TCHA Newsletters

January & February 2010 Newsletter

2010-03-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

January
Hiawassee City Council:

Chris reported that City Manager Stancil announced USFS had pulled out of contract for City sewer service to Jackrabbit Campground in N.C. and will get that service from Clay County. The water service will still be handled by the City.
Don Baker, engineer with EMI, said he could save the City around $370k on the sewer plant upgrade by redoing the sewer expansion down to ½ million gpd in all elements of the plant. The original plans by Hayes-James called for some elements to be upgraded to support up to 1.5 million gpd, since it would be cheaper to do that work now than at a later date. Cost to City for the new plans would be $9k and would include assistance with obtaining a government grant. Total cost for the plant upgrade would be between $900k-$950k. Chris spoke at the Council meeting about the need to increase the sewer plant capacity. The BOD resolved to urge Commissioner Kendall to help financially, getting money back through impact fees. Charley said he is working with Grover on a plan to give to Commissioner Kendall.
On City water, Rick Stancil and Barbara Mathis promised not to exceed 20% differential between city residents and county residents who are customers of city water.
WaysSouth Meeting:

Chris attended the quarterly meeting by conference call. They are still looking for an Executive Secretary; Hwy. 64 in TN is still a problem, but they are making progress; I-3 is at a standstill right now, but the federal government has to by law do the study on it unless the law authorizing the study is repealed.
Membership:

TCHA is about to lose 28 members, so the BOD passed around the membership list so each board member could call two people about their dues.
Soccer Fields:

Tim Barrett now has the information to get the insurance for the field across from City Hall to be used for youth soccer.

February
City of Hiawassee: The USFS decided to go with Clay County for sewer, but asked the City to provide water; agreed to by the City at February meeting. Also a resolution was signed for legislation for City residents to receive additional $8,000 Homestead Exemption.
Water & Sewer:

Chris reported he had just met with Commissioner Kendall and Kendall seems on board with including enlargement for the sewer plant in a new SPLOST for the county. The plant exceeds the 250K gpd during the GM Fair weekends and some biker weekends, so is periodically pushing the 300K gpd maximum. Estimated $900K for the plant to go from 300K gpd to 500K gpd. Nitrates and phosphates would also be improved. Charley said he had gone over the last five months of financial reports, and when the numbers are broken down between sewer and water, it looks like the sewer is in the black.
Soccer Fields:

The 14 acres at the Industrial Park offered by Commissioner Kendall would be temporary and Kendall will have the county working on fields there. Kendall said he is talking to someone about acreage on Mining Gap Trail for a recreational complex.

Action Item:

The Moffits, guests at BOD meeting, added that a concern of theirs was the lack of communication between government and residents, especially those not reading the papers or living part time here. Suggested that Kendall might send a mailing to all residents about the flood plain problems. There is information on the county's website, but there were doubts as to whether the website has been sufficiently publicized.
Late note:

Two days after the TCHA meeting, Kendall said the deadline for submission of updated elevation data for inclusion in flood plain definition has been extended to July, and that the USGS will pay 100% of the LIDAR survey costs and will move Towns County to the top of their priority list.
General Meeting Announcement:

At the March BOD meeting, it was decided to have the general meeting on the 5th Thursday, April 29, 6 p.m. with a pot luck dinner. Planned speakers to be Commissioner Kendall to talk about SPLOST; Fire Chief Floyd to talk about a new Fire Safety Committee; and Marcene Friedley, President of the Drug Free Coalition of Towns County to give a short overview of the coalition.

November & December 2009 Newletter

2010-03-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hiawassee City Council:
The City and Towns County Water & Sewer Authority came to an agreement on the wholesale price of water. The water the City sells to the Towns County Water and Sewer Authority will be priced at $1.17 per 1000 gallons until May 31, 2010, retroactive to the beginning of 2009. After May 2010 water will be priced at $1.50 per 1000 gallons through May 2011. The current contract will expire in May 2011. This rate increase may result in the average water bill of TCWSA customers increasing by about $1.00/month for 2010-2011. The County Commissioner has informally objected to the proposed new retail pricing of water to County consumers outside the City limits, prompting a review by the City of the differential in pricing. As a result of that review, the City will cap the differential at 20% above the price city residents pay for water.
A proposal for the City to provide sewer service to Jackrabbit Campground in North Carolina was rejected by the City Council on the grounds that the remaining sewer capacity should be reserved for projects in Towns County. Following this initial rejection, and before the City could formulate an amended plan, the U.S. Forest Service retracted their request for sewer service from the City.
The 2009 City millage rate has been set with no raise from last year. The 2008-2009 City Financial Audit Report has been completed and adopted by the City Council.
County Commission:
The Board has voted to support an initiative to present a plan to the City of Hiawassee and the County Commissioner regarding a cooperative funding of an expansion of the sewer plant capacity from 300,000 gallons per day to 500,000 gallons per day. Chris spoke at the City Council meeting in January and has met three times with the Commissioner, two of those times accompanied by other Board members. Following these meetings, we believe that the process is now moving forward but that ultimately it will depend on the City and County officials drafting an agreement. The Commissioner has a plan to pay for the upgrade to the plant in return for the right to allocate capacity, while the City has commissioned a re-draft of the upgrade plan and is looking for grant money which could ultimately get the out-of-pocket expense down to $400,000-$450,000. The Board believes that the upgrade of the phosphate and nitrate removal systems and their positive effect on lake water quality alone justify the expense of this upgrade.
Soccer Fields:
Chris formulated a plan with Mountain Unified Soccer Association (M.U.S.A.) to lease an undeveloped field in Hiawassee. The owner was asking $2,860 per year to cover the cost of the property taxes. Chris arranged half that amount in private donations, so had negotiated an initial 6 month lease. Upon bringing this plan to the County Commissioner, Bill Kendall offered to take up the issue using County funds and equipment. Subsequently, the County identified a better property which could be more easily seeded and maintained in time to support the soccer season beginning in March. This property is 14 acres adjacent to the Industrial Park. The Commissioner's proposal has now become "Plan A" and the initial proposal for the 6 acre lot in Hiawassee has become "Plan B". Both plans are temporary solutions to the need for more playing fields, but this year we will have soccer seasons uninterrupted by other sports needing the fields.
Food Pantry:
Towns County Food Pantry is currently serving about 400 families with food boxes every week. Most of the food is purchased through the regional food bank system and is trucked up from Athens each week to be unloaded and allocated to boxes by volunteers, who then distribute the food the following day. Food from the food bank system costs just 18 cents per pound, which means an $18.00 donation buys 100 pounds of food, which is a lot of powdered milk and dry goods. Mike Brock made a motion to donate $150 to the Food Pantry for Thanksgiving food boxes. Seconded, and passed unanimously.
Tax Assessors:
Katie Sanders and Sonya Young came to a Board meeting with brochures from their office. They talked about the Homestead Exemption that was recently passed, giving Towns County $8,000 in addition to the $2,000 all other counties in the state are allowed. Property owners need to sign up at the tax office at the Courthouse Annex before April 1, 2010 to get the full $10,000 exemption for 2010. If they sign up late, then the earliest they will benefit is 2011. They said this is the first year they are having to deal with foreclosures when figuring reassessments. Towns has the lowest millage in the state, but one of the highest real estate values in the state, one of the causes for the school tax increase. April 1st is also the deadline for filing a disagreement on assessments.
General Meeting:
Still under discussion, however a late March date will be considered by the Board at its February meeting. Chris has been approached by the Fire Chief for the FireWise program and by the President of the Drug Free Towns County Coalition. We will look at making this a pot luck dinner meeting and feedback from the membership is solicited.
Flood Plain Discussion:
Chris distributed a letter to the membership following the first flood plain meeting in December when FEMA presented the new flood zone digital maps. A second meeting was held on Jan. 21st, wherein it was resolved that the data currently in use by FEMA does not support its use for determining the flood zones in Towns County. Though this same data has been used in the past, renewed emphasis on flood zones by mortgage and insurance companies in the wake of Hurricane Katrina necessitate that we have accurate data on which to base these zones. The County and Cities will, therefore, initiate a new areal survey using laser topographic analysis to produce new digital maps for the county, accurate to within about 6 inches of elevation. This data will be submitted to FEMA for use in creating new maps prior to the effective date for the changeover. Charley Kraus confirmed with the Risk Analysis Coordinator for the Department of Homeland Security on Jan. 22nd that FEMA will only use the newer, more accurate data for the changeover. The deadline for conducting a laser survey this year is in March, before the leaves come out. Accurate laser topographic charts can best be created when the leaves are off the trees. This deadline is do-able.

