Commissioners Meeting Sept. 15
Announcements, Community September 12, 2022
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga.- The Commissioners are holding the second work session and meeting of the month on Sept. 15 beginning with the work session are 4:00 p.m.
The meeting and work session are open to the public. This is the agenda for both.
Work Session:
. Presentation of Request for Assistant District Attorney Supplement- District Attorney Lee
Darragh
2. Presentation of Continuation Application for Victims of Crime Act Grant for FY 2023-
District Attorney Lee Darragh
3. Presentation of Request for Raffle Fundraiser to Benefit Emergency Services- Interim
Emergency Services Director Jason Dooley
4. Presentation of Request to Use Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax VI Funds to
Upgrade Fields at Rock Creek Park- Parks & Recreation Director Matt Payne
5. Presentation of FY 2023 Intergovernmental Agreement between Dawson County and the
Board of Education Concerning School Resource Officers- County Attorney
6. County Manager Report
7. County Attorney Report
Regular Meeting:
A. ROLL CALL
B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Work Session held on September 1, 2022
2. Minutes of the Voting Session held on September 1, 2022
E. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
G. ZONINGS
1. ZA 22-15 – Jim King requests to rezone TMP 097-017 from RSR (Residential Sub-Rural)
to RPC (Residential Planned Community) for purposes of developing a 332-lot subdivision
with amenities area (Grizzle Road).
2. ZA 22-19 – Jim King requests to rezone TMP 107-053 and 107-272 from RA (Residential
Agriculture) to RMF (Residential Multi-Family) for purposes of developing 152 multifamily dwellings (Lee Castleberry Road).
VR 22-14 – Jim King requests to vary from the Dawson County Land Use Resolution
Article III Section 308.C.6.B – varies from the width of driveways in RMF.
3. ZA 22-20 – Miles, Hansford & Tallant LLC on behalf of Dawson Yards LLC requests to
rezone TMP 113-017, 113-018 and 113-096 from RSRMM (Residential Sub-Rural
Manufactured Moved) and CHB (Commercial Highway Business) to CIR
(Commercial Industrial Restricted) for purposes of developing office/warehouse space
(Highway 53 East).
H. NEW BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Request to Use County Facility Parking Lots During Mountain
Moonshine Festival and Use of Transfer Station Following Festival
2. Consideration of Shop with a Cop Fundraiser
3. Consideration of RFP #406-22 – Debris Removal and Disposal Services Results
4. Consideration of 2023 Payroll and Holiday Calendar
5. Consideration of 2023 Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule
6. Consideration of Annexation C2200122
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
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J. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioners Work Session and Voting Session
Announcements, Community August 31, 2022
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga.- The Dawson County Commissioners will be holding the work session and voting session on Sep. 1 beginning at 4:00 p.m.
The work and voting sessions are open to the public. These are the agendas for both sessions.
Work Session:
NEW BUSINESS
1. Presentation of Request to Use County Facility Parking Lots During Mountain Moonshine
Festival and Use of Transfer Station Following Festival- KARE for Kids Board Member
Tom French
2. Presentation of Shop with a Cop Fundraiser- Sheriff Jeff Johnson
3. Presentation of RFP #406-22 – Debris Removal and Disposal Services Results- Public
Works Director Jeff Hahn / Purchasing Manager Melissa Hawk
4. Presentation of 2023 Payroll and Holiday Calendar- Human Resources Director Kristi
Finley
5. Presentation of Appointment of Interim Emergency Management Agency DirectorCounty Manager David Headley
6. Presentation of 2023 Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule- County Clerk Kristen
Cloud
7. Discussion of Pay Increases for Employees to Offset Inflation- Chairman Billy Thurmond
8. County Manager Report
9. County Attorney Report
Voting Session:
A. ROLL CALL
B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Work Session held on August 18, 2022
2. Minutes of the Voting Session held on August 18, 2022
E. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
G. ALCOHOL LICENSE
1. Alcohol License Transfer (Retail Package Sale of Beer and Wine) – Arisha Shell Inc.
H. NEW BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Annexation C2200122
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
J. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioners Work and Voting Session
Announcements, Community August 18, 2022
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga.- The Dawson County Commissioners are holding the work and voting session beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 18.
