Theresa Gooch

The public hearing focused on various land use ordinance amendment applications, including rezoning requests for residential, multi-family, and agricultural developments. Key agenda items involved property rezoning for a 100-unit apartment complex, minor residential subdivisions, a variance request for a dry storage building with a side setback reduction, and the conversion of property for an apple orchard and greenhouse-based agricultural production.

This document provides a recap of the Gilmer County Parks and Recreation Master Plan project. It outlines the project approach, which includes data collection and inventory, community involvement through extensive surveys, and recommendations based on gap analysis and needs assessment. Key findings from community feedback on preferred recreational facilities, passive activities, special events, and active programs are presented. The plan aims to guide future improvements for River Park, Clear Creek, and operational aspects, with next steps focused on final review, adoption, and implementation to enhance the county's parks and recreation offerings.

Key discussion topics included possible action on Impact Fees and the establishment of a Workman's Compensation Committee. New business featured several Action Items requiring final decisions on Resolutions related to Amendments to the Gilmer County Land Use (Zoning) District Map for multiple parcels, including Berean Baptist Church and properties owned by Joey & Lindy Patterson and The Entrust Group. Other actions involved the potential abandonment of a portion of Dale Valley Lane, a Budget Amendment for the Short-Term Rental Department, an increase of leased property at Whitestone Convenience Center, and final decisions on a River Outfitter's License for Cartecay River Experience. The Commission also considered a contract with Croy Engineering for an Airport access road, acceptance of a Letter of Credit for roadwork completion in Sunrise Mountain Phase 2, eliminating the Road Paving List, and resolutions authorizing the release and extension of irrevocable letters of credit for roadwork and water system infrastructure completion for Shenandoah Subdivision, respectively. An Executive Session was scheduled for consultation with the county attorney regarding litigation, property negotiations, and personnel matters.

The Gilmer County Planning Commission / Gilmer County Board of Land Use Appeals is holding a public hearing to consider applications to amend the Gilmer County Land Use Ordinance. These include a variance request for a 15-foot front setback, as well as rezoning and conditional use requests for various properties. The proposed changes involve reclassifying land use from Agricultural to Residential Low Density, Public Institute to Commercial, and Residential Low Density to Commercial, to allow for purposes such as building homes, commercial businesses, and cemetery expansion.

The agenda includes action items regarding amendments to the Gilmer County Land Use (Zoning) District Map, consideration of alcoholic beverage license applications, and resolutions on bids for concrete and propane. Further actions involve the final adoption of ordinances related to Cryptocurrency and Data Mining, as well as Short-Term Rentals. Discussions will also cover the adoption of the First Reader of the Land Use Procedures and Standards Ordinance, potential appointments to a Short-Term Rental Board, the Gilmer-Pickens County Joint Development Authority, Planning Commission Board, and Park & Recreation Board. The board will also discuss and possibly act on the 2026 Budget, an Annexation Request, and the declaration of election results. Additional discussions will address adding Mitchell 1 as a service provider to the Road Maintenance Department and engaging a consultant for services related to the Airport Capital Improvement Plan. The session may include an executive session for consultations on legal matters and personnel issues.