Green Creek Trail future tabled until October 26
News October 18, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Fannin Commissioners tabled the decision to move forward with a grant for Green Creek Trail until they can gather more information.
Economic Development Director Christie Gribble presented details about the trail. Green Creek Trail is located by the boat launch and is currently a decommissioned campground at the Lake Blue Ridge Day Use Area. The trail loop around the old campground with the grant would be brought up to ADA standards for people with disabilities.
In 2017, the Forest Service approached the previous board about applying for the Roads and Trails Program (RTP) grant with the federal government to improve Green Creek Trail. They chose not to pursue the grant because of priorities with Horseshoe Bend Park.
Chairman Jamie Hensley asked if the possibility of reopening the campground was included in 2017. It was not.
“Getting the campground rehabbed from what I understand from the Forest Service…is an extremely lengthy process,” Gribble explained. “There has not been too much conservation about it. This is not related to the campground.”
Hensley lamented that the trail project didn’t include the possibility of reopening the campground.
Post Two Glenn Patterson stated the trail project might be a step in the right direction.
The grant would improve the one-mile trail loop around the outer edge of the old campground, the inner trails are not included. The kiosks and the trailhead are part of the improvements and ramps as well as slopes would need to be built for handicapped individuals.
The trail is already asphalt.
Signage and maintenance plan would be a part of the updates too. The road department and recreation department now collaborate on maintenance of the area.
The maximum grant amount is $200,000 and a grant match is required by the county of at least 20 percent. Gribble recommended Fannin commit to a $50,000 match. It’s a reimbursement grant as well so the county would need to budget the $250,000 in the 2023 year and will receive $200,000 back after completing the process.
SPLOST and tourism project development fund could potentially be used to fund the project.
Post One Johnny Scearce didn’t necessarily see the benefit of fixing the trail if the campground wasn’t going to be reopened. He also wanted to know why the Forest Service couldn’t manage the updates.
“We have to spend money to get money to fix someone else’s problem,” Scearce added.
Gribble explained that the Forest Service has a cost-share agreement with Fannin that states Fannin can maintain and make improvements to the property. Forest Service owns the property.
“It’s also an asset to Fannin County. It’s a well-used trail. I think it could be a great improvement. It could offer an opportunity to people who may not have a place to go see the lake,” Gribble added.
Public Works Director Zach Ratcliff confirmed that the traffic in the area is “unbelievable” for people who use the trail.
The grant also stipulates that the trail must be maintained for 20 years and Gribble things that reopening the campground might make that more difficult.
She recommended a conversation with Forest Service Agent Towdy Tifton to provide the commissioners with further clarity on the campground.
“I think it’s a good investment. I think it will pay for itself in the long run,” Patterson stated, “That being said, I’m open to being open to listening to what you fellows would like to say.”
Hensley added there’s “uncertainty” about the project and would like to clear that up before approving or denying the grant.
The grant application is due on November 1, 2021. It will be discussed again at the October 26 county meeting.
Commissioners pass addendum to lodging tax contract with Chamber
News October 2, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Commissioners approved an addendum concerning lodging (hotel/motel) tax split between the Chamber of Commerce and Fannin County for tourism product development.
Previously, the split was 50/50 between the two entities and now the county will receive another eighth and third of the tax. The funds could go toward needs at the parks, recreation center, and other designation tourism items.
“The county shall pay the Chamber as under the original agreement and any renewal of the same, 41.66 percent of the total tax collected. The same shall be and is restricted to tourism markets. All other provisions of the original agreement shall remain in full force and in effect,” read the addended agreement.
When the lodging tax was initially established, some counties contracted with a 501(c) organization, such as the Chamber of Commerce. The agreement is considered a public/private partnership for this reason.
“It’s something we can give back to our community as long as it’s a tourism-related product,” Chairman Jamie Hensley added.
In 2019, the board of commissioners voted to send the hotel/motel increase proposal to the General Assembly. It’s a one percent increase from the current five percent tax rate. The General Assembly passed an up to eight percent increase, but the commissioners only approved going up to six percent.
The tax use is restricted to tourism product development under the county and tourism marketing under the Chamber.
