Danny Thompson Archives

BOC to consider renewal of agreement with Georgia Forestry Commission Thursday

News February 16, 2021 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – Director of Emergency Services Danny Thompson will ask the Board of Commissioners to renew a Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia Forestry Commission during Thursday’s work session.

The agreement will facilitate the purchase and operation of Georgia Forestry equipment and trucks at a reduced cost to address response to urban wildlife interface fires.

Thursday’s meeting will begin at 4 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a regular meeting and public hearings.

Industrial Building Authority Chairman Gary Coates will make a presentation of the staggered terms and appointment of members to the IABDC.

During the voting session commissioners will hold the following public hearings:

Alcohol License Transfer (Retail Package Sale of Beer, Wine and Distilled Spirits) – Gopika Liquor dba 400 Package;
George Butler as agent for owners requests to rezone TMP 097-099 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RS2 (Residential Suburban 2) for the purpose of developing a 194-residential-lot subdivision (Dawson Forest Road East).
Mincey Land Management requests to rezone TMP 113-017 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to CHB (Commercial Highway Business) for the purpose of constructing an indoor gun range (Highway 53 East);
Fall Leaf Residential requests to rezone TMP 085-016 from RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) to RS3 (Residential Suburban 3) for the purpose of developing a 141-residential-lot subdivision (Highway 9 South);
Jim King on behalf of Jackie and Jerry Townley requests to rezone TMP 115-044 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) for the purpose of subdividing the parcel (Blue Ridge Overlook);
Dawson County requests to rezone TMP 113-011 and 113-092 from CHB (Commercial Highway Business) to RMF (Residential Multi-Family) and CHB for the purpose of developing a commercial component and multi-family dwellings.

In other business, the Board will consider:

A study concerning the cost of services by Land Use Type;
The Sheriff’s request for additional staffing;
A local Emergency Operations Plan Update;
An amendment to ‘Section 2-111-Solicitations. 13.b. $25,000.00 and above, Sealed Solicitations’ of the Purchasing Policy Ordinance;
Ratification of the Liberty Church Road Emergency Repair Request

Request for grants, awarding of road work bid highlights work session

News November 8, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners held a work session Thursday (Nov.5) in the County Administration Building. Items discussed during the meeting include:

A request by Fire Chief and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson to apply for a Georgia Emergency Management Agency grant in the amount of $15,568 which requires a 50 percent county match. These funds cover a portion of the cost for RAVE emergency alerting, weather siren maintenance and turnout gear sets.
A request by Thompson to apply for a Georgia Forestry Commission grant of a maximum of $10,000 with a 50 percent county match. The funds would be used to purchase a replacement fire hose for our apparatus.
A recommendation by staff that low bidder Vertical Earth be awarded the contract to construct the Harry Sosebee/Lumpkin Campground Road roundabout for an amount not to exceed $1,253,410.18;
Corrections to the Capital Improvement Element (CIE) plan submitted to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs;
A presentation of 3rd Quarter Financial Report by Chief Financial Officer Vickie Neikirk that revealed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the county’s revenue streams, particularly the local option sales tax (LOST). Neikirk said the county appears to have weathered the COVID-19 storm so far but will continually monitor to protect current resources;
Potential pay supplements for Chief Magistrate, Magistrate, Tax Commissioner and Sheriff;
A request by Dawn Pruitt to apply for the continuous transportation grant with the Georgia Department of Transportation. The grant is in the amount of $149,835 with a 50 percent county match required.

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

Danny Thompson Dawson County Board Commissioners Harry Sosebee Lumpkin Campground Road roundabout work session

City Council will make appointments to Planning Commission and Historic Commission

Business October 30, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — City Council will make appointments to the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission when it meets in regular session at 5 p.m. Monday (Oct. 2) I the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers on 2nd Floor at City Hall.

Dawson County Fire Chief Danny Thompson will provide an overview of the Dawson County Fire Department and Emergency Management System

Council will consider bids on the construction and repainting of Burt’s Crossing Elevated Tank.

Danny Thompson Dawsonville City Council Meeting Nov. 2

Commissioners OK major road improvement plan

News May 22, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Drivers who travel over Sweetwater Juno, Bailey Waters and Hugh Stowers roads should see some major improvements in driving conditions in the next six months. The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $4 million contract with Blount Construction at Thursday’s voting session.

