Oconee County, GA Politics

The Watkinsville Trade and Tourism Association cancelled the semi-monthly downtown Watkinsville consumer invitation known as First Friday for Friday afternoon and evening, May 2nd, 2014 in downtown Watkinsville on Main Street, according to President Cindy Pritchard and a story in the Oconee Enterprise newspaper written by Michael Prochaska and forwarded by Watkinsville City Clerk Julie Sanders. Relay for Life and Mothers Day have been cited as the scheduling conflict reasons for the cancellation. The survivors walk is scheduled for 6:45 and Oconee County always has a very strong turnout for Relay for Life, this time at North Oconee High School in greater Bogart on Hog Mountain Road (State Route 53). Downtown Watkinsville business Dover Grace Alternative Boutique ( 13 1/2 North Main Street) invites women to come in for a free fitting and measurement nonetheless.  I can well imagine that Elizabeth Ann Florists will also give you a pretty good deal on flowers for your mom or you...

The process of municipal government approval of expenditures varies greatly given the gamut of getting done what needs to be accomplished. The agenda is what controls the course of the evening's activities, and it has been done flawlessly and expertly by Julie Sanders at the City of Watkinsville for as long as I can remember. Tonight was no exception to her consistency and rule I have always enjoy attending the Watkinsville City Council meetings and finding out what happens in our county seat. This evening they added white plastic chains to keep the adoring media throng from taking photos behind the city council members' backs during the meetings. I would hope that council continues to do so well without the annoying media snooping around behind them at their meetings. The meeting seemed to flow well regarding of any artificially constructed barriers to prevent any unnecessary media intrusions. Some smart aleck in the audience actually dared to tell Clerk Sanders of an ap...

So when is a transfer not a transfer? When you are married to the Landlord, apparently, at least in the wonderful world of Watkinsville beer and wine sales. This was the case at the Watkinsville City Council meeting as the city breezed through a relatively light business agenda with a couple of no-shows in Pike Gas Service and Harjo Wood Works Wednesday evening at the Community Center..  The Watkinsville City Council gave its stamp of unanimous approval to a slightly changed Animal Control ordinance that essentially is designed to give teeth to combating animals left alone and tied up without supervision inside the City Limits.  Apparently there are a couple of poor pooches in the White subdivision that are on a chain and keeping people from walking around their neighborhood without fear of getting bit by Fido. I think 45 minutes is as long as you can keep a dog tied up in your yard with no one around. Nicole Brooks, center, taking the place of Julie Sanders at a meeting...

Call 9-1-1 if you spot a funnel cloud Sincerely,  Dan Matthews Subject: FW: Weather Advisory Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2012 14:47:52 -0400 From: jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com From: Karla Hulsey [mailto:khulsey@oconee.ga.us] Sent: Monday, October 01, 2012 2:48 PM Subject: Weather Advisory Importance: High Please be advised the National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for all of Oconee County until 9:20 p.m. tonight.  Please be aware of changing weather conditions and report any strong storms or damage to the 911 Center. Thank you and stay safe. Karla Karla Hulsey Oconee County Fire Rescue P. O. Box 145 Watkinsville, GA 30677 P-706-310-3600 F-706-310-3609 www.oconeecounty.com The difficult can be done immediately, the impossible takes time.

Communication breakdown Sincerely,  Dan Matthews Subject: Garbage Pickup All, Curbside Services ran the regular schedule yesterday; however, they have kindly agreed to make another pickup this afternoon due to the confusion in the holiday schedule.    Thank you. Julie Julie A. Sanders, CMC City of Watkinsville 191 VFW Drive P. O. Box 27 Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 706-769-5161 (office) 706-769-4760 (fax) jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com

Most all of us are motivated by wanting to leave a positive impact as our legacy. I know last night I had to console a very sad 12-year-old basketball player who was equally disappointed that his team lost by missing a last second shot and his lack of playing time to make an impact on the outcome. I write this not to reflect poorly on his coach or teammates, but to reflect on the passing of Whitney Houston and wondering what we will all be remembered by when we pass. That is the one thing we unquestionably have in common no matter what our believes or faith. But let us strive to understand and appreciate our differences as something to celebrate rather than discriminate. Oconee County Georgia is an amazing and refined suburban location for anyone to visit or relocate. It is where I call home. I love living here and owning a home here. I planted two trees yesterday given to me by Watkinsville Mayor Charles Ivie and City Clerk Julie Sanders that may live a lot longer than me if I am ...