The work and voting sessions are open to the public. These are the agendas for both.
Work Session:
1. Presentation of Appointment of Interim Emergency Management Agency DirectorEmergency Services Director Danny Thompson
2. Presentation of Scope of Services for Impact Fee Program Update and AmendmentPlanning & Development Director Sharon Farrell
3. Presentation of Request for Funding to Perform Land Survey and Phase 1 Environmental
Assessment on Donated Property from Anne L. Styles- County Manager David Headley
4. County Manager Report
5. County Attorney Report
Voting Session:
A. ROLL CALL
B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Work Session held on August 4, 2022
2. Minutes of the Voting Session held on August 4, 2022
E. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
G. ALCOHOL LICENSE
1. New Alcohol License (Retail Consumption of Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits) –
Dawsonville Mac LLC d/b/a Taco Mac
H. ZONINGS
1. ZA 22-04 – Fox Creek Properties Inc. requests to rezone TMP 112-109, 104-065, 112-019,
112-013, 113-057-002 and 112-018 from RA (Residential Agriculture), RPC (Residential
Planned Community), CHB (Commercial Highway Business), CPCD (Commercial
Planned Community Development) and COI (Commercial Office Institution) to Mixed Use
Village for the purpose of developing single-family, multi-family,
retail/commercial/office, and light industrial uses (Georgia 400 and Lumpkin Campground
Road). (Last tabled from July 21, 2022, Voting Session; a public hearing was held at
the May 19, 2022, Voting Session)
2. SU 22-02 – Happy Dog Retreat Inc. requests a Special Use to gain zoning compliance of
TMP 070-005-001 for a pet boarding and kennel facility in a RA (Residential Agriculture)
zoning (Elliott Family Parkway).
3. ZA 22-16 – Noah and Rachel Behel request to rezone TMP 092-047 and 092-047-001 from
RA (Residential Agriculture) to RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) for the purposes of
subdividing the parcel to RSR standards (Highway 9 North).
4. ZA 22-17 – Fred Stowers requests to rezone TMP 111-036 from RSR (Residential SubRural) to RA (Residential Agriculture) for agricultural purposes (Stowers Creek Circle).
5. ZA 22-18 – Eastgate Holdings LLC requests to rezone TMP 106-214 from RA (Residential
Agriculture) to CIR (Commercial Industrial Restricted) for purposes of developing
office/warehouse space (Lumpkin Campground Road South).
Page 2 of 2
I. NEW BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Application for Parade and Assembly – Five Star NTP Bootlegger
Triathlon
J. PUBLIC COMMENT
K. ADJOURNMENT
Dawson County Commissioners Will hold work session and voting meeting
Announcements, Community August 3, 2022
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga.- The Dawson County Commissioner will be holding their work session on Aug. 4 at 4:00 p.m. Then, at 6:00 p.m., they will hold a public hearing on the millage rate and their voting meeting.
The meeting and work session is open to the public. These are the agendas for both.
Work Session:
NEW BUSINESS
1. Presentation of Application for Parade and Assembly – Five Star NTP Bootlegger
Triathlon – Planning & Development Director Sharon Farrell
2. Presentation of Land Donation Agreement- County Attorney
3. County Manager Report
4. County Attorney Report
Voting Meeting:
A. ROLL CALL
B. OPENING PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation of Achievement for Eagle Scout Projects
2. Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Introduction- Executive Director Steve Napier /
Vice President of Development & Strategic Initiatives Sabrina Kirkland
C. INVOCATION
D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
E. ANNOUNCEMENTS
F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Work Session held on July 21, 2022
2. Minutes of the Voting Session held on July 21, 2022
G. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
H. PUBLIC COMMENT
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. 2022 Millage Rate and Property Tax (3rd of 3 hearings; 1st hearing was held July 7, 2022,
and 2nd hearing was held on July 21, 2022)
2. Extension of an Existing Moratorium on the Acceptance of Residential Rezoning
Applications (1st of 1 hearing)
J. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Proposed Transfer Station Improvements (Tabled from July 21, 2022,
Voting Session)
K. NEW BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Request for Addition of Position Classification
2. Consideration of Request for Funding for Fire Hydrants
L. PUBLIC COMMENT
M. ADJOURNMENT
Dawson County Commissioner Meeting July 21
Community July 20, 2022
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga.- The Dawson County Commissioners are holding the second work and voting meeting on July 21 beginning at 4:00 p.m.