The contract calls for the deep reclamation and paving of all three roads. The work will begin with Hugh Stowers Road along a 1.37-mile stretch from the Thompson Road intersection to Grizzle Road.

The Sweetwater Juno Road project includes 4.5 miles from the intersection of SR 53 West to the intersection of SR 183. The Bailey Waters project is approximately 3.59 miles from the intersection of SR 136 to the intersection of SR 52. All work is expected to take approximately 165 days, weather permitting and includes a five-year warranty. The funding source is the voter-approved special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).

The Board also approved a $453,000 contract with the low bidder Townley Construction for complete turn-key culvert renovations on four structures on Bailey Waters Road and Sweetwater Juno Road. The vote was 3-0 with Commissioner Sharon Fausett abstained. Those projects, too, will be funded by the voter-approved SPLOST.

Commissioners tabled a request by the Rotary Club of Dawson County to install a granite Peace Pole in front of the courthouse until the June 4 meeting. The pole would have the words, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” written in different languages on each side. Commissioner Chris Gaines made the motion to table saying he wants more time to discuss the proposed location with Rotary Club officials.

Commissioners approved Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson’s request to accept $4,316.35 in funding raised by the State of Georgia Super Speeder Law. Fines collected under the law support the Georgia Trauma Commission statewide and 20 percent of these funds go to various EMS programs across the state.

The request for a special event license application for the Mountain Madness 15K trail run at Fausett Farms on June 20 was approved 4-0.

The Board also approved Gaines’ motion to renew the county employee healthcare plan as presented during the work session effective July 1. Commissioners will revisit an employee wellness plan on June 18 aimed at improving employees’ overall health thus reducing the amount of claims paid out.

Bailey Waters Road Commissioner Chris Gaines culvert renovations Danny Thompson Dawson County Board of Commissioners Hugh Stowers Road paving Sweetwater Juno

Dawson County, National Guard opened drive-thru COVID-19 test site Sunday

News April 27, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – Georgia has lagged behind many states in the number of COVID-19 tests administered but, with the help of the National Guard, Dawson County is doing its part to change that.

With the state ranked 39^th per capita in COVID-19 testing, Dawson County opened a drive-thru testing facility Sunday morning at Rock Creek Park.

Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson said, “We’ve heard the voices of the community. We have been working with our public health, with the National Guard for several weeks now to make this happen.”

The state is partnering with counties for developing the test kits and laboratory testing. Results of the tests should be ready in three to four days.

County Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond was among the first to be tested Sunday. “We’re proud to have the National Guard here and proud to be able to offer testing to our citizens,” he said. “We’re going to work hard to try and protect or citizens the best we can and try to get everybody through this pandemic. We will come out on the other side. Our citizens have done a real good job of following the guidelines. I’m very proud of the citizens of Dawson County. They have really stepped up and followed the guidelines from the beginning.”

The test is completely voluntary and is the nasopharyngeal swab to test for presence of Wuhan SARS COV-2 (Corona) virus and the test is available at no cost to patients. Test results will be available in 3-4 days.

Up-to-date information on the date and hours of the next testing can be obtained by visiting the Dawson County Government or Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Facebook pages.

Chairman Billy Thurmond COVID-19 test Danny Thompson Dawson County Government national guard Rock Creek Park

Tornadoes ravage north, central Georgia, killing at least six people

News April 13, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

NORTH GEORGIA — Angry thunderstorms that spawned several tornadoes ravaged north and central Georgia Monday morning (Apr. 13) leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. Initial reports indicate at least six people were killed but that number was expected to climb when dawn broke.

There was a tornado warning in Dawson County around 2 a.m. but Fire Chief and EMA Director Danny Thompson said it did not appear that one had touched down. At 7 am., he texted, “We had about a dozen tree-down calls and one wreck that produced only minor injuries.” All county roads are now open.

Danny Thompson

Dawson County opened a storm shelter at Rock Creek Park at 8 p.m. Monday. Thompson said about 16 people took refuge there.

Elsewhere, Georgians were not so lucky. At least five people were killed in Murray County. Another was killed when a tree fell on a home in Bartow County.

