Dawsonville City Council Archives - Page 3 of 5 - DawsonDawson

150-unit towhhome development on city council agenda

News November 17, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

Dawsonville, Ga. — The Dawsonville City Council will hear a rezoning request from Fall Leaf Residential, LLC when it meets Monday that could add 140 new townhomes to the city along Hwy. 53.

Fall Leaf Residential, LLC has requested 25.7 acres be rezoned from Restricted Industrial to Multi Family Residential to accommodate the townhome development. The request includes a variance that would reduce the minimum lot size from 28 feet to 20 feet.

Fall Leaf has also submitted a companion request to rezone one acre from Restricted Industrial to Central Business District for a small business on the site.

Ray Strychalski will present information to the council on the amphitheater at Main Street Park.

Under the Consent Agenda, council is expected to approve a contract with Johnson Paving for paving Maple Heights Subdivision at a cost of $153,251.

Council is also expected to approve an agreement with Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) for developing city design guidelines. GMRC will hold several public information meetings, create a GIS map and conduct an electronic survey to gather public input.

Council will hold a second reading of an ordinance to provide a method for approving training opportunities for members of all boards, authorities and commissions. The ordinance would also provide for payment of reimbursement of actual expenses incurred for training opportunities and attendance at meetings.

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Dawsonville City Council LLC

Dawsonville City Council meets Monday at 5:30

News August 2, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

City Manager Bob Bolz

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council will hold a regular meeting Monday Aug. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

Public Works Director Trampas Hansard will propose council approve funding for street lighting at Main Street Park in the amount of $119,275. The expenditure is not included in the list of approved special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) projects nor is it provided for in the general fund budget. If approved, it will be funded out of the city reserves.

A public hearing will be held on certain adjustments to the zoning ordinance approved late last year. Staff indicated that since the ordinance has been in use some need for adjustments have been noted and that the proposed adjustments would refine the ordinance for its best use.

Council will also decide on the issuance of a license for retail consumption on the premises for beer, wine and distilled spirits to I Love N.Y. Pizza of Dawsonville, Inc. located at 29 Main Street Suite 140-160.

The annual Kare for Kids Moonshine festival is set for Oct. 25-27 which requires city council to approve street closings. Georgia Department of Transportation has approved closing Hwy. 53 at Jack Heard and Hwy. 9 at the Middle School from 3 p.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Sunday.

Council is expected to vote on closing Academy St., Gober Sosebee St., Bernard Long St., and Bill Elliot St. from 3 p.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Sunday and Allen Street from Hwy. 53 east to the library and Memory Lane from Jack Heard to Main Street from 7 a.m. Friday until 8 p.m. Sunday.

There will also be three first readings Monday, including:

Business license/short-term rental regulations;
Small wireless facilities ordinance;
An ordinance to amend general penalties for violations of city ordinances and fees for city services.

Council will also consider:

Approval to grant City Manager Bob Bolz the authority to approve change orders should they be needed for Farmers’ Market up to the amount of his signing limit;
Appointment of members to the Board of Directors for the Dawsonville Historic Museum.

Council has postponed a hearing on the appointment of an Ethics Board.

Bob Bolz Dawsonville City Council Meeting

City council set to adopt FY 2019-20 budget

News June 2, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. –Dawsonville City Council is set to approve a resolution to adopt the $7,006,090 FY 2019-2020 budget during the regular meeting Monday (June 3) at 5:30 p.m. in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers.

The general fund revenue and expenditures are balanced at $2,174,484. SPLOST VI revenue is projected to be $1,812,812, an increase of approximately $425,000 from last year. The council held the first public hearing on May 20.

Plans for the city’s proposed farmer’s market are expected to take a giant step forward if council approve Magnum Contracting, LLC’s bid to build the facility. Magnum submitted the low bid of $852,380 to construct the 7,500 square foot facility that includes a pavilion 34 parking spaces, picnic area, playground and restrooms.

The property is located between the city municipal complex and Dawson County Junior High School.

In other business, council will consider approval of:

An agreement with the Amicalola Farmer’s Market;

An agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for FY 2019-2020;

A request to waive the permit fees for the Dawsonville Annual Fireworks Event;

Postponement of appointments to the Ethics Board until August 5.

