BOC will consider major road improvements during Thursday work session
News May 5, 2020
David McKee
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – Public Works Director David McKee will ask the Board of Commissioners to approve two major road construction projects when it meets in a work session Thursday (May 7) at 4 p.m. in the County Administration Building.
Both projects will be funded by the voter approved special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).
McKee wil request commissioners to award a contract to Blount Construction in an amount not to exceed $4,051,052.75 to complete a full-depth reclamation and paving on three collector roads — Sweetwater Juno Road, Bailey Waters Road and Hugh Stowers Road from Thompson Road to Grizzle Road. The SPLOST VI resolution allotted $21,200,000 (67%) to Public Works for road projects.
Due to the Executive Order issued by Governor Kemp on April 2nd, a pre-bid meeting was not held. Instead, an additional 6 business days was allotted for the question timeframe. The county received three bids on this project. Blount Construction was the low bidder.
McKee will also present a request to the Board to approve a contract with Townley Construction in the amount of $453,000 to complete turn-key culvert renovations on four structures on Bailey Waters Road and Sweetwater Juno Road.
Chief Registrar and Board of Elections & Registration Chair Glenda Ferguson will ask for commissioners’ approval to apply for a Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Grants to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for the upcoming election.
The grant became available in April and comes with a 90% state reimbursement. Due to urgency of the purchase, Ferguson said she has already located and purchased 100 face shields to be delivered between April 29 and May 6 for poll workers and staff ($278.19) without grant approve. She indicated that if the grant is not approved, the expense can come out of General Supply budget.
She also said she has reached out to Chastain Supply for sanitizer refills and bottles, gloves and masks and is now waiting on pricing for these items.
Drop boxes are not mandatory, but strongly suggested. Ferguson said her office has received several calls inquiring of a drop box, especially for ADA accessibility. Due to the critical time limit to receive any PPE equipment for the Advance Voting start date of May 18, this is a time sensitive item that will be installed by the Facilities Department for about $300.
Brooke Anderson and Sharon Hall will ask the Board to consider approval of the installation of a Rotary Club of Dawson County Peace Pole in front of the courthouse.
One of Rotary’s six areas of focus is Peace. Rotary clubs across the world have installed Peace Poles to promote peace in their communities. “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is written in different languages on each side of the pole. This reaches people from many cultures in the community or visiting the community.
Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson will inform the Board that EMS has received a Trauma Grant in the amount of $4,316.35. There is no county match required, however, commissioners are required to approve acceptance of all funds.
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
UGA students tackle Dawson industrial site development
News October 3, 2019
PRESS RELEASE
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — A partnership with the University of Georgia and the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce will bring a valuable study to potential developers of industrial sites in Dawson County.
Dawson County was recently selected as a site location for UGA’s College of Engineering Capstone Senior Project Design.
Three students of UGA’s College of Engineering visited several industrial sites on Friday, along with Etowah Water and Sewer General Manager Brooke Anderson and the Dawson County Chamber’s Economic Development Director Betsy McGriff to assess the properties. Over the next two semesters, the students will evaluate the potential industrial park sites in Dawson County to assess for the feasibility of grading, utility infrastructure location, site ingress and egress and building siting.
“We are excited to see fresh and creative ideas from this group,” McGriff said. “I have worked with the College of Engineering in the past and have always been impressed with the quality of the designs and the out-of-the-box thinking the students provide. Dawson County was very fortunate to be chosen as a project site and I look forward to seeing the outcomes in 2020.”
Anderson said he agrees it is an exciting opportunity for the community and future industrial projects. “The collaboration between UGA, the Chamber, and Development Authority is an absolute win-win,” Anderson said. “This project provides engineering students real world experience while providing the Chamber and Development Authority real solutions to economic development in Dawson County.”
The partnership between Dawson County and the UGA College of Engineering allows real-world opportunities for the students as well as providing valuable insight to Dawson County economic development staff. This type of practice is exactly what Dr. Stephan Durham, Assistant Dean for Student Success and Outreach and Professor of Civil Engineering, says set UGA’s program apart.
“Our goal is to produce graduates that not only have the technical skills to be successful engineers, but also the ability to develop practical and creative solutions in a multi-disciplinary environment,” Durham said. “The capstone design presents students with the opportunity for real world interaction with clients and a team-based approach, closely resembling what they will face in the workplace.”
The students will present initial findings in December to the Development Authority of Dawson County, refine their designs and submit a final concept in April of 2020.
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce represents more than 490 members in the North Georgia region. The organization exists to fulfill the mission of “cultivating a successful economic environment and a desirable quality of life for our businesses and community.” Located just north of the intersection of Georgia 400 and Highway 53, the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Office of Tourism Development provides a Welcome Center and visitor, business, and economic development information to visitors, local citizens, and businesses. To plan a trip or learn more about business and tourism in Dawson County, please visit: dawson.org or call 706-265-6278.
