River Outfitters speak after complaints and Chairman’s comments
News July 16, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – “I’m tired of the fight.” Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlie Paris said this Wednesday, July 13, 2022, when he began the discussion of River Outfittrer’s licenses along the Cartecay River where the county owns property used as a takeout spot for river tubers.
The county has placed ordinances on the rivers within the last several years reaching back to previous Post 2 Commissioner Travis Crouch as the county dealt with a range of issues like increasing trash, intoxicated people and glass debris, complaints from property owners, and major injuries along the area. Banning alcohol and enforcing certain rules, many have said that the state of the river has improved and gotten cleaner and prettier. These additional ordinances also placed a one dollar tax on every tuber going down the river that has since paid for several improvements at the takeout location, including adding signs and clearing trees and debris for easier access.
Paris noted in the July Work session that is still getting complaints on the area with crowding and other infractions. He added that these recent complaints have been accompanied by photos and videos of the infractions. Private property flanks the river along the course that tubers use as well as pushes up to the takeout point.
With shortages in deputies in the Sheriff’s Office, the board discussed that an officer could cut off some of the issues, a topic that has been discussed before and would be revisited numerous times in July’s work session and regular meeting as the board discussed the issue amongst themselves and river supporters flocked in to speak at the regular meeting. With the two businesses making profit off of the river and the county property as a takeout, discussion turned to how much the county and its taxpayers should financially put into the area.
Paris noted that he didn’t want the county to have nobody operating on the river as he didn’t want visitors to arrive and “find the doors closed.” However, he stated he was done with the back and forth over rules, ordinances, adherence, and attitude with certain operators.
Supporters, owners, and employees from both Ellijay River Outfitters and Cartecay River Experience spoke in Thursday night’s, July 14, 2022, meeting saying that they have been adhering to county ordinances and noted several times that many of the complaints come from a single homeowner who has harassed and even released a dog on them in the area.
One speaker said he owned property close to the takeout and has not had issues and had also spoke with a couple neighbors who also haven’t had issues. Another spoke on private tubers who either own property or are renting a cabin on the river also use the takeout as well as other residents who don’t live on the river but use their own equipment and put in at different locations bypass the outfitters and the large signs the put up at their launch locations. These private citizens don’t see the ordinances posted or have employees telling them not to bring banned items and to follow county ordinances.
As the outfitters cannot control everyone or even see everyone, it was noted that the county could potentially be punishing the businesses for people not using their operations. Paris also noted that the numbers using the outfitters are far disparate than those of private citizens.
Matt Bond spoke specifically on the issue saying that he understands the county’s point and told them “you aren’t alone.” Bond went on to speak about the ordinances saying that he the outfitters should and are informing people about the rules and there has been a marked improvement on the river due to that. However, he cautioned the county not to make the outfitters become “enforcers” of the ordinances as he said the county has people with the authority to address that. Bond stated, “I think what, more than anything, I fear is asking the outfitters to be enforcement. That’s a little scary if they have to become the peace officer, the one who enforces these rules.”
BOC Chairman Charlie Paris discusses the river outfitters with citizens during the July 14, 2022, Regular Meeting.
Enforcement was also addressed by Tripp Janssen of Cartecay River Experience. He noted that every single person using the outfitter he works at is both told and shown the sign with the rules. He said that they operate within the ordinances everyday. As discussions continued on enforcement between him and the board, Janssen stated, “What about the Security Guard deal, because I would like to do that so we can get no more complaints. Cartecay River is willing to pay half of that.”
Janssen had also stated that Cartecay River Experience customers are identifiable by their black vests and labels. Something that could help with a guard at the location.
With many speakers pointing to one complainant, Paris noted that he hasn’t been hearing from only one person. Janssen stated that they have been hearing consistantly good comments on the state of the river and the outfitters operations to maintain it and the takeout.
Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson also made note of the river’s improvement over the years, she also called for outfitters to be responsible in their operations and adhering to the ordinances. She also showed some support for the idea of the guard as she discussed the option in the work session and asked for the item to be added to a special called meeting as the river season is drawing closer to its end in the coming months and mentioned how busy labor day can be.
