Lookout Mountain, Ga., Mayor David Bennett said Thursday night that the city is receiving more public support for the town center project following two public workshops held in the last four weeks.
He is attempting to revive the impetus for the long-stalled project.
Mayor Bennett said the recently acquired parsonage property from the Methodist Church will be demolished following the removal of asbestos. He also said that the sale of the south Lula Lake Road property is set to close in early March.
Several ordinance changes were approved by the council. During the January meeting the council approved ordinances 290 and 291, however after doing so realized that ordinance number 290 was already in place. The council amended and corrected the numerical values of the ordinances and changed them to 291 and 292.
The council also passed on second reading ordinance 292 restating the city’s zoning ordinance in its entirety with all the amendments made over the years.
The council also approved ordinance 293 amending the city’s speed limit ordinance by changing the speed limit on Lula Lake Road south from Massey Lane to the city limits to 25 mph.
Councilwoman Caroline Williams said Fairyland School is hosting the city’s art show and exhibit on March 8 and all residents are encouraged to attend. She said that fifth grader Max Lifsey won the Walker County Spelling Bee for the second year in a row.
Councilwoman Taylor Watson recommended that they city purchase body cameras for its police staff. Officials intend to use proceeds from selling retired city police vehicles to cover some of those costs. The city has liquidated an old Jeep Cherokee and presently has the former patrol car and Buick up for sale.
Councilwoman Watson also encouraged the city to extend holiday pay hours for the police staff, which was approved unanimously by the council.
Sewer board chairman Jimmy Campbell suggested the city fix the air locks in the force main valve on Fleetwood Drive to increase pump capacity of the sewer system. He and city manager Brad Haven said this requires some excavation along Fleetwood Drive. The council approved funds out of the sewer budget to make the suggested repairs.
Addressing the council was Mike Peardon, a candidate running for Walker County Commissioner. Mr. Peardon said he is a 34-year resident of Walker County and owns a construction company and property management company. He said he currently has over $1,000,000 of property investments in Walker County.
Mr. Peardon told the council that he is not happy with the sole commissioner position in Walker County and is wanting to change that and implement a multi-board commission like the city of Lookout Mountain, Ga. He said he is running because he wants to see change for the better for the county and "fix the financial crisis that county presently finds itself under the present administration."
The next regularly scheduled meeting will take place Thursday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m.