Dalton council approves rezoning, extends moratorium and green-lights fines, leases and a 1% pension COLA

The Dalton Mayor and Council on Dec. 15 took a package of routine municipal actions, including a rezoning approval for a small Riverbend Road parcel, an enforcement finding against a licensed establishment, municipal property and lease approvals, and a 1% cost-of-living adjustment for certain pension beneficiaries.

Rezoning and land use: An unidentified council member described Ordinance 25-24, a rezoning request from Wayne Burgess for 0.25 acres at 913 Riverbend Road to change zoning from M-2 (heavy manufacturing) to R-5 (rural residential). The council heard that the petitioner plans to remove the existing house and build duplexes, which are allowed in R-5. The council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance on its second reading by voice vote.

Licensing and enforcement: City staff summarized a Public Safety Commission hearing that found All American Entertainment LLC, doing business as Big Time Billiards, had sold alcohol to an underage person. Jonathan (city staff) said the Commission recommended finding a violation and levying the fine listed in the ordinance; he told council the recommendation was a $1,000 fine plus the court reporter's cost. The council voted to accept the Commission's recommendation.

Operational approvals: Council approved a $3,475 Change Order No. 3 with Cherokee Mechanical on the City Hall HVAC project to repurpose an existing tank for use as a holding tank and to change insulation because the system will move from heated to cold water, using one-inch elastomeric foam for re-insulation. The council also approved a first amendment to the lease with Emory Center Inc., a two-year extension reinstating the prior lease terms after a period of month-to-month occupancy.

Moratorium and property easement: The council approved Resolution 25-26 to extend an existing moratorium on the opening of certain businesses until March 31, 2026, citing ongoing work by the administration and city attorney. The council also authorized a municipal driveway easement on city-controlled property in Toombs County to allow Georgia Department of Transportation access related to an adjacent bridge project; the Water/Light & Sink board and Georgia Power had approved the arrangement.

Pensions and personnel: The council adopted Resolution 25-28, a 1% cost-of-living adjustment for retirees who retired before Jan. 1, 2024.

Other routine items approved included renewal of a small number of late alcohol license renewals (Family Dollar and James Slicker) and approval of routine meeting minutes. In each case where a vote was recorded, the transcript shows the motion was made, seconded and approved by voice vote (ayes recorded; no opposing voices recorded in the transcript).

The council adjourned after noting holiday office closures and announcing the next meeting for Jan. 5, 2026.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 25-24 (rezoning, 913 Riverbend Road) — approved; Public Safety Commission finding re: All American Entertainment LLC (Big Time Billiards) — accepted; Cherokee Mechanical Change Order No. 3 ($3,475) — approved; First Amendment to Lease with Emory Center Inc. (two-year extension) — approved; Resolution 25-26 (moratorium extension to 03/31/2026) — approved; Resolution 25-27 (municipal easement) — approved; Resolution 25-28 (1% COLA for retirees prior to 01/01/2024) — approved; Alcohol license renewals (Family Dollar, James Slicker) — approved.

The council did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript; actions appear to have passed by unanimous voice vote in each instance.