Crews all across Georgia are out assessing the damage this morning. There are reports that at least 100,000 north Georgians are without power.

Earlier today, Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted, “This morning, several communities are grappling with serious storm damage, and I ask everyone to lift them up in prayer. Our hearts go out to the loved ones and friends of those we lost.”

Fetch Your News will stay on top of this story and update when needed.

Danny Thompson Dawson County Fire Chief Gov. Brian Kemp North Georgia ravage tornadoes

Body of missing AT hiker found Wednesday

News February 20, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Searchers Wednesday (Feb 19) located the body of 60-year-old Eddie Noonkester, who was reported missing Friday while hiking on the Appalachian Trail.

More than 200 staff personnel from 25 agencies and volunteers searched the treacherous terrain tirelessly through several downpours for four days looking for the North Carolina man.

The search had to be called off Tuesday evening when another downpour and lightning struck the area. The search resumed Wednesday and the body was located near Cochran falls in the afternoon.

The body was found at approximately 2:28 p.m. Wednesday approximately one mile southwest of mile marker 3 hike in trail.

Dawson County EMS Director Danny Thompson said foul play is not suspected, but the body will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy.

“I can’t thank the men and women enough for searching and assisting in the recovery effort. They made every effort to bring him home to his family.”

Appalachian Trail body Danny Thompson Eddie Noonkester found

Search for missing hiker enters third day

News February 18, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

Eddie Noonkester

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — A multi-agency search for a North Carolina man reported missing during what was to have been a through hike along the Appalachian Trail entered a third day Tuesday.

Dawson County Public Safety Director Danny Thompson said during a morning press that Eddie Noonkester, 60, was reported missing Sunday morning. He is described as 5-feet, 10 inches tall and approximately 200 pounds with gray hair and a gray goatee. At approximately 11:30 a.m. Noonkester spoke to a Dawson County a 911 operator who said the man appeared “confused” and could not identify his location.

“On Monday, searchers found some of the man’s personal belongings. Last night, we focused with K-9 a search of that area throughout the evening and into the early morning hours,” Thompson said.

“Today we called in assistance from numerous law enforcement agencies. The DNR, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Parks Service staff and numerous fire departments from Gilmer, Fannin, Union are all represented here today.”

The National Forest Service pinged the man’s cell phone and today’s search is focused on that area but there have been no further pings and it appears the cell phone battery is dead.

The area being searched today is from the approach trail down High Shoals Road which leads to Len Foote Hike Inn and the Len Foote Trail back down to the visitors’ center and the falls.

Thompson described the area that is being searched is “very, very treacherous.”

Heavy downpours can be expected in the area the next 72 hours as well as the possibility of winter weather moving in.

“We will continue the push for Eddie in hopes of a positive outcome,” Thompson said.

Thompson said an email has been set up for anyone who would like volunteer to join the search. If you would like to volunteer, email [email protected] Please leave a phone number, your availability, and hiking level of experience.

If anyone has seen Noonkester, you are asked to contact the Dawson County 911.

Appalachian Trail Danny Thompson Dawson County Emergency Services Eddie Noonkester Len Foote Trail search

Veteran firefighter Dooley promoted to Div. Chief

News February 16, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Dawson County Fire Chief Danny Thompson has announced the selection of Jason Dooley, a 13-year veteran of the Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Department, as the department’s Division Chief of Operations and Training.

The announcement follows an extensive search where Chief Dooley excelled during the interview process against highly qualified external candidates.

In speaking of the promotion, Chief Thompson stated, “Chief Dooley possesses the experience, leadership and vision to bring a constructive and positive culture of professionalism and accountability to the Dawson County Fire Department.”

“I’m honored that the County has placed its trust in me. The fact that the department promoted from within is a testament to the training and leadership that I have received in my 13 years with Dawson County.” Dooley stated.

“I look forward to continuing that great legacy with the fine men and women that I am lucky to be able to lead.”

Chief Dooley assumed his new position on February 7, 2020.

Danny Thompson Dawson County Fire Department Jason Dooley

Roads passable, no black ice reported in Dawson Co.

News February 9, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga- Public Safety Director Danny Thompson said that as of 9 a.m. today all Dawson County roads are passable and there are no reports of black ice following a hectic Saturday that saw many cars stranded on impassible roads and a numerous minor accidents.

