Pickens Community Thrift hosts Christmas in July Festival
Community, Non Profit July 17, 2022
PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — On July 16, Pickens Community Thrift Store celebrated Christmas to fundraise for the county’s non-profit pet organizations. Jasper City Manager Sonia Jammes, Pickens County Sheriff Donnie Craig, and Public Safety Director Sloan Elrond all participated in a pie throwing event to raise money for Pickens pets.
Pickens Community Thrift Store, located at 110 Samaritan Drive in Jasper, hosted the festival. A flier for the event declared the goal of raising $2,500 for “all Pickens nonprofit pet organizations.” Donations were accepted at the store, as well as city and county offices, fire stations, banks, and the pet organizations themselves.
Attendees at the festival could walk around “CTS Jerusalem Marketplace.” The festival had snow cones, t-shirts, and various Christmas decorations for sale, with proceeds going to Pickens pets.
The Christmas in July Festival also had live music performers.
A picture posted on Facebook by the City of Jasper shows Jasper Mayor Steve Lawrence and City Manager Sonia Jammes at the event.
Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, Pickens County Government, and the City Government of Jasper each had representatives in attendance to “have whipped cream pies smushed in their faces!”
Jasper City Manager Sonia Jammes, Pickens County Sheriff Donnie Craig, and Public Safety Director Sloan Elrond all participated in the pie throwing event to raise money for Pickens pets. A post by The City of Jasper notes that Jammes out raised Craig and Elrond combined.
Jasper once again extends residential rezoning moratorium
City Council July 13, 2022
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.
Jasper Police Chief and Fire Chief Sworn In
City Council, Police & Government April 5, 2022
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 Chief Matt Dawkins was sworn in by Mayor Lawrence.
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.
City Council takes action on several projects
City Council March 8, 2022
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.
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.
Jasper City Council extends moratorium on residential rezoning
City Council February 8, 2022
PICKENS, Ga. — The Jasper City Council extended their moratorium on residential rezoning Monday evening. The moratorium, which will expire in June of this year, is the city’s latest move to tackle a growing concern over increased development in rural communities. Like many municipalities in the surrounding area, the City Council is already in the process of reviewing and proposing changes to the city’s zoning ordinances.
Resolution No. 2022-02, entitled Extension to Temporary Moratorium, was passed by the council on Feb. 7. The resolution will extend the temporary moratorium adopted on Aug. 26, 2021 for an additional 90 days.
In part, the resolution reads:
“WHEREAS, The Jasper Water Plant and the Waste Water Treatment Plant are nearing their maximum permitted capacity, and the City Council has approved several extensive developments that will utilize further capacity at said plants;
WHEREAS, the City of Jasper, Georgia is experiencing extremely strong residential growth, and which necessitates review, study, and modification of residential densities and in order to adequately plan for and serve the residents of the City;
WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Jasper, Georgia, in order to facilitate controlled residential growth within the City and to update the zoning ordinance, adopted on August 26, 2021 a temporary moratorium as to all rezonings, rezoning applications and building permits related to residential rezonings until March 1, 2022 to draft and enact modified residential provisions within the zoning ordinance;
WHEREAS, the complexity of drafting modified residential provisions and the development of a comprehensive plan of regulations necessitates a ninety (90) day extension to the moratorium.”
Speaking on the resolution, City Attorney David Syfan said, “This is just to give the committee additional time to be able to make any informed recommendation to the council for the needed changes.” Syfan also noted that the moratorium and review process should result in amendments to Jasper’s zoning ordinances. The newly extended moratorium will end June 1, 2022.
Other Business
Mayor Steve Lawrence was absent from the Feb. 7 meeting but attended virtually. Mayor Pro Tem Kirk Raffield, who led the meeting in the mayor’s absence, confirmed that Mayor Lawrence had tested positive for COVID-19.
The council also approved a purchase sale agreement between the City of Jasper and Jasper’s Downtown Development Authority. The agreement would transfer Perrow Park back into the city’s ownership. Ownership of the park, as City Manager Sonia Jammes explained, would allow the city “to demolish some of the structures on the property that are unsafe for our citizens.” Jasper’s City Attorney also noted that the city will be obligated to pay off outstanding loans on the park property. A joint meeting between the city and the Jasper DDA will be held on Feb. 15, 2022 to authorize the purchase sale agreement.
New City of Jasper Fire Department and Certificate of Occupancy fee schedules were also approved by the council.
City Council agrees to close Stegall Drive for upcoming events
Announcements, City Council, Community October 8, 2021
PICKENS, Ga. — The City of Jasper has approved plans to close Stegall Drive to traffic on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. The road will stay closed to accommodate events planned by Pendley Creek Brewing Co. and the Jasper Rotary Club.
