Ellijay Joins Appeal Process at Monthly Meeting

The City of Ellijay has joined the Board of Commissioners and the Greater Gilmer Joint Development Authority in appealing the Georgia Department of Community Health’s decision regarding Piedmont’s Emergency Department and Gilmer County’s Certificate of Need. The vote came during last night’s City Council Meeting. The Council voted 4-0 with Lynelle Stewart abstaining from the vote stating she just didn’t know the effect this would have on the Emergency Department that is supposed to come to the county and she did not understand the issue.

Discussion also began in the public comments from several local business owners and citizens to consider allowing the sale of wine from local wineries during city events to fund 501c3 efforts and organizations. Sherryl Adams of Mountain Treasures began the conversation saying, “Ellijay is nationally known for its wine” due to publications like Wine Chronicles and national awards in competitions. She asked the council to consider one day event licenses to allow the sale at local events such as the 4th of July celebration, though Mayor Al Hoyle noted an ordinance change would not be able to pass before that event. Members of the council showed interest in listening to the ideas of potential change including David Westmoreland who mentioned options for one day licenses to include wine sellers while still considering the local businesses that sell beer, but wanted to support the charities via the 501c3.

Mayor Hoyle stated he would be consulting the city’s Alcohol Committee to consider the potential change.

After a brief discussion involving the property owner and a neighbor, the Council did vote 4-1 to rescind their Condemnation of the Johnson House in the City. Katie Lancey was the Council woman in opposition stating in the meeting she had not seen a specific plan or written document to guarantee the residence wouldn’t return to its previous state.

Financially, the City Council accepted the 2015 Audit as well as approved Budget Amendments to reflect the 2015 Actuals. After a presentation from Pamela Fox of the Marshall Insurance Agency and Barber Wilson and Chris Walker of J. Smith Lanier & Co, the Council approved the Property and Liability Insurance Proposal by Glatfelter Public Practice at $35,888 (p. 82). Check out the Audit and Financials as well as the Insurance proposals here.

One final note of the meeting came as the Mayor tabled the discussion for a vacancy in the Historic Preservation Committee due to a lack of nominations for the position.