Jasper once again extends residential rezoning moratorium

City Council
City Hall / Moratorium

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — The Jasper City Council once again extended a moratorium on residential rezonings during their July 11 meeting. The moratorium, first adopted in August of 2021, has now been extended three times.

Resolution No. 2022-10, unanimously passed by the council, extends the moratorium on “all rezonings, rezoning applications received after the passage of this moratorium, and the issuance of all building permits that would require or necessitate a residential rezoning within the City of Jasper” until October 15, 2022.

City Manager Sonia Jammes said the additional extension came “as a result of the complexity of drafting a modified zoning ordinance and the current efforts at master planning the utilities system.”

The resolution itself gives a more in-depth reason for the moratorium, reading in part: “to develop and implement a comprehensive approach to controlled residential growth by way of zoning ordinance for the City of Jasper, Georgia, including enacting new zoning regulations pursuant to said approach, to create a balance of development within the City between residential, commercial, and industrial development in order that the City may continue to have a high standard of living, and have appropriate zoning regulations to balance a private property owner’s right to a reasonable use of their property which is balanced against the need to have these uses be within appropriate districts and areas of the City and prevent negative impact to the property surrounding said uses and also make determinations as to the availability of water and sewer service.

The resolution again says that during the moratorium period, the city intends to do a “complete and comprehensive updating of the zoning ordinance as to residential uses and determine capacity and availability of its water and sewer service.”

The council also passed Resolution No. 2022-11 during the same meeting. This resolution, entitled Temporary Residential Annexation Moratorium, places a moratorium on “all residential annexations, and residential annexation applications received after your passage of this moratorium, and applying to all annexations that would require or necessitate a residential zoning within the City of Jasper.”

Similar to Resolution No. 2022-10, this resolution expresses the necessity of the moratorium to combat unchecked growth and provide time for the city to prepare coming expansion. “The City Council of the City of Jasper, Georgia, intends during the time period of the temporary moratorium to start the expansion of the water plant and the waste water plant,” Section Three reads.” The City of Jasper has been working to begin an expansion of its Water Pollution Control Plant and recently received an almost $11 million loan package to do so.

Other Business

City Manager Sonia Jammes discussed a proposal for outsourcing the city’s residential sanitation services. She explained that the city is currently in discussion with Waste Pro USA to bring a “built-in efficiency” to sanitation services with “more defined customer delivery benefits.”

Jammes said outsourcing residential services is the first step of the city’s new service delivery strategy, which also aims to benefit the city’s workforce: “Our number of workforce that we currently have are stretched thin to not only take care of our sanitation services, our streets and parks, and making sure that we have all of our right-of-ways mowed. We are pulling from the same pool of staff for all of these items.”

The council also approved purchases of body cameras, computers, and other equipment for the Police Department as well as the reclassification of some firefighter job positions at the request of Chief John Sherrer.

City Council approves loan package for WPCP expansion

City Council

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — The Jasper City Council held a special called meeting on June 29, 2022 to approve a USDA Rural Development loan package that will allow the city to move forward with their Water Pollution Control Plant expansion project.

During June’s council meeting, Assistant City Manager Kim Goldener explained that bids for the Water Pollution Control Plant expansion project came back unexpectedly high, leaving the city in need of over $11 million in additional funding. Goldener also told the council that reapplication for further funding from the USDA would be necessary. The urgency of that reapplication was also stressed because interest rates were set to change after July 1, 2022.

On June 29, 2022, Mayor Steve Lawrence noted the council was meeting in “emergency circumstances” to approve the new loan package, which would “allow the city to lock in a lower interest rate for the additional funding before rates change on July 1, 2022, and allow the city to continue to provide this service.”

Kim Goldener discusses loan package

Goldener discussed the USDA RD loan package with the council.

“I am pleased to announce they were able to provide us additional funding,” Goldener said while speaking to the council and representatives from the USDA. She shared that the city will receive two more loans from the USDA, totaling $10,879,000. Goldener explained that there is a $10 million limit on USDA loans, so the additional funding is divided into two loans of $9 million and $1,879,000. She then noted that the two new loans will bring the city to a total of three for the project and “will require three bond issuances.”

“Should council decide to proceed with this,” Goldener said, “there are some documents USDA will need this evening in order to obligate funds in time to meet that before July 1 deadline when rates change.” Those documents include two new requests for obligations of funds, the execution of a loan resolution for each loan, and a letter of intent to meet the loan conditions, according to Goldener.

Goldener also discussed the payment of the loans: “With all three loans we’re looking at $43,112 a month. We will also be required to pay $4,311 and some change each month into a debt reserve account.” She clarified that the loan term would be forty years and the debt reserve payments would be made for ten years.

