Buford Commission Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2017
Minutes from previous meetings held on October 2, 2017 and October 25, 2017 were approved. Chairman Beard stated that a special called meeting would be held to adopt the bond ordinance funding the new high school project. It will be a joint meeting of the City Commissioners and the School Board to be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2017 in the Commission Chambers at the City Hall.
Zoning modification #ZM-17-07: Home South Communities, Morningside Drive Tract, Parcel No.: 7-269-006 requested a zoning modification to amend the architectural accents on the home.
Home South Communities wanted to increase the architectural accents on the home’s exterior, 40% to 60%. Modification passed.
City staff proposed the adoption of a ‘Buford Utility Right-of-Way Agreement’ which will enable the city to establish procedures to register small cell network installations in which companies will be upgrading infrastructure to run the faster 5G mobile networks. It will also allow the city to specify fees and allow the city to manage the companies’ usage of city poles and ‘apparatus concerning placement of communication technologies.’ Buford wishes to be proactive on the installation of the 5G mobile network technology. The Georgia Public Service Commission regulates such services with rights-of-way managed by the local municipalities. Approved
The City Manager was authorized to ‘sign permanent easements’ for road improvements on Hamilton Mill Road.’ This is a part of the new high school road system that connects to Hamilton Mill Road just after the Hamilton Mill Business Center.
The City Manager and City Attorney were given the authority to purchase property of 2 lots adjoining the school system’s Central Office.
A motion to ‘authorize the City Manager to sign permanent easement with Gwinnett County for Anode ground bed on Fence Road.’ was passed. The Anode bed is part of the City’s natural gas system.
Various contracts were awarded to construct and/or maintain city utilities and their infrastructure as well as a renewal of the Main Street lease agreement with Norfolk Southern. It was noted to make sure the Shadburn Ave properties were included. The property where the former peak shaving plant that runs alongside Railroad Ave was designated as an ‘industrial development area’ and surplused by the Commission. The city went back and had contractors rebid for playground site/grading work at the New Gym saving the city $60k. Various payment requests were presented and approved.
The City Manager, Bryan Kerlin made his ‘City Manager’s Report’. He reported that the New Gym is slated to be turned over to the City by the contractor by Thanksgiving with the City then completing various final touches, security, furniture and safety/occupancy permits prior to opening. However, he specified that due to the additional things the city had to do to get it fully open for the recreational basketball league would not be complete until December. The city obtained the necessary GDOT permit to extend Robert Bell Pkwy to the new high school. The city was awarded a $100,000 grant to extend the Garnett St. sidewalks. The project is advertised for bids. He praised the recreational league football teams for their successful season.
Amy Brown from the Buford Community Center reported that attendance at the Corey Smith Concert estimated between 5k and 6k. The center continues to be booked up with weddings and corporate events.
The next full Commission meeting will be December 4, 2017 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
