June 8, 2020— Sugar Hill Mayor Steve Edwards called the June Sugar Hill Council meeting to order at promptly 7:30 p.m. via WebEx.
A proclamation was dedicated to Maron Buice as the city thanked him for his service as a World War II veteran. He also served as a County Commissioner for 16 years.
A resolution condemning racism was passed by the Council in which the City committed to safeguarding the community against hateful actions. This resolution is in response to the recent protest that took place in the city.
In council reports, Council Member Marc Cohen sent prayers towards the Miles family who lost their son in the past month. He also came in support of the Black Lives Matter movement as he said, “Persecution on skin color has to stop. We are all ridden with biases.”
Council Member Curtis Northrup thanked the city and staff for the Memorial Day ceremony. He also thanked residents for organizing the protest and encourages residents to vote in upcoming elections.
Council Member Brandon Hembree announced the downtown cleanup which will be held on June 21.
Mayor Pro-Tem Susie Walker has been reflecting on the recent atrocities happening across the country.
City Clerk Jane Whittington reported on city logistics. There will be a delay in receiving passports in the upcoming months from the U.S. Department of State. She recommends coming to City Hall as soon as possible if you need a passport.
There will also be a two day meeting minute release for residents to keep up to date on city occurrences. The City Hall will be closed on July 3.
City Manager Paul Radford reported on the new apartment complex which is being built. The E Center gym has reopened as well and the golf course finished one of its best months in six years (May 2020).
Assistant City Manager Troy Besseche updated the progress of the Sugar Hill Greenway. They are in the process of releasing a contract to the city for further information.
Economic Development Director Mercy Montgomery reported on a new intern that joined the city’s economic sector named Mike Ramirez. The E Center is up and running.
The Youth Council report, led by Mayor-Elect Bhaumi Shah, stated that the group has remained dormant since the end of school but plans to maintain a social media presence in the upcoming months.
No consent agenda or old business items were discussed.
In new business, two new members were appointed to the Arts Commission after the approval of the Council.
The City approved an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation on street lights across highway 20. The agreement details cost, operation and maintenance of the lights.
A right of way deed was issued for a 385 square foot property with the city’s Alton Tucker Extension road project.
An amendment was passed to approve the city’s gas supply contract with the Municipal Gas Authority (MGAG). The gas supply portfolio gives authority to settle terms for exceeding debts.
A motion to approve outdoor restaurant parking into the existing retail area was discussed and approved.
A hazard mitigation plan was adopted to reduce exposure and risks in emergency management.
This concluded the regular meeting. The council and staff went into executive session.
— Staff Reports
