Blairsville City Council closes on-premise dining, gyms, and salons in emergency declaration
Community, News, Police & Government March 25, 2020
Blairsville, Ga – Blairsville City Council passed an emergency declaration and ordinance in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. It closed many non-essential businesses and banned on-premise dining within city limits.
In a 3 p.m. teleconference call, councilmembers Tony Dyer, Rhonda Mahan, and Mary Ruth Cook all voted to approve the public health state of emergency. Buddy Moore and Betty Easter were not in attendance, and Mayor Jim Conley doesn’t vote unless needed.
The ordinance goes into effect on Thursday, March 26 at 9 p.m. and lasts until Tuesday, April 7. The council can choose to extend the measure on April 7.
Restaurants must close their in-dining services but can offer to carry out, curbside, and drive-thru orders. However, establishments have to maintain “at least six (6) feet of personal distance between themselves and others.” If the restaurant has an alcohol license, it can sell unopened bottles or cans of beer or wine for take-out consumption off-premises.
Additionally, gyms, fitness centers, pools, social clubs, amusement facilities, massage parlors, hair and nail salons, and any other similar facility must close and remain closed for the duration of the state of emergency.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other businesses not addressed in the emergency declaration are instructed to “post signage on entrance doors informing consumers to maintain at least six feet of personal distance between themselves and others and shall not allow more than ten people into such establishment at any one time if such social distancing cannot be maintained.”
Public gatherings of ten or more are now prohibited on any property owned or controlled by the city, including “parks, public square, public space, playground, recreational area, or similar place of public gathering,” The ordinance does not restrict pedestrian use of sidewalks or “designated pedestrian areas of parks” for exercise “if they are not participating in an organized gathering.”
The major has the right to cancel any meetings under the city’s jurisdiction during this emergency. The council, boards, and commissions can conduct teleconference meetings as well.
Mayor Conley has the power to determine “required” and “discretionary” services under the emergency ordinance.
For the duration of this state of emergency, the city won’t disconnect or turn-off any public utility service for non-payment. “Unless otherwise ordered by City Council, after the conclusion of the declared emergency, persons will have a period of forty-five (45) days to make such payments before service may be disconnected.”
At this time, the council did not issue a curfew or shelter in place directive but reserves the right to do so in the future.
See the entire declaration: Ordinance 2020-02.
The mayor can now identify city services as “required” or “discretionary” and assign employees to those services and can periodically review and modify categories. He can also use his discretion to permit telework. Discretionary services and direct employees may be instructed to not report to work until the service suspension is lifted or the Mayor “redirects the employee to other services.” He can contract and expend non-budgeted sums and services to meet the demands upon the city during the public health emergency. The expenses will be reported to the city’s governing authority.
If the major can’t fulfill his duties, then the emergency interim successor pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 38-3-50 will perform the duties. This person will be chosen by the city council. Again the emergency declaration will be reevaluated on April 7.
Council Requests Information Before Approving Pumping Purified Water into Sewer
News October 10, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – The city council asked Point to Point Environmental Representative for more information about the purified water and remediation plan before releasing it into the city sewer system.
Moore asked for specifics about soil reports, contamination, and discharge reports.
Mayor Proclaims Oct.23 to 31 Red Ribbon Week
Announcements, Community October 2, 2019BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Mayor Jim Conley and the city council declared Oct. 23 to 31 as Red Ribbon Week during the Oct. 1 meeting.
“The city of Blairsville values the health and safety of all our citizens,” stated Mayor Jim Conley “substance abuse is particularly damaging to one of our most invaluable resources our children and a contributing factor to the three leading causes of death of children – accident, homicide, and suicide.”
Mayor Conley reads Red Ribbon Week proclamation.
The goal of Red Ribbon Week is to involve the entire community and promote awareness and prevent drug use among young people. Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 by the National Family Partnership (NFP), formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth. It is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to educating children, teenagers, and parents about the dangers of drugs.
“Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.” –NFP
The Red Ribbon has helped millions of people around the world. It began as a response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction cause by drugs in America.
“I urge all citizens to join me in the special observance,” said Conley.
During the week, everyone is asked to wear a red ribbon all week to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and educate others.
NFP’s work has nearly 100 Partners, consisting of local coalitions, PTO groups, and parent committees, which share resources, information, and ideas.
For those interested NFP has a pledge on its website for parents and children to sign and demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free culture.
Verizon and City Reach Agreement On Expanding Cell Coverage
News September 4, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Verizon’s small cell towers and 4G coverage took a step closer to becoming a reality after Blairsville’ Mayor Jim Conley introduced an ordinance to the city council.
After the initial discussion of adding small cell towers in May 2019, Verizon, City of Blairsville, and Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) have reached an agreement about using existing EMC poles for the small cell towers.
However, Verizon might need to add a pole in the right of way within city limits to ensure accurate coverage of the area.
Small cell towers refer to radio transmitters to assist with cell coverage within the city limits, but as of now, it doesn’t extend into Union County.
“Where would they go? I don’t want one in my front yard,” stated Councilmember Mary Ruth Cook, “I don’t want it just going up willy-nilly. Do we have any say-so where they go?”
Conley responded, “In the right of way and that’s already dedicated, it would be the same if EMC wanted to put a pole there.”
A small cell facility will house an antenna that takes up no more than six cubic feet, and all other equipment will be no larger than 26 cubic feet.
