Board of Commissioners First Work Session
Announcements, Community September 5, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- The Board of Commissioners is holding the first work session of the month on Sept.6 at 4:00 p.m.
The work session is open to the public. This is the agenda for the work session.
CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dockery
• PRESENTATIONS
1. Rainbow Children’s Home Presentation
• PROCLAMATIONS
2. Community Helping Place Ornament for 2022 Joint Proclamation
3. Joint Proclamation City of Dahlonega & Lumpkin County – Chamber of Commerce Outgoing
Board Chairman
• MINUTES
4. Board of Commissioners – Joint Special Called Meeting – Aug 1, 2022, 4:30 PM
5. Board of Commissioners – Work Session – Aug 2, 2022, 4:00 PM
6. Board of Commissioners – Public Hearing – Aug 9, 2022, 5:30 PM
7. Board of Commissioners – Public Hearing – Aug 9, 2022, 6:00 PM
8. Board of Commissioners – Public Hearing – Aug 11, 2022, 9:00 AM
9. Board of Commissioners – Public Hearing – Aug 16, 2022, 5:00 PM
10. Board of Commissioners – Work Session II – Aug 16, 2022, 5:30 PM
11. Board of Commissioners – Regular Meeting – Aug 16, 2022, 6:00 PM
12. Board of Commissioners – Public Hearing – Aug 23, 2022, 4:00 PM
13. Board of Commissioners – Special Called Meeting – Aug 23, 2022, 4:30 PM
• RESOLUTIONS
14. 2022 – 38 – Resolution to Amend the Character Area Map (Planning Director Bruce Georgia)
15. 2022 – 43 – Resolution Authorizing Among Other Things the Execution of an IGA & Bond
Purchase Agreement (Finance Director Abby Branan)
• CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
16. Animal Shelter Professional Vet Services (Animal Shelter Manager Wayne Marshall)
17. Payroc Merchant Processing Agreement – IWORQ Permitting Software Online Payment
System (Planning Director Bruce Georgia)
Page 2
18. Amendment to the Financial Assistance Award Form CD-451 for Award 13-08-I2210
(Development Authority Director Rebecca Mincey)
19. DebtBook Contract (Finance Director Abby Branan)
20. Ninth District Opportunity Inc. Lease – Head Start Building (Special Projects Director Ashley
Peck)
21. Contract Award Pinetree Way/Memorial Drive Improvements (Public Works Director Larry
Reiter)
22. Transfer Station & Recycling Program Contract (Public Works Director Larry Reiter)
23. LC Wimpy Airport Crack Sealing & Runway Remarking – Wall Contract (Public Works
Director Larry Reiter)
24. GDOT Crack Sealing and Runway Remarking Supplemental Agreement (Public Works
Director Larry Reiter)
• OTHER ITEMS
25. Proposed LMIG FY2023 Road Resurfacing List (Public Works Director Larry Reiter)
26. Request use of SPLOST or ARPA Funds for LCWSA System Improvements (Water &
Sewerage Authority Director Sean Phipps)
27. LCWSA – Request for a recommitment of County to Provide ARPA Matching Funds for WWTP
(Water & Sewerage Authority Director Sean Phipps)
• COUNTY MANAGER
• COUNTY ATTORNEY
• COMMISSIONERS
• PUBLIC COMMENT (Agenda Specific)
• ADJOURNMENT
Joint Hearing “Canceled”
Announcements, Community August 21, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- The Lumpkin County Commissioners and the Dahlonega City Council will be holding a joint meeting on Aug. 22 at 4:30 p.m.
The joint meeting is open to the public. This is the agenda for the joint hearing.
Call to Order Chairman Dockery
• Estimated Revenue
• $20 million
• Signature Project
• Auraria Road/Highway 52 & 9/Torrington Drive
• Distribution of Tax
• (See Handout)
• Adjournment
The Joint meeting between the Commissioners and City Council has been canceled.
Election Results for 2022 Primary
Election May 24, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- Today, May 24, is election day and the citizens of Lumpkin County have voted, and these are the results for the 2022 primary election.
The Board of Education Chairperson is Bobby Self. The Board of Education District 2 is Craig Poore. The Board of Education District 4 is the incumbent Lynn Sylvestor.
The Board of Commissioner Chair for District 3 is the incumbent Rhett Stringer. The Board of Commissioner Chair for District 4 is Jeff Moran.
These officials will begin their new term in Jan. of 2023. No candidate was present to recieve the election results.
BOC issues statement on COVID-19
News March 11, 2020
Coronavirus Press Release
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners released this statement on the Coronavirus situation Wednesday (April 11)
Community and Employee Services Director Alicia Davis released the following press release Wednesday (April 11).
