Lilburn City Council Meeting Highlights, Aug. 12

Lilburn Mayor Johnny Crist and the city council met for their regular monthly meeting Monday (Aug. 12) to approve four agenda items and make announcements. 

Per city spokeswoman Nikki Perry's notes, here's what happened at the evening meeting in city hall:

1. The council approved the signing of an agreement between Gwinnett County and its cities regarding the SPLOST referendum in November. The vote would continue the current sales tax. Lilburn's portion of the total SPLOST revenue is projected to be $6.7 million. The majority (78 percent) will go to transportation and public safety. Replacement of aging police vehicles accounts for $1 million, City Manager Bill Johnsa said. Police Chief Bruce Hedley said those vehicle replacements must be made in the next 24 months, for safety of the public and the officers. SPLOST would be effective April 1, 2014, if approved by the voters. (Vote 3-0, Councilman Thomas Wight absent)

2. The council also voted unanimously to approve Gas South natural gas retail service agreement. Ten cities collectively have formed an alliance program with Gas South as a preferred partner provider of natural gas. For residents who choose to switch to Gas South, the company offers a discounted rate on natural gas and no connection fee for new customers. The city receives a small percentage for helping introduce the company to the community. There is no expense to the city, and Gas South will not be the exclusive gas provider for the city.

3. The amendment to the Traffic and Vehicles Code also was approved. The added change prohibits on-street parking of utility trailers, boat trailers, RVs or other devices pulled behind a powered vehicle. These vehicles may be impounded after 24 hours. This ordinance promotes cleaner, safer streets.  

4. The last approval was for a routine agreement with Georgia Department of Transportation that allows the Lilburn Police Department to run radar on an approved list of city streets. 

5. Announcements were made at the beginning of the meeting. They included: 

• Money magazine naming Lilburn No. 5 on the top 25 list of best affordable places to live in the U.S. 
• Qualifying is Aug. 26-30 for the November municipal election. 
• Sparkle in the Park will be Sept. 1 from 4-10 p.m. in Lilburn City Park, with fireworks, music, food and kids' activities.
• The Lilburn Arts Alliance has officially formed and is accepting members. Find more information at www.facebook.com/lilburnartsalliance.