Lilburn City Council Recap: Alcohol Licenses, Lilburn Community Garden and More

The Lilburn city council meeting for May on Monday (May 13) covered a number of agenda items. Here's a recap of the highlights:

-The Lilburn City Council denied 3-0 the application for an alcohol license to serve beer at Bella's Banquet Hall, located at 4800 Lawrenceville Hwy. In the work session, the council and Lilburn Police Chief Bruce Hedley discussed how the business is unfit to have the privilege of serving alcohol since the Bella's has had four reported alcohol-related incidents in the last two years, those of which involved underage drinking and even gunshots fired. Additionally, there are a few conditions, such as getting a state license, that the business has failed to accomplish. Bella's may reapply for an alcohol license in one year, according to the city's alcohol ordinance.

-The full council approved the application for an alcohol license for 1910 Public House, the new restaurant moving to 103 and 107 Main Street in downtown. The license allows the establishment to serve beer, wine and spirits when it opens its doors in late June.

-An amendment to the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance was approved that will allow guests to stroll down the streets of the Lilburn Historic Main District with open alcoholic beverages in hand. A restaurant may serve alcohol on the patio, and a patron may walk through the district with a plastic or paper cup in hand as long as it doesn't exceed 16 ounces.

-An economic development ordinance was passed that will provide incentives to attract businesses having a significant impact on the local economy. This enables the city to offer economic advantages that make Lilburn more competitive in attracting businesses.

-The lease agreement for the Lilburn Community Garden was approved so that the garden can lease the property from the city for $10 a year for three years. The garden opened April 20 with 27 beds, and another 27 beds are planned to be constructed within the season. The garden has been funded by private donations and sponsorships of more than $12,000. Operations, such as water services, are to be fully funded by the garden organization.

-With the approval of the DRE Touchscreen System, the city of Lilburn has entered into a contract with Gwinnett County for electronic voting machines. There will be no more paper ballots for Lilburn come election season.

-The council approved the deed to abandon the right-of-way in the undeveloped subdivision Church Street Station to make way for constructing the new city hall and library. Construction is expected to begin in 2014 on the 49,000 sq. ft. facility on five acres at the intersection of Church Street and Main Street.

-Lastly, the council tabled decisions on updates to the Special Events Policy and Pavilion Rental Policy that define the perimeters of guests wishing to utilize the facility.

-Chief Hedley recognized five new police officers to Lilburn and four promotions within the department. Additionally, he announced that Monica Sims is the new police department administrative assistant.

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