Commissioner Paris talks trash at meeting

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BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – In his commentary at the monthly Union County Commissioner meeting Thursday, Feb. 15, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris expressed concern over a growing trash and debris problem at homes and on residential properties across the the county.

Paris stated the problem in the past had been only sporadic; however the commissioner said the issue has increased greatly recently.

“I’ve always been a proponent of property rights and trying not to tell folks what they can and cannot do with their property,” Paris said. “However, we all of a sudden have a problem countywide that people are not caring for their property or homes.”

Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris

Paris continued to say this problem is negatively impacting neighborhoods around the homes and properties in question. The commissioner also explained that during his administration, his office typically would field a complaint from a concerned neighbor about once every four to six months.

During the last six to nine months, Paris said, “Every day someone is calling me or texting me or sending me an email about another house somewhere.”

To address the situation, Paris said he has spoken with surrounding counties and cities that have faced similar issues and he intends to form a “fair and reasonable” guideline to address the problem. Paris also discussed the possibility of coordinating with local churches that might be able to assist residents who need help cleaning and improving their properties but are unable to do so themselves.

As for those who do not want help, Paris stated he would institute regulations “to get their attention.”

“I’ve avoided this for all the time I’ve been in office, but I can’t do it anymore,” Paris added.

Also, Commissioner Paris reported a recent meeting with Dr. Drew Van Horn, president of Young Harris College, at which Horn met with government and civic leaders from Towns and Union counties in a round-table forum to discuss improvements over the next 10 years for the two counties as well as how the college could play a role in the counties’ growth. Paris said one idea that was mentioned was the possibility of starting a small business incubator for local entrepreneurs at the college. The commissioner also stated Van Horn plans to meet with educators and community leaders from Towns and Union in separate meetings and hopes to begin holding such joint meetings every three months.

“I was really impressed with (Van Horn) and the fact that he wanted to seek out advice and help the community and maybe give us all advice and ideas that we may not have thought of,” Paris said.

Paris also announced the county had recently received a $100,000 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to install a new entrance to the Union County Farmer’s Market from the intersection of the Glenn Gooch Bypass (U.S. 19/129) and state Route 515. Paris stated that work would begin soon on the project and credited state Senator Steve Gooch for assisting with Union County’s award of the LMIG money.

In public commentary, Linda Beaver spoke of the success of the Stepping Up Initiative in Union County and thanked the commissioner for signing a resolution in support of the initiative. The Stepping Up Initiative is a program that assists law enforcement officers in recognizing types of mental illnesses and disabilities in effort to reduce the number of people battling mental illnesses in jails. Union County is one of only eight counties in Georgia and 420 counties nationwide that has passed a resolution in support of the program.

In other business, Paris adopted a revised Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy and a revised Vehicle Preventive Maintenance Policy and Procedures for the Union County Transit System. Paris also signed an agreement with CSRA Probation Services, Inc. for probation services to the Union County Magistrate, Probate and Superior courts. The agreement offers services at no cost to the county. The commissioner accepted Cedar Creek Drive into the county-maintained road system and issued a business licence to Rent-A-Holic ENT, LLC in Suches.

 

 

Author

Jason Beck

Born in Merrillville, Indiana, raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, and currently resides in Copperhill, Tennessee. Graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1996 and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, eventually earning a B.A. and M.A. in English. Hobbies include hiking, camping and fly-fishing. Interests include baseball, hockey and cliff jumping.

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