Thompson said the minor accidents were “too numerous to count” but fortunately there were no injuries reported. There was a minor multi-car accident on Hwy. 9 near the Abba House as one vehicle attempted to climb a hill but did not make it and slid back into other vehicles.

“GDOT (Georgia Department of Transportation) and our Public Works Department worked aggressively to clear the roads yesterday,” Thompson said. GDOT handles all state roads while Public Works handles county roads.

“One problem in getting the roads cleared faster was that so many cars would get stranded in the middle of the road and that made it difficult for the plows to get through,” he said.

“People are getting out now. I would just ask everyone to exercise good common sense. Slow down and take your time. If you approach an icy area, don’t try it. It’s not worth it to injure yourself or someone else or damage your car.”

Thompson also urged motorist to remember it takes bridges and shady areas of highways longer to thaw than other areas.

Danny Thompson Georgia Department of Transportation

News January 19, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The $29.9 million 2020 budget Dawson County Commissioners adopted in October grew by more than $900,000 during Thursday’s regular meeting.

The Board voted 3-0 – with Commissioner Julie Hughes Nix absent due to an illness in her family – to amend the budget by $836,000 to fund a pay raise for county employees. The increase was based on a salary study conducted by Management Advisory Group late last year. The Board also voted to approve upgrades to employees’ defined benefit and defined contributions plans that will add an additional $70,000 to this year’s budget.

Commissioners accepted a staff recommendation to award Jarrard & Davis a legal services contract at a rate of $200 per hour for attorneys and $100 per hour for paralegals. The contract is for one year with four one-year renewal options.

Each election year, local government is required to set qualifying fees for candidates who plan to run for elected office. The 2020 fees are set as follows: Sheriff $1,779.86, Probate Judge $1,491.65, Tax Commissioner $1,491.65, Magistrate Judge $1,491.65, Clerk of Court, $1,491.65, County Commissioner $288, Commission Chairman $360, Surveyor $10, Coroner $108, Board of Education $99.

Following public hearings, the Board unanimously approved Tim Stowers’ request to rezone 10.5 acres on Harmony Church Road from Residential Agricultural to Residential Sub- Rural and Michelle Taber’s request to rezone 2.67 acres on Frank Bruce Road from Residential Agricultural to Residential Sub-Rural.

Commissioners had a very busy slate of agenda items to consider during the 4 p.m. work session.

Court Administrator Jason Stephenson led off by advising commissioners Hall County had under billed Dawson County for the cost of one Administrative Assistant and a law clerk for each Superior Court Judge for several years. The amount that was improperly billed totals $15,200.

Other work session issues discussed include:

— The potential sale of a 77.67 acre tract of land located along Shoal Creek to Caballero Holdings, LLC for $311,111. The Tax Assessor’s Office appraised the property at $647,074. An appraisal performed by J & T Smith, Inc. valued this property at $1.1 million.

— A request by Public Works Director David Mckee to award a debris removal and disposal contract to Graham County Land Company. The contract will not have any cost to the county unless the company is called to report during a disaster such as a winter storm. The contract, if approved includes removing and disposing of vegetation in rights-of-way; hazardous tree removal; vehicle removal; freon management; electronic waste removal.

— A request to award a debris monitoring contract to Debris Tech, Inc. The contract, if approved, would fast-track federal and state disaster relief funding and allow county staff to work in other needed areas.

— A request by Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson to renew a statewide Mutual Aid agreement with GEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to provide assistance and support in managing a disaster that occurs within Dawson County and other participating agencies.

— A request to accept a 50/50 Georgia Forestry Commission Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant that requires a $5,000 county match.

— A request to apply for a 50/50 Georgia Emergency Management Performance Grant to cover a portion of the cost for RAVE emergency alerting, weather siren maintenance, and Crisis Track damage assessment. The grant is $15,568.00. Dawson County’s match is $7,784.

Items discussed during a work session are not typically voted on until the next regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners.

Danny Thompson David McKee Dawson County Board of Commissioners Jarrard & Davis Julie Hughes Nix

Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics get well-deserved pay raise

News July 3, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

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.

