] » Harold Corbett.
[35:17] Honor and a privilege.
My name is Harold Corbett. For the rest
[35:21] y'all know me as Dean.
Dean is my middle name, don't call me
[35:25] that.
I really can't add too much to all this
[35:28] except for we are behind the eight ball
as Dylan said.
[35:33] For over a decade, I've been at every
downtown business meeting I could make
[35:37] or was available for.
And I raised the question a decade ago.
[35:43] What about parking? I was assured,
"Oh, we have more parking than Woodstock
[35:47] does."
That wasn't true then, sure not true
[35:50] now.
It's a detriment to our business.
[35:54] We get calls all the time.
"Where can I park? I I need a handicap
[36:00] spot." Well,
"park down by the railroad tracks
[36:04] and then try to make it in." Well, I I
can't move. Well, I'm sorry, we don't
[36:07] have that.
Or they'll call and make an order.
[36:11] And then they'll say, "Well, I can't get
to your shop, there's no parking."
[36:17] We understand. Sorry.
No problem.
[36:23] Something has to be done.
We're late.
[36:27] We're way late.
If we'd taken action 10 years ago, it
[36:30] would have been 1/10
the cost it's going to cost now.
[36:35] Mr. Snell is not the villain here.
Mr. Snell owns the property and he'd do
[36:40] with it as he pleases, in my opinion.
The city's dropped the ball.
[36:45] The city's had opportunities.
We've spent thousands of dollars
[36:51] trying to lure people into the city
without consideration of
[36:57] where they going to park when they get
here?
[36:59] There's nowhere.
On a normal Saturday, we have customers
[37:04] that walk from far away because they're
dedicated and they love our product,
[37:08] just like the rest of the businesses
here.
[37:11] But if you're elderly and you go pick up
a 40-lb bag of dog food, you're not
[37:14] going to hump it all the way down
to the baseball fields.
[37:18] You're not going to tote it all the way
down to the pharmacy. Yeah, there's a
[37:21] lot of parking down there.
But for who?
[37:24] For no one.
We're behind the ball.
[37:28] Maybe we should reallocate some money in
the city
[37:31] to start finding a a bigger, better
place. I don't know, somewhere that
[37:36] only gets used a couple of times a year
that has an amphitheater in it and
[37:40] you know, city already owns that. They
could just take a bond and maybe
[37:44] build a parking lot there or parking
deck.
[37:48] But that's my two cents and I hope I I
didn't have a nice speech like these
[37:51] educated folks do. I just tell you
what's on my my heart and my mind.
[37:56] Uh I love Ball Ground. This is a very
unique place in North Georgia. There is
[38:01] no other town like this one.
And it shouldn't be Woodstock. Shouldn't
[38:06] be Canton.
Shouldn't be any of those places. It
[38:09] should be Ball Ground. This is very
special place. You won't be able to
[38:13] replicate it.
It can't be duplicated. And once lost,
[38:18] you'll never revive it.
Thank you, Council. This has been a I've
[38:23] I'm glad nobody took up the bet that
$100 y'all wouldn't call me, so I get to
[38:27] keep my $100.
[38:30] » [applause]
[38:36] » So, Dr. Jeremy Bruce.
That's a hard act to follow there.
[38:43] I'm just here for Tony.
Uh Jeremy Bruce, Bruce Chiropractic. Um
[38:48] I'll tell you guys a story.
When I was a kid, I used to ride my
[38:51] bicycle on these streets. I'd work at my
grandfather's gun shop up on the hill
[38:55] and he'd give me a quarter or a dollar
and I'd come down and I'd buy a Hot
[38:58] Wheels car at a little toy store above
my office here on Main Street.
[39:02] And then I'd go over and have lunch at
Dot's restaurant and one day at lunch,
[39:08] Dot and I got an opportunity to watch my
grandfather and
[39:11] and uh Mr. Oscar Roberts have a
fistfight in the middle of town. Back
[39:15] then, you could have a fistfight in town
and not get run over by a truck, but
[39:19] other than that. So,
2001, open my office here in Ball
[39:23] Ground, Georgia. Uh 2007,
we opened on Main Street. So, we've been
[39:28] in that same location since 2007.
It was me, Heathcock's Drilling,
[39:34] the Mustard Seed and Dot.
Mustard Seed left after about 6 months
[39:38] and Dot, I think maybe a couple years
later she she was not able health-wise
[39:42] to run a restaurant, so she she bowed
out as well. So, it was Heathcock and
[39:46] Bruce Chiropractic out in downtown Ball
Ground. We didn't have parking problems
[39:50] then.
I think I'm
[39:52] » [laughter]
>> I may be saw
[39:54] 12 patients a day.
But now we see about 150 a week that
[39:59] come down to Ball Ground and they they
go to coffee shop and they get my
[40:02] favorite latte. Um I they most of time
they order Dr. Bruce's favorite, they'll
[40:06] get that, so it's be neat.
They'll go over and get a dinner at the
[40:10] at the butcher's place and so that's
kind of neat to do. And now they get a
[40:13] taco at the Taco Social, so it's been
really really cool to that. And then
[40:17] they get my favorite hamburger. I think
it's Daddy's on Death Row.
[40:22] That's my favorite hamburger, so. So,
it's been a it's been a privilege to
[40:26] serve in Ball Ground for this amount of
time, 25 26 years.
