MINUTES

Toccoa City Commission

Stephens County Commission, and

Stephens County Development Authority

Joint Work Session

January 17, 2006

Quincy’s of Toccoa / 6:00 p.m.

The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Bob Troup.

The following were present:

City of Toccoa: Mayor Bob Troup, Vice-Mayor David Austin, Commissioners Billy Chism, Ferrell Morgan and Andy Pavliscsak, City Manager Billy Morse and Water Director Don Dye.

Stephens County: Chair Steve Chitwood, Commissioner Rex Anderson and Kenneth Peeples, and County Administrator Darrell Hampton.

Stephens County Development Authority: Chair Bob Defenbaugh, Executive Director Mitch Griggs, Sewer Committee Chair Buddy Lawson

Members of the public and media were also present.

I. Mayor Troup welcomed those in attendance.

II. Georgia Development of Community Affairs Signature Community Program

Mayor Troup stated that the City wants to resubmit the Signature Community application again in 2006. He asked if Stephens County had any objections to re-applying; the County Commission stated they did not object. Information about the program is attached.

III. Stephens County Development Authority Concerning County-Wide Sewer Needs

SCDA Chair Defenbaugh reviewed the attached information concerning the Development Authority Committees and specifically the Sewer Committee findings. Mr. Defenbaugh stated the SCDA wanted the City to pursue increasing the permit at the Eastanollee plant to 2.0 MGD. The SCDA is also looking into other county-wide sewer capacity options; an engineering firm has been hired to look at these options. Mr. Defenbaugh concluded his discussion by thanking the City and County for working together to promote economic development.

IV. Other Issues

City Commissioner Ferrell Morgan stated that he supported good City and County relations, and felt that cooperation was improved. However, he stated his displeasure that the Sewer Committee had refused to allow City Manager Morse and Water Director Dye to attend a meeting with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Furthermore, he stated he was disappointed that Buddy Lawson had written letters to Georgia Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Beatty opposing the grant application for funds to renovate downtown by removing the canopies and re-opening Doyle Street. Commissioner Morgan stated that once a decision had been made it was important for the community to work together.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Mayor Bob Troup City Manager Billy Morse