Union County public meetings in 2024

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission is meeting to decide on a $637,355 contract with Mallory & Evans Service Co. to replace rooftop units at the Community Center, adopt the FY2025 budget, and approve first readings of ordinances revising alcohol and short-term rental codes. Other business includes renewing an inmate health services contract for $192,431.60, distributing 70% of hotel-motel tax funds to the Chamber of Commerce, and authorizing participation in a First Responder PTSD program. The commission will also consider several road abandonments and acceptances, and various appointments and lease agreements.

• $637,355 contract for rooftop unit replacement at Union County Community Center (Mallory & Evans Service Co.)
• Adoption of FY2025 Budget via Resolution R-2024-23
• 1st readings: alcohol ordinance revisions (Chapter 10, Article III) and short-term rental ordinance revisions (Chapter 60, Section 60-8)
• Renewal of inmate health services contract with CorrectHealth Union, LLC for $192,431.60
• First notices to abandon 0.103 acres of Dillard Chapel Road and 0.039 acres of Old Dillard Chapel Road

The commission approved the FY2025 budget of $28,053,041, a 3.7% increase, despite a resident's claim of a $2.8 million deficit requiring reserve funds. Several agenda items were flagged as not meeting legal requirements, including appointments and contracts, meaning they were not legally binding. The meeting also included awards, proclamations, and road acceptances.

• Adopted FY2025 budget of $28,053,041 (3.7% increase)
• Approved $637,355 HVAC replacement at Community Center (SPLOST funded)
• Accepted $68,050.65 Firefighters Grant (10% county match)
• Approved all short-term rental business licenses on list
• Abandoned portions of Dillard Chapel Road and Old Dillard Chapel Road
• Accepted roads into county system (Floyds Way, Anns Way, Nathaniels Way)
• Adopted Resolution R-2024-22 for First Responder PTSD Program participation
• Adopted Resolution R-2024-23 for FY2025 budget

Short-term Rental Board

The Union County Short-term Rental Board will review and possibly amend the Good Neighbor Notification (GNN) document. The board will also set meeting dates for 2025, discuss term limits for members whose terms expire in 2025, and consider community suggestions regarding GNN deadlines and annual notification requirements. A property owner has requested to speak during the meeting.

• Amendments to the Good Neighbor Notification (see Attachments 2a, 2b, 2c)
• Set STR Board meeting dates for 2025
• Discussion of term limits for members with terms expiring in 2025 (Karen Sweeney, Patrick Woodall, Susan Phillips)
• Community suggestion to add a deadline for handing out initial GNN and to clarify annual notification requirement
• Request by Joni Lee, owner of Suches Vacation Rentals, to address the board

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will consider a contract amendment adding a $339,900 pre-engineered steel building at the Transfer Station for a new baler, and a geotechnical engineering agreement for the new 911 Center site. Other items include a five-year pricing renewal with Windstream, approval of short-term rental licenses, and a resolution declaring a state of local emergency due to Hurricane Helene. Two public speakers will address ham radio for emergencies and the Appalachian Veterans Memorial Park.

• Contract Amendment #001 with Winkler & Winkler, Inc. for $339,900 to build a pre-engineered steel building at the Transfer Station
• Geotechnical engineering agreement with Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc. for $10,500 for the new 911 Center on Shoe Factory Road
• Renewal addendum with Windstream locking in current pricing for 60 months
• Resolution R-2024-18 declaring a state of local emergency for Hurricane Helene (Sept 26, 2024)
• Approval of business licenses for short-term rentals (list of 7 properties)

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will consider awarding a $310,000 demolition contract to Ricky Rich Construction for the old shoe factory at 296 Shoe Factory Road. The commission will also vote on several appointments and reappointments to the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals.

• Notice of Award of contract to Ricky Rich Construction for Shoe Factory Demolition Project in amount of $310,000
• Contract with Ricky Rich Construction for demolition of old shoe factory at 296 Shoe Factory Road
• Resolution R-2024-14 reappointing Jason Kelly to Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals (April 2024-2027)
• Resolution R-2024-15 reappointing Lelani Nickerson as alternate member (Sept 2024-2025)
• Resolution R-2024-16 reappointing Chris Priebe as alternate member (Sept 2024-2025) and Resolution R-2024-17 appointing Joe Moses to fill vacated term

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Commission will consider several maintenance and service agreements for the 911 Dispatch Center and tax offices. The body will also vote on the acceptance of Loftis Mtn. Road, Loftis Mtn. Way, and Loftis Lane, and approve short-term rental business licenses.