[40:31] But,
there's a transition that's coming and I
[40:34] have patients that aren't really
physically able to walk a distance
[40:39] that they that they are required to walk
or maybe required to walk. The back
[40:43] parking lot has been a blessing to us.
We survived the sidewalk beautification
[40:48] program. Were you here when that
when that happened? Yeah, 2009 2010.
[40:53] Our office survived because we had a
back parking lot to use.
[40:56] 2015, we survived Tom Cruise
because we had a back parking lot to
[41:01] use.
So, my interest today is the transition.
[41:07] It's what do we do in a transition?
Things have to progress, things have to
[41:10] improve, things have to develop and
build. [snorts] I get that. I
[41:13] understand.
But, I'm already at a disadvantage
[41:16] because my patients can't walk that far.
So,
[41:21] I'm here to say help
to the council, to the mayor, you know,
[41:24] help us.
I want to be here for another
[41:27] 15 years. Now, my wife, she's going to
quit another five, but um she wants to
[41:31] retire early when grandkids come.
But, I enjoy working. I enjoy Ball
[41:35] Ground. I I I am Ball Ground. I love
Ball Ground. Um I don't want to go
[41:38] anywhere else, but you know, I I have to
do what's best for my patients. I have
[41:42] to do what's best for those 150 folks
that trust me to take care of them.
[41:46] My grandfather told me one time, he
said, "Son,
[41:48] actually call me Bimbo." And there's
only a couple people in this room that
[41:51] knows he called me Bimbo. Just for
clarity, we have hit three minutes. Do
[41:56] you want to continue?
>> there. 10 15 seconds.
[41:59] » Okay. Okay. So, he called me Bimbo, but
he said, "Hey Bimbo, this is what you do
[42:02] if you want to be successful in life.
You treat people the way you want to be
[42:05] treated."
>> That's right. That's been my ethos. And
[42:08] I think from a business owner to a a
council to a mayor to the police
[42:13] officers, to everybody here, if we could
just get behind that ethos, I think
[42:16] everybody be fine. And I think Bogart
will be better for it. Thank you guys
[42:19] for your time. Thank you, Dr.
>> [applause]
[42:28] » Before we go into our next item, uh new
business, that that wraps up the
[42:32] speakers that signed up.
We know there's a parking shortage.
[42:38] You know, where there's not a whole lot
of pavement out there.
[42:42] The city purchased property
right behind us last year
[42:47] for the intention of building a parking
lot.
[42:50] Now, I understand that's a little ways
from downtown and it causes some uh some
[42:55] issues with walking.
But, the city would own
[43:00] the taxpayers and the residents would
own that piece of property instead of us
[43:04] leasing all of the time.
But, we understand. We've been leasing.
[43:08] We've been leasing for years.
Um
[43:12] the
uh Mr. Schnell, who owns the lot, is
[43:16] he hasn't closed that lot off.
He's not charging the city for that.
[43:22] He's allowing everybody to park there.
At some point, I'm sure he will be doing
[43:26] some construction there and until the
renovation is is completed,
[43:31] you know, we we are going to have a
parking crunch. But, tonight, hopefully,
[43:34] we're going to resolve a temporary
parking issue.
[43:38] Uh it means taking on another lease.
If if the council approves it.
[43:44] But, we realize we need it.
Uh
[43:48] over all the [snorts] years, if somebody
has some property that they're wanting
[43:51] to sell where you can put a few cars,
um
[43:55] we know how important that is.
So, I just wanted to
[43:59] to mention that that that we have worked
on that and um we do we do actually own
[44:05] property now that will be a parking lot
and it could in the future be a parking
[44:09] deck.
Um
[44:12] So, let's move into new business. Item
number A, what everybody's here waiting
[44:16] for, the elephant in the room,
consider parking lot agreement.
[44:21] Mr. Wilmarth.
Um
[44:25] this is a lot I think everybody is
familiar with. It is the one next to
[44:29] Parlor on Main downtown. It is owned by
Starlight Mineral and Mines,
[44:34] uh which is Janice Prather and Judy
Thomas.
[44:38] Uh
we did an assessment on this about 18
[44:42] months ago, I guess, and did the uh soil
corings.
[44:47] And
we wouldn't have the same problems in
[44:51] development here as we did with the
parking lot next door
[44:55] that we had to excavate all the old tree
stumps and and diapers and hangers that
[45:01] was kind of a uh
little mini landfill there.
[45:07] What we have discussed and and what we
would outline tonight and ask for
[45:13] authorization for staff and legal
counsel to work with the owners on
[45:19] is the area shown
uh
[45:23] here.
The blue line, and it's hard to see, but
[45:27] the the blue line does outline the
entirety of the property that we are
[45:31] looking and and proposing to lease. It's
11,936.33
[45:37] sq ft.
Uh the green line that parallels the
[45:42] building, if this is approved and
accepted by Starlight,
[45:48] would be a concrete curbing that would
be installed to protect the building
[45:52] from any incidental vehicle damage,
anybody running into the building.
[45:58] The yellow that parallels each other at
the back of the lot
[46:02] would be the metal traffic barricade
fencing that is removable.
[46:08] And the reason that they are asking for
this in our discussions so far is
[46:13] they've issued a notice to proceed for
renovations
[46:17] of a portion of that building.