September & October 2009 Newsletter

2010-03-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

September 8, 2009

WaysSouth:

Wes read a letter from WaysSouth correcting the amount donated to them from $100 in their first thank you letter to $1,000, the correct amount voted on at the annual meeting on June 18, 2009.
Commissioner’s meeting: Bob Keys reported that the Commissioner talked about the 8 roads and bridges that will be repaired by GDOT, beginning with Bell Creek Rd. from McDonald’s to NC state line.
Hiawassee City Council:

Joan and Chris reported: *Katy from Ramada Inn reported that the Moonshine Cruise car show was a great success with 1k cars and an estimated 5k people attending. Many reservations at the hotel were booked for the Fall Festival. *Barbara read a letter from Gov. Perdue about the $400k GEFA loan to the City. *She also said the Commissioner had been cooperating with the city on trimming, bush hogging, and patching North Mountain Rd. on Whiskey Mountain. *Mayor said Lowe’s told her their Towns County project is on hold--no other information.*BelAir Drive is being repaved by LARP. *Manager Stancil said some members of the Council will be working on the 5 & 10 year plan for the City and the County.
Young Harris Council:

Mike Brock asked to be taken off that meeting. We need someone else to attend and report on these meetings.
Next General Meeting:

A pot luck dinner on Thursday, October 29, 7 p.m. at the Senior Center with speakers on Firewise, and ask Frank Riley to speak about the current bear problem. Ball Fields:

Charlie Kraus asked Joan to set up a meeting with Amy and Tim Barrett, soccer coaches. Charlie had drawings of 3 soccer fields laid out by him and Wes Hooper on Parcel 52 (6+ acres).
Career Information Committee:

Jonni Marie has received info from several members and decided that making a form would be easier for members to fill out.

October 13, 2009
Chris read a letter dated October 8th from Commissioner Kendall calling for a public hearing on the City of Hiawassee’s raise in water rates on January 1, 2010. The Commissioner feels the county residents, being raised 5% to city residents being raised 2.5%, need to review the rate differential.
Treasury:

Jack Miller was absent. He sent Cash Balance as $2,060 with 2 new members. Wes handed out new rosters and said we have 90 paid members and 40 outstanding.
Commissioner’s meeting:

Meeting was moved to the following Monday so DNR could attend to talk about the black bear problems in the county. Standing room only at the meeting..
Hiawassee City Council:

A letter from T. C. Water & Sewer Authority giving up on joint ownership of water plant, and agreeing to expansion, was accepted by City Council. Other business: Tim Grogg, Cybergov Consultants LLC, report on water-sewer cost study; USFS/City sewer line extension to Jack Rabbit Park NC will be studied; sewer line replacement project to school, GEFA/ARC funding; and City 2010 Comprehensive Planning Ordinance--GMRC Adam Frazell will help city free of charge, rather than Sean Ebersold @ $8,000.
Board of Education:

A letter from Vice President & Acting Chairman Bob Keys, TCHA, has been sent to Superintendent Behrens, offering our assistance with “mandates that are currently tying your management and budgetary hands.”
Ball Fields: Amy and Tim Barrett said that the remainder of the property in Parcel 52 could not be used as soccer fields because there would be no insurance coverage on students playing on land that close to a substation.

Joan Crothers, Secretary

July & August 2009 Newsletter

2010-03-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

July
New President: Chris Swett led his first meeting as president at the July Board meeting.
Dues:
Time limits on dues were discussed and will entail an amendment to the by laws and a vote of ratification by the membership at a general meeting before the December timeframe to go into effect for new members after January of each year. Yearly dues (June to June) remain $25 and $50 for the personal option of two years.
More General Meetings:

Chris said he would like to have more general meetings with one on Thursday, August 27, with Callie Moore, Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition, at the Senior Center. He would also like a general meeting in October, with Fire Wise, and include a pot luck supper.
TCHA Careers Project:

Jonni Marie Shook agreed to be TCHA Career Search Committee Chairperson.
Board Meetings Time:

A change in board meeting date was discussed and it was agreed to move the meetings to the second Tuesday of each month, 3:30 p.m. at Y.H. Library.
WaysSouth-I-3:

Charley reported that GDOT is moving ahead with the study on I-3 since the money is set aside for that purpose and can only be used for that. He is staying in touch with WaysSouth on this matter.
Water & Sewer:

