City Receives Special Gift From Local Historic Chapter

In a fast-moving, 30-minute Kennesaw City Council meeting on Monday, members of the Captain John Collins Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented a framed copy of the Declaration of Independence to Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews.

It was in appreciation of the city’s Patriots’ Day proclamation for April 18 and to recognize the Fourth of July.

The Captain John Collins Chapter has been in existence since October 2000 and has a current membership of 86, according to its website. The chapter is involved in many community projects regarding historical, educational and patriotic themes.

The council unanimously approved a budget amendment for fiscal year ended Sept. 20, 2011, citing reduced 2005 SPLOST monies coming from Cobb County. Due to declining sales tax revenue collections, funding for the transportation improvements program must be reduced by $624,174.

The council also voted 5-0 to set an effective date of Dec. 20, 2011 if voters approve a referendum allowing Sunday alcohol sales in Kennesaw.  Sunday sales would be available between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The referendum vote is scheduled for the Nov. 8 election.

Also passing unanimously was an authorization for Mayor Mark Mathews to attend the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Fly-In to Washington, D.C. Sept. 12-14. The fly-in brings together community leaders to advocate for local business interests with Cobb’s congressional delegation and other federal officials.

In other business, Elite Liquor and Wine, located at 4100 Jiles Road, received approval for a beer, wine and alcohol package license.

Councilman Jeff Duckett commented at the meeting on the great success of the city’s the Saturday before last, which featured Elton John impersonator Craig Meyer at the Kennesaw Depot. Councilman Bruce Jenkins also reminded those in attendance of the weekly Farmers Market each Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at .

Councilwoman Cris Eaton-Welsh congratulated Kennesaw Police Chief William Westenberger on placing third in the inaugural “Garden Gallop” 5K last Saturday, benefiting in Kennesaw.

“It is nice to see an idea come to fruition,” Eaton-Welsh said of the event, which was the second of six races in the Kennesaw Grand Prix series. Mayor Mathews said he missed the run because he was in Nashville over the weekend cheering on the Little General Cloggers. The legendary Kennesaw clogging troupe performed at the Grand Ole Opry for the 38th consecutive year.

“They have already been invited back for their 39th consecutive performance,” Mathews said.