The “first reading” of the proposed parking solutions were performed at the Blue Ridge City Council’s meeting Tuesday, March 15.
The solutions, within Chapter 22 in the city’s Municode of ordinances, include a three-hour parking limit between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for spaces along East and West Main streets between Church Street and Mountain Street with fines imposed.
In addition, once passed, the ordinance will restrict parking on Depot Street and Roberts Way for employees and business owners only. Spaces on the hill of Mountain Street will also be reserved for such, along with a portion of the city’s paid lot and city hall.
A fine of $50 will be issued for the first offense, $100 for the second, and each fine thereafter, $250.
Business permits will be issued to owners as licenses are renewed or if a representative reaches out to the city for them.
City Attorney Chuck Conerly presented the changes to the council by verbally highlighting the amendments.
A second reading must be performed next before the ordinance can be adopted. Anyone who’d like to express their opinion should contact City Clerk Amy Mintz at 706-632-2091.
In addition, Conerly presented the “second readings” for two other ordinance amendments.
One ordinance, in Chapter 2 of the Municode, changes the rules of how planning commission members are appointed, which council members voted to adopt.
An ordinance amendment within Chapter 10 of the Municode was also adopted that was a “housekeeping” effort involving the elimination of the Special Land Use Permit for short-term rentals outside of the Central Business District.
Conerly also conducted the first reading of a purchasing policy. Purchases below $5,000 may be administered by the city administrator, Eric Soroka, as long as they’ve been previously approved within the fiscal year’s budget.
For purchases between $5,000 and $75,000, Soroka may still go forward as long as it has been approved in the budget, but must obtain two written quotes. Purchases of $75,000 and above must come back before the council, even if they’ve already been approved within the budget.
These requirements will not affect the city’s obligations under Georgia law.
There were no action items on the agenda, but the council passed the consent agenda, which consisted of a payment to Brannen Ford for two 2022 Ford Explorers for $66,800.
Three resolutions were also within the approved consent agenda: two allowing Mayor Rhonda Haight to sign for approved loans from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, totaling $8.5 million, and one authorizing Haight to execute an agreement between the city’s police department and county’s sheriff department.
That agreement allows the city to use the sheriff department’s jail for inmate booking and housing at a cost of $35 for under 24 hours and $45 per day if it exceeds 24 hours.
Alcohol was the hot topic during public commentary with three individuals speaking on it–two speaking in favor of a liquor store. The other individual asked for clarification on the city’s alcohol ordinance regarding restaurant permitting.
Shannon Marren with the Copper Express pitched her and her husband’s idea of running a trolley through town to help with the parking situation. Haight advised them to call her at city hall.
Blue Ridge Business Association President Cesar Martinez informed the council that the 2022 walking maps have been published and, on behalf of the city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA), invited the council to attend DDA meetings.
During an executive session, members discussed a litigation with WAMM Development LLC over 200 West First Street.