Ellijay Police Officers receive Lifesaving Award
City Council March 22, 2022
GILMER, Ga. — Two members of the Ellijay Police Department received awards during Ellijay City Council’s latest meeting. The council also took action to address prior complaints concerning the city website.
Police Chief Edward Lacey presented three awards to two Ellijay officers at the council meeting. Officer Austin McArthur received the Service Award and the Lifesaving Award. McArthur received the Service Award, “The highest award which can be bestowed upon an individual affiliated with the agency, who suffers a wound from a weapon or serious injury in the performance of his duty,” after an encounter with an armed man that left him suffering from an ankle injury that required reconstructive surgery. He also received the Lifesaving Award for performing CPR on a man who collapsed in the parking lot of the East Ellijay Walmart. Officer Trevor McClure received the Lifesaving Award for his action in administering two doses of NARCAN to prevent a drug overdose after responding to a call.
Officer McClure received his award from Police Chief Lacey.
Officer McArthur received two awards at the meeting.
In response to several citizen complaints, especially at the council’s February meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Sandy Ott presented both the council and those in attendance with a potential solution. She explained the city website would go under a complete overhaul in an attempt to address concerns raised about accessibility and transparency. The cost, Ott said, would be $1,500 a month for an initial three months followed by a monthly cost of $166. She also said the council’s goal is for the website to be “user-friendly, informative, and up to date,” and should be ready for use by July 1, 2022. The council approved the proposal unanimously.
The council also voted to put two projects, a crosswalk on North Main Street and a stop sign at North Avenue and North Main Street, out for bid. Chief Lacey spoke on the proposed crosswalk and expressed his support saying, “In the last six months, and in the last year really, we’ve had an 18% increase in pedestrian accidents in the United States.” Noting that pedestrian accidents are at an all time high, Lacey also suggested that the council consider jaywalking ordinances to enable proper use of the new crosswalk. The council also voted to authorize necessary steps to create an all way stop at the intersection of North Main Street, North Avenue, and College Street.
City Council approves short-term rental ordinance
City Council February 23, 2022
GILMER, Ga. — A short-term rental ordinance was passed by the Ellijay City Council on Monday Feb. 21. Ellijay City Hall was full with many attendees wanting to raise their questions and concerns over the ordinance.
The short-term rental ordinance, which has already been through two public readings, was on the agenda for a vote Monday evening. Several citizens came to the meeting to share their thoughts and most held unfavorable views on the ordinance. A common concern was the discrepancy between the ordinance’s regulation on short-term rentals and long term rentals. Some argued the ordinance is a solution to a non-existent issue, a violation of property rights, and even a threat to some citizens’ livelihoods. Others in attendance raised questions about the transparency of the council and updates to the city’s website.
The map provided at the meeting highlights the zoning of the Downtown Ellijay area.
In part, the ordinance will restrict short-term rentals to the Central Business District, although exceptions are noted. The ordinance would also allow neighboring property owners to object to conditional use permits, a provision that was also met with criticism at the meeting.
After hearing public comments Mayor Al Hoyle said, “I want to thank all of you for coming, and thank you for staying civil.” Councilman Tom Crawford spoke before the council voted on the ordinance. He stressed the importance of finding a balance between the input received from those against short-term rentals and those in favor of them: “We have to have an ordinance that will meet that happy medium.” Crawford also brought up a concern raised during public commentary, agreeing that a $1000 fee was “exorbitant” which resulted in a change to match similar fees. Another member of the council, Sandy Ott, responded to those who feel that long-term rentals create more issues than short-term rentals, “We have code enforcement. Let the city know about those issues so that we can be informed and something can be done about that. So, please let us know.” Before adjourning, Mayor Hoyle expressed the city’s interest in having a website administrator address the issues raised at the meeting.
Light up Ellijay canceled due to concerns for the coronovirus
Featured Stories, News November 18, 2020
The City of Ellijay announced Tuesday that it will not be moving forward with Light up Ellijay. This decision was based upon concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. The annual lighting of the tree and holiday parade is a tradition in Gilmer County held in downtown Ellijay. This event is sponsored by the City of Ellijay. Authorities at the County Clerk’s office confirmed Tuesday that permits had not been filed for either the parade or the lighting of the tree. Police Chief Edward Lacey expressed that the concern for the safety of the citizens of Ellijay was the first and foremost priority. He went on to say that the city supported the Downtown Ellijay Business and Community Association.
Business continues as usual in Ellijay during this holiday season. Citizens and visitors are encouraged to shop, dine and patron the downtown area. Measures are being taken to ensure that local businesses comply with social distancing guidelines while still being able to celebrate and share the joy of the holiday season.
Though petitions for Light up Ellijay have not been filed by either the chamber of commerce or the city, The Gilmer Arts will be offering an event with Santa at The Gilmer Arts Playhouse on December 19th. The Holiday movie “Prancer” will be shown at 3 pm and 6 pm. Santa will appear from 5 pm -6:30 pm along with tea and cookies. Pre-registration is required as there will only be 40 seats per show available at www.GilmerArts.com. Admission is two canned goods. Masks will be required and social distancing measures will be taken to ensure the safety of all patrons.