Lookout Mountain, Ga., Mayor Sandy Gothard on Thursday acknowledged a string of recent burglaries on both the Georgia and Tennessee sides of the mountain.
He and both police chiefs remind everyone to be watchful and careful. If anything seems suspicious, please alert 911. They also encourage all residents to lock their homes and vehicles.
The Lookout Mountain, Ga., Council then discussed the potential of placing cameras strategically throughout the city to help monitor suspicious vehicles to possibly crack down on crime. The council is looking for funds in the budget to do this. The council welcomes residents' donations.
Councilwoman Taylor Watson read a joint resolution from both Lookout Mountain councils honoring and recognizing the diligent service of Tom O.
Duff Jr. on his 100 birthday. They thanked him for his years of service to all of the mountain and the city of
Chattanooga
and commended him for his exemplary service to his fellow man and the community.
Mr. Duff has served on various boards throughout the community and was instrumental in establishing the city of Lookout Mountain, Ga. He served as an elder at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church, president of the Lookout Mountain Fairyland Club, on the city’s planning commission, and on the city’s volunteer fire department. In Chattanooga, he was president of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and served in various other capacities across the area. The council adopted the motion honoring Tom Duff.
The newly established sewer board presented the council with plans for needed repairs, regular maintenance, and ongoing projects. Recently the council appointed Jimmy Campbell as chairman of the board accompanied by Cindy Whitaker and Corey DuPre. Mr. Campbell told the council that recently acquired air release valves to replace the nearly 50 in the city’s current system are already improving the flow. Three have been installed on Wood Nymph Trail and another will be installed on Cinderella Road in the coming days. The other will slowly be converted. The new valves reduce any smell by an average of 40 percent.
Mr. Campbell also acknowledged that the repairs needed at the area's pump station need to be done during the next two years with the current sewer budget. The council members approved that they could continue with the repairs as long as they were within the budget. Mr. Campbell assured the council it would happen under budget.
At the sewer board’s recommendation and in accordance with the city’s ordinance, the council will be enforcing the collection of fines and repair costs associated with each home's individual pump system. Any negligent damages caused by residents will be billed to the homeowner. The sewer board will be distributing information about the pump and grinding system and about what is not acceptable to pour down the drain.
The city council approved a resolution for any SPLOST funding that will become available. The city has a list of projects that will be completed using SPLOST funds.
Application for the November 2013 election will be accepted Monday, Aug. 26, through Friday, Aug. 30, at 4:30 p.m. There are three council seats that are available along with the mayor.
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