The depot filled with parents and children as the Mayor and Council recognized three local state champion teams during Monday night’s city council meeting.

Mayor Palmer congratulated the 9 and 10-year-old tackle football, U10 soccer and U12 soccer All-Star teams who all won State Championships earlier in December.   

The Georgia Recreation and Parks Association held state championships in tackle football and soccer with Calhoun All-Star teams winning the state championships in 9 and 10 year old tackle football in Thomson, and U10 soccer and U12 soccer in Bartow County.

“We want to congratulate the boys on their accomplishment and achievements. I would like to thank the coaches that helped with all of these activities, and the accomplishments you’ve led the boys too,” Mayor Jimmy Palmer said.

The Mayor and Council also approved an intergovernmental agreement and resolution with the Electric Cities of Georgia.

General Manager Larry Vickery said the agreement and resolution adds three years to the original contract and redefines the distribution of services provided by Electric Cities of Georgia.

Vickery also said that Electric Cities of Georgia is a nonprofit organization that the City of Calhoun has greatly benefited from their services, such as safety and training.

Mayor Palmer reviewed and read a resolution to apply for recertification to remain a Certified City of Ethics. The reapplication process occurs every four years. The City of Calhoun approved Ordinance number 683 on January 10, 2000 establishing a Code of Ethics for City Officials.

Mayor Palmer reviewed an update to the City of Calhoun Personnel Policies to allow for updating of code sections, title changes and to incorporate certain sections of the existing personnel ordinance.

City Attorney Govignon said that the personnel policies update has been presented in resolution form to incorporate all personnel ordinance changes into one document, so as to have a current personnel policies booklet to hand out to new employees.

Govignon said he had met with building inspector Don McGinnis concerning applications for new billboards sign permits at the Redbud Road interchange, and after review Govignon and McGinnis recommended that the Mayor and Council consider a moratorium on perspective new billboard permit applications at the Redbud Road and I-75 intersection and all interchanges within the City for 60 days.

The reasoning for the moratorium concerns the lack of information from Georgia Department of Transportation concerning the redesign of the intersections.

According to City Administrator Eddie Peterson, the City’s sign ordinance basis rules and restrictions for signs on where the roads widens and narrows, so due to the ongoing construction a moratorium should be implemented until the City has a clearer picture of the future road measurements.

Mayor Palmer also extended his and the Council’s sympathy out to the victims’ families and all who were involved with the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Mayor Palmer also extended his sympathy to Jerry Crawford in the passing of his father.

Also duuring the Monday, Dec. 17, meeting, council members also approved:

 A taxicab license renewal for Jose Manual Lima Alveno for Emanuel’s Taxi.

 A beer-packaging license for Balvir Kaur for Quick Stop.

 A beer-pouring license for Melba Jane Price for Pizza Hut.

 A beer and liquor-pouring license for Carlos Aldama for El Rayos

 A beer and liquor-pouring license for Ashley Clark Dobson for VFW Post 5376.