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
Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics get well-deserved pay raise
News July 3, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners approved a 5 percent pay raise for the county’s firefighter/EMTs and a 10 percent pay hike for firefighter/paramedics during Tuesday’s voting session
Fire and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson told commissioners at last month’s work session Emergency Services maintains an attrition rate of personnel at over 11 percent or seven percent above the national average of fire departments across the country.
The county has lost 12 EMS personnel to other fire departments or hospitals and, following 52 weeks of advertising, received less than six firefighter/paramedics applications. Two of those were hired, two declined an offer and two could not pass the background check.
Commissioners also gratefully accepted a $10,000 donation from Brooke Anderson on behalf of the Etowah Sewer and Water Company toward construction of the new Senior Center.
The Board also approved:
An alcohol license transfer for retail consumption on premises of beer and wine to Point Bluff, LLC;
A special event business license for Carol Stream Amusements, Inc.
A special event business license for North Georgia Premium Outlets Food Truck Events;
Conditionally, a special event business license for Papa Pat’s Corn Maze with the stipulation the business complete the rezoning process;
Contracting for a salary study for Dawson County employees;
A settlement agreement with ALA Riley Place, LLC regarding a stop-work order;
A transportation grant for the Senior Center.
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
BOC expected to approve rollback millage rate Thursday
Business August 21, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County citizens will receive some good news when the Dawson County Board of Commissioners meets at 6 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 22).
Following a public hearing, the commissioners will announce the 2019 millage rate will be set at 8.0890, a full rollback from the 8.138 mils the county has collected for at least the previous five years.
Commissioner Chris Gaines said Wednesday, “It’s not a big number, but it’s a first step in letting our citizens know that we are trying to rely more on sales taxes than on property taxes.”
The 2019 total budget is set at $42,520,137. The General Fund is $6,111,870 which is balanced with the aid of $655,609.
Commissioners are also expected to approve an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority (EWSA) that will transfer approximately 305 acres of land adjacent to the intersection of Dawson Forest Road and SR 9.
EWSA President Brooke Anderson once said the land currently serves no purpose. Gaines said the county still owes about $1.3 million on the land. EWSA will pay off the remaining debt and the county will also get some additional tap fees.
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
BOC will consider employee compensation study Thursday
News December 4, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will hold a 4 p.m. work session Thursday (Dec. 5) in the Dawson County Government Center Assembly Room, 25 Justice Way in Dawsonville, followed by a voting session at 6 p.m.
During the 6 p.m. voting session Dr. Donald Long of the Management Advisory Group will present the final results of a Compensation and Classification Study conducted for the Board of Commissioners.
The study found that of the 332 employees covered in the study that 119 receive compensation that is below the proposed market minimum. It also found that if a full-range of equity adjustments are implemented that compensation would increase for 219.
The study offered three options for the Board’s consideration.
In option 1, the estimated annualized cost calculation at 100 percent of the market average would cost $917,180.
Option 2, the estimated annualized cost calculation at 105 percent of the market average would be $1,434,592.
Option 3, the estimated annualized cost calculation at 110 percent of market average would be $2,054,061
Leslie Clark of the Dawson County Library System will seek direction from the Board on how to access impact fee funds to purchase new materials for the main library and the Library Annex.
Commissioners also are expected to vote on an application for an alcohol license for the retail package sale of beer and wine for Uk Thakar.
During the 4 p.m. work session, commissioners will hear a proposal from Brooke Anderson, General Manager of the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority (EWSA) regarding its proposal to sell 300 acres of land at the corner of Hwy. 9 and Dawson Forest Road.
EWSA, which entered into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the county concerning the disposition of the land, approved a purchase contract with DR Horton at its Board meeting on Nov.14, Per the IGA, the Authority will present the recommended proposal to the Board of Commissioners for final approval.
Public Defender Brad Morris will request approval of the FY 2020 IGA between Dawson and Hall counties. The counties have shared the cost of two employees of the public defender’s office since 2005. The cost to Dawson County is $83,563.20 and the amount has been approved in the 2020 budget.
Public Relations Specialist Laura Fulcher and Planning Director Jameson Kinley will ask the Board to consider the purchase of Zencity, a data-driven decision making tool for local government that reportedly gathers feedback from citizens to help commissioners better understand the concerns of citizens in order to make more informed decisions. The cost is $18,000 for the first 12 months of service.
Family Connection Coordinator Nancy Stites will present a Dawson County Community Partnership, Inc./Family Connection fiscal agent request to the Board. Family Connection coordinates programs such as mentoring, school-based health clinics, Stewards of Children training and underage drinking prevention.
The Board will also consider the appointment of Tom Camp or Tim Goodyear to the Board of Tax Assessors.
Commissioners also will discuss the appointment of a vice chairman of the Board of Commissioners for 2020 and a revision of the Dawson County Employee Handbook
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
Board of Commissioners will hold rare Tuesday meeting
News July 1, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Etowah Water and Sewer Authority General Manager Brooke Anderson will bring some welcome news to the Dawson County Board of Commissioners work session Tuesday (July 2). The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in the Government Center.