Rachel DeShields spoke about her experience tubing the river in two locations, one not kept up by the outfitters and the section where outfitters operate. She noted the major difference as her and her family lost tubes that kept popping or getting stuck under downed trees or under overgrowth from the banks. Conversely, she said that when they started using the outfitters’ section, a much cleaner and safer option for them. DeShields told the board that they do a lot to keep the river in good maintenance.
DeShields asked the board to continue fighting for the rivers and working with the outfitters to aid in what they do, she stated, “It’s worth it. We all have this beautiful thing here that we get to share and I think its worth the challenge. It’s worth the fight.”
County returns to river ordinance in preparation of new season
Featured News, Featured Stories, News March 4, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – As summer draws closer and some of the state’s COVID restrictions are loosening, Gilmer County is preparing for the coming summer with final notes and changes to the River Ordinance after their committee has completed its work.
The committee, consisting of Outfitters, property owners, Law Enforcement Officers, and county representatives, has presented changes to the ordinance and plans to improve the season while enforcing some of the ordinance laws that are already in place, such as no alcohol.
However, after the committee returned its proposals, the county has done more work on the ordinance as well. With plans to post signage and mark an area of no foot traffic to support buses entering and exiting and efforts in the Sheriff’s Office to post a deputy at take-out on Saturdays and Sundays, there is more changes coming as the county will be looking to use stamps instead of wristbands for people floating the river to show those utilizing an outfitter as well as help those floating match which buses they are to load on.
Board members have revisited the site location during their process and vowed to better clean the area of trash and debris in order to support some of the changes like having patrons stay behind a certain line, as previously stated in support of buses.
Additionally, the county is adding sequential number requirements to waivers to count the numbers of people on the river. Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson has made several references and statements showcasing a desire to better understand the impact these businesses are having on the rivers. Though in opposition to swapping out wristbands for stamps, she agreed to move forward with the board’s plans with hopes that a revisit could come should the county deem the stamps to be insufficient. One of very few dissentions among the board, much of the changes came to unanimous agreement from the commissioners.
Now, the county is moving to its next step with a Public Comments meeting set for March 11, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., half an hour before their regular March Meeting at 6 p.m. That Regular Meeting will also host the First Reading of the ordinance after these new changes, a requirement before the county can return in April for the Final Reading and a possible motion to approve the changes.
With months of work set into the ordinance from its early conceptions amid committee to seeing its process through the BOC now, the final adoption will be coming just in time for River Outfitters to really pick up with the heavy part of their season. More details are still being discussed on implementation as outfitters are raising questions on some people wanting to float the river very soon and some involving more online reservations with digital signatures on waivers. However, full implementation cannot be undertaken until final approval comes for the ordinances changes, meaning that outfitters are still currently operating under the old ordinance until that can happen.
Returning to the river regulations debate in Gilmer
News February 17, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Addressing suggestions from outfitters, law enforcement, and citizens on the county’s River Committee, Gilmer is looking to move forward with changes to the river ordinance for regulations.
Much of the conversation amongst members of the Board of Commissioners involved marking areas of the take-out for loading and changing from required wristbands for people on the river to requiring a stamp on people’s hands.
The county is looking to further cleaning efforts in the take out location in order to open more space as they are hoping to mark a line that people should not cross, allowing the vehicles unblocked access to pull in and out. Additionally, the outfitters would use sequentially numbered forms with signatures to match to the stamps. The county tracks those numbers to keep track of the number of people on the river in order to keep track of the dollar per person used in funding projects for the river.
Post Commissioner Karleen Ferguson disagreed with changing the wristbands saying that she felt they worked well. However, the board decided to try the stamps out for this year saying that they could return and change back or change to something else if need be.
The county is also reserving the right to be on premises at the take out location to observe operations on the county property. Along with this, the BOC said that current understanding was that a sheriff’s deputy would be on location on the weekends of the season to monitor and help with situations like alcohol consumption and trespassers.
