TOWN OF TALLULAH FALLS
STATE OF GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 7, 2017
MINUTES
The regular monthly meeting for December 7, 2017 of the City Council of Tallulah Falls, Georgia was called to order at 6:00 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 Reverend James Turpen to open the meeting with prayer.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Goatcher to accept the minutes of the November 9, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting and Executive Session. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Coldren and passed unanimously.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Coldren to accept the agenda for the December 7, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hamilton and passed unanimously.
Attorney Report: Town Attorney, Allyn Stockton, commented on the ordinance codification process and enactment of the Town’s zoning ordinance and all other remaining ordinances. No new ordinances are being enacted. The call for a second reading was posted in the both local newspapers and the public hearing was held on December 7, 2017 at 5:30pm.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Hamilton to approve the second reading of ordinances. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Goatcher and passed unanimously.
Mayor Dobbs stated the primary activity for the Council meeting was to conduct a Vision Meeting for the residents of the Town to communicate their desires for the future of Tallulah Falls. From the 2016 & 2017 Town Hall Meeting notes, she has built her plan to move the town forward and has recently met with DOT, DNR, Ga Power, TFS, and others to discuss those items voiced by local residents and business owners.
Mayor Dobbs recognized Carrie Barnes, Georgia EMC Community Development Consultant, who facilitated the Vision meeting at no cost to the Town. Ms. Barnes opened the meeting and turned over to Marketing Agent, Pepper Kelly, to describe the conceptual rendering of “Tallulah Village” and its’ potential for future economic development.
Mr. Kelly shared the conceptual drawing of “Tallulah Village” and gave an overview of all parcels and their intended uses. As part of the Hardman House sale, the Town has discussed with Georgia Power several possibilities and options including a commercial lease, keeping it as a residential property, or conveying to the City as a revenue source.
The public responded with openness to the idea, especially as it relates to food and lodging, but voiced concerns of traffic flow and congestion, highway safety, no parking, lake overcrowding, and septic possible septic issues. In summary, the public wants to keep the small-town charm and character, control overcrowding in the “heart” of town, clean up and develop Loop Road, control traffic, enforce ordinances, preserve history, keep restaurant, and effectively manage the foot traffic between the park and town.
Ms. Barnes closed the Vision meeting by stating all plans are conceptual and nothing is set in stone. She encouraged our elected officials and community to continue conversations and ideas for future development together.
Attorney Report:
None.
Fire Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Fire Chief Early stated he is still researching the required air pack inspections for meeting required certification criteria..
Police Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Water Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Water Superintendent, Bill Goatcher, stated he contacted Pace Analytical regarding the radiological results required by Environmental Protection Division (EPD) for the new well. The results are expected in mid-January 2018 and once the results are clear, the pump can be turned on.
Financial Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Street Report:
Police Chief Goatcher stated he would be filing the 2018 LMIG Application to have work completed on Cartlidge Street and a list of other prioritized smaller projects. The Application is due by January 1, 2018.
Public Safety Report:
Fire Chief Early stated he would write a letter to Rabun County to understand the requirements for their Code Red emergency messaging system and if it allows the Town of Tallulah Falls to incorporate its own messaging. With the upcoming winter months upon us, the intent is to finalize information gathering for the Council to make a decision on the system of use at the January 4, 2018 meeting.
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Dobbs stated she would be attending the annual Mayor’s Conference January 19 – 22, 2018 and attending a training session specific to service delivery.
Mayor Dobbs announced a Special Election will be required for the recent council seat vacated by Robbie McCutcheon and his unexpired term. Qualifying for the Special Election will be held January 22-24, 2018 and election will be held on March 20, 2018.
Mayor Dobbs gave an update on the DOT meeting held December 6, 2017 to discuss effective signage for the Town of Tallulah Falls and thanked all of those who participated including DNR and local business owners.
Mayor Dobbs called for an Executive Session at 8:44 p.m. for the Council to discuss personnel and real estate.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Coldren to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hamilton and passed unanimously.
Mayor Dobbs called the regular Council Meeting back to order at 10:22 p.m. and asked the Council to make any appropriate motions based on discussions in executive session.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Goatcher to allow City Manager, Patti Polk, a flexible 35-hour work week to include three 10-hour days and one 5-hour day. The new schedule begins December 11, 2017 and will continue for a 3-month probation period. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Coldren and passed unanimously.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Hamilton to accept the conveyance of the Old Ranger Station, also known as the Rock House, from the Department of Natural Resources with the purpose of public use. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Goatcher and passed unanimously.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Coldren to pay a Christmas bonus to Bill Goatcher in the amount of $500, Matt Nall $400, and two part-time officers at $50 each. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hamilton. Councilperson Goatcher abstained since her spouse was benefiting from the bonus.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Coldren, at the recommendation of Chief Goatcher, to hire CJ Alexander as a full-time police officer with a start date to coincide with his enrollment with the Police Academy. While in academy training, the pay would be paid $12.50/hour and once on staff full time, the pay would increase to $13/hour. After a 3-month probation period, a final salary can be negotiated. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hamilton and passed unanimously.
Councilperson Goatcher made the Motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilperson Coldren. The Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 10:28 p.m.