There are also a number of annexation requests on the council agenda, including:

A request by Dan S. and Vanita L. Anderson to annex into the city limits a portion of the 12.19-acre tract at 378 Shoal Creek Road, with a request to rezone from County Zoning of RA (Residential Exurban/Agriculture) to City Zoning of R1 (Single Family Residential). Council held a public on March 18;

A request by James E. Bottoms to annex into the city the 80-acre tract located at Cleve Wright Road, with a request to rezone from County Zoning of RA (Residential Exurban/Agriculture) to City Zoning of RA (Restricted Agriculture). Council held a public hearing on May 20;

A petition to annex property located at 551 Gold Bullion Drive West into the city, with a request to rezone from County Zoning of RPC (Residential Planned Community) to City Zoning of PUD (Planned Unit Development). Council held a public hearing on 20;

There are also several rezoning requests on the agenda, including:

Ensite Civil Consulting LLC’s request for a zoning amendment on 38.58 acres located at 592 Hwy 53 West, from R-3 (Single Family) to RPC (Residential Planned Community). Council held a public hearing on April 22. A decision was postponed at the applicant’s request until June 3.

Ensite Civil Consulting LLC’s appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to deny a density variance for property located at 592 Hwy 53 West;

Mostafa Elahy’s request for an amendment to the zoning stipulations for 9.14 acres located at 280 Maple Street South;

Larry Lowman’s request for a zoning amendment on a 5-acre portion of property located at Reece Road and Elliott Family Parkway, from R1 (Single Family Residential) to LI (Light Industrial). Council held a public hearing on May 20.

Council will also vote on rules and regulations governing the use of city hall meeting rooms. The cost to rent council chambers for half a day is proposed at $150. The smaller Joe Lane Cox room is expected to be set at $125 for half a day.

Dawsonville City Council LLC Meeting

City residents voice strong opposition to Ensite development

News March 20, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawsonville residents packed the city hall meeting room during Monday’s City Council meeting to voice their opposition to a proposed development that would add 172 new residences on a 38.58 acre tract at 592 Hwy. 53 West.

The developer, Ensite Civil Consulting, LLC, has asked for the property to be rezoned from R-3 to Residential Planned Community to be marketed to senior citizens. However, before the meeting, Ensite asked for and received a postponement until the April 22 meeting.

Council did go ahead with the public hearing and seven area residents marched to the podium to explain why they don’t believe the development is in the best interests of the city. No one spoke in favor of the project.

Dava Hudgins spoke first to say the area is already heavily congested. “Add in this many more units they are requesting and this is going to be a dangerous intersection,” she said. “I don’t want another child in this county to wreck or be injured or killed because of poor planning where this road is concerned.”

Jeff Chastain, whose property is adjacent to the proposed development, expressed concern about an underground stream that crosses the property and flows into a branch which then feeds into Shoal Creek. Chastain said the runoff will damage the water quality and threaten endangered species.

“There is no way you can put 170 homes with two or three vehicles per home and keep the oil and gas and everything you’re going to get from that out of the waterway,” he said. “I don’t see how that is environmentally possible. This is beyond ridiculous. That is some of the cleanest water you will find around here.”

The planning commission unanimously recommended that council deny the request to rezone the property.

Councilman Mark French said, “I believe we should uphold the planning commission’s decision.”

He pointed out that if the residents are required to be 55-and older in a few years, many of the residents would be eligible for a senior tax exemption and sales tax generated by the development would be insufficient to pay for the additional services the city would have to provide. “I’m just concerned we would not be able to do that.”

While some opponents pointed out that the developer could not legally limit the sale of the units to non-senior citizens, City Attorney Dana Miles explained that under federal law, the City could do so.

“Under the Housing for Older Persons Act, there can be a requirement that (council) can put in by ordinance as a stipulation if you see fit to rezone this property,” he said. “It allows (government) to discriminate in the sale of housing units to people under 55. At least 80 percent of the residences must be owned by and lived in by someone 55 and older.”

Dawsonville City Council

Eason defeats Grogan in special election 195-120

News March 20, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Mayor Mike Eason, a 31-year special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the state’s first inspector general, defeated former Mayor James Grogan 195-120 in a special election Tuesday.

Eason, 67, was appointed mayor last December after Dawsonville City Council removed Grogan for alleged violations of the city’s charter.

Eason said, “I appreciate everyone getting out to vote whether they voted for me or not. It means a lot to me knowing I have the support of the citizens. I plan to serve all the citizens, not just the ones who voted for me.”

Eason, who will take the oath of office April 9, said the city is working on a resolution to regulate the city’s speed limit. Another priority, he said, is working with the Downtown Development Authority on the comprehensive plan.

