City council discusses COVID-19 vaccine incentive
News September 22, 2021
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council met Monday evening, Sept. 20, and discussed several topics on the agenda, including a possible vaccine incentive for city employees.
Dawsonville City Manager, Bob Bolz, spoke on the proposed vaccine incentive for city employees to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.
He said that they already have approved for workers to be able to get vaccinated during a workday without penalty.
This means that employees are allowed to leave to get vaccinated and would still be paid for the hours missed.
“Each week I sit in with the GMA virtual conference about COVID. They are pushing herd immunity, herd immunity and the quickest way to get there is encouraging vaccinations,” Bolz said.
Currently, the city doesn’t ask for proof of vaccination but that ideally, the proposed incentive would incentivize individuals who are vaccinated to show documentation and those who are not to go get vaccinated.
The incentive would pay individuals $250 for receiving the vaccine and would pay those who have already received the vaccine if they are willing to show proof.
“If you look, Canton is doing a $500 per employee, Hall County is doing $500 per employee. If all 21 people [for Dawson County] got vaccinated, it would be a $5,250 expense of which $2,100 would be reimbursed from ARPA money. They are willing to pay $100 of incentive money so, it would be $3,150 to the city,” Bolz said.
He continued that he thought it was something that could be easily covered by the city and that this is simply an effort to get people vaccinated.
The council opted to vote on this matter at the upcoming meeting on Oct. 4.
Unanswered question about the city’s Mountain Moonshine Festival
News September 22, 2020
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The K.A.R.E. for Kids 53rd annual Mountain Moonshine Festival experienced a major hiccup at the Dawsonville City Council meeting Monday (Sept. 21).
Nearly two weeks after council members gave the popular event a green light, City Manager Bob Bolz said he was surprised to learn about plans for a parade. In making his report, Bolz said he first learned about the parade when he met with K.A.R.E. for Kids Executive Director Tiffany Buchan and Major Greg Rowan of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.
“We did not realize the parade was on,” he said. “That was news to us.”
On hearing Bolz’ report, Councilman John Walden immediately made a motion to hold a special called meeting “to reconsider conditions of the permit” on Tuesday Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. Council members approved the motion unanimously.
Council also approved:
- A resolution that designates Dawsonville as Bee City USA;
- A second amendment to the Farmer’s Market that extends the hours it can operate on Wednesdays until 7 p.m. or dusk;
- A consulting agreement with former Utilities Director Gary Barr, who retired recently that will allow him to work up to 10 hours a week at a rate of $41.75 per hour
- Approved the appointment of Cody Dinsmore to the Board of Directors for the Dawsonville History Museum;
- Renewed the trash collection with Red Oak Sanitation for 2021. The rate will increase from $13 per can per month to $13.20 per can per month.
City to approve millage rate Monday
News August 15, 2020
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga – Finance Director Hayden Wiggins has calculated the 2020 millage rate to be 8.51 mils and city officials are expected to unanimously approve a roll back that relieves city residents of the burden of paying city taxes when City Council meets Monday (Aug. 17) at 5 p.m.
Council approved a FY ‘20-’21 General Fund budget of $$1,879,698 in June that included the 14 percent budget cuts recommended by Gov. Brian Kemp. The overall budget is $5,891,758.
Items expected to be approved under the Consent Agenda include:
- The Coronavirus Relief Fund Resolution;
- Ratification of Coronavirus Relief Fund Agreement Signed by Mayor Eason;
- Lease Contract for Wide Format Printer/Scanner for Planning and Zoning Department;
- Change Order for Modifications to Well
Under New Business, council will consider a SPLOST VI budget amendment in the amount of $456,657 for the over encumbered account for Main Street Park and the Farmers Market, bringing the expenditure total to $2,269,569.
During the Work Session, council will discuss the 53rd Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival and the Operational Efficiency study.
