Lookout Mountain, Ga., officials said Thursday that only one proposal is currently on the table for the proposed town center.

Sandy Gothard said at the pre bid conference for the town center development present only was the development team of Jimmy Chapin and Greg Voges. They have expressed interest in using the city’s land and the adjacent Voges properties to develop a new town center.

Their proposal is due to the council on Sept. 17.

Councilman Blair Ramey said the city is moving forward to refinance the existing sewer debt at a lower interest rate.  By doing this, he said, the city will potentially save $60,000 every year and will do so through a revenue bond that is linked to the sewer fund and not the city’s general fund. 

He said he and the council are working quickly with several financial institutions to make their final decision and hope to close on Oct. 18.

Addressing the council was Jimmy Campbell who was seeking the council’s blessing to begin working on various beautification projects around the community.  Mr. Campbell explained that he, along with former councilman David Fussell and other volunteers, would take on various projects to enhance the area's natural appeal to residents and visitors. 

They will be seeking funds through any potential grants or personal volunteerism.  The council liked the measure and looks forward to seeing what becomes of the projects. 

Applying for a business license were Michael and Taylor Cloud, who are beginning an Internet-based retail business. City Attorney Bill Pickering said the request should be denied based on the city’s ordinance prohibiting a retail business within the city’s residential zone. 

However, the council and Attorney Pickering suggested ways that they may be able to conduct business within the guidelines of the ordinance. However, the Clouds will have to reapply when they meet the criteria. 

Reapplying for an alcoholic beverage license was Patty Prouty of the Georgia Winery.  Ms. Prouty explained that the reason for the reapplication was because of the winery’s tasting room and retail establishment being relocated on Rock City’s premises. 

Attorney Pickering said it was simply due to a technicality and that Ms. Prouty had provided all the necessary documentation and was in compliance with the ordinance.  The council approved her license.

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