The size of micro small cell towers is approximately 24 inches in length, 15 inches in width, 12 inches in height, and an antenna of no more than 11 inches.
Examples of the units installed on top of a light pole. Provided by Verizon.
“Our approach is that we would like to use the existing infrastructure so utility poles, light poles, and only if we have no other option would we seek to put in new poles. We have agreements with GDOT. Also, we’re working with BRMEMC to collocate on something like this,” commented Eleanor Callaghan.
Callaghan also speculated on the number of small cell towers needed for Blairsville and asserted 15 at the most. However, the project is still in the engineering phase, and no final numbers are available at this time.
Councilmember Tony Dyer asked Verizon representative to speak to the need of this technology in Blairsville.
“It’s so we can densify our network because with all the data usage that people have,” remarked Callaghan, “It shows that we need to improve.”
Georgia Legislature made the small cell tower initiative into law last year, and the city has until October 1st to enact it. The city will receive a three percent fee from Verizon for installing small cell towers in the city.
Blairsville City Council must approve permits for placement in right of way locations.
The ordinance still could change before the October 1st signing date.
Citizens Raise Concerns About Leachate Processing
News September 10, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Several residents of Union County attended the September Blairsville City Council Meeting to ask about the handling of leachate at the wastewater and treatment plant.
Five members of the Lake Nottely Improvement Association expressed concerns about adding the processed leachate back into local bodies of water.
Ross Malme, who owns a seasonal home on Lake Nottely, asked, “What’s in the leachate, and what’s the system’s ability to handle that? Thirdly, what kind of third-party testing is being done to ensure water quality?”
Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Jody Cook stated that Georgia’s Environmental Protection Agency governs Blairsville’s wastewater treatment plant, and it decides everything that goes into the water.
The main ingredient in leachate is ammonia. Blairsville chose to process the compound because the plant has the extra air capacity to handle the processing. The leachate comes from The Water Authority (TWA).
Cook said, “I had heavy metals testing done on it, and most are non-detected. The highest thing that came back was manganese. It’s not a health concern to people. It just discolors the water. We can see a little bit of discoloration in the water going out, but you’re talking about 100,000 gallons of water a day going into trillions of gallons of water.”
Mayor Jim Conley confirmed Mountain True will test once a week above and below stream for the next three months for water quality. The testing includes the bacterial population. The discharge site is also tested every day and twice a week for permit purposes.
“TVA has a limit for how many gallons per day that we can put into the stream, which is 50,000 gallons a day. We’ll never ever be processing that amount of leachate per day,” said Conley.
Currently, the plant handles 11,000 gallons a day of leachate at six to eight gallons a minute.
The city’s current plant permit processing allows for 400,000 gallons a day with no plans to increase that limit.
Images courtesy of Blairsville-ga.gov.
In reports from before and after Leachate processing, ammonia elevated from .18 to .226 milligrams per day. This falls well within the 19 kilograms per day in the permitted limit.
The slight increase is expected since leachate carries a lot of ammonia.
Fecal bacteria also increased from less than 4 CFG per 100 ml to 5 CFG per ml for the monthly average. The permit limit for fecal bacteria is 200ml.
The wastewater treatment plant doesn’t have to run it that low but does so to keep pathogens out of the water.
August marked the first month the city began processing leachate. After taking the initial samples, the water treatment department has adjusted chlorine to accommodate the increased bacterial loading.
The city sends monthly reports to Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division.
City council has the final say on how much leachate comes into the plant, and Cook monitors the intake to assure the plant isn’t overwhelmed.
The plant hasn’t exceeded its permit limit and typically processes about 300,000 to 350,000 gallons a day.
“We would stop treating leachate if at any time we are unable to properly treat it whether it be for bacteria or any other issues. We are obligated to treat all water that passes through our system to meet the requirements of our permit, and generally, our discharge water is well below those limits,” stated Cook.
Undetermined Number of New Cellular Poles Coming to Blairsville
Community, News October 10, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – In a 4 to 1 vote, the city council approved the ordinance to collect fees from Verizon for the installation of small cell towers in Blairsville. Verizon confirmed that several new cellular poles will go up across town within the right of ways.
“Verizon designated Blairsville as a site where the cell service is weak at times,” explained Mayor Jim Conley, “The legislature passed a law in regards to small cell services giving them legally the right to come in and place poles in needed areas to put their equipment on.”
The poles won’t be above 50 feet and would have a small cell hardware device.
Originally, the city hoped that the Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC) and Verizon could work out a deal to use BRMEMC poles for some of the devices.
“It was understood in the first reading that we could use EMC poles as well,” said Council Member Tony Dyer.
Dyer asked what happened to negotiations between Verizon and BRMEMC before approving the ordinance.
Fetch Your News contacted BRMEMC about using EMC poles within the city, and they stated that they were still open to working with Verizon, but hadn’t heard from the company since Aug. 13. Verizon’s spokesperson stated that negotiations were still open as well.
However, Verizon told the city council differently before the Oct. meeting. Currently, it’s unclear how many poles or towers will be needed or if BRMEMC will be utilized at all.
The cellular corporation has a meeting scheduled with the mayor later in Oct. to discuss how many new poles will go up in the right of ways throughout the city.
The ordinance passed in the meeting allows Blairsville to charge Verizon for installing small cell towers across the town. According to the law passed by the Georgia Legislature, Verizon can legally install the towers to improve service without the ordinance’s approval.
