Mayor David Bennett said it is an exciting time to be involved with leadership of Lookout Mountain, Georgia since there is so much happening now that will guide the town’s future. He said the number of people that are involved in the processes is amazing and he would like to thank all the volunteers who serve the city.
A new town center that has been talked about for many years is close to happening.
Mayor Bennett said architect Bob Franklin has been working to develop the master plan for the site and the architectural style of the buildings. The town will build the city hall, the fire station and all the hardscaping. Pads will be built to get property ready to sell to developers who will build and own the commercial spaces. Multiple variations have been priced in preparation of putting the project out to bid, said Councilman Arch Willingham who has been involved in the process.
On March 11 at 5:30 p.m. there will be a public unveiling of the plan. Residents will see drawings and be told the estimated cost. They will also hear how the city will pay for it. This community meeting will be at the Fairyland Club Ballroom where there will be a cash bar. Prior to the public meeting, several of the council members will meet with CPA Paul Johnson to make sure financing is in order, after which the entire council will review the plan before taking it to the public.
Another big project that is currently taking place is the development of a comprehensive plan which will guide all future development. The first step was an online survey that residents of Lookout Mountain, Ga. were asked to complete. Plans for the future will be based on this survey. On the city’s website, a rolling banner across the top of the page has a link to the survey results.
Community volunteer Jimmy Campbell, who is heading up this study, said that consultant Phil Walker’s role has now been defined. A public hearing about the plan will be held April 22. The focus will be on development of a new system of trails and recreation, said Mr. Campbell. The University of Georgia has contributed to creating the comprehensive plan, and the university has suggested increasing the hotel tax from three percent to five and a half percent as a way to augment funds to pay for the growth. It is estimated that would bring in $30,000, which the state would match. The additional income would not cost the town anything, he said.
The council is also considering the possible sale of the town’s sewer system which it now owns, maintains and operates. The process that will be followed is to hire Tom Decosimo, CEO of Decosimo Corporate Finance, for $15,000 to put a value on the sewer system. Rick Hitchcock, a lawyer with Chambliss, Bahner and Stophel and who experience dealing with utilities, will also provide information to determine if a sale of the system would be advantageous.
Wes Hasden, chairman of the sewer board, reported that there are on-going issues with repairs being made to the pumping station. He also said payments for the sewer use last month is $11,480 in arrears. A new policy will be enforced aimed at encouraging timely payment. The time allowed for paying sewer bills will be reduced. After the initial 30 days a resident is given to make a payment, they will be allowed an additional 18 days to pay their bills after which the town will start the process of disconnecting service. This involves first sending a letter to the owner of the delinquent bill followed by a disconnect notice.
Statistics from the police and fire department compiled by Chief Todd Gann show that during January, there were 3,257 miles patrolled, 28 traffic stops were made, and 29 warnings and seven citations were given. Assistance was given to six motorists and there was one auto accident during the month. Seven suspicious persons and four suspicious vehicles were checked and no arrests were made. Assistance was provided to seven citizens and to the Lookout Mountain, Tn., Police on four occasions. There were 21 alarms in January, but no thefts or burglaries. The fire department responded to six fire and 10 medical calls.
Council member Taylor Watson said there are plans to send the volunteer fire fighters for training to be licensed to drive the fire truck. She also said that the response has been very positive from the community for the additional personnel who are now monitoring the corner of Cinderella, Red Riding Hood and Rock City Trail where children walk when leaving Fairyland Elementary.
On Feb. 14, the organization First Things First presented a program at the school about how technology is being used, said Council Member Caroline Williams. The school also had Muffins for Moms and Donuts for Dads. Winter break for students is from Feb. 18-20. After the break, upcoming events include Junior Achievement Day, Dr. Seuss Day and a Community Art Show on March 5. She said the art show will be a true community event, including both Tennessee and Georgia. All age groups are encouraged to participate and in all media. Additional information is available from the school.
Two ordinances will become law after the council’s second and final votes of approval. By-the-drink alcohol sales will now be allowed in restaurants beginning at 11 a.m. through midnight on Sundays. And a final vote authorized the adoption of the state minimum standard building codes. As each section of the code is amended in 2018, Lookout Mountain, Ga.’s code will change to match that of the state. Both of the new ordinances will be put on the town’s website.
Shannon Whitfield, Walker County sole commissioner, will give an annual “state of the county” presentation to the community on Feb. 21 at Fairyland Elementary at 6 p.m.
Mayor Bennett read a proclamation Thursday night that named Nelson Williams as honorary “Mayor for a Day.” He is a fifth grader at Fairyland School, participates in Lookout Mountain athletics and has been a member of both a football and baseball championship team. He has also won citizenship and science awards at school.