They feel that their contractor may need
[46:22] access from time to time back in the
locations that they're not ready to
[46:27] lease at this point.
They would be willing to entertain that
[46:31] at such time as they obtained a
certificate of occupancy once
[46:36] renovations are completed on that
building.
[46:41] Um
so this would have a a
[46:45] entrance off of Gilmer Ferry.
The exit would be on the Mount Street.
[46:56] We anticipate and this is this is Eric
parking.
[47:01] Um
if this is approved, we would hire a
[47:05] professional parking lot person to lay
it out. I know we can get 40 spaces. But
[47:10] just like the community building, when
we got a parking lot company in there,
[47:14] they were able to add I think it was
eight spaces over what we had. So I
[47:19] think a professional company would get
another three or four spaces.
[47:23] But for my
calculations, we rated at 40.
[47:28] The price to develop this uh
our best quote at the time is $68,500.
[47:35] That would excavate what is there now.
It would put in a 6-in base
[47:41] top coated with asphalt uh
put in that concrete curbing and make it
[47:46] ready for parking.
[47:50] So if we ran that
um
[47:54] on a 5-year lease
if they would agree to this and what
[48:00] they wanted me to specify tonight until
they have a proposed lease agreement in
[48:05] front of them, they're not agreeing to
anything. They said we've been
[48:10] Now, a couple times they want to see
something and
[48:13] so these are what we are
saying we would present to them.
[48:19] Uh 5-year lease during which time we
would make no monthly payments.
[48:24] That's how we recoup from the initial
capital investment of the $68,500.
[48:30] The 5 years a key number to us because
that is
[48:35] uh our threshold on capital investment.
So, we could use capital dollars to do
[48:40] this, depreciate it over a 5-year period
and
[48:46] be able to use capital funds.
That breaks down to a cost if we only
[48:53] get the 40 spaces, that would be a cost
per month of $28.54
[49:00] per parking space
per month.
[49:03] Uh that would equate out to $342.48
on an annual basis for the parking spot.
[49:10] And again, that would be our cost.
We would also
[49:16] propose in the lease because it's how
our other leases are set with them
[49:21] that we would be responsible for the
annual taxes.
[49:25] That's why the square footage is so
important is we calculate that, we would
[49:28] take the land value,
uh divide that by the land assessment uh
[49:34] from the tax assessor,
and we'd end up having to pay
[49:38] during that first 5-year period
$1,336
[49:43] annually providing nobody raises taxes.
Uh but if
[49:48] board of education or the county,
whatever, went up on taxes.
[49:52] The actual number is 1536
but we would waive the 200 that
[49:58] would be ball ground tax. So we would
forego $200 in revenue. We would have to
[50:04] pay out 1336.
[50:08] I was asked to look at one additional
number
[50:12] and the only one I could find is on
street parking and I realize this is not
[50:18] on street
but it's about as close as we can get
[50:22] but according to Main Street America the
estimate is that a on street parking
[50:26] spot adds about $20,000 in revenue
annually to a local economy.
[50:32] So
we're talking [snorts] a investment of
[50:35] $348.
Arguably that's a city investment but
[50:41] the return on investment in the local
economy is much higher.
[50:46] Being that this is not on street, I
still say we're looking at at least half
[50:52] being 10 to 15,000
value to local economy.
[50:59] So what we're asking for this evening is
authorization to
[51:04] propose this to Starlight Mineral and
Mines in the form of a lease crafted by
[51:10] our legal counsel
with these stipulations and enter that
[51:16] lease if they agree to these terms.
I have a question for you.
[51:23] Do you have an estimated time frame for
this to happen?
[51:28] We have a contractor that could turn
pretty quick. We could make
[51:34] I know it's it's always a controversial
topic. We we could have that ready to
[51:39] park in 7 to 10 days without asphalt.
The longest part is always waiting on
[51:46] your your asphalt crews to get it on
schedule and and come in and do it.
[51:51] Uh so there would
be the ability to turn this loose, make
[51:55] it move pretty quick from the time they
agree.
[52:00] Given our folks the notice to proceed,
but asphalt I wouldn't try to predict.
[52:05] They'll be paving on Valley Street uh
next week.
[52:09] Um
we started scheduling that
[52:12] I don't know, 10 12 weeks ago. So it's
it's a stretch to get a paver here
[52:17] quick.
Yes, ma'am.
[52:22] That base needs to be uh put down anyhow
though. Could we not
[52:28] park on the base until the asphalt gets
done?
[52:32] » just helps compact it more. Yeah. It's
fine. So we could
[52:36] move in.
[52:41] Okay, so we have item eight, consider
parking lot agreement.
[52:46] Is there a motion? I'll second a motion.
Motion to approve and a second.
[52:52] Any discussion?
[52:55] No discussion. All in favor, signify by
saying I. I. Any opposed?
[53:01] It passes.
We have Hopefully we'll have one.
[53:05] » [applause]
[53:12] » I KNOW A LOT OF FOLKS ARE HERE FOR this
reason. We can go um through the rest of
[53:18] new business or take a break if anybody
wants to leave, get up and leave.
[53:22] It's entirely up to you.
You don't have to.
[53:31] » [snorts]
>> Thank you for coming out.
[54:02] » Okay, we'll move
to item B, consider
[54:06] IGA for Ball Ground Highway maintenance
agreement with Cherokee County.
