Trees were one of the topics under discussion at the regular meeting of the Lincolnton City Council held Monday, May 1, at City Hall.

According to Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff, some residents are putting out huge tree limbs for city garbage workers to collect. "This is one thing we cannot do. Not only does it present a disposal problem, it is also expensive in terms of manpower and equipment. So far, we have been very generous - tree surgeons charge for their services, and we have been helping them out by doing part of their job.

"A tree surgeon will take down a tree and then the property owner will ask the city to dispose of the waste," the mayor continued. "We're not going to get into the business of hauling away two or three truckloads of limbs from one residence. We are not in the landclearing business."

The city plans to develop a policy that will require tree removal companies to apply for a permit and/or license which will address the issues of waste disposal and liability. Plans are for the matter to appear on the agenda for the group's regular June meeting.

In other comments, Mayor Biggerstaff noted that the city will continue to pick up "small yard debris" and limbs that can be fed into a chipper as stated in the city garbage ordinance.

In other business, the council:

Heard the Water Department Report given by Superintendent Stanley Parton who indicated that total water production climbed from 11.3 mg (million gallons) in March to 11.5 mg in April.

Concerning the long-awaited permit from the EPD which will allow the city to withdraw a maximum of two million gallons of water per day from Clark's Hill Lake, Mayor Biggerstaff said he believes the permit to be forthcoming.

Voted to grant a zoning variance to Kevin Beggs which will allow him to place an 840-square-foot home on a dirt road near Beggs Funeral Home on May Avenue. Zoning regulations require that dwellings measure a minimum of 1,500 square feet.

Voted to fine Fast Times Enterprises $250 for selling alcohol to a minor. The vote was two to one, with Councilman Dwain Moss and Councilman Robert Glaze voting in favor of the motion and Councilman Henry Brown voting against it.

At its April meeting, the council postponed taking any action against the three businesses that were cited by the state for this infraction until the matter was adjudicated by the Georgia Department of Revenue. This has since taken place, with all three businesses sentenced to a $500 fine and one year on probation.

Since there was no one representing Bell's Food Market or Sunrise Minit Market at the city council meeting, the council agreed to notify the business owners of the fine by letter and give them the opportunity to plead their case before the council.

Voted to order speed bumps and the appropriate signage for Elam Avenue.

Accepted Steven Dawkins' resignation from the zoning board which was necessitated by his move to the county.

"I will miss it," said Dawkins. "I learned a lot, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve."

Both Mayor Biggerstaff and Joe Banks, chairman of the zoning board, thanked Dawkins for his service to the city.

In a related item of business, the council voted to appoint former councilman Larry Goolsby to the zoning board to fill Dawkins' unexpired term.

Heard Mayor Biggerstaff thank all those who took part in "Peachy Clean Day" held April 15.

Was asked by the mayor to consider requiring contractors to install water-saving toilets in new buildings. "This will save the city as well as our customers money and give us the ability to serve more customers," he stated.

The next regular meeting of the mayor and council will be held Monday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.