Before moving to vote, City Manager Sonia Jammes said: “This is something that we definitely need to process with. I would like to take a moment to commend Kim [Goldener] on such a great job at spearheading this and pulling staff together and getting all the data that she needed, and that we needed, so that we can proceed in this endeavor.” The council then voted unanimously to approve the loan package.

City needs additional $11 million to complete Water Pollution Control Plant expansion

City Council
Goldener talks about plant expansion

PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — After receiving bids for the Water Pollution Control Plant expansion and sewerage system improvements project, the Jasper City Council approved the redistribution of ARPA funding and a reapplication for additional USDA funding. The unexpectedly high bids left the city over $11,000,000 short of the total funding necessary to complete the projects, according to Assistant City Manager Kim Goldener.

Assistant City Manager Kim Goldener discussed bids received for the WPCP expansion and a sewerage system improvements project. “Unfortunately, the bids came back significantly higher than, I think, anyone was anticipating,” Goldener told the council, “but these are needed. It’s a needed project. We must do this work.” She read the low bids for the plant expansion and sewer system improvements project that totaled $14,051,781.52 and $3,197,632, respectively.

While the city will enter renegotiations on the sewer system improvements project, Goldener said “we do need to go to USDA, though, and ask for additional funding.” She explained that the current funding the city has received, whether in grants or loans, is over $11,000,000 short of the necessary funding to complete the project. Goldener did say, however, that number will decrease after the city’s redistribution of ARPA funding.

In an earlier discussion, City Manager Sonia Jammes explained to the council that the city was set to receive $1,484,036 from The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that was passed in 2021. She further explained that the city would receive the funding in two portions, with the first, totaling $742,018, being received in October 1, 2021. Jammes said the initial funding was originally approved for an automated metering project, but the council had decided to designate metering as a service. Because the ARPA money is no longer set to be used for the project, the council voted to redistribute it towards the upcoming Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) expansion.

The city will also reapply for additional funding from the Department of Agriculture, Goldener said, before interest rates are set to increase on July 1, 2022. She explained that additional funding received by the USDA is typically provided as a loan, but added the USDA has said “they will look at what additional amount, if any, could possibly be given as grants, because they know that this additional amount will be a burden.” The city council approved both the tentative award of contracts for the WPCP expansion and sewerage system improvement project, as well as the resolution allowing the reapplication.

Other Business

During the June 6 meeting, Assistant Police Chief Mike Davis was sworn in by Police Chief Matt Dawkins. Chief Dawkins then introduced the new Assistant Chief to the council, calling him a great addition to the City of Jasper. Dawkins also noted that Davis has 21 years of experience in law enforcement and has worked with both East Ellijay and Fannin County. The council also oversaw the recognition of Greg Buchanan who recently received his GED, and approved a $15,400 payment to A&S Environmental Services to explore the possibility of additional groundwater wells in the city.

Jasper Police Chief and Fire Chief Sworn In

City Council, Police & Government
Police and Fire Chiefs sworn in

PICKENS, Ga. — The Jasper City Council oversaw the swearing in of Mathew Dawkins as Police Chief and John Sherrer III as Fire Chief during their April 4 meeting. The retirement of Fire Chief Steve Roper was also recognized by the council.

Chiefs Sworn In

Mathew Dawkins, previously Interim Police Chief, was sworn in as Police Chief by Mayor Steve Lawrence. Dawkins was selected for the position during a nationwide search conducted by the city council. Noted in a press release from Mayor Lawrence, Dawkins has worked with the Jasper Police Department for 14 years, and will start as chief as soon as April 15, 2022.

Police and Fire Chiefs Sworn In

Police Chief Matt Dawkins was sworn in by Mayor Lawrence.

Police and Fire Chiefs Sworn In

John Sherrer III was sworn in by Mayor Lawrence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Chief John Sherrer III was also sworn in by Mayor Lawrence during the meeting. Sherrer was similarly chosen by the council after a nationwide search and will begin working with the city as soon as April 18, 2022. In a press release, Mayor Lawrence noted Sherrer’s current employment as a firefighter and Captain for the Vienna (Volunteer) Fire Department. The press release also states that Sherrer’s “extensive work experience in the areas of management and planning will assist existing staff, Council (present and future) and this community in charting the course for what Jasper has to offer.” Speaking at the end of the meeting, Sherrer said he plans to have a five-year plan ready within 90 days to “grow the department to match the city.”