There are no known cases of Coronavirus/COVID-19 in our 13-county health district. Lumpkin County is communicating daily with our state and community partners. We have emergency procedures in place and our leadership is prepared to pro-actively address the issues related to this unique virus.
Additionally, our Emergency Services department is prepared to respond appropriately to emergency calls, should the need arise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus are the official sources of information for mitigating your risk.
Should new developments occur we will post information on the County’s Facebook page and our website www.lumpkincounty.gov.
LCHS announces upcoming REACH Adult Field Day event
Community, Education September 25, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019 and Lumpkin County High School will host the second annual REACH Adult Field Day event on March 28, 2020.
Leadership Lumpkin Class of 2019, partnered with Lumpkin County Schools, hosts the event and according to LLC’s social media page, “The mission of the Leadership Lumpkin County Class of 2019 is to have an indelible and positive impact on the Lumpkin County community by advancing the post-secondary educational opportunities for these local students…We believe that by seeking collaboration with local businesses, community members, and sponsors, we will have a progressive impact on the future of our children. held each year to raise money in order to help underprivileged Lumpkin County students excel academically and reach their future goals.”
Last year, over 53% of LC students received free or reduced lunches, 150 students were homeless, and Lumpkin County had approximately 25% of their students receive a college or technical college post-secondary education. LCHS assistant principal, Jason Lemley, told FYN, “We have a goal to raise $20,000 this year! We raised over $15,000 last year, and we are confident we can get to 20K. We already have our first sponsor, and we will be reaching out to many others soon. Last year was a great first year, and we want this to grow year after year. Even if you don’t participate on a team, come out and enjoy the hilarious “talent” and join us for a day of fun!”
The event will be at the Lumpkin County High School. For more information, contact Mr. Lemley at LCHS.
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Dahlonega City Hall announces special called meeting
Community, Feature News September 5, 2019
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Dahlonega City Council will hold a special called meeting at the Dahlonega City Hall on September 5, at 4:30pm to discuss Ordinance 2019-time, manner, and place, and Ordinance 2019-25.
According to City Hall, Ordinance 2019 is, “An ordinance regulating planned and spontaneous demonstrations on public property.” Ordinance 2019-25 is, “An ordinance to encourage innovative and safe uses of unmanned aircraft while addressing concerns about accountability.”
The public is encouraged to attend.
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Many downtown businesses will close on 9.14 due to rally
Feature News September 13, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
The list of local businesses on the historic Dahlonega square that will be closed on September 14 has steadily increased as the impending rally approaches.
Some of the first businesses to announce closing on the 14th are, Spirits Tavern, Gustavo’s, and Knuckles Sandwich Shop. Spirits posted on their reason for closing on their Facebook page, which was later shared by Knuckles “Spirits Tavern will be closed on this day (Saturday, September 14). The safety of our employees and guests are our highest priority. The revenue lost is not worth acknowledging hate of any kind.”
Since then, several other businesses have taken to social media to announce their closing on 9.14, including Mayor Sam Norton’s business, the Picnic Cafe and Dessertery. According to Picnic Cafe’s Facebook page, “It’s not always about the dollar. Family values and a sense of community are what most businesses on the Square are about here in Dahlonega. We will close Saturday, September 14th and encourage others to be home with their family. We will reopen the day after these disruptive protests and counter-protests. We look forward to seeing you on Make-Up Monday (9/16/19).”
Crimson Moon told FYN that they will be closed during the day and open only to host the concert scheduled for Saturday night. Capers on the Square, Brad Walker Pottery, Paul Thomas Chocolates, The Dahlonega General Store, Jolie Day Spa, Walking Ghost Tours, and Studio Jewelers are amongst the businesses that will also be closed. The Dahlonega Farmer’s Market is also canceled for 9.14.
While many downtown businesses will be closed, there are some who will remain open, or open later Saturday evening. This includes The Fudge Factory and Outlaw Jerky will open at 4 p.m. on Saturday, 19 Degrees North, Pueblos, Grapevines, Johnny B’s, Naturally Georgia, Giggle Monkey Toys, Shenanigan’s Irish Pub, and Bourbon Street Grille, (downstairs dining only) will all remain open.
Deb Rowe, owner of Shenanigan’s and Bourbon Street Grille, explained that they will remain open, but the upstairs dining area and balcony area of Bourbon Street will be closed. Patrons will still have the option to dine downstairs at Bourbon Street. Both businesses expressed support and appreciation not for the rally, but for the many law enforcement officers and emergency personnel who will be diligently working to keep everyone safe during the rally,
“Shenanigans and Bourbon Street will be open on Saturday 9/14, offering our employee discount of 30% to all emergency personnel. We are aware that many businesses are taking a different approach, and that’s just as understandable. We will stand in the confidence of our law enforcement to monitor and protect, as well as being steadfast with safety and security ourselves. In addition to our local emergency personnel, there are several hundreds of additional officers coming to serve our community and it is our hope that after a contained and uneventful demonstration, we will be able to serve them in appreciation of their service to us all.”
