Dawson County Board of Commissioners Archives - Page 4 of 13 - DawsonDawson

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.

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Board of Commissioners will hold rare Tuesday meeting

News July 1, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

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.

Brooke Anderson Dawson County Board of Commissioners Etowah Water and Sewer Authority

Commissioners will vote on new meeting schedule Thursday

News April 2, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Commissioners will vote Thursday on a proposal brought to the Board by Chairman Billy Thurmond that would limit commission meetings to just two days a week when they meet Thursday at 6 p.m. in the County Government Building.

In the past Dawson County commissioners have held meetings four times a month with work sessions and voting meetings held on alternate Thursdays. Work sessions are held for the purpose of discussing issues that will be voted on the next week. That has led to some voting sessions lasting less than 15 minutes.

Thurmond said rather than bring staff and citizens together for two very short voting meetings each month, it would be more efficient to hold work sessions and voting meetings on the same night.

If approved, future work sessions will be held at 4 p.m. followed by an executive session at 5 p.m. if necessary and a voting meeting at 6 p.m.

Thurmond said he proposed the change, “In an effort to make meetings more efficient and more productive.”

Commissioners will also vote Thursday on the hiring of an Alcohol Licensing Administrator at a pay range between $17 and $26.35 per hour. The position is currently frozen.

Other issues to be voted on Thursday include:

The hiring of Ross and Associates to conduct the land use resolution update the Board requested at a cost of $8,100;
A request by the 4H Rabies Clinic to hold the 5^th annual parade and assembly on April 27;
Creation of a general fund contingency of $100,000 to be added to the 2019 budget.;
A request from MLH Farm/Uncle Shucks to hold a corn maze, sunflower maze and possibly a Christmas tree sale at their new location;
A request to surplus/demolish the Transfer Station weigh station modular office;
A presentation of the 2019 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VI;
A three-party agreement between Dawson County, City of Dawsonville and Dawson County Humane Society on animal control;
A new pay schedule for Constitutional Officers;
An appointment to the Tax Assessors Board.

Billy Thurmond Dawson County Board of Commissioners

County Commissioners consider changing meeting schedule

News March 30, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — In the past Dawson County commissioners have held meetings four times a month but that could change to twice monthly if they decide to adopt the proposal discussed at Thursday’s work session.

Currently, the Board holds work sessions on the first and third Thursday each month and a voting sessions on the second and fourth Thursday. During the work sessions, they discuss issues that will be voted at the voting session. But that has resulted in voting sessions that, at times, have lasted less than 15 minutes.

Chairman Billy Thurmond said rather than bring staff and citizens together for two very short voting meetings each month, it would be more efficient to hold work sessions and voting meetings on the same night.

If approved, future work sessions will be held at 4 p.m. followed by an executive session at 5 p.m. if necessary and a voting meeting at 6 p.m.

“Chairman Billy Thurmond he proposed the change, “In an effort to make meetings more efficient and more productive.”

Planning Director Jameson Kinley asked commissioners to authorize the hiring of an Alcohol Licensing Administrator at a pay range between $17 and $26.35 per hour. The position is currently frozen.

He also asked for $8,100 to hire Ross and Associates to conduct the land use resolution update the Board had requested. The department put the update out for bids. Ross and Associates was the sole bidder.

Commissioners heard a request by the 4H Rabies Clinic to hold the 5^th annual parade and assembly on April 27.

Chief Financial Officer Vickie Neikirk requested Board approval to create a general fund contingency of $100,000 in the 2019 budget. Dawson County has had a contingency in the past but it was not included in the 2019 budget.

Generally, department heads would ask for money for their department and if she believed it to be in the county’s interest, she would present it to County Manager David could authorize the expenditure before presenting it to the Board as part of his County Manager report.

Other agenda items discussed include:

A request from MLH Farm/Uncle Shucks to hold a corn maze, sunflower maze and possibly a Christmas tree sale at their new location;
A request to surplus/demolish the Transfer Station weigh station modular office;
A presentation of the 2019 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VI;
A presentation of a three-party agreement between Dawson County, City of Dawsonville and Dawson County Humane Society on animal control;
A presentation of the pay schedule for Constitutional Officers;
A presentation of a board appointment to the Tax Assessors Board.