Sherrer will succeed Steve Roper as Jasper’s Fire Chief. Roper’s retirement was recognized by the council, and Mayor Lawrence presented Roper with an award on behalf of the City of Jasper saying, “This is for Fire Chief Steve Roper in appreciation of 38 years with the City of Jasper and 23 years serving as Fire Chief.” Roper was also presented with a plaque that, in part, read “Steve trained and learned how to be a firefighter … moved through the ranks and was appointed Fire Chief on October 4, 1999. Steve was an advocate for the Jasper Fire Department. While Steve was Fire Chief, the Jasper Fire Department provided excellent services to the City of Jasper. This fire station is dedicated in the honor and recognition of Steve Roper’s exemplary service to the citizens of the City of Jasper, Georgia.” The plaque will be placed at the new fire station. Roper was given his helmet and the opportunity to make his last call during the meeting, signifying his official retirement. “It has been an honor to serve .. you for the better part of my life. Thank you,” Roper said before leaving the meeting for a final ride in the fire truck.

Other Business

The council also took action on the Downtown Development Authority’s planned Second Saturday events. Previously discussed during a March 2022 meeting, the DDA plans to hold an event on the second Saturdays of May, June, July, and August. The council approved a $20,000 total expenditure to be used for all four events. The expenditure would be used to cover the costs of a stage and performing bands, among other expenses.

The council approved revisions to Jasper’s alcohol ordinances in a continuation of a discussion that took place during a previous work session. During that work session, City Manager Sonia Jammes explained the purpose of the revisions is “to evaluate some of the economic needs and long-term liability and sustainability in our downtown.” The discussion at the work session was focused on two sections of the ordinance: pouring licenses for independent living facilities and food sale requirements for high-end beer service. At the recommendation of City Attorney David Syfan, the council agreed that independent living facilities should be allowed to obtain pouring licenses, but businesses planning to sell only high-end beer should have a food sale requirement.

Frank Leist updated the council on continued plans for the Veterans’ Memorial Park during the meeting. Phase two, as Leist called it, will include an expansion of the existing memorial and the relocation of a monument that is currently located at the Pickens County Courthouse. “We are going to honor the 55 Pickens County Veterans who passed away during war conflict,” Leist said of project. He also noted that fundraising is already underway, but he plans to wait for the project to be fully funded before development begins.

 

 

Council approves Jasper Police and Fire Chief selections

City Council, Police & Government
City Council approves Fire and Police Chief candidates

PICKENS, Ga. — The Jasper City Council held a work session on March 31. During the meeting the council discussed ordinance amendments, approved several purchases, and extended employment offers for Jasper Police and Fire Chief positions.

After a nationwide search for Jasper’s next fire chief, the council unanimously voted to extend a conditional offer of employment to John Sherrer III. Similarly, Interim Police Chief Mathew Dawkins was selected from a national group of candidates for Jasper Police Chief. The council’s conditional offer of employment to Dawkins was approved after another unanimous vote.

Councilmember Sonny Proctor complimented the qualifications of both candidates, and Councilmember Anne Sneve highlighted the number of strong candidates that were considered during the process. Mayor Steve Lawrence called the process exhausting, but said “it was well done, and I feel like, again, we have gone out nationally to get the best … person for our city. I admire this council greatly for taking that action, and a special thanks to our HR director who did such a good job setting all this up.”

After the city council work session, The City of Jasper released two press releases noting the offer of employment, for Fire Chief and Police Chief, and marked the beginning of both candidates’ commencement period.

Ordinances

The council also discussed ordinance revisions during the work session. The Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Policy Ordinance, intended to strengthen and clarify existing city policy, was approved by the council. The revision will also establish a maintenance program that will include penalties for non-compliance, according to Kim Goldener.

The council also heard from City Manager Jammes on the city’s alcohol ordinances: “In an effort to evaluate some of the economic needs and long-term liability and sustainability in our downtown, we would like to amend certain parts of the current alcohol ordinance to make some allowances for some new types of businesses that are wanting to open up in our vibrant downtown.” She also noted that the ordinance was approved during the 1970s and is outdated in some ways, specifically mentioning a restriction on happy hour specials.

The council’s discussion focused on two sections of the Alcohol Ordinance, concerning pouring licenses for independent living facilities and whether or not high-end beer service would be permitted without food sales. While the council agreed that independent living facilities should not be restricted from obtaining a license, City Attorney David Syfan raised concerns about potential ambiguity in high-end beer facilities. “I have the tendency to think if we allow a high-end beer facility, that we ought to have a food requirement,” a suggestion Syfan said would prevent possible ambiguity that could lead to bars opening downtown. Ultimately, the council gave their opinion that an amended ordinance should allow independent living facilities to obtain a pouring license, but enact a food sale requirement for high-end beer facilities.