Grogan said he plans to call Eason to offer his congratulations and support.

The former mayor said he does not know what his future plans are right now. “It won’t be political,” Grogan said. He added that he was surprised by the outcome. “I got so much positive feedback from the citizens during the campaign, I was totally shocked,” he said.

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. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

Dawsonville City Council Mayor Mike Eason

Dawsonville City Council meeting at 5:30 Monday

News March 17, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council will hold a combined work session and regular meeting Monday (March 18) at 5:30 p.m. in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers.

Council will hold a second reading of a proposed amendment to the city’s Ethics Ordinance aimed at clarifying and better defining the scope of the ordinance and clarifying, defining and restricting conflicts of interest and penalties applicable for elected officials and employees. The amendment also provides for defining qualification of members of the Ethics Board that will hear complaints from citizens.

Ensite Civil Consulting, LLC will ask Council to rezone 38.58 acres at 592 Hwy. 53 West from Single Family Residential (R-3) to Residential Planned Community (RPC) for the purpose of building a 172-home subdivision targeted for seniors. The subdivision would consist of quad homes and townhomes and would require a density of 4.5 units per acre. Planning Commission has recommended council deny the request based on density, no age restrictions and traffic concerns.

Mayor Mike Eason will read a proclamation declaring March 18 as Tigers Day in honor of the Dawson County High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. The boys team posted a 27-5 record, won the Region 7-AAA championship and advanced to the State Tournament’s Final Four, farther than any DCHS team ever.

The girls team posted an impressive 22-9 record and advanced to the State Tournament’s Elite 8.

Dan and Venita Anderson will request Council annex a 12.19 acre tract at 378 Shoal Creek Road into the City of Dawsonville.

Council is also expected to vote on a resolution of recertification as City of Ethics status with the Georgia Municipal Association.

Council will also consider a recommendation by Christopher Poje to adjust water and sewer rates and water and sewer tap fees.

Dawsonville City Council Mayor Mike Eason

City Council set to backtrack on reduction in mayor’s pay

News February 3, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — In a complete reversal of its Dec. 2017 decision to slash the mayor’s pay, Dawsonville City Council members are now expected to vote for a substantial increase not only in the mayor’s pay, but for each council member when they meet Monday at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.

Councilman Mark French has been adamantly opposed to the pay raise since the idea surfaced during a public hearing on Jan. 7. Two weeks later, during the second public hearing, French said, “I would like to state my continued opposition to any increase for the mayor or any member of the council.”

In a phone interview with Fetch Your News the next day, French said, when the mayor’s pay was reduced, we were told the reason was the city had just hired – for the first time — a city manager who would take over many of the mayor’s responsibilities. “But now council is looking to increase the salary and no additional duties have been added,” he said.

If the increase is approved, it would nearly double the mayor’s pay to $1,000 per month plus $150 for a city council meeting and another $150 for each additional meeting pre-approved by city council. Council members’ pay would increase from $500 to $600 per month plus an additional $150 per city council meeting and $150 for an additional meeting per-approved by council. All that is in addition to approximately $20,000 in insurance benefits the mayor and council now receive.

A number of people have questioned why city council has backtracked on the issue.

Former Mayor James Grogan thinks he knows the answer.

Grogan has said the pay reduction was politically motivated. In 2016, Councilmen Jason Power and Caleb Phillips and former Councilwoman Angie Smith voted to oust Grogan from office for alleged violations of the city charter. Grogan went to court to get his job back, but lost.

He says when Phillips, Power and Smith got word he planned to run against then interim mayor Mike Eason in a special election they voted to reduce the pay to deter him. Grogan did run again, but was defeated by Eason.

In other action under the consent agenda Monday, council is expected to approve:

The Get Your Glow On 5k Race scheduled for Mar. 8;
A special event alcohol permit for Georgia Racing Hall of Fame for Mar. 2;
Auditing services RFQ;
Construction Management Services RFQ;
Storm water Facility Management agreement;
A motion to table the parking project at city hall.

Under New Business, council is expected to vote on:

An amendment to the garbage service ordinance;
Red Oak Sanitation contract;
Calculation of service charge for garbage service.

Angie Smith Caleb Phillips Dawsonville City Council Jason Power Mark French

Dawsonville City Council wants to increase pay for mayor and council members 13 months after voting for a decrease in pay

News January 23, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

Mike Eason

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Just 13 months after the Dawsonville City Council voted to reduce the mayor’s pay from $2,000 to $600 per month all but one council member now wants to increase the pay for the mayor and each council member.

