The city of Porterdale approved liquor licenses for two businesses and swore in a new police officer at their council meeting on Monday night.

The council approved a malt beverage and wine liquor license application for Judy Johnson who owns Perk Up and Wine Down Café. The council approved a malt beverage and wine license application with conditions for Sonya Maddox, the owner of The Green Room.
Mayor Airline Chapman swore in Seth Wheeless as an officer for the Porterdale Police Department.

City Manager Bob Thomson told the council a training session for the Downtown Development Authority will be held on Aug. 21. Council member Anita Rainey said they are considering two empty seat nominations for DDA. She said the next DDA meeting is scheduled for Aug. 23.

In other business, Thomson said the city is still in the progress of moving a donated boxcar to Hemlock Street. City Clerk Megan Reid said the boxcar would be turned into a restroom facility. Thomson also told council members that the Rose Hill Project has been completed. Thomson said flowers have been planted and a new sidewalk has been paved at the historical neighborhood. Reid said Rose Hill is a historical landmark to Porterdale because it was established for African-American mill workers in the 1930's.

Reid said on September 15 the Georgia River Network will partner with the Yellow River Preservation and Conservation to rent out kayaks for tours, including a Natural History Float. Reid said the cost of the event is $35 a person.

Council member Linda Finger told council she appreciated everyone who donated school supplies to Community Assistance Relief Effort. She said the organization was able to distribute school supplies to 150 children in Newton County.

A called council meeting is scheduled for August 14. Reid said one of the items on the agenda is to approve financial reports from May and June, which was tabled at this meeting.