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Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session Tues.
News September 2, 2019
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session at 4 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a 6 p.m. public hearing in the County Administration Building.
The meeting will begin with the presentation of the 2019 Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) Legislative Service Award to State Senator Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) by ACCG Deputy Legislative Director Todd Edwards.
State Senator Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega)
Gooch has been a driving force behind rural broadband initiatives during the last two legislative sessions. He authored SB 402 (the Achieving Connectivity Everywhere Act) in 2018 that set the framework for Georgia’s Broadband Deployment Initiative. In 2019, he sponsored SB 2, authorizing the state Electric Membership Cooperatives to provide broadband service.
Although his bill to provide the legal framework for e-scooters to operate in Georgia did not pass, he facilitated discussions between the e-scooter industry and local governments that ultimately led to a study committee being created on the topic.
Commissioners will have a number of resolutions to consider, including establishment of the millage rate and the 2020 budget, Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Decal ordinance, a Senior Center transportation resolution and an amendment to the surplus property resolution.
The Mobile Home & Manufactured Home Decal Ordinance resolution would allow Tax Commissioner Rachel Pruitt to contract with a retired law enforcement official to serve citations to each delinquent mobile home statement. The fee for delinquent tax would be $50. The process server would be paid $30 per citation and the county general fund will receive the addition $20 for services rendered and the cost of citation.
The Senior Center resolution would enable the Senior Center to operate a vehicle for transporting seniors to and from the center for the congregate nutrition and activity programs. Additionally, the funds allow for taking congregate participants on off-site trips, to shopping, errands and medical appointments. The resolution would allow the Senior Center to contract with Deanna Specialty Transportation, Inc. to provide transportation at a cost of $52,000.00 for the period July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.
The Board will also consider a contract with North Georgia Concrete for $78,902 for modification of the front entrance of the Senior Center and Mental Health buildings to bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. County staff could provide the demolition work which would reduce the overall cost of the project. If North Georgia Concrete does the demolition work, the overall cost would be $106,527.50.
Commissioners are also expected to consider annual lease renewals for the Ninth District Opportunity to operate the Lumpkin County Head Start Program in a county facility and maintenance and testing of the 911 phone system.
Taylor Stukes and his wife have generously offered to donate an eight-foot by 20-foot metal shipping container to the Emergency Services department to help them with the erection of their burn building. Commissioners will approve a resolution to accept the gift.
The county has a proposed a budget based upon the direction of the Board of Commissioners. Staff is still waiting on operational estimates for the new library. Representatives from Lumpkin County and Dawson County will meet in early September to discuss funding. After that meeting, staff should have a better understanding of how the system will be funded by Dawson County and can obtain direction from the Board on how much funding should be given to the library.
Staff has prepared the unincorporated millage rate with a 1 mill rollback. Until the budget is finalized, the millage rate calculations and forms cannot be completed. As soon as everything is finalized, it will be posted to the notebook.
A public hearing is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the budget, but staff notes that the budget will not be in final form at that time.
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Chestatee Artists Group announces new Folk School
Business August 14, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
The Dahlonega Chestatee Artists Group has opened registration for their upcoming Folk School from now until September 27, 2019. The first classes of the Folk School will be held the weekend of October 11 through October 13, beginning Friday evening at 7p.m. until 9p.m. and ending Sunday around 11:30a.m.
Credit: Beth Stull Morning Glow
There will be an informational meeting on Thursday, September 12 for those interested in learning more about the mission of Chestatee Artists, the Folk School, and to meet the instructors. The meeting will be at 6p.m., in the United Community Bank Community Room.
According to their website, a variety of categories will be offered to the public, “Our Folk School classes will be held in our beautiful city of Dahlonega twice a year with some of the finest instructors in many exciting categories. Leatherwork, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, wire wrapping, jewelry making, weaving and more.”
Instructor, Oscar Rayneri, teaching at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts
For those who cannot attend in October, a second Folk School will be offered in March of 2020.
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Larson announces plans to run for re-election City Council Post 6
Community, Politics August 23, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
City Councilman, Ron Larson, confirmed that he will run for re-election for the Post 6 Dahlonega City Council seat.
Larson has served as a City Councilman since 2016, and in a recent social media post he announced, “I registered today to run for re-election to the Dahlonega City Council, Post #6. Election day is November 5th. I hope I can count on your support to serve you for another 4 years (2020-2023). It has been an honor to represent the citizens of Dahlonega since January 2016. Thank you!”
