Clarkesville public meetings in 2024

City Council Work Session

The City Council will hold a work session to receive updates on HB581 and the Fort Moore/Camp Merrill contract. The agenda also includes a potential executive session to discuss a Georgia Code section 36-33-5 Ante-Litem Notice with legal counsel.

• Update on HB581
• Update on Fort Moore/Camp Merrill Contract
• Executive session regarding Georgia Code section 36-33-5 Ante-Litem Notice

The Clarkesville City Council held a work session on November 4, 2024, where they discussed updates on HB581, the Fort Moore/Camp Merrill contract, and parking enforcement. They also reviewed Lew Oliver's Square redesign options. In executive session, they approved compensating Mrs. Yoder for damages from a fall on Green Street, contingent on a release. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved compensation for Mrs. Yoder for fall damages on Green Street, upon signature of release (5-0)
• Discussed HB581 opt-in/opt-out deadline and FLOST implications
• Discussed Fort Moore/Camp Merrill contract status
• Discussed parking enforcement and signage for the Square
• Discussed Leash Law ordinance details
• Discussed Lew Oliver Square redesign options and potential traffic studies

Mayor and City Council

The Clarkesville Mayor and City Council will hold a regular meeting on November 4, 2024. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes and renewal of several alcohol licenses for 2025. New business items include discussing a potential lease of city property to a private contractor and voting on the purchase of a new mower, with a recommendation for the Scag Cheetah 2 from Swineharts Power Equipment.

• Approval of alcohol license renewals for 2025: Room 227 LLC (Copper Pot), Pinheads LLC, Clarkesville Food Mart LLC, Juhan Song Inc. (The Attic), Old Towne Pub, Panito Group Inc (Gulf Food Mart), North Georgia Liquor Inc (Clarkesville Package)
• Discuss and vote on purchase of a new mower—recommended Scag Cheetah 2 from Swineharts Power Equipment
• Discuss possibility of leasing city property to a private contractor
• Monthly reports from Finance, Main Street, Fire, ESG, Police, and Planning committees
• Public comment and possible executive session

The Clarkesville City Council approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the October 7 work session and meeting, and alcohol license renewals for 2025, with an amendment adding El Jinete Inc. and a new license for Ganesh Gascon LLC. The council also approved the purchase of a Scag Cheetah 2 mower. A possible lease of city property for mulch grinding was discussed but no action was taken.

• Approved consent agenda including October 7 minutes and alcohol license renewals (5-0)
• Amended consent agenda to add El Jinete Inc. and new license for Ganesh Gascon LLC (5-0)
• Approved purchase of Scag Cheetah 2 mower (5-0)

City Council Work Session

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss potential changes to the City Charter and the local leash law. The meeting also includes an update on Partnership Habersham.

• Update on Partnership Habersham
• Discussion on the Leash Law
• Discussion on changing the City Charter

The Clarkesville City Council held a work session with no formal votes. They discussed updating the vague Habersham Leash Law, planning to work with the city attorney on a new ordinance and installing leash signs at Pitt's Park. They also discussed changing the city charter via a Home Rule Provision, which would require drafting, publishing, and presenting the ordinance at two meetings within 60 days. The meeting ended with a motion to enter executive session and then adjourn.

• Discussed drafting a leash ordinance with city attorney
• Discussed installing leash signs at Pitt's Park
• Discussed changing city charter via Home Rule Provision

City Council Work Session

The Clarkesville City Council will hold a work session to discuss a potential charter change and receive an update on downtown parking. No votes are scheduled; the meeting includes a public comment period and a possible executive session.

• Discuss charter change
• Downtown parking update
• Public comment
• Consider going into executive session

The council unanimously agreed to change the city charter to allow a higher millage rate, assessing property taxes on 40% of property value instead of 100%, with implementation tabled until next year. They also approved a request from Circle of Hope to paint a City Hall window purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and discussed downtown parking and leash law enforcement, including a possible fine for dog waste.

• Agreed to change charter for 2025 to assess property taxes on 40% of value (unanimous)
• Approved Circle of Hope window painting at City Hall (no vote required)
• Discussed downtown parking signs and to-go/loading spaces (no formal action)
• Discussed leash law enforcement, including possible fine for dog waste (no formal action)

Council Called Meeting

The Clarkesville City Council will vote on extending the due diligence period for Parkside Partners and consider rezoning a property on Rocky Branch Road to allow multiple-family residential use. The meeting will also include a discussion on entering executive session.