The meetings are open to the public. This is the agenda for the work session and the voting meeting.
Work Session:
PUBLIC HEARING
1. 2022 Millage Rate and Property Tax (2nd of 3 hearings; 1st hearing was held July 7, 2022,
and 3rd hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on August 4, 2022)
NEW BUSINESS
1. Presentation of Results of FY 2021 Audit- BatesCarter’s Amanda Wilkson
2. Presentation of Request for Addition of Position Classification- Emergency Services
Director Danny Thompson
3. Presentation of Request for Funding for Fire Hydrants- Emergency Services Director
Danny Thompson
4. Presentation of Assembly Room Equipment Budget and Cooperative Agreement Approval
Request- Public Information Officer Laura Fulcher / Purchasing Manager Melissa Hawk
5. Discussion of Merit Pay Program
6. County Manager Report
7. County Attorney Report
Voting Meeting:
A. ROLL CALL
B. INVOCATION
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. ANNOUNCEMENTS
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Work Session held on July 7, 2022
2. Minutes of the Voting Session held on July 7, 2022
F. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
G. PUBLIC COMMENT
H. ALCOHOL LICENSES
1. New Alcohol License (Retail Package Sale of Beer and Wine) – Jagats Enterprises Inc.
d/b/a Elliott Food Mart
2. New Alcohol License (Retail Package Sale of Beer, Wine, and Liquor) – Elliott Inc. d/b/a
Elliott Package Outlet
I. ZONINGS
1. ZA 22-04 – Fox Creek Properties Inc. requests to rezone TMP 112-109, 104-065, 112-019,
112-013, 113-057-002 and 112-018 from RA (Residential Agriculture), RPC (Residential
Planned Community), CHB (Commercial Highway Business), CPCD (Commercial
Planned Community Development) and COI (Commercial Office Institution) to Mixed Use
Village for the purpose of developing single-family, multi-family,
retail/commercial/office, and light industrial uses (Georgia 400 and Lumpkin Campground
Road). (Tabled from May 19, 2022, Voting Session, at which time a public hearing was
held.)
2. ZA 22-14 – Brian and Diana Lunsford request to rezone TMP 038-007-001 from RA
(Residential Agriculture) to RRE (Residential Rural Estate) for the purposes of subdividing
the parcel to RRE standards (Hobert Styles Road).
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Proposed Transfer Station Improvements
2. Ratification of Emergency Purchase for Sheriff’s Office Vehicles
K. PUBLIC COMMENT
Page 2 of 2
L. ADJOURNMENT
BOC will hear Broadband Ordinance proposal during Thursday’s work session
News June 14, 2021
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners will hold a voting session Thursday (June 17) immediately following the work session which begins at 4 p.m. in the Government Center Assembly Room, 25 Justice Way in Dawsonville.
The voting session will begin with a public hearing on a Comprehensive Plan update and a possible extension of an existing moratorium on the Acceptance for Approval of Final Subdivision Plats that Create New Roads.