Post 6 Councilman, Ron Larson at the grand opening of new Yahoola splash pad. Photo Credit: Lumpkin County Government
Larson is also a part-time lecturer at the University of North Georgia, in the Mike Cottrell College of Business Department of Management and Marketing, where he teaches management, ethics, and strategic
planning. He is also a member of the Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary, where he served as the club president from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019. His extensive work experience includes serving as the manager of Achasta golf community, manager for The Lake Club at Reynolds Plantation, as well as several CFO positions, since 1981.
Led by Larson in 2018, the Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary Club raised $20k for the assistance of the Lumpkin County Commission with the expedited installation of the Yahoola Creek Park splash pad for the benefit of Lumpkin County. During his current tenure as Post 6 City Councilman, Larson supported the installation of the Wayfare Signs around the Dahlonega City Square, the Historic Dahlonega Shuttle service, and the Dahlonega Gold Adventure All-Abilities park, as well as several other projects that have benefited Lumpkin County.
Election Day will be on November 5, 2020.
Post 6 Councilman, Ron Larson. Photo Credit: Ron Larson
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Boil water advisory in effect for Crooked Creek Subdivision
Community, Health August 14, 2019
LUMPKIN CO., GA
According to a press release from the Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority,
“LCWSA experienced a water main break in the Crooked Creek Subdivision which caused a localized loss of system pressure. When this occurs a potential health hazard may exist in these areas of zero pressure from backflow of water of unknown quality into the water system. In order to protect the public from a potential health hazard, all Crooked Creek residents that live on High Creek Drive, White Oak Trail and Oak Springs Trail that have experienced a water outage and/or low pressures are advised to “boil” all water prior to use for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby food. The water should be boiled for at least one minute after reaching a rolling boil. Once LCWSA has tested the water and confirmed that the water in the distribution system is safe for human consumption, LCWSA will post a message on Lumpkin County’s Website and at High Creek Drive to notify the public that the boil water advisory has been lifted. If you have questions please call LCWSA at 706-867-6580.”
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City Council approves ordinances that impact upcoming events
Business, News September 5, 2019
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The Dahlonega City Council held a special called meeting on September 5 and approved ordinances that impact coming events, including the well-publicized Sept. 14 rally in support of President Donald Trump.
Ordinance 2019-24 will help regulate the time, place, and manner of “planned and spontaneous demonstrations on public property.” According to Dahlonega Mayor Sam Norton the ordinance, “Gives the city manager the authority to issue an order and broad discretion on how to investigate the time, manner, and place [of city events].”
According to 2019-24, the city manager is, “Authorized to issue content-neutral time, place, and manner regulations to govern upcoming demonstrations and counter-demonstrations in the city,” through written orders.
With this, the city manager will have the authority to “restrict the time and length of the event or place regulations on the number of participants who may gather or congregate upon public property, public sidewalks, public rights-of-way, and places of public assembly to which the public has access.” The purpose is to protect the “public’s use and enjoyment of public spaces.”
Dahlonega City Manager Bill Schmid explained that those who wish to participate in demonstrations held on public property would be designated to a specific “free-speech zone,” where they would also be required to follow any rules set forth by the city. Schmid explained that there would be, “Signage created to identify the rules,” and they would also be posted on the internet and handed out to participants as they arrive at the event.
City Marshal Jeff Branyon explained that law enforcement would be present to ensure all participants followed the regulations, and the proposed rules will be available online for the public prior to the event. The Council also set a “Sunset Date” for December 31, at which time they will revisit the ordinance and make any necessary changes or adjustments.
Ordinance 2019-25 will restrict the use of drones during festivals or large events that are held in the city on public property, and although they will be permitted otherwise, the City Council must be notified prior to use; those who wish to fly drones over the city on public property, will have the option to notify the proper persons online.
“This is a public safety issue,” explained Braynon. He also stated that the University of North Georgia Drill Field is designated as a landing pad in the event of an emergency, and the use of drones during festivals and large events may interfere.
Dahlonega City Council announces public hearing to discuss millage rate
Politics August 14, 2019
DAHLONEGA, GA
The Dahlonega City Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 15, to discuss setting the 2019 millage and the adoption of the 2020 Fiscal Year Budget. The meeting will take place at the Dahlonega City Hall at 4:00p.m., immediately before the City Council Work Session.
The Work Session will cover department reports from the following:
- Dahlonega City Marshal
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Downtown Development Authority
- Finance Department
- Public Works Department
- Water and Waste Water Plants Department
- Cemetery Committee
Other topics to be discussed:
- 2019 LMIG Off System Safety Vendor Selection for Signs & Stripes
- Ordinance 2019-14 Dilapidated Structure
- Memo RE DOR (Department of Revenue) Sales Tax Information
- Banking Services Contract Renewal