The Buford City Commission met Monday, May 2, and recognized Maurice Walker for his 20 years of service in the city’s gas department.
“It seemed like about 10,” Walker said with humble humor, “but it’s been 20.”
“Hopefully we’ll have twenty more years,” said commission Chairman Phillip Beard as he presented Walker with a plaque and watch. “You’re a young fellow.”
Next, the commission voted on a number of rezoning and annexation measures for IDI Logistics for the purposes of building a new facility on Gravel Springs Road. Given there was no opposition to any of the proposals, all of the requests by IDI Logistics received unanimous approval.
The commission also approved special use permits to allow automotive window tinting at a business on B. U. Bowman Drive and for another business on Lanier Islands Parkway to perform minor automotive repairs and retail tire sales.
Commission members also heard an annexation and rezoning request from 713 Holdings for two plats on New Bethany Road in Hall County for the purpose of building high-end homes on one-acre lots. Commissioner Bradley Weeks recused himself from the vote after stating he at one point owned part of the land in question, but the measure passed unanimously after receiving no opposition.
Commission members also voted to allow the Norton Agency to assist with land acquisitions for the Buford High School stadium and to pay them 3% commission.
“We’ve been very successful in acquiring (the properties) for the stadium over there without any notoriety at all,” Beard said.
They also approved a temporary event application that allows for the closure of Moreno Street and the public parking area for an event at First Pentecostal Church of Buford on June 4 and 5.
City manager Bryan Kerlin also gave his report, which mentioned the completion of a turn lane extension on southbound Buford Highway and Hamilton Mill, which had been finished that day, as well as the nearing of completion for the surveying of the site for the new Buford stadium.
He also announced that registration for summer tennis clinics at Buford City Park is now open, as well as suggested the facility may be due for an upgrade.
Kerlin also announced upcoming events at the Buford Community Center. The first outdoor concert of the year, an Elton John tribute titled Remember When Rock Was Young, will take place Saturday, May 7.
An Oct. 1 concert was also announced as country music artist Jake Owen will perform.
At the end of the meeting, Beard also addressed the Boy Scout troop in attendance.
“A lot of good things go on with the Scouts,” Beard said. “It’s a bit controversial. I notice there’s no girls in this group, and that’s been an issue for years.
“They had Girl Scouts back then,” Beard continued, “but you can’t say those things, it’s not appropriate anymore to go to the gender part of life anymore, but I’m still old fashioned. They’d put me in jail or whatever it takes, but I’m still like the old school, I reckon.”
Beard wrapped up the meeting by asking if any of the residents present wished to raise any issues, but no one spoke up.
FEATURED PHOTO: Buford Commission Chairman Phillip Beard, left, congratulates city employee Maurice Walker for 20 years of service in the city’s gas department. Photo by Chris Bellows.