• Vote to extend due diligence period for Parkside Partners
• Vote to rezone 933 Rocky Branch Road, Parcel 104-213, from LI to R-2
• Discussion on entering executive session

The Clarkesville Council voted to extend the due diligence period for Parkside Partners by 15 days and approved rezoning 933 Rocky Branch Road from LI Low Intensity to R-2 Multiple-Family Residential. Council Member Kiker abstained from the rezoning vote due to a conflict of interest. No new business was discussed, and the council entered executive session to discuss property negotiations.

• Approved 15-day extension of due diligence period for Parkside Partners (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 933 Rocky Branch Road to R-2 (5-0, Kiker abstained)
• Entered executive session to discuss property negotiations (5-0)

Mayor and City Council

The Mayor and City Council will discuss the 2025 budget and the associated millage rate. The meeting includes a public hearing and a vote regarding the annexation and rezoning of a property. Council will also consider a resolution regarding the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System.

• Resolution 2024-4 to adopt 2025 Budget and Millage Rate
• Public hearing and vote on annexation and rezoning of 933 Rocky Branch Road
• Resolution 2024-5 regarding Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System (GMEBS) for 2023-2025

The Clarkesville City Council approved the 2025 budget as presented, adopted Resolution 2024-4 to set the millage rate and property tax dates, and adopted Resolution 2024-5 to restate GMEBS as the retirement plan. The council also approved the annexation of 933 Rocky Branch Road, with Council Member Angelia Kiker recusing herself due to a conflict of interest. All votes were unanimous (4-0), except the annexation vote which was 3-0.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes from August 5 and August 29 meetings (4-0)
• Approved 2025 budget as presented (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-4 for 2025 budget, millage rate, and property tax dates (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-5 to restate GMEBS as retirement plan (4-0)
• Approved annexation of 933 Rocky Branch Road (3-0, with recusal)

Mayor and City Council

The Clarkesville City Council will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda to approve minutes from September 2024 meetings. Department heads from Finance, Main Street, Fire, ESG, Police, and Planning and Zoning will present monthly reports. The council will hear an update on the Mary Street bathroom construction and consider approval of Resolution 2024-6 for the 2023 budget amendment. Public comment will be taken, and the council may go into executive session.

• Approval of minutes from September 16 and 30, 2024 work sessions and meetings
• Monthly reports from Finance, Main Street, Fire, ESG, Police, and Planning and Zoning
• Update on Mary Street bathroom construction by Mr. Dickerson
• Discussion and possible approval of Resolution 2024-6 2023 Budget Amendment No. 2
• Possible executive session

The Clarkesville City Council approved proceeding with construction of a site-built bathroom at Mary Street Park after learning a prefabricated unit was not possible. The council also approved the consent agenda, Resolution 2024-6 for the 2023 budget amendment, and received monthly reports from department heads. All votes were unanimous (4-0) with Council Member Rick Wood absent.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes from Sept. 16 and Sept. 30 meetings (4-0)
• Approved proceeding with Mary Street bathroom construction (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2024-6 2023 Budget Amendment No. 2 (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Clarkesville Planning Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on several items, including a map amendment (rezoning) at 217 Landers Street, a sign review for 1341 Washington Street (Downtown Loft Venue), and a commercial facade review for Waffle House at 661 West Louise Street. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Map amendment (rezoning) at 217 Landers Street
• Sign consideration at 1341 Washington Street - Downtown Loft Venue
• Commercial facade review for Waffle House at 661 West Louise Street
• Approval of the September 10, 2024 agenda and work session minutes

City Council Work Session

The City Council will hold a work session to receive updates on the 2025 budget and Parkside Partners LLC. Members will also discuss directional signs.

• Update on Parkside Partners LLC
• Update on the 2025 Budget
• Discussion of directional signs

Mayor and City Council

The Mayor and City Council will meet to review monthly department reports and discuss the use of Flock cameras. The body will also announce a Mayor and Council retreat.

• Discussion of Flock cameras
• Announcement of Mayor and Council retreat
• Monthly reports from Finance, Main Street, Fire, ESG, Police, and Planning and Zoning

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to review a request for facade renovation approvals. The body will also consider the approval of minutes from the August 13, 2024 meeting.

• Facade renovation approval at 1456 & 1474 Washington Street

The Planning Commission approved facade renovations for two properties on Washington Street, splitting the request into two motions. The first motion approved the structural alterations, contingent on a structural engineer's sign-off and waterproofing certification. The second motion conditionally approved paint colors, requiring a sample to be reviewed before the full facade is painted. Both motions passed unanimously (3-0).

• Approved facade structural alterations at 1456 & 1474 Washington St, contingent on structural engineer sign-off and waterproofing certification (3-0)
• Approved paint colors conditionally, requiring a sample for review before full painting (3-0)

Planning Commission Work Session

The Planning Commission will hold a work session to discuss proposed ordinance amendments. The discussion focuses on regulations regarding vacant windows and vacant property registration.