By a vote of 3-1 during last night’s council meeting council approved the second reading of an amendment to the city charter that would nearly double the mayor’s pay to $1,000 per month plus $150 for each city council meeting and another $150 for each additional meeting pre-approved by city council. All that is in addition to approximately $20,000 in insurance benefits the mayor and council now receive.

If approved, the pay raises would not become effective until Jan. 2020.

A third reading and public hearing is set for Feb. 4 and, if approved, each council member also would receive an increase from $500 to $600 per month plus an additional $150 per city council meeting and $150 for an additional meeting per-approved by council.

Councilman Mark French — who was not on the council at the time the mayor’s pay was reduced, — voiced strong opposition. “I would like to state my continued opposition to any increase for the mayor or any member of the city council,” he said.

Mark French

In a phone interview Wednesday, French said when the mayor’s pay was reduced, we were told the reason was the city had just hired – for the first time — a city manager who would take over many of the mayor’s responsibilities.

“But now council is looking to increase the salary and no additional duties have been added,” he said.

Former Mayor James Grogan has said the pay reduction was politically motivated to discourage him from running against current Mayor Mike Eason.

Grogan was removed from office by a vote of city council members who alleged he violated the city charter. He was replaced by Mayor Eason, who served on an interim basis until he defeated Grogan in the special election in March.

Eason said Wednesday, “I don’t know why council decided to reduce the mayor’s pay. I had nothing to do with that. That vote took place on my very first meeting as interim mayor.”

Eason also said to his knowledge nothing has changed with regard to the responsibilities of mayor and city council since the pay reduction was approved.

Dawsonville City Council James Grogan Mark French Mike Eason

Public hearing on FY 2018-19 budget Monday

News June 3, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga — The Dawsonville City Council will hold a public hearing on the fiscal year 2018-19 budget Monday in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers on the second floor starting at 7 p.m.

The proposed spending plan calls for $5,755,543 in both revenue and expenditures. That represents an increase of $726,777 since last year. Council will vote on the budget June 18.

The major revenue sources are projected to be the local option sales tax ($998,100), water and sewer fees ($193,207), electric franchise fees ($145,000) special purpose local option sales tax ($138,000) motor vehicle title ad valorem tax ($100,000) and alcohol excise tax ($100,000). Major expenditures include administrative ($1,953,925) and capital outlay ($647,000).

Council will also hold a second reading of petitions of annexation into the city limits for property located at 324 and 372 Howser Mill Road.

Other items on the agenda include consideration of:

A contract for city inspector at a range of $40 to $55 per inspection;
A contract for Phase 1 Main Street Park. Staff recommends accepting the low bid of T.W. Phillips in the amount of $1,454,169.54;
A request by Pete Smith of SDC Gwinnett, LLC to continue to construct driveways in Rainhall with 1 foot 6 inch apron, although new requirements call for 3-foot apron. Smith states that the subdivision was 80 to 85 percent complete when the new requirement was approved; and
A request to issue a request for proposal for paving, patching and leveling of city streets.

Dawsonville City Council

Dawsonville City Council will meet Jan. 8

News January 1, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council will hold its first regular meeting of the new year on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Dawsonville Municipal Complex, 415 Highway 53 East, Suite 100.

Issues to be addressed include mayor and council board designations, appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission and a service agreement for preventative maintenance of the city’s generators.

There will also be staff reports from City Manager Bob Bolz, City Clerk Beverly Banister, Finance Administrator Hayden Wiggins, Utilities Director Gary Barr, Public Works Operations Manager Trampas Hansard and Planning Director Casey Majewski as well as the mayor and city council.

Council is expected to go into Executive Session to discuss potential or pending litigation, personnel, and/or land acquisition.

Bob Bolz Dawsonville City Council

Former Mayor Grogan upbeat despite court ruling

News March 14, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Former Dawsonville Mayor James Grogan was surprisingly upbeat Wednesday despite the fact that Superior Court Judge C. Andrew Fuller ordered him to pay the city $25,060.88, the salary and benefits he received from the city while he appealed his impeachment.

Grogan said he was disappointed but not surprised by the judge’s ruling and he remained optimistic.

“We have an election coming up Tuesday that can make that go away,” he said.

Grogan is running to regain his seat as mayor in Tuesday’s special election against the man who replaced him, Mayor Mike Eason.