Together, the Rotary Clubs of Jasper, Towne Lake, Canton, and Woodstock have planned an event for Oct. 21 to raise funds for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Cindy DeMaio, who represented the Rotary Clubs at the city council meeting, noted that this event will help bring several communities into Jasper. She requested that the road be closed to space the event out, in hopes to provide better opportunities for social distancing. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Pendley Creek Brewing Co. and be catered by LC Tacos & Margaritas
Rotary Club flyer for the event on Stegall Drive
Pendley Creek Brewing Company has also begun planning their own, independent event to take place during the same weekend. Although specifics have not been confirmed, they requested to show a family friendly movie, provide music, and have food vendors during the event. Owner Pam Briordy says details should be available in the coming week, but is currently scheduled to take place on Oct. 23.
Jasper City Council initially agreed to close Stegall Drive during the Rotary Club event; however, Councilman Kirk Raffield proposed to keep the road closed throughout the entire weekend. He says it will provide the city with an opportunity to see how the area works during events, when the road is closed. Agreeing, the city council unanimously agreed to shut down the road, on the condition that the Pickens County Board of Education also approved.
Stegall Drive will be closed to traffic beginning 6 p.m. on Oct. 21, will stay closed through the weekend, and will reopen as usual on the Monday morning of Oct. 25.
Jasper approvese $7.7 million for water treatment expansion
City Council, Community April 28, 2020
The Jasper City Council approved an $7.725 for water treatment expansion. The money, a combination of a loan and grant is with the Department of Agriculture at Tuesday’s called meeting.
The loan for $4.748 million, and the grant for $2.977 million will fund the upgrades to the water plant. Interest on the loan will be 1.375-percent. The city’s monthly payment will be $12,868.
Chris Poje said the interest rate was incredible.
“I haven’t seen it that low in 30 years,” he said.
The city will have to borrow the money from an interim lender, such as a local bank. The USDA will reimburse the interim lender.
To learn more about the City of Jasper Water and Sanitation, visit here.
He said the money would pay for expanding water services in Jasper to meet current and future needs. Included among the plans are doubling the capacity to 1.6 million gallons from 800,000 gallons.
The structures were laid out conceptionally about 40 years ago, said Poje. Another part of the project will include moving the discharge water from a tributary of Pole Cat Creek to Long Swamp Creek. This will take care of a couple of issues, said Poje.
“Pole Cat Creek is a trout stream, and will eventually require permits and a certain temperature for water to be discharged into it,” he said. This would end up costing the city more money. Long Swamp Creek is not a trout stream, which would eliminate those future fees.
Because Long Swamp Creek is where water is currently drawn from, there are limits in place, by placing the discharge down stream of the collection, that will keep the creek levels consistent.
To read about Jasper’s recycling plant, read FYN’s story here.
“I know that’s not related to waste water, but it is related to drinking water. You are limited to how much you can take out from the creek,” said Poje.
Other projects include adding another aeration base and two more clarifiers, doubling the filters. There will also be $15,000 alloted for the purchase of land.
“We already had provisions in place for the filters and a pump station and second sludge holding tank,” said Poje. “That’s about as far as $8-million will take you these days.”
Jasper City Council uses Zoom for monthly meeting
City Council April 6, 2020The Jasper City Council met via the Zoom platform for the regularly scheduled meeting Monday night.
Mayor Sonny Lawrence said this was a unique time for the city.
The Jasper City Council held their monthly meeting via Zoom Monday night to keep city business moving during the shelter in place declaration.
“This is a new time for the city and we have to work together in new and unusual ways. This meeting is one of those ways,” he said.
Councilman Sonny Proctor said he has attended conference calls with Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, the Pickens County Health Department, Sheriff, county officials, and Good Samaritan Clinic.
“I’m very proud of our attempt to get people to shelter in place. Our (COVID-19) numbers have stayed low.
The council continues to plan for the future, once the state of emergency has ended.
The council approved purchasing playground equipment for the city park to the tune of $50,000. The money was already set aside, according to Brandon Douglas. The original playground equipment was removed on March 6, a week before President Donald Trump’s Declaration of National Emergency.
“There’s not alot we can do right now,” said Anne Sneve, “but we need to continue to move forward.”
Mayor Pro-Tem John Foust agreed. “It’s important to our residents and children. I feel it has to be done.
The council also approved a work order with Clark Patterson and Lee for review and propose modifications to the zoning ordinances not to exceed $35,000 and to amend the 2020 budget accordingly.
Proctor said this was part of the city’s reorganization that has been on-going.
“If people have a zoning ordinance, it can cost up to $100,000 to do any kind of modification,” said Brandon Douglas, city manager.
The city council approved the following items:
- Ordinance No. 2020-08 for requesting to rezone Parcel No. 031 003.002 at 1874 Hobson Road from C-2 to R-1.