Fiscal Year 2020 Adjustments
Commissioners passed 2020 budget adjustments after auditors discovered the expenditures were slightly over for the year.
2020 financial statements were passed as well. The formality is to keep the books in line with state protocol.
The 2020 audit presentation will hopefully take place in October.
Whitepath Building for Sale
The Whitepath building has been listed for sale with the help of Economic Development Director Christie Gribble. It’s not an MLS real estate listing but is posted for sale on the economic development website.
A previous board purchased the building in 2019. In 2021 an inspection unveiled mold and some asbestos in the building.
COVID-19 policy updates adopted by Fannin Commissioners
News September 16, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga: During the September 14, 2021, county meeting, Fannin County Commissioners enacted a new sick leave policy and approved taking bids for a new HVAC system due to COVID-19.
As COVID-19 outbreaks continue to occur, county employees continue to be affected. Quarantine measures require workers to stay home for up to two weeks, and not everyone can work from home. Additionally, some of these employees didn’t have sick leave accrued to cover that period.
14 Fannin County employees have been affected by COVID-19 since March 1. The majority of those without sick leave had time donated to cover their time out of the office. However, not everyone benefitted from others covering their time.
To help all county employees, Chairman Jamie Hensley proposed a resolution to ensure everyone can receive pay when out sick with COVID-19. The resolution is retroactive and goes into effect from March 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021. It allows employees who are ill or need to take care of a sick family member suffering from COVID-19 to take time off under the Family First Coronavirus Response Act.
“This is a resolution to either give them their sick time back or pay them when they didn’t have a check coming in,” Hensley explained. “We’re here trying to right a wrong.”
The resolution has an option to be extended in January 2022 if COVID-19 continues to be an issue.
Post One Johnny Scearce, who experienced a brutal battle against the virus in 2020, agreed with helping out county employees.
“It will kick your butt,” Scearce stated, “Whatever we can do to help the people, period. I’m all for it…It’s the only Christian thing to do.”
Post Two Glenn Patterson also agreed with the measure.
The resolution has an additional COVID-19 leave which covers 14 days or two weeks of quarantine, 10 days symptomatic and 24 hours asymptomatic, negative test result, or if a coworker receives a negative test to follow CDC return to work guidelines.
Once an employee exhausts the FFCRA and Additional COVID-19 leave protocols, the only option to accrue more time is to present a positive COVID-19 test.
HVAC System
After an executive session, commissioners voted to bid out for a new smart HVAC system in accordance with American Rescue Plan guidelines. The system would be for the courthouse and jail.
American Rescue Act Plans would be used to purchase the system. Fannin accepted $2,543,356 in American Rescue Plans Act Funds at the June 8, 2021 meeting. The Federal government has strict guidelines for fund usage.
Changes coming to Fannin dispatch department
News June 11, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Commissioners approved moving dispatch to fall under the sheriff’s office at the June 8 meeting to go into effect July 1, 2021.
Chairman Jamie Hensley detailed how other counties operate dispatch. At a public safety case, he learned that Fannin was one of the only counties in the state where dispatch fell under the EMA, not the sheriff. ACCG recommended that the sheriff’s office oversees dispatch and Fannin’s dispatch used to fall under the sheriff.
According to Hensley, EMA Director Robert Graham, Sheriff Dane Kirby, and EMA/911 Deputy Director Patrick Cooke are fine with the change.
“I saved the sheriff to last because I thought well all this was going to be for naught if he says no, but he was willing as well. He thought that was a good idea.”
Post One Johnny Scearce questioned if the cities would continue to experience the same quality dispatch service. Hensley assured him that they would and potentially an improved service.
Post Two Glenn Patterson asked Hensley to explain the new setup.
“Basically, nothing really is going to change other than the department now falls under the sheriff’s department. There will be the same number of employees,” Hensley explained.
However, Cooke will be transitioning to a different role within the county. Hensley approached Cooke about becoming Fannin’s IT employee and grant writer. Cooke’s qualified and has written grants for Fannin previously.