Purchase Approvals

The Jasper City Council also approved several purchases during the meeting. Among the purchase approvals were already budgeted expenditures, like inventory parts and a lawn mower for the city’s Water Department. The council also approved the purchase of raw water pump.

Notably, the council also approved the purchase of an additional user license for the ArcGIS system, the geographic information system software used by the city of Jasper, at a cost of $27,000. City Manager Sonia Jammes, who presented the request, said “I know this comes as no shock to anyone, that the secret of Jasper is out. The jewel is out, and as such we need to prepare for future development, and we need to provide staff with the tools to prepare for that future development.” Jammes told the council that a second user license would let staff work on two projects simultaneously and increase accessibility to precise and updated information.

Other Business

Continuing the discussion on downtown bathrooms, the council discussed conceptual drawings for proposed downtown bathrooms. The council moved to create a committee to further communicate with the engineers of the project, who say the project should be ready to move forward in weeks rather than months.

Discussion on Perrow Park also continued during the work session. A cabin currently on the property will be removed at the suggestion of a steering committee, according to City Manager Jammes. She said the committee recommended removal “with a caveat that they would like to use some of the existing stone foundations to pay homage to the … original owner of the property by putting some plaques and incorporating that stone in different sites of what the vision is for the property.” The council voted to approve removal of the cabin.

Before the council began an executive session, Councilmember Kirk Raffield noted that March 31 was the last day of Women’s History Month: “We are ending Women’s History Month with a city organization being restructured where our ladies are actually leading the entire organization. I do not want that to fall on deaf ears, this is history in the making.”

City Council takes action on several projects

City Council
City Council approves Fire and Police Chief candidates

PICKENS, Ga. — The Jasper City Council met on March 7 to discuss several 2022 events, approve bids for several projects, and to recognize an employee of the Jasper Police Department.

City Projects

The council continued discussions on the proposed downtown bathroom project. The council was provided with drawings of the bathrooms, but Councilman Sonny Proctor raised concerns over the safety and ordinance compliance of the plans. At the recommendation of City Manager Sonia Jammes, the council voted to table the drawings and discuss them with the designer during a later meeting. After the vote, Proctor noted his desire to move the project along as quickly as possible.

Conceptual drawings for updates to the Fire Station, however, were approved unanimously by the council. Councilman Jim Looney noted that the drawings had been through both Public Safety and the Fire Department and were ready for further action.

Jasper Fire Station Concept Drawing

Conceptual drawings for the Jasper Fire Station were approved by the council.

City Manager Sonia Jammes introduced an agenda item that would enter the city into a contract for work on Gennett Drive “with great pleasure and enthusiasm.” The council approved a $249,000 bid that gave an estimated completion date of 90 days after the contract is signed. Jammes said, “If it is approved tonight, then I will go ahead and get that contract signed tomorrow, and we will try and get that alleviated as soon as we can for our citizens.”

Taking action on other projects, the council also approved a $24,170 bid to dredge Cove Creek, a $24,995 bid to pave JL White Drive, and an $11,613 purchase of a wet well pump.

Events

North GA Family Partners will be hosting three of the events approved during the meeting. Super-Hero Day at Lee Newton Park, hosted on June 16, is one of the events NGFP received approval for. June Ash, NGFP’s Executive Director, says local first responders are invited to the event “to come meet our families in hopes that maybe the kids, if they ever have to have the police, or fire department, or EMT show up at their house, maybe they’re not so afraid of them.” The council also approved the organization’s Jeep Fest Camping event from Aug. 31 through Sept. 5, and a long table event on Sept. 10.

Good Samaritan Health and Wellness, a “not-for-profit, Community Health Center, which provides health services to our community regardless of ability to pay or insurance status,” also had an event approved by the council. They plan to celebrate their twentieth anniversary with a family carnival at Lee Newton Park, said Development and Communications Manager Leslie Long: “We wanted to do something for the community, just to thank our patients and those who’ve supported us for the last twenty years.” Long also said they would also like to include other non-profits at the event, currently planned for June 11.

The last set of events to be approved by the council will be hosted by Jasper’s DDA. The “Second Saturday” events are planned for May, June, July, and August’s second Saturday. Chairman Jack Dunn spoke at the meeting, explaining the DDA would host the events with the intent to bring more visitors into downtown Jasper and experience what the town has to offer.

