TOWN OF TALLULAH FALLS
STATE OF GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 9, 2016
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 4, 2016
TEKA EARNHARDT & LAURA GURLEY – PRESENTATION – ANGLERS & APPETITES SHOW FEATURING RABUN COUNTY ARCHWAY
ATTORNEY REPORT
FIRE REPORT
POLICE REPORT
WATER REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT
STREET REPORT
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER REPORT
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
OPEN FLOOR
ADJOURN
*EXECUTIVE SESSION IF NEEDED
Agenda amended 03-04-2016 to add Archway at the request of Councilperson Teri Dobbs
TOWN OF TALLULAH FALLS
STATE OF GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 9, 2016 MINUTES
The regular monthly meeting for March 3, 2016 of the City Council of Tallulah Falls, Georgia was cancelled due to snow and rescheduled for March 9, 2016 and it was called to order at 6:00 o’clock p.m. by Mayor Hayes.
PRESENT WERE:
- Mayor Dan A. Hayes
- Councilperson Deb Goatcher
- Councilperson Teri Dobbs
- Councilperson Bill Coldren Councilperson Larry Hamilton
- Police Chief Bill Goatcher
- Captain Mike Early (Fire Department)
- Town Administrator/Clerk Marcia McKean
OTHERS PRESENT: Kimberly Brown, the Northeast Georgia; Rev. James Turpen; Mr. & Mrs. Ray Morris; Lee Mavroleon; Mr. & Mrs. Alan Fisher; Dan Maibaum; Kelly Coldren; Keith Nelms and Mike Beecham with Habersham County Planning and Development.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Coldren to accept the minutes of the February 4, 2016 meeting. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Goatcher and passed unanimously.
Teka Earnhardt and Laura Gurley were unable to attend the meeting; therefore, Gail Darugh made the presentation for Anglers & Appetites on behalf of the Rabun County Tourism Development Authority. Gail stated the hosts, David Zelski and Phil Proctor, go into communities to feature lodging, fishing spots and restaurants in the area. Gail requested the Council donate $1 ,500.00 to help fund bringing the Fox Sports South television show to Rabun County.
Following a lengthy discussion, Councilperson Dobbs made the motion authorizing the expenditure of $1,500.00 to bring the above described television show to Rabun County. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Coldren and passed unanimously.
Councilperson Dobbs stated she attended the Archway Executive Meeting last Wednesday and has a statement here (in the form of e-mail – a copy of same is attached hereto and made a part herof. (For attachment, contact Town Clerk)
I was asked to meet with Archway and met with Rick Story (one on one) who explained the history of Archway and the projects completed here in the past for the benefit of the Town: Spent $9,000.00 on a Marketing Plan; they designed a card rack; prepared a bridge design (for a foot bridge across Tallulah Lake); launched a water engineering project and a design for the trail system.
In July the renewal contract with Archway will come up and the fee is $3,000.00 for reinstatement. In the past, Tallulah Falls School donated a portion of this fee; however, I cannot say they will again. I am waiting for a call back from Mr. Peevy. I am just giving an update and report Archway is asking us to come back as an active participant. Any questions?
Councilperson Goatcher asked if Councilperson Dobbs could briefly explain the permitting project. Councilperson Dobbs deferred to Mike Beecham who explained the county and all municipalities asked Archway to come in and look at all the different permitting processes; zoning districts and all that for the county and municipalities and initially create a development book. Councilperson Dobbs added that you may or may not be aware this is all funded by UGA Board of Regents. They only allow eight (8) communities in the entire state to participate and this is an honor for Habersham to be involved.
Attorney Report: Allyn Stockton stated he has spoken with a representative from MuniCode and the cost for codifying Ordinances would probably be between $9,000 and $11 ,000. Also, he would continue to seek funding for same from Rabun and Habersham Law Libraries.
Councilperson Coldren made the Motion to pursue obtaining the services of MuniCode for the purpose of codifying the Town’s Ordinances and both Law Libraries for assistance in funding same. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Dobbs and passed unanimously.
Mr. Stockton requested the Council go into Executive Session to discuss potential litigation.
Fire Report: Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (For attachment, contact Town Clerk)
Captain Mike Early announced the election results from the recent election held by the volunteer fire department (a copy of same is attached hereto and made a part hereof) and requested the Council’s approval and the term of offices be set until June 2017.
Councilperson Goatcher made the Motion approving the election results, as presented, as well as the term of offices through June 2017; seconded by Councilperson Hamilton. The Motion passed unanimously.
Police Chief Goatcher, and, as a member of the volunteer fire department, praised Captain Early for ‘holding’ the department together. He has done a great job and want to tell him “thank you”.
Captain Early presented the Statewide Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreements (Rabun and Habersham Counties) and requested the Council ‘s authorization for Mayor’s signature. Councilperson Hamilton made the Motion authorizing the Mayor’s signature on same; seconded by Councilperson Coldren. The Motion passed unanimously.