Charley was present at the June 26 meeting with Hiawassee Mayor Mathis, Manager Stancil, 3 Council members (Joan, Howard Cunningham, Janet Allen), Commissioner Kendall, T.C. Water & Sewer Authority’s Chairman Gene Mitchell, Gene Jackson, Secretary Jamie and several citizens, including Chris. He felt they made a little progress, with both sides agreeing to have their attorneys look at studies being done on sewer and water usage. He feels the Authority won’t agree to let the City have the water lines where the sewer lines run, and if taken to court they will have a good case.
Hiawassee Council:

At their July 7th meeting, Hiawassee City Council adopted a number of resolutions and ordinances: Identity Theft Prevention Program Ordinance; 2009 nondiscrimination for Federal Programs Resolution; Resolution appointing Rhetta Grey as City Rep. for T.C. Public Library Board; Amended Budget Adjustment 2008-2009 Appropriations Ord.; Resolution approving up to $10,000 for Streak Hill Water Line Replacement; and ARRA-GEFA 2010 Water &/or Sewer rate /Connection fee Ordinance.
Commissioner's Meeting:

The first reading of the Towns County Ordinance Enhancing Accessibility to Ballot. The ordinance was read and passed without opposition. The purpose of the ordinance is to expand the early voting hours when elections are held. Jonnie Marie Shook was present representing the Elections Board.

August
Commissioner’s Meeting:

The second reading of T.C. Ordinance Enhancing Accessibility to Ballot was held and signed by the Commissioner. He announced GDOT has closed their work barn and crew in Towns County. [Commissioner later in the month announced the reinstatement of the DOT crew for Towns and eight roads and bridges that would be repaired starting with Bell Creek from McDonald’s to the state line]
Hiawassee City Council:

City will fund (up to $1,000) a survey of North Mountain Rd. on Whiskey Mountain by Mac Clark. Resolutions signed: for the County Tax Commissioner to continue collecting city taxes and Hotel/Motel taxes; Pouring License given to Christine Jones for Bear Meadows Grill (at Shoppes of Tater Ridge); City to participate as 2010 Census Partner; and announced that LARP will pave BelAire Dr. in spring.
Sewer & Water:

Chris reported that he and Charley Kraus had a 2-hour discussion with Rick Stancil concerning City of Hiawassee & TC Water & Sewer Authority and the problems they are having. He feels that the Commissioner is the best point of contact for suggestions with respect to changing or amending the duties of the Towns County Water Authority, as this would require local legislation through the State Assembly. All present agreed TCHA should not get involved any further unless water/sewer rates go extremely high and/or water in county shut off.
Career Survey:

Jonni Marie reported that she had received 8 resumes, some were too long, short is being asked for.
Ball fields for Towns youth:

Commissioner Kendall, Recreation Director Wes Hooper, Soccer Coach Tim Barrett, and Wes Lerdon worked on a conceptual drawing for soccer fields on the 6+ acres on Parcel 52 next to EMC’s substation; however, the soccer people found that there would be no insurance coverage next to a substation so that squelched that idea. More ideas are in the works.

August 27 General meeting
President Chris Swett welcomed 18 members and guests at the Senior Center at 7 p.m. City Mayor and Manager and County Commissioner were invited, but not present.
Vote on By-Law change:

It was established that there was a quorum present plus five proxies for a vote on the following change:

Article VI - Dues
The dues of the Association shall be established by the Board. They shall be payable on the first day of the fiscal year (July 1st) of the Association. Notice for payment of the dues shall be mailed to each member not less than two weeks before they come due and shall contain an address where payment can be made. Members whose dues are more than 30 days overdue shall be termed delinquent and shall be denied voting rights until their accounts are made current. A member whose dues are more than 6 months delinquent shall be dropped from the rolls of the Association. A person, who joins the Association after January 1st, shall pay half the dues, established by the Board, and will not have dues again payable until the July 1st first day of the fiscal year.
This change (in bold) was passed unanimously.

Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition: Director Callie Moore gave a slide presentation on the Hiwassee River watershed which covers all of Towns except the far northwestern corner and part of Clay County and all of Lake Chatuge. In 1998 TVA gave the lake a poor quality rating, down from good. In study done by HRWC, they found the main causes were leaking septic tanks, livestock in streams, residential (fertilizer, geese, storm water runoff) and sewer plant, in about the same percentage of damage to the lake from each one. She feels it is not getting worse, mainly because construction is down along with less storm water runoff because of the drought, maybe a little better. TVA will only be doing tests on the lake in even years, the next for 2010. She also said it would help for the City of Hiawassee to get the sewer plant up from 300k gpd to 500k gpd as this would better control the algae culprits of phosphorus and nitrogen.
Donations: President Swett thanked Callie and presented the HRWC with a check for $500. A vote of the membership was also taken to donate $1,000 to Ways South (I-3) to allow them to meet potential September budget shortage pending an expected grant. (Grant since also received)
Next meeting: Chris also polled the audience on having a pot luck dinner at the next general meeting with speakers from Firewise. The majority of hands went up in favor. This will be held on the fifth Thursday, October 29, at 6 p.m. Please bring your favorite dish to share.