He was voted out of office last May by three city council members who allege he violated the city charter.

He said the reason for his optimism is the feedback he has received from the voters.

“I’ve gone door to door and I haven’t heard a single negative comment,” Grogan said. “I feel like the citizens will do the right thing and return me to office. They have heard all this stuff before, and they know I’ve tried to do the right thing and stay above the fray. I believe they are going to vote me back in office.”

Dawsonville City Council James Grogan Mayor Mike Eason

City Council approves mayor’s pay raise, 3-1

News February 5, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council voted 3-1 Monday (Feb. 4) to approve an amendment to the city charter that will increase the mayor’s salary from $600 to $1,000 per month starting in 2020.

Councilman Mark French, who has opposed the pay raise from the beginning, cast the dissenting vote.

Other changes to the city charter approved by last night’s vote include language to better describe how council members are to be elected following the addition of new posts and that they must live in their district for at least one year prior to being elected.

The provision in the amendment that would have increased council members salary from $500 to $600 was stricken before the vote was taken.

French’s motion to table a vote until after the state legislature passes or rejects it died for lack of a second.

Attorney Kevin Tallant, whose Cumming-based law firm Miles, Hansford and Tallant represents the City of Dawsonville, said, “I don’t believe it’s necessary to table it until after the legislature acts. I understand your request but I don’t see a legal impediment to you moving forward.”

To which French replied, “Just because something is legal doesn’t always mean it is the right thing to do.”

French voiced several objections to the amendment. He pointed to wording on the first page that states: “Whereas the charter of the City of Dawsonville has not been substantially revised since its passage in the Georgia Legislature since April 1996 …”

“That is not a true statement,” he said. “It was amended in Dec. ’17.”

Regarding the pay raise, he said, “I do not think this is justified. I do not support it and I will not vote for it.”

He also objected to Section 5.11e which calls for the creation of “four council member districts of approximately equal population.”

French said, “The districts have already been created so there is no need to recreate them. These districts were approved by this council at our June 4 regular meeting in 2018.”

Tallant expressed frustration at French’s objections. Three times, he seemed to scold him for not raising the objections earlier.

“First of all, I’ll say I am a little disappointed this is the third reading and second public hearing and this is the first time I’m hearing some of these things. I’m certain these things could have been brought up before.”

Later when Tallant said, “Again, that’s something that could have been brought up earlier if you had a concerns about it.”

French quickly shot back, “Anybody. It could have been brought up by anybody. Mr. Tallant, I suggest you not question my timing.”

“Understood,” Tallant responded.

There was also a tense exchange between French and Councilman Jacob Phillips when French wanted to know who proposed raising the mayor’s salary.

“On the record, I have talked to every one of the council members, including yourself and no elected official I know brought this up,” Phillips said.

“So how did it get there,” French asked. “I think when you’re spending the people’s money, you ought to be able to tell them how these things transpired.”

Dawsonville City Council Mark French

City council plans major change in future elections

News December 17, 2017 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – With little or no public information or involvement, the Dawsonville City Council is prepared to make a major shift in how future city elections are conducted.

City council members — including two who were recently voted out of office – are expected to approve the change from an at-large system of electing city council members to a vote by district during Monday’s city council meeting.

According to the Georgia Municipal Association, only 19 percent of Georgia’s more than 500 cities choose their council members by district.

City Council did hold one public hearing on the issue at its work session recently. The second public hearing is set for Monday. However, there has been no town hall meeting or formal effort to gather public input on the issue, so it is unclear if Dawsonville citizens are even aware of the change that is about to take place.

Asked if such an important change should be decided by city residents in a referendum, Councilman Caleb Phillips said, “I don’t know if it should or shouldn’t. I haven’t talked to anybody who thought it was a bad idea. That’s the way our government works.”

Stephen Tolson

But former Dawson County Commission Chairman Mike Berg said, “When you change the way people elect their government without any input from the citizens, you have a kind of socialism.”

Two new city council members – Stephen Tolson and Mark French – will take the oath of office Monday. FetchYourNews asked both if the decision should be left up to voters to decide. Both chose not to answer.

Tolson said, “I appreciate your asking, but just to ensure a good relationship with the current city council members, I have promised them I would not comment on that.”

French said he would prefer to wait until after he took the oath of office to respond. He did say, however, “I have not been requested by anyone to remain silent regarding the proposed amendment. A request of that nature, in my opinion, is certainly not appropriate.”

