Minutes of the
REGULAR MEETING
For the
City Council of Lookout Mountain, Georgia
August 20, 2009
PRESIDING: Thomas G. Gifford, Mayor
PRESENT: Vice Mayor Dennis Eischeid, Council Members David Bennett, Sandy Gothard, Catherine Kelley, City Attorney Bill Pickering, and City Clerk Dana Driver.
ABSENT: David Fussell
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gifford called the meeting of the City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1214 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain, Georgia.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of minutes of the regular meeting held July 16, 2009.
BRAD HAVEN - MONTHLY STORMWATER & SEWER REPORT – Brad Haven, Municipal Sewer Superintendent and Storm water Manager, addressed the Council and gave an overall report on the overall excellent performance and condition of the sewer system pointing out that close to 200,000 gallons of sewer a day moves through our system relatively trouble free.
He reported on a new a broader based odor control system that is being implemented to continue to improve our order control capabilities. The new system will use a “cocktail” of chemicals that will treat the sewage before it reaches the pump station. The new system will be closely monitored to confirm its effectiveness. Mr. Haven also distributed copies of the current storm water activity report to the Council a copy of which is attached.
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE – Mayor Gifford stated that the Planning Commission recommended the Council update its enforcement of Building Codes from the 1997 Southern Standard Building code to the International Building Code. The State of Georgia and Walker County have made it mandatory for all new buildings to follow these codes. Building Official Larry Reed has recommended to the Council that he as the Building Official enforce 7 of the 8 codes in the International Building Code. City Attorney Bill Pickering was going to ask Mr. Reed research why the International Energy Conservation Code was not going to be enforced. David Bennett seconded a motion made by Dennis Eischeid to pass the ordinance presented by City Attorney Bill Pickering to adopt and enforce the 7 recommended codes. Upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously passed, the ordinance was approved on first reading.
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS – City Clerk Dana Driver is also the municipal election superintendent. City Attorney Pickering stated to the council that the qualifying period for the office of Mayor and City Council would begin August 31, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. and end September 4, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Ms. Driver stated that candidacy packets were available at City Hall and all candidates must file the necessary documents with her.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROCESS – Councilman Gothard reported to the Council that the comprehensive process is continuing. The charrettes will take place on August 25th and Phil Walker of the Walker Collaborative will present three growth scenarios on August 27th at the Fairyland Club.
MAYOR’S REPORT
1) SCAN Network – Dennis Eischeid gave a report that over 50 senior citizens had signed up for the program.
2) The preliminary audit report from our auditors is good.
3) 2010 Census – The Mayor met with the Census officials to help increase participation in the 2010 census.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Driver
City Clerk