DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Following a public hearing Thursday, the Dawson County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a request by Riley Place LLC to amend an existing 4.869 acres of the original 26.1 acres zoned Commercial Planned Comprehensive Development (CPCD) to allow for 28 additional townhomes, clubhouse and swimming pool.

The property is located on the north side of Dawson Forest Road and was originally permitted for 200 townhomes. Adding 28 townhomes will not exceed that number. The owner plans to build a new clubhouse, swimming pool and additional parking spaces.

Several homeowners who live in Riley Place spoke in favor of the amendment and said the developer had gone above and beyond to answer their concerns.

Only one person spoke in opposition.

Hugh Stowers said, “We need a new ordinance for one house per acre. We’re headed to becoming Forsyth County. Any of these developments is going to cost other taxpayers.”

County staff has been working with ShawHankins on the annual renewal of employee health insurance plan that is set to expire June 30, Human Resources Director Danielle Yarborough reported to commissioners that claims had declined 16 percent during the year and renewal of the plan would reflect an increase of only 1.3 percent.

Her recommendation, which was approved unanimously, was to consider switching dental coverage to MetLife, Life Insurance and Disability to Lincoln Financial, Flex Spending to TASC, and to begin offering Teledoc services to all county employees not currently under our medical plan. The cost to absorb the 1.3 percent increase is $44,507. Under the plan, premiums to current employees will remain the same. The Teldoc coverage will cost $29,376.

Commissioners also approved a contract with Powers Heat and Air to replace two 8.5 ton air conditioning units and two 7.5 ton units at the county jail at a cost of $45,527.

Commissioners also approved:

• An increase in the county’s matching funds for Legacy Link that is necessitated by an increase in federal funding of $106;
• A special event permit for TNT Fireworks to operate a retail fireworks stand in the Ingle Shopping Center located at 118 S. 400 Center Lane. The stand is scheduled to be open June 21 through-July 5 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

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