City Council Approves Charter Amendments

The Johns Creek City Council on Monday approved a second reading of amendments to the city charter 6-1 with Mayor Mike Bodker dissenting. Meanwhile, a handful of citizens spoke in opposition to the changes being made before a citizens' charter commission convenes.

One amendment allows the mayor to appoint a city manager for an indefinite period, subject to ratification by city council, and allows the mayor or a council member to recommend removal of the city manager subject to the same ratification.

A second amendment clarifies that the appointment of the city attorney is subject to ratification by the city council and serves at the pleasure of the council.

Another amendment states that the operating budget for a fiscal year be presented to the council no later than 15 days prior to the beginning of that fiscal year.

The council also sent an ordinance creating additional licensing requirements for secondhand dealerships back to staff for future work sessions. The ordinance was previously tabled on March 28 due to concerns that the additional requirements would create unnecessary burdens for businesses such as clothing and children's consignment boutiques.

Also on the agenda was a zoning hearing to delete certain prohibited uses — such as martial arts studios, cell phone retailers and dry cleaners — in Johns Creek Walk. That also passed, with an amendment allowing additional deletions.

A hearing on the Community Development Block Grant Action Plan also took place. The grant provides federal funding to improve the quality of life primarily for low- and moderate-income residents. With the grant, expected to be $190,000, the city plans to continue improvements to the Newtown School House on Old Alabama Road for provision of a senior center and programming. 

Johns Creek resident Mark Endres, who also spoke in opposition to the charter changes, commented that the council should reject the grant because a senior center would be too expensive to maintain.

However, the city wants to hear from more citizens as other needs may be established and is accepting comments from the public until May 7. The city is accepting input at CDBG@JohnsCreekGA.gov.