Blairsville, GA – The Blairsville City Council convened on June 6, 2017 at 7 p.m. at Blairsville City Hall for the regular June Monthly Meeting. Mayor Jim Conley and all Council Members were present. Pastor Bill Honaker gave the invocation, recognizing the significance of the date, June 6, the day America and her Allies stormed the beaches of Normandy, France in 1944; the beginning of the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany.

Following approval of the May Meeting minutes and the June Meeting Agenda, Conley introduced Marvin Chance, Manager of the Ellijay offices of R.L. Jennings & Associates, PC, the firm that performed this year’s audit of the City of Blairsville. Chance said that the audit, as audits go, was smooth; that everything they asked for was provided in a timely manner and that he was pleased to report a clean bill of financial health to the City of Blairsville.

Marvin Chance, Mgr., Ellijay Office of R.L. Jennings & Asso., LLC

Mayor Jim Conley

Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Head Darren Harper reported that plans are in the works for the lot on Pat Haralson Drive across from the Foodland store, between Young Harris Street and Town Square. He said the tentative plan is to build 2-3 story structures that blend in with existing buildings with retail below and apartments on top. He said that DDA is working with planners from UGA on this project. Harper also said the Memorial Day Weekend Festival was a great success this year, even given the inclement weather that came through on Saturday night, June 3rd; that there were more vendors than last year and that some did double and triple the business they did last year. He said they are having another event the weekend of June 10-11th that will tie in with the Scottish Festival at Meeks Park. Harper went on to describe other upcoming events planned for the very near future and into summer 2017. Dyer asked about future plans for downtown infrastructure to which Harper replied that the lack of parking and public bathrooms was being addressed.

Darren Harper, Program Manager, Blairsville Downtown Development Authority

Blairsville Airport Manager John Hamler reported that he and Conley had been in discussion about the acquisition of a used 2200 gallon Jet-A fuel truck from Perry Brothers, and, new furniture for the new terminal building. He said, with the increase in jet traffic, there has been a significant increase in sales of Jet-A fuel, which is bringing money into the City of Blairsville. There have been occasions recently where they have run out of Jet-A, he said. There will also be increased usage with the opening of the new terminal; and, he said, the new building has a lot of empty space that could be and should be utilized; a lounge area, a pilot trip planning area, a vending area, for example. Hamler also mentioned the possible future construction of additional hangars; he said the list of aircraft owners who want covered parking for their aircraft keeps growing; and through their leases the aircraft owners would pay for them.

John D. Hamler, Blairsville Airport Manager

Superintendent Larry Stephens of the Blairsville Water Treatment Plant reported it is time to clean the tanks. Conley commented that there are a total of five bids at present for the job. Various methods of cleaning water tanks were discussed. Conley pointed out that cost is a consideration. Council Member Tony Dyer suggested that Stevens work out a schedule of options and their attendant costs for the Council to review at the next meeting. It was agreed.

Blairsville Police Chief Johnny Carroll reported that there has been an uptick in meth related arrests. The Council voted to approve new hire Phillip Hammond as a part-time police officer at the rate of $14/hr.

At Conley’s request City Clerk Kaye McCann gave a very positive Performance Review of Joan Mannheim, Blairsville City Accounting Clerk. The Council voted to promote Mannheim to full-time, permanent status with a $1/hr increase in pay.

Blairsville City Accounting Clerk Joan Mannheim

The Council also voted to approve:

• The 2017-2018 Department of Corrections Work Detail Agreement at a cost of $39,500.
• The purchase of a used Jet-A Fuel truck for the Blairsville Airport at a cost of $45,000.
• The purchase of new furniture for the new Airport Terminal; cost estimate $5-6,000.

Occupational Tax Certificates for:
• Peace River Screen Printing, 87 Pruitt Circle, Robert Dobbins, Owner
• Faith Financial, LLC, 103 Ed Mauney, Bryan McCiollister, Owner

Sign Permit Applications for:
• Phantom Fireworks Eastern Division, LLC, 152 E Hwy 515, Ricky Day, Applicant
• Melissa’s Custom Cakes, 102 Cleveland Street, Suite A, Melissa Roberts, Owner
• Blairsville Antiques & Treasures, 49B Blue Ridge Street, Kathy Domsic, Owner

There being no further business to discuss, the Council Meeting adjourned.