October & November 2008 Newsletter

2009-01-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is a tremendous problem throughout the country, and Towns County is no exception. Trade in elicit drugs, and the abuse of those drugs, is the number one problem for our law enforcement community, according to Sheriff Chris Clinton.
With this in mind, the Towns County Homeowner's Assn. is partnering with the Sheriff's Dept. in this fight. TCHA has provided funding for the department to join the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) to receive training and materials. Additionally, TCHA will help sponsor a training seminar for all local law enforcement departments in the area next April here in Hiawassee.
Commissioner’s October Meeting:
1. The Commissioner signed a S.A.F.E. Proclamation declaring the month of October as recognizing domestic violence victims. The organization provides shelter to victims of abuse and violence for Towns and Union County. S.A.F.E. raises funds for this through receiving donations of money or goods that can be sold in their thrift store.
2. Bids were opened by Jim Hicks (who does volunteer work for the County overseeing construction projects such as the new Food Pantry recently constructed.) for a generator to be installed at the new 911 Center. Three bids were opened and reviewed being submitted by BCH Electrical/Towns County, ECK Electrical/Towns County and Gumby's Communications/Toccoa, GA. Bid quotes submitted were respectfully $17989, $22935, and $22385. Since all bids were over the monies budgeted for this project Commissioner Kendall put off accepting any bids until the Finance Committee had a chance to review and find additional money to fund this project. While the lowest bid did not include a transfer switch when this item is added to the bid it will still be the lowest bid submitted so far.
3. The Second Reading of the Litter Control Ordinance was held. There were no further changes in the Ordinance so it was signed immediately by the Commissioner. Ward Hogsed and E.T. Roberts were commended for their efforts to collect litter from the roadside in their neighborhood. They have collected 146 bags of litter in 1.1 mile space.
Hiawassee City Council
At the December meeting TCHA member and Secretary Joan Crothers was installed as Post 3 Councilman; Daniel Berrong was awarded “City Policeman of the Year;” the Council signed a number of ordinances and resolutions--one being millage rollback, sewer moratorium in county beginning January 1, 2009, and authorizing expenditure up to $100k for Water Plant filter.
Young Harris City Council
The Young Harris College was approved by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) as a four-year college; Andrea Gibby was sworn in as Mayor after Dan Nichols resigned because of health. Young Harris needs to expand the wastewater plant from 240k gpd to 480k gpd because of growth.
County Planning Commission
October and December – No meetings. November 10, 2008: Discussion on whether those who make presentations to the Commission have an obligation to be truthful and factual. Since the Commission depends on this information to make decisions, should there be penalties? The County Attorney will research the issue. There were two presentations for action: Ashland Cove – Phase 4 Plat accepted and approved; Preserve at Brasstown – Phase 1: Originally submitted in one phase; developer has determined it be divided into two phases. New plat granted a preliminary approval with two conditions: 1. Plot Road adjoins property along with easement and 2. Developer submits survey by Mark Chastain showing certified boundaries.
County Property Tax Increase Public Meetings
Three public meetings were held in November to explain the need for a property tax millage rate increase. The meetings were well attended and orderly. The rate is up 1.294, making the increase from 8.537 last year to 9.831 mills in 2009. This is still lower than any other county in the state. Mr. Kendall has cut the budget in many ways--one being closing the Transfer Station on Fridays beginning in January. The tax bills will be out the middle of December, allowing residents to pay in 2008 or before the deadline in January.
TCHA Website
The new website is up and running at http://townscountyhomeowners.com. We are working to get as much pertinent information on the site as possible including relevant links. Members are encouraged to visit the site and we welcome any suggestions for improvements or inclusions.
Ethanol Gasoline
Local gas stations are now pumping gasoline containing 10% ethanol. For those with older vehicles, this could be a problem. We suggest you consult with your local dealer or repair shop for any required corrective action. To the best of our knowledge, the stations in North Carolina have not yet adopted this change.
TVA Reservoir Land Management DEIS
Board member Lindey Fitzgerald and Mark met with Tom Kilgore, President and CEO of the TVA on 17 December. Mr. Kilgore is the decision authority for the Parcel 52 substation request. The conversation reviewed the salient issues presented by the TCHA and others in an open and frank manner. Mr. Kilgore made it clear that no decision is as yet made nor is one imminent. He promised to consider all our concerns. He also stated his support for a negotiated alternative site if we can broker one. We will be meeting with Commissioner Kendall, who wrote a strong letter of support for the TCHA position, in the very near future to encourage him to lead the effort to bring one of the alternative sites into the acceptable range for the BRMEMC.
Property Tax Assessment Cap
In the November 4 election the 4 property tax assessment cap issues all passed. This means that, for the years 2009 and following, the assessment growth for your residential property will be limited to 3% per annum. To qualify for this Homestead Exemption, your property must be your prime residence, be not larger that 5 acres and you must register with the County Tax Commissioner between 1 January and 1 March of 2009. Once registered, the exemption will stay with you as long as you own the property.. Be advised, however, that if your reassessment value is larger than 3% in any given year, the balance will be added to your succeeding year’s assessments in 3% increments until the total increases add up to the total of the original assessment increase.
County Water and Sewer Study Committee
Carl Schultz and Bill Blumreich have been working with the county on water and sewer issues for the past year and Carl chairs the subject committee appointed by Commissioner Kendall to deal with water and sewer issues. Of particular current interest is the moratorium on future sewer hook-ups in the county now proposed by the city of Hiawassee's sewer plant manager. With the proposed new Lowe’s store hanging in the balance, the resolution of the issue of the County’s participation in the sewer plant operation and management has become of paramount importance. The Commissioner recognizes this and is prepared to step into the gap left by the Towns County Water and Sewer Authority’s refusal to step up to the sewer issue. Carl is working hard with both parties and with the EPD to achieve a timely resolution.
TCHA Resources
The TCHA membership represents a vast reservoir of experience which we, as good citizens, should be using to aid the county and city managers in building and servicing our beautiful county. To best do this, we need to understand and catalogue our member’s backgrounds and experience. Board member Lindey Fitzgerald has agreed to take on this effort. She will be contacting you in the near future. We are not passing out duties but we need to understand the talent we have available. Please cooperate with her.
Interstate 3 Status and new name "WaysSouth"
The study has still not been initiated although the FHWA tells us that they will do so soon. The Stop I-3 Coalition has recognized that it is nearly impossible politically to rescind the study funding due to Congressional protocol. But, no matter how the study comes out, we know that any further action will only come if the states involved request it. Therefore, we are turning our attention to building opposition to any further action in the Georgia legislative and executive branches. This will take a lot of work over an extended period of time and, even though we are largely volunteer, will cost significant dollars. We encourage all of our members to go to the Stop I-3 web site (www.stopi3.org) for updates and information on how to donate, either your money or your time. For the benefit of our county and all of northeast Georgia, we need your help.
In a related matter, we at the Stop I-3 Coalition have recognized that we need to be more than an ‘against’ organization. We have the foundation to become a strong voice in transportation development and improvement in the southern Appalachian region. We already have a group of North Carolina and Tennessee members actively working the Corridor K issue in those two states. The resolution of Corridor K will have a profound impact on any future I-3 build. The CK group is beginning to investigate the possibility of a rail alternative using existing right of ways which could reduce the requirement for new 4 lane roads through the western North Carolina mountains..
To better describe an organization which is both pro and con transportation issues, SI3 has formed an umbrella organization which is called WaysSouth. You will see that name more in the future but recognize that Stop I-3 is the foundation of the new organization and the number one job therein.
Merry Christmas to All
Your Board and Officers of the TCHA
December 20, 2008

September, 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

TVA PARCELS: Charley Kraus, Bob Keys, and Wes Lerdon met with Commissioner Kendall 9/18 to present TCHA position on TVA Parcel 77, discuss the background for that position and get his reaction.. Because of a growing youth population here, the County has for years been looking for property for a youth sports complex, something similar to Meeks Park in Blairsville. The potential of the TVA lease is attractive because of the high price of property in Towns County. They addressed what TCHA considers the two most serious concerns: the county management of the Chatuge Woods Campground and that any new facility would be similarly poorly managed, and the lack of information about, and public input on a new facility. They conditioned TCHA's support for the request on these conditions being met. They told him they would have the same discussion with TVA and asked him to consider joint discussions with them aimed at some kind of a solution at least similar to the one proposed. He agreed to take their proposal under advisement.

