Demorest The Hear! ofHabersham  Demorest City Council Special Called Work Session  Demorest Municipal Conference Center . Tuesday, September 12, 2023 . 6:00P.M.  ATTENDEES  Shawn Allen, Councilman Donnie Bennett, Councilman Jerry Harkness, Mayor John Hendrix, Councilman  Andrew Ferguson, Councilman Megan Chastain, City Clerk Thomas Mitchell, City Attorney Mark Musselwhite, Cityl Manager  The September 12, 2023, Demorest Work Session was held ini the Demorest Municipal Conference  Center located at 250 Alabama Street.  1. INVOCATION  Mayor Harkness opened the meeting by leading in prayer.  2. CALL TO ORDER  Mayor Harkness called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  3. PROPOSAL FOR BUSINESS INCUBATOR BETWEEN PU & CITY OF DEMOREST  Professor Santanu from PU presented two proposals in reference to the Business Incubator. The Business Incubator will benefit startups and local business and help grow the economy. It will also help generate tax and employment fori the city. On the other hand, the students at PU will be able to learn and practice on real-world projects. This initiative will bring more internships and job opportunities for the students. Council gave Professor Santanu and Mr. Musselwhite the head nod to move forward and  discussed adding this to the 2024 budget to work toward the next semester.  4. CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE PROPOSAL  Mr. Musselwhite stated that this was tabled again last month but council has the option to move forward with one oft the presented proposals discussed in the last few meetings or extend the moratorium which expires October 12, 2023. Mr. Mitchell said he could have a proposal next month  for council to review.  5. DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Mayor & Council agreed to table this item for 61 months.  1Page    6. FINALIZED LEAD & COPPER RULE REVISIONS  Mr. Musselwhite presented a proposal from EMI. EPA is requesting that any water lines that we have with lead and copper be removed by October 16,2024. Mayor Harkness reiterated that we test our  water frequently for lead, copper and any other metals. 7. RESIGNATION OF DONNIE FROM DDA & THE PARK COMMITTEE  Mayor Harkness stated we needed to accept Donnie's resignation from DDA and the Park Committee.  Council agreed to accept Donnie'sr resignation from DDA and the Park Committee.  8. CONSIDERATION OF LISTING AGREEMENT  Chief Knight presented an agreement and proposed the city enter into an agreement with Brindlee Mountain to list Engine 55 at $30,000. The company will charge 10% of the sale or $500 ifiti is sold for less than $150,000. They are listing the truck for $500 and if they bring us a buyer, the city willl have to vote to surplus the firetruck. Chief Knight requested that whatever the fire trucki is sold for1 that the  funds be used for fire departments use.  9. CONSIDERATION OF DEIB RESOLUTION (ADDED TO AGENDA BY COUNCILMAN HENDRIX)  Councilman Hendrix: stated this resolution is declaring intent to seek the GMA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging certification and with that, we as they City recognize that these principles are important to us and we are, going to work toward making everyone feel like they belong to our community and recognize diversity and equity and include everyone. Councilman Hendrix recommended the city move forward with the intent resolution Mr. Mitchell drafted that Council  already agreed to.  12. CONSIDERATION OF NEW DDA MEMBER (ADDED TO AGENDA BY COUNCILMAN ALLEN) 13. CONSIDERATION OF MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed)  DDA is making the recommendation that the city accept Rebecca Brantley as a new DDA member.  There was not an executive session.  14. ADJOURN  The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.  MayorofDémorest,  2IPage    Demorest City Clerk  SAS HABERS  3Page