Essentially, the towers are coming to Blairsville no matter what, but the passage of the ordinance ensures a monetary benefit. The council can’t deny Verizon access.
Councilmember Betty Easter made a motion to pass the ordinance, Councilmember Rhonda Mahan seconded, and Councilmember Mary Ruth Cook voted against it.
At this time, Verizon hasn’t determined the number of new cellular poles coming to the area.
Widening 515 Requires City to Move Water and Sewer Lines
News August 7, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Blairsville City Council approved EMI engineers preliminary evaluations costs to reevaluate water and sewer locations due to the expansion of Hwy 515.
GDOT will only supplement existing lines. It won’t assist in the expansion of water or sewer services. Currently, sewer stops at the Sears building and water ends at Bowling Gap.
“The only restitution from DOT, whatever we get it will only be to supplement what size lines we have in the ground now,” “We’re proposing to place a 10-inch sewer line on up through there.”
A meeting with EMI with utility aid from GDOT will be held on August 12 of the month to go over the plan. GDOT’s trying to develop a plan that removes responsibility from state organization for new water and sewer lines. However, the city will still have to move lines whether it’s in GDOTs right of way or not.
Councilmember Mary Ruth Cook asked, “Have they made any recommendations about extending sewer or water lines?”
Cook wanted to know if sewer and water lines would extend from Sears and Bowling Gap.
The bill presented focused on preliminary professional services for review of DOT widening plan and preparation for widening costs of the project. EMI charged the city $6,510 for 65 hours of work from June 1 to 30 for three members of their staff. The services included preliminary engineering, review of DOT widening plans, preparation of cost estimates, preparation of DOT Utility Aid Application, and attending DOT meetings.
“When they widen the Young Harris Highway, and that land becomes more business-friendly, and businesses start developing that area, are we going to increase the water line, sewer line on up through there? Is that something’s that projected for the future?” inquired Cook.
Conley responded, “I don’t see a lot of additional businesses getting any further than those that are there now, but if they did and they came to the city, then the city could offer that service. In other words, it would cost them to bring a line to where our sewer line ends at this time.”
Currently, it’s just too far to run a line, and the city doesn’t see the need at this time.
New Airport Hangar Door
City purchased a new hangar door for the airport and paid for it with lease money from current tenants.
The purchase totaled at $30,038 with the door costing $13,098 and installation cost being $16,940. Hangar lease money covered all but $230 of the purchase, which came out of the airport’s budget.
Originally, the lease extension money paid for the new fuel funds and the leftover amount covered the cost of the new door.
“This is a beautiful thing,” exclaimed Airport Manager Aaron Mannheim, “It’s been a safety issue for a number of years I believe, it’s almost like a death march when you open the door. So this has greatly improved safety at the airport. I want to say thanks to Mayor Conley and his attention to safety for all.”
The hanger never replaced the original door from the 1960s.
“The door in that old first hangar that was ever built, sometime in the 60s. It’s made out of real metal. It became a very dangerous thing. It took two people to get it open. Now, it’s a bevel type door and takes one person to get it open,” said Conley.
Additionally, the council approved a three-year service plan for airport electronics and software equipment for $5,386.50. The service addresses equipment and software upkeep.
“It feeds information to Aaron when someone pumps gas, or he pumps gas on the Jet A tank,” stated Conley, “This company charges us every year.”
Haralson Property Lots No Longer for Sale
Featured, News, Police & Government July 16, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – City Council decided not to sell remaining Haralson property lots in a special meeting with the DDA on July 9.
In a 3 to 2 vote, the city council voted to keep the Haralson property lots, except for the .90 acres currently pending closing. The DDA can no longer sell the lots to interested buyers according to the vote.
The remaining lots are located next to the American Homes Building and in front of Hwy. 515, greenspace behind city hall, the greenspace across from Cook’s Restaurant, and parking lot across from Foodland.
.90 acre lot next to Hwy. 515, and closest to Popeye’s, is in the process of being closed on and wasn’t included in the motion to keep the land. However, the deal isn’t finalized at this time.
Haralson Plat lays out the lots that are no longer for sale by the city, including land with access to 515.
“It’s going to be really congested in that area,” stated Councilmember Robert Moore, “if we don’t do anything and keep it as an investment, then chances are it might be better than money in the bank. So if we don’t sell it today and decide five or ten years down the road to sell it, we haven’t lost anything. Also, I would like to create a green space for people to use.”
DDA member W.C. Nelson advised against holding onto prime property in the city of Blairsville when businesses are looking to move into the area.
“From the DDA perspective we want to be remembered for doing a good job and what we’re supposed to do for the city,” stated Nelson, “When things are selling, and you’ve got buyers, you better be taking advantage. The economy’s going to go back down then you’re not going to be able to sell it.”
Popeye’s will bring more transient traffic to the city.
Moore added that he didn’t want another fast food restaurant in the city and would prefer picnic tables in the area.
“The two businesses that we have in the area don’t create a tremendous amount of traffic like a steakhouse would or other things. Popeye’s is going to have come and go traffic,” said Councilmember Tony Dyer, “I see your point and I see Buddy’s point.”
Councilmember Betty Easter didn’t see many people using a green space area in the city.
Moore made the motion to take the land off the market. Councilmember Mary Ruth Cook seconded. Moore, Cook, and Councilmember Rhonda Mahan voted in favor of the motion. Dyer and Easter voted against it.
