Amicalola Scenic Byway project in second stage

Business, News
Google Map of Scenic Byway

DAWSONVILLE, GA. – The Amicalola Scenic Byway project was presented at the October 7, 2021 Dawson County Commissioners meeting.

Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Mandy Power, announced that Dawson, Gilmer and Pickens counties will all have a part in the new scenic byway that will run through all three counties.

Power read the definition of a Georgia scenic byway and stated that it is “any designated highway, street, road, or route which significantly features certain intrinsic qualities that should be protected or enhanced,” according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Power continued with some of the benefits that a scenic byway could have.

She said among other benefits, it can bring connectivity to the counties and their shared heritage, broaden the travel experience to increase tourist visitation, educate community residents and bring recognition to local natural resources and cultural assets and ultimately enhance tourism spending.

The scenic byway’s prosed map would begin in Dawsonville.

“It starts in downtown Dawsonville at the Hall of fame and it goes through some of the most beautiful parts of Dawson County and we are actually getting the benefit of having it named after one of our landmarks as the Amicalola [Falls] Scenic Byway,” Power said.

She listed some points of interest that have been noted so far for the scenic byway: Historic Downtown Dawsonville; Dawson County Historic Courthouse; Historical Churches; Amicalola State Park; Len Foote Hike Inn; Fausett Farms Sunflowers; Georgia Racing Hall of Fame; Pool Room and Burt’s Pumpkin Farm.

Power announced that they do have the Georgia Department of Transportation approval, so they are now in the second step with is the application stage.

She said that once the application will hopefully be approved, there will be signage along the route, the route will be listed on all the tourism websites and the route will be listed on state and national byway websites.

Power estimated that it may be six months until the Amicalola Scenic Byway is officially unveiled.

City council discusses COVID-19 vaccine incentive

News
Dawsonville City Logo

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council met Monday evening, Sept. 20, and discussed several topics on the agenda, including a possible vaccine incentive for city employees.

Dawsonville City Manager, Bob Bolz, spoke on the proposed vaccine incentive for city employees to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.

He said that they already have approved for workers to be able to get vaccinated during a workday without penalty.

This means that employees are allowed to leave to get vaccinated and would still be paid for the hours missed.

“Each week I sit in with the GMA virtual conference about COVID. They are pushing herd immunity, herd immunity and the quickest way to get there is encouraging vaccinations,” Bolz said.

Currently, the city doesn’t ask for proof of vaccination but that ideally, the proposed incentive would incentivize individuals who are vaccinated to show documentation and those who are not to go get vaccinated.

The incentive would pay individuals $250 for receiving the vaccine and would pay those who have already received the vaccine if they are willing to show proof.

“If you look, Canton is doing a $500 per employee, Hall County is doing $500 per employee. If all 21 people [for Dawson County] got vaccinated, it would be a $5,250 expense of which $2,100 would be reimbursed from ARPA money. They are willing to pay $100 of incentive money so, it would be $3,150 to the city,” Bolz said.

He continued that he thought it was something that could be easily covered by the city and that this is simply an effort to get people vaccinated.

The council opted to vote on this matter at the upcoming meeting on Oct. 4.

City tables Allen Street Properties annexation request

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council voted 3-0, with Councilman William Illg, absent, to table the Allen Street Properties, LLC and  B&K Turner Family LLP petition to annex into the city limits of Dawsonville during Monday’s regular meeting.

The annexation request was the subject of an objection filed by the county in December. The county cited increased traffic and increased infrastructure demands without the benefit of impact fees as the reason for its objection but the county withdrew its objection on May.

The Council could have approved the annexation Tuesday, however, an error in the parcel number listed in the legal advertisement led to a request by the applicant for a postponement until October. The County will have to re-advertise the annexation request.

Council held the first reading of an ordinance to amend its Code of Ordinances regarding fire and protection to align with the county code.

Council voted 3-0 to approve a resolution to accept funding in the amount of $1,212,174, open a bank account and execute documents related to the American Rescue Plan Act. The City has received $606,087.

Council also approved acceptance of Georgia Municipal Association Safety Grant in the amount of $6,000. The City’s purchases will include reflective vests and rain gear, safe grip gloves, flashlights and headlamps, table carts, blue card certification training, flagger training and temperature kiosks.

Following an executive session, Council approved a settlement with former employee Ms. Copeland that involves a cash payment, change of separation from the City from termination to resignation in lieu of termination, an agreement that the City will not contest Ms. Copeland’s application for unemployment insurance benefits.

 

City Council will consider adding two part-time deputies

News

DAWSONVILE, Ga. – Dawsonville City Council will consider the addition of  two deputy sheriff’s position for city patrol when they meet in a combined work session and regular meeting at 5 p.m. Monday (at 5 p.m. in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers on 2nd Floor of City Hall.

