Buchanan Mayor Benjamin Biggers announced at the city council meeting last Tuesday that the council would have to approve Liberty Christian Church’s acquisition of a business license once the church fulfills other requirements as it seeks to open a restaurant near the lower end of the church’s building, which is a separate structure members currently use as a fellowship hall.

Noting the church’s ongoing outreach efforts, Biggers said the initial step of the process involves an inspection by the Haralson County Environmental Health Department. The HCED inspections are part of state guidelines that must be executed before a new business can open for service, according to City Clerk Karen King. Upon a successful review, King will issue the business license to the church that allows the sell of food. Pastor Michael Wallce said this will help raise money for the church.

He shared that his church is a nonprofit organization and that he doesn’t expect to receive grant money this year due to the economic downturn. According to minutes from the recent meeting, the earnings from the restaurant will assist in the church’s efforts to pay utility bills for struggling families.

Meanwhile, Ambucare Chief of Operations Bill Hightower addressed the council about rezoning a residential property at 200 Van Wert St. that will serve as a new location for sleeping quarters for around-the-clock employees. He asked the council to change the ordinance from an R1 (residential) to C1 (commercial). This comes after a home that previously occupied the property was bulldozed after it had caught fire several months ago.

King verified that the structure under development is an actual house that features two levels and separate men and women rest rooms and sleeping quarters. Ambucare’s soon-to-be former slumbering unit on Highway 120 in Buchanan has to be vacated by January and has already been sold.

Hightower also stated that the new facility will be named Richards Station in honor of former long-time Buchanan councilman Curtis Richards and his wife, Mary. King said it is a well-deserved honor.

“They were just good, well-respected people in the community, and [Richards] was just a wonderful councilman,” King said.

On another note, she said that development of the home has sparked some concerns amongst residents; however, she explained that the city cannot prohibit the building of a residence in an R1 zoning area.

The council will hold a called meeting and public hearing to further discuss the rezoning request Tuesday, Nov. 24, followed by a work session on that night at city hall. King stressed that the community should attend the public hearing segment to present their concerns about the rezoning matter.

The council later approved Interim Buchanan Police Chief Paul Pike’s request to use designated SPLOST funds to purchase various items he said will assist with the agency’s public safety efforts. The items he cited included used cars, car equipment, two-way radios, shelves, color printers and a projector. The council agreed to delay his purchase of Taser electroshock devices, which were on his list, in order to further review legalities regarding usage of the devices.

Under new business, Biggers introduced newly-elected council members at-large, Kenneth Hughes and McKinley Pate, who will take office on Jan. 1.

Biggers adjourned the meeting after the council’s approval to hold a closed executive session.