After some discussion as to who should keep the land now that it’s not for sale, the parking lot and green space behind City Hall moved back to the city.
However, the lot across from Cook’s Restaurant and the 1.13 acres next to American Homes and Hwy. 515 remained with the DDA. Moore made a motion to move the property back to the city, but it failed due to lack of a second.
Lot closest to Cook’s is off the market but still remains with DDA.
“We can set on the property as long as we ever want to set on it, but we’re at the behest of the city council as to what to do with it,” stated DDA member Paul Thompson.
Due to two-year term limits, city council can’t permanently bind DDA to hold the Haralson lots. However, the current council didn’t completely rule out selling for the right offer. Still, the DDA can’t actively sell the property at this time.
“If any of the council changes, a new member might have new ideas,” explained Mayor Jim Conley.
DDA member Daniel Davenport assured the council, “We will behoove the request of the city.”
The transfer of the parking lot and green space back to the city reduces the debt the DDA owes to the city by $650,000 with an estimated remaining debt balance of $300,000.
However, once a prospective deal closes the DDA’s debt to the city will be eliminated.
Council Discusses Direction for Blairsville’s Growth
Community, News July 8, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – City council addressed next steps for Blairsville’s rapid growth and how to handle the future.
Councilman Robert Moore brought up the Haralson Property lots and suggested leaving the remaining lots undeveloped.
Another restaurant will hopefully close eight-tenths of an acre, and if that goes through, then a little over an acre will remain.
“I think we need the greenspace myself. If we cut any more trees, it’s just going to ruin the town,” said Councilman Mary Ruth Cook.
Mayor Jim Conley confirmed that the lot across from Cook’s Resturant would be left, “It’s already been determined that the property across from Cook’s would be hung on to because we definitely need to have the parking.”
Moore stated that the city council needs to address future plans with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
Councilman Tony Dyer announced that the next Downton Development Authority (DDA) meeting on July 9 will be open to the public, “The purpose of the meeting is to throw out ideas and see what we want to do from now on. I think that’s a good thing to bring up.”
The city doesn’t have any authority as to how the property is sold but can provide input and suggestions for future plans. However, it’s the city council’s decision to relieve the DDA of the existing debt. If the current restaurant deal closes, $200,000 will be due to the DDA.
“I agree with you that we need to slow down with anything else we do,” said Dyer in response to Moore’s suggestion to consider the future of the city.
During Police Chief Michael Bear Baxter’s report, he commented that the new police department should be ready to move into within the month. Rock’s currently being laid on the building.
“Power should be hooked up next week. Everything is ready to go. Of course, with us moving in, we have to have some things,” stated Baxter.
Councilman Rhonda Mahan asked if the remodel would include new furniture.
Conley confirmed that it would have new kitchen appliances, but office furniture would be moved from the current location.
“Some of that’s not worth moving,” said Mahan, “That stuff’s been here forever. The chairs are falling apart.”
Dyer joined in, “I think it may be up to us, whether they get anything new or not. All of us. Some of that stuff is too old to move over there to that structure.”
The current furniture came from the school, who stored it in a barn until giving it to the police department. Baxter conceded that some new desks, chairs, and other materials might be needed.
“Especially the chairs,” commented Baxter “The ones the public use, when we bring somebody in, they’re bad. They’re. bad. I wouldn’t want to sit in one. You don’t need fabric chairs for the public. It’s not feasible. They look terrible. They’re stained up. Some of the things we need should be replaced.”
Baxter also commended Officer Shawn Dyer for spending the construction money wisely and stretching the dollar for the city.
Moore recommended that Baxter bring proposals for new furniture to the next council meeting.
Additionally, DDA Program Manager Darren Harper reported that the city earned $3,360 from the Spring Arts and Crafts festival.
“It’s higher than we ever had, and there are ways that we want to tweak it so next year it can be even better,” commented Harper.
Also, downtown business owners told Harper that they’re having really good numbers and are making more money than in 2018.
City Lowers Millage Rate
Community, Police & Government August 7, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Blairsville City Council voted to unanimously lower the millage rate during the August meeting.
Previously set at 1.945 percent, Mayor Jim Conley ran the numbers and discovered that by lowering the millage rate to 1.895 percent would only cost the county $202 a year.
It’s a 0.5 percent reduction in current millage rates and saves the city from having to advertise about the city’s rate.
“What all these numbers boil down to, if we go with the current millage rate, there [are] about three different advertising dates that we have to do,” explained Conley, “But if we drop it to 1.895 percent, we would have to do no advertising and only lose $202.”
Councilmember Robert Moore added, “We’ve gone down from 2.0 percent to 1.945 percent, and now I propose, we go down to 1.895.”
“I got the email, and I read it,” stated Councilmember Tony Dyer, “It’d be easier on us, and we’re only losing $200 – $300 a year. I’d think we want to go down that percentage point.”
Dyer added that lowering the millage rate might help constituents.
Dyer seconded Moore’s motion to drop the millage rate, and all councilmembers approved of the decision.
Additionally, the city repurposed an old police 2010 Ford Explorer and turned it into a city car. The car remains at city hall, and the mayor will drive it to and from functions and meetings.
“It’s the first Explorer that we ever purchased and made a police car out of it when it, really was not a police car. That car is decommissioned now,” said Conley, “we’d like to get the council’s permission to use that car as the city car. I would drive my vehicle to and from work and use this for all city business.”
