The Lookout Mountain, Ga., City Council on Thursday evening adopted the proposed budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year that holds the line on taxes. The council also approved the amended budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year on second reading.
The council approved changes to the ordinances involving the sewer system, adding additional representatives to appointed terms on the city’s sewer board, another to represent Covenant College and Brow Wood and an additional member to represent the city. In discussions and negotiations with Covenant College and Brow Wood, the council approved a contract with a 20-year renewal term for both Covenant and Brow Wood that officials said is beneficial to all parties. This would allow Covenant and Brow Wood to utilize the city’s sewer system. All parties have agreed to the terms.
The council also passed an ordinance pertaining to the usage of portable storage containers placed within the residential zone of the city. All of these POD-like storage systems require a permit and adherence to guidelines the city has established. Violations will be enforced by the city. The city will also be enforcing violators of the city’s ordinances pertaining to properties that are used as vacation rentals and bed and breakfast type illegal businesses. Warning letters have been sent to properties in violation and those who continue to violate will be cited to court.
Councilwoman Caroline William reported that Fairyland School received Governor Nathan Deal’s gold and silver metals for schools of excellence. She also reported that enrollment for the 2016-2017 school year is up.
Also visiting were members of the Lookout Mountain Beautiful Garden Club. Club president Candace Chazen presented the council with the opportunity to partner with the garden club to install two Blue Star Memorial monuments on city property. These memorials pay tribute to members of the armed services, past and present, and their families. The council agreed to erect the memorials in the parks across from city hall. One of these monuments can be seen on the Tennessee side near the Commons.
Mayor David Bennett said street striping will begin at the end of June. Residents should be mindful when driving or pulling on to streets where public works employees place cones around wet paint.
The next meeting with take place Thursday, July 21, at 5:30 p.m.