Other Business

Interim Police Chief Matt Dawkins recognized Lieutenant Chad Childers during the March 7 meeting. He spoke about a time Childers had bought groceries for an elderly citizen who was living on a fixed income. “Chad’s generous actions speaks volume to his character … to help ease the burden of someone he knew was in need and had never met. This type of action has a huge impact on the citizens within the City of Jasper. Your selfless act is the epitome of human kindness,” he said. During the committee reports portion of the meeting, Dawkins noted that during February the Jasper Police Department experienced a 16 percent increase in answered calls with a total of 794 calls, and also experienced an increase in disorderly conduct and domestic calls.

 

 

Council recognizes the retirement of Police Chief Greg Lovell

Business, City Council, Community
Police Chief Lovell gives final police report

PICKENS, Ga. — During the October Jasper City Council meeting, the council noticed the retirement of Police Chief Greg Lovell, and announced the renaming of Dixie Street to GG Lovell Street. A motion to appoint Matt Dawkins to Interim Police Chief was also approved. 

Mayor Lawrence of Jasper read a motion that noted Lovell’s career achievements, and started the process for the renaming of Dixie Street saying, “The Mayor and city council would like to recognize Chief Lovell for his valuable contribution that he has made to his department and to this community.” 

Dixie Street Renamed GG Lovell Street

GG Lovell Street will replace Dixie Street

Chief Lovell has been serving his community for decades. First, as a member of the United States Armed Forces. Chief Lovell then worked with the Atlanta Police Department before moving to Jasper in 1996. Starting as a patrol officer for the Jasper Police Department, Lovell worked his way through the ranks and became Chief of Police in October of 2011. 

Mayor Lawrence congratulated Lovell on his 25 years of service to the area, “I also want to give my personal thank you to Greg Lovell, who has done such a magnificent job for our city. It’s been a pleasure to work with Greg.” 

During the meeting, Chief Lovell also gave his last police report to the council. Chief Lovell will officially retire on October 26, 2021. 

Other Business

Jasper City Council also renewed an Intergovernmental Agreement between Jasper and the Pickens County Board of Elections. This agreement lets the Pickens County Board of Elections assist with running the city elections. 

The council also entertained the consideration and approval of a repair project on Gennet Drive. Lonnie Waters explained the proposed repairs, and gave the council bids they’ve received for the project. The council agreed unanimously to table the motion for 30 days. The delay, the council says, will give them time to make a responsible decision regarding the finances of the project. 

 

City Council Tables Residential Project

City Council, Featured, Featured News, News

JASPER, Ga. – After a lengthy debate, Jasper City Council decided to table further discussion regarding a high-density multifamily residential community.

The application for the Cottages at Creekside comes from Coastal Building Group, LLC. The idea, in its current form, is to rezone and develop just over 15 acres of agricultural land into a 75 unit neighborhood located at 855 North Main St. in Jasper. Brian Westbrook, the project’s spearhead, says they have incorporated sidewalks, a community garden, and a gazebo into the design to maximize livability. Cherie Martin, the project’s realtor, says that because of the neighborhood’s proximity to down, she envisions a walkable community with easy access to churches, restaurants, and shopping. Both Westbrook and Martin agree that home prices could range from $209,000 to $250,000.

Proposed units for the development.

Before the city council’s vote, the city planning commission took public input on the ordinance at a November 28 meeting. Several proponents who live near the proposed site expressed their concern. Some questioned why developers would want to build in a well-known floodplain. Others had concerns over access, sighting that plans only showed one way in and out.

Chairman Rodney Buckingham pressed Westbrook about the retention pond’s ability to serve the planned units properly. Westbrook reassured those at the meeting that it would. The commission also had concerns over the 81 proposed units on a site that is no larger than 16 acres. At one point, Chairman Buckingham hinted that if developers couldn’t make money from a lesser plan of 53 units, why should the commission approve the ordinance?

Ultimately, the planning commission did approve a nonbinding recommendation to city council with a caveat that developers resolve the issues brought up that evening.

When Jasper City Council took the ordinance up for their February 2 meeting, developers faced even more issues. It wasn’t long before the fingerpointing began. City Manager Brandon Douglas and Brian Westbrook’s communication laps regarding a failed attempt for an advanced meeting gave tension during the Zoom call. These issues were compounded by further confusion surrounding the R3 zoning classification and if the units would be attached or detached.

Neither of the previous issues regarding the number of units, retention ponds, floodplains, or lack of multiple entrances were addressed during the meeting.

After much deliberation, Councilman Kirk Raffield made a motion to deny the ordinance. Not ready to entertain Raffield’s motion, Councilwoman Anne Sneve made a separate motion requesting the Council table the ordinance upon further discussion.

