Town of Homer

Key discussions included the status of derelict property at 499 Scales Creek Road, where residents voiced concerns regarding its current use as a potential storage unit rental operation and its negative impact on neighborhood aesthetics and property values. The Board unanimously approved the motion to hire Safebuilt immediately upon attorney contract approval. Awards were presented for years of service to Tracey King, Sandra Garrison, and Mayor Doug Cheek. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) reported on the success of 'Breakfast with Santa' and outlined nominations for 2026 officers, plans for park improvements, and challenges related to economic development due to infrastructure limitations. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss undisclosed matters.

The meeting included several key appointments, such as naming a Mayor Pro-tem, Clerk, Attorney, Judge, and a GMRC Board Member. Discussions concerning derelict property at 499 Scales Creek Road involved Mayor Hill and the Town Attorney explaining efforts to ensure cleanup compliance from the property owner, including issuing a cease and desist letter regarding RV storage. An update on the well system detailed electrical problems at the Hill St. well and testing procedures for iron oxide at the Yonah Homer well. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) reported plans for several upcoming festivals and was approved to solicit bids for roof repairs, mobile home removal, and HVAC replacement at a rented property. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss litigation, followed by the approval of a Certificate of Conditional Approval and verification of residential units for Chimney Oaks.

Key discussions included the appointment of Sandra Garrison to the Housing Authority Board. Concerns were raised regarding derelict property at 499 Scales Creek Road, prompting a decision to involve the judge for citation enforcement. Well updates indicated an electrical problem at the Hill Street well, for which the Council approved proceeding with repairs first. The Council agreed to revisions in the Banks County Water Agreement. Purchases approved included a Myers Stainless Steel snowplow & spreader for $6,800.00 and the paving of Athens St. and Lynn Dr., with an estimated cost of $285,282.00 funded by TSPLOST, pending bid processes. The Council approved the KCI Engineer study for a 4-way stop intersection at Athens, Evans, and Mulberry streets at a cost of $6,000.00. Community discussions involved monitoring milestones for the 10-year downtown vision and testing water quality on Applewood Way. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) confirmed plans for several festivals and was approved to solicit bids for community center roof repairs, mobile home removal, and HVAC replacement.

The meeting included discussion regarding setting the millage rate, plans for a derelict property including a homeless veteran's home, a possible retention pond on Evans St, an IGA water agreement, and insurance for water customers. The budget for 2024-25 was amended. The DDA reported on the success of the Pumpkin Festival and plans for the upcoming Christmas event. Kazia Guynn was appointed to the Downtown Development Authority board.

The meeting included discussions on setting the millage rate at zero, plans for a homeless veteran's home on Scales Creek Road, a possible retention pond on Evans St, and an IGA water agreement. The budget for 2024-25 was amended. The DDA reported on the success of the Pumpkin Festival and recommended Kazia Guynn for the Downtown Development Authority board.