TCHA has prepared a detailed response to the TVA Reservoir Land Management DEIS which was submitted to TVA on 25 September. The response included the above position on Parcel 77 including the suggestion that, if an agreement cannot be worked out locally, the parcel be left in the present category. We also opposed the industrial designation of Parcel 10, the BRMEMC request for part of Parcel 52 for a substation and supported changing the category of Parcel 52 to Designated Recreation to allow the County to use the land for soccer fields. We also covered other items in the 14-page response which can be made available to anyone interested by email to charleykraus@brmemc.net.

Members should note that the BRMEMC issue was separated from the main DEIS by TVA which caused a serious misconception at the August 29 meeting and with the DEIS proper. That issue is still on the table and being run by senior management in Knoxville. TVA has promised an open hearing SHOULD THEY DECIDE TO CONSIDER THE REQUEST FURTHER. Stay tuned.

Update: TVA has extended the public comment period to 29 October. We encourage anyone who has yet to comment to do so. TVA reads them all and will respond.

MEMBER COMMENT: Ben Kennedy sent the following email to TCHA. “I am a member of the HRWC Board. FYI, check out what the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition says on this issue. Option B for limited use of lakeside property, not heavy recreational use, is the position it has taken. If you want I can forward to you the letter. As Commissioner Kendall himself has said, if the lake turns green (from hard surface run-off, fertilized ball fields), then all of us will be hurting and land values will plummet”. See HRWC website for information.

COMMISSIONER’S MTG.: The official August monthly meeting was held in the Commissioner's office. those in attendance were Bill Kendall, Linda Hedden, Andrea Anderson, John Berry, Joan Crothers, Towns County Herald reporter and myself, Bob Keys. One item of official business was on the agenda. The second reading of the Towns County Culvert Installation Permit was made by Linda Hedden. There was no opposition to putting this permit requirement in place in the County. Therefore the permit was adopted. This will now be required for all driveways constructed into properties on county roads. Unofficially the Commissioner stated he was pleased with the community turnout at the High School regarding Parcel 52 and appreciated the support from most all who attended that meeting. He stated we still need to go forward with our effort to keep EMC from getting this parcel.

COMMISSIONER'S MTG.: One item was on the September 18th agenda. The first reading of the TOWNS COUNTY LITTER CONTROL ORDINANCE was read. One change was made in the Ordinance after the reading. That change was made to allow the judge more discretion toward awarding a sentence to the guilty person found littering. A question arose concerning enforcement of the Ordinance and who would be charged with enforcement. A suggestion was made to put up signs in the county regarding littering and fines to be imposed. The second reading of this Ordinance is scheduled for the next monthly Commissioner's meeting in October. Those in attendance were: Commissioner Bill Kendall, Clerk Linda Hedden, Andrea Anderson, Joan Crothers, Marsha and Ron Grogan, Gary Miller, Mac Clark, Jean Kendall, E. T. Roberts, and Warden Hogsed. TCHA endorses this proposal.

HIAWASSEE CITY COUNCIL: Bob Crawford reported very short meeting. City Manager/Attorney Rick Stancil stated he attended the TVA presentation and heard favorable comments concerning city of Hiawassee, and that there were some other comments from homeowners.

A PANDEMIC FLU meeting was held on Sept. 25 at the County Court House with Bob Keys reporting. The meeting was chaired by Roxanne Barrett, Towns County Health Department. Sally Varao represented the Red Cross. Other attendees: EMS, Fire Dept, the hospital, Bill Kendall and his assistant, Alisa, and Alton Higgins, ham radio organization. The purpose of the meeting was to plan an exercise in the County for flu immunizations for all persons age 4 years and older. Vaccines will be administered on Nov 4 (election day) at the High School gym. Since this is an exercise to practice in case a pandemic outbreak reaches Towns County, the first to receive the vaccine will be all "first responders" who will be out front with the public. A $25 fee will be charged for each immunization. Cash, in-state checks and Medicare will be accepted. Red Cross representative Varao, emphasized the flu in Asia is headed west and is a serious matter. She has recommended that all citizens have a 90 day supply of food, medical needs for colds/prescriptions and water in case Towns County is ever hit. Persons may go to a Homeland Security website --- www.ready.gov and click on Emergency Supply List for a list of recommended items to keep at home. This exercise will be announced in the papers and local radio and TV stations. The Red Cross is also available to give presentations on this to groups, churches, clubs, organizations, etc to better inform the public.

ELECTION NEWS: Early voting is now underway. Voters can cast their ballots at the Registrars Office in the Old Rock Jail weekdays from 9 AM until noon and from 1 PM until 4 PM. Note that early voting ends the Friday before the election and that there will be no voting on Monday, November 3. Members should note that the referendum for the adoption of the 3% property tax cap is also on the ballot. Each voter will vote twice, once for the school board tax and once for the jurisdiction in which you live. This cap will limit your assessed value from increasing more than 3% per year. It will not necessarily keep your tax bill from increasing more than 3% because the other factor in your bill is the millage rate set by the County and the other jurisdictions. What it does however, is clamp down on some of the oversized reassessments we have seen recently.

TCHA WEBSITE: Bob Keys is working on a request by several members who have suggested we should develop a TCHA web site. Bob has contacted a person, in this area, who is experienced in developing web sites for businesses and organizations. Bob will report to the Board at the Oct 9 monthly meeting, on preliminary estimated costs and potential content of a web site for the TCHA.