Sneve’s motion on the ordinance did carry by unanimous vote.

In other news, Jasper City Council made a $7,500 donation to the Marble Valley Historical Society. Representing the group, Greg Moore, was appreciative of the generous donation. Moore invites everyone to visit the historic jail off Main Street. For more information about the jail or the Marble Valley Historical Society, you can visit their website.

Jasper hires new city clerk, finance director

City Council, News

The Jasper City Council held a called meeting to hire a new city clerk and finance director, discuss possible budget amendments, loans and legal services. Jasper’s fiscal year runs from January to December, with budget planning primarily taking place in the fall. Shortly after reconvening from executive session, the council hired Beverly Ragland as the new city clerk and director of finance.

Discussion of 2020 Budget Amendments

One issue discussed was budget amendments due to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

“We thought we should bring forward a mid-term packet since we’ve had a downturn in revenue,” said Brandon Douglas, city administrator. He said there was nothing to vote only information to keep in mind for next months regular meeting.

“We are projected about $189,000 decline in revenue,” he said. “We won’t know until the end of the year but we want to prepare.”

See the 2020 budget here.

Jasper City Council heard possible budget amendments at Thursday’s called meeting. Some expenses included new gear for the fire department, a purchase city administrator Brandon Douglas said was much needed and a good purchase.

He added that some unforeseen, but necessary purchases included new fire gear for the fire department, which the council approved earlier this month and there were also some legal fees and services the city needed to pay for. New workstations for customer service in the water department were also needed.

“Some of those computers were the green screen type and won’t support the software,” said Douglass, adding the computers were so old, that they wouldn’t support Microsoft Windows.

Councilmember Jim Looney agreed and added they may have to look at other budget amendments.

“It’s strange times,” he said.

Discussion of Debt/Bond Refunding (GEFAloans)

Douglas asked the council to look at their options with their Georgia Environmental Finance Authority or GEFA loan and consider their options. The first option is to do nothing and leave the loan alone. The payments would remain the same and in 2035, the total amount paid would be $5,062,567.

The second option would be to refinance only for the amount owed. Payments would remain the same but the  total amount paid in 2035 would be $4,987,609, netting a $74,958 savings. Both options have declining payments.

The third option would be to refinance and take money out for capital outlay. The payments would remain level and the total paid back in 2035 would be $5,744,437, an increase of $681,870 over option one and $756,828 over option two.

Douglas presented the information for the board to consider heading into their meeting on July 13.

Consideration and Approval of seven GEFA Deferral Modification(s) Promissory Notes

City Attorney David Syfan told the city council that GEFA has allowed a six-month deferment on current loans due to communities being uncertain about their budget. The city has seven loans through GEFA for water and sewage. The deferment means no interest and no payments for six months.

Trending: Multi-agency drug sting uncovers ties between Mexican and American gangs. Read the story here.

The city council approved the motion to sign the paper to take advantage of the deferment.

Consideration and Approval of Legal Services Agreement – Bond Counsel  and City Attorney

Syfan also asked the council to consider hiring a bond council for refunding five of the GEFA laons in order to meet legal requirements. The motion supported two legal service agreements to accomplish that and was approved.

The board also approved Resolution No. 2020-03 as it pertains to the reimbursement of the city in regards to the capital expenditures with design, construction, and installation of the Waste Water Treatment Plant expansion and improvements with the USDA Loan/Grant.

Consideration and Approval of Resolution No. 2020-03 as it pertains to the reimbursement of the City of Jasper in regards to the capital expenditures with the design, construction, and installation of the Waste Water Treatment Plant expansion and related improvements with the USDALoan/Grant.

 

 

 

 

Jasper approves rezoning 180-day moratorium

City Council
jasper approves rezoning

Mayor Steve Lawrence and the council approved adding a zoning designation to allow smaller homes on smaller properties.

JASPER, Ga.-The Jasper City Council approved a 180-day moratorium on rezoning in order to give the city a chance to review and analyze its rezoning ordinances. The decision came after determining they needed more qualified individuals for a comprehensive review.

“This may be the time to give us respite,” Brandon Douglas, city manager, said.

City Attorney David Syfan said 180 days was reasonable and because it was not a permanent change, did not require two hearing to be voted on.

The city council heard several rezoning requests including one to the Jasper Zoning Ordinance to include a new zoning district. The new zoning district Dense Residential In-Fill (DRI-6).

This would allow for building smaller houses  on smaller lots.

“This would allow first time home-buyers or senior citizens to own homes in the city,” said Syfan.

Douglas said the new designation would increase marketing ability and would help build community.