• Approval of short-term rental business licenses for 11 properties
• AT&T Master Service Agreement for 911 Dispatch call equipment at $1,813 per month
• Mobile Communications America, Inc. agreement for 911 Dispatch radios and consoles for $4,788
• Two Cummins Sales and Service generator maintenance agreements for $748.33 and $1,565.53
• Road acceptance for Loftis Mtn. Road, Loftis Mtn. Way, and Loftis Lane

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will hear the annual audit report from Rushton and Company and consider approving a new website contract with CivicPlus costing $24,273.25 for the first year. They will also vote on short-term rental business licenses issued from July 15 to August 11, 2024, and approve a lease agreement for office space at $230 per month. Additionally, two quitclaim deeds transferring small parcels of land will be considered.

• Audit report presented by Rushton and Company, Certified Public Accountants
• Agreement with CivicPlus for website implementation, hosting, and content development: $24,273.25 initial cost, $9,970 annual recurring
• Approval of short-term rental business licenses for July 15–August 11, 2024 (6 listed licenses)
• Lease agreement with 9th District Opportunity for office space at 185 Welborn St, Suite 8: $230/month, $2,760 total for Oct 2024–Sep 2025
• Two quitclaim deeds transferring 0.12 acres (to Melanie Plott) and 0.15 acres (to Wade, Travis, and Tyler Plott) in Land Lots 297 and 316

Short-term Rental Board

The Short-term Rental Board will discuss proposed changes to the Good Neighbor form process, including requiring a signed receipt from neighbors and using only hardcopy forms. They will also consider a property owner's request for a prorated refund of license fees, which would require an amendment to the ordinance's fee schedule. Old business notes the ordinance has been codified.

• Request by David Womack to consider requiring a signed receipt of the Good Neighbor form from neighbors
• Proposal to require a hardcopy Good Neighbor form only
• Consideration of requiring pet owners to pick up after their pets
• Owner request for a prorated refund of license fee, requiring an ordinance amendment

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will consider several items: an agreement with Legacy Link for $105,000 to fund the Senior Center for FY2025, appointment of Robert Head III to the Mountain Regional Library Board, approval of five short-term rental business licenses issued in June-July 2024, and acceptance of a $152,082 Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant. The grant (Y25-8-022) runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The meeting also includes approval of June 20 minutes and commissioner comments.

• Agreement with Legacy Link for $105,000 local share for Senior Center FY2025
• Appointment of Robert Head III to Mountain Regional Library Board (3-year term)
• Approval of short-term rental business licenses issued June 17-July 14, 2024 (5 licensees listed)
• Acceptance of Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant for $152,082 (Grant Y25-8-022)

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Commission will consider a $105,000 local share agreement to operate the Senior Center for FY-2025. The body will also review a juvenile justice incentive grant and approve short-term rental business licenses.

• Agreement with Legacy Link for $105,000 to operate the Senior Center
• Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant (Y24-8-022) in the amount of $152,082
• Appointment of Robert Head, III to the Mountain Regional Library Board of Trustees
• Approval of short-term rental business licenses for properties on Wild Ridge Road, Chestnut Cove Road, Pat Colwell Rd, Hawksclaw Trail, and Mulky Gap Rd

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will consider several items at its July 18 meeting, including a $152,082 Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant (Y24-8-022) and a $105,000 agreement with Legacy Link for senior center operations. The agenda also includes an appointment to the Mountain Regional Library Board and approval of short-term rental business licenses issued from June 17 to July 14.

• Agreement with Legacy Link for $105,000 local share for Senior Center operations, FY-2025
• Appointment of Robert Head, III to Mountain Regional Library Board for a three-year term
• Approval of short-term rental business licenses issued June 17–July 14, 2024 (list attached)
• Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant (Y24-8-022) in the amount of $152,082 for FY-2025

Board of Elections Regular Meeting

The Board of Elections approved November 2023 minutes and updated its monthly meeting schedule. Members also discussed security evaluations for the new building and updates regarding voting station setups.

• Monthly meetings moved to 10:00 am on the 2nd Monday of each month
• Homeland Security will evaluate security setup at the new building
• Early voting will include eight voting stations and one handicap station in the meeting room
• Four doses of Narcan received for the Registrar’s Office

Short-term Rental Board

The Board is discussing whether all owners must complete every step and upload during the renewal process. The meeting also includes reports on occupancy snapshots and recent licensing activity.

• Discussion of owner requirements for the renewal process
• Report of 156 renewals since June 1
• Report of 7 new licenses
• Presentation of UC STR by the Numbers report
• Presentation of UC Occupancy Snapshot report

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will consider several agreements regarding infrastructure, including transportation funding and engineering services. The agenda also includes a budget amendment resolution and notices for road abandonments. Additionally, the commission will review recently issued short-term rental business licenses.