Billy Thurmond David Headley Dawson County Board of Commissioners Jameson Kinley Vickie Neikirk

CORRECTION: Dawson Village Partners plan for 2,700-home development attracts strong opposition from Dawson County residents

News February 15, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

NOTE: The dates for the planning commission hearing and Board of Commissioners hearing were incorrectly published in the initial reporting of this article. We apologize for any confusion The correct dates are listed below.

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. -Dawsonville Village Partners is proposing a mixed-use development to be located on a 974-acre site at the northwest corner of the intersection of Lumpkin Campground Road and Ga. 400 west, crossing the Etowah River and reaching Etowah River Road.

The Dawson County Planning Commission will hear a request to rezone the property to Mixed Use Village on Tuesday, March 19. The request will go before the Board of Commissioners April 18. Both hearings will be held in the County Administration Building at 6 p.m. and the public is invited to attend and speak in opposition to or in favor of the proposal.

The plan also calls for a 350-home, age-restricted senior community, a continuing-care retirement community, approximately 338,000 square feet of retail space and more than 243,000 square feet of office space, a luxury hotel, conference center, central park and walking trails.

Developers believe the project will provide a “destination” to attract visitors and encourage them to stay longer and spend more money in the county.

But opponents worry the mega development will over burden an already challenged infrastructure and destroy the quality of life in Dawson County.

Residents have taken to Facebook pages like Focus on Dawson and Dawson Discussion to voice their opinion.

Gina Wilson Schulte asked, “Why would you oppose this. It brings jobs and tax money to Dawson County.”

But Schulte was in a very small minority of posters. The overwhelming majority expressed strong opposition.

Dava Hudgins, for example, posted, “2,700 more houses? We don’t have the infrastructure for what we already have, including water and sewer. Our police force is stretched as it is. There is no budget for more. We don’t need this kind of development.”

Jennifer Dyer stated, “This looks like a nightmare.”

Kelley Crane posted, “I came here 20 years ago to get away from this c_ _ _. Why is this happening to our quiet little town?”

Douglas S. Davis asked, sarcastically, “Is this going to lower my taxes like the Mall was supposed to?”

And Danny Gilbert lamented the fact that “Our way of life will soon be gone.”

Dawson County Board of Commissioners Dawson Village Partners

Citizens will have one more chance to provide input into the county’s future growth Thursday

News January 9, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will hold one final public hearing on the proposed 2018 comprehensive plan when it meets in a voting session Thursday (Jan. 10) at 4 p.m. in the Dawson County Government Center Assembly Room.

The plan is one of the county’s most important documents because it serves as a road map to future growth. It was developed after months of gathering public input at citizen meetings and in an online survey.

The state requires that a county’s comprehensive plan be updated every five years in order to be eligible for state grants and be approved by the Department of Community Affairs.

This plan has received DCA approval and could have been adopted in December, but commissioners wanted to hold one public hearing to give citizens one more chance to provide input.

Planning and Development Director Jameson Kinley will present the plan.

Other items on Thursday’s agenda include:

Presentation of Georgia Trauma Commission Grant Application Request by Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson;
Presentation of IFB #330-18 – 15-Foot Rock Gravel Spreader Award Request by Public Works Director David McKee;
Presentation of Professional Exemption for Medical Director Services for the Dawson County Detention Center by Purchasing Manager Melissa Hawk;
Presentation of Sole Source Purchase Request for Computer Aided Dispatch System Upgrade by Purchasing Manager Melissa Hawk;
Presentation of Purchasing Policy Ordinance and Purchasing Card Program Policies and Procedures Update Recommendation by Purchasing Manager Melissa Hawk;
Presentation of Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Dawsonville for Municipal Elections by interim County Attorney;
Presentation of Revised Intergovernmental Agreement with Pickens County Regarding Fire Protection for the Wildcat Community by Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond;
Presentation of Board reappointments to the Chestatee-Chattahoochee Resource Conservation & Development.

David McKee Dawson County Board of Commissioners Jameson Kinley

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

First responders get new swift water life jackets

News August 1, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Fire & Emergency Services purchased and issued 26 new Type V Rescue Life Jackets. This new equipment will provide for the safety of First Responders operating in and around moving water. This is the first life vest purchase for Dawson County responders and it is a critical safety tool for personnel.