The agenda states that the two positions will give the City 12-hour coverage seven days a week for two months (May and June) at a cost of $22,407.

The addition of sheriff’s deputies will require an intergovernmental agreement (IGA). The deputies would patrol city streets, assist City Code Enforcement and Animal Control as needed, enforce City Rules, Regulations, Codes and Ordinances and conduct other community oriented police activities.

Council will consider a request to ratify the application for the FY 2020 Local Maintenance Improvement Grant and approve the30 percent match of the $9,356.76 to be paid out of the budget. The grant is provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation for the supplemental LMIG funding specifically for safety improvements. The project includes restriping, installing crosswalks and street signs for various City streets.

The Water and Sewer Department will ask Council to approve the purchase of a Crew Cab 4X4 truck to be purchased through the Georgia Statewide Contract with Jacky Jones Ford, the low bidder, in the amount of $27,995. Funding source is the FY 2021 Water and Sewer capital budget.

Council will consider the request for a special event alcohol permit for the Chamber of Commerce 24th annual Gala scheduled for May 1 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Council members will also consider an additional Retirement Program for City employees.

 

 

Controversial annexation request will return to City Council agenda Tuesday

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – City Council will revisit a request by B&K Turner Family, LLC. to annex 70.808 acres along Perimeter Road for a 124-lot residential subdivision when it meets in a combined work session and regular meeting Tuesday at 5 p.m. at City Hall.

On Dec. 17, the Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to request the City withdraw the request and on Jan. 6, the Board’s Attorney Angela Davis notified the City and the Department of Community Affairs of its legal and land use objections and requested an Arbitration Panel.

The City Planning Commission initially heard the annexation request on Sept. 14, 2020 and again on Nov. 9.

In other business, Dr. Lawrece Kulish, MD, is expected to be appointed to the Dawson County Board of Health.

Council will consider a special event permit for an exhibit by NASCAR’s Chase Elliott on Feb. 1 from 6:30 pm until 11:30 pm in the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, 415 Highway 54 East.

Council will also consider recommendation to increase the rental rates for certain city-owned properties.

In the past, the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame has rented for $100 per month. The recommendation is to raise that amount to between $500 and $1,000 with a requirement that all events held outside the venue receive a special event permit.

The Distillery, which has rented for $2,778 per month could be increased to $3,500

 

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

 

Council agrees to purchase Laserfiche records management software system

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. —  In the final meeting before the Christmas Holiday, City Council voted unanimously Monday (Dec. 21) to purchase a records management software system from Laserfiche through MCCI at a cost of $19,152.50 with an annual service cost of $3,695 .

City Clerk Beverly Bannister requested the purchase which includes set up, training and ongoing assistance. Mayor Mike Eason said, “It’s going to enhance our capability to find documents and provide information to the public and to counsel.”

Councilman Stephen Tolson presented a review of city-owned lease properties, including the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum and the Distillery and recommended the lease at the Museum be increased from $400 to $500 per month plus 5 percent of revenue. He also recommended an increase from $3,000 a month to $4,500 a month to lease the Distillery.

Councilman Caleb Phillips, who was appointed Mayor Pro Tempore for 2021 during the meeting, made a motion that was unanimously approved to table the issue until the next meeting.

Council also approved the final plat for Oakdale Subdivision located near Allen Street and Memory Lane before adjourning until the New Year.

City will consider rent increases at city-owned properties during Monday meeting

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. –Councilman Stephen Tolson and City Manager Bob Bolz have researched the city’s leased properties and recommended a number of increases that City Council is expected to vote on when it meets Monday (Dec. 21) at 5 p.m. in City Hall.

Distillery Square (approximately 1,700 square feet) currently rents for $3,000 a month (reduced to $1,500 during COVID-19). The recommendation calls for an increase to $4,500 to $5,000 a month and a revision to remove the small office space from the lease which potentially could be rented separately.

Georgia Racing Hall of Fame (approximately 23,714 square feet) currently rents for $100 per month (cut to $50 during COVID-19). The Recommendation calls for an increase to $500-$1,000 a month and subsequent increases each year based on review of financials. The recommendation also requires that a special event permit be obtained prior to event scheduling.

City-owned residential property at 224 Flat Creek Drive is not recommended for an increase. The property currently rents for $750 a month (cut in half for (COVID-19).

City Clerk Beverly Banister will ask Council to approve the purchase of a records management software system from Laserfiche through MCCI at a cost of $19,152.50. Banister said Laserfiche is the easiest to set up and use and comes with a software package that includes set up, training and ongoing assistance.

Council is also expected to vote on final plat approval for Oakdale Subdivision.