• $158,250 GDOT grant agreement for Union County Transportation System operations
• $7,500 engineering agreement for Old Bald Mountain Road bridge replacement
• $10,000 site development and survey agreement for 296 Shoe Factory Road
• $28,430 Georgia Emergency Management grant to update the Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Notice of intent to abandon portions of Ivy Log Road and Lows Mill Road

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will review several agreements regarding transportation funding and infrastructure engineering. The agenda includes grant awards for various accountability courts and a budget amendment. The board will also consider road abandonment notices and short-term rental business licenses.

• $158,250.00 agreement with GDOT for the Union County Transportation System
• $7,500 agreement with Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc. for Old Bald Mountain Road bridge replacement
• Grants totaling over $1 million for Adult Felony Drug Courts and Mental Health Court
• Notice of abandonment for 0.55 acres of Ivy Log Road
• $10,000 agreement with Carter Engineering Consultants, Inc. for 296 Shoe Factory Road

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Commission will review several agreements regarding infrastructure and public services. This includes funding for the county transportation system and engineering for a bridge replacement on Old Bald Mountain Road. The agenda also covers road abandonment notices and various court grants.

• GDOT agreement for $158,250.00 to operate the Union County Transportation System
• Agreement with Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc. for $7,500 for Old Bald Mountain Road bridge replacement
• Site development and asbestos removal agreements for 296 Shoe Factory Road
• Grants for various Accountability Courts including Drug and Mental Health courts
• Notice to abandon portions of Ivy Log Road and Lows Mill Road

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission is meeting to adopt a revised Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for the county transit system, approve an agreement with the Georgia Department of Corrections for three work details costing $147,954 total, and approve a Tyler Technologies software and hardware contract for the Transfer Station. The board will also issue proclamations, present a Chamber of Commerce award, and approve short-term rental business licenses issued from April 15 to May 12, 2024.

• Adoption of revised Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for Union County Transit System
• Agreement with Georgia Dept. of Corrections for 3 work details, $49,318 each, totaling $147,954 (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025)
• Tyler Technologies agreement: $7,006 one-time fees, $4,865 annual recurring fees for purchasing module and 4 credit card readers at Transfer Station
• Approval of short-term rental business licenses for 5 properties in Blairsville and Young Harris
• Proclamations for Mountain Community Chorus Appreciation Days and Union County Day of Prayer

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will consider several agreements, including a $65,975 emergency air medical transport contract with Air Methods, a $147,954 Georgia Department of Corrections work detail agreement, and a Tyler Technologies software contract. They will also adopt a revised drug and alcohol testing policy, declare 18.94 acres as an urban redevelopment area, and approve short-term rental business licenses.

• Agreement with Air Methods for air medical transport, not to exceed $65,975, county pays half
• Agreement with Georgia Dept. of Corrections for three work details, total $147,954
• Agreement with Tyler Technologies for software and credit card readers, one-time $7,006, annual $4,865
• Resolution declaring 18.94 acres as Urban Redevelopment Area and transferring title
• Approval of short-term rental business licenses issued April 15–May 12, 2024

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission is meeting to consider several contracts and agreements, including a $2.65 million asphalt resurfacing project, a $449,999.01 courtroom technology upgrade funded by a federal grant, and a $175,900 contract for a new 911 call center. The board will also vote on five proclamations, business licenses for short-term rentals, and right-of-way purchases for a bridge replacement.

• Contract with Colditz Trucking, Inc. for $2,276,384.65 (2024 LMIG roads) and $378,868.15 (Cleveland Street) for asphalt resurfacing
• Agreement with S&L Integrated Systems, LLC for $449,999.01 to upgrade courtroom, Grand Jury Room, and Jury Assembly Room equipment, funded 100% by Judicial ARPA Grant
• Agreement with Hussey Gay Bell for $175,900 for design and construction administration of new 911 Call Center
• Two agreements with Atlas Technical Consultants, LLC for $3,700 each for environmental assessment and asbestos/lead paint survey at 296 Shoe Factory Road (Old Shoe Factory)
• Four options to purchase right-of-way for $1.00 each for Fisher Field Road bridge replacement

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission is set to approve a $2.65 million asphalt resurfacing contract with Colditz Trucking, Inc., funded by state grants and a reimbursement from the City of Blairsville. The agenda also includes the approval of a $175,900 contract for the design of a new 911 Call Center and a $449,999 upgrade to courthouse courtroom equipment funded by a federal grant. Additionally, the body will review agreements for environmental surveys at the Old Shoe Factory property and approve business licenses for short-term rentals.

