August 12, 2019— Sugar Hill Mayor Steve Edwards called the August Sugar Hill Council meeting to order at promptly at 7:30 p.m. at the Sugar Hill City Hall.
Following the pledge, the council dived into proclamation and award announcements. The North Gwinnett Women’s soccer team was recognized for winning the State Championship tournament led by varsity girls coach Jeff Becker. The council gave an official proclamation and congratulated each player with a Sugar Hill keepsake.
A proclamation and special recognition was also given to Major Greg Adams from the North Precinct. The North Precinct police department has responded to nearly 60,000 general and traffic calls, 8,616 citations and almost 5,000 traffic accidents. Major Adams has been at the forefront of providing each resident of Sugar Hill a safe spot as well as attending every city council meeting.
In council reports, Councilmember Marc Cohen gave many updates on art events going on in the community including the Art Gallery’s 15th show next month, The Craig Tilley interactive art exhibit and the Juried art show featuring 75 pieces of art from all over the county. With Sugar Rush approaching, the Arts Commission has opened its annual art poster contest to all middle and high school students interested in creating a poster for the event! There is a $150 prize and a chance to see their work screen printed on all sorts of city merchandise.
City clerk Jane Whittington gave the monthly city report with over 254 passports issued in the month of July. She encourages citizens to donate to both the North Gwinnett Co-Op via their Sugar Hill gas bill for those in need during the colder months.
Councilmember Curtis Northrop and Taylor Anderson both thanked city staff and residents for making the Apollo 11 event such a success.
City Manager Paul Radford discussed his experience with a recent Georgia Municipal Association meeting and the importance of leadership in day to day life. In management reports, approximately 19 housing permits and 16 townhome permits were issued in the month of July. The E Center is climbing in popularity with an approximate 6,700 members that have signed up for their gym usage. The Bowl at Sugar Hill concerts continues throughout the fall with Clay Walker’s show coming up.
Assistant City Manager Troy Besseche gave city logistical updates regarding greenway permits, the veterans memorial project construction and the Bowl improvements.
Economic Development Director Mercy Montgomery noted on new businesses coming into Sugar Hill with Indigo Brewing Company having their grand opening last month.
In citizen comments, Sugar Hill Youth Council Mayor Khushi Mehta introduced herself and elaborated on the work the council plans to do this fall. With applications live on the city website, she encourages all high school students interested in local government from the Sugar Hill area to apply for this amazing opportunity.
Tom Lobeck, a Sugar Hill resident, shared his two cents on city decisions and how it benefits the general public. He is not happy about the investments the city puts into certain downtown developments in comparison to what it is yielding out.
There was no consent or old business.
In new business, an easement was requested to the city in which the Gwinnett Department of Water Resources can make upgrades on the sewer system elements and reduce maintenance costs among other things. The motion was approved.
The Sugar Hill General Election is to take place on November 5 in the community center to fill three City Council seats. Incumbents Brandon Hembree, Marc Cohen, and Susie Walker plan to run for re-election. Early voting begins October 14 in the City Hall.
Assistant City Manager Troy Besseche introduced the concert Bowl improvements plan in which approximately $1,290,000 will be given to the Barnsley Construction Company. The money is to be allocated by city SPLOSTS and local funds over multiple fiscal years. Staff undercut the original bid by nearly $200 to pay for a design renovation for the concert venue.
This concluded the regular meeting. The council and staff went into executive session. The September Sugar Hill Council meeting will be on September 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of Sugar Hill City Hall.
— By Nida Merchant
