TOWN OF TALLULAH FALLS
STATE OF GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 9, 2017
MINUTES
The regular monthly meeting for November 9, 2017 of the City Council of Tallulah Falls, Georgia was called to order at 6:06 p.m. by Mayor Teri Dobbs.
- Mayor Teri Dobbs
- Councilperson Deb Goatcher
- Councilperson Bill Coldren
- Councilperson Larry Hamilton
- Attorney Allyn Stockton
- Fire Chief Mike Early
- Town Administrator/Clerk Patti Polk
OTHERS PRESENT:
See attached sign-in list. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Mayor Dobbs welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked Resident Ray Morris to open the meeting with prayer.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Coldren to accept the minutes of the October 5, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting and October 19, 2017 Special Called City Council Meeting. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hamilton and passed unanimously.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Goatcher to accept the agenda for the November 9, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Coldren and passed unanimously.
.
Attorney Report:
Town Attorney, Allyn Stockton, discussed the ordinance codification process and enactment of the Town’s zoning ordinance and all other remaining ordinances. No new ordinances are being enacted. After the first reading is documented, a call for second reading will require legal post in the newspaper due to zoning for the purpose of a public hearing on December 7, 2017.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Goatcher to approve the first reading of ordinances. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hamilton and passed unanimously.
Mayor Dobbs announced a Special Election will be required for the recent council seat vacated by Robbie McCutcheon and his unexpired term. The Special Election will be facilitated by Rabun County and occur in March 2018.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Coldren to call for a Special Election to fill the recently vacated council seat. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Goatcher and passed unanimously.
Attorney Stockton commented on the recent emails sent to selected residents and business owners from an unidentified phantom emailer. In response to the emails, Attorney Stockton stated they are not accurate and all executive sessions have been handled legally. There have been no improper purpose or actions taken by the Town as suggested in the emails.
Fire Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Fire Chief Early noted an issue that he is currently researching and wanted to make the Council aware. The required air pack inspections are on hold due to the packs not meeting specified certification criteria. If air packs cannot be inspected and certified, new packs may have to be purchased.
Chief Early discussed the budgeted amount for the mandated Fire Fighter’s Insurance effective January 1, 2018. The Town budgeted $3,600 and the quote came in at $1,600. This amount may change slightly based on the number of current firefighters but will remain within budget regardless.
Police Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Police Chief Goatcher asked to purchase new WeatherTech floormats for the new patrol car.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Coldren to authorize the purchase of the floormats. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hamilton and passed unanimously.
Water Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Water Superintendent, Bill Goatcher, stated a correction to the water report. The amount of water pumped for the month was 409,000 gallons; not 476,000 gallons.
Mayor Dobbs recognized Brian Rindt with Rindt McDuff Associates (RMA) and asked him to present his report dated November 2, 2017. The report is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Coldren to proceed with the Geological Project identified in Phase 1B. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hamilton and passed unanimously.
Mayor Dobbs stated, and RMA agreed, one phase is not dependent on another. As funding is available, each phase will be discussed and approved by Council.
Financial Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Street Report:
Police Chief Goatcher stated the Town had contracted with an independent contractor, Precision Paving, to do the resurfacing of Town Hall parking lot and patches on Hickory Nut Mountain.
Public Safety Report:
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Dobbs announced the election results from the November 7, 2017 election. Incumbents, Deb Goatcher and Larry Hamilton, regained their council seats. The Town had a very good voter turnout with 51 voters.
Mayor Dobbs announced the annual Town Christmas “Potluck” Event will be held on Friday, December 1, 2017, at 6pm.
Mayor Dobbs reminded the public of the upcoming public meeting for establishing the vision for Tallulah Falls on December 7, 2017 at 6pm. This meeting is in follow up to the 2016 and 2017 Town Hall Meetings where residents gave input on their desires for the Town. Carrie Barnes, who works for EMC of Georgia as a community development consultant, agreed to facilitate the meeting at no cost to the Town.
Open Floor:
RMA responded to questions regarding the outstanding water withdrawal permit process. In summary, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is waiting on the Georgia Power approval for water source withdrawal from the Lake before a permit can be issued.
Mayor Dobbs called for an Executive Session at 8:11 p.m. for the Council to discuss personnel.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Goatcher to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Coldren and passed unanimously.
Mayor Dobbs called the regular Council Meeting back to order at 9:04 p.m., announced no actions were taken and asked if there were any questions.
Tommy Culkin with the Clayton Tribune asked if the Town wanted to comment on the recent emails and suggested “leaks” happening from recent executive sessions.
Mayor Dobbs restated the information contained in the emails was false and no further discussion was necessary.
Councilperson Coldren made the Motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilperson Hamilton. The Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.