Sheriff’s department takes over animal control responsibilityBridge weight limits also discussed
by Dub Joiner -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gilmer County Animal Control is now in the hands of Sheriff Stacy Nicholson. The board of commissioner made the decision at their meeting last Thursday, Jan. 25. Nicholson told the board that he was “reluctant to accept the extra responsibility” but would, if the board would agree to a request for funds and personnel to do the job. Commission Chairman Jerry Farist said he understand Nicholson’s reluctance but “we have confidence you can do the job and we appreciate your willingness to work with the board and we pledge our support to you.” Farist said animal control is a service needed now more than ever before in the county. In accepting the responsibility, Nicholson asked for approximately $60,000 in additional funds for personnel and equipment to operate the animal control. Commissioners then agreed to provide the extra funds and pledged their support to sheriff as he assumes control of animal control and the enforcement of the county’s recently adopted animal control ordinance. When asked about current personnel, including department head Mike Tyler, Nicholson said he wasn’t looking to terminate anyone. He said, as with all sheriff’s department personnel, all employees would have to undergo a background check. In other action, commissioners adopted some policy and procedural changes for the issuance of building permits. Also approved was a first reading regarding amendments to the development ordinance regarding the cost of building permits. Commissioners also approved four members to the newly formed Gilmer-Pickens Development Authority. They are: Emory Debord, George Winn, John Harrision and Paul Neely. In another matter, it was noted that bridges on Boardtown Road, Whitepath Road and Cherokee Drive leading into Buckhorn Estates, has been posted by the state Department of Transportation. This means heavy truck, including poultry trucks, concrete trucks, water trucks must observe the strick weight limits to cross the bridges. The limits are posted and some drivers have already been fined, it was reported. Regarding the Whitepath Bridge, commissioners authorized the county road department to take whatever steps necessary to strengthen that bridge so it can be unposted. Prior to the meeting, the board held a public hearing on the amendments to the development ordinance. Commissioners also held a workshop Thursday prior to the board meeting to receive proposals for the renovation and use of the Perry House. The proposals came from Basil Capital, LLC, an Atlanta investment company, that said they would like to turn the Perry House into professional office space or an upscale restaurant. The other proposal came from Dick and Cindy Trimble Kelly who want to renovate the 100-year-old home as an investment. After listening to the proposals, commissioners agreed to consider them and asked the two groups to consider moving the house to the the cornfield just to the west of its present location and face it east. Another meeting will be scheduled with the two groups. The next meeting of the commission is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8. |