TOWNS COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, August 13, 2025,
1 pm Towns County Courthouse, 2nd Floor Conference Room
1. President’s Remarks\Report – John
a. Present: John Clemens, Andy Williams, Leslie Howard, Anna Denton, Michael Courey, Jim Olson, Amy Barrett. Absent: Joan Crothers & David Best. Anna Denton, Secretary ProTem.
b. John’s Health Update: He has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and is undergoing more tests with upcoming treatment.
c. Next Newsletter: John put it together and will have Joan proof it.
d. Latest on P.O.’s: Andy & John have been working to get Postmasters to attend our meeting. The Postmaster General will respond soon with a meeting date.
e. Membership Meeting Idea: John suggested “ Zoning” as a topic if we get someone who can educate the public on what zoning really means
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2. Reports:
a. Secretary’s Report (Motion to Approve) – Joan: July 9th Minutes were emailed to BOD, Motion to approve duly made; seconded & passed.
b. Treasurer’s Report (Motion to Approve) – Leslie: July 31th Balance: $3,644.64. Income: Dues; Expenses: None.
c. Membership Report (Information Only) – Anna: We have a number of members in the “grace period” category because of no June meeting. Hopefully, we will gain those back when we have our Annual Meeting soon. Anna has requested the Board find someone to replace her as Membership Chair before June 30, 2026. Her 2-yr. term was up 4 yrs. ago.
d. Website Update/Maintenance (Information Only) – David: No report–out of town.
3. Committee Reports (significant issues) Illness affected many reports this month.
a. Chamber of Commerce – John: No Report.
b. City of Young Harris -Leslie: 8/5- 1st Reading of Rezoning Application & Special Use Permit for Old EMC Bldg. (Brian’s Land LLC); Resolution for a referendum re: package sales of distilled spirits–3-2 vote against. Main St.well repairs–bladder tank completed by Byers Well Drilling @$12,780; West Laurel Lane Booster Station pump out 3 times–$7,560. County will receive 1% for handling the City’s tax bill processing. Ribbon Cutting & tours for Dr. Kelley’s development was 8/14.
c.City of Hiawassee – Joan: City Council agreed to table Waterworth Software until after their retreat on Aug. 23rd when EMI will give their Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) & also research grant opportunities re: the water infrastructure & water loss. Testing will be done on the presence of “forever chemicals” in the drinking water from Lake Chatuge.
d.Commissioner’s Meeting-Joan: No report.
e. Water & Sewer Authority – Jim: Staff reports that the new leak detector works very well. They are evaluating a new GIS mapping app. Legal formally releases Frog Pond resident special capital contracts and all project easement restrictions.
f. Conference and Visitors Bureau- Jim: CVB cancelled the meeting for June.
g. Board of Education – Michael: No report.
h. BRMEMC – Michael: No report.
i. County Planning Commission – David: No report.
j. County Health Department – Leslie: 7/24/25 – No active TB cases; 100% immunizations at TC Daycare.
k. DDA (Downtown Development Center) – Leslie: Three BOD members leaving, Tamela Cooper, Peggy Gardner, and Babbette. PBC hosting another open house in Nov.; Good attendance for Night Market in August. 2026 Trail Guide Book is being worked on with Trailful.
4. New Business Submitted from Board Members and/or Guest: None.
5. Adjournment: Duly adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
Joan Crothers, Secretary
Next Meeting: September 10, 1 p.m. at upstairs Courthouse.