Council will also vote on a resolution to reduce the mayor’s pay from $2,000 to $600 a month.

City Manager Bob Bolz explained that the mayor, who once served as mayor and city manager, has fewer responsibilities now that the city has a full-time manager.

Caleb Phillips Dawsonville City Council

Dawsonville Police Department? Could Happen!

News October 25, 2017 , by Bill Johnson

City Manager Bob Bolz

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – In a slide presentation to city council Monday, Dawsonville City Manager Bob Bolz presented reasons why the city should consider forming its own police department, what the potential cost would be and how it could be funded.

Bolz began by pointing out a rise in crime statistics in Dawsonville and other north Georgia cities similar in size to Dawsonville. He also said that only 22 of north Georgia’s 103 cities do not have a city police department.

Bolz suggested the start-up cost associated with the formation of a new police department could be paid from the city’s surplus funds and would include a salary and benefit package for a police chief ($80,338), one part-time deputy ($12,000), police-outfitted Dodge Charger ($30,000), officer equipment, including service weapon, uniform, bulletproof vest, hand-held radio and taser ($3,800) and office equipment ($2,000).

Potential funding sources, he said, include LOST and SPLOST funds, an increase in city revenue related to growth and development, rural city grants and renegotiated service agreement with the county.

No decision was made at the work session and council indicated they wanted to study the proposal. Comments made by Councilman Caleb Phillips and Councilwoman Angie Smith seemed to indicate they would favor creating a city police department while Councilman Mike Sosebee seemed less favorable.

Angie Smith Caleb Phillips Dawsonville City Council Mike Sosebee

Four Candidates Qualify for City Council Race

News August 25, 2017 , by Bill Johnson

Councilman Mike Sosebee will seek reelection in Nov.

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Qualifying for the 2017 city-wide, non-partisan municipal elections ended Thursday with two incumbents and two new candidates entering the race for city council.

Incumbent Angie Smith will seek her second full term in office. She was appointed to the board in 2012 and won her first election in 2013. Mike Sosebee has served on and off city council over the past 30 years.

The newcomers are Stephen Tolson, who lists his profession as healthcare administrator and Mark French, an office manager.

The election is scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 7 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. All city voters will vote at the Dawsonville precinct, Dawson County Board of Elections Office; 96 Academy Avenue in Dawsonville.

If you have any questions about your voting status, go to “My Voter Page” @ http://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do or call the Elections & Voter Registration office at 706-344-3640.

Fetch Your News will post profile articles on all the candidates in the coming weeks and provide the most comprehensive news coverage of all the races.

Angie Smith Dawsonville City Council Mark French Mike Sosebee Stephen Tolson

UPDATE: James Grogan Issues Statement About His Plans to Run for Mayor in 2018

News October 31, 2017 , by Bill Johnson

James Grogan

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – James Grogan announced today that he is giving up his appeal to remain mayor of Dawsonville in order to save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and will, instead, run for mayor in a 2018 special election.

Grogan was voted out of office by City Council members Angie Smith, Caleb Phillips and Jason Power following a report presented to council on May 1 that outlined a number of alleged violations of city code by the mayor. Grogan’s attorney Steven Leibel appealed council’s action, but earlier this month, C. Andrew Fuller, Chief Judge for the Northeast Judicial District ruled the appeal was improperly filed.

Today (Oct. 31), Grogan issued the following statement:

“Obviously I am not pleased with the decision of the judge, however, it is very important to note the ruling did not side with the city council’s decision or their action. It was simply a technicality on a complicated issue that has never happened before in the state of Georgia. My heart is still in serving the citizens of Dawsonville and I believe ultimately it is their decision and not some random judge to decide.

“So instead of continuing the fight through the legal process and to prevent city council from spending any more of your tax payer funds frivolously on legal fees, I’m here to take the high road and say, let’s stop this now. Let’s put this back up to the voters.

“This morning I have stopped my appeal and I am announcing that I will rerun for Mayor in the special election in March and to serve you with all my heart. I have been serving you for many years and we have seen many great things happen in this city under my leadership. So, instead of three power hungry city council members and a random judge deciding the direction our city should take, and whether I should continue to serve you, I have decided to put the decision back where it belongs, with the citizens of Dawsonville.

“You and only you will decide whether I should be allowed to continue to be your leader. So please vote for James Grogan for Mayor in 2018.”

Angie Smith Caleb Phillips City of Dawsonville Dawsonville City Council James Grogan Jason Power Steven Leibel

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