Not enough interest in new Hoschton sewer line
BY KERRI TESTEMENT
Hoschton is “closing the curtain” on its effort to have existing businesses help fund a new sewer line in the city’s industrial area, according to a council member.
Two months ago, the city council approved a $118,000 bid to install a new sewer line along Ga. Hwy. 53, from Jopena Blvd. to Nancy Industrial. The sewer line would serve several existing businesses currently using septic tanks.
However, the city council agreed that it would have to receive $59,000 from the businesses that could connect to the sewer line by March 20.
And when that deadline passed, the city only had 60 percent of the funds from those businesses in Hoschton’s bank account.
“We got a lot of good intentions, but not enough checks,” said Richard Green, chairperson of the city’s water, waste and environmental services committee.
Hoschton will hand those checks back to the businesses — and take a second look at enticing companies to help bring sewer service to the industrial area, Green said.
“We’re going to end this action and start again,” he said on Thursday.
Green said installing the sewer line to the industrial area would be a cheaper project now than waiting until later.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business, the Hoschton City Council:
•learned that the additions to the city’s wastewater treatment plant remains on schedule. A plant start-up is expected in mid-June. The city anticipates abandoning its existing sewerage treatment pond in July. Council member Green said when the city begins abandoning the pond, it will create an odor. Several feet of sledge at the bottom of the pond has accumulated and will cause an odor when it’s removed, he added. The city plans to hold a public meeting to address concerns about the odor for nearby residents. No meeting date has been announced.
•met in a closed-door meeting for about 30 minutes on Monday to discuss “pending or potential litigation.” The council took no action when the meeting was opened to the public.
•denied a request by Shannon Sell to rezone lot 7 on Oak Street from R-1 to C-2. The council tabled Sell’s request in February and March, pending the city receiving additional information about the Sell’s plans for the property. The council said Sell didn’t provide the requested information.
•approved a home rule charter amendment related to the appointment and removal of city employees, other than department heads. The council held the first reading of the home rule change last month.
•learned that the council will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 14, at 1 p.m. to discuss proposed amendments to the city’s budget. The meeting will be the first of three required public hearings. The council is expected to adopt the budget changes in May. Council member Tom Walden said revenue is still above expenses for the year.