July, 2008 Newsletter

2008-07-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

Proposed Power Sub Station on Lake Chatuge Side of Route 76 Opposite Parker Oil:

As part of the TVAs Reservoir Land Management Study begun last summer, TVA is considering a proposal from the BRMEMC to sell approximately two acres of the 10 acre parcel designated by TVA as parcel 52 which is located adjacent to Virginia Palmer’s business and trailer park and across the street from the Parker Oil company on US 76 south of Hiawassee. The neighboring businesses and homeowners are opposed to this proposal and your Board has taken a strong and public position in support of their opposition. We have formed a task force within the TCHA to address the issue with BRMEMC and try to help them identify an alternative site. Mike Brock, Bob Keys and Charley Kraus have met with Commissioner Kendall several times to enlist his support. In turn, Kendall has written TVA requesting a public hearing be convened in Towns County While TVA has not responded and are not required by law to hold such a hearing, they have indicated to him that they are positively considering the idea but a definitive answer has not yet been made. Flash- TVA will announce soon that they will have a hearing on the substation issue. It will be held during the week of 18 August somewhere in Towns County. Watch for details in the local papers.

In the meantime, several of our concerned citizens have on their own, begun discussions with the TVA Board of Directors and other senior staff in Knoxville seeking to stop this proposal. Your Board has joined them in this effort and will continue to work with them.

The Reservoir Land Management Study, mentioned above, has now entered its second phase for public input. This was kicked off with a meeting with the Commissioner and the two Mayors and other local officials on 29 July. Public comments will be accepted during the month of August at the addresses listed below. In addition, there will be an open house hosted by TVA at the North Georgia Technical College in Blairsville on Wednesday, 27 August from 4 to 8 PM. We strongly urge our membership to attend and comment. The meeting was held with Towns County to particularly address three parcels pf particular interest and impact to the county.

One is Parcel 52 mentioned above, which is being dealt with internally but TVA in a separate package but which is also open for comment during this comment period.

The second is Parcel 10, 27 acres, which is located on the north side of Wood Creek directly across from the Breezewood and Thunder Bay developments (local members take note and action). This parcel has been requested to be redesignated for industrial development to support the Towns-Clay County Industrial Park. Your board will oppose this action

The third is Parcel 77 which is 66 acres on the east side of the lake off of Mull Road which the county would like for development of a recreational park.

There are other issues such as boating safety and etiquette which your Board has already raised with TVA and we will restate them in our current response.

Comments can be directed to :

Mountain Reservoirs Land Management Plan
C/o TVA NEPA Resources
Attn: Kenneth P. Parr (LP 5U-C)
1101 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Or by the comment line: 1 866 601 4612 Or by email: Mountain-Reservoirs@tva.gov.

The summary of last summer’s comment period together with maps and other detail can be found on the TVA web site at: www.tva.gov/environment/reports/mtnres/

Once again, we urge every member to inform him/herself of the issues associated with these proposed changes to our lake shore and comment both in writing and with your presence at the 27 August Open House.

Sales Tax:

At the July 12, 2008 Board of Directors meeting, Bob Scott led a discussion on the possibility of the Board of Education cutting off the remaining 3 years on their SPLOST (1 cent sales tax) and allowing this 1 cent to go for the T.C. Fire Dept. The Legislature has to approve, so it would be 2009 before it could be on the ballot. Conversations with the Commissioner indicate his desire to defer discussion of this proposal until next year and then to do so as an across the board remedy for funding shortfalls in several of the county departments.

Towns County Commissioner's Meetings:
Bob Keys reported on the June 19 Commissioner's meeting. Attending: Commissioner Kendall, Linda Hedden, Brian Raynard, a concerned citizen regarding the substation proposal (he is against), Mac Clark of Landtech, Jeff Edge, Towns County Herald, and Keys. Official business conducted comprised solely of approving a bid by Dispatch Product Company, Atlanta, GA for 911-workstation cabinetry. Their winning bid was $27,395. Bids were open to local companies as well, but no local business entered a bid. Unofficial discussions pertained to the substation parcel, new exercise equipment at the recreation center, citizen use of the improved beach area and Joan Crothers beautifying Hiawassee. Commissioner Kendall stated he had not heard from TVA since sending them a letter (published in the papers) asking for a public hearing on use of Parcel 52. Praises were given to the Commissioner for his efforts in improving the beach area and how good it was to see the citizens and children enjoying the area. Also, the upgrading of exercise equipment at the recreation center and how much the citizens are using that as well. Noticeable around Hiawassee is the improvement in the garden areas, planters, shrubs, the square, which has been done by Joan Crothers and her associates in the Garden Club. Kendall has had some of the TC detainees to help as well. Joan has put many hours into this project and it has not gone unnoticed. A big thank you from all.

J.C. Berrong, newly elected TCHA Board Director, reported on the July 17, 2008 Commissioner's meeting. The meeting was short that evening. Those attending were Bill Kendall, Jean Kendall, Linda Hedden and Berrong. The only business was the first reading of the proposed Towns County Culvert Installation Application, Site Review, and Permit.

Hiawassee City Council Meetings:
Bob Crawford reported on the Hiawassee City Council meeting of July 1, ʽ08. Approved the amended 2007-2008 Budget; approved the 2008-2009 proposed Budget. This budget includes a 5% cost of living raise. Susan Wyman, with the Mountain Arts Festival, wants to establish an annual Arts Festival in Hiawassee, to be called summer's Last Kiss, preferably the last week of summer.

The 2008 Comprehensive Water & Sewer connection fee ordinance mandates an increase of 5%. The new rates will start 1 August and will appear on the September bills. Approved a motion authorizing the filing of an application to Georgia Facilities Authority (GEFA) for the Georgia Water Supply Competitive Grant Program. The Council went into Executive Session.

TCHA Donation to the TC Sheriff's Department:

A $500 check was presented Tuesday, July 15, to Sheriff Chris Clinton by your new Treasurer, Jack Miller and Vice President, Wes Lerdon. This money will be used to purchase one-type standard manufactured pistols for all deputies. This need was not budgeted and the pistols issued by the former sheriff were badly worn. With some not ejecting shells and preventing rapid fire. The pistols will now be the same for all deputies thus "level the playing field" for all officers to regularly qualify by shooting required scores of target accuracy. This TCHA action was approved unanimously by the TCHA Board. The funding follows like amounts by an eastside church, the TC Republican Party and a private donor, who all felt this would improve safety aspects for all TC citizens.

TCHA Dues for Fiscal Year July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009:

Your $25 dues, covering each family membership, can be mailed to TCHA, P.O. Box 455, Hiawassee, GA, 30546-0455. If you wish to pay for two years, and avoid paying again next year, you may send $50 and be a member in good standing until June 30,2010. Any questions can be sent to Wes Lerdon, by your reply to this e-mail, as Wes has the official private Roster to know if your membership expired June 30, 2008. Other questions may also be directed to Jack Miller, our Treasurer, at 706-896-5188.

