A relatively full agenda greeted the City Council for Monday night’s, November 16, Workshop, Public Hearing, and Regular meeting.

The public hearing had nobody to comment on the variance request by 1043 South Main Street, the Dairy Queen, who is setting up to post a new sign for their business. Code Enforcement did report that letters had been sent out to neighbors with everyone showing acceptance for the variance request of the new sign. With no opposition the Council passed the request for the variance.

Streets and traffic also became a large topic of discussion as the Council tabled any action on a Request for a speed bump on Spring Street, the road going between the courthouse and the Tabor House. The Mayor is set to speak with the Sheriff’s Department about the options that could include a speed table, bump, or light and sign options to stop traffic as vehicles would be exiting the sally port on the backside of the courthouse.

Discussion was also raised among the council about adding a crosswalk on Main Street. Again several options were brought up including one suggestion to put the crosswalk where the Boardwalk comes into the road to help direct pedestrian traffic.

Councilman David Westmoreland also began discussion on getting the heavy trucks and Semi’s off of River Street and downtown. Citing many issues from smell of chicken trucks to the damage done to the island in the roundabout, Councilman Westmoreland stressed the urgency of this issue. While the council begins talks with DOT and Representative Ralston, the Mayor encouraged all council members to put in phone calls to help express the magnitude of the situation.

Another major topic for the night involved local breweries and vineyards as the citizens input had people asking if anything could be done to allow the sale of certain package sales downtown in Ellijay. Those who spoke assured the council they did not want to sell all alcohol, but rather wanted to supply a growing request in different shops.

Tourists who visit North Georgia often also want to enjoy the “flavor” of North Georgia. Often this means local cuisine and favorite restaurants. However, local stores, it seems, have also been receiving numerous requests for the local beer and wines. This would not be a pouring license or such, but instead the business owners asked for a change in ordinances to support this style of “Boutique Package Store” supplying only local products. While this is still very early in discussion, the council did assure the citizens they would see what such an ordinance would look like and further discuss the idea.

Also on the topic of beer and wine, several licenses were renewed at the meeting including River Street Tavern for Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits, American Legion for Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits, Bunk’s on Boardwalk for Beer and Wine, and Cajun Depot for Beer and Wine.

Two final items of note came in the meeting as the Board officially approved Iris Davis to the Historic Preservation Board and accepted a bid for Audit work.