The Lookout Mountain, Ga., City Council on Thursday passed an ordinance on first reading that will allow chickens to be kept on residential property. A maximum of 15 permits will be issued.
Some of the conditions that must be met in order to get a permit include that chickens must be fenced in a rear yard, and put in a coop, secure from predators at night. The number of chickens and set back requirements for coops are both based on the size of the property. The minimum lot size where they can be kept is a half acre.
A provision was added Thursday night that the council will designate one or more individuals to determine compliance with the ordinance before a permit will be issued.
Permitting can go into effect after approval at the second reading at the July council meeting.
The council members also approved the budget for 2018-2019 on final reading. Total revenue for the general fund is $1,283,451. The property tax rate that will be set in September will reflect the budget. There will be a two percent increase in the property tax millage rate at that time. The current rate is 9.35. Included in the budget is a three percent increase for employees and the purchase of a new garbage truck, not to exceed $221,000.
The town Planning Commission is now in the process of updating the town’s data base in order to get accurate phone numbers and email addresses of residents. A survey is also being created to help develop a comprehensive plan to guide the city’s future. Communication will be done through email.
The new position of Building and Land Use Administrator will be filled by community volunteer Jimmy Campbell. He will be the liaison to streamline the process between the applicant for a building permit and the Planning Commission which approves building projects. He will be stepping down from his current position on the sewer board.
Police and Fire Chief Todd Gann reported the police activity for May, which includes 3,350 miles patrolled and 35 traffic stops made, as well as 17 citations and 27 warnings given. Response was made to 11 alarms. There were no burglaries and one theft. Assistance was given to 18 citizens, three motorists and to the Lookout Mountain, Tn., Police on three occasions. There were four fire calls and 14 medical calls during the month.
Starting July 1, the police will enforce the ordinance that requires residents to have car decals. The cost is $10. A misdemeanor charge and $50 fine will be issued for offenders. Trespassing charges will also be given to people who are found at the rocks on the bluff across Wood Nymph and behind the number two hole on the golf course. The property is posted and is privately owned.
The council heard and approved plans for the expansion of Starbucks at Rock City. The business is preparing to enclose the front patio, which will require moving a power pole. This could cause the street to be narrowed, which would also have what was described as the positive effect of slowing traffic.
Two road issues were addressed by Mayor David Bennett. The council was informed that emergency repairs are needed to a culvert on the south end of Lula Lake Road where the road has started to erode. And, major safety issues at the bottom curve on Ochs Highway will be discussed with TDOT to find a solution.
The annual Fourth of July parade will start at city hall and end at The Commons where there will be music and food trucks.