City Council casts sewer, Mission Statement votes

The project proposal recognizes that the two businesses on Backyard Lane have “long suffered” from septic system problems, which is why the extension has repeatedly come back before the council.

Last October, the council agreed that the timing was right to take advantage of a major grant funding opportunity alongside the ongoing construction of the SR 515 corridor, and the major public works project received a go-ahead vote.

Revising the Service Delivery Strategy is just one of several steps remaining before construction can actually begin, according to City Clerk Kaye McCann.

“The revision has to be approved by the county commissioner,” McCann said. “An engineer procurement selection has to be done; additional funding through GEFA has to be procured; design has to be completed; project has to be put out to bid; construction company selected.”

Sole Commissioner Harold Collins attended the Feb. 10 meeting as a member of the public, saying afterward that he was there to offer a show of support for the City of Blairsville and just to see what was going on.

Regarding the sewer expansion that is planned for outside city limits, Collins has been working to revise county limits on development with public sewer access, which is not well defined currently. He wants to make sure that smaller lots are not overdeveloped with homes.

Collins has put a moratorium in place on applications to develop lots in the county with public sewer that will be lifted when he is able to adopt his building and development revisions.

Also that evening, Mayor Moore and the City Council welcomed the latest group from Leadership Union, a long-running program by the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce designed to develop local leaders to enrich the life of the community.

According to Chamber President Steve Rowe, Leadership Union participants have been busy learning firsthand “what takes place within our various county offices and the services they provide.”

“Each year, graduates tell us that – even after living in Union County their entire lives – they walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of how our local government operates,” Rowe said.

In other business, the council hired local professional Gracie Nix to provide social media services for both the City of Blairsville and the city’s Georgia Initiative for Community Housing Facebook pages. Nix will earn $300 a month per page to manage the two social media accounts.

Mayor Moore explained that the city is looking to increase its outreach efforts via a more robust social media presence.

And according to the Blairsville-Union County GICH page, “The Union County Housing Team is dedicated to fostering sustainable and innovative solutions to the housing shortage in our community by creating affordable and quality housing options that fit the needs of our citizens.”

Council members also adopted the city’s Mission, Vision and Values Statement, which was crafted in a recent called meeting.

Per McCann, the statement outlines the city’s mission, or “its purpose, who it serves”; the vision states “where the city wants to go”; and the values addition “is a map for decision making.”

In terms of “Mission,” the statement reads: “Rooted in our mountain heritage, our mission is to build a thriving, year-round community through sustainable investment, thoughtful growth and ordinances, and strong county and community partnerships.

“We are committed to shaping a beautiful, walkable, and connected town where local families can live, work, and thrive, economic vitality is strengthened, and visitors feel welcome in every season.”

The “Vision” of the city is outlined as follows: “Where Every Step Leads to Something Good. Honoring our Past; Building our Future; Connecting our Community.”

“Values” the city has officially incorporated are:

“Stewardship: We protect our natural environment, historic character, and community resources for future generations.

“Community First: We make decisions that strengthen the infrastructure, well-being, connection, and quality of life of the people who live here.

“Sustainable Growth: We pursue thoughtful, balanced development that preserves what makes our town unique while supporting long-term economic vitality.

“Collaboration: We work together – across departments, with the county, and with residents – to achieve shared goals.

“Welcoming Spirit: We create a friendly, and accessible town that serves locals year-round and invites visitors to stay and play.”

Following a brief executive session at the end of the meeting, the council voted to promote Rod Carey to Water/Sewer Maintenance Supervisor. Cary had been serving as interim supervisor prior to his promotion.

According to McCann, former supervisor Curtis Corn has left the position “due to personal reasons,” and “the future of his role in the city will be determined as his situation evolves.”

Council members also voted to approve new hire Stephanie Conner as the city’s Main Street Director, a new position created to better serve the development goals of City Hall.

“There are two components to the DDA Director position: economic development and event/business development,” McCann said. “It was originally handled by one person.

“For the benefit of the community and the individuals handling these roles, the city has split the single full-time role into two part-time roles. Kristen Bentley is handling economic development and Stephanie Conner is joining as a city employee to handle event and business development.”

The next Blairsville City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 10, at 6 p.m. inside City Hall at 62 Blue Ridge Street. The public is encouraged to attend.