Board to Vote on Thompson Road Work
News October 18, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Public Works Director David McKee will ask the commissioners to approve $196,403 to pay for striping and related expenses for Thompson Road when the Dawson County Board of Commissioners meets in a voting session Thursday (Oct. 19) at 6 p.m.
Commissioners approved phase two of the SPLOST VI program in February. At that time the program included four road rehabilitation projects for Tanner Road, Kelly Bridge Road and Steve Tate with Thompson as an alternate. The original contract with CW Mathews was approved in May for the first three roads. In September, commissioners approved the alternate of Thompson Road. The cost that was approved at that time did not include expenditures for Thompson Road.
Public Works staff wants to use its standby striping contractor for the additional work and that requires approval by the commission. The total project cost will not exceed the original approved contracted budget and will include all striping and or expenses related to completion of the project.
In other business before the Board, Emergency Services Director Lanier Swafford will ask commissioners to approve a clinical contract with North Georgia Technical College to allow EMT and Paramedic students enrolled at the college to engage in clinical opportunities with Dawson County Emergency Services.
North Georgia Tech is only one of two technical colleges in northeast Georgia that conducts a paramedic program. DCES has previously had a clinical contract with the school. This opportunity allows for the student to experience field opportunities while in school and allows for DCES to evaluate students and possibly recruit future employees.
Swafford will also seek Board approval to apply for the 2017-2018 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) application. The county has received the 50/50 grant which supports EMA activities such as mitigation, preparation and response to emergency situations. They also cover a portion of the cost for Swift Reach (Reverse 911 System), weather siren maintenance, and radar subscription for the EOC. This year the base award formula for the grant was modified and Dawson will receive increase $7,784 in the 2017-2018 budget year.
The Board is also expected to vote on a recommendation to approve the 2017 Dawson County Emergency Services Inspection, Plan Review, and Prevention Fee updates.
The Dawson County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution and ordinance adopting the Dawson County Fire Safety and Prevention Ordinance in 2005 that included fees to be imposed by the Dawson County Fire Marshal’s Office and the fee schedule has not been updated since.
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Road Repair Projects Could Begin as Early as May 1
News April 26, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Several new road improvement projects are about to begin in Dawson County, pending approval by the Board of Commissioners.
During Tuesday’s work session, Public Works Director David McKee requested approval of a contract with CW Mathews for rehabilitation projects on Tanner Road, Kelly Bridge Road and Steve Tate Highway as part of the SPLOST VI project list for Fiscal Year 2017.
Matthews was the low bidder with a bid of $4,663,404.16. If approved, the work is expected to begin May 1 with a completion date of Sept. 30, weather permitting.
McKee also asked the Board to approve $449,079.91, the cost to complete the final SPLOST V projects which included the renovation of the historic Court House, Demolition of the old jail, roof repairs on the Sheriff’s office and E-911 console upgrades.
Environmental Health Specialist Bill Ringle told the Board the department has not had a fee increase since 2009 and he asked the Board to consider several increases including the fee for residential septic tank permit for a home of five bedrooms or more from $300 to $400, a new engineered site plan review for an individual lot of $100, plus increased fees food service permits for venues of 101 or more seats from $200 to $300 and a new food service site-pre purchase permit of $100.
Commissioners previously approved the purchase of nine (9) replacement vehicles in the 2017 Capital Improvement Budget for county-owned vehicles with at least 150,000 miles or 10 years of age. Tuesday, Fleet Services Manager Shannon Harben asked the Board to approve the low bids of Allan Vigil Ford Lincoln for a total of $50,188 and IKO Business Group of $192,610.
Planning and Development Director Jason Streetman presented a special use business license application for the Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 5 and the Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market.
The Farmers Market application will be vote on during a special called meeting Thursday at 11:30 a.m. All other requests will be voted on at the next regular meeting.
Commission Will Have to Amend 2017 Budget to Implement Employee Pay Raise
News March 24, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Chief Financial Officer Vickie Neikirk told the Board of Commissioners during Thursday’s work session that implementation of the salary study approved earlier this month would require an increase in the 2017 budget of $374,441.
The salary study calls for a 2% cost of living allowance (COLA) for all employees, placement into range with a moderate progression and a payroll effective date of April 8, 2017.
Fleet Services Director Shannon Harben recommended the Board amend the current Take Home and Vehicle Policy to eliminate future verbal agreements or special conditions. Those verbal agreements currently in effect would still be honored.
Harben also requested Board approval to dispose of surplus items to be sold with the proceeds to be put in a vehicle replacement fund per current policy.
Public Works Director David McKee presented commissioners with a request to issue a purchase order to Bobcat of Atlanta for a Bobcat Excevator in the amount of $64,876.48 through a cooperative agreement with National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA).
Emergency Services Chief Lanier Swafford asked the Board to approve a contract with Lux Mitigation and Planning Corp., the most responsibe, responsible bidder, in the amount if $18,000 for preparation of the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond read a presentation declaring April as LifeLink National Donate Life Month.
