Flowery Branch council skips vote on garbage

FLOWERY BRANCH - The Flowery Branch City Council took no vote Wednesday morning on a garbage ordinance amendment that two council members said made no sense and was unfair.

The motion to pass the ordinance died for lack of a second. The ordinance amendment would impose penalties and fees for those who refuse to sign up for city garbage service.

Councilman Craig Lutz said most of those who refuse live in his neighborhood.

“They are taking their trash to the Hall County compactor, which they are paying for through taxes to Hall County,” Lutz said. “So to some extent this is double taxation.”

Lutz and Councilman Chris Fetterman argued that it was unfair to impose a fine and a possible jail sentence on someone who chose to dispose of their own trash.

Fetterman said the city has a nuisance ordinance for those who allow trash and garbage to accumulate on their property.

BALANCE TRANSFER

The city council followed City Manager Bill Andrew's recommendation to transfer money from the city's reserve fund to balance the 2008 budget. Andrew cited revenue shortfalls that left the budget unbalanced. He told the council the transfer was needed for the upcoming city audit.

"What we're asking council to do today is move $71,697 back to the '08 budget to make it balance," Andrew said.

Andrew added there was plenty of reserve funding on hand to allow the transfer, and despite current economic conditions so far the city is in good financial shape.

FIELD OF DREAMS SIDEWALKS

The city council agreed to support Hall County government and the county school board in seeking up to $500,000 through the Safe Routes to School grant program.

Andrew said grant funds could pay for sidewalks leading to Flowery Branch Elementary School and the new Field of Dreams facility for physically challenged children in Alberta Banks Park.

"What we're hoping to do is have some sidewalks and pedestrian access crosswalks designed for Alberta Banks Park and the Field of Dreams," Andrew said.

The Field of Dreams, a Hall County parks project supported by area businesses and former Atlanta Braves pitcher Phil Niekro, officially opened last week. Andrew said sidewalks leading to the school would also improve access to the park.