FLOWERY BRANCH – Water and sewer rates could rise five-percent for customers of the Flowery Branch water system if the city council approves a resolution discussed at its work session Thursday evening.
City Manager Bill Andrew said he likes the plan for dealing with escalating infrastructure costs associated with a new water treatment plant presented to the city council by consultant Robert Sills. Sills’ plan includes reserving funds for future utility replacement costs. “Hopefully what we’ll do is we’ll get on track for setting aside some funds…and we won’t have to be taking out loans anymore.”
Sills said in the coming year nearly $2.3-million more will be needed than initially considered, and budgeting for fixed asset replacement should become a part of the city’s strategy.
“Mr. Sills has really put us on, I think, a good path to work through this over time,” Andrew said.
“Here’s our recommendation for tonight,” Sills began. “Go ahead with the five-percent increase on water and waste water.” He said adjustments could be made as costs become more discernable.
Public comment and a probable final vote on the rate increase will happen when the city council next convenes on October 17th.
QUARRY ADDS BUFFER PROPERTY
Council members gave unanimous approval to a request by stone quarry owner Vulcan Lands, Inc., to annex 3.17-acres into the city and then have those acres rezoned from AR-III (Residential-Agricultural) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial).
The two adjacent lots in the application are along Blackjack Road and are contiguous with quarry property. Vulcan has produced construction aggregate at the 400-plus acre site for decades but does not plan to mine the added real estate.
Vulcan’s move is similar to one made by the company two years ago when three lots, totaling just over 20-acres were added to the sprawling complex along Hog Mountain Road.
Flowery Branch City Planner Rich Atkinson reminded council members, “As you know the properties would only be used as a buffer, not an active quarry site.”
Vulcan representatives told the city council that the property will also be available for inclusion in plans by Hall County for a network of hiking and biking trails.
SUMMIT LAKE ALMOST READY TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
The start of house construction awaits final approval by the Flowery Branch City Council, possibly as soon as two weeks, for Summit Lake, a subdivision first approved in 2006.
Site preparation, infrastructure, roads, and surveying on the 109-acres between McEver Road, Lights Ferry Road and Gainesville Street (a site that city officials have referred to as "the Connor property") have already been accomplished. Now D.R. Horton Homes awaits approval to begin pouring slabs and raising walls.
After being shown front elevations for the development multiple council members asked Gee Harvey to make several exterior modifications. Harvey is with Flowery Branch Partners, LLC, and represents Horton.
Councilman Joe Anglin said, “Have some brick on a house, have some stone on a house; I think just having a little bit of a variety as you go through there…I think it would change things up rather than having that same look throughout.”
Harvey agreed to add the modifications, but said he initially had been asked to minimize architectural features by the city. “Just so that you know where that’s coming from, the city’s architect actually suggested that; to making it simpler; that he didn’t like some of the mix in materials.”
Harvey said of the elevations he presented to the council, “This is the result of his comments to us, but we’re glad to look at other things.”
The city council will view the revised elevations and then make its determination, possibly at the October 17th voting session.