• Discussion of Vacant Windows ordinance amendments
• Discussion of Vacant Property Registration ordinance amendments

The Planning Commission discussed sample ordinances for vacant windows and vacant property registration in the Downtown Business District. They decided to proceed with amending the zoning ordinance after finalizing the additions. No formal vote was taken; the motion to adjourn passed 3-0.

• Discussed sample ordinances for vacant windows and vacant property registration
• Decided to move forward with amending the zoning ordinance after finalizing additions
• Adjourned (3-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to discuss a map amendment and annexation request. The body will also discuss window coverings for vacant properties.

• Annexation and map amendment at 933 Rocky Branch Rd
• Discussion of window covering for vacant properties

Council Called Meeting

The Clarkesville City Council will meet to discuss the extension of water lines and consider renaming the Greenway Trail. The meeting is a called session scheduled for June 18, 2024.

• Discuss Water Line Extension Bids
• Consider Changing the Name of the Greenway Trail

Mayor and City Council

The Clarkesville Mayor and City Council will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from prior sessions and discuss committee reports. New business includes recognizing outgoing and incoming police leadership and awarding the Water Department, along with reviewing new alcohol license applications.

• Approve minutes from April 8, 2024 Work Session, Executive Session, and Council Meeting
• Recognition of outgoing Police Chief Brad Barrett and introduction of new Police Chief and Detective
• Recognition of Water Department awards
• Review and potential approval of new alcohol licenses for Oasis Bar LLC (522 Monroe St.) and Cale Garrison Enterprise LLC dba Grille 52 (327-A Monroe St.)

City Council Work Session

The Clarkesville City Council will hold a work session to review unfinished business, discuss new items including veteran-only parking signs, and receive updates from the City Manager. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Discuss Veteran Only Parking Signs
• City Manager Dickerson to provide City Updates

Mayor and City Council

The Mayor and City Council will meet to receive updates on infrastructure and development studies. The body will also discuss the 2024 Council Planning Retreat.

• Update on the Highway 115 Bridge Project
• Discussion of the University of Georgia Hotel Study
• Discussion of the 2024 Council Planning Retreat

Mayor and City Council

The Clarkesville Mayor and City Council will meet to review department reports and address new business. The body will discuss an alcohol license application and a property easement purchase.

• Alcohol license for Ohmsaishiv LP (Shake N Go) to sell package beer and wine at 442 Washington Street
• Georgia Power Easement Purchase on City Property

City Council Work Session

The Clarkesville City Council will hold a work session to receive updates on an ongoing water line extension project, discuss a memorandum of understanding for the Old Courthouse Property at 555 Monroe Street, and review the 2023 audit. The meeting also includes public comment and a potential executive session for personnel matters.

• Project update on 12,000-foot water line extension by Mr. Dickerson
• Discussion of memorandum of understanding for Old Courthouse Property at 555 Monroe Street
• 2023 audit update by Mr. Dickerson
• Potential executive session for personnel matters

City Council Work Session

The City Council will discuss updates regarding park exercise equipment and the Shred Day event. The session also includes a discussion regarding Lockwood Street.

• Update on Park Exercise Equipment
• Discussion of Shred Day Event
• Discussion of Lockwood Street

Mayor and City Council

The City Council will consider a vote to approve a short term rental ordinance. The agenda also includes reviewing monthly committee reports and approving minutes from March meetings.

• Vote on Short Term Rental Ordinance
• Monthly reports from Finance, Main Street, Fire, ESG, and Planning and Zoning committees
• Approval of March 11 and March 18 meeting minutes
• Executive session to discuss personnel

Mayor and City Council

The City Council will review monthly reports from departments including Finance, Fire, and Planning and Zoning. The agenda includes discussions on the sale of surplus vehicles and equipment and vacancies on the Habersham County Library Board. The council may also enter executive session for property negotiations.

• Sale of surplus vehicles and equipment
• Habersham County Library Board positions
• Monthly reports from Finance, Fire, and Planning and Zoning

Council Called Meeting

The Council will meet to consider entering an executive session. This session is intended to discuss or vote on authorizing the purchase, disposal, or lease of property.

• Executive session regarding property purchase, disposal, or lease

City Council Work Session

The Clarkesville City Council will hold a work session to discuss short-term rental regulations and Partnership Habersham. The council will also review sewer repairs using GEFA and an update on the Bridge Water Line. A vote is scheduled for Resolution 2024-2 regarding 2023 budget amendments.