In May, first responders had two separate water rescue calls of victims trapped in fast moving waters. In one rescue, first responders had to establish a “high line” rope system to safely get the victims to shore. At that time responders in Dawson County did not have the Type V life jackets needed to operate safely.

Dawson County has over 60 shoreline miles on Lake Lanier, 5 rivers and numerous other creeks and ponds. This added tool to our Emergency Services Department is invaluable to ensure the safety of our responder’s and citizen’s. This purchase was made possible by funding allotted to us by our Dawson County Board of Commissioners.

Dawson County Board of Commissioners Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services

Dawson County may participate in litigation against the federal government

News July 12, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners could vote as early as this afternoon’s meeting whether to participate in a class-action lawsuit against the federal government to recover money the county is due under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program.

The program allows the federal government to make payments to local governments in lieu of property taxes on federal lands within eligible counties.

Late last year, Kane County, Utah filed litigation against the federal government in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims seeking to recover the balance of funds created by underpayments to the counties. The court ruled those underpayments must be paid and the case was certified as a class-action lawsuit, which allows other counties that were under paid to opt into the lawsuit at no cost to the counties.

County Attorney Lynn Frey has reviewed that lawsuit and said he will present his findings to the Board of Commissioners during today’s (July 12) work session.

The U.S. Forest Service and Corps of Engineers owns more than 9,000 acres in Dawson County and has been receiving payments under that program since 1999. In 2017, the county received a check for $21,990 and has been advised it will receive a check for $25,835 this year. Should commissioners opt into the class action lawsuit, Frey estimates the county could recover between $3,500 and $5,000.

“There is no downside to participation and there is a good possibility the county could obtain a modest amount by way of the class action,” he added. “My recommendation is to opt in and become a party to the litigation.”

The federal government can still appeal the court’s decision, but Frey says he has seen no indication it will do so. Commissioners have until September to decide.

Dawson County Board of Commissioners U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Sheriff Johnson has sole authority to give employees a pay raise

News July 22, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson has had the budget and the authority to give his employees a well-deserved pay raise for the last two years but chose not to do so.

As a constitutional officer, elected by the citizens of Dawson County, Johnson has sole discretion over how he manages his budget. Board approval is not required.

But on July 2 Johnson did come before the Board to request approval of a 15 percent across-the-board pay increase for employees. In a passionate plea to the Board he said, “In a time when law enforcement agencies are aggressively competing for staff through increased pay, benefits, signing bonuses, recruiting bonuses, etc., DCSO continues to fall further and further behind in these areas.”

But at last Thursday’s meeting, Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond explained to the sheriff that he can give his employees a pay raise any time he chooses.

Johnson has had serious budget management issues in the past. In 2017, his first year in office, he initiated a lawsuit against the Board in an effort to have them increase his budget. The lawsuit failed and, at the end of that year, the sheriff discovered he had $526,565 left over in his budget. That money had to be returned to the county fund balance.

Again in 2018, the Board allocated more money to the sheriff’s budget than he actually spent. At the end of that year, Johnson had $200,995 left over. In two years, Johnson wound up returning $727,560 to the county fund balance.

2020 is an election year and Johnson has not yet announced whether he will seek reelection. Two candidates — Jeff Perry, a veteran parole officer, and Marcus Sewell, Chief Investigator for the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office — have announced they will campaign for sheriff. Johnson’s opponents are expected to attack the sheriff for what they perceive to be his fiscal mismanagement.

Billy Thurmond Dawson County Board of Commissioners Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson

Thurmond’s vote is decisive in Crystal Falls development

News March 22, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Against a unanimous recommendation of denial by the Planning Commission and despite the opposition of two county commissioners and a large number of area residents, the Dawson County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to allow a developer to add 1,012 new homes to the Crystal Falls Lake and Golf Community.

The property is located west of Cowart Road between Yellow Creek Road and Kelly Bridge Road. In 2005, the owner developed a golf course in the community but since then, only five homes have been sold and the owner’s representative argues that his client is losing about $1 million per year to maintain the golf course.

