May 11, 2020— Sugar Hill Mayor Steve Edwards called the May Sugar Hill Council meeting to order at promptly 7:30 p.m. via WebEx. The online format was implemented after taking health precautions following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the pledge and attendance, city proclamations were in order. Council Member Marc Cohen announced International Nurses Day which is held on May 12. The day is meant to commemorate the work that registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health officials put forth in keeping residents safe. 

In Council reports, Council Member Susie Walker acknowledged her niece Rachel Bass who is a nurse and is currently suffering from the Coronavirus.

Council Member Marc Cohen announced the GCPS online and in-person graduation dates and congratulated the graduating seniors. He thanked Wild Timbers for their efforts during the pandemic. He also thanked city staff and workers for keeping the city clean and orderly. He will be announcing a program to recognize unsung heroes in the city. More information to come.

Council Member Taylor Anderson thanked the local law enforcement during the police week and gave a shoutout to the city staff and their diligence.

Council Member Curtis Northrup reiterated the thankfulness to the city. 

Council Member Brandon Hembree thanked Mike Sullivan, Amber Chambers, and the Youth Council who have stayed active during the online city activities and events.

Mayor Steve Edwards is happy to see the city slowly reopen. 

City Clerk Jane Whittington reported on city logistics. Local businesses can still obtain city licenses. However, no passport appointments will be issued. City hall and offices will be closed on Memorial Day.

City Manager Paul Radford reported on the golf course’s success (best April in the past six years). No live events will be conducted and multiple interactive and online events will be held. For more information visit the city website here.

Finance Director Cindy Pugh reported on the COVID-19 financial aspect. The city is expecting to see lower revenue outputs in the remainder of the 2020 year and is budgeting accordingly. They have temporarily paused hiring and have credited several services and delayed fees. No layoffs have occurred within the city 

Assistant City Manager Troy Besseche reported on construction updates including road renovations along Suwanee Dam Road and the Sugar Hill Greenway. 

Economic Development Director Mercy Montgomery reported on the Memorial celebration event that will be held on May 25 on Facebook Live.

The Economic Recovery Taskforce is currently selecting leadership and subcommittees. Lora Amedu, a local business owner and a member of the task force, reported on the decreased job trends. She said that student involvement will be emphasized 

A construction report by the city staff reports the reopening of local services such as yard debris pickup, Splash Park, and the municipal court. The plan extends from early May to August. The City Hall and the E Center gym plans to reopen the week of May 18.

Youth Council Advisor Mike Sullivan reported on the conclusion of the Youth Council year. He thanked the council and staff for the immense opportunities within the city and the state.

In new business, City Manager Radford presented the resolution to extend the State of Emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic to June 12.  The resolution was approved.

Comcast Cable Communications, LLC would like to issue a Franchise Agreement between Sugar Hill. This gives Comcast the right to operate in the city to provide cable services for ten years. The agreement has been issued with minor revisions and legal approval.

An ordinance to offer alcohol as an act of hospitality in non-eating establishments with an approved Amenity permit. The second section discusses distillery manufacturers under state guidelines. The motion was approved with an annual renewal on the hospitality alcohol service.

Sugar Hill will be applying for a Roadside Enhancement and beautification grant. Upon approval, the City Manager will appeal to the Georgia Department of Transportation. The resolution was approved.

The Georgia Municipal Association will not be holding an in-person Membership Business Meeting. The City of Sugar Hill is asked to return the enclosed voting delegate form to be represented at the July 2 meeting. The city representative at the meeting will be Council Member Marc Cohen with the proxy as Council Member Brandon Hembree.

This concluded the regular session. The council and staff went into executive session.

— Staff Reports