City Council to hold special called meeting Wednesday

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawsonville City Council will hold a special called meeting Wednesday (Dec 2) at 5:30 pm in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

The purpose of the meeting is to update the public on the proposed list of SPLOST VII projects, conduct a public comment period for citizen input and then present the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for a vote.

An executive session will be held if needed to discuss pending or potential litigation, real estate acquisition and/or personnel.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

City appoints Jonah Howell solicitor

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — During an abbreviated 30-regular meeting and work session, the Dawsonville City Council unanimously appointed Jonah Howell city solicitor Monday.

The appointment followed an executive session an agenda amendment. Howell has served as acting attorney for the City Council on several occasions and is currently the solicitor for the City of Cumming.

Council postponed taking action on a request by Allen Street Properties, LLC and B & K Turner Family for annexation into the city limits.

The property consists of 74.865 acres located at Perimeter Road. The applicant also requested rezoning from County Zoning of RSR (Residential Sub Rural) and RA (Restricted Agriculture) to City Zoning of R3 (Single Family Residential.

Because the applicant has not submitted the request to the county, council voted to postpone any decision until Jan. 19. “We didn’t feel it is appropriate to deal with this matter until it is approved or disapproved by the county,” said Mayor Mike Eason.

Utilities Director Gary Barr was honored for his 30 years of service to the City of Dawsonville. “We appreciate Gary for all he has done for the city,” Eason said. “He’s going to be missed. We’re still using him to consult on some stuff that no one else knows about this city.”

Finance Director presented some good news to council, reporting that collections from Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax are approximately 10 percent above than the amount budgeted despite the impact COVID-19 has had on the economy.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Chief asks City Council to remember fire, EMS during upcoming SPLOST negotiations

News

Fire Chief Danny Thompson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – As city and county officials begin meeting to discuss how special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) revenue will be divided in the coming year, Dawson County Fire Chief and EMA Director Danny Thompson appeared at Monday’s City Council meeting to ask for funding help for his department.”

“We need your help to be able to serve,” he told council members.

The city does not fund a fire department, so Dawson County Fire Department and Emergency Services is charged with serving both governments.

Thompson pointed out there are seven fire departments with an eighth to be completed before the end of the year. Only five are staffed full time with a minimum of 14 firefighters. There are five engines and three med units.

The county does not have a ladder truck that will reach above 24 feet. “There are many buildings higher than 24 feet that we can’t serve,” he said. “If we call for a ladder truck, it comes from downtown Cumming. If it is on call, it has to come from McFarland. There is not a lot I can do for those over two stories. We will do everything we can to facilitate a rescue but we have limitations.”

Thompson said n 15 buildings the county are more than 24 feet tall, including all schools, the old courthouse, Administration Building and several apartment complexes.

He also point out that state regulations require that a fire department have 14 firefighters on scene to begin interior firefighting. “Our current staff is 14. That means we must have every firefighter respond. That leaves nothing in reserve.”

He pointed out that the fire department responds to approximately 30 structure fires a year.

As to med units, the county has had three med units since 1998 when it responded to 968 calls.  Units need to be replaced every three to four years at an average cost of $410,000. Fire engines need to be replaced every 10-12 years at a cost about $650,000. A new ladder truck would cost approximately $1.2 million.

Council expressed an interest in helping Thompson to adequately fund his department.

Council members unanimously approved a bid of $192,000 by Southeastern Tank & Tower to repaint and refurbish the water tower at Burt’s Crossing.

Council also recognized Public Works Director Trampas Hansard for completion of the Code Enforcement Officer Leadership and Management Level III program through the Carl Vincent Institute of Government and Georgia Association of Code Enforcement. Certification required 261 training hours and completion of written exams.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

City Council will make appointments to Planning Commission and Historic Commission

Business

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.

Eagle Scout candidates present projects to city

News

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – Monday’s City Council meeting was highlighted by two young Eagle Scout candidates who presented their proposed projects to city council.

Christopher Parker Hartley unveiled plans for a dog park at Main Street Park that included signage, play equipment, dog toys, water spigot, sanitation cleanup station and planted trees. The estimated cost is $5,250 and Hartley said he has a potential donor who has pledged $5,000 to fund the project.

Austin Wood’s project called for the installation of two walking trails and construction of a bridge over a ravine in the park. One trail would lead from the Main Street Park to the library. The other would wind around the other side of the park.

Ian Bliss was also scheduled to present his Eagle Scout project but was not able to attend the meeting. Mayor Mike Eason said he would be invited back for the November meeC

Council will reconsider Moonshine Festival permit

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council will hold a called meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 29 to review conditions for the 53rd Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival permit.

City officials approved a permit for K.A.R.E. for Kids to hold the event on Sept. 7 but were not aware that a parade was planned as part of the event. At last week’s meeting, City Manager Bob Bolz told councilmen he was surprised to learn about plans for the parade. “That was news to us,” he said.