[54:11] Um Eric, if you want to
hit the highlights on that and
[54:17] Yes, sir. There was a request came to
Mayor Nelson uh initiated by
[54:20] Commissioner Cagle uh asking if the city
would uh be receptive to accepting a
[54:28] maintenance agreement of Ball Ground
Highway from the roundabout south to
[54:34] Sharp Mountain Creek. Uh the issue on
here is you look down through there. If
[54:39] you see the areas in tan,
uh those are areas that are currently
[54:44] maintained by the city.
Then you have an area that's in the
[54:48] county. Then you have an area where the
southbound lane is in the county, but
[54:53] the northbound lane is in the city.
Uh
[54:56] and then you get
south of there and it flips and they're
[55:01] saying you cannot annex roadways anymore
by state law, but you can do
[55:07] agreements.
And so seeing as there would be an
[55:10] interest in doing an agreement here
where that would all be in the city. You
[55:14] cannot use it for a spoke annexation,
but it does clear up from public safety.
[55:19] If there is an accident, you're not
worried about which lane is in the city,
[55:23] which lane is in the county.
There uh
[55:28] is one change on this
agreement since you saw it last and that
[55:34] uh change was that within the next 5
years
[55:39] the county would agree with their forces
or with their contract forces to pave
[55:45] the entirety of the roadway
from the roundabout to Sharp Mountain
[55:50] Creek with the city of Ball Ground
paying for asphalt only.
[55:55] So, that would be much less than what we
would pay now to do just our own
[56:00] portion. We would try to coordinate that
with the agreement we're currently doing
[56:05] with Georgia DOT that would pay from the
roundabout to city limits of Nelson.
[56:11] So, it'd be nice if we could put that
all in one group and one contract, but
[56:17] the county is agreeing to within the
next 5 years.
[56:20] We also received an intergovernmental
agreement yesterday that didn't have
[56:25] time to make it onto this agenda, but
that
[56:29] they would still be willing to do a
sidewalk project along this corridor
[56:33] with the county paying for the sidewalk
along the parcels
[56:38] that are county property,
the city paying along the parcels that
[56:43] are city property, and
pretty sweet deal for the city because
[56:48] we've already required developers to put
in sidewalks in different areas through
[56:52] there. And if McKinley if that project,
I don't think that property is sold yet,
[56:59] but that was zoned and approved. If they
start construction, they have to do it
[57:03] on theirs as well. So, the city portion
would continue to shrink. But that would
[57:08] be on your work session for June.
[57:13] And we'll also receive um a little bit
more money because we're adding to our
[57:18] roadway. So, the broken roadways haven't
given us credit on uh
[57:24] the gas the fuel tax the percentage of
fuel tax that's available to us.
[57:29] So,
by adding this, it would increase that
[57:34] by about $5,300 a year.
So, over a period of years, we'd collect
[57:40] significant money, but it would only
change our check annually by 5,300.
[57:46] And it would be our hopes to work with
Cherokee County and Georgia Power and
[57:52] eventually get some street lights out
there
[57:55] along the sidewalk area.
Um
[57:59] Cherokee County Commissioner Kaegel
particularly has been been real good
[58:03] about this and uh
you know, I I think it's a good idea. I
[58:07] think most of the council members have
had a chance to look at it. It certainly
[58:11] is a good idea from uh public safety
standpoint because they get out there,
[58:17] they don't know where the wreck is,
whether it's in the county, whether it's
[58:20] in the city. This kind of cleans all of
that up.
[58:26] So, with that uh consider IGA for Ball
Ground Highway maintenance agreement
[58:31] with Cherokee County, do we have a
motion to accept that agreement? Motion
[58:35] to approve the IGA. We have a motion to
approve.
[58:39] I have a second. Any discussion?
[58:44] Okay, hearing none.
All in favor, please say I. I. Any
[58:49] opposed?
All right.
[58:53] We're good.
Um C and D are tabled.
[58:59] We'll move to item E, consider proposed
parks project list and impact fee
[59:03] expenditures. Mr. Wilmarth.
Yes, sir. We went over this in the uh
[59:09] work session
in detail.
[59:12] And I apologize for not updating the
slide, but uh
[59:16] we we're no longer at a shortfall on the
proposed
[59:20] impact fee expenditures. We have issued
building permits since then, so they're
[59:26] as proposed here, we have all the funds
necessary
[59:30] to execute these projects. As you know,
we have already issued the notice to
[59:34] proceed for the new lighting on Lions
Field.
[59:38] Uh
so, what we're asking you tonight is the
[59:41] ability to pay for it, not just from gym
sale proceeds, but to split that with
[59:46] impact fees,
the uh 38% that we are allowed. We're
[59:50] asking for the same thing with the
pickleball conversion. That's a $60,000
[59:56] project. We're asking to do 37 out of
the sale proceeds and 22,829
[1:00:01] out of impact fees.
The playground expansion, the same. The
[1:00:06] addition on here would be the pavilion
that's not already in a identified in an
[1:00:11] MOU.
The total cost of the pavilion, and this
[1:00:15] would go on the existing community
building slab at Calvin Farmer East for
[1:00:20] 148,350.
It would be 91,977
[1:00:26] out of proceeds from the sale of city
gym,
[1:00:30] and it would take 56,373
from impact fees.
