TOWN OF TALLULAH FALLS
STATE OF GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 3, 2016
MINUTES
The regular monthly meeting for November 6, 2016 of the City Council of Tallulah Falls, Georgia was called to order at 6:00 o’clock p.m. by Mayor Hayes.
PRESENT WERE:
- Mayor Dan A. Hayes
- Councilperson Deb Goatcher
- Councilperson Bill Coldren
- Councilperson Larry Hamilton
- Councilperson Teri Dobbs
- Police Chief Bill Goatcher
- Fire Chief Robbie McCutcheon
- Town Administrator/Clerk Patti Polk
OTHERS PRESENT:
See attached sign-in list. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
A Motion was made by Councilperson Goatcher to accept the minutes of the October 6, 2016 meeting. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Coldren and passed unanimously.
Mayor Hayes announced updates being made to the Tallulah Falls web site by Mike Early of Early Designs, specifically noting Council Meeting Minutes dating back to January 2016 being added for public viewing.
Mayor Hayes recognized Patti Polk as being the Town’s full time Court Clerk and City Clerk.
Attorney Report:
Allyn Stockton gave an update on the MuniCode codification and asked for a meeting with Police Chief Bill Goatcher and Town Clerk Patti Polk the week after Thanksgiving to review the outlined MuniCode updates. Once the review is complete, a phone conference will be held with MuniCode to put into a final draft format. Upon final draft completion, the Council will be asked to review and comment.
Councilperson Dobbs asked if any former or old text would be archived for reference purposes. Mr. Stockton responded that all information will be archived and that nothing is disposed of.
Councilperson Hamilton confirmed the Council would have the opportunity to review a final draft as part of the review process.
Mr. Stockton gave an update on the City Dock deed from his understanding and conversation with Georgia Power Manager Jeff Jackson. As described by Mr. Jackson, the property the dock sits on was not deeded to the Town. It was the dock improvements only.
Councilperson Hamilton gave a historical recollection of his time on the Council and the discussions between former Mayor Bradley Brown and now retired Georgia Power Manager Roger Harrison. As described by Hamilton, the property belonged to the Town when City Hall/Jail sat on it. The Town authorized the City Hall/Jail to be moved and restored by Georgia Power but never deeded the property to Georgia Power. The Town agreed for Georgia Power to build a dock and granted them labor assistance but never gave up the property. The property still belongs to the Town.
Councilperson Hamilton made a motion for a formal title search and title opinion to be conducted by Attorney Allyn Stockton. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Dobbs and passed unanimously.
Mr. Stockton gave an update on the Hickory Nut Mountain Road deed. He has contacted Mike Rice and Johnny Miller and both have agreed to signing a Quit Claim deed transferring road ownership to the Town. Out of precaution, Mr. Stockton also contacted Johnny Irvin and he, too, has agreed to sign a Quit Claim deed. Once signed, Mr. Stockton will have filed in both Rabun and Habersham counties.
Mr. Stockton reviewed the Professional Services Agreement for the Tallulah Falls Water Supply Project submitted by Hayes James Engineering and the Habersham Service Delivery Agreement. Stockton stated task orders presented by Hayes James falls under professional services and does not require a bid. The agreement is fine for the Mayor’s sign off and does not conflict with the Habersham Service Delivery Agreement.
Mr. Stockton gave an overview of the Habersham 911 Radio Agreement and noted he had spoken with Habersham County Manager Phil Sutton and Attorney Donnie Hunt regarding the Town’s modifications to the agreement. The modified agreement includes only paying going forward with no arrears due from 2015-2016.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Dobbs authorizing the Mayor to sign the modified agreement showing no arrears money due. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Coldren and passed unanimously.
