Lookout Mountain, Ga., Mayor Moving To Knoxville; David Bennett Is New Mayor

Lookout Mountain, Ga., is losing its mayor.

 

Mayor Sandy Gothard announced to the town council on Thursday night that he is relocating to Knoxville and is not able to fulfill his term as mayor. 

 

Vice-Mayor David Bennett was unanimously recommended to fulfill Mayor Gothard’s remaining term.  Mr. Bennett was sworn in by city attorney Bill Pickering alongside his wife, Kingsley Bennett, and his children. 

 

Mr. Gothard will still maintain his home on Lookout Mountain, but due to his responsibilities with his law firm he will spend a significant amount of time in Knoxville.  He has served the town as councilman and mayor for over 10 years. 

 

He was cited for fixing the city’s budget.  He charged his fellow council members to continue their good work and for 2016 finish the long-term sewer plans and to develop the city’s property located behind the Fairyland School track.

 

The council approved rezoning city-owned property located at 1827 Lula Lake Road from municipal to residential.  The property is presently for sale and includes a single-family home.  The council approved the rezoning as recommended by the planning commission.  The council also approved the amendment of ordinance 37 regarding subdivisions.  The amendment is in a new format, including all designated building ordinances and amendments in one section rather than several different sections of city code.  No changes were made to the city’s codes and the referred ordinance. 

 

Mayor Bennett reminded residents to use caution during the Christmas season while Rock City continues its successful Enchanted Garden of Lights. He said that city police would be present at the top of the mountain by Rock City during the busy 5:30–7:30 p.m. time period to direct traffic. He suggested that residents use Scenic Highway as an alternative to avoid the congestion. 

 

The city hosted its annual Christmas Party at the Lookout Mountain Golf Club for its hard-working employees. Former mayors along with Walker County officials joined in accolades to all of Lookout Mountain, Ga’s employees and their families.