Commissioners will then hear the following zoning requests:
- ZA 20-25 – Fall Leaf Residential requests to rezone TMP 085-016 from RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) to RS2 (Residential Suburban 2) for the purpose of developing a 120-residential-lot-subdivision (Highway 9 South)
- ZA 21-10 – Chip Green requests to rezone TMP 104-062 and 104-061 from CHB (Commercial Highway Business) to CHI (Commercial Highway Intensive) for the purpose of opening a landscape supply business (Highway 53 East and Gober Road);
- ZA 21-11 – Jim King requests to rezone 23.11 acres of TMP 114-033-005, 114-018, 114-033-001 and 114-046-001 from RA (Residential Agriculture) and CCB (Commercial Community Business) to CHB (Commercial Highway Business) for the purpose of building a retail/office/warehouse space;
- ZA 21-13 – Dawson County requests to rezone TMP 114-019 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RMF (Residential Multi-Family) for the purpose of constructing 89 townhomes (Highway 53 and Hughes Court).
- ZA 21-09 – Dawson County requests to vary from the Dawson County Land Use Resolution Article III, Section 308 C.6.b. (Highway 53 and Hughes Court).
Under New Business, commissioners will consider and updated Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension State Office
Other New Business items include:
- Consideration of IFB #382-21 – Road Rehabilitation Project for Dawson County for the full reclamation of Howser Mill Road, G.W. Taffer Road, and Wesley Chapel Road. Blount Construction was the low bidder on the project at $2,394,552.11;
- Consideration of Board Appointments:
- EMS Advisory Council Danny Thompson- reappointment (Term: July 2021 through June 2024)
- Library Board appointments Peter Thomas — reappointment (Term: July 2021 through June 2025)
- Alexandria Williams- replacing Susan Roof (Term: July 2021 through June 2025)
During the work session, commissioners will consider a request by Family Connection to accept an Underage Drinking Prevention Stipend Awarded to Family Connection by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration.
Also to be considered is a request by KARE for Kids, host of the annual Mountain Moonshine Festival for use of county facilities for parking space during the festival which runs from Oct. 22-24.
County Attorney Angela Davis will present a proposed Broadband Ready Community Ordinance to regulate applications to provide broadband service to the county.
Planning Director Jameson Kinley will present proposed updates to the Animal Control Ordinance to include new definitions of a dangerous dog, vicious animal and new sections on neglect and penalties.
City Council will consider adding two part-time deputies
News April 18, 2021
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.
City Council work session, regular meeting Monday
News February 14, 2021
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – City Council will hold a combined regular meeting and work session Monday (Feb. 15) at 5 p.m. in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers in City Hall, 415 Hwy. 53 East. The meeting is available via teleconference or by phone: https:// global.gotomeeting.com/join/. You can also access the meeting by calling +1 (872) 240-3412 Access Code: 260-464-4445.
Council will formally recognize Nancy Stites for her service to the community as Director of Family Connection.
In other business, council will consider:
- Tanco Investments, LLC request for a zoning amendment for TMP D03 012 located at 315 Highway 9 North and 373 Highway 9 North consisting of 4.09 acres from HB (Highway Business District) to R6 (Multiple-Family Residential District).Public hearings were held on Jan. 11, 2021 Feb. 1;
- Tanco Investments, LLC has requested the following variances for TMP D03 012 Located at 315 Highway 9 North and TMP D03 013 Located at 373 Highway 9 North for lot width on 2,5,8,11, 14, 17, 20 and 23 be reduced from 28’ feet to 22′ wide;
- A second reading of a proposed ordinance To amend Section 2-110 to provide for revised connection fee for a water line for fire suppression, firefighting; and other purposes.
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
Chairman challenges Sheriff’s need for additional staffing
Business February 5, 2021
Chairman Billy Thurmond
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – Sheriff Jeff Johnson must have felt like he had walked into a minefield when he presented a request for more staffing during Thursday’s Board of Commissioners work session. He was met by a commission chairman, who not only questioned the need for additional staffing, but the overall efficiency of Johnson’s operation.
Chairman Billy Thurmond pointed out that Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office serves a larger population (Approx. 33,000) than Dawson with only 96 employees and a budget of $5.8 million. Pickens County serves a population of 32,591 with 94 employees and a budget of $7.6 million while the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office serves a smaller population (26,108) with 122 employees and a budget of $8.4 million.