Brooke Anderson Danny Thompson

UPDATE: Hwy. 53 remains closed after explosives truck overturns

News September 10, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – At a morning press conference, Dawson County Fire Chief and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson minimized the danger to the public after an explosives truck owned by Austin Powder Company overturned spilling ammonium nitrate onto Dawsonville Highway near Sundown Way.

Two people suffered minor injuries and were transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment. Two others who also suffered minor injuries declined transport.

Thompson said about five-gallons of ammonium nitrated was spilled and was quickly contained without any leaking into nearby Lake Lanier.

Thompson said, “When units from Fire Station 2 arrived on scene at about 5:20 a.m., they determined they were dealing with a petroleum ammonium nitrate product and they called for the necessary remediation companies.”

Thompson said ammonium nitrate is used as an explosive in mining rock quarries but it requires the presence of other elements to detonate it. “It typically requires a one-pound cast booster blasting cap,” he said. “The companies drill a hole and pack this petroleum-based product into it then apply the one-pound cast booster blasting cap to be able to detonate it. It is a very safe product since it requires various elements for it to become an explosive product. There are no blasting caps on the scene so it is safe in its capacity as is stands right now.”

The incident closed Hwy. 53 between Blue Ridge Overlook and Sundown Way. Thompson said the road will likely remain closed until late afternoon.

A “shelter in place” was issued for Sundown subdivision which is located less than 500 feet from the accident site.

Georgia State Patrol is investigating the accident.

Danny Thompson Northeast Georgia Medical Center

Commissioners meet Thursday at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m

News September 17, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners have another busy schedule Thursday with the work session at 4 p.m., followed by a voting session at 6 p.m.

During the work session, commissioners will hear a request from Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lumpkin County concerning Emergency Radio use.

Senior Services Director Dawn Pruett will present addendum number 1 for the FY 2020 Legacy Link Contract for Nutrition Program Services.

Purchasing Manager Melissa Hawk will ask the Board to consider a replacement for her department’s copier.

Planning and Development Director Jameson Kinley will present a discussion of impact fees.

County Clerk Kristen Cloud will give a presentation of the Board of Commissioners meeting schedule.

Commissioners will consider the reappointment of Nancy Stites to the Department of Family and Children Services Board.

Board Chairman will present the proposed FY 2020 budget for discussion.

During the 6 p.m. voting session, commissioners will present a certificate of recognition to Boy Scout Troop 422 and Blake Wood for their Eagle Scout project.

Development Authority Chairman Brian Trapnell will give an update on the Development Authority activity.

There will be several rezoning requests for the Board to rule on.Jan Butterworth has requested the rezoning of 10.3 acres located at Holcomb Road from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RSR (Residential Sub-Rural). The purpose is to subdivide the land in order to gift 4 acres to her child.

Jim King on behalf of Charles Turner request has requested the rezoning of TMP 107-319-007 from CPCD (Commercial Planned Community Development) to CHB (Commercial Highway Business).

The law firm of Miles, Hansford and Tallant, LLC has requested the rezoning of property located at the northeast intersection of Price Road and Toto Creek Park Road from RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) and CHB (Commercial Highway Business) to CHB (Commercial Highway ) for the purpose of construction of a boat, RV and vehicle storage facility.

Commissioners will also hold the first and only public hearing on a proposed county vape shop ordinance.

The Board will get an update on the Land Use Resolution Fee Schedule that was tabled at the Sept. 5 meeting.

The Etowah Water and Sewer Authority has extended service on several secondary roads in Dawson County — Herman Sosebee, Overlook Circle and Cleve Wright Road. Due to the reconfiguration of the Highway 9 and Dawson Forest Road project, a hydrant will be placed between the two roundabouts. There will be a line upgrade to 12 inch going from Perimeter Road to Highway 9 South and terminating in front of the new subdivision.

Thompson will ask commissioners for funding in the amount of $27,092 for the proposed addition of eight new fire hydrants in the above listed service delivery areas.

Brian Trapnell Danny Thompson Dawson County Board of Commissioners Etowah Water and Sewer Authority

Five people injured in Dawson County wreck Thursday

News January 31, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

Chief Danny Thompson

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Five people were injured in a single-vehicle accident on Hwy. 136 West between New Hope Road and Crane Road this afternoon (Feb. 1).

Dawson County Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson said, “First arriving units found one vehicle down an embankment containing five patients. Dawson Fire responded with two engines, two med units, a mutual aid med unit from Pickens County and Air Life 3.”

Thompson did not provide additional details on the identity of the individuals injured or the the extent of their injuries.

“I am very proud of the hard work of my personnel and the Dawson County Sheriff’s Department. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this motor vehicle accident,” he said.

The Georgia State Patrol has taken over the accident investigation.

Fetch Your News will have additional information as soon as it is available.

Danny Thompson Dawson County Emergency Services

Hamby, Headley honored for outstanding achievement during Thursday work session

News December 16, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners had a busy work session agenda Thursday, but took time out to honor two individuals for very special accomplishments – County Manager David Headley and District 3 Commissioner Jimmy Hamby.

Hamby will be retiring from the Board at the end of the month following eight years in office. The Board presented him a plaque in honor of his dedicated service to Dawson County and held a reception for him following the meeting.

County Manager David Headley was named as the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission Appointed Official of the Year recently. The region covers 13 counties and 51 municipalities. “We’re proud of David and his recognition as Official of the Year,” said Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond.

Public Works Director David McKee addressed the Board on several issues. The first was a course aggregate contract bid submitted by Vulcan Materials in the amount of $161,664. The current contract has expired and all renewal year options have been exhausted. The department has a full-time paving crew on staff to perform the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant work and several miles of other road work and parking lot repairs.

The current contract to purchase hot asphaltic mix has also exhausted all renewal years and Mckee asked the Board to accept contracts with Baldwin Paving, Blunt Construction and CW Matthews Contracting to provide the product. Each company offered the low bids on the various items required.

Mckee brought another long-standing issue of the intersection of Lumpkin Campground Road and SR 53 before the Board. He pointed out the county has partnered with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to install a right-hand turn lane along the Lumpkin Campground mainline. SR 53 traffic will not be changed. Upon completion, GDOT will adjust all traffic signals. The project qualifies for SPLOST VI funds, Impact Fee funds or General Fund.

Commissioners also discussed a highway beautification project. The county has been looking for ways to landscape areas along the GA 400 Corridor that are within the GDOT right-of-way for 10 years. The project requires special encroachment permits, and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the long-term maintenance of this corridor. In September, the project was bid and two bids were received with a total bid cost was $116,246.85, which is $69,556.85 over the total grant amount. The project is not SPLOST VI eligible, and additional funding will have to come from another source such as the general fund. McKee asked the Board for direction on the project.

GEBCorp Regional Client Manager Ryan Reynolds presented commissioners with options for a county employee retirement plan

Planning & Development Director Jameson Kinley presented a review of the 2018 comprehensive plan.

The purpose of the plan to provide guidance for everyday decision making by local government officials and other community leaders. It represents the efforts of the government, the residents and various stakeholders by identifying the critical issues and goals for the communy. The plan has been approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The Board can amend the plan at any time.

Commissioners unanimously approved a request by Kinley to add a summer intern to work on Geographic Information System issues within Planning and Development. The position is fully funded by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson asked for Board approval to apply for the annual Georgia Forestry Commission 50/50 grant program. The maximum allowed on this grant is $10,000.00. Thompson said the grant is needed to purchase replacement fire hoses, nozzles and scene lights. This grant will not be awarded until spring of 2019.

Commissioners unanimously approved Thompson’s request to apply for the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Injury Prevention Program. The program is designed to provide funding to public safety agencies in Georgia. DPH provides Dawson Fire/EMS with six convertible and four high-back booster child safety seats monthly to issue to citizens. The grant requires no county match.

Senior Services Director Dawn Pruett asked the Board to approve the annual contract with Deanna Specialty Transportation, Inc. to provide specialty transportation within the county. The company reimburses the county for senior client rides.

Commissioners also discussed the following board appointments/reappointments: Tax Assessor Board, Jim Perdue; Department of Family and Children Services Board, Nancy Stites replacing Vickie Porter; Planning Commission John Dooley Chairman, Jason Hamby, John Maloney, Tim Bennett and Neil Hornsey.

Billy Thurmond Danny Thompson David Headley David McKee Dawn Pruett Dawson County Board of Commissioners Georgia Department of Transportation Jameson Kinley Jimmy Hamby

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