Council unanimously approved of the repurposing.
County Events
Downtown Development Authority Program Manager Darren Harper addressed upcoming events and associated income.
The Green Bean Festival brought in $3,600 in revenue, up from last year, with 45 vendors. Harper’s already looking into improving next year’s festival.
“[Farmer’s Market’s] only open on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. ish, but our festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. So, I’ve already reached out to them to find out how we can make it more cohesive,” explained Harper, “The only complaint I’ve had is lack of green beans.”
Green beans came in earlier this year, and Farmer’s Market sold out at 8 a.m.
Some downtown businesses took in $2,000 – $3,000 in revenue from the festival.
Taste of the Mountains is Aug. 24 on the square and benefits North Georgia Technical College with over 26 participating vendors. Last year, the festival took in $11,000 for the city.
So far, the city has profited by $6,372 from festivals in 2019.
Wastewater issue discussed at Blairsville City Council meeting
News February 8, 2018
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – In his wastewater treatment plant report, Supervisor Jody Cook told the Blairsville City Council at their Tuesday, Feb. 6, meeting that recent testing has found an increased level of chemical pollutants flowing into the city’s wastewater facility.
Cook reported to city officials that it was determined that the chemicals were coming from the Aviagen Hatchery, a poultry hatchery facility located near Colwell Detention Center, after increases in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) at the treatment plant were discovered in January.
Mayor Jim Conley explained changes in Aviagen’s clean up process after delivering boxes of chicks to clients have resulted in the increased amount of chemicals coming into the wastewater plant.
“We’ve never had problems out of (the hatchery) before,” Conley said. “Those places are keep very, very sanitary, and I’m sure that the chemicals that they use are not harmful to you or me, but it’s harmful to our (wastewater treatment) plant because we have to operate under certain numbers for the EPD (Environmental Protection Division) in order to stay in compliance with our permit.”
In follow-up interview with Cook on Thursday, he stated unknown chemicals were being outside of the hatchery facility during the hatchery’s clean up process. Cook also said that the hatchery has been contacted about the issue and changes at the hatchery concerning its clean up process were being made, including the installation of a sewer drain. Cook also confirmed Mayor Conley’s comments from the meeting stating that the pollution poses no health risk but puts a strain on the treatment facility.
When Council Member Tony Dyer asked Cook if the city could be assured the water draining from the treatment plant into Butternut Creek was EPD legal, Cook responded by saying, “I’ve called EPD and told them of the issue … I told them that we would be probably closing some of our permit tests, and I assume (EPD is) okay with it. They didn’t send anybody up here to start testing or anything.”
Other department reports featured Darren Harper, supervisor of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), telling of the DDA’s plans to install a lit bulletin board near the downtown square. Harper described the bulletin board as “a place where people could see what events are coming up, a directory of businesses in the downtown area, (and) things of that nature.” Harper stated the cost of the board would be just under $500 and the proposed location would be between King’s Five and Dime and Hole in the Wall.
During Harper’s report, the council unanimously approved a move to replace DDA member Bob Head with former member Robert Rogers and move Head’s membership to an honorary status with the DDA.
In the water treatment plant report, Supervisor Danny Dillard stated increased water demand has resulted in ground water wells not producing as much as in the past, and he added that adjustments would be made at the plant wells to account for the increased demand.
Blairsville Airport Manager John Hamler reported that the newly installed Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) equipment has been operating well and that the hangar extensions have been well-received. Hamler also stated airport staff hopes to have the new Jet A fuel tank installed by April. According to Hamler, he and Mayor Conley had discussed hiring a commercial window cleaning service from Murphy, North Carolina, to clean all the windows – inside and out – of the airport terminal. “The new windows have a film on them,” Hamler explained. “It’s just been real impossible to them clean.”
During Hamler’s report, the council unanimously approved the hiring of Edgar Marshall as airport operator. Marshall, who worked previously at the Western Carolina Regional Airport near Andrews, North Carolina, for five years, will replace current operator Storman Glass, who will be leaving Blairsville Airport at the end of May. “I’m excited about getting started,” Marshall said after the council’s approval.
City Attorney David Barrett gave an update on the proposed annexation of 83 Conley Road in Blairsville. “Where we are on that is there is a gap between the property of the county and the city,” Barrett explained, “that we’re having to figure a way to get that 50-foot wide stretch opened and I’m in the process of trying to negotiate … You cannot annex less than 50 feet in width in the state of Georgia.”
The council also discussed the upcoming merger of Rite-Aid with Walgreen’s. A representative from Walgreen’s explained the recent merger of the stores to the council, and the council approved an alcohol license application for Walgreen’s managing agent Evia Kirkland. In addition to this, the council also approved the occupational tax certificate for Walgreen’s.
A complaint concerning the city’s inability to accept credit or debit card payments from water customers was addressed by the council. It was explained that the Notla Water Authority currently charges a 3 percent fee for credit or debit card transactions. After further discussion, the council approved for preliminary steps to be taken to establish a method to receive card transactions for water payment. “I just think, personally, it’s high time we did that,” Council Member Rhonda Mahan said.
Later in the meeting, the council approved the Rushton and Company accounting firm from Gainesville, Georgia, to perform the city’s 2017 financial audit.