“We have an IT service agreement that we pay X-amount a month for 30-hours and anything over 30 hours we’re billed $65 an hour. I can tell you since January we have been over 30 hours every month. We would be able to save that money moving forward. At times, it has been a substantial amount that we’ve had to pay. It’s not knocking anybody out of a job. We’re trying to get everything we can out of Patrick. I know he’s going to be good for this county and I feel he has some talents we haven’t tapped into.”
“It’s not knocking somebody out of the job. Why would you not utilize what you have instead of paying somebody else to do it?” Post One Johnny Scearce said.
Deputy Director Patrick Cooke
With dispatch moving underneath the sheriff, a department head is no longer needed. Kirby could appoint someone to lead dispatch him his staff. For example, the sheriff appoints an administrative lead and chief jailer.
Commissioners approved the move to go into effect on July 1, 2021, and to be revisited within a year on July 1, 2022. If the move doesn’t work out, then the commissioners can decide if the department head role needs to return.
Current 911 Deputy Director Cooke stated the move should work the same as the present system.
911 Dispatch is also in the process of upgrading its radio system and selected Gumby Communications with its telex system for the contract.
Gumby came in with the lowest bid of $107,565. The contract covers hardware, software, and maintenance. The next lowest bid was $206,000.
The current system had reached end of life and would no longer be serviced, so the county had to upgrade to something new. The previous system lasted 15 years.
Road Department
Road Department Director Zack Ratcliffe gave an update on the Colwell Detention Center Detainee clean-up crews finally returning after the pandemic.
Eight detainees started work in Fannin on Monday with one guard. Two more detainees might become available soon. Fannin County only pays for the detainees if they work and are only expected to furnish a van as well as set cost.
It’s also time to renew the contract with Colwell Detention Center. The price went up from last year to around $50,000. However, it’s only paid out if the detainees work.
Patterson asked about littering and dumping and the community. Ratcliffe confirmed that they see some dumping, but they’re finding a lot of discarded tires by the road. They plan to contact Marie Woody about it.
Paving bids came in for annual LMIG grants from GDOT and they were tabled for two weeks.
USDA and Fannin Cost Share Agreement
The commissioners approved renewing the cost share agreement with USDA for the Green Creek Recreational Area. The annual contract covers maintenance, and the county upkeeps the area for day use.
“It’s getting plenty of good use,” Hensley said.
Report confirms asbestos and mold at old Whitepath building
Board of Commissioners, News April 14, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – A hazardous materials survey revealed asbestos, mold, lead-based paint, and lead-containing paint within the former Whitepath facility.
A state-certified asbestos inspector with Contour Engineering surveyed the property on March 17, 2021. They conducted a visual inspection and collected samples for testing. “89 bulk asbestos samples were collected with 106 samples or layers from 55 homogeneous areas of suspect asbestos containing materials from structures.”
Testing identified 12 instances of asbestos containing materials (ACM) inside and outside the building. EPA and OSHA define ACM as materials containing greater than one percent of asbestos. The locations are as follows:
Asbestos containing materials analytical results. Every ACM was marked as low damage potential and category 1 per EPA standards.
- Vinyl Composition Floor Tile
- Floor Tile Mastic
- Remnant Flashing
- Roof Coating
- Remnant Parapet
- Remnant Roof
- Flashing
A Georgia Environmental Protection Agency licensed asbestos abatement contractor was recommended to remove and dispose of the asbestos before renovations begin.
All instances of asbestos were non-friable or less likely to release harmful fibers into the air. The type of asbestos was chrysotile, which is the most common and dangerous if inhaled.
Lead-based paint
Five out of 23 paint samples came back as lead-based paint on the metal door to the basement, wood door to the shop, structure beam, and warehouse structural support. Lead-based paint is defined as a coating with a lead content of 0.5 percent or greater by weight.
Lead-containing paint was located in two areas pink paint on the concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls and white paint on the front interior CMU walls. In lead containing paint, the concentration of lead is greater than 0.06 percent.
During renovations, a contractor must first perform an initial exposure assessment of all workplaces to determine employees’ exposure potential. Also, people who encountered lead-based or containing paint must be monitored.
Mold
Two instances of observable mold, six water stains, and 10 active water leaks were located by Contour Engineering. The mold appeared on the wallboards in the front office and on the carpet/ carpet glue in the engineering offices.
