The Sugar Hill City Council recently met Monday, May 9, and Mayor Brandon Hembree administered an oath and swore in new marshals Tommy McElroy and Khamthanh Thongkoth.
The addition of the two marshals means the Department of Public Safety, led by Chief Marshal Diane King, is now fully staffed in accordance with City Manager Paul Radford’s initial timeline.
The council also invited Lindsey Davis of the Sugar Hill Historic Preservation Society to present this year’s scholarship to Ariana Meyer. Meyer read her winning essay to the audience and received $1,000 to help with her education costs.
Next, the council recognized Mark McCain and the under 10 boys soccer team from All-In Futbol Club. The team is ranked sixth in the nation, and the council presented the team with a signed soccer ball.
The mayor and council also recognized the graduating seniors involved with the Sugar Hill Youth Council who maintain an active presence at the monthly meetings. The students received special cords to wear during graduation.
Council Member Marc Cohen then read a proclamation in honor of the 53rd annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week and recognized Sugar Hill city clerk Jane Whittington.
During the citizens and guest comments, BT Parker, a candidate for Superior Court Judge in Gwinnett County, introduced himself to attendees.
The meeting also included a number of nominations and appointments.
Council member Jenn Thatcher nominated Varessa Butts as a member of the Historic Preservation Society. There was no opposition and no other nominations, so Butts was appointed to the society.
Mayor pro tem Taylor Anderson nominated Steve Graessle, Sherry Emigh and Denise Hoell as new Downtown Development Authority members. There were no other nominations, so they were also appointed.
Next, the council heard a proposal by Peachstate Family Homes to rezone 3.5 acres on East Broad Street to allow for a townhome development. Chuck Ross spoke on behalf of his client, who said the buffer in the development plan would infringe on his adjacent property. Anderson motioned to table the decision to allow more time to review the site plan, and the motion passed unanimously.
The council also heard a proposal from Joshua and Jessica Mendoza for design approval of a single-family home at 985 Whitehead Road with a cottage house expansion and a new in-ground pool. Wilma Herrington expressed concern about the trees at the back of the Mendozas’ property as well as a fence around the pool area. Planning Director Kaipo Awana said there would need to be some fencing around the pool. The designs were approved unanimously under the condition that the final result would substantially resemble the attached exhibits.
The Sugar Hill City Council will next meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, in the City Hall Chamber at 5039 W. Broad St.
FEATURED PHOTO: New marshals Tommy McElroy and Khamthanh Thongkoth were sworn in by Sugar Hill Mayor Brandon Hembree during the Sugar Hill City Council meeting on Monday, May 9, 2022. Photo courtesy of the city of Sugar Hill.