Mr. Stockton discussed the well lot owned by the Town which is adjacent to the property of Ray Morris and abuts to the Carol Walker property. The well is on .02 acres and can no longer support the Town; only useful for a single-family home. The Morris’ are interested in purchasing said property for $3,000 rather than the Town going to the expense of shutting it down and filling it in. Mr. Stockton has spoken to and sent a “notice of rejection” to Ms. Walker as required by law. Once received, the Town can Quit Claim the property to the Morris’.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Goatcher authorizing the Mayor to sign the Quit Claim Deed to sell and transfer said property to Ray and Joyce Morris upon the contingency of Ms. Walker signing the notice of rejection. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Dobbs and passed unanimously.
Fire Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Fire Chief Robbie McCutcheon stated the annual service maintenance on the fire trucks have been has been completed.
Chief McCutcheon noted the Founder’s Day BBQ Fundraiser was a success. An amount of $2551.50 was raised and will be used to purchase a mobile tool box.
Police Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Chief Goatcher commented on the condition of the TFPD Crown Vic vehicle and asked for a new car to be made part of the FY2017 budget.
Chief Goatcher stated the Habersham E-911 Children’s Fun Festival was huge. This year’s event probably had a couple of thousand children giving them an opportunity to meet with fire fighters and policeman in their community.
Chief Goatcher stated the Founder’s Day event was a “big hit” and asked the Town Clerk to send a thank you notes to Rabun County Recreational Department for the use of their climbing wall and dunking booth, Jimmy Yon for his tireless efforts of cooking BBQ and Brunswick stew, and to Tallulah Falls School Interact Club for volunteering their time to help with the activities.
Chief Goatcher discussed the modified Rabun Animal Control Agreement which now includes language of making a specific request be made from him, the Council, or the Mayor. This will help the Tallulah Falls Police Department should there be a need to file a formal report and/or quarantine an animal because of an animal bite.
Councilperson Hamilton made the motion to approve the Rabun Animal Control Agreement. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Coldren and passed unanimously.
Water Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Chief Goatcher noted a correction to the Water Report. The water pumped was 480000 and water metered was 352000. The water loss this month is attributed to a leak at an unoccupied house and a couple of other ground leaks.
Chief Goatcher indicated he found a company that specializes in water drives. Rather than replacing the pumps, it would be more cost effective to purchase and install drives that will work with any pumps. For a cost of $9000, the Town can purchase drives with a 3-year guarantee and a 25-year parts purchase guarantee.
Councilperson Dobbs made the motion to authorize the expense of purchasing and installing said drives. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hamilton and passed unanimously.
Councilperson Dobbs commented on her attendance, as Water Commissioner, in the Archway meetings and the need to do public education for drought issues. She suggested adding content to the Town web site regarding water conservation.
Councilperson Dobbs thanked Chief Goatcher on the GSI water mapping and report that he worked with Archway on. Both have been completed and the information would go on a public web site. This project was completed for the Town at no cost.
Mayor Hayes asked for a motion on Hayes James Agreement, as discussed by Attorney Stockton, for preparation of the application with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources.
A Motion was made by Councilperson Dobbs to authorize the Mayor’s signature on the Hayes James Service Agreement and task order of $300 to file for a water permit. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Goatcher and passed unanimously.
Councilperson Dobbs announced the resignation of Joey Fountain from the Rabun County Water Committee and asked for any Tallulah Falls resident to step in. The position is volunteer and requires a once per month Tuesday morning meeting. Resident Robert Keeler accepted the position and agreed to keep the Council abreast of any issues affecting the Town.
Financial Report:
Attached hereto and made a part hereof. (for attachments, contact Town Clerk)
Mayor Hayes commented on available SPLOST 6 funds for Town Hall Renovations and asked Chief Goatcher to review the estimates he had received thus far.
Chief Goatcher stated he had received a bid to change Town Hall over to natural gas with Toccoa Gas which will reduce fuel costs; about one-third the expense of propane. Also, the Town will receive a credit for switching to gas appliances which will offset the hook up fee with Toccoa Gas.
Chief Goatcher has received bids on the heating and air. The bids have come in between $9000 – $11000.
Councilperson Coldren made the motion to authorize the expense of moving to natural gas and replace the heating and air. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Dobbs and passed unanimously.
