TOWN OF TALLULAH FALLS
STATE OF GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
July 19, 2018
MINUTES
The regular monthly meeting for July 18, 2018 of the City Council of Tallulah Falls, Georgia was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Mayor Teri Dobbs.
Present were:
- Mayor Teri Dobbs
- Councilperson Deb Goatcher
- Councilperson Larry Hamilton
- Councilperson Mary Beth Hughes
- Councilperson Carol Nelms
- Fire Chief Mike Early
- Police Chief Bill Goatcher
- Town Attorney Allyn Stockton
- Town Clerk Jessica Robinson
OTHERS PRESENT:
See attached sign-in list. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Mayor Dobbs welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked Mrs. Donna Verdino to open the meeting with prayer.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Nelms to accept the minutes of the June 21st, 2018 Regular City Council Meeting. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hughes and passed unanimously.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Hughes to accept the agenda for the July 21, 2018 Regular City Council Meeting. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Nelms and passed unanimously.
Fire Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Chief Early is working with a Consultant to evaluate the ISO ratings of the Town with a specific focus on Hickory Nut Mtn. Fire Chief, Mike Early, stated the Fire Department Election held its’ annual election for Officers and announced the following election results.
Chief – Mike Early
Assistant Chief – Paul Marsteller
Captain – Jason Ivester
1st Lieutenant – Matt Nall
2nd Lieutenant – Open
3rd Lieutenant – Open
A Motion was made by Councilperson Hughes to approve the budget for the slate of officers for the Fire Department as presented by Chief Early. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hughes and passed unanimously.
Police Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Financial Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
DDA Report:
Councilperson Hughes updated the Council on the DDA. She stated that officers had been selected and the by-laws had been approved. The meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30p.m.
City Clerk’s Report:
The Council discussed during the workshop to change the time of the workshop to start at 6p.m. and the Regular Meeting to start at 7p.m. All members of the Council were in support of the stated time changes. In addition, the Council requested that anyone wanting to speak about an item that may or may not be on the agenda attend the workshop prior to the meeting. Public Comment will still be allowed during the Regular Council meeting. No opposition was voiced from the attendees of the meeting.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Hughes to change the time of the Workshop to start at 6p.m. and the Regular Meeting to start at 7p.m. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Nelms and passed unanimously.
Clerk Robinson requested that the town increase the credit line to $5,000.00 on the Town credit card. The reason for this request is because the current limit restricts the ability to pay expenses for multiple staff, elected officials, or appointed representatives attending trainings that may require travel and overnight accommodations.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Goatcher to increase the credit limit to $5,000.00 to the Town credit card. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Nelms and passed unanimously.
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Dobbs announced that during executive session of the June meeting that Chief Goatcher told the Council that he would be retiring in January of 2019. He stated that he would be interested in continuing to work for the Town part-time. Officer Matt Nall was named as the Assistant Police Chief and will be attending training in October.
Mayor Dobbs requested approval from the Council to attend a tourism conference in Porterdale during the month of October with the Rabun Tourism Development Authority. The Balance and Nature Workshop will provide beneficial information to assist the DDA and the Town regarding small town development and growth.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Hughes to approve $150.00 for Mayor Dobbs to attend the Balance and Nature Workshop. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Goatcher and passed unanimously.
Mayor Dobbs announced that the Town will be hosting the annual Founders’ Day event on Saturday, October 6th. Donna Verdino will be the chairperson for this event. Councilpersons Nelms and Goatcher will be working with Mrs. Verdino to oversee the event.
Open Comment:
No comments from attendees
A Motion was made by Councilperson Hughes to go into Executive Session for Real Estate, Personnel, and Potential Litigation. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Nelms. The Motion passed unanimously.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Hamilton to exit Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Goatcher. The Motion passed unanimously.
No action was taken during Executive Session.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Hamilton to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Nelms. The Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.