Thurmond also pointed out that Dawson County spends more dollars per capita on law enforcement than even larger counties like Hall, Forsyth County and Cherokee. Dawson County citizens spend $324.86 per person compared to Hall $209.21, Forsyth 213.21 and Cherokee $183.41.
Johnson’s overall budget in 2017, his first year in office, was $7,687,803. The overall budget today including all phases of public safety is $10,245,376, an increase of 25 percent in four years.
Commissioner Tim Satterfield also questioned Johnson’s spending. “At the end of last year, you took $330,000 from your employees’ salaries and benefits and spent it on stuff when you could have put people on the roads.”
Sheriff Jeff Johnson
Johnson bristled at the push back he received and addressed the chairman, saying, “You refuse, you preach and you say time and time again that public safety is an obligation. It is number one. But you’re not proving it by your actions.”
Thurmond’s response: “To say that this Board has not taken on the primary responsibility of public safety is absolutely not a true statement and I won’t stand here and let you say that it is without challenging you on it.”
Also on Thursday’s work session agenda, Public Safety Director Danny Thompson provided a brief overview of the Local Emergency Operations Plan that outlines five emergency support functions. The plan must be updated every four years to remain in compliance with Georgia Emergency Management Agency regulations and to be eligible to receive grant funds.
Dawson County Commissioners meeting Thursday
News February 3, 2021
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session Thursday (Feb. 4) at 4 p.m. to be followed immediately by a voting session in the Government Center Assembly Center, 25 Justice Way in Dawsonville.
Item No. 1 under New Business will be a request by Sheriff Jeff Johnson for additional office staffing.
Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson will then present an update of the Local Emergency Operations Plan.
Purchasing Manager Melissa Hawk will present a proposed amendment to the county’s Purchasing Policy Ordinance.
David Headley will present the county manager report.
Development Authority of Dawson County Chairman Tony Passarello will then make a presentation to open the voting session.
Commissioners will also consider:
- A review of the County Employee Handbook’s Paid Time Off Policy;
- A request to Accept Georgia Child Passenger Safety Mini-Grant;
- Rock Creek Park Berm Construction – Change Order / Funding Request;
- Harry Sosebee Road Right-of-Way and Development Agreement Acceptance;
- Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development Program;
- Elected Official Salaries;
- Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Appointment;
- Study Concerning Cost of Services by Land Use Type (Residential / Commercial / Agriculture);
- A Revised Resolution Requesting the Calling of a Special Election to Impose a County One Percent Special Purpose Local Option Sales and Use Tax.
Commissioners set to adopt FY 2021 budget
News December 1, 2020
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners is expected to hold a final public hearing and approve a FY 2021 budget of $30,645,860 during the Thursday (Dec. 3) voting session immediately following the 4 p.m. work session.
The proposed budget is 2.12 percent less than last year’s budget and will conform to a reduction in the millage rate from 8.088 to 7.885. Commissioners anticipate using $1,926,355 from the fund balance. Property taxes will produce 40 percent of the revenue and the local option sales tax will generate 20 percent.
The largest expenditure for 2021 is expected to be the Sheriff’s Office budget of $8,478,523 followed by Public Safety at $5,995,561. The county will hire six new firefighters for Fire Station 8.
During the voting session, commissioners will also consider:
- A request by Arquim Velasquez to rezone TMP L15-116-009 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to CHI (Commercial Highway Intensive) for the purpose of opening a landscape supply business (Highway 53 East). (Tabled from the November 19, 2020, Voting Session, at which time a public hearing was held);
- Awarding a Stand-By Road Striping contract;
- Moving forward with Public Hearings for Residential Planned Community Zoning District Road Maintenance.
During the 4 p.m. work session, commissioners will consider:
- A request for approval of FY 2021 State Public Defender Contract;
- A request for approval of FY 2021 Public Defender intergovernmental agreement between Dawson and Hall Counties;
- A request to purchase a ladder truck for the Fire Department;
- A request for approval of the 2021 Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant application;
- Presentation of Harry Sosebee Road / Lee Castleberry Road Roundabout Right-of-Way Acquisition;
- A request for funding and contract with EagleView Imagery;
- Presentation of the several year-end Board appointments.