A large number of area residents filed into the meeting room to express their opposition to the development. Some said it would destroy the quality of life in this mostly rural southwest corner of the county. Others complained about increased safety concerns and traffic congestion.

Commissioners Julie Hughes-Nix and Sharon Fausett joined with the crowd in opposing a request by Dawson Cherokee Capital, LLC to rezone 1,038.46 acres from Residential Sub Rural (RSR) to Residential Planned Community (RPC).

Commissioners Chris Gaines and Tim Satterfield voted in favor of the request, resulting in a 2-2 tie. Dawson County’s Chairman Billy Thurmond only votes when it is necessary to break a tie. In this case, he voted to allow the development to go forward.

In a phone conversation Friday, Fausett, who made the motion to deny the request, said, “I had a lot more phone calls and emails from people who did not want this than I did from those who supported it. My job is to represent them, if I didn’t, I would feel like I was not doing my job.”

Nix, who seconded the motion said, “When I was elected to this office, I promised to listen to the citizens who put me here. I listened and the people who are most affected by this development spoke very clearly, saying it will ruin their quality of life. That’s why I voted against it.”

Gaines said, “It was a tough decision, probably toughest decision I’ve had to make since being elected to the Board of Commissioners.”

Before the request was adopted, he added a series of stipulations aimed at making the project less objectionable to opponents, including:

Reducing the number of entrances from three to two plus one for emergency vehicles only;
Developer is required to abide by the development of a regional impact study;
Developer must do another traffic impact study once 50 percent build out is reached;
Developer must pay $70,000 to help pay for a traffic light on Cowart Road once it exceeds acceptable traffic standards.

Commissioner Chris Gaines Commissioner Julie Hughes Nix Dawson County Board of Commissioners

Crystal Falls development on Thursday BOC agenda

News March 19, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Commissioners are expected to vote on a rezoning request that would permit construction of the 1,038-home Crystal Falls Lake and Golf Community when they meet Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Government Center Assembly Room, 25 Justice Way.

Dawson Cherokee Capital LLC, has requested rezoning 1,038.46 acres in the southwest corner of the county from Residential Sub Rural to Residential Planned Community for the development that would include a golf course, club hours, olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts and walking trails and a wastewater treatment facility to be maintained by Etowah Water and Sewer Authority.

The property is located west of Cowart Road between Yellow Creek Road and Kelly Bridge Road. Build out is expected to take 10 years with five phases being developed every two years.

A large and vocal group of stakeholders attended the Planning Commission meeting to express opposition to the development and another packed room can be expected to attend Thursday’s meeting. The Planning Commission recommended commissioners deny the rezoning request.

Commissioners will also consider:

A rezoning request by Jerry Fouts for the construction of a mini storage facility with 48 units;
An amendment to a portion of the Impact Fee Ordinance;
A request to Apply for Fireworks Tax Grant;
A resolution regarding defunding of In-House Legal Department Expenses for Westlaw Services.

Dawson County Board of Commissioners

Dawson BOC work session Thursday

News February 11, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County Public Works Director David McKee will ask commissioners for $44,000 to complete the intersection improvements at Hwy. 53/Lumpkin Campground Road when the Board of Commissioners meets in a work session at 4 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 14).

Commissioners approved $56,000 for Vertical Earth to complete the curb work and an amount not to exceed $100,000 for the entire project. Vertical Earth has completed its portion of the project. McKee is now asking for the balance of the $100,000 approved amount to complete additional road work such as stripping, erosion control, hauling, milling, drainage pipe, etc.

Last July, commissioners approved retention of Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley (BBGA) to represent the County as a plaintiff in multi-district opioid litigation. However, that firm was never formally retained and no contract for legal services was ever approved. The multi-state litigation currently involves claims from hundreds of states, counties, and cities nationwide, all consolidated in a federal court in Ohio.