• Vote to approve Resolution 2024-2 (2023 Budget Amendments)
• Discussion of short term rental regulations
• Sewer repairs utilizing GEFA
• Contract with Falcon Design for sewer evaluation at Hwy 115 Bridge
• Update on the Bridge Water Line

Planning Commission

The commission will review proposed commercial facade revisions for three different properties. The meeting also includes consideration of an amendment to the zoning ordinance regarding short-term rentals.

• 607 Washington St - Commercial Facade revision
• 130 Grant Street - Commercial Facade
• 337 Madison Street - Commercial Facade
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Section 731 (Short-term rentals)

Planning Commission Work Session

The Planning Commission met to discuss the final draft of zoning ordinance Section 731 regarding short-term rentals. No new business was presented during this session.

• Discussion of zoning ordinance Section 731 - Short-term rentals

Planning Commission

The February 13, 2024, meeting of the Clarkesville Planning Commission consisted of procedural items. No new business or unfinished business was scheduled for discussion.

• Approval of the January 9, 2024 minutes

Council Called Meeting

The Clarkesville City Council met to address unfinished business and new business. The agenda includes a request to enter an executive session to discuss potential property purchases, disposals, or leases.

• Consideration of entering executive session for property purchase, disposal, or lease

Mayor and City Council

The City Council will swear in new member Don Nix and consider several annual appointments. The meeting also includes discussions regarding an intergovernmental agreement with Habersham Animal Control and alcohol license renewals.

• Swearing in of Council Member Don Nix
• Appointment of City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney, and City Judge
• Intergovernmental Agreement with Habersham Animal Control for 2024
• Alcohol License Renewal for Monroe Package Store at 332 Monroe Street Suite 2
• Alcohol License for Kabobalicious, Inc at 1362 Washington Street

City Council Work Session

The City Council will discuss returning E. Wayne and E. Morgan Streets to two-way traffic. The meeting includes a presentation of the 2022 Audit and consideration of purchasing the Bicentennial Trailer.

• Discussion of E. Wayne and E. Morgan Streets returning to two-way streets
• Presentation of the 2022 Audit by Joely Mixon
• Consideration of purchasing the Bicentennial Trailer

Mayor and City Council

The Clarkesville Mayor and City Council will consider a short term rental ordinance and an updated city logo. The council will also discuss leasing Deas Chapel to Grace United Methodist Church, Clarkesville LLC. Additionally, the agenda includes several 2024 alcohol license renewals.

• Consideration of a short term rental ordinance
• Approval of the updated city logo
• Leasing Deas Chapel to Grace United Methodist Church, Clarkesville LLC
• 2024 alcohol license renewals for various local businesses
• Alcohol renewal with liquor consumption addition for Top Flight Tap Room & Grill

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss a map amendment for 1769 N Historic Hwy 441 and a condemnation procedure at W Louise St. The commission will also elect its 2024 officers.

• Map Amendment for 1769 N Historic Hwy 441
• Consideration of condemnation procedure at W Louise St (Map & Parcel 104 114) - "Ingles"
• Election of 2024 Officers

Mayor and City Council

The City Council will receive an update on the Short Term Rental Ordinance from City Manager Keith Dickerson. The council will also discuss the rental of Deas Chapel.

• Update on Short Term Rental Ordinance
• Discussion of Deas Chapel Rental
• 2024 Alcohol License Renewals for Rich and Savvy, LLC; Your Pie; Ingles # 428; and Chevron at the Square

City Council Work Session

The City Council will discuss trees on Washington Street and the Annual Pledge to Partnership Habersham. The meeting also includes consideration for entering executive session.

• Discussion of trees on Washington Street
• Discussion regarding the Annual Pledge to Partnership Habersham

City Council Work Session

The City Council will discuss various unfinished business items including tree placement on Washington Street and street discussions for Bryant, Reeves, and Asbury Streets. New business includes a discussion on new EPA lead rules, a potential shredding event, and personnel pay adjustments under ARPA rules.

• Discussion of trees on Washington Street
• Discussion of Bryant Street, Reeves Street and Asbury Street
• Discussion of New EPA Lead Rules
• Discussion of hosting a shred event
• Personnel pay adjustment per ARPA rules

Mayor and City Council

The City Council will consider a package beer, wine, and liquor license application for Monroe Street Liquor Store at 332 Monroe Street Suite 2. Mr. Dickerson is scheduled to discuss the 2024 Budget, and several committees will present monthly reports.

• Package beer, wine, and liquor license for Monroe Street Liquor Store at 332 Monroe Street Suite 2
• Discussion of the 2024 Budget by Mr. Dickerson
• Monthly reports from Finance, Fire, ESG, Planning and Zoning committees
• Constitution Week Proclamation