Captain Early stated that Habersham County SPLOST VI has funds allocated for Public Safety and the fire department’s SCBAs (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) are outdated, and through Rabun County, we can purchase refurbished SCBAs for approximately $800.00 each (normally SCBAs are approximately $4,000.00 each). The refurbished ones would be certified, insured and in good working condition. We would like to have at least 12 of the refurbished SCBAs (four for each truck).
Councilperson Dobbs made the Motion authorizing the purchase of 12 refurbished SCBAs for the fire department at a cost of approximately $800.00 each to be paid with Habersham County SPLOST VI funds. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Goatcher and passed unanimously.
Police Report: Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (For attachment, contact Town Clerk)
Water Report: Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (For attachment, contact Town Clerk)
Goatcher stated he would like to start obtaining quotes for painting the outside of Town hall, new gutters and replacing the utility shed behind Town hall with a 16 x 20 building. Goatcher recommended Michael Gill of Carpenter’s Corner build the shed rather than getting one that needs to be assembled. He has given a bid of approximately $3,000.00.
Also, Goatcher stated we need to get a load of gravel for Norcup going up to the big tank.
Councilperson Hamilton made the Motion authorizing Goatcher to obtain bids for painting the outside of Town hall, new gutters, and, obtaining the services of Michael Gill to build a
16 x 20 shed to replace the existing utility shed. Also, authorize the purchase of a load of gravel for Norcup. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Dobbs and passed unanimously.
Financial Report: Attached hereto and made a pan hereof. (For attachment, contact Town Clerk)
Councilperson Dobbs stated she was asked to attend the Archway partnership with Habersham County Water workshop. She stated the county and all municipalities are working together and even though we are not part of the issues she would continue to attend the workshops. Further, she would get with Mr. Purvis who is our representative on the Rabun County Water Authority and report anything, if necessary.
Mayor Hayes stated the reason for this is because we have a valve that could be opened in the case of an emergency so we are staying in touch with the folks in Habersham County. No questions.
Street Report: Chief Goatcher stated that Rabun County Road Department has indicated they would work with us again this year on our paving issues on Hickory Nut Mountain Road and Vandiver Street. Also, he would be working on repairs to ‘potholes’.
Public Safety Report: Councilperson Coldren reported the fire department has several new firefighters — two coming from outside the area.
Mayor’s Comments: First, Teri and I completed the State mandated Newly Elected Officials Institute and learned a lot.
I have attended several water meetings in Habersham County, and we need to maintain our relationships with both Habersham and Rabun counties. One day we have a one-time only opportunity to withdraw water out of Tugalo or Tallulah lake or our use, and we need to prepare for the future. I am turning these meetings over to Teri and she will be attending in the future.
I am personally sponsoring the academic student of the week from Tallulah Falls School (out of my own pocket) on the radio station CHM in Clarkesville three times a week. The student is recognized through his or her accomplishments.
As historian about the Town, I am asking the Council for a Proclamation for a Founder’s Day honoring the founders of our Town: Col. Rufus LaFayette Moss, Sr., Thomas Abraham Robinson, J. M. Cartledge, William Berry and William D. Young. The celebration could be held in conjunction with the Tallulah Falls Bluegrass Opry on a Saturday closest to October 7. The Town was incorporated by the Georgia Legislature on October 7, 1885.
Councilperson Dobbs made the Motion to establish a Proclamation for Founder’s Day to be scheduled each year on a Saturday closest to October 7; seconded by Councilperson Goatcher and passed unanimously.
Next, I suggest the Town create its own website which would include historical information, updated information about the Gorge, meeting notices as well as notices from the police and fire departments.
Chief Goatcher suggested Mike Early, a resident, who owns a website development business, provide the Council with a proposal for said website. Councilperson Hamilton said “Mike is right here in town, and if he’s in that business and is qualified and capable of doing it, I’d say give him the opportunity to do it”. Early to submit proposal at next Council meeting.
Open Floor: Rev. Turpen provided the Mayor and each Councilperson information regarding ‘drones’ for consideration.
Police Chief Goatcher suggested an Ordinance outlining maximum weight and registration; to be operated on personal property or with permission on any other property.
Kelli Coldren stated she wanted to get a garden club started and invited anyone interest in same to get in touch with her.
Mayor Hayes announced the Council needs to go into Executive Session to discuss a real estate issue and potential litigation at 7:34 p.m. after a short break.
Mayor Hayes called the regular meeting back to order at 8:49 p.m. and announced the Council discussed a potential litigation issue and a real estate issue and no action was taken.
Councilperson Dobbs made the Motion to lease the Terrora building and place an ad for same in the paper; seconded by Councilperson Goatcher. The Motion passed unanimously.
Attorney Stockton to get the lease package together prior to the next Council meeting.
Councilperson Goatcher made the Motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilperson Coldren. The
Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.