[1:00:35] So,
uh
[1:00:39] Most of this was outlined in the MOU for
the sale of the gymnasium. What we're
[1:00:43] expressly asking for approval tonight is
to expend impact fee dollars.
[1:00:51] And this is impact fee dollars that are
that were earmarked for parks and
[1:00:57] recreation or recreation and parks.
So, what you've done is you've taken
[1:01:03] You stretched it out and built this more
projects.
[1:01:06] » it out. And for those not familiar,
impact fees are those fees paid on the
[1:01:11] issuance of all new building permits.
So, it's not coming out of tax dollars
[1:01:15] or anything else. We issue a Every
residential unit that's constructed in
[1:01:20] Ball Ground pays a $2,000 fee that can
only be spent in parks. And so this is
[1:01:26] using those funds to
stretch those dollars.
[1:01:31] And with the permits that will be coming
forth, we should be able to replenish
[1:01:35] that
pretty well that impact fee fund. Yes.
[1:01:43] Okay.
Um
[1:01:46] we have an item on the table consider
proposed parks project list and impact
[1:01:50] fee expenditures.
We have a motion to approve.
[1:01:54] » I'll second.
We have two seconds.
[1:01:58] And uh any discussion?
[1:02:02] Okay.
All in favor, please say I.
[1:02:06] I. Any opposed?
Okay, it carries.
[1:02:12] Uh next our first reading of sign
ordinance.
[1:02:16] Um
Mr. Rogers.
[1:02:21] There you are.
[1:02:25] He's got you down here, so
Are some Uh
[1:02:29] » [laughter]
>> There no changes since first reading
[1:02:32] uh and no changes since Well, you had a
few at the work session. Those have been
[1:02:37] implemented, some grammatical things and
wordage.
[1:02:41] Uh
so unless there's questions.
[1:02:45] Okay, those are the changes are in the
copy we have. Has the public been able
[1:02:51] to look at this yet or they will be able
to after They'll be able to. It'll be
[1:02:56] online. This is
[1:03:00] pretty much the same ordinance that's
been in place for 20 years.
[1:03:05] It cleaned up language, made some
adjustments, but it makes sure it's
[1:03:09] properly adopted in accordance with the
zoning act
[1:03:14] so that it is completely enforceable.
And there will be a public hearing held
[1:03:19] on June 11th at 6:00 p.m.
in regards to this because this is the
[1:03:23] first reading. The second reading where
this will go into effect will be at that
[1:03:26] meeting on June 11th.
So, if the citizens want to pull up
[1:03:30] something, is it on our website they can
review this or it has to be after our
[1:03:35] situation?
Yes, we normally put
[1:03:39] these new ordinances after they've been
adopted onto the MuniCode. Um
[1:03:43] I believe that the slides and stuff are
on the website as well, but we can help
[1:03:47] make sure that's on there. Prior to the
public hearing though, they can
[1:03:51] They can obtain a copy here at City Hall
if they'd like, yes.
[1:03:55] Before we
fully vote on this item.
[1:04:00] Thank you.
Appreciate all the hard work that went
[1:04:02] into redesigning that.
Um okay, so we have on the table first
[1:04:07] reading of the sign ordinance.
Is there a motion?
[1:04:11] Motion to approve.
Motion to approve, second?
[1:04:15] Second. Any discussion?
[1:04:20] Hearing none.
All in favor, please say I. I. Any
[1:04:25] opposed?
Okay, first reading is in the books.
[1:04:33] Next item G, we have considered first
reading of rezoning case number
[1:04:37] 2026-R-01,
[1:04:41] Alma Coffee LLC.
Mr. Rogers, you're up again.
[1:04:46] Yes, sir. No changes since the work
session.
[1:04:50] The applicant's here as well tonight,
but there have been no changes
[1:04:54] to the
request for rezoning.
[1:04:57] Okay.
[1:05:01] All right. Um
we have
[1:05:04] on the table consider first reading of
the rezoning case
[1:05:09] number 2026-R-01,
Alma Coffee LLC.
[1:05:15] Is there a motion? I'll make a motion.
We have a motion.
[1:05:18] » motion. We have a second.
All in favor, please signify by saying
[1:05:23] I. I. Any opposed?
Okay, first reading's in the book.
[1:05:29] It passes.
[1:05:32] Bring us to item H, consider first
reading of proposed FY2027
[1:05:37] budget.
Mr. Wilmarth.
[1:05:41] Yes, sir.
Uh we've got a significant budget
[1:05:44] increase this year thanks in large part
mostly due to the uh residents of
[1:05:50] Cherokee County adopting a one penny
T-SPLOST
[1:05:55] which will generate about 800
and 81,000 new dollars to the city for
[1:06:02] transportation projects only. It'll be
used for resurfacing. It'll be used for
[1:06:07] intersection improvements. Uh we've
allocated funds in here for the bypass.
[1:06:12] It's what we will be working with GDOT
for repaving the uh Ball Ground Highway
[1:06:17] corridor.
So,
[1:06:20] that's the the biggest change over
previous years.
[1:06:25] Uh
we went over this in depth at the work
[1:06:28] session.
There is a public hearing that's already
[1:06:31] advertised uh for the budget if it is
approved for a first reading.
[1:06:38] It will also, if approved for first
reading, go on the front page of the
[1:06:41] website. Uh be on there by Tuesday or
Wednesday next week where residents can
[1:06:46] review it and have any questions
prepared for the public hearing. When
[1:06:50] will the public hearing be?
