City of Dahlonega

The City Council agenda for the work session includes department reports from various city services, a joint proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month, and proposed temporary suspensions of open container laws for the upcoming Arts and Wine Festival. Additionally, the Council will discuss contracts and agreements related to the Lead and Copper Rule compliance program, an amended quote for the AMI meter reading system, and the Phase II proposal for the Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update. Other business items involve street lighting, event requests, property management discussions, and a clarification regarding a previous construction project approval.

The council discussed various operational and community matters, including the ratification of a joint proclamation declaring Child Abuse Prevention Month, the suspension of open container laws for an upcoming arts and wine festival, and participation in an amicus brief regarding municipal liability for nuisance claims. The meeting also addressed a rezoning request for property on Wimpy Mill Road and an ordinance amendment to the Reservoir Management Plan. Additionally, the council reviewed financial reports, approved contracts for lead and copper rule compliance support and meter reading systems, and discussed infrastructure projects and event requests.

The Planning Commission addressed two primary rezoning requests. The first request, REZN 25-11, involved rezoning a property at 117 Turner Road from Multi-Family Residential to Neighborhood Business for retail, office, or service use. The second request, REZN 26-2, concerned rezoning a property at 889 Wimpy Mill Road from Office/Industrial to Neighborhood Business, with a specific exclusion for restaurant uses.

The commission reviewed a sign permit application for the Friendly Feral Thrift Store located at 28 North Grove Street. The evaluation focused on the sign's compliance with historic district design guidelines and the city's sign ordinance, specifically concerning material types, dimensions, and font styles. A consultant's report recommended denying the application as proposed, suggesting that the applicant revisit the materials used, properly recalculate the front elevation area to determine allowed sign size, and select fonts consistent with the approved standards for the historic district.

Key discussion items for the City Council meeting include approval of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings, specifically the Regular Meeting of February 2, 2026, and the Work Session of February 16, 2026. Other topics involve making appointments, such as A.C. Moore II to the Planning Commission, and reviewing proclamations, including one declaring Arbor Day. The agenda mandates a review of city reports, specifically the Financial Report for January 2026. Substantive items include consideration of FY25 and FY26 Budget Amendments. Further discussion concerns the removal of a traffic island at the intersection of Crown Mountain Place and Morrison Moore Parkway, with staff recommending authorization to execute a letter to GDOT regarding the removal and potential realignment of Crown Mountain Place. The Council will also address bridge beautification for the Yahoola Bridge Replacement (Project 0018256), reviewing cost estimates for form liner and color treatments, which are proposed to be funded by TSPLOST funds.