Amid ''thank yous for a job well done'' and ''well wishes'' from fellow town council members and local citizens, Lookout Mountain, Ga. Mayor Tommy Gifford chaired his final meeting early Thursday night at the city hall on Lula Lake Road.
Councilman Dennis Eischeid also attended his final council meeting after serving the community for 15 years.

Opening promptly at 5:30 p.m. with prayer, Mayor Gifford proceeded through the seven agenda items, and closed his final meeting at 6 p.m.
Mayor-elect Bill Glascock and councilman-elect Blair Ramey will be sworn in to office Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m.

Agenda for Dec. 17, 2009
Minutes of November 2009 meeting … approved

* Mountain Security Cameras … Mayor Gifford said that a private donation of $50,000 will cover the cost of pole-mounted, security cameras at five exit points on the Tennessee and Georgia sides of Lookout Mountain.

“With an increase in vehicle theft and home break-ins, this project is strictly for security purposes,'' said Gifford. “The cameras will not be used for handing out speeding tickets.''

The police chiefs – Randy Bowden in Tennessee and Wallace Taylor in Georgia – will work with the mayors (Greg Brown in Tennessee and mayor-elect Glascock in Georgia) on this project.

Motion to approve to move forward on this project … approved.

* Comprehensive Plan Process
Gifford stated that an 86-page final draft plan will be posted on the town website before Christmas.

The comprehensive plan has been distributed to the steering committee and the council members.

Next Step: Mayor-elect Glascock and council member Sandy Gothard will call a public hearing in January 2010, then work on a draft update with the steering committee in preparation for a final vote by the town council in early 2010.

* Town Center Update
Zoning changes will be looked at in January 2010 and all parties involved are moving forward with the project.

* Flintstone Sewer System
Mayor Gifford noted that in the past two weeks a great deal of work by city attorney Bill Pickering and others with officials from Covenant College and Dade County.

The cost of renovating the sewer system for 33 homes in the Flintstone community is approximately $500,000.
The cost will be covered by the Dade County water authority, Covenant College and government grants with no cost to the city of Lookout Mountain, Ga.

According to Mayor Gifford, once the renovations are made, then the city will accept ownership of that system.
Bids on the project will go out soon and Gifford believes ''this is a huge win-win scenario for all parties.''

* Monthly Storm Water Runoff & Sewer Report
no significant information to report

* Mayor's Report
Gifford acknowledged the 15-year service of Dennis Eischeid and his invaluable contributions to the community.

“Dennis has served with three mayors and I appreciate his wise council during the past four years,'' Gifford stated.

He also stated that he and Glascock have had productive transitional meetings with the “changing of the guard'' to occur Jan. 1.

In his last order of business, Mayor Gifford stated that the city needs a new salt spreader with the low bid of $5,720.

A motion to accept the low bid was approved.

* Resolutions: (written in part)
Memorial Resolution In Honor of John Tallman

WHEREAS, John Tallman provided loyal and dedicated service to the City of Lookout Mountain, Ga., having served as a reporter for the Lookout Mountain Mirror; and
WHEREAS, John Tallman's work was admired and respected by the residents and officials of the City of Lookout Mountain, Ga. … His unwavering commitment to accurate, honest and unbiased reporting coupled with his love of the mountain endeared him to all of us. His love of writing and wonderful sense of humor made his articles a “must read'' for many subscribers of the Mountain Mirror.

Resolution – Dennis Eischeid
WHEREAS, Dennis Eischeid, has provided years of loyal and dedicated service to the City of Lookout Mountain, Ga., having served as a member of the City Council, as Police Commissioner and Vice Mayor; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor, City Council and people of Lookout Mountain, Ga., are grateful to Dennis G. Eischeid for his untiring efforts and invaluable service to the City, the residents and the city employees;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Lookout Mountain, Ga., extend their sincerest thanks to Dennis G. Eischeid … who has served with the highest integrity, dedication and loyalty to the City and to all those with whom he has worked … in a humble and unselfish manner.

Open Letter to the Mayor
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mayor for his years of service to this community.
During his time as Mayor, he has faced many challenges.
As Chief Operating Officer of the City, he has worked tirelessly to insure business is taken care of in an efficient and cost effective manner, ever-mindful of the responsibility of spending the citizen's money wisely.
In his role of Manager, he made sure the City employees performed their duties to the best of their abilities. While, at the same time, realizing the human aspects and camaraderie of the relationship.
As head of the Council, he was always prepared with a clear agenda; ready to listen to listen to suggestions and other points of view in order to determine the best direction for the City.
In all, Mayor Tommy Gifford, has fulfilled his duty to this City through diligence, hard work, honesty and fairness and we thank him deeply for this.
Signed by City Council: David Bennett, Dennis Eischeid, David Fussell, Sandy Gothard, Catherine Kelley

Wisdom of a Child: Carter Bennett, 5-year-old son of councilman David Bennett …

“Know who my best friend is?'', Carter questioned his father recently.

After a ''no'' answer to “your dad''? or ''a couple of friends at school?'', the young Bennett proudly stated, “Mayor Gifford.''

He then added, “You know dad, if Mayor Gifford says that golf carts are too dangerous for our streets … then they are too dangerous for our streets.

“And that's all there is to it.''

And with that we are adjourned.

Those In Attendance: Mayor Tommy Gifford, Vice Mayor Dennis Eischeid, David Bennett, David Fussell, Catherine Kelley, City Attorney Bill Pickering, City Clerk, Dana Driver.

Contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net