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
Request for grants, awarding of road work bid highlights work session
News November 8, 2020
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners held a work session Thursday (Nov.5) in the County Administration Building. Items discussed during the meeting include:
- A request by Fire Chief and Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson to apply for a Georgia Emergency Management Agency grant in the amount of $15,568 which requires a 50 percent county match. These funds cover a portion of the cost for RAVE emergency alerting, weather siren maintenance and turnout gear sets.
- A request by Thompson to apply for a Georgia Forestry Commission grant of a maximum of $10,000 with a 50 percent county match. The funds would be used to purchase a replacement fire hose for our apparatus.
- A recommendation by staff that low bidder Vertical Earth be awarded the contract to construct the Harry Sosebee/Lumpkin Campground Road roundabout for an amount not to exceed $1,253,410.18;
- Corrections to the Capital Improvement Element (CIE) plan submitted to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs;
- A presentation of 3rd Quarter Financial Report by Chief Financial Officer Vickie Neikirk that revealed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the county’s revenue streams, particularly the local option sales tax (LOST). Neikirk said the county appears to have weathered the COVID-19 storm so far but will continually monitor to protect current resources;
- Potential pay supplements for Chief Magistrate, Magistrate, Tax Commissioner and Sheriff;
- A request by Dawn Pruitt to apply for the continuous transportation grant with the Georgia Department of Transportation. The grant is in the amount of $149,835 with a 50 percent county match required.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
BOC expected to approve an aggressive traffic enforcement grant during Thursday’s work session
News September 16, 2020
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded the Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic Grant in the amount of $213,636.68. The Board of Commissioners will have to vote on acceptance of the grant when it meets in a work session at 4 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 17) in the County Administration Building.
The grant covers the cost of two vehicles, two positions, equipment and some operating expenses and requires no county match. Major Greg Rowan will present the issue to the Board which can approve it during a work session as time sensitive since there is a deadline of Oct. 1. There is no county match required.
Other items on the work session agenda include:
Presentation of Cable TV Proposals;
Presentation of a Proposed Quit Claim Deed to release the county’s leasehold interest in that certain 300-plus acres of real property being sold by Etowah Water & Sewer Authority;
Presentation of professional exemption and budget increase request for production of schedules and tables for rural and urban properties;
Presentation of Bailey Waters Road Culvert Rehab Project Change Order 1;
Presentation of 2021 Holiday and Payroll Calendar;
Presentation of 2021 Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule;
Discussion of Creative Enterprises.
During the voting session that will immediately follow the work session, commissioners are expected to vote on the following zoning requests:
SU 20-01 – Scott Adamson requests a Special Use Permit for dog kennels located at TMP106-051-017 (Dawson Forest Road East);
ZA 20-06 – Victor Vazemiller requests to rezone 4.001 acres TMP 098-027-009 from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) for the purpose of subdividing the property on Goodson Road;
Jim King on behalf of Tri-Mark 400 LLC requests a CPCD (Commercial Planned Community Development) Zoning Stipulation Amendment for TMP 107-319,107-319-005, 107-319-004 and 107-319-002 to remove the age restriction on residential units within the currently zoned CPCD parcels (Blue Ridge Parkway).
Under New Business, commissioners will consider
Moving forward with a Public Hearing for Edna Noblin Road Abandonment Request;
Consideration of Dawson County Recycling Program Update;
Consideration of 2020 Dawson County Surplus List
Three county commission meetings set Thursday
News August 5, 2020
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners will have a full day of meetings Thursday (Aug. 6), starting with the first of three public hearings on the 2020 millage rate and property taxes.
At 4 p.m., commissioners will hold a work session during which they will hear a presentation of the FY 2019 Audit results presented by Amanda Wilkson of Bates Carter that was postponed from the July 16 work session.