City Manager Bob Bolz and Wiggins will provide departmental reports.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
City officials hope to reopen City Hall May 18
News May 6, 2020
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – City officials hope to reopen City Hall to the public by May 18. City Manager Bob Bolz made that recommendation during Monday’s City Council meeting.
“Assuming there are no additional restrictions from the governor’s office, we recommend opening City Hall with certain stipulations,” Bolz said.
Those stipulations included, but are not limited to:
Placing distancing marks on the floor six feet apart for people queued up at the customer service window.
Limiting the number of people who come into City Hall.
Keeping the public restrooms closed.
Requiring staff to wear masks during face-to-face transactions with customers
Encouraging customers to wear masks.
Conducting planning and zoning transactions by appointment only.
Council unanimously agreed to apply for a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) matching fund grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Bolz told council he would seek guidance from GDOT officials about which three of six potential projects would have the best chance for approval for the 50-50 matching grant. Much of the city’s share of the grant would come from the special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).
The projects included upgrading the city’s pedestrian crossing, connectivity between City Hall, Farmers’ Market and City Park and a sidewalk from Allen Street in front of Robinson Elementary School to Hwy. 9 then left into town.
Following an executive session, council emerged to unanimously approve Stephen Tolson’s motion to ratify the notification of consideration for a declaration of default for Everlast Construction Company.
John Walden sworn in as city council member
News December 18, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — John Walden was sworn in Monday as the newest member of the Dawsonville City Council. Walden has 20 years’ experience as a design and civil engineer. He ran unopposed to represent Post 3 and will take his seat on the council on Jan 6.
Council approved several issues under the consent agenda, including:
- Newly elected officials training in the amount of $1,100 for John Walden;
- 2020 staff appointments of Bob Bolz (City Manager), Beverly Bannister (City Clerk) and Tracy Smith (Deputy City Clerk);
- 2020 mayor and council board designations and compensation;
- A budget amendment in the amount of $6,115 to bring City Hall into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
- A GEFA loan modification with debt forgiveness that increases the amount of forgiveness the city will receive from $112,200.77 to $134,640.92. The loan was utilized to finance the 2017 water meter replacement program.
A number of professional services contracts were renewed under the consent agenda. But Councilman Mark French requested the contract with City Attorney Dana Miles be voted on separately.
Miles will be a witness in Friday’s Ethics Board hearing in which French is accused of having violated provisions of the city’s Ethics Ordinance. French voted against renewal of Miles’ contract but was outvoted 2-1.
Earlier in the meeting, French also made a motion to remove the executive session from the agenda, stating, “The mayor failed to notify me of what would be discussed. I asked a week ago and have heard nothing.”
In a phone conversation with Fetch Your News Wednesday, Mayor Mike Eason confirmed he did not tell French what would be discussed. “I did not,” he said. “I could have but we don’t always do that. If he would have asked me, I would have told him, but he didn’t ask.”
Council unanimously approved the appointment of Alexa Serrano to the Planning Commission.
A public hearing was held on the request by Sachinkumar Patel that a portion of the five acres located at 60 Hwy at Hwy. 136 be annexed into the city limits. There were no objections and the Board of Commissioners has signaled the city that it will have no objections.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Dawsonville City Council meets Monday at 5:30
News August 2, 2019
City Manager Bob Bolz
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council will hold a regular meeting Monday Aug. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.
Public Works Director Trampas Hansard will propose council approve funding for street lighting at Main Street Park in the amount of $119,275. The expenditure is not included in the list of approved special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) projects nor is it provided for in the general fund budget. If approved, it will be funded out of the city reserves.
A public hearing will be held on certain adjustments to the zoning ordinance approved late last year. Staff indicated that since the ordinance has been in use some need for adjustments have been noted and that the proposed adjustments would refine the ordinance for its best use.
Council will also decide on the issuance of a license for retail consumption on the premises for beer, wine and distilled spirits to I Love N.Y. Pizza of Dawsonville, Inc. located at 29 Main Street Suite 140-160.