The council also accepted occupational tax certificate and sign permit applications from Cousins’ Cuisine LLC (dba Sammies Sub Shop), Farmers Daughters Etc., Waves for Weight Loss, Inc. (dba Smoothies & Supplements), and John E. Mahan, Attorney at Law.
Author
Audit for 2017 presented to Blairsville City Council
News June 7, 2018
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – At their Tuesday, June 5, meeting, the Blairsville City Council heard from Clay Pilgrim, of the accounting firm Rushton & Company, who presented the city’s financial audit for fiscal year 2017.
Pilgrim explained this was the first year that Rushton & Company conducted an audit for the city of Blairsville.
“Things did go well during the auditing process, especially for a first-year audit,” Pilgrim stated. “Sometimes the first year of an audit does not go as smooth as the second, third, fourth and fifth … (I am) very pleased with all your department heads, all your finance staff.”
According to Pilgrim, the audit produced an “unmodified opinion” for fiscal year 2017. Essentially, this means the financial statements of the city “ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the (U.S.)”
Pilgrim went on to state the city’s total net position for 2017 was $23,429,812.
“That’s going to be your capital assets – buildings, equipment, land – less the depreciation on those assets, less any debt that’s outstanding that was used to acquire those assets,” Pilgrim explained.
Concerning the city’s general fund, Pilgrim stated revenues decreased in 2017 by 8.8 percent for a total of $152,615.
“A couple of causes there – fines and forfeitures decreased about $29,000 and intergovernmental revenues decreased $139,685 largely due to LMIG (Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant) and timing there on when those are spent,” Pilgrim said.
Expenditures, however, also decreased $214,354.00, approximately 14.7 percent than that of 2016, and the ending unassigned fund balance, or reserves, for the city stood at $2,489,042 as of Dec. 31, 2017, according to Pilgrim.
Regarding the reserves balance, Pilgrim described this as “extremely healthy.”
Highlighting the statement on economic condition and growth for the city, the audit stated, “The city will continue to face challenges as a result of past slow economic growth, but (Rushton & Company is) encouraged at the very positive direction of the current economy along with strong fiscal city policies … (the) average unemployment rate is the lowest in many years and continues to be among the lowest in our region … (Rushton & Company remains) cautiously optimistic that the growth in revenues and businesses in the city of Blairsville will continue.”
Following Pilgrim’s presentation, Councilwoman Mary Ruth Cook commended City Clerk Kaye McCann and Acccounting Clerk Joan Manheim for their assistance to the auditors. To this, Manheim also thanked all of the city department heads for their participation in the audit.
“I’m very appreciative of the trust you put in us, our firm, to do your audit,” Pilgrim stated.
“Well, we appreciate you and your team, Clay,” Mayor Jim Conley told Pilgrim.
The council also approved a reimbursement amount to Union County for an accounting error going back to 2009. Since that time, Manheim explained, a utility bill from Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) for a sewer lift station at the airport has continued to be sent to the county. Manheim explained the error was discovered after BRMEMC refused to provide the city information about the meter at the lift station, since the meter number was not registered to the city.
Upon investigation, BRMEMC determined the meter was erroneously registered to the county’s Recreation Department.
Manheim further explained the city has made a request to BRMEMC to update all of the city’s meter numbers.
In addition, Mayor Conley said the total amount the county has paid to BRMEMC since the error originated has amounted to $10,784.20.
“Lamar (Paris, sole commissioner of Union County), when I met with him, he said, ‘If you all pay us half of it, we’ll be satisfied,’” Mayor Conley explained.
The council unanimously agreed to pay $5,392.10 to Union County as reimbursement.
In department head reports, Darren Harper, of the Downtown Development Authority, reminded the council that this Thursday, June 7, is Shop Late Thursday for the month, during which downtown businesses will stay open later in the evening to allow potential patrons who cannot come downtown during the day a chance to visit and shop at downtown businesses. Harper also gave a report on a forthcoming property off of Pat Haralson Drive. Harper said the three-story building would consist of two floors, at 4,000 square feet each, of retail space and a third 4,000 square-foot for residential space.
Blairsville Airport Manager John Hamler reported that despite the rainy weather seen across the region in the past few weeks, business has continued to rise at the airport. Hamler also stated over 50 people or entities are currently on the waiting list for hangar space at the airport. “I think with the new fuel system, the new Jet A tank, additional people coming in, I think we are going to see those sales come up,” Hamler stated. “I can envision us hitting $1 million a year there in sales in the next two to three years.”
Police Chief Johnny Carroll reminded the council and those present the new hands-free driving law for the state of Georgia will go into effect on July 1. This law prohibits drivers from holding their cell phones in their hands while driving. Drivers will now be required to use a hands-free device or system to access their phones.
In other business, the council approved the purchase of a Kubota zero-turn mower from Nelson Tractor in the amount of $12,157.28 for the Blairsville Airport. Funds from Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) will be used to finance the purchase.
The council approved a new work detail agreement for fiscal year 2018-19 with the Georgia Department of Corrections in the amount of $39,500 for the year.
Councilwoman Cook mentioned the need for a crosswalk and/or pedestrian crossing signage on Pat Haralson Drive near the Downtown Develoment Authority property and Millie’s Corner Plaza. The council agreed that signage would be the best and most expedient option, and Mayor Conley told Cook pedestrian crossing signs could be installed as early next week.