- Ordinance No 2020-13 for request to rezone Parcel No. 041 062at Hwy 53 West from C-2 to R-3.
- Ordinance No. 2020-09 & Ordinance No. 2020-10 for requesting to rezone and annex Parcel No. JA02038 at 1343 Talking Rock Road from R-R in the County to C-2.
- Ordinance No. 2020-11 for City of Jasper Zoning Ordinance amendment/Zoning Mapapproval
- Alcohol application for Folksy Ventures LLC dba Waldmet Cellars at 916 Old Philadelphia Road
- Alcohol application for Texas Grill, LLC; 660 West Church Street.
- A lease purchase agreement between City of Jasper and Bill and Connie Roland at 315 Liberty Lane.
- A lease purchase agreement between City of Jasper and Bill and Connie Roland subject to lender’s approval.
- Ordinance No. 2020-12 Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) for Parcel No. 030D 096 153 at 858 Old Philadelphia Road, Unit#102.
- Expending up to $20,000 of 2014 SPLOST proceeds for the asphalting of the public parking area and associated concrete work for sidewalk and curbline at 125 North Main
- Using$25,000 of 2020 budgeted proceeds for Match Point to begin survey work for leak detection throughout the water system and use of water fund balance for 2020 for associated work by Match Point for zoned meters throughout the water
- Purchasing body armor for the Jasper Police Department and amending the 2020 Budget for $15,170.
- Authorizing staff to assign surplus status to the items listed in staff report and to begin preparation of an auction to be held by the City at a to be determined location, date and
- Extending the Professional Services Agreement with Interim Director of Finance, Sharron Burtz, in accordance with Section 2 for three 30-day renewals for a term ending July 7, 2020.
- An organizational chart for the City of Jasper.
- Employment agreements and associated job descriptions for David Hall, Lonnie Waters, Adam Howard, Greg Lovell, Steve Roper and authorize Mayor to execute prepared
- Creating an account for SPLOST 2020 with Community Bank of Pickens County and to authorize the requisite signers of Mayor Lawrence, Mayor Pro-Tem Looney, City Manager Brandon Douglas, and Chief Steve Roper.
- Creating an account for Sanitation at United Community Bank and to remove said sanitation account from Community Bank of Pickens County and to authorize the requisite signers of Mayor Lawrence, Mayor Pro-Tem Looney, City Manager Brandon Douglas, and Chief Steve Roper.
- Purchases of requisite chemicals for water plant and water pollution control plant in the amount of $26,361.96.
- The water department to begin dredging and maintaining Long Swamp Creek at the requisite distance from the water intake with $15,000 to mitigate any additional costs.
- Replacing the panel box for wet well at the Water Pollution Control Plant for $6,150.
- Purchasing requisite hardware to accommodate the upgrade from ETC to City Hall for fiber optics and associated technology costs.
The city council tabled several items:
- Request to hold car shows on Main Street.
- Consideration and approval of Ordinance No. 2020-07 for requesting to rezone Parcel No. JA11023 at 26 Hickory Street from R-1 to R-3 .
Jasper suspends dining-in, to-go only, starting Friday
Community, Press Release March 23, 2020The city of Jasper is suspending dining-in, requiring all restaurants to transition to carry out/drive through only beginning Friday, March 27. The ban on dining-in will last until Monday, April 27.
According to a post on their website, “Beginning Friday, March 27, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. restaurants and establishments serving food and/or drinks within the City of Jasper will be restricted to carry-out/drive through service only. Restaurants with current alcohol licenses will be permitted to include an upopened alcoholic beverage with to go orders. Effective until April 27, 2020.”
Jasper voted on the restrictions at a special called meeting last week. They have also restricted public access to their facilities until further notice. Employees can come to work if they are not sick or showing signs of sickness. The City Municipal Court is postponed until further notice, possibly April 3.
As of 7 p.m. Monday, Pickens had three confirmed cases of COVID-19, up from two at noon, according to the Georgia Department of Health. Georgia has 800 total with 26 confirmed deaths.
Steve Lawrence, Mayor, posted on the website “During this time of uncertainty, please be aware that the leaders of this community are discussing matters of public health and safety daily and in some instances multiple times throughout the day and night. Your safety and wellbeing are of utmost concern. As such, I would like to remind all of us to adhere to the standards placed by our National and State leaders in regards to “social distancing” and taking necessary precautions of mitigating and eliminating exposure to COVID-19.”
Pickens County Schools are going to “hard lock-outs” starting Wednesday. Details here.
Town Hall Meeting – Wednesday September 26th
Announcements, News September 11, 2018
TOWN HALL MEETING
CITY OF JASPER GARBAGE SERVICE
The Jasper City Council does hereby announce that it is considering changes to the garbage service. This could affect city customers in that rates may increase, back door pick-up may no longer be available (or would be an additional cost to the customer), as well as daily garbage pick-up may no longer be offered. A TOWN HALL MEETING is being held on Wednesday, September 26, at 6:00 P.M. at Jasper City Hall in order to hear citizen’s concerns and comments. All citizens are invited to attend.