Councilman John Walden immediately made a motion for the special called meeting to “reconsider the conditions of the permit.”

 

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

Unanswered question about the city’s Mountain Moonshine Festival

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The K.A.R.E. for Kids 53rd annual Mountain Moonshine Festival experienced a major hiccup at the Dawsonville City Council meeting Monday (Sept. 21).

Nearly two weeks after council members gave the popular event a green light, City Manager Bob Bolz said he was surprised to learn about plans for a parade. In making his report, Bolz said he first learned about the parade when he met with K.A.R.E. for Kids Executive Director Tiffany Buchan and Major Greg Rowan of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.

“We did not realize the parade was on,” he said. “That was news to us.”

On hearing Bolz’ report, Councilman John Walden immediately made a motion to hold a special called meeting “to reconsider conditions of the permit” on Tuesday Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. Council members approved the motion unanimously.

Council also approved:

  • A resolution that designates Dawsonville as Bee City USA;
  • A second amendment to the Farmer’s Market that extends the hours it can operate on Wednesdays until 7 p.m. or dusk;
  • A consulting agreement with former Utilities Director Gary Barr, who retired recently that will allow him to work up to 10 hours a week at a rate of $41.75 per hour
  • Approved the appointment of Cody Dinsmore to the Board of Directors for the Dawsonville History Museum;
  • Renewed the trash collection with Red Oak Sanitation for 2021. The rate will increase from $13 per can per month to $13.20 per can per month.

 

 

City to approve millage rate Monday

News

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga – Finance Director Hayden Wiggins has calculated the 2020 millage rate to be 8.51 mils and city officials are expected to unanimously approve a roll back that relieves city residents of the burden of paying city taxes when City Council meets Monday (Aug. 17) at 5 p.m.

Council approved a FY ‘20-’21 General Fund budget of $$1,879,698 in June that included the 14 percent budget cuts recommended by Gov. Brian Kemp. The overall budget is $5,891,758.

Items expected to be approved under the Consent Agenda include:

  • The Coronavirus Relief Fund Resolution;
  • Ratification of Coronavirus Relief Fund Agreement Signed by Mayor Eason;
  • Lease Contract for Wide Format Printer/Scanner for Planning and Zoning Department;
  • Change Order for Modifications to Well

Under New Business, council will consider a SPLOST VI budget amendment in the amount of $456,657 for the over encumbered account for Main Street Park and the Farmers Market, bringing the expenditure total to $2,269,569.

During the Work Session, council will discuss the 53rd Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival and the Operational Efficiency study.

City Manager Bob Bolz and Wiggins will provide departmental reports.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

City Council approves budget resolution

News

DAWSOVILLE, Ga. – In a combined work session and regular meeting Monday, City Council unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the fiscal year 2020-21 budget. The overall budget is set at $5,891,758 and the General Fund budget is $1,879,698.

The largest expenditures in the general fund is projected to be Administration $739,865 and Roads $537,517. Revenue from SPLOST VI is projected at $1,064,750 and combined revenue from the water and sewer enterprise funds is expected to be $1,629,310.

Council approved a resolution to allow Howser Mill Homeowners’ Association to place standardized “No Parking” signs within the subdivision on Millstone Drive. Rivermill Lane and Mill Crossing for one year, unless revoked by City Council. The resolution can be renewed annually by a vote of City Council.

In 2019, council entered into an agreement with NextSite, LLC and Georgia Power to market the city at a cost of $20,000 annually. Georgia Power is responsible for $15,000 annually and the city pays the rest. The annual deadline for the city to terminate the agreement has passed so city council unanimously approved extending it for another year.

During the work session, Mayor Mike Eason said the city needs to consider setting a citywide speed limit within subdivisions. Council then approved a motion to direct the City Attorney to draft a resolution to address that need.

Eason also informed council that Georgia Department of Transportation wants a letter of support for the Perimeter Road extension that commits the city to participate in the lighting project during the design phase. The city would pay to have the lighting turned on and pay the power bills.

“These bypasses are very important to the City of Dawsonville to try to get rid of some of the 18-wheelers and other heavy trucks flying through town,” he said. “Sometimes its 100 per hour that come through the city during the day. If we can get those people out of downtown hopefully we can get some development going to do some downtown improvement.”

Council unanimously approved issuance of the letter of support.

Under the consent agenda, council approved a telecommunications agreement with Airespring for analog telephone service and an agreement with the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce to carry on the promotion of existing commercial and industrial businesses and tourism attractions on behalf the city and to publicize and assist these businesses and attractions to their best advantages.

Council also approved a motion to schedule a special session with the Dawson County Board of Commissioners on June 26 at 9 a.m. to discuss participation in SPLOST VII when the current SPLOST expires in 2021.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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