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Blairsville City Council approves employee auto-deposit, continues to tackle Downtown improvements
News July 13, 2017
Blairsville, GA – The Blairsville City Council convened for their July Meeting on July 11, 2017 at 6 p.m.; a week later in the month this time due to the July 4th Holiday. Mayor Jim Conley, City Attorney David Barrett, City Clerk Kaye McCann and all Council Members were present. The invocation was led by Pastor Bill Schakat, the Pledge by Buddy Moore.
McCann informed the Council that she had been advised there are, in fact, fees associated with having a direct deposit arrangement with their bank. That fee, she said, is $25 per month. She asked that the Council to revisit the issue in light of this new information, given that about 60% of Blairsville City employees want the service. The Council voted unanimously to approve.
Darren Harper, Downtown Development Authority Program Manager, in his department head report, said they were considering making the Memorial Day and/or the July Fourth Arts and Crafts Festival a three day event; which, he said, would be beneficial for the City and vendors alike. However, he said, proximate businesses that are open on the third day would need to be taken into consideration. Harper also mentioned that parking, sidewalks and crosswalks are a major concern with respect to pedestrian safety in the downtown area. The Council agreed.
John Hamler, Airport Manager, said the airport has been busy. He said a Cessna Citation Sovereign came in last week. Hamler said that NetJets, a private air charter company, utilizes the Blairsville Airport regularly. He said a NetJet plane purchased 1,100 gallons of Jet-A fuel last week at a cost of almost $5,000. He said a Gulfstream V landed last week and wanted 2,000 gallons of fuel, but the aircraft was too big to get to the fueling area; he said it will be a boon for Blairsville when we take delivery of the fuel truck the City purchased recently. He said there has been a lot of activity and that he’s had lots of positive feedback on the removal of trees at the west end of the runway (Runway 8). Later in the Meeting, the Council unanimously approved additional money for furniture for the new terminal building. However, because some of the furniture is on back-order, the grand opening of the terminal has been rescheduled for Thursday August 17, 2017.
Larry Stephens, Superintendent of the Water Treatment Plant,
Darren Harper (foreground), John Hamler (background).
reported that the new building was completed satisfactorily by Laney Construction. He then deferred to Conley regarding tank cleaning: Conley said Liquid Engineering would use a diver to clean the tanks and that they had the best price for the job. He recommended that the Council approve their bid, which they did unanimously.
Jody Cook, Superintendent of the Waste Water Treatment Plant, asked that the Council approve the repair of one pump by Goforth Williamson, Inc. Cook said that the damage to the pump was caused by grit and that the facility would need reengineering to install a grit chamber to alleviate the problem. The Council unanimously approved two invoices from Goforth Williamson, Inc. ($13,755.26 and $3,620.00) for the repair of one pump.
Shawn Dyer of the Blairsville Police Department reported that they had recovered a stolen Cadillac from Murphy, NC. He then said the vehicle that the tag reader had been installed on had finally given out. Conley informed the Council that he had directed Dyer to investigate the pricing of a Chevrolet Tahoe. After some discussion on the merits of the Tahoe compared to similar vehicles and the cost of keeping another vehicle in the fleet that has had numerous problems, the Council unanimously approved the purchase of the Tahoe.
Conley pointed out to the Council that ASC Paving Division, Inc., owned by Jody Cook, submitted the low bid of $9,438 for the paving of Kimsey Street up to the city limit. That, he said, does not include the asphalt. He said the City would purchase the asphalt because the City can get a better price. The Mayor figured the total cost of the project would be $40,137.24. The council unanimously approved the Mayor’s recommendation to accept the ASC Paving Division, Inc. bid.
The Council approved the following sign permit applications:
• Huddle House, 29 Golf course Road, Betty Brothers, Applicant
• Rustic Mountain Décor, 294 HWY 515, Suite A, June McEldowney, Applicant
• Pat’s Hallmark, 23-C Murphy Highway, Becky Dyer, Applicant
The Council repaired to Executive Session, after which there were no announcements. The Meeting then adjourned.
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Blairsville City Council has Moment of Silence for Martha Cone; approves UCEHD enforcement of food service inspections at non-profit events
News May 12, 2017
Councilwoman Martha Cone
Blairsville, GA – The Blairsville City Council convened on May 9, 2017 at 6 p.m. for their regular May Meeting. The May Meeting had been postponed the previous week because of the passing of Council Member Martha Cone. Pastor Marty Duncan gave the invocation and Police Chief Johnny Carroll led the Pledge. Mayor Jim Conley, City Attorney David Barrett, City Clerk Kaye McCann and all Council Members were present, with the exception of Councilwoman Martha Cone.
Conley asked for a Moment of Silence to honor Ms. Cone at the beginning of the Meeting. Her absence was nearly tangible as everyone in the room stood with heads bowed. Later, after some discussion on balloting, the Council agreed to wait until the November election for voters to select a replacement for the vacancy left by the passing of Ms. Cone.
Mark Jarrett of the Union County Environmental Health Department (UCEHD) sent a letter to the City of Blairsville, said Conley, and requested that they direct the City to allow the UCEHD to enforce a law that is already in existence. The letter stated: “Under Georgia Law O.C.G.A. 26-2-391, a county or municipality is authorized to issue permits for the operation of non-profit food service at events that last 120 hours or less if sponsored by the county, municipality or a non-profit organization. The law specifies the food safety standards that must be met to protect the public’s health. The county or municipality may delegate the authority to issue such permits to the County Board of Health.” This means that food vendors engaged for a non-profit event in Blairsville would be required to undergo an inspection by the UCEHD (at no charge) to get permitted. The Council unanimously approved a motion to allow UCEHD to enforce this law. UCEHD is a separate entity from Union County Health Department.