• Contract with Colditz Trucking, Inc. for $2,276,384.65 in asphalt resurfacing for 2024 LMIG roads and $378,868.15 for Cleveland Street Phase II.
• Agreement with Hussey Gay Bell for $175,900.00 for schematic designs and construction administration for the new 911 Call Center.
• Agreement with S&L Integrated Systems, LLC for $449,999.01 for new equipment in courtrooms, the Grand Jury Room, and the Jury Assembly Room, funded by the Judicial ARPA Grant.
• Two agreements with Atlas Technical Consultants, LLC, each for $3,700.00, for environmental and asbestos/lead surveys at 296 Shoe Factory Road (Old Shoe Factory).
• Approval of business licenses for short-term rentals issued between March 11, 2024, and April 14, 2024.

Short-term Rental Board

The Union County Short-term Rental Board is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear reports, and discuss old and new business. Key topics include removing owner emails from automated tax return emails, amending the ordinance, provisional approval of a variance application, good neighbor notifications, and the renewal process. The agenda is mostly procedural, with these items listed for discussion.

• Discussion on removing owner emails from automated tax return emails
• Amending the ordinance – best practices
• Provisional approval on variance application
• Good neighbor notifications
• Renewal process

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission is meeting to award a contract for a temporary crossing and permanent bridge on Fisher Field Road, and to approve a resolution settling the county line with Lumpkin County. The meeting includes a notice of award and contract approval for the bridge project.

• Notice of Award for Fisher Field Road bridge installation, $332,470
• Contract with Square Deal Enterprises, Inc. for bridge work, $332,470
• Resolution R-2024-09 accepting boundary agreement with Lumpkin County for 16th District

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will consider several contracts and agreements, including a $496,050 baler purchase, engineering and testing services, a shooting range fee amendment, and software and rental agreements. They will also approve business licenses for short-term rentals and make appointments to the Development Authority board.

• Notice of Award to Rise Equipment, LLC for a Two-Ram Baler at $496,050
• Agreement with Carter Engineering for transfer station site plan, not to exceed $18,900
• Agreement with Geo-Hydro Engineers for Fisher Field Bridge testing, not to exceed $19,500
• Amendment to shooting range IGA setting fees: $200 annual individual, $300 family, $5/$15 daily
• Contract with CivicPlus for records request software: $8,242.50 (2024) and $10,788 (2025)

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will consider several agreements, including engineering contracts for the transfer station baler building and Fisher Field Bridge replacement, a records request software contract, and a mat rental agreement. The board will also approve short-term rental business licenses and hear proclamations.

• Carter Engineering site development plan for transfer station baler building, not to exceed $18,900
• Geo-Hydro Engineers testing for Fisher Field Bridge replacement, not to exceed $19,500
• Amendment to DNR target shooting range agreement on Highway 180, setting fees: $200 annual individual, $300 family, daily $5 (15 and under) / $15 (16+)
• CivicPlus NextRequest records software contract: $8,242.50 for 2024, $10,788 for 2025
• Cintas mat rental for Civic Center at $28.82 per week

Short-term Rental Board

The Union County Short-term Rental Board is holding a called meeting on March 18, 2024. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes and reports, but the only substantive item is a discussion of the variance process. No decisions are listed; it appears to be a discussion item.

• Discussion of variance process for short-term rentals

Short-term Rental Board

The Short-term Rental Board will convene to approve prior minutes, hear reports on rental statistics and site visits, and discuss old business including a 'listing removed' status report, GOVos updates adding an 'occupancy inaccurate' compliance status, and term limits for board members. The agenda is largely procedural with routine updates and no major decisions listed.

• Review of UCSTR By the Numbers report (LodgingRevs function noted as inaccurate)
• Discussion of 'Listing removed' status report
• GOVos added 'occupancy inaccurate' as a compliance status
• Term limits for board members listed with expiration dates (e.g., David Dyer until June 15, 2027)
• SEO Facebook page contact info discussion

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Commission will meet to adopt revised Personnel Policies and Procedures. The meeting also includes resolutions to appoint three individuals to the Urban Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors.

• Adoption of Revised Personnel Policies and Procedures
• Appointment of Kitty Mauzy to the Urban Redeventment Agency Board (R-2024-03)
• Appointment of Brandon Hargrove to the Urban Redevelopment Agency Board (R-2024-04)
• Appointment of Daniel Davenport to the Urban Redevelopment Agency Board (R-2024-05)

Commission Meeting Agendas

The Union County Commission will consider several agreements for county services, including document destruction, 911 maintenance, and courthouse security. The meeting also includes the appointment of members to the Board of Elections and the Board of Tax Assessors.

• Appointment of James Fitzgerald and Linda Hill to the Union County Board of Elections
• $2,100.15 agreement with Mobile Communications America for 911 dispatch maintenance
• $4,500.00 agreement with Lexipol for Fire Department grant writing services
• $12,800 contract with Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc. for courthouse x-ray maintenance
• Approval of short-term rental business licenses issued between December 18, 2023 and January 14, 2024