The council voted to rezone 26 Hickory Street to the new Dense Residential In-Fill.

To read previous news on the Jasper City Council, visit the Pickens County page.

The city council denied a rezoning request from Tishco Property to build at 62+Club Living complex at Hwy.53 West. The land is zoned commercial and the contractors requested a residential designation.

The city cited several concerns with the project, including proximity to the airport but allowed a continuance at an earlier meeting for the company to make change and do research into the developing near the airport. In the end, the changes did not persuade the council for approval.

The city council did vote to approve the rezoning request to rezone 1067 Philadelphia Road from commercial to residential for a senior living areas.

In other Jasper City news, the council approved:

  • An approval of Resolution No. 2020-01 for the 2010 amended final budget for the City. This was for the 2019 audit presentation.
  • Extending the City Manager Employment Agreement for Brandon Douglas to continue in his position.
  • Approved the job descriptions for Finance Director/City Clerk; Deputy Finance Director; Deputy City Clerk; Customer Service Manager; Human Resource Director; Custodian; Customer Service Representative; Deputy Court Clerk/Administrative Assistant; Administrative Assistant in Development Department; Assistant Police Chief; Locator/Special Projects Coordinator; Meter Reader.
  • Approved the creation and use of the City of Jasper Employee Evaluation Form.
  • Approved a special land use permit for Old Philadelphia Road, Unit 102 from retail to light welding and fabrication.
  • Approved purchasing playground equipment from Southeast Outdoor Solutions for up to $50,000.
  • The rights-of-way purchase of 0.24 acres of Parcel JA12 075 for $35,000 for the road improvement project and to authorize the mayor and the city manager to execute the necessary documents a approved by the city attorney.
  • The council tabled a requests from Donnie Fowler for a Special Event on Main Street.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City Council announces updates to meetings calendar, Municipal Court employees

City Council, News

JASPER, Ga. – The Jasper City Council announced updates to their meetings calendar, as well as new Municipal Court employees during their meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

Robert Sneed was voted on unanimously to take on the role of Municipal Court Judge on behalf of the city, and will act as interim Municipal Court Judge until the council formally approves his
contract.

It was also unanimously decided that Mayor Steve Lawrence and the city attorney shall negotiate a contract between the city and Joe Hudson to serve as prosecutor for the Municipal Court during 2020, and will act as interim prosecutor until the council formally approves his contract.

As for the meetings calendar changes for the year 2020, Good Friday (observed on Friday, April 10, 2020) will now become a holiday for city employees in exchange for their current floating holiday.

Monday, September 14, 2020 is the only Monday during the year that a meeting will not fall on the first Monday of the month.

The November workshop has been moved to Thursday, December 3, 2020, and the December workshop has been moved to Wednesday, December 30, 2020, as these meetings were schedule for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, respectively.

Any meetings that change in schedule are expected to be known at least 24 hours ahead of time, so be sure to stay with us as the year progresses!

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Jasper and Pickens County Continue Collaboration

Business

(L to R)Don Boggus, Tim Chason, Sonny Proctor, Becky Denney, Kirk Raffield, Brandon Douglas

by Sonny Proctor, M.D. and Becky Denney

On Tuesday, September 3, the Economic Development Director Hiring Committee, recently formed by joint resolution of the Pickens County Board of Commissioners and the Jasper City Council, met to review information collected and organized by The Chason Group of Georgia, the consultant chosen to lead the strategic planning process and the job search of a new Economic Development Director for Pickens County. Using information from the S.W.O.T. analysis done by the Chamber of Commerce Collaborative Planning Committee, as well as information gathered by Chason economic development specialist Mark Lytle from over twenty key stakeholder interviews held in the community, information was presented about structure, location and governance of this newly organized executive position. A “S.W.O.T.” analysis collects and organizes information and data around strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and is the foundation of the collaborative strategic planning process. Tim Chason presented recommendations for the group around title, job description, structure and governance of this executive position. Using this information, there will soon be a posting for this important role in our community. Collaborative Planning is an economic development strategy recognized by organizations like the Department of Community Affairs and others as a form of planning to help municipalities and counties come together for the better good. There may be even more exciting news concerning collaboration in the very near future. The committee, co-chaired by Commissioner Becky Denney and Jasper City Councilman Sonny Proctor, hopes to have a hire with a strategic and implementation plan in place in the next few months. Other members of the committee include Don Boggus, the Chairman of the Pickens County Development Authority, Todd Payne, the President/C.E.O. of Amicalola EMC, City Councilman Kirk Raffield, and Jasper City Manager Brandon Douglas.