The Directors and Officers of the Towns County Homeowners Association:

Charley Kraus, President
Wes Lerdon, Vice President
Joan Cruthers, Secretary
Jack Miller, Treasurer
Bob Crawford, Director
JC Berrong, Director
Mike Brock, Director
Bob Keys, Director

March, 2008 Newsletter

2008-03-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

Upcoming General Meetings

The Board has scheduled two meetings for the general membership. The first, on May 13th will highlight presentations by Fire Chief Mitchell Floyd on the state of the Fire Department and Forester Frank Riley on the Fire Watch program which is an effort to evaluate county subdivisions for fire susceptibility and identify corrective actions.

The second will be on June 24th and is the required annual meeting for election of the board and officers. We will also have a speaker.

Both meetings will be held at the Senior Center in Hiawassee at 7 PM. Please put them on your calendar.

February Town Hall Meeting

A Town Hall meeting was co-sponsored with the Young Harris College in February. 10th District Congressman Paul Broun was the featured speaker. He presented a review of his first 6 months in office, discussed issues of both national and local interest and took questions from the floor. Included was a detailed discussion of his efforts on I-3.

At the beginning of the meeting, the TCHA presented a $500 check to Callie Moore on behalf of the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition. (Yes, it looks as though we misspelled Hiawsssee, but the River is Hiwassee for NC and TVA)

Towns County Beach Project

A workday at the Towns County Beach was endured by seven volunteer members of TCHA along with nine other volunteers (including 3 children who really pushed their tiny wheelbarrows). The task was to remove all the bark mulch which had previously been put down to cover the asphalt and prevent injury to the children. The bark mulch was wet, very thick and had become compacted from activity making it difficult to remove the mulch. However with help from the County in the afternoon all the mulch was removed from the playground area and spread on the wooded area along the beach and walking trails. The removal of mulch now prepares the surface for the laying of the permanent rubberized surface for the playground area. Needless to say at the conclusion of the day there were some tired volunteers but the job was accomplished. The permanent surface will probably be installed within the next several weeks. Anyone who wishes to volunteer, please call Bob Keys at 896-7410. Many thanks to all who helped in this first phase.

Neighborhood Watch

The Towns County Homeowners Association is announcing the re-introduction of an important crime fighting program for Towns County. The Neighborhood Watch Program is in conjunction with the Towns County Sheriff's Office and the Office of the Commissioner. Please check local news outlets for more information and how you can participate.

TVA Land Management Study

The second phase of the TVA Land Management Study has been delayed for several months. Management of the study is now located in the TVA Murphy office. Your board is preparing a critical review of some of the proposed land use actions which will include limiting commercial construction and new boat ramps and increase emphasis on water safety. When completed, copies of our report may be obtained by contacting any board member.

BRMEMC Proposed Substation

Blue Ridge Mountain EMC is proposing to build an electrical substation on the west side of US 76 south of Hiawassee. This property is currently TVA waterfront land and its use has also been requested by both the city and the county. The Board feels that the lake shore is no place for another sub station and we will strongly oppose it while supporting the county’s request which is for use as an unlighted soccer field.

Lake Chatuge Boating Safety

In a letter to be delivered by April 1, TCHA will recommend that TVA convene a meeting of all the interested or potentially interested parties to include DNR, Towns and Clay County’s law enforcement representatives, the Forest Service and any other appropriate agencies with the following goals:

a. To implement a water born police force for operation on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays and periodically during the week

b. To establish and distribute to all who rent watercraft a 30 minute briefing to renters on the basics of watercraft safety, courtesy and operation with a requirement that the leasers provide their renters with a signed certificate of completion of the above course which they shall be required to have on their persons.

Hiawassee Activities

The Hiawassee City Council covered the following: EMI, a civil, engineering & environmental firm solicited work for water supply and treatment. Nine of the recently pruned crepe myrtles on Main Street will be transplanted on the hospital grounds. High water usage surcharge was removed from the agenda.

Young Harris Activities

TCHA has just received the news that The Blue Ridge Mountain EMC Headquarters is relocating their entire operation presently in Young Harris to their 23 acre site on Hwy 76 east of Young Harris beginning at the entrance to Ashland Cove and toward their unsightly electrical substation mentioned above. There are issues related to this project that will be monitored by your board representatives and we will keep you updated.

Planning Board Actions

There was no Planning Board Meeting held during March.

Mountain Conservation Council

TCHA has two members on the Commissioner’s Mountain Conservation Council including Jack Miller who is the Council Chairman. To date the Council has approved one development as a Mountain Conservation Community (3 acre fast tracked approval) and has another about ready. There are three more being studied.

Associate Memberships

Your board has been in discussion with multiple HOAs around the county regarding their associating with us as a method of broadening our reach and involvement in county matters. To date, we have two on board (Friendship and Hidden Valley) and are in discussion with several others. TCHA members who are also members of a local HOA are encouraged to have your officers get in touch with us to explore the association idea.

Interstate 3

The Stop I-3 Coalition is actively pursuing members and groups from below I-85 where knowledge of the issue is small and where there is more support for the idea. Cong. Broun continues his effort to redirect the study to an alternate route and the FHWA is sitting on the RFP for the study contractor pending the outcome of this work. However, our two Senators are both insisting that the study be done and we expect it to get underway sometime in the late summer. There will be a public participation period. SI3C will present and organize other groups to oppose the idea.

Property Tax Cap Legislation

This legislation has passed the Georgia House and Senate and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. It will be put to the Towns County voters in a referendum to be held in the November election.

January, 2008 Newsletter

2008-01-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

Members:

Your Board and Officers realize that we have been remiss in keeping you up to date on what we are doing and involved in. We intend to correct that in two ways. We will send everybody the minutes of our monthly board meetings and we remind you that anyone who desires can attend. The date for the upcoming board meeting will be listed at the bottom of the previous meeting’s minutes. The second method is to institute a bi-monthly newsletter. The first of these follows.

FLASH

General Membership Meeting

“Young Harris College and the Towns County Homeowners Association will jointly sponsor a town hall meeting to be held in the Wilson Lecture Hall in the Goolsby Center on the College campus on February 19th at 7 PM. Guest speaker will be 10th District Congressman Paul Broun. Dr. Broun will give his impressions of his first 6 months in Washington, discuss subjects of current interest and answer questions from the audience. All are invited and encouraged to attend."