[1:06:55] Get that. I believe it's right before
the work session.
[1:06:59] Okay, June 4th. Okay.
June 4th.
[1:07:03] 7:00 or 6:00 5:00?
5:00.
[1:07:08] Cuz work session's at 6:00.
[1:07:18] Okay.
So, we have consider first reading of
[1:07:21] the proposed FY 2027 budget and this has
been posted on our
[1:07:28] website. Uh it'll be on there next week.
We don't per We don't post it
[1:07:33] in until council says this is what we
want in a first reading. Okay.
[1:07:38] » Uh and then we post it and have the
public hearing prior to adoption.
[1:07:43] Okay, is there a motion to approve the
first reading?
[1:07:47] Motion to approve the first reading of
the 2027 budget. Second. We have a
[1:07:51] motion and a second. Any discussion?
[1:07:57] Hearing none, all in favor, please
signify by saying I. I. I. Any opposed?
[1:08:03] Okay, first reading's in the vote.
[1:08:08] Uh next is item I, consider library
board appointment. This is to fill um
[1:08:13] the vacancy left by Miss Stephanie
Joiner.
[1:08:17] And um we have a person who would like
to to um take that assignment, Miss
[1:08:24] Stacy Hutchinson. I don't know whether
she's here tonight or not.
[1:08:29] Um she said she wasn't going to be able
to make it here tonight. She's highly
[1:08:32] qualified. All the council members have
looked over
[1:08:36] um her background. She's a school
teacher here at the Ball Ground
[1:08:40] Elementary School.
[1:08:43] This uh board appointment um would be
filling the un-term vacancy and starting
[1:08:51] uh
the 20 June of I mean January 27.
[1:08:54] Correct.
Okay.
[1:09:00] So, we have uh
I think it's multi-year.
[1:09:04] » It's It's multi-year, but Ms. Joiner
would have expired on December 31st. So,
[1:09:10] we're just you can appoint her now for
the next term, but also for the
[1:09:15] unexpired vacancy left by Ms. Joiner.
Mr. Mayor, may I make a motion to
[1:09:20] approve?
We have a motion to approve. Ms.
[1:09:23] Hutchinson?
Have a second.
[1:09:26] Uh any discussion?
[1:09:30] Okay, all in favor, please signify by
saying I. I. I. Any opposed?
[1:09:38] All right, she's appointed. Um will
will you uh city be notifying her in
[1:09:45] writing or
>> Yes. Okay. Thank you.
[1:09:51] We do have a few proclamations. We're
going to get through some old business.
[1:09:54] I appreciate the patience of everybody.
I see you back there, Mary. I know you
[1:09:59] I I appreciate you spending all the time
here.
[1:10:02] Um we're down to item seven, old
business. Consider final reading of
[1:10:06] urban camping ordinance.
[1:10:11] No changes since first reading or work
session.
[1:10:15] Okay.
Does any body have a motion?
[1:10:20] This is the final reading.
[1:10:24] We have a motion to approve.
We have a second.
[1:10:28] Any discussion?
[1:10:32] We've hashed this out
pretty well.
[1:10:34] It's been a while.
Okay, uh all in favor, please signify by
[1:10:39] saying I. I. Any opposed?
All right, final reading passes.
[1:10:47] Item B, consider final reading of the
updated wellhead protection ordinance.
[1:10:54] Mr. Wilmer.
No changes since first reading and uh
[1:11:00] this is based
totally on science from the gallons per
[1:11:05] minute and total quantity of gallons per
year that we produce out of the well and
[1:11:12] that establishes the boundaries for our
protection area.
[1:11:17] Okay.
[1:11:19] All right, we have a final reading on
the table for the updated wellhead
[1:11:24] protection ordinance.
So, make a motion.
[1:11:28] » approve. I have a motion to approve.
Second. I have a second.
[1:11:33] Any discussion?
All right, all in favor please signify
[1:11:38] by saying I. I. Any opposed?
All right, final reading.
[1:11:44] Next item C, consider final reading of
updates to alcohol ordinance.
[1:11:50] Any changes?
No changes since first reading. The
[1:11:54] biggest change to the ordinance is the
open container. The district remains the
[1:12:00] same.
But if the restaurant is within the
[1:12:03] hours that it's allowed to pour
then open container is in effect.
[1:12:09] Okay.
[1:12:14] Mr. Mayor, I'll make a motion to approve
our second reading here of the updated
[1:12:18] alcohol ordinance. I have a motion to
approve.
[1:12:22] I have a second. Any discussion?
[1:12:26] Hearing none.
All in favor please signify by saying I.
[1:12:31] I. Any opposed?
Okay, that takes care of old business.
[1:12:35] We're down to uh what would have been at
the front of the agenda, proclamations
[1:12:40] and appearances.
Um
[1:12:43] Is Robert Crumley still in here?
Did he leave?
[1:12:48] He's here from Senator uh Dickerson's
office. I just wanted to recognize him.
[1:12:53] Our first proclamation will be Ball
Ground Garden Club donation with
[1:12:59] uh
Mary.
[1:13:01] Would you like to come up front?