Though discussions continued over details of the ordinance change, the board is ultimately waiting for a Special Called Meeting later in February to approve the changes for advertisement as they await County Attorney David Clark to add in more changes addressed during the county’s work session meeting.
Some additional details are also going into the final copy that the commissioners are expected to adopt later this month as they all indicated to be supportive of the most of the changes. FYN will be adding new information when the final version is adopted for advertisement and when this meeting is scheduled.
County returns to rivers in discussions over trash
News August 26, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – After an impromptu speech from Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson at this month’s work session, citizens turned out in number to speak and support or defend their views on Gilmer County’s Rivers and the usage of them.
Most of the discussion focused in one area of the county, and people from both businesses Cartecay River Experience and Ellijay River Outfitters were present as well.
Ferguson’s original speech explained how she was making a video promoting the county’s rivers. She traveled to Blackberry Mountain where the county owns a piece of land that is being used as a take-out from the river. She said she came upon a sight that she could only call “chaos,” referencing the amount of trash, alcohol, and people ignoring ordinances.
Ferguson apologized to the community saying she felt she had not been the best steward of the county property and the resources of the county.
The county, on a previous commission, has discussed this topic in depth over the last two to three years as they originally moved to put regulations on the river banning alcohol, but also to regulate the usage of county property by private businesses using the take-out on Mulkey Road, at Blackberry Mountain. Since then, the county is still struggling to find an effective way to control alcohol and enforce some of the regulations preventing patrons from trespassing on people’s property along the river, drinking alcohol, and littering in the area.
Discussion returned this week in a Special Called meeting as citizens responded to Ferguson’s Speech and topics arose around how to move forward.
Some quickly noted the great lengths that volunteers, organizations like Keep Gilmer Beautiful and the local outfitters put into cleaning the river and going out to pick up trash.
Max Frady speaks to Commissioners about the county’s rivers at a Special Called Meeting on August 24, 2020.
Max Frady, a local businessman, said he volunteers at one of the outfitters. He said he felt the DNR should be the governing body, and that over-regulating and writing ordinances and pressuring regulations takes money out of local businesses and discourages people from coming to our rivers. Part of his volunteer work is cleaning the rivers. He said they have continued offering olive branches to local property owners and to the county as they have tried to be “ambassadors” for the rivers and the county because they send all their patrons locally for food and needs.
Frady also noted that other places put people on the rivers besides the outfitters saying, “Every airbnb you got up and down through there, they have tubes and kayaks at their airbnb. It’s part of the rental.” Yet, the volunteers and outfitters are those on the river every day, cleaning the rivers.
Pam Johnson spoke on the day saying that teaching ourselves to take better care of these resources and be more responsible with what we have. She asked the board to think long and hard on the subject about the best way to go forward and to increase that education for people. She acknowledged that there are both kinds of people who come into the county and are very conscious of what they do and how they use the river and those that come in and take advantage of the area.
Doug Colburn, a local police officer, said he and his wife live on the river and do see a lot of trash. Colburn said that the outfitters do a great job of bringing tourism here but he does see three areas of need for the county. Traffic, groups, and trash have come to the forefront of this year in particular. With the viral threats, he voiced concerns about large groups congregating together. He went to say that he does see trash in the area as the river carries it down from wherever it is dropped and it builds in areas.
Offering an option for solutions, Detective Colburn suggested creating a committee to work with representatives from all parties including the outfitters and the property owners. He said that taking the time to discuss and implement a workable plan by the opening of next season.
The option was echoed and supported by others who spoke including Jay Zipperman of Keep Gilmer Beautiful and Gilmer Sheriff Stacy Nicholson who said the Sheriff’s Office would also want to be a part of the committee.
One of the biggest concerns revolved around the alcohol on the river, from the bottles and cans littered to how to enforce the alcohol ban. Some suggested checking coolers at outfitters and the legality of checking coolers.
