City Council Meeting Notes: July 9

Snellville City Council met on July 9 for its first regular council meeting of the month Here is a quick run-down of the major happenings.

1. Ceremonial Matters: Presentation of check for Aimee Copeland Fund and recognition of Vickie Gallup and her daughter Brianna Gallup Quador

Summary: The city read a resolution honoring the efforts of the Gallup family, who were instrumental in fundraising efforts at a recent community event, which netted $19,000 for the Aimee Copeland Fund. Then, the Snellville Tourism and Trade group presented the check to the Copeland family, who were represented by Andy Copeland, his daughter, Paige. To read more about this story,

2. Public Hearing/Old Business: Consideration and action on the 2013 budget

Item: This was a revised second reading of the budget, f

Summary: Confused, don't be. Here's the bottom line. The budget was approved unanimously, 6-0. Discrepancies were cleared up, including a 1 percent raise for staff and where, oh where to put the LCI project and Lakeside Pavilion repairs. Those items are back in the budget, but this time they are earmarked as funds to be taken from surplus and not added to the tax revenue. The final expenditures are $10.1 million; revenue is budgeted at $10.3 million

3. Public Hearing/Old Business: Consideration and action on the 2012-2013 property tax millage rate

Item: Based on the approved budget, the millage rate was set at 5 mills.

Summary: A rate of 5 mills was approved unanimously, 6-0. This is down from 5.7 last year. Although the mayor went along with it, she later said she hoped next year the city would not be forced into another awkward position. (Last year, the city also had problems approving the millage rate. )

Yes, the city had savings in the past year, which is a good thing to pass on to citizens, the mayor said. However, "I'm not optimistic that next year we're going to be in the same position," she said. "So, I'm hesitant tonight to support this because I don't want to turn around and have to raise taxes." Time will tell if the city has to do that.

4. New Business: Consideration and action on bid for fencing around the community garden site

Item: Council considered $24,293 for fencing and five masonry columns around the community garden, which is located at Briscoe Park.

Summary: Lawrenceville-based Zaveri Entreprises had the lowest lump sum bid of $31,293, however council expects to spend no more than $24,293 when five columns are included instead of the 12 listed in the original estimate. Council is expected to take the funds from SPLOST monies previously planned for the Oak Road Passive Park. That project is currently on hold, but council expects to come back to it.

Council voted 4-2 to approve the fencing bid, with Mayor Kelly Kautz and Councilman Mike Sabbagh voting against and Tom Witts, Dave Emanuel, Diane Krause and Bobby Howard voting for it.