The annual Kare for Kids Moonshine festival is set for Oct. 25-27 which requires city council to approve street closings. Georgia Department of Transportation has approved closing Hwy. 53 at Jack Heard and Hwy. 9 at the Middle School from 3 p.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Sunday.
Council is expected to vote on closing Academy St., Gober Sosebee St., Bernard Long St., and Bill Elliot St. from 3 p.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Sunday and Allen Street from Hwy. 53 east to the library and Memory Lane from Jack Heard to Main Street from 7 a.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Sunday.
There will also be three first readings Monday, including:
- Business license/short-term rental regulations;
- Small wireless facilities ordinance;
- An ordinance to amend general penalties for violations of city ordinances and fees for city services.
Council will also consider:
- Approval to grant City Manager Bob Bolz the authority to approve change orders should they be needed for Farmers’ Market up to the amount of his signing limit;
- Appointment of members to the Board of Directors for the Dawsonville Historic Museum.
Council has postponed a hearing on the appointment of an Ethics Board.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Dawsonville City Council will meet Jan. 8
News January 1, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council will hold its first regular meeting of the new year on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Highway 53 East, Suite 100.
Issues to be addressed include mayor and council board designations, appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission and a service agreement for preventative maintenance of the city’s generators.
There will also be staff reports from City Manager Bob Bolz, City Clerk Beverly Banister, Finance Administrator Hayden Wiggins, Utilities Director Gary Barr, Public Works Operations Manager Trampas Hansard and Planning Director Casey Majewski as well as the mayor and city council.
Council is expected to go into Executive Session to discuss potential or pending litigation, personnel, and/or land acquisition.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
AMP Owner Called for Zappendorf Resignation
News June 3, 2017
AMP owner Jeremy Porter
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Atlanta Motorsports Park owner Jeremy Porter said he suggested Seanie Zappendorf step down as a member of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) as soon as he learned about the complaint filed against her by Carlita Parks.
Parks’ complaint to City Manager Bob Bolz that Zappendorf misrepresented herself as a city employee is the basis for a formal ethics complaint. Zappendorf is not a city employee, but was a member of the DDA when she questioned Parks about her complaints against AMP.
The race track was involved in a controversial zoning issue at the time and Zappendorf’s questioning of Parks could be seen as a conflict of interest since she and her husband, Ron, own Discover Parts, a racing parts store that leases property at the track.
An email obtained from city officials confirms that Porter wrote City Councilwoman Angie Smith on May 2 stating:
“I wanted to bring an issue to your attention that affects both AMP and the City of Dawsonville in the hope that we can work together to find a resolution.
“Please find attached a copy of a letter that was sent to Bob Boltz (sic) by Carita Parks who is a nearby resident of the AMP track. In her letter, Mrs. Parks describes the actions of one of our tenants, Seanie Zappendorf, who appears to have interfered in both City of Dawsonville and AMP business while making false claims to be acting in an official capacity for both parties. (Giving Mrs. Parks a card with city of Dawsonville on it, when in reality it is the DDA / Stating she is an investor in AMP). I am not certain her actions were malicious, however I believe it does require action on our part.
“Mrs. Zappendorf is not an AMP investor, nor has she been given permission to act on our behalf in any way under any circumstances.
“I am extremely alarmed that any local resident should feel as if they are being given a ‘warning’ by a representative of AMP or the DDA. I would like to, with your permission, inform Mrs. Parks that Mrs. Zappendorf is not an AMP investor and that her actions are not endorsed by us. I would also urge you to use this opportunity to provide reassurance to Mrs. Parks that Mrs. Zappendorf does not have any authority with the City of Dawsonville when it comes to assessing sound levels.
“My suggestion is to ask that Mrs. Zappendorf step down from the DDA. However, I would welcome your feedback on how to directly address this resident’s complaint and Mrs. Zappendorf’s actions.