Interim county attorneys Jarrard & Davis have prepared a contract on behalf of the county that calls for BBGA to receive 30% of any recovery, plus reimbursement of costs. There should be no cost to the county from this litigation – if there is no recovery, or if the recovery is valuable but not monetary in nature, the county will not be required to pay any money. In addition, BBGA will indemnify and hold harmless the county against any award of fees or costs to the defendants in the case

In other business, commissioners will consider:

Recission of its denial of the alcohol license application from Blackrock Food Service LLC d/b/a/ Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ and Consideration of Issuance of Alcohol License (Retail Consumption on Premises of Beer and Wine);
A Presentation of FY 2019 Public Defender Intergovernmental Agreement Between Dawson and Hall Counties;
A presentation of FY 2019 State Public Defender Contract;
A presentation of an on-call electrical service award (rebid);
A presentation of 2019 Charity Boot Drives;
A presentation of staff response to a citizen’s reported concerns;
A presentation of new proposed recycling agreement with Advanced Disposal;
Discussion of Parks & Recreation Programs;
Discussion of Impact Fees on Commercial Businesses.

Dawson County Board of Commissioners

BOC needs more time to finalize comp plan

News January 13, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners held one final public hearing on the 2018 comprehensive plan Thursday.

The plan is one of the county’s most important documents because it provides elected officials with a road map to use in planning the county’s future. It was developed after months of gathering public input at citizen meetings and in an online survey.

The state requires that a county’s comprehensive plan be updated every five years and approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in order to qualify for Certified Local Government Status and to be eligible for state grants and programs.

Thursday’s discussion centered on whether commissioners should base their zoning decisions on a future land use map, as it has done for years, or consider the character area map approach.

Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond said the character map offers more flexibility in zoning decisions but is less restrictive than the current future land use map.

“That’s the reason we wanted to look at both,” he said.

Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Christine Moore said, “This is a document that people live and breathe every single day. The character area map to us does make the most sense because of the flexibility and control it provides and also because It allows an adaptability to our ever changing economy.”

Tony Passarello, who serves on both the Long Range Planning Commission and Comprehensive Board is Plan Commission favored the future land use map. “It is more consistent and legally supportable,” he said.

He did recognize some changes needed to be made.

As a member of the Dawson Development Authority, Passarello said one comment he hears constantly is “What we are trying to attract is business that offers higher-paying jobs and more professional growth so we can have our children who are being educated in our fine schools can stay in Dawson County. The current land use map we have has not been adjusted to make room for those types of businesses.”

Passarello also whatever plan is selected needs to “reflect the input we have received from the citizens.”

Terri Tragesser, co-chairman of the Long Range Planning Commission, said, “We have more comfort at this point in time with the future land use map. Not because we don’t believe the character area map has value. We just don’t know enough about it to feel comfortable with it. I’ve seen the future land use map in high-growth areas work very well.”

Like Passarello, however, Tragesser said the future land use map needs some changes.

“You have to put some overlays on those maps so they are more specific,” she said. “So they address things like Dawson Forest Road and Hwy. 9 intersection. That will build out with a lot of uncertainty. Right now, we have absolutely no definition in that intersection as to how it’s going to look, how it’s going to build out, how it’s going to work from a transportation standpoint. That’s the type of work that is still to be done.”

The DCA has already approved the comprehensive plan that includes the character area plan, but Hazell said only one section would need to be changed should the Board of Commissioners vote to approve the future land use map and that section has already been submitted for the DCA’s review and approval.

Commissioner Chris Gaines said, “I’d like to step back. I want to make sure we’re doing this correctly. I want to wrap my head around this from a legal standpoint personally before I’m willing to put my name on something that is the future guiding document for the county.”

The Board then directed Gaines and Commissioner Sharon Fausett to meet with the new interim county attorneys, Ken Jarrard and Angela Davis and come to next week’s meeting with additional information.

Chris Gaines Dawson County Board of Commissioners Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Sharon Fausett Tony Passarello

Commissioners hold work session Thanksgiving Eve

News November 21, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE Ga. – On Thanksgiving Eve, Dawson County Commissioners were asked to consider a number of grant applications during the work session.

Dawson County Chief Deputy Greg Rowan presented a request for a K-9 grant extension for the Sheriff’s Office. The county has received this grant for several years. The current K-9 grant ended June 30, 2018, and a sub-grant extension was granted through the end of the year in the amount of $56,102. It is used to cover the salary and benefits of two K-9 employees. There is no match required. Approval and signatures are all that is needed to activate.

Rowan also asked the commission for approval to apply for grant funding for the North Georgia K-9 Task Force. The sheriff’s office has received this funding in the past and is requesting approval to apply for $112,204 in 2019.