Councilperson Dobbs commented on Town Hall being an emergency shelter and need for these improvements. It is important for residents to be aware as public tax payers of Town Hall being an emergency shelter for them.
Chief Goatcher commented on other estimates in the works such as a new ADA compliant front door, appliances, bathroom items, paint, ceiling tiles, and lights.
Chief Goatcher indicated five (5) more lights were needed to complete the entire building with new light replacements. Jerry Jaeger indicated he could get the materials at dealer price and install for $1000.
Councilperson Coldren made the motion to authorize the expense of $1000 to finish the Town Hall lighting. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Hamilton and passed unanimously.
Mayor Hayes commented on available Tech Fund money and asked Mike Early to discuss his proposal of a Monthly IT Agreement with the Town.
Mike Early’s presentation, attached hereto and made part hereof (for attachments, contact Town Clerk), gave an overview of ongoing monthly maintenance needs for the anticipated need of Tallulah Falls Town Hall for an amount of $205 per month. The Agreement includes initial set up and standardization of infrastructure. Additional software, equipment upgrades, and software upgrades will be at an additional cost to the Town.
Councilperson Dobbs made the motion to authorize the expense of $205 per month for Monthly Maintenance. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Goatcher and passed unanimously.
Mike Early further discussed two additional packages needed are Ring Central Fax at an annual cost of $96.00 and Norton Anti-virus at an annual cost of $90.00. These items are regular services and do not require a Council vote.
Street Report:
Police Chief Goatcher commented on a patch needing asphalt on Hickory Nut Mountain Road. For the asphalt to settle properly, it needed to rain. If no rain by upcoming Monday, will “make it rain” with tanker truck.
Chief Goatcher indicated he is working on the LMIG although the dispute between Rabun County and City of Clayton has not yet been resolved. Like other cities, Tallulah Falls is getting in line so when the dispute is resolved, available funds can be issued.
Mayor Hayes discussed the need for bus stop signs on Moss Street. He has spoken with the Rabun County Bus Shop and they will provide signs at no cost to the Town.
Councilperson Hamilton stated the way this worked in the past is Rabun County would provide the signs and the Town would do the installation. Chief Goatcher will follow up with Rabun County on the signs and installing them.
Public Safety Report:
None. Councilperson Coldren asked where the Town is with volunteer fire fighters.
Fire Chief McCutcheon indicated no new members and no loss of any current members. Still asking for volunteers.
Mayor’s Comments:
Mayor Hayes commented he had completed the Georgia Academy for Economic Development and received his certification on Tuesday, Nov 1st. He also stated he had been elected by the Habersham Chamber to represent Tallulah Falls on the Economic Development Committee.
Mayor Hayes asked Councilperson Dobbs to read the thank you note received from Jan Volk on behalf of the His Last Days drama family to the Town of Tallulah Falls for support of this annual passion story celebration.
Mayor Hayes announced the Christmas Celebration to be held on Friday, Dec 2nd, at 6pm. During the Celebration, the Mayor will recognize former Court and City Clerk, Marcia McKean, for her years of dedicated service to the Town.
Chief Goatcher mentioned Jerry Jaeger had also volunteered to make and donate brackets to hold the star and snowflake pole Christmas decorations for the Town. Once the brackets are installed, a thank you note should be sent to Mr. Jaeger.
Mayor Hayes announced the next scheduled Town Hall Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 19th, at 6pm. This is an opportunity for Town residents to do a “progress report” on him and discuss what’s been done over the past year and what they’d like done in the upcoming year.
Mayor Hayes recognized the Tallulah Falls Police Department and Georgia State Patrol for the good work they do to keep our Town safe.
Open Floor:
Resident Robert Keeler reiterated the Mayor’s comments and gave a special thanks to the Tallulah Falls Police and Fire Departments. Mr. Keeler commented on the sense of community and safety he has found in Tallulah Falls and no regrets of moving here.
Councilperson Goatcher made the Motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilperson Coldren. The Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m