The Board is considering the appointment of the following to the Long Range Planning Committee: Gary Pichon (Chairman), Ronnie Adkins, Teri Tragresser, Jane Graves, Hugh Stowers, Jo Brewer, Tim Costley, Mandy Power and Dick Scharf.
Work sessions are held every two weeks for the purpose of allowing commissioners to discuss and debate issues that can be voted on during the regular sessions which are also held every two weeks.
Commissioners Consider Initiating Debt Collection, Write-Off Policy
News January 27, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Finance Director Vickie Neikirk presented a compelling argument for why the Dawson County Board of Commissioners should implement a Debt Collection and Write-Off policy during Thursday’s work session.
Neikirk pointed out the current balance of accounts receivable that would be eligible for collection for emergency services ambulance billing is $1,018,947. That debt was accrued over approximately 10 years. The average amount collected by a collection agency is approximately 10 percent.
Emergency Services Director Lanier Swafford recommended commissioners approve Professional Recovery Services (PRS) for the job of collecting accounts receivable. Swafford said PRS is a family-owned, Durham, N.C.-based company.
“I feel very confident in making that recommendation to you even though they are about 5 percent higher than the other qualified bidder,” Swafford said. “They are very customer friendly and they are licensed to collect in all 50 states.” If someone moves out of state while owing the county money for services provided, PRS can still attempt to collect the debt.
Public Works Director David McKee presented a letter from the Georgia Department of Transportation, requesting a Letter of Roundabout Support at the intersection of SR 136 and Bailey Waters/Keith Evans intersection. GDOT also provided the county with previous crash data and the geometry of SR 136 that, it said, drives the need for the round-a-bout.
“There have been a lot of serious accidents at that intersection,” McKee pointed out. The letter of support doesn’t necessarily mean that a roundabout would be built there only that the state will take some action to make it safer. McKee pointed out that since SR 136 is a state highway, GDOT will likely take some action with or without county support.
McKee also presented an assessment of the fee situation at county’s transfer station.
The station operates six days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and commercial scales were purchased and installed on site. The current fee schedule has been in place since March 2013.
Eagle Point Landfill has increased its tipping fees by five percent. Current fees are $5-$22 lower than surrounding transfer stations and landfills for bulk garbage and .50 to $1 lower on bagged garbage.
Mckee said staff has reviewed all fee options and recommends bulk garbage rate be increased to $44 per ton. Staff recommends a minimum fee of $5 per load weighed. Bagged garbage rates stay as is at .50/bag with a 10 bag limit. Any garbage over 10 bags shall be weighed.
Expect Delays on Harmony Church Road Wednesday
News May 2, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Those who commute from the Sardis/Price Road/Harmony Church Road area in north Hall to reach Ga. 400 should find an alternate route on Wednesday, May 3. Dawson County Public Works Director David McKee says road crews will be topping the last one-mile section of Harmony Church before Ga. 400 on that day and there will be delays.
Commissioners to Vote on Ga. 400 Access Controls
News March 16, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County commissioners will decide on three requests by the Public Works Department when they meet in regular session today at 6 p.m. Two of those will come at no cost to the county.
The state has requested a letter of support to install Right In Right Out Left In (RIROLI) access controls at the intersections of Kilough Church Road and Ga. Hwy. 400 and Walmart/Home Depot North Georgia Premium Outlets and Ga. Hwy. 400. All improvements will be made within the existing Right of Way.
The letter is a formality. This is a state project that can begin without Board approval. The work will be fully funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and will all be performed within the right-of-way.
Public Works Director David McKee has notified the Board that a wing wall off Dawson Forest Road along Blacks Mill Creek has been damaged and needs repair. GDOT has a grant available to fund unforeseen emergencies and the Board will vote on whether to apply for the grant. County staff has acquired engineering quotes and prepared cost estimates for design and construction. The total estimated cost is $180,000.
Two major pieces of equipment utilized by the Public Works Department need to be replaced The Board will vote on purchasing a side arm mower and utility tractor mower at a cost of $210,000. If approved, the equipment will be purchased with SPLOST VI proceeds.
Commissioners are expected to vote on a request to allow Drug Treatment Services to apply for a state grant in the amount of $279,514. The county plans to bring HELP Program under Treatment Court as a mental health court track and wants to make an application for state funding. A match of $31,057 would be required from county funds.
The enhanced funding would be used to continue three counselor positions, attend the state conference, employ surveillance officers for home visits and drug screen collection, drug testing and supplies, and a desktop and iPad.
The Board is also expected to vote on renewal of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Dawsonville authorizing the county to organize and implement all municipal elections. The IGA is drafted and adopted each odd year and any even year when a special election is called.
GDOT Seeks Letter of Support from Commissioners
Business March 10, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Intersection work to be performed and funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation along Ga. Hwy 400 took center stage at Thursday’s Dawson County Board of Commissioners work session.