Property Tax Cap Legislation

The 4 bills have been drafted and placed in the legislative hopper on opening day of the 2008 session of the Georgia Legislature. These bills will place a 3% cap on the annual increase in assessed value that can be placed on an individual landowners homestead (5 acres or less) in any given year. The cap will not be permanent but will allow the yearly assessed value to adjust annually until the capped value reaches the full assessed value. Anyone needing more explanation may call the Board.

Hiawassee Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade

The Hiawassee Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade permit was issued by The GA. Environmental Protection Division last November. Members Carl Schultz and Bill Blumreich have been monitoring the permitting process. We still have some issues, particularly with the performance reporting process. Bill and Carl are working to resolve them. Agreement has been reached between the County and the City of Hiawassee on adding scrubbers to the two bad smelling pumping stations along US 76 west but work has not yet been initiated.

Carl has been asked by Commissioner Kendall to lead a group looking into the future water and sewer requirements for the county. Such an effort to detail some of the county infrastructure requirements is long overdue. TCHA will give Carl all the support he needs.

Interstate 3

The Interstate 3 study is still pending. 10th District Congressman Paul Broun is working a proposal to redirect the route to be studied to Savannah to Augusta and then up through South Carolina either to Greenville or Clinton. The Stop I-3 coalition has refused to support the idea for two reasons. First, Stop I-3 is against any version of this road for a host of reasons and, two, the coalition has no intention of achieving its goal by passing the problem off to another area. There is no certainty that this “technical correction” will be adopted which will leave the study rules as they are today. Both our two Senators have told Stop-3 directly that, if the mountain counties do not want the road, it will not come to them. But they both insist on doing the study. Draw your own conclusions.

TVA Reservoir Operations Study

Last summer, the TVA initiated another year long Reservoir Operations Study of all their mountain reservoirs including Lake Chatuge. Inputs requested that several of the parcels on Lake Chatuge be turned over to either county or private interests for upgraded use. Towns County is looking at two for future recreational uses. BRMEMC wants another for a substation and there are other requests involving commercial development. TCHA plans to take a strong position against any further commercial or multi family development along our lakeshore. At the same time we are looking at assisting the county in their search for more recreational area. There is to be an update and commentary period this beginning this month with a final report next summer. Members interested in viewing the current interim report can view it by going to the TVA web site at: www.tva.gov. Click on Environmental Stewardship, then Land Use and Permitting, then Mountain Reservoirs Land Management Plan where you will find a Summary of Public Participation (see Lake Chatuge items) and Maps.

Commissioners Ordinance on Set Backs and Mountain Protection Act Enforcement

This ordinance provides for the enforcement of the MPA by the Building Inspection Office and codifies the residential set back rules which the county has been following for the past number of years but which were never formally placed into law. The TCHA Board has reviewed the draft of the ordinance and we plan to formally endorse the proposal in the local papers and by way of a letter to the Commissioner to be read at the second public reading on 21 February. Copies of the draft ordinance can be obtained at the Commissioner’s office.

Neighborhood Watch Program

The Towns County Homeowners Assn. has joined the Commissioner and the Towns County Sheriff in re-establishing the Neighborhood Watch program in the county. The county will provide the signs and written material and Mike Brock will be available to brief interested groups on the installation of the program. You can also check local news outlets for more information and how you can participate or you can call Mike directly.

Towns County Mountain Conservation Council

The Commissioner’s Mountain Conservation Council has achieved formal status and will begin reviewing developer’s applications in late January. The council was formed to manage the Commissioner’s three acre development proposal which grants the developer fast track site plan approval by bypassing the Planning Commission and relief from Planning Commission fees in return for limiting subdivision lots to 3 acres or smaller lots with an equivalent amount of green space. The developer must also agree to abide by additional environmentally friendly development rules. At this writing there are two serious and at least two more interested developers.

Round Table Discussion on Emergency Command and Communication Structure

Questions received at the Sheriff’s Debates suggested the need for improving the county’s emergency communications ability through the use of our local Amateur Radio group and also a need for a command protocol clearly identifying who is to in charge in emergency situations. Bob Keys is working with Bob Scott to identify the appropriate participants. Once they are all identified they will be invited along with our local government managers to a round table discussion designed to get everybody working together to make the best use in the most proper way of all our available resources.

Hiawassee River Watershed Coalition

Your Board of Directors has approved a $500.00 contribution to the Hiawassee River Watershed Coalition for 2008. We feel this is the only group in Towns County that has a vision of results and consequences unless drastic action is taken in the near term to implement significant water quality improvement for Lake Chatuge.. This lake is the very heart of Towns County and its quality must be upgraded and protected.

Chamber of Commerce Membership

The TCHA has joined the Towns County Chamber of Commerce, effective this month. We will benefit by being included, as the only Homeowners Association, in all of the C of C publications which are provided to Towns County residents, newcomers and visitors.

Potential Associations with Other Local HOAs

The TCHA has begun an initiative to work more closely with county neighborhood associations. Many neighborhoods in the county have established and active associations that are important in protecting home values, maintaining social activities, and other functions.

The purpose for this collaboration is to expand their reach from local to countywide issues and to exchange ideas and promote the goals of all county homeowners from a position of greater strength. We have met with the presidents of several associations and our dialogue is ongoing. Please contact your TCHA Board if your neighborhood association would like to investigate participation.

Sheriff’s Debates

TCHA sponsored two Debates among the candidates for Towns County Sheriff, one in October and the second in late November. We feel that these debates were most successful and hope that you had an opportunity to attend one of them.

Subdivision Model Covenants

At the suggestion of one of our association guests, Director Mike Brock is assembling a package of local covenants from which he will put together a draft of a set of model covenants to be available to developers beginning new subdivisions. Today, some subdivisions have covenants, some do not, some are good and others not so good. The Commissioner’s Mountain Conservancy Council requires detailed covenants as a condition of final approval. Our package will be available to anyone needing it.

Association Dues

This is a mid year reminder that the TCHA fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30. There are some members who still have not paid their 2007-2008 membership dues and will be dropped from the membership roster very shortly unless their dues are paid. On June 1st the entire membership will be sent a dues notice for the coming fiscal year which means that we will all be getting another notice in 4 months. The annual dues are due on 1 July. We did not do a good job of getting the notices out last year and Tony and Wes have worked very hard to update our membership roster and its parallel paid or overdue list. With everything now current, we hope to avoid this year’s confusion.

THE BOARD AND OFFICERS OF YOUR TC HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION