President Michael Courey opened meeting at 3 p.m, February 14, 2019.
Present: Michael Courey, Barbara Carew, Jan Kowalsky, Joan Crothers, Larry Dietsch, Larry Katz, , LaJean Turner, Noel Turner.
Minutes: Motion to approve the December 14, 2018 and 22 January 2019 Board meetings minutes was made by Larry Dietsch; seconded and passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Jan reported a financial balance of $3,932.77 as of 1/31/19. Expenses for the membership meeting are yet to be substracted from this balance. LaJean made the motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report, seconded and passed.
Membership: LaJean reported 4 memberships added at the Jan. meeting, so our membership is 188. A Welcome Wagon Program was discussed. She said we had 62 people sign in at the Jan. membership meeting. Everyone agreed that the 22 January Membership write up in the Herald was good and a positive note.
New Business:
- Larry D. talked about the Pickle Ball group now having a charge of $5/day or $30/mo. for the out of town people that use the old Rec. Center since the new floor there was completed. Many of their members were upset by this and Pres. John Hall has resigned. Possibly no more tournaments in Towns County and other negative effects due to the fee. Further development to take place.
- June Membership meeting was discussed at the Rec. Center. It has been reserved for 6/5 at 4 p.m. Speakers suggested were Ms. Gottlieb, Hinton Center, and Ronnie Phillips, Chairman of CVB. Barbara will put a menu together with different items than the usual ham/chicken tenders.
- Survey: A Survey sheet was handed out to each member as they came into the Jan. meeting listing organizations we have donated to in the past. Members were asked to list their preferences. Results: Maintain Existing—14, Maintain existing, deleting Sheriff’s Projects—14, Delete HRWC—8, Delete Enotah CASA—6, Delete Hamilton Gardens—1, Delete TC High Sch. Scholarship—5; Suggestions: YHC Scholarship—3, T.C. Library—1, GA Sheriff’s Youth Home—1 (not in T.C.).
- Proposed 2019 Budget: Our fiscal year goes from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. LaJean made a motion to accept the budget. After discussion, the budget was seconded and passed. See attached.
- Association Mission: Noel’s list of pending issues was discussed item by item. The one item we agreed to work on next is: “Outdoor Amphitheater to be built on vacant land fronting the lake between GMF and Hamilton Gardens.” Members will research possibilities and costs for this.
- Nominating Committee: Chair: Larry Dietsch, Members: Larry Katz, and Barbara Carew were appointed.
Committee Meetings:
City of Hiawassee: At the regular meeting the Council discussed the Sign Ordinance and decided against charging for banners and voted against having only one reading on some ordinances instead of two readings. Wastewater expansion project was awarded to SOL Construction w/low bid of $1.3 million.
City of Young Harris: Three Citizen input meetings for City improvement have been planned—3rd one is 2/26, 5:30-7:30; another will be in late March.
Commissioner: Candace Lee reported on BassMaster Tourament–$1.5 mil. was expected, but income was estimated to be $2.1 mil., expense came to $60K; 5,430 jobs supported and Chamber had lots of views on their website about the event. Made in GA will be 6/29 & 30.
TCW&S Auth.: 4 new hydrants added on Mining Gap Road; large amount of overtime recently due to repair of 2 large leaks on 2 weekends; investigating a hydrant at new Hwy. 66 fire station, closest one now is on golf course at back of property.
CVB: Still having problems with The Ridges being delinquent on payments for sewer, attorney hired.
Health Dept.: All office members were re-elected for 2019-20; Tony Berrong reported 16 new septic permits; service food establishments- 54 and 18 tourists accommodations. Only 2 flu admissions at Chatuge Hosp. and none at school.
Adjournment: A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Next meeting: Thursday, March 14, 3 p.m. Joan’s place.