The Porterdale City Council met for an unscheduled called work session Tuesday to discuss recent issues that have put a strain on council members.

 Council member Arline Chapman raised concerns about the council's ability to work as a collective group after recent disagreements concerning the placement of a stop light at the intersection of Ga. Highway 81 and Crowell Road.

 But according to Chapman, talks went well and she believes the council is ready to move forward and work cooperatively to hammer out issues as they arise.

 "I think we had a very productive work session," she said. "Everyone seems to have the same feelings. I think everyone understands we need to work together and we need to be a team."

The council hasn't always seen eye-to-eye on funding for projects, but Chapman believes every member is dedicated to constructing a positive infrastructure in Porterdale.

 "We want to put past issues behind us," she added. "Everyone seems committed to the future. We really have a lot of things happening in Porterdale and we want the town to grow, so that's our focus."

 The council also discussed the particulars of the proposed liquor ordinance and Chapman said they made progress in defining the terms of the law.

 "We talked a lot about what the liquor ordinance would mean to certain types of businesses," Chapman said. "We want to make sure we cover everything.

 "With the possibility of future businesses like a hotel or a dance club, we want to make sure we cover all bases. We want to do it right the first time."

 In other business, Kay Coggin, President of Friends of Porterdale Inc., and a group of supporters for the rebuilding of the Porter Memorial Gymnasium showed up to voice their concerns about possible opposition.

 "Over the past couple of years I've heard talk about tearing it down and converting that spot into a parking lot," she said. "But my question to that is, a parking lot for what?"

 According to Coggin, the gym previously hosted the Harlem Globetrotters and the city had no issues with parking.

 Coggin said she was pleased at the discussions, but felt the council didn't understand the importance of the gym to the community.

 "It's not us against the council," she added. "I just thing information is the key. Our group may have opened their eyes to how much the gym means to the community. I was pleased with the discussion."

 The gym remains unused since a fire destroyed much of the structure in 2005.

 The council is accepting consultation bids from architecture firms and is set to make a decision on June 2.

 Coggin is hopeful she has provided a solid plan and believes the gym is vital for Porterdale's future.

 "It's going to be a rollercoaster ride but I'm tough and we have a lot of passionate supporters," she said. "You have to give people a reason to come to Porterdale and I really believe the gym is a key to growing the community."