The Lookout Mountain, Ga., City Council on Thursday evening agreed with the idea of a $10 monthly sewer charge.
Also up for discussion was the annual millage rate, of which the city has left in place but has not given final approval.
The city council discussed logistics on how to revise billing for repairs done to the grinder pumps located at each residence within the city limits. Following two public meetings about pump replacement, the sewer board has made a recommendation to the city council that $10 per month be billed to each residence to create revenue for replacing the grinder pumps now that many pumps are over 10 years old.
Sewer Board Chairman Jimmy Campbell said the $10 per month charge would be much more feasible for all residences because the general replacement cost for the grinder pumps is over $1,500. The council agreed and will be reviewing the best way to institute the additional charge.
On second reading, the council approved ordinance #279 to amend the city’s charter allowing purchases of $7,500 to be made by the city manager without having to advertise for bids. This part of the charter has not been amended in over 15 years.
There was also discussion about beer and wine sales during special events and how to grant licenses to those that apply for special events. City Attorney Bill Pickering is to review how other Georgia municipalities allow for such licenses and will report to the council his findings. Mayor Sandy Gothard would like to allow for the sale of beer and wine at events such as the farmers market held every Thursday afternoon along with beer and wine sales at other potential events. Members of the council were open and receptive to the idea and are awaiting Mr. Pickering’s findings and suggestions.
Councilman David Bennett shared that Music on the Mountain, a benefit for the Fairyland School, was a huge success. Money for the PTA was raised and there is a plan for another event to benefit the school in the future.
Councilwoman Beth Soloff requested that all of SPLOST expenditures be itemized for the year so that the council can keep track of exactly what was spent and on what project. The council agreed.
The city council is also evaluating the regulations for replacing street signs. The council is looking into replacing the wooden signs with new ones as most are rotting or are beyond repair. Besides cost, the council is looking into options that would keep the aesthetics in place.