[1:13:08] A lot of important business I'm
following, but thank you for letting me
[1:13:11] come here tonight. And I firstly want to
thank everybody from the city, the
[1:13:16] administrators, the council, the parks
and recreations people. They all helped
[1:13:22] us and support us all the time with our
events, and we had a very successful
[1:13:26] event in the garden last Saturday. Um I
also want to say that I believe that you
[1:13:31] hold the same objective that we do when
it comes to parks and so forth. Um we
[1:13:37] believe in conservation, beautification,
education. And we want to support the
[1:13:42] city in that, and we'd like to make a
donation to the city for the parks
[1:13:46] improvement or whatever you call it. So,
thank you very much.
[1:13:51] » [applause]
[1:13:58] » Thank you, Mary and Jenny.
[1:14:33] Thank you.
Thank you, Mary.
[1:14:39] » [applause]
[1:14:45] » Okay, next we have a proclamation for
municipal clerks week. Woo! That's you.
[1:14:50] Yeah.
It's our own Kaylin. Thank you.
[1:14:54] Yay, Kaylin!
>> [applause]
[1:15:04] » All right, Kaylin. Whereas the office of
the professional municipal clerk, a
[1:15:09] time-honored and vital part of local
government, exists through the world.
[1:15:13] And
whereas the office of the professional
[1:15:16] municipal clerk is the oldest among
public servants.
[1:15:20] And whereas the office of the
professional municipal clerk provides a
[1:15:24] professional link between the citizens
and the local governing bodies and
[1:15:28] agencies of government at other levels.
And whereas professional municipal
[1:15:33] clerks have pledged to be ever mindful
of their neutrality and impartiality,
[1:15:39] rendering equal service to all.
Whereas the professional municipal clerk
[1:15:43] serves as the information center on
functions of local government and
[1:15:48] community.
Whereas professional municipal clerks
[1:15:52] continually strive to improve the
administration of the affairs of the
[1:15:55] office of the professional municipal
clerk through participation in education
[1:16:00] programs, seminars, workshops, and the
annual meetings of their state,
[1:16:05] provincial, county, and international
professional organizations.
[1:16:10] Whereas it is most appropriate that we
recognize the accomplishments of the
[1:16:14] office of the professional municipal
clerk.
[1:16:17] Now therefore, I Dennis Nelson, mayor of
the city of Auburn,
[1:16:21] do recognize the week of May 3rd through
May 9th, 2026 as professional municipal
[1:16:26] clerks week.
And further extend appreciation to our
[1:16:29] professional municipal clerk, Kaylin
Bush,
[1:16:33] and to all professional municipal
clerks
[1:16:37] for their outstanding and exemplary
dedication to the communities they
[1:16:40] represent.
And in witness whereof, we have to set
[1:16:44] my hand and cause the seal of the city
to be affixed on this
[1:16:48] 14th day of May, 2016.
[1:16:53] » [applause]
[1:16:58] » Anybody have any
questions or
[1:17:03] We all work together. We all live here.
[1:17:12] I mean you all can just hang out here. I
got one more proclamation after this.
[1:17:16] So, are we good to go?
[1:17:27] Can you repeat over here?
[1:17:41] » [applause]
[1:17:47] » Okay, and then our final law enforcement
appreciation week
[1:17:52] proclamation.
[1:17:58] And you know, uh
men in blue.
[1:18:05] » [applause]
[1:18:12] » Calling it National Police Week, whereas
the men and women of law enforcement
[1:18:16] dedicate their lives to protecting our
communities, preserving peace, upholding
[1:18:21] the rule of law, and safeguarding the
rights and freedoms of all citizens.
[1:18:26] And whereas law enforcement officers
serve with courage, integrity,
[1:18:29] professionalism, and selfless
commitment, often placing themselves in
[1:18:34] harm's way in the performance of their
duties.
[1:18:37] And whereas National Police Week,
observed May 10th through the 16th,
[1:18:41] 2026, provides an opportunity for
citizens to recognize and express
[1:18:45] gratitude for the dedicated service and
sacrifices made daily by federal, state,
[1:18:51] county, and local law enforcement
officers.
[1:18:54] And whereas during this week, we also
honor the memory of those officers who
[1:18:59] have made the ultimate sacrifice in the
line of duty and recognize the enduring
[1:19:03] support provided by those families,
friends, and fellow
[1:19:06] officers.
And whereas communities are strengthened
[1:19:09] through the partnership between law
enforcement agencies and the citizens
[1:19:13] they faithfully serve, working together
to promote public safety, justice, and
[1:19:18] mutual respect.
And I therefore, I Dennis Nau Mayor of
[1:19:21] the City of Auburn, do hereby proclaim
May 10th through the 16th, 2026 as
[1:19:26] National Police Week
and call upon all citizens to join in
[1:19:31] honoring the dedicated law enforcement
officers who serve and protect our
[1:19:35] communities with distinction, courage,
and unwavering commitment.
[1:19:39] In witness whereof, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the seal of the city
[1:19:42] to be affixed this 14th day of May,
2026.
[1:19:46] Chief Bill Gibson, That young man right
there, sir.
[1:19:51] » [applause]
[1:20:00] [applause]
[1:20:34] » Thank you.
>> [applause]
[1:20:40] » You got You got the proclamation. You
got to give a speech.
[1:20:50] I wish you were getting ready at the end
there.
[1:20:57] Item number nine,
[1:21:01] approval
of the April 9th, 2026 regular council
[1:21:07] meeting minutes.