“I would also be interested to discuss ways in which we can work together to ensure that this does not happen again.”
Zappendorf resigned from DDA six days later and AMP has withdrawn its request for modifications to its zoning stipulations.
City Council is expected to appoint a three-member ethics commission Monday to hear the complaint.
Ethics Hearing Raises Dark Cloud Over Request by Atlanta Motorsports Park to Relax Restrictions
News June 1, 2017
Former DDA member Seanie Zappendorf resigns following an ethics complaint.
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – On Monday, the same Dawsonville City Council that once appointed Seanie Zappendorf to the Downtown Development Authority will appoint a commission to hear an ethics complaint against her.
Zappendorf is accused of misrepresenting herself as a city employee while lobbying on behalf of Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP), a company in which she and her husband have a business interest.
DDA Chairman Jeremy Porter
Seanie and Ron Zappendorf own Discovery Parts, a racing parts store located inside AMP. The facility is seeking to have city council relax sound, lighting and hours of operation restrictions at the facility. Track owner Jeremy Porter is chairman of the DDA on which Zappendorf served until her resignation May 8.
Her resignation follows a letter of complaint sent from Carlita Parks to City Manager Bob Bolz on April 27 in which Mrs. Parks says Zappendorf told her she works for the City. Members of the DDA are not city employees.
Parks wrote: “My husband and I were working in our yard on 4/15/2017 when Mrs. Seanie Zappendorf approached me in her vehicle. Mrs. Zappendorf inquired about my opinions on AMP and asked if I had any complaints about the noise. During the discussion, I voiced my concern about the highly noticeable noises that frequently occurred because of the AMP. Mrs. Zappendorf gave me her “City of Dawsonville” business card and asked me to contact her if we had any further complaints about the noise. She did say that she works for the city but didn’t state working for the city council (although Mrs. Zappendorf is an investor at AMP).”
Parks said she did as requested and called Zappendorf on April 18 to complain about the public address system and was told, “If the few people who are against AMP speak up about their opposition, the people who support AMP will become afraid their homes will be vandalized.”
In her complaint, Parks added, “I am a registered nurse who has been devoted to caring for others for years, and for it to be heavily insinuated that I would be one of the few who would go around vandalizing other’s homes is unacceptable. Mrs. Zappendorf’s statements were spoken in a way that implied a warning to me.”
Following the appointment of an ethics commission, council will appoint someone to replace Zappendorf on the DDA, then hold a second public hearing on the relaxation of stipulations requested by Porter and AMP.
The complaint raises questions about Porter as chairman of the DDA and what he knew about Zappendorf’s alleged lobbying on behalf of his race track and whether or not he should resign as well.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at www.fetchyournews.com
Dawsonville City Council Reviews Proposed FY 2017-18 Budget
News May 24, 2017
City Clerk Bonnie Warne
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – City Clerk Bonnie Warren gave Dawsonville City Council members a preliminary look at the proposed $5,028,765.79 FY 2017-18 budget at Monday’s work session.
The new spending plan reflects approximately $503,000 increase over the current budget which ends June 30. Public hearings are scheduled for June 5 and 19. Council will adopt the approved budget by resolution during the June 19th council meeting.
The General Fund budget is projected to be $1,651,707. Other major sources of revenue are projected to be $1,445,797.72 (water and sewer enterprise fund), $1,151,200 (SPLOST VI) and $415,000 (sewer and water taps).
Council also discussed the ongoing problem of residents in Gold Creek, a planned unit development (PUD), wanting to be annexed into the city. Many live on a small island in the county that is located inside the city. Attorney Dana Miles was instructed to research island issues faced by other cities and create a draft for the next meeting.
The city’s new Planning & Zoning Director Casey Majewski asked for council’s direction relative to a Peddler’s License.
