City Council Meeting Notes, Dec. 10

The Lilburn City Council met on Monday, Dec. 10, for its monthly work session and regular meeting. Here is a quick run-down of what the major happenings. There also was talk of the old Blue Rooster spot.

1. Vacant/Foreclosed Real Property Ordinance:

Lilburn City Council approved an ordinance to force owners of vacant or foreclosed properties to register them with the city. The vote was unanimous, 4-0. Ultimately, the city council wants to make it easier to track vacant properties that are not taken care of by owners, and to hold the owners accountable. Mayor Johnny Crist said it "has been high on our list of priorities."

According to the ordinance, it will be $100 to register a vacant property.The city defines a vacant property as a place intended for habitation but has been empty for 60 days and has no evidence of utility usage (power, water, etc.) for 60 days. Any property owner found to be in violation of the ordinance can be fined $1,000.

2. Local Maintenance Improvement Grant:

City Council approved an ordinance for the 2013 Local Management Improvement Grant project list. The vote was 4-0. This prioritizes Boxwood Court, Bradley Woods, Kettle Court and Kettlewood Drive. The city will recieve $82,000 from the state, and some $30,000 will comes from the city through TSPLOST funds. Curb work, patching, and resurfacing are included in the projects, which are expected to be happen in May and June of 2013.

3. Training Orientation for Boards and Commissions

This agenda item requires newly appointed members of boards and commissions in the city to attend a special training. Based on discussions in the work session, the training is not formalized, but could be one session or several that introduce new appointees to city government. Although some council members voiced concerns about the training being mandatory, or needed at all, the item passed. Three council members voted for it; one -- Thomas Wight -- abstained.

4. Downtown Development Work:

During the work session, it was mentioned that a group of bagpipers are interested in using then Blue Rooster spot, 107 Main Street, as a rehearsal space. Additionally, Mayor Johnny Crist mentioned that owners of a restaurant  are interested in opening another spot in the same space, as well. No official work yet on what that restaurant is. The mayor also mentioned the Lilburn Art Alliance, and upcoming art events scheduled for the space in January. 

5. Intergovernmental Agreement - Use of 800 MHz Radio System:

At the request of the Lilburn Police Department, city council unanimously, approved, 4-0, this item. Essentially, this allows Lilburn officers to talk to county officers through the same radio system. The term of the agreement is seven years.