The Lookout Mountain, Ga. City Council met for their regular monthly meeting Thursday evening. Councilman David Bennett, vice-mayor, presided over the meeting in Mayor Sandy Gothard’s absence. The council approved two ordinances, one on second reading, allowing for alcohol sales at special events with certain restrictions based on vendor’s credentials. The second ordinance adopting major and minor development procedures establishes fee schedules and restrictions for residential and commercial development within the city limits.
Councilwoman Caroline Williams announced to the council that the Fairyland Festival would take place April 30 with a rain date of May 5. She also said that Fairyland School is participating in standardized testing the weeks of April 13 through April 24 and graduation will be on May 15.
Within the community Councilman Bennett shared that the Greater Area Community Foundation has received $50,000 in cash donations and pledges for the Fairyland Gateway project that would allow the city to purchase the parsonage property from the Methodist Church and remodel the property into a city park and gateway. The city’s goal is to raise $130,000 total within the next six weeks. Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Williams are also exploring available grant moneys for the project.
In an effort to reduce speeding within the community the council and police chief discussed areas where speed bumps are necessary to reduce possible injury in at-risk areas. The chief shared that in the past month the police department has patrolled 3,102 miles and have made 48 traffic stops issuing 10 citations and 40 warnings. The chief also said that there were eight citizen assist calls and three fire calls, which were false. He then reported that the new police vehicle has been ordered and it is a 4-wheel drive Chevrolet Tahoe, similar to the one they currently use.
Councilman Bennett shared that the city is renewing its health benefits for city employees to keep current benefits intact and keep costs down. In order to do this properly the council approved spending $1,300 with ProBenefits, an insurance plan provider that provides a Health Reimbursement Plan. The city has participated in similar plans saving the city nearly $25,000 in premium costs.
City Manager Brad Haven reported that the city is working with GDOT to get portions of Lula Lake Road repaved. Mr. Haven also said GDOT has approved installation of the new street signs on Red Riding Hood and McFarland. Mr. Haven said that public works is finishing up brush clean up and they are finishing up the bunkroom for the police officers.