Dawson County Public Works Director David McKee told commissioners that GDOT is requesting a letter of support for installation of Right In Right Out Left In (RIROLI) access controls at the intersections of Kilough Church Road and Ga. Hwy. 400 and Walmart/Home Depot North Georgia Premium Outlets and Ga. Hwy. 400. All improvements will be made within the existing Right of Way.
The work is a GDOT project that does not require Board of Commissioners approval, but if commissioners approve the letter of support, McKee said the work would begin right away.
McKee also asked asked the Board to approve a letter to GDOT requesting funds for the repair of a wing wall off Dawson Forest Road and along Blacks Mill Creek damaged by last winter’s storm. GDOT has a Local Maintenance Improvement Education Emergency Economic grant available for emergencies that could cover the damage which is estimated to be about $180,000.
McKee also asked the Board to approve the purchase of one side arm mower and one utility tractor mower for the Public Works Department to replace three pieces of equipment that are no longer serviceable at a cost of $214,000 to be funded by SPLOST VI.
Dawson County Treatment Services plans to bring the HELP Program under Treatment Court in fiscal year 2018 as a mental health court track and Director Debbie Mott asked the Board for permission to request state grant in the amount of $279,514 which would require a county match of $31,057 would be required from county funds.
County Attorney Lynn Frey asked the Board to consider renewal of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Dawsonville authorizing the county to organize and implement all municipal elections. The IGA is drafted and adopted each odd year and any even year when a special election is called.
These issues and others are expected to be voted on at the regular meeting next Thursday.
Commissioners to Discuss Drug Treatment Services Grant at Thursday Work Session
News March 8, 2017DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will consider a request to allow Drug Treatment Services to apply for a state grant in the amount of $279,514 when they meet in a work session Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Government Center Assembly Room.
Treatment Services Director Debbie Mott says in fiscal year 2018, the county plans to bring HELP Program under Treatment Court as a mental health court track and would like to make one application for state funding. A match of $31,057 would be required from county funds.
The enhanced funding would be used to continue three counselor positions, to attend the state conference, to employ surveillance officers for home visits and drug screen collection, drug testing and supplies, and a desktop and iPad.
Public Works Director David McKee will ask the Board for a letter of support addressed to the Georgia Department of Transportation to install access controls at the intersections of Kilough Church road and SR 400, and the west side of the intersection of the North Georgia Premium Outlets and Home Depot/Walmart intersection. All improvements will be made within the existing Right of Way, and the work will be completed and fully funded by GDOT or their contractors.
GDOT has a grant available for counties to fund unforeseen emergencies. Last winter’s storm damaged a wing wall off Dawson Forest Road and along Blacks Mill Creek that could qualify for the funding. McKee will ask Board Chairman Billy Thurmond to send a letter to GDOT, requesting the funding. County Staff has acquired engineering quotes and prepared cost estimates for design and construction. The total estimated cost is $180,000.
McKee also will ask the Board for authorization to purchase a side arm mower and utility tractor mower utilizing a state contract to replace two Kubota tractors and a John Deer side arm mower. Total cost for the equipment is $210,000 and, if approved, will be purchased with SPLOST VI proceeds.
County Attorney Lynn Frey will ask the Board to consider renewal of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Dawsonville authorizing the county to organize and implement all municipal elections. The IGA is drafted and adopted each odd year and any even year when a special election is called.
Dawson County Commissioners Meet in Work Session
News May 27, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners met in a work session Thursday afternoon.
Commissioners listened to a request by the Dawson County Civitan Club to allocate a space at Veterans Memorial Park for the club to donate and install new inclusive playground equipment. The civic organization would like to make the park more inclusive and easier for citizens with disabilities to access.
Public Works Director David McKee gave commissioners an update on the Dawson Forest Road resurfacing project which was competitively bid out. Staff has recommended the work be awarded to the low bidder, Blount Construction in the amount of $2,367,486.50 with funding to come from SPLOST-VI funds.
McKee also reviewed the Dawson Forest pipeline rehabilitation project. Staff recommended the work be awarded to IPR Southeast in the amount of $143,000.
Emergency Services Director Lanier Swafford updated commissioners on several issues, including a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Lanier Technical College and Dawson County that provides that Dawson County Emergency Services become a clinical site for Lanier Technical College’s EMT and Paramedic Students. Swafford recommended approval of the MoA and said it would give the county an opportunity to evaluate students in training to possibly identify future employees.
Swafford also recommended approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Northeast Georgia Medical Center regarding data sharing for the purpose of attempting to improve outcomes for patents who suffer sudden cardiac arrest.
Swafford then reviewed a MoU drafted by the City of Dawsonville that would provide employees of Dawson County Emergency Services continuity in how and when fire hydrants are inspected to comply with the current recommendations of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and he recommended approval.