Be prepared for leaves to hang out a little while longer at your curb in Watkinsville. The Street Department will get it soon. Sincerely,  Dan Matthews The City's leaf vacuum is down for repair.  We are hoping to have it back from the repair shop by the end of this week.  In the meantime, the Street Department is loading leaves left by the side of the road by hand.  Though a slow and inefficient method, which puts us behind on our normal pickup schedule, we are endeavoring to pick up as many piles as possible.  Please bear with us during this period of no leaf vacuum.  Thank you.    Julie A. Sanders, CMC City of Watkinsville 191 VFW Drive P. O. Box 27 Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 706-769-5161 (office) 706-769-4760 (fax) jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com

The Watkinsville City Council decided to increase the annual salary of the Mayor in a special called meeting Tuesday evening at the Community Center. Council member Brian Brodrick made a motion and was seconded by Toby Smith to increase the pay $2,500.00 next fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012. The salary will increase from $7,200.00 to $9,800.00. A special condition was added that any future pay increases be discussed by that particular council and not set in stone by this particular pay raise. After hearing many reservations voiced by council members Mike Link and Henry Norman, the measure passed unanimously.  Council member Samantha Purcell was unable to attend, as was city attorney Joe Reitman, Jr. absent. At one point city clerk Julie Sanders attempted to call Reitman at the behest of outgoing Mayor Joe Walter, only to receive voice mail. They were asking to make sure the qualifying fees would remain the same next week. Walter refereed the brief event with his same concerned...

Woven cautiously, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: FW: Wednesday weather Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:18:58 -0400 From: jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com From: Mark Melvin [mailto:mmelvin@oconee.ga.us] Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 2:31 PM Subject: Wednesday weather All, Once again the National Weather Service has predicted that our area is at a slight risk for severe weather.  It is forecasted that storms will reach the Oconee County area around midnight this evening and be out of the area by 3 a.m.  These storms can produce tornados, destructive winds and large hail.  It appears we will receive about an inch of rain with this storm. With that being said, we still have a threat of strong thunderstorms (Supercell storms) this afternoon/evening.  These storms are capable of damaging winds, lighting and hail. Please be aware of changing weather conditions and be safe. Mark Mark A. Melvin Deputy Fire Chief Oconee County Fire Rescue P.O. Box 145

Big metal plates will slow you down on Mail Street in Watkinsville if you do not reduce your rate of travel first. Woven brightly,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: MAIN STREET CROSSWALK Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:23:01 -0400 From: jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com The crosswalk at Main Street and School Street is being repaired this week.  If at all possible, you may want to avoid Main Street travel between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the remainder of the week.  Julie A. Sanders, CMC City of Watkinsville 191 VFW Drive P. O. Box 27 Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 706-769-5161 (office) 706-769-4760 (fax) jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com

Best batten down your hatches in your carports and garages before the inclement weather bears down upon us later this evening. Woven cautiously,  Daniel J. Matthews, Jr. Subject: FW: Tonight's Weather Date: Mon, 4 Apr 2011 14:28:07 -0400 From: jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com Subject: Tonight's Weather All, Oconee County will be at a slight risk of severe weather tonight. There is a chance of thunderstorms, strong 60 mph winds, rain and hail with isolated tornadoes. The storms will enter West Georgia about 8 p.m. They should be in our area around 11 p.m. and by 2 a.m. should be out of the area. The forecast is for ½ to 1 inch of rain. Please be aware of the storms and take appropriate action to stay safe. Thanks. Mark Mark A. Melvin Deputy Fire Chief Oconee County Fire Rescue P.O. Box 145 Watkinsville, GA 30677 (706) 310 3600

I love these new email notices of Watkinsville Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr.   Subject: NOTICE RE: March 3, 2011 Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:47:37 -0500 From: jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com To: jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com We have been notified that on Thursday, March 3, 2011, in conjunction with the sewer line upgrades at Calls Creek, there will be blasting done in the Charity Lane/Durham Mills Way area around 2:00 p.m. Questions concerning this project should be directed to the Oconee County Utility Department at 706.769.3960.  Julie A. Sanders, CMC City of Watkinsville 191 VFW Drive P. O. Box 27 Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 706-769-5161 (office) 706-769-4760 (fax) jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com

Jimmy Marbut, owner of Sunshine Cycles in Watkinsville and Athens, received approval to finish his garage and build some backyard recreation area for his kids from the Watkinsville City Council after some questions by the Mayor Joe Walter and Brian Brodrick and clarification of city attorney Joe Reitman. Council members Toby Smith and Samantha Purcell are shown above voting in favor of the building permit for the Jeremy Drive home in Morgan Manor Estates subdivision in Watkinsville.

NOTICE OF ELECTION Election for Mayor, presently held by Jim Luken; Council Post 1 presently held by Brian Brodrick; and Council Post 2 presently held by John Walsh will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Watkinsville Community Center for Watkinsville West voters and at the Oconee Government Annex for Watkinsville East voters in Watkinsville, Georgia (please see voter registration card). Provided no changes in the county voting location, the location you vote in the county election is same location you will vote in the city election; however, city and county elections will be separate. Those candidates elected as Mayor and to Posts 1 and 2 in the 2009 General Election shall serve a term of office of two years, commencing on January 1, 2010. Persons seeking election as a member of Council must designate the particular post for which they are offering as candidate. Candidates receiving a plurality of the votes cast for Council posts shall b...