Conley recited a Proclamation that the week of May 7 – 13, 2017 be named Municipal Clerk’s Week. The Proclamation was warmly received by McCann, who said she appreciated the opportunity to serve the Council, the Mayor and the City of Blairsville.
Blairsville Mayor Jim Conley (L), Blairsville City Clerk Kaye McCann (R)
Conley recited Resolution R2017-03 adopting the 2017 Comprehensive Plan for Union County and the City of Blairsville as of May 9, 2017. This is something that the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) requires every year, said Conley. The Resolution was approved.
Blairsville Mayor Jim Conley
An Agreement between the City of Blairsville and Notla Water Authority was signed by all Members of the Council. The Agreement is to accommodate the City of Blairsville in furnishing water and sewer to a commercial property on Pat Haralson Dr. The Agreement sets the rate the City of Blairsville will pay Notla Water Authority for the water they will supply.
Conley recited Resolution R2017-02 to adopt an amended Alcohol License Fee Schedule, which, as was addressed in last month’s Council Meeting, will align with the Union County License Fee Schedule. A motion for the adoption of this Resolution was unanimously approved by the Council.
The Council unanimously approved:
• A motion to accept the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Contract AP017-9031-33(291) Union for avigation and land acquisition service and obstruction removal design for the Blairsville Airport.
• A request by the Youngstown Baptist Church for sewer service to their new location on Par Haralson Dr. It would involve running a two inch graywater sewer line to a location on City property. Water would be provided under the Agreement with Notla Water Authority approved earlier in the Meeting.
• Tentative approval of Payroll Direct Deposit contingent upon the amount of fees charged to the City of Blairsville for this service.
Department Head Reports were as follows:
• Police Chief Johnny Carroll reported there were a total of 129 calls logged in April, a total of 5426 patrol miles driven in April and a total of 391 calls logged year-to-date. The majority of those calls were Courtesy Escorts, Funeral Escorts, Miscellaneous Traffic calls and Warrants served. Carroll received approval from the Council to hire Andrew Glass for the position of Part-time Police Officer at the rate of $14/Hr.
• City Water Department Head Ottis Franklin reported nothing out of the ordinary; routine maintenance. He said that 53 of 73 water meters had been set at the new subsidized housing complex behind Butternut Creek Shopping Center.
• Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Larry Stephens reported that they were going to clean out the raw water intakes and that bids were coming in to replace the valve actuators. He said the auto dialer and the ACT-PAC, both of which were hit by lightning would be replaced very soon.
• Downtown Development Authority Head Darren Harper reported that he would be attending a training class next week at Lake Lanier Islands. He said the next DDA Board Meeting will be Tuesday, June 13. He said they have been heavily promoting the upcoming Arts and Crafts Festival that will take place on Memorial Day Weekend; he said as of this Meeting, there were 59 vendors signed up and he expects to have about 68 by the kickoff of the event. Harper said there is an offer for a section of the Haralson property across from the Foodland store. He said three businesses are scheduled to open this month and he observed that the old cinema across from City Hall has been leased. Movie Night and Concert on the Square, he said, will begin in June.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Jody Cook reported that an actuator that regulates discharge into a creek needs to be repaired, but in order to do that they are going to have to purchase a new one because they cannot operate while the broken equipment is sent off for repair. He said the cost will be about $3,800, but they will then have a spare so this won’t happen again. He said, also, that there is a relief flow pipe that has corroded and needs to be replaced for a second time. He said they are going to use stainless steel pipe this time so it won’t corrode so easily again. Cook requested that the Council address the Goforth Williamson Inc. (GWI) three-year maintenance contract. It was unanimously approved.
• Airport Manager John Hamler reported that the previous week had been busy with five jets and two (Beechcraft) King Airs using the facility along with seven car rentals. He said they had sold out of Jet “A” fuel from April 3 – April 30. He said the grounds and building maintenance was keeping them busy. He said that a sign at the new entrance should be considered by the Council that would be in compliance with GADOT. He said there are now 26 names on the hangar waiting list. David Brown Transportation will be taking over maintenance of the AWOS system. Hamler said that every fuel or oil sale at the Terminal is taxed through the Terminal POS system.
Approved Sign Permit Applications:
• Beil Chiropractic, 428 Pat Haralson Dr., Floyd Beil, Owner
• Blue Mountain Vapor, 63 Plott St., Unit C, David and Roger Craig, Owners
Approved Occupational Tax Certificate Applications:
• Crawford Collections, 35-A Blue Ridge St., Candace C. Youngberg, Owner
Approved Occupational Tax Certificate and Sign Permit Applications:
• Britt & Capri, 80 Town Square B, Debbie Wickersham, Owner
• Winslow Real Estate Services, Inc., 211 Cleveland St. #A, Faron King, Owner
• Granny’s House Restored Furniture & Home Décor, 40 Town Square, Melissa Mashburn & Tammy Tanner, Owners
• Blairsville Antiques and Treasures, 49B Blue Ridge St., Suite B, Joshua Durst & Gary Steverson, Owners
With no Executive Session called for and no further business to conduct, the Meeting was adjourned.