Purchasing Manager Melissa Hawk will present a request for an exemption to the Information Technology for Ambulance Transport Billing Software and Electronic Patient Care Reporting Software.
Parks & Recreation Director Matt Payne will present the naming the New Pavilion at Veterans Memorial Park- Parks & Recreation Center.
Planning & Development Director Jameson Kinley will present a 9-1-1 Ordinance update.
During the 6 p.m. voting session, commissioners will hold the second of three public hearings on the FY 2020 millage rate and property taxes.
Also on the agenda, commissioners are expected to vote on:
Creation of Residential Agriculture-1.5 Corrective Zoning District;
Revisions to the RA (Residential Agricultural) Exurban District;
Creation of a CHI (Highway Business Intensive Commercial) District and Amendment of Existing Commercial Districts;
An update to the Alcohol Ordinance;
An update to Planning Commission Terms;
Consideration of an extension of the Development Authority of Dawson County Board Member terms.
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
BOC set to consider employee salary increase during Thursday work session
News June 17, 2020
DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners will consider a pay raise for county employees when it meets in a work session Thursday (June 17) at 4 p.m. in the County Administration building. Human Resources Director Brad Gould will report the increase in pay would impact 101 county employees and cost taxpayers $116,000.
In Jan. 2019, commissioners approved a year-long salary study that recommended a pay raise for county employees that would make the county more competitive in attracting a quality workforce. At the time, Gould was asked to present information in June 2020 to show what an increase of 105 percent of the study’s recommended salary would cost.
Gould will then report the county’s healthcare broker NFP has presented a health and wellness program designed to improve the health of county employees and reduce the high-dollar health claims. Gould said he is also looking at other plans and reviewing the spouse/family portion of the county’s existing coverage.
Gould will also present a review of the employees’ handbook relative to the paid time off policy.
Planning Director Jameson Kinley will a recommendation for an alcohol ordinance that will allow agri-businesses such as a wedding venue to sell and dispense alcohol with proper licensing. Currently only commercially zoned properties are permitted to sell or dispense alcoholic beverages.
Kinley will also ask the Board to consider updating the Business License Ordinance to include Agri-Business. Commissioners would be required to advertise a public hearing before voting on the update.
During the work session, commissioners are expected to vote on:
- A land use regulation update to the Residential Agriculture lot size requirement;
- Moving forward with a public hearing on the minimum Standard Code amendment to include mobile/manufactured homes;
- Appointment of the Building Official as Local Government Agent for the purpose defined in Abandoned Mobile Home Act;
- Moving forward with a public hearing for updated Planning Commission terms;
- Reappointment of Angelia Brown to Avita Community Partners and Tina Brady to the Department of Family and Children’s Services Board.
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
Dawsonville City Council meets Monday
News February 15, 2020
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawsonville City Council is expected to approve a Farmer’s Market Pavilion rental fee schedule and a 2020 lease for the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery during a combined work session and regular meeting at 5 p.m. Mon. Feb. 17 in the G.L. Gilleland Council Chambers on the second floor at City Hall.
Cross Bridge Community Church Pastor Timothy Bennett will ask council to forgive a portion of the church’s $589.54 water/sewer bill for the month of December. The bill was much higher than the church’s average monthly bill and Bennett said it was caused by a leaky toilet.
The Dawson County Relay for Life will ask council to approve its annual Relay for Life event planned for Fri., April 17 at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion. The event will require the closing of a portion of Hwy. 53 at Allen Street to where Hwy. 53 turns into the Food Lion parking lot for about seven hours, starting after school lets out.
Kare for Kids Executive Director Tiffany Buchan will present a request for Kare for Kids to hold the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Main Street Park on April 11.
Council will hold second readings of ordinances to amend a code in the City Charter to provide construction specifications for unpaved and/or gravel roadways and the acceptance of such roadways into the city’s roadway system.
There will also be a second reading of an ordinance to provide updates to existing ordinances on water and sewer services.
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