Mold grows due to elevated levels of moisture and can potentially release allergens or toxic spores into the air. Roof and window leaks were close to the entrance and offices. The roof leak also produced several instances of standing water inside the warehouse. Contour Engineering recommended visual and air clearance takes place before renovations begin. Further mold remediation depends upon the extent of the renovation plan.
Additional mold, asbestos, and lead-based paint may be present. Any suspected materials should be considered ACM and lead-based paint until tested.
See where the mold and water leaks were located.
Contour Engineering out of Kennesaw investigated the building for the purpose of future renovation by the county. Fannin County purchased the building in 2019 for $1.3 million with the intent to use it for administrative purposes.
Earlier in 2021, Post Two Glenn Patterson requested that Whitepath undergo hazardous material testing to gauge the state of the building. Patterson’s the only remaining board member from 2019 when the commission approved the purchase.
After executive session on Tuesday, Chairman Jamie Hensley said the entire report will be available on the Fannin County website.
FYN will update this story as soon as more details become available.
Clearing up misconceptions about the library’s state granted funds
News March 10, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Mountain Regional Library Director Heath Lee spoke about misunderstandings concerning Fannin County Library’s future.
Representing himself and not the library, Lee remarked the state hadn’t released the $1.3 million in funds. Capital outlay projects such as the library operate on a reimbursement basis, paid out after project completion. Additionally, all rules and regulations must be met throughout the process.
“The grant funding is a product of an application being filed to the Georgia Public Library Service, a funding partner’s commitment to also join in a construction project, many library advocates at all levels of public and governmental interests championing the cause, and finally, the state of Georgia legislature approving the sale of bonds to support the projects the legislature approves. Being a recipient of state of Georgia grant funding for the purpose of a capital outlay project is no small feat. It requires years of diligence, advocating, and sometimes a little luck to be awarded the funds,” Lee stated.
For the library to receive funding, the construction project would need a “funding partner” who would ensure completion. Also, the grant amount is partially determined by the partner’s committed amount. A press release from Representative David Ralston announcing the grants last year stated, “local government will provide an additional $582,000 for a total project cost of $1,965,000.”
Mountain Regional Library Director Heath Lee
Once Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) approved the sale of bonds for a project, a timeline for using those goes into place. Fannin County and the library were given a five-year window to start the project.
At a previous commissioners’ meeting, they floated the idea of the library reimbursing the county for its portion of the WhitePath building. A new library wasn’t listed as a project on the current SPLOST, so it brought up the discussion topic of if the citizens didn’t vote for a new library, can it be included. A large group did want a library on the SPLOST.
Lee clarified GSFIC state funds can’t be used “for the purchase of land or location, be used as a reimbursement for a completed project, or reimburse an existing account of funding such as a SPLOST account.” The money can only go toward constructing a new facility, rehabilitate an existing library or alternate location, and furnishing the library.
As for size, the Georgia Public Library Service’s one project requirement is a minimum of 5,000 square feet for a state grant funded capital outlay project. Currently, the Fannin County Library is 6,800 square feet. The Georgia Public Library Service, GSFIC, and the state legislature of Georgia have approved the proposed partial renovation of 13,000 square feet of the WhitePath building.
Project cost can’t be determined at this time because neither the local nor regional board of trustees knows for certain where the library will go. They haven’t hired an architect, construction firm, or design firm because the Whitepath situation is still unsettled. It’s irresponsible to use public funds for a project that might not come to pass.
“Until the library boards of trustees understands exactly where the project will take place when the project will take place, and who will be chosen to lead the construction and design phases, the final associated construction and furnishing costs will not be known,” Lee commented.
He also stressed that it shouldn’t be taken for granted that if the funds aren’t used, then another capital outlay grant will readily become available. Fannin would be placed back on the grant list, but other counties also need new facilities.
Whitepath building
Lee added, “These state grants are competitive. There are over 400 public libraries in Georgia, and there are always new library projects being added to the capital outlay menu. On average, only three to five capital outlay projects are approved by the state legislature annually.”
He ended by thanking the commissioners for their efforts to provide “seismic library service improvements.”
Fannin library’s been searching for a permanent home since at least the early 2000s when it was demolished for the new courthouse.