Agenda for Monday’s Regular Council Meeting
Legal Notice July 7, 2017
City of Jasper
200 Burnt Mountain Road
Jasper, Georgia 30143
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, July 10, 2017
I. Call meeting to order
II. Invocation
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Adopt agenda
V. Read minutes of June 5, 2017 regular meeting
A. Lisa Hoyle, City Clerk
VI. Old Business
A. Alcohol license application approval
1. Sonny Underwood, Director of Planning & Zoning
B. Skid steer purchase
1. Mayor Weaver
C. Water Conservation Plan
1. David Hall, Water & Sewer Superintendent
VII. New Business
A. Pickens County Library Board appointees: Ann Roper & Bobby Edge
1. Mayor Weaver
B. Pickens Arts & Cultural Alliance art event
1. Amelia McEntyre
C. Sanitation truck purchase
1. Mayor Weaver
VIII. Mayor’s Report
A. Economic Development Report
1. Gerry Nechvatal
B. Finance Report
1. Lisa Hoyle
C. Animal Control Report
1. Lonnie Waters
D. Police Report
1. Chief Greg Lovell
E. Fire Report
1. Chief Steve Roper
IX. Adjourn
Dr. Sonny Proctor writes an open letter to the City of Jasper Voters
Uncategorized October 26, 2016
Dear City of Jasper Voters:
First and foremost I would like to say “Thank you!” for the outpouring of support I have received since qualifying to run for Jasper City Council. It is very humbling to know how many trusting friends I have developed here since moving to Jasper in 1995 that know I will do the right thing.
What a great place Jasper has been to live, work and raise my family. It is my hope to use my past experiences to improve our already wonderful quality of life. I have heard from city workers, business owners, retirees, educators, and many, many former patients whom know what I stand for. Thanks!
We are already fortunate to live in an area where the quality of life is unsurpassable, and we need to keep it that way. But at the same time we have challenges facing us that will make the difference in our future, and in our children’s ability to someday thrive here. While appreciating all of our achievements, like world class healthcare and business corridor growth, it is time for us to closely assess our current situation as it pertains to our resources and infrastructure, and plan accordingly. It is also time to decide what kind of community we want to be, identify the type and amount of future growth we want and our resources can support, and plan and act to achieve those goals. The business world calls that a strategic plan, which should be an involved process requiring input from a lot of stakeholders, including the citizens! Call it a look forward if you wish!
While doing this, we also need to preserve our history, both downtown and in the county, as there is far little of it left. Having so much available land makes one wonder when historic buildings are displaced by large and small retail alike; like when our last one room school house is replaced with a one room storage building. This goes far beyond the most recent plan to destroy a historic Cherokee structure for what I believe is our fifth Dollar General Store. Our little historic crossroads town can be a bustling area if we make the right choices and commitments!
My plan in office is to assess the current state of our dear city, help to develop a plan for the future and through hard work, moral values, integrity, honesty and transparency, help get us there. I need your vote! In exchange, I pledge access and a voice to make things the way we want and need them here in Jasper and Pickens County. The future is bright!
If you have any questions for me, believe it or not, I am on Facebook, Facebook ~ Sonny Proctor, M.D. and I’ll do my best to get back to you!
Sonny Proctor, M.D.
State Awards City of Jasper Funding for Critical Facilities Generator Project
News September 14, 2015
Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA/HS), on behalf of Governor Nathan Deal, recently awarded a $361,231 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) project to City of Jasper for the purchase and installation of four fixed generators and one portable generator.
“The generators will allow these critical facilities the capabilities to serve the public during severe weather events and natural disasters” said GEMA/HS Director Jim Butterworth.
The amount awarded includes a federal share of $270,923. The remainder will come from a state share of $36,123 and a local share of $54,185. These funds are part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s HMGP, which provides funds to state agencies and local governments for projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from the effects of natural hazards by breaking the repetitive cycle of destruction and reconstruction. These funds were made possible as a result of City of Jasper’s participation and adoption of the Pickens County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
GEMA/HS is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. For information on preparing for a disaster and creating a custom kit and plan, visit www.ready.ga.gov or download the freeReady Georgia app.
Chamber Breakfast touts Port Royal as THE place to be
Featured Stories, News May 14, 2014
More than 400 guests filed into the Pickens Chamber breakfast yesterday morning to hear what investors and project managers had to say about the proposed water park that seems to be moving towards reality. With a ground-breaking tentatively planned for October and a completion date of Thanksgiving 2016, the resort is moving forward. (more…)