Following an executive session, City Manager Bob Bolz released a prepared statement explaining the return of Mayor James Grogan. It read:
“May 15, 2017, James Grogan was removed as Mayor by a 3-1 vote of the Dawsonville City Council. After Mr. Grogan received confirmation of that decision in writing from the City of Dawsonville, Mr. Grogan’s counsel filed a “Notice of Appeal”.
Based upon the code relied upon by James Grogan in his Notice of Appeal cover letter, Mr. Grogan will continue to act as Mayor of Dawsonville during this portion of the appellate proceedings, until a decision as to his continued service can be obtained from the Dawson County Superior Court. It is hoped this will limit the number of issues on appeal, so that a timely and efficient resolution of this dispute can be achieved for the City of Dawsonville and its citizens.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at www.fetchyournews.com
Scathing Report Alleges Mayor Violated City Charter
News May 2, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council voted unanimously Monday to begin a process that could lead to the removal of Mayor James Grogan from office following a report that alleges he repeatedly violated the City Code and Charter.
A public hearing has been set for May 15 that could determine the mayor’s fate.
City Manager Bob Bolz said council members requested a city-wide investigation last month to see if anything needed to be “changed, stopped or done” to ensure city officials were in compliance with the charter. The investigation was performed by Gainesville City Attorney Abbott Hayes who reported his findings at Monday’s regular meeting.
Hayes alleged Grogan had been paid for meetings not authorized by City Council, charged alcohol and gasoline to his city-issued credit card, allowed a state representative to pay the lower residential rate for water, sewer and garbage for a business instead of the appropriate commercial rate and that he authorized lower fees for rezoning applications than those set by Council.
In responding to the charges, Grogan said, “I’ve never been so shocked in all my life. I’m disappointed in Council and what they have laid out. A lot of things they have pointed out go back five years and we’ve made a lot of policy changes since then. I didn’t do anything wrong. This is the result of a witch hunt that has been conducted by two city council members against me for the last year and a half.”
Grogan added that he has no intention of resigning. “I’m going to continue to do the job the people elected me to do.”
Hayes report alleges that in 2015, when State Rep. Kevin Tanner complained about paying the higher commercial rate for city water, sewer and garbage on behalf of Tanco Investments, LLC, Grogan unilaterally allowed him to pay the lower residential rate instead.
Between 2013 and 2015, Hayes said, Grogan approved donations to nonprofit organizations, including golf tournaments in which he participated as a player. When the City Attorney pointed out that donations to nonprofit organizations by the City violates the gratuities clause of the Georgia State Constitution the payments stopped.
The City Charter provides for the mayor to be paid a monthly compensation of $2,000 plus $100 “for each specially called city council meeting, work session or other meeting that has been pre-approved by the council. But Hayes alleges that Grogan charged the City for meetings that were not pre-approved by Council.
Finally, Hayes alleges that in Nov. 2014, Grogan instructed city employee Sara Beachem to purchase four bottles of alcohol for him to give as a door prize at a regional government dinner. The report states that the Mayor’s unilateral decision to purchase alcohol for use as a door prize without approval of City Council violated the City Code and Charter.
Section 5.15 of the City Charter provides the mayor shall be subject to removal for any one or more of the following causes: Incompetence, misfeasance or malfeasance in office; Abandonment of office or neglect to perform the duties thereof or Failure for any other cause to perform the duties of office as required by this Charter or by law.
City Council to Decide on Request to Relax Noise and Light Restrictions at Atlanta Motorsports Park
News April 2, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawsonville City Council will meet Monday, Apil 3 at 5 p.m. in the G.L. “Pete” Gilleland Council Chambers at City Hall, 415 Highway 53 East. Among the items council will decide is an amendment to zoning conditions that would relax noise and light restrictions on Atlanta Mororsports Park at 80 Joe Lane Cox Road.
Council will hold a public hearing to allow citizens to express their support or opposition.
The issue prompted the Dawson County Board of Commissioners to write a letter to city government expressing its opposition. Commissioners acknowledge they have no jurisdiction in the matter, but requested the city to take into consideration the opposition of county residents who live near the facility.