In an effort to support the expanding opportunities offered to the senior citizens of Dawson County, Anderson will offer a $10,000 donation on behalf of Etowah Water & Sewer Authority toward the construction of the new senior center.
Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson will appear before the board to request a pay raise for his staff. The sheriff says his office struggles with staffing, recruitment and retention.
Dawn Pruitt will request commissioners approve the 2020 contract with Deanna Specialty Transportation, Inc. for senior center rides. Deanna contracts with the Department of Human Services to oversee funding and reimburses the county. Reimbursement rates: Regular ($7.75), Wheelchair ($11.75), Hourly ($35) and Daily Field Trips ($200).
The Board will also consider the appointment of Carroll L. Turner to the Library Board.
During the 6 p.m voting session, commissioners are expected to consider
An alcohol license transfer retail consumption on premises of beer and wine for Point Bluff LLC d/b/a Crave Hot Dogs;
A special event business license application for Carol Stream Amusements Inc. Carnival;
A special event business license application for North Georgia Premium Outlets Food Truck Events;
A special event business license application for Papa Pat’s Corn Maze;
Emergency Services Pay Compensation Proposal;
A request for proposal for a salary study for Dawson County Award;
A settlement agreement with ALA Riley Place LLC with respect to a stop work issued on June 3 for the Riley Place Subdivision.
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
Russell Creek Reservoir information meeting
News April 12, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Etowah Water and Sewer Authority (EWSA) held an information meeting to share plans with the community for the $40 million Russell Creek Reservoir, which is expected to reach buildout by 2023.
The Authority finally received a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last July and EWSA Director Brooke Anderson was eager to talk about the 110-foot tall embankment dam and spillway system that will be located between Etowah River and Seed Tick roads.
Once completed, Anderson said, the reservoir which will be 700 feet long, 700 feet wide and 110 feet deep. It will cover 137 acres, hold 1.2 billion gallons of water and be capable of serving 126,000 people, which is the county’s projected population in 50 years.
Water to fill the reservoir will be drawn from the Etowah River, which is controlled by the Corps of Engineers.
There was no mistaking the excitement in Anderson’s voice when he looked ahead to the completion date. “That will be a jubilant day to say the least,” he said. “At that point in time, the main infrastructure, the reservoir, the pipeline, intake pump station and the treatment plant are in place. They’re built for a 50-year horizon. So, as we go forward, as the community grows, we can expand the water treatment plant. We’re not having to worry about where the water is coming from and how we’re going to secure the water.”
Golder, a global consulting, design and construction company, was selected to design and build the project.
The original plan called for construction of a second water intake pump to be installed in the river to pull water out through a 24-inch pipeline to fill the reservoir. “But the engineers came up with a much better, much more environmentally sensitive solution,” Anderson said.
“We already have one intake pump station that was built in 2009. The engineers have determined that we can modify that station and pump the water through a 30-inch pipeline to fill the reservoir. So that is a significant saving.”
Anderson said Golder will be constructing a new spillway for the dam that will be equipped with gates located at different levels that will help to protect aquatic species.
“Russell Creek flows out of the reservoir and during the summer, the water can get hot on the top and cold on the bottom,” he said. “Having the gates at different depths allows us to withdraw water at different temperatures and mix the water so the water we release from the reservoir into Russell Creek will match the temperature of the water in the river.”
The gates, Anderson added, will also help control the turbidity level. “When it has been raining, the top layer is going to be dirty due to runoff so we can then pull water in from a lower depth.”
Additional information meetings will be held in May and June but no dates have been set.
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
Water Authority to Replace Broken Water Main on Hwy. 53
News October 12, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Etowah Water and Sewer Authority (EWSA) Board of Directors unanimously approved the replacement of a water main at Hwy. 53 where it crosses Lake Lanier near War Hill Park and Dawson Forest Road at a cost of $68,500 during its monthly meeting Tuesday.
EWSA General Manager Brooke Anderson said, “It has broken twice in the last month. It’s a problem and we want to get it fixed to serve our customers better.”
He added that the problem is caused by the combination of age, materials and placement. “It was installed many years ago on a rock bedding and typically, they don’t do that. Also, they used PVC piping.”
The Board also approved long-term monitoring and annual reporting of the Lake Altoona/Upper Etowah Watershed Protection Plan at a cost of $150,000 for two years, which includes the use of USGS gauges.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) requires the Authority to monitor streams in its watershed, including the Amicalola and Etowah rivers, for different chemicals and the impact on aquatic life.
The Board also unanimously approved the 2016 audit report to be performed by Rushton & Company, an accounting and business consulting firm that is in the final year of its five-year contract with the Authority, at a cost of $22,055 for one year. The five-year contract is expected to cost $23,000 for years one through three and $23,000 for years four and five.