Grant for Green Creek Trail to proceed, new flooring for animal control
News October 27, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – The Green Creek Trail grant application was approved by the board of commissioners after tabling the issue for two weeks.
If approved, the grant will provide funds to update the outer walking trail and make it ADA accessible.
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 Two Glenn Patterson asked if additional patrols could drive through the Green Creek Trail area. Some of the calls he received about Green Creek Trail included concerned citizens who use the trail and often find beer cans discarded.
Chairman Jamie Hensley added that they can add a no alcohol sign at Green Creek. The trail is supposed to be closed at night, but the gate in the area isn’t typically closed at night.
Animal Control Updates
Animal control is in the midst of researching new software to update processes. The issue of purchasing new software was tabled for another two weeks.
New flooring options for the animal control facility are also being considered for $21,779. This would include the kennels, back area, but not the office area. The new flooring would assist with the drainage issue and appears to be a durable option. It also comes with a warranty.
Hensley believed the funds could come from the animal control budget for the year.
The animal control facility would be closed for four days to install the new flooring. During that time, the county would rely on rescues to house the animals until they could move back into the facility. Fannin’s already been in talks with some rescues.
The board approved the purchase.
American Rescue Act Funds for Elected Officials
The commissioners approved providing American Rescue Act funds (ARP) to elected officials in Fannin County, excluding the commissioners. They previously provided funds to government employees who weren’t elected.
“Elected officials are really the ones who have to make everything happen,” Hensley explained. “At a time where we’re short-handed, they have to shift things around to make the service we provide to our citizens [possible].”
It would affect around six or seven elected officials.
Post One Johnny Scearce and Post Two Glenn Patterson agreed with the move.
Patterson asked that the funds be made optional in case someone didn’t want to take the money.
The amounts for the elected officials will be presented at the next meeting.
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.