Has everybody had a chance to look them
[1:21:10] over?
All right.
[1:21:13] We have a motion to approve.
Motion to approve the April the 9th
[1:21:19] Second. We have a motion and a second.
Any discussion?
[1:21:23] All right, hearing none, all in favor,
please say I.
[1:21:26] I. Any opposed?
All right.
[1:21:30] Minutes are approved.
[1:21:33] Mr. City Manager, your next-to-the-last
meeting.
[1:21:38] Yes, sir.
Um
[1:21:41] just a few announcements, but want to
start off with first a correction. I'd
[1:21:46] like to retract my 7 to 10 days.
Contractor tells me I'm
[1:21:51] a little overzealous, so let's go with
12 to 15.
[1:21:55] Okay, it's a lot to haul out. Uh so, he
wants to go home for dinner.
[1:22:00] Uh second thing, just did want to also
state with Kaylin,
[1:22:06] um there is a minimum standard that has
to be obtained for municipal clerks in
[1:22:12] the state of Georgia.
Uh but that wasn't anything she was
[1:22:15] willing to tackle or do, so she has gone
far beyond the minimum
[1:22:20] and will attain the higher levels of
certification,
[1:22:26] and that'll happen this fall. So, we're
very proud of how diligently she tackled
[1:22:32] this new role and her willingness to
train.
[1:22:36] For announcements, uh Valley Street
paving is next week. So, we appreciate
[1:22:40] the community's cooperation that we've
had the end of the street closed so far
[1:22:44] this week.
We'll be able to keep it open evenings,
[1:22:49] uh but we still have some more work
happening along Valley Street replacing
[1:22:54] storm drains uh Tuesday and Wednesday of
next week. The paving crew is supposed
[1:23:00] to show up Tuesday and start milling and
pave on Wednesday and Thursday. So, just
[1:23:05] bear with us as we get through Valley
Street. And also, again, thank you for
[1:23:10] the T-SPLOST vote that's allowing us to
tackle some of these projects earlier
[1:23:16] than we would have been able to do.
Uh 30th of this month will be Guardians
[1:23:22] of the Jukebox. So, everybody come
downtown for a big time.
[1:23:26] And then get ready for the fireworks.
Uh fireworks on the 27th.
[1:23:31] I retire on the 26th. So, I'm saying
that's my send-off. It's my good
[1:23:35] send-off.
But, uh that's it.
[1:23:40] All right.
Um
[1:23:44] Mr. Cardel, do you have anything before
we go to [snorts] council?
[1:23:47] Uh
only that uh
[1:23:50] Mr. Frost and and I are
working with the courts trying to get a
[1:23:55] court date relative to the
uh nuisance issue with the post office.
[1:24:01] But, so we're
trying to coordinate that with uh with
[1:24:04] the court.
[1:24:07] Thank you.
[1:24:09] Councilwoman Homiller, any comments?
I want to thank the citizens for paying
[1:24:14] attention and being involved and
giving us your input. It's been
[1:24:20] it's been wonderful seeing
Councilwoman Rogers Yeah, two things.
[1:24:26] First of all, thank you all for coming
out this evening.
[1:24:31] Caleb, congratulations. You're doing a
remarkable job. And thank you to
[1:24:37] Chief G and all [snorts] of our officers
for everything that you do for the city.
[1:24:41] We truly appreciate it.
>> [snorts]
[1:24:44] » And I'd also like to recognize David
Dean.
[1:24:48] He passed in
got certified with his class four water
[1:24:52] treatment license. So
>> [applause]
[1:24:58] » Just add another
feather
[1:25:00] in his cap and what he can do for the
water department. So getting those
[1:25:04] licenses mean a lot. So great job,
David.
[1:25:10] Thank you, Councilwoman Benefield.
Yes, I would like to thank our downtown
[1:25:15] businesses for coming out tonight and
speaking at our council meeting.
[1:25:19] I'm glad we were able to
to pass the the lease on the parking for
[1:25:24] you all.
It is a problem that we all know about
[1:25:28] and we recognize
and hopefully we'll be able to work
[1:25:31] through this crunch and we'll be able to
have nice good thriving businesses for
[1:25:36] the downtown and
everything good for our city of Rock
[1:25:40] Hill. Thank you again.
[1:25:43] Councilman Stancil Yes, thanks for the
all the attendance this evening and
[1:25:47] particularly the downtown businesses and
thanks for all the input that you
[1:25:52] provided and
thanks to staff for working through some
[1:25:56] of these issues.
[1:26:04] And last but not least, Councilman
Barnes. Like all the others, I thank
[1:26:08] everybody for coming out and having
their voices be heard.
[1:26:11] Reaching out to
council
[1:26:13] and having discussions.
Continue that and it's
[1:26:17] it's good to hear that it is being done.
[1:26:22] » Thank you everybody for coming out
tonight. We we appreciate you your
[1:26:26] comments and we appreciate um your
turnout. And uh glad that we were able
[1:26:31] to get a
uh some some things resolved here on
[1:26:35] parking.
[1:26:38] Last item is adjournment. We just need a
uh motion.
[1:26:42] Motion to adjourn. Second. All in favor?
Any opposed?
[1:26:47] All right. Thank you very much
everybody. Have a good evening.
[1:26:58] Rock, paper, scissors, man. You beat me.