Welcome back Julie Sanders! AGENDA CITY OF WATKINSVILLE July 8, 2009 CALL TO ORDER QUORUM CHECK PRESENTATION OF THE WATKINSVILLE BEAUTIFUL YARD AWARD MINUTES 1. June 10, 2009 Council Meeting 2. June 24, 2009 Called Council Meeting APPEARANCES: 1. Dwayne Wilkes – sketch plat – Barnett Shoals Road/Wilson Road Property 2. Richard Jenkins – business license – Richard Jenkins Construction – 1231 Christian Drive 3. Sherry Cox – business license – Details Design Center – 17 S. Main Street 4. Jake Rowe – business license – Jake Rowe Taxidermy – 1461B Greensboro Highway 5. Micah Redden – business license – Future Extreme, LLC – 1031 Business Boulevard ADMINISTRATION MAYOR’S REPORT CITIZEN’S COMMENTS OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 1. First reading – Franchise Fee Ordinance – Walton EMC 2. _____________________________________________________________________ ADJOURN Updated 7/7/2009

In case you need to email the clerk of the City of Watkinsville, Julie Sanders let me know that she has a new address. Woven brightly, Daniel J. Matthews, Jr.   Please update your email address book   NEW EMAIL ADDRESS:  jsanders@cityofwatkinsville.com   The old address wkvcityhall@charter.net will be working through December 5, 2008. After December 5 th ,Charter will be disconnected and only the new email address will working.  Thank you.       Julie A. Sanders, CMC City of Watkinsville 191 VFW Drive P. O. Box 27 Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 706-769-5161 (office) 706-769-4760 (fax) wkvcityhall@charter.net  

Advance and Absentee voting for the City of Watkinsville will be held at Watkinsville City Hall between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday starting Tuesday, October 14, 2008 through Friday, October 31, 2008. Voting for the City of Watkinsville on Election Day (November 4, 2008) will be held at the Watkinsivlle Community Center for Watkinsville West voters and held at the Oconee County Government Annex building for Watkinsville East voters. Voting for the City Election is held separately from the County/National Election. If you have any questions regarding the City of Watkinsville election, please contact Julie Sanders @ 706-769-5161. Thank you.

Some dork (me) got up and talked about curbs, recycling, ballfields, paving, soil and a Board of Education candidate who helped pick up trash at Harris Shoals Park: MINUTES OF MEETING OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL CITY OF WATKINSVILLE May 14, 2008 PRESENT: Mayor Luken, Council members Link, Purcell, Brodrick, Walsh, Walter and City Attorney Reitman VISITORS: See attached sheet. QUORUM CHECK: Mayor Luken acknowledges a quorum is present. He also welcomes Chuck Horton, County Commissioner , to our meeting. All speakers are asked to approach the lectern and address Council. PRESENTATION OF THE BEAUTIFUL YARD AWARD: Councilwoman Purcell presents Maridee Williams of 1021 Jeremy Drive the Watkinsville Beautiful Yard Award for the month of May. The selection was made by Athens Seed. MINUTES: Councilwoman Purcell moved and Councilman Link seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the April 9, 2008 Council meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously. AR...

Extra Extra Read all about it: Wednesday 7 pm at Community Center on VFW Dr. in Watkinsville AGENDA CITY OF WATKINSVILLE May 9, 2007 CALL TO ORDER QUORUM CHECK PRESENTATION OF THE WATKINSVILLE BEAUTIFUL YARD AWARD MINUTES 1. April 11, 2007 APPEARANCES 1. Mary McCall – business license – Caterpillar Wings – 33 Harden Hill Road 2. Nicole Hale – business license – glo Salon – 10B Barnett Shoals Road 3. Dan Ryll – business license – Ryll Equipment Company – 395 Jerry Smith Drive, Suite C 4. Tom Jackson – building permit – add bathroom to existing garage/studio – 48 S. Main St. 5. Oconee State Bank – building permit – renovate existing building – 35 N. Main St. 6. David Branch – building permit – construct a 110’ x 30’ building at 72 ½ N. Main Street 7. Four Pillars, LLC – preliminary plat – consider setback variance – 131 Whitehall Road 8. Cissy Watson – Wisteria Ridge Apartment Complex Update ADMINISTRATION March, 2007 Reconciliation Report MAYOR’S REPORT CITIZEN’S COMMENTS OLD ...

You may have attended last years' meetings for "Your Watkinsville". We are now in the process of looking at the zoning ordinance, which will correspond with the Concept Plan and Future Land Use Plan developed from those meetings. We will conduct the public hearing, which has been advertised in the newspaper for several weeks now, on February 28th @ 7:00 p.m. Potential to adopt the new zoning ordinance on March 14th @ 7:00 at the next regular Council meeting. To view the proposed zoning ordinance click on the link below and then click on Watkinsville Zoning Ordinance. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at City Hall @ 706-769-5161. The document is too large to e-mail but, you can download the document from http://www.negrdc.org/departments//planning/bookstore.asp . Thank you. Julie Sanders City Clerk wkvcityhall@charter.net