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Demorest council approves water meter ordinance, SCADA upgrade and Panther Creek project
Summary
At its Sept. 3 meeting the Demorest City Council approved a second-reading Water Meter Ordinance, accepted a $148,945 SCADA system quote from J.K. Duren, and approved a GDOT-required Panther Creek project funded with SPLOST; all recorded motions passed unanimously (4-0).
Demorest, Ga. — The Demorest City Council on Sept. 3 approved several measures affecting the city’s utilities and infrastructure and held a public hearing on proposed land‑use code changes.
City Attorney Thomas Mitchell introduced a Water Meter Ordinance on second reading that clarifies property owners’ responsibility for service lines on the customer side of the meter, prohibits interference with another property’s utility service, and references penalties under Section 1‑7. Councilman Andrew Ferguson moved to accept the ordinance as presented; Councilman Jimmy Davis seconded the motion, which passed unanimously (4‑0).
The council also approved funding for a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. City Manager Mark Musselwhite presented two quotes from J.K. Duren — $133,000 and $148,945 — and Councilman Donnie Bennett moved to proceed with the $148,945 option. The motion, seconded by Councilman Jimmy Davis, was unanimously approved (4‑0). The SCADA work is intended to upgrade the city’s monitoring and control systems for water and wastewater assets.
Mayor Jerry Harkness described the Panther Creek work as a GDOT‑required project with an estimated cost of $130,000 to be paid from SPLOST funds. Councilman Andrew Ferguson moved to accept the project and Councilman Shawn Allen seconded; that motion passed unanimously (4‑0).
After work‑session discussion, council members approved a financial recommendation identified in the packet as “Alternative A, Part 2.” The motion to move forward with that option was made by Councilman Donnie Bennett, seconded by Councilman Shawn Allen, and approved 4‑0.
The council also accepted a lease allowing the Tomochichi Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to lease a room at City Hall, and Mr. Musselwhite said further discussion of GEFA bids and an LSLI grant are now administrative items handled by staff.
During the public hearing on proposed land‑use code amendments, Thomas Mitchell outlined potential changes affecting the Historic District and the Planning Commission. Residents Jennifer Austin and Ruth Smith asked questions and Rick Austin made a statement before the hearing was closed.
Megan Chastain, the city clerk, summarized the administration’s budget notes and explained an increase in the salaries line on the 2024 budget. The council heard that residential garbage collection days will change to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday beginning in October; the transcript records that PU requested replacing a speed bump at the Commons and that cost‑sharing is under discussion. Scott (who presented July financials at the work session) reviewed July financial reports for council members.
Council members adjourned into an executive session to discuss potential litigation, personnel and real estate at 8:55 p.m. The body reconvened at 9:15 p.m. and adjourned for the night at 9:16 p.m.
What happens next: The Water Meter Ordinance was adopted on second reading and accepted as presented; items described as administrative (GEFA/LSLI) will be handled by city staff. The land‑use draft remains available for public review and the council encouraged residents to propose modifications to the draft ordinance.