Danny Thompson

Fire and Emergency Services Interim Director Danny Thompson requested the commission accept the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) K-9 Grant Funds. This is a grant through GEMA and the Department of Homeland Security for expenses related to the K-9 program in the Fire/EMS department. The department has received this grant for several years.

The grant year runs from Oct. 1, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2019, in the amount of $14,000 with no local match required.

Thompson was appointed as interim EMA director in July 2018 and provided 90 days by the Board of Commissioners to obtain his Certified Emergency Manager credentials. He received the credentials on Sept. 28 and Wednesday, he requested commissioners appoint him EMA director.

Fleet Maintenance Director Shannon Harben asked commissioners to approve a contract with Townley Construction for repair and maintenance of the Public Works Road Department equipment. Fleet Maintenance performs all repairs and maintenance capable of being completed in-house. Other work is outsourced for performance. The invitation for bids (IFB) was released on Oct. 25, 2018. Two bids were received on Nov. 9. The lowest, most responsive bid was offered by Townley Construction. The rates are $145 per hour in shop, $155 in field plus $180 travel fee for field repair and 2 percent markup on parts.

Senior Services Director Dawn Pruett asked for an addendum to increase funding for the Respite Care agreement with Legacy Link. Legacy Link receives an increase or decrease in funding during the contract year that changes original contract amounts. The addendum would include an additional $16,258 for respite care to be used during the last six months of the FY 2019 contract

Pruett also sought approval of a the continuous grant with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for providing public transportation for Dawson County citizens. The grant requires the county to pay a 50% match with federal and state funding for administrative and operating budget.

Issues discussed in a work session are generally voted on at the next voting session of the Board of Commissioners.

Danny Thompson Dawn Pruett Dawson County Board of Commissioners Shannon Harben

BOC to vote on adjustment to coroner’s budget

News September 18, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

Coroner Ted Bearden

DAWSONVILLE, Ga – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on Coroner Ted Bearden’s request for funding for one additional deputy coroner position beginning on Oct. 1 when it meets in a regular session Thursday at 6 p.m. in the County Administration Building.

The position has been approved for the 2019 budget, but Bearden told commissioners during last week’s work session that a 30 percent increase in the number of calls since last year had forced him to hire a deputy coroner this year and pay him out of his own pocket. He did not ask to be reimbursed for his out of pocket expense, but did request commissioners approve funding for the fourth quarter of this year, approximately $3,876.

He also asked that the coroner’s budget for Other Services (morgue-transportation) be increased by $8,000. He pointed out that the expense had been budgeted for $25,900 in 2017 but only $19,000 this year.

Counties are required by state statute to pay for burial or cremation of indigent deceased persons. Bearden requested that the county only provide cremation service because the reimbursable expense to counties is only $2,000. “There is no way to bury someone for that amount,” he said.

Thursday’s meeting will also see commissioners vote on a conditional use permit requested by Herman Goforth to allow for multiple accessory structures to be built on a 2.744-acre tract. The property is located on Lumpkin Campground Road near Hwy. 53.

Another request commissioners will have to vote on is one made by Public Works Director David McKee who has asked for a professional services exemption for Wakefield Beasley and Associates. The company provided the preliminary civil engineering design for the Veterans Memorial Park ballfield dirt relocation and storm water management plan, which was incorporated into the full design plans for the construction of the new Senior Center building.

The county is in the beginning stages for relocation of the current pavilion, playground and update of the walking trail and unused ball field directly across from the Senior Center. McKee asked for the exemption so Wakefield Beasley & Associates can complete its preliminary work on these designs and plans. The cost is not to exceed $53,915.

McKee said the exemption would save the county the expense of hiring a new firm to become familiar with the site, draw up preliminary plans, and create the complete plans/specifications for for construction services.

Commissioners will also vote on the 2019 Board of Commissioners meeting calendar which accommodates a couple of holidays — July 4 and Thanksgiving — which fall on Thursday. Meetings those weeks will be held on Tuesday. The proposed calendar also accommodates the Association County Commissioners of Georgia Annual Conference in April 2019. Additionally, no meetings are scheduled for the weeks of New Year’s and Christmas.

David McKee Dawson County Board of Commissioners

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