Present: Noel Turner, Jan Kowalsky, Joan Crothers, SuSu Davis, Richard Klotzbier, Ken Manwaring, Don Berry, Michael Courey, LaJean Turner.
Minutes: February 16th minutes, sent out by email, were approved as sent by Ken Manwaring.
Treasurer’s Report: Jan reported Checkbook Balance for 2/28/18 is $1,751.28; CD $1,200.57; total assets $2,951.85. Jan changed the name of group with the state and paid Secretary of State’s fee.
Membership: LaJean said membership is staying at 190, and she is sending out a letter about dues.
Committee Meetings:
City of Hiawassee: City saved 50 million gallons of water by fixing leaks; also saved $1100 on laptops for City Police; and saved $2600 by cancelling unused service contracts. New hours—8:30-4; pay employees every 2 weeks; Mountain Living will be new landscaper for City. City retreat on March 3-4 and will have a float in Fair Parade in July. Received $420K and $600K grants. City water lines will be mapped –free.
City of Y.H.: Their charter passed in legislation session; still working on Mable & School Sts.
Commissioner: Transfer Station now open on Fri./Sat until noon. Open House for Rock Jail is May 19, 2 p.m.; reminded everyone of Clean Sweep & other big events Chamber is doing. Had first reading on variances re: Code of Ordinance of Towns Co.; Planning Commission will review and pass to Commissioner for approval. Zero tolerance drug policy for T.C. Transit. Barbara Hale appointed to TC Library Board; & Appreciation Award given to Betty Seckinger in memory of Ernie (was Chair of TC Library Board. Sheriff & Supt. will discuss security @ School at next Movers & Shakers mtg.
TCW&S Auth.: They currently have 10,350 consumers in County. They get their water from City of Hiawassee and in addition to the City’s tests, the Authority is required to perform additional monthly tests. They store their water in 11 tanks located throughout the county with a total of approx. 1.9 million gallons of water.
Chamber: Noel said they talked about their 28 concerts in 2018 at Fairgrounds plus 4 big events upcoming: Outdoor Expo-April 7-8; Golf Tournament in May; Made in GA-June; Bass Tournament-Sept.
CVB: Michael attended and CVB is now a legal entity, a 501(c) 6; they have By-Laws, installed officers, and separate account from the County.
EMC: Nominating Com. for 3 new members; old EMC building leased to Living Word Church for 3 yrs. TVA rate change due May 11. Franchise fee to Hiaw. starts May 1, paid by June 10th; additional lighting on Main St. “doubtful;” Sept. general mtg. will be at U.C. Fine Arts Center.-$1,300 rental.
Key Issues
Clean Sweep Wk: On Sat., April 21st TCCA will meet at old Rec. parking lot at 9:30 a.m. to pick up both sides of Hwy. 76 West to Friendship Store. Pizza party & awards will be on Tues., 4/24 at 6 p.m. at new Rec. Center.
June Annual Meeting: SuSu will be Chair of Nominating Com. for elections; positions of Noel, Don & Richard are up for re-election.
Movers & Shakers: Noel will be the speaker at Sunset Grill meeting on Friday, March 23rd at 8 a.m.
Workshop: Economic Development Workshop was attended by Commissioner Bradshaw, Mayor Ordiales, Chamber President Candace Lee, and Noel Turner