May Sugar Hill City Council Meeting Minutes

Staff Reports

May 13, 2019 – Sugar Hill Mayor Steve Edwards called the May Sugar Hill City Council meeting to order
at 7:30 p.m. at Sugar Hill City Hall. Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the Invocation was given,
and the agenda and minutes from past meetings and work sessions were approved.

Awards presentations and proclamations followed. Council Member Cohen recognized the 10-year anniversary of North Gwinnett Middle School. Member Cohen attended the April 26 “Celebrate North” ceremony as the City of Sugar Hill representative (he is also a “proud parent of two North Gwinnett Middle School graduates.”). Staff representing NGMS this evening were Lisa Jackson, Penny Phillips and Mike Young. Member Cohen then read the proclamation to the school. The proclamation encouraged citizens to congratulate the students, staff and administration on 10 years of success as the tradition of educational excellence continues.

Sugar Hill Youth Council graduating seniors Laura Ann Acker, Camryn Flores and Nida Merchant were recognized with a proclamation as well, which City Manager Paul Radford presented to the dynamic trio. The seniors were congratulated for their hard work and dedicated leadership, along with former Council Member Mike Sullivan for his Youth Council leadership.

Mayor Protem Walker said the community garden is nearly full with only six plots available. An art sculpture will be installed there soon as well, and a pollenation garden is pending and will be constructed by two boy scout troops. Walker also eagerly awaits the opening of Central City Tavern in the E Center.

Council Member Cohen applauded the recent Dustin Masey art show in the City Art Gallery, and spoke of the upcoming show featuring artist Cindy Hong, a Sugar Hill Elementary School teacher.

Council Member Northrup talked about his attendance at the 10-month Leadership Gwinnett program, open to all citizens, not just elected officials.

Council Member Hembree reminded everyone of flag placement on veterans’ graves for Memorial Day

Youth Council seniors Acker, Flores and Merchant shared their post-high school plans: Agnes Scott College, Georgia Tech and Georgia State University, respectively.

City Clerk Whittington said the city processed 99 passports and 10 new business licenses.

City Manager Radford presented various items from the Planning and Development, Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments, and Economic Development Director Mercy Montgomery presented updates from that department.

The annual Municipal Court Judge report was delivered by Chief Judge Margaret Washburn who has served the city since 1991.

Former Council Member Mike Sullivan spoke about the origins of the E Center and its current economic success, thanking the current City Council for their support.

Member Hembree recognized Bill Harding for his appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission. Sugar Hill Players Guild CEO Ane Mulligan presented the organization’s upcoming schedule and budget for 2019-2020, and the Council approved the renewal of the agreement, with the city sharing 10% of ticket revenue and the Guild taking 90%. The Gwinnett County Intergovernmental Agreement for Title Ad Valorem Tax Proceeds Distribution was reviewed and approved. The Alcohol Ordinance Amendment to allow caterers to sell, serve or dispense at events by permit was presented and approved. A motion for the election of officers in the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), Lilburn Mayor Johnny Crist (President) and Sugar Hill City Council Member Marc Cohen (Vice Pres.) was approved. A motion for re-appointment of the current Municipal Court Judge and Associate Judge was approved. A motion to recertify Sugar Hill as a GMA City of Ethics was approved.

The regular meeting concluded at 8:52 p.m. when the council and staff went into executive session.