Jenny Janssen, of Cartecay River Experience, speaks with both the BOC and citizens over river issues in the county.
The topic was addressed by Jenny Janssen of the Cartecay River Experience, also questioning the legality of checking coolers and people’s rights. The topic spread to a later discussion in the meeting as people discussed demanding people wear masks and social distance and groups being separated for bus rides.
Janssen said that they don’t want to eliminate coolers altogether as the river ride takes a longer time. She spoke about the discussion and talks they have for people telling them about the river’s regulations.
Forcing masks was also addressed by the Ellijay River Outfitters as both outfitters said they would not force people to wear masks, but did have extra masks available for any who wanted one or needed one but may not have brought their own.
One of the larger disconnects is between the county and outfitters and enforcement of regulations. Part of the meeting came to addressing issue found in non-compliance in the area. Ferguson even made a motion for a 10-day suspension as she was at the county’s take-out and found nobody wearing the regulation wristbands required by the county. Ferguson said that as she was at the river speaking with people, most of them didn’t even know wristbands were required this year.
The motion died without a second, but the discussion continued on as Ellijay River Outfitters apologized saying they thought the wristbands were not required after the county waived certain fees for the outfitters this year in attempt to help them with what they expected, at the time, might be a slower season with people concerned over the Coronavirus.
The Cartecay River Experience also said they gave people wristbands and told customers that they wouldn’t physically put the wristbands on them with COVID-19.
Citizens, business owners, law enforcement, and organization leaders all spoke on the county’s rivers during a Special Called Meeting of the Board of Commissioners on August 24, 2020.
Another topic discussed saw property owners and outfitters agreeing that they want a Deputy patrolling and watching the area. This item saw action from the commission as they, later in the meeting, approved the hiring of an off duty deputy to guard the area. The guard is to be paid from the fees collected from the outfitters through the wristbands.
Echoing the traffic issue, Nancy Foster spoke to the board saying she lives close to the take out. A big issue for her, she said, was people parking in front of her house, blocking her driveway and causing issues. She also reported that when she asks them to move, she has been cursed at and yelled at by people.
While these issues will continue to be discussed and debated in the Board of Commissioners for the River, some citizens like Susan Moreno are urging them to realize that litter and natural resources go beyond the rivers. Hiking trails and the lake are also county natural resources that suffer from similar issues.
Many other speakers joined during the meeting repeating issues and coming to the defense of those involved. No official action will force any major changes in these final coming weeks of the season, one common idea, many agreed that something akin to a committee could work. Seemingly, nobody is finished with this discussion yet. A common call for responsibility in the community has been given, and the coming months could dictate what that responsibility may look like.
River Ordinance exception and TAN note approved for 2020
News May 14, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – A short but important meeting, the Board of Commissioners held their May Meeting officially approving the 2020 Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) and a change to the river ordinance for the year among others.
The TAN saw only one bid this year according to the board, United Community Bank’s bid for tax exempt rate at 1.9 percent. The board unanimously approved the new TAN after Financial Officer Sandi Holden said they could get the tax exempt rate this year because they don’t have any larger property funds or similar needs this year.
The next approval just for this year came with a change to River Outfitters. Chairman Charlie Paris said that the idea is to still collect the tax and continue as normal in the coming years. However, due to shutdowns and quarantining, the board is looking to help these businesses recover. The motion came to change the collection from a dollar per person to one cent per person just for the year of 2020.
The commissioners discussed the businesses with Post Commissioner Ferguson bringing up the topic of social distancing and the transportation needs. Paris said he had discussed it with one outfitter who said he planned to just make more trips, transporting families and small groups together without other strangers packed into the same vehicles.
Additionally, another outfitter spoke in the meeting saying they would only be putting different groups on one vehicle with their longer buses to allow social distancing during transport.
Also in the meeting, the board re-appointed Don VanLandingham to the Kids Kottage Commission and approved the naming of a bridge on Highway 15 in Honor of Billy Burnette, an action done by the general assembly but requiring a motion from the county.