Dee Baker

The Town Council meeting began with an invocation. Following the public comment period, the council approved the agenda and the consent agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved a discussion regarding the Adams Lake Dam Improvements Project (PW2024-10). Staff presented options concerning the scope of work due to Safe Dams removing the dam from the Category 1 study list, allowing the Council to choose between the original expanded scope (including vegetation removal and wave berm/erosion fixes) or a reduced scope (vegetation removal only). Staff recommended continuing with the original, expanded scope, which was subsequently approved by the Council. The discussion confirmed the expanded scope work is covered by 2023 SPLAST funds. The meeting concluded with the introduction of legislation supporting the Micromobility Safety Act.

The primary discussion concerned the second of three statutorily required public hearings to re-adopt the millage rate, necessitated by recalculations in the county assessor's office due to House Bill 581, which resulted in a slight increase of approximately $1,200 in projected town revenue. The staff recommendation was to adopt the rate of 2.889, which would maintain the rate held for the previous 17 years. Following the public hearing formalities, where no support or opposition was voiced, the public hearing was closed, and the council planned for the final vote at a subsequent meeting.

The town council workshop included a discussion on draft standards for alcohol license provisions, specifically for event and performance venues. The council reviewed modifications to the ordinance in two phases, with the first phase focusing on catered special events. The second phase focused on event venues, with the intention of regulating alcohol service at event venues that may currently operate outside the bounds of the ordinance. The workshop addressed the need for a more appropriate framework to address regular alcohol use at such locations, including BYOB policies.

The meeting included a public hearing for the revised millage proposal, which remained at 2.889 mills. The proposed mill rate is estimated to provide revenue for approximately 16% of the general fund expenses, a total increase of $38,585 over the previous year, representing a 1.92% increase. The council approved the town's 2025 municipal millage rate to remain at 2.889 mills. There was also a second public comment period, followed by council comments and a motion to adjourn.

The meeting included a public comment period where a resident praised Scott's work on the Adams Lake Dam issue and suggested creating a permanent communications position for the town. The council discussed and approved plumbing improvements for 881 Senoa Road, including replacing a sewer line and installing water heaters. They also considered and voted on amendments to the town's alcohol ordinance related to event and performance venues. There was a final public hearing on the millillage, and council members thanked staff for organizing an event in the park and recognized the Sandy Creek Chorus for their performance.