- Items to be voted on under New Business, include
- Appointment of a member to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission;
- A proposed change to the alcohol ordinance
- Setting a deadline for submitting agenda items and support documents;
- Acceptance of bids for water meters;
- Acceptance of bids for water system improvements/well development;
- Renewal of the lease agreement with the house located at 224 Flat Creek Drive;
- A resolution proclaiming April 23-29 as Georgia Cities Week;
- A special event permit to serve alcohol at the Bowen Arts Center.
Council will then hear staff reports from the City Manager Bob Bolz, City Clerk Bonnie Warne and Utilities Director Gary Barr.
Warne Leaving as Dawsonville City Clerk
News August 22, 2017
City Clerk Bonnie Warne
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Longtime Dawsonville City Clerk Bonnie Warne has resigned to accept the same position with the City of Tucker.
Wednesday will be the final day for Warne, who began her employment with Dawsonville in 2005 and was promoted to city clerk in 2010
Warne said the collapse of a section of I-85 this spring was the decisive factor in her departure.
“My husband has worked in Tucker for many years and had been making the long commute from Dawsonville. When the bridge collapsed it just got longer and longer.”
City Manager Bob Bolz
The city threw Warne a farewell party at city hall Tuesday.
City Manager Bob Bolz said Warne, who was highly regarded by the staff, turned in her resignation two weeks ago and that he hated to see her go.
Mayor James Grogan agreed, saying the city is losing a valuable asset. “This is a big loss for the city,” he said. She was excellent in everything she did. The city has won the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) three years in a row and she deserves a lot of credit for that.”
Warne also was highly thought of by the media that covers Dawsonville. She always responded to their requests quickly and accurately.
Mayor James Grogan
“The hardest thing to do is leaving Dawsonville,” she said, but added that her new job is a perfect fit. “It is the answer to a lot of prayers,” she said.
Councilman Mike Sosebee agreed. “She was very good. We will miss her.”
Wednesday will be Warne’s final day on her job.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Bolz Takes Post as City Manager
News November 30, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Management, supervision and leadership fit Bob Bolz, Dawsonville’s new city manager like a glove.
Wednesday was Bolz’s third day on the job and he took time to talk to Fetch Your News about his new position.
“What has impressed me most so far is the quality of people I work with,” he said. “From the city staff to the elected officials, everyone wants to do the best job they can for the citizens. I’m old school where we were taught if you’re not 15 minutes early, you’re late. I’m a firm believer in customer service and our employees are too.”
Bolz, 59, spent more than 30 years with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. He oversaw operations at Amicalola Park and Lodge, one of the state’s largest parks, for 18 years. In 2004, he was promoted to a regional management position where supervised operation of some 30 state parks.
“I retired in 2009, but I was bored and I had done all the Honey-dos we could afford,” Bolz said. So, he was ready to get back to work when Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle recruited him to serve as training director for the sheriff’s office.
Serving the sheriff’s office was one thing, but the chance to serve an entire city is another. “Serving people has always been my passion, so when the position of city manager opened up, that excited me,” he said. “I was ready to get back to where my heart is.”
Bolz said there are some major projects on the drawing board in 2017 that will require his attention, including the Main Street revitalization project and the new park being constructed behind city hall.
By year’s end, however, he said he wants to meet with city council members to listen to what their plans are and to share with them his plans.
His predecessor, David Headley, had begun hosting a series of town hall meetings and that is something he wants to continue.
“I’m a firm believer in listening to your customers,” he said. “The closer government can get to the people, the better things will be. I think that is what happened in this last (presidential) election. People got tired of government not listening to them.”
Bolz earned a bachelor’s degree in recreational administration from North Georgia College & State University. He lives in Dawsonville and is married to Robinson Elementary para-pro Xarissa Bolz. The couple has three sons: Robert Bolz, Josh Bolz and Cody McGinnis.