Jasper City Council holds regular meeting ~ Swears in new Council member Dr. Sonny Proctor

Police & Government

Dr. Sonny Proctor receives welcome from Mayor Weaver

The Jasper City Council held its regular meeting December 5th 2016 and first on the agenda was the swearing in of the newest City Council member Dr. Sonny Proctor.  Proctor was elected in the November election.

city-council-600

Dealing with old business the 2nd reading of the updated noise ordinance was passed which will change the wording to remove the part which indicated you would need to live in the city limits to launch a complaint.  A local bar had received 4 citations due to noise in the last year.

New business included awarding the City’s liability/worker’s comp insurance to Key West Insurance.   Key West, a prior insurer for the City, came in with a bid 3 thousand lower than the competing bidders with no loss in coverage.  The city will also continue in an effort to move forward with the sewer/water system improvements.

The meeting came to a close with updates on economic development from Gerry Nechvatal, the finance report from Lisa Hoyle, Lonnie Waters gave a short update on animal control and DOT projects.  Chief Greg Lovell gave his police report and Chief Roper gave the fire report.  Fire calls were up but basically due to the calls received reporting the smoke from the wildfires.

There was also discussion on the water main damage from the crew laying fiber optics which drilled through a 8″ Main line casing and split the line.  It is unclear how long it will take to repair but the City was hopeful it would be within a few hours.

You can view the meeting below:

https://youtu.be/kUWbApy56Vg

 

Jasper Council’s Grants and Complaints

News

The City of Jasper seems to finally be bringing an issue to close after several discussions and applications for HMIG Grant from FEMA.

The grant, originally approved last year for $361,231, was bid out in March to the low bid of $403,629 with the unexpected inccrease coming due to the needed generators and engineering. After receiving the bids, the council planned on returning to FEMA to request an increase in grant money to $472,211. As of October 5, Jasper has received confirmation of approval of that request, which brings each involved entity’s share to Federal support to $354,158, State support to $47,221, and the city of Jasper’s portion to $70,832.

Although this still represents an increase of $16,647 over what the council previously budgeted, Lisa Hoyle, City Clerk, offered that the City has pushed a few projects back into next year and could redirect some funds from other areas such as a reimbursement for the Cove Creek Redirection project that was unbudgeted. The Council was also advised that pushing this project back further it would require a new bid process without the opportunity to request more funds in Grants. The Council has approved a motion to move forward with this project including the $16,647 increase in City Costs.

Another major issue coming from the Council’s meeting involved complaints under Jasper’s Noise Ordinance in reference to Rocco’s Pub. Shane Fendley came to the City Council to speak on complaints he made to the Mayor about the noise levels at different times and different levels over the past few years, escalating at some points that the bass from the music was loud enough to rattle windows at his house.

Fendley also stated he was not alone in his complaints with several families and homes affected by the issue. While they have been able to get it quiet at times, Fendley says it has never lasted long before they could hear it again.

Police Chief Greg Lovell also commented on the issue saying they have even went as far as issuing citations to the business after receiving several complaints and has even spoken with the business owner about switching to different forms of music including acoustic styles after a certain hour in effort to alleviate some of the stress on the local populace.

Jasper City Mayor, John Weaver, spoke on attempting to resolve the issue so that the business could flourish and the neighborhood could return to a level of quiet in the area. On that, he offered a suggestion that the Council motion for the Police Chief to return one last time to the business to discuss options and potential consequences for the business.

Though Mayor Weaver suggested options for further violations including an increased fine to hinder those in violation of the Ordinance or moving the issue to Superior Court to be handled as a nuisance, motion and approval came officially saying to “ask the Chief of Police to sit down with Rocco’s and discuss our current situation and the intent of the Council to move toward an injunction in Superior Court should it happen again.”

The City also came to a final adoption of its Millage Rate at 4.683 (a .15% decrease in the rate). The approval came while keeping the same homestead exemptions.

To see more of the meeting watch the full video below:

https://youtu.be/EJSkVIedlRM

CANDIDATES QUALIFIED FOR THE NOVEMBER 8, 2016

Politics

CITY OF JASPER – SPECIAL ELECTION

For The Unexpired Term of Allison Boyle, Resigned

Susan Hayes Piantedosi

Sonny Proctor

 

CITY OF NELSON – SPECIAL ELECTION

For The Unexpired Term of Jackie Jarrett and Thad Thacker, Resigned
Lamar Kellett
James Queen
Kelsey Riehl

Jasper City Council Sept 9, 2015 Grant for Generators

Videos

https://youtu.be/Kb-j7L5iB3E

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