Multi-family rezoning request on City Council agenda Monday
News November 7, 2021
CLEVELAND, Ga. – The Cleveland City Council will consider a request to rezone property at 403 West Kytle Street from B-II Highway Commercial Business to R-II Multi Family Residential when it meets Monday (Nov. 8) at 6:30 p.m. in the Cleveland Community Center/Police Department, 342 Campbell Street.
The Council will also consider an amendment to City Zoning Ordinance for short–term rental.
Under New Business, there will be a request to provide city services (police, fire, sanitation) for the 2021 Christmas in the Mountains Parade.
Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt, Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker, City Administrator Tom O’Bryant will provide monthly reports.
City Council will discuss Building Authority appointments Thursday
News September 6, 2021
CLEVELAND, Ga. – City Council will consider an amendment to the City’s Building Authority appointments when it holds a called meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday Sept. 9 in the Community Center, 342 Campbell Street in Cleveland.
City Administrator Tom O’Bryant will introduce a proposed lease contract for fire truck storage and an extension of the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission mapping services contract for Council consideration.
Daniel Ratigan, an Eagle Scout candidate with Troop 140, will present his project regarding a free library at City Park.
Council is expected to read a proclamation to designate September as White County History Month
City Council to execute $12.7 million GEFA loan at Monday meeting
News September 12, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – City Council members will approve execution of a $12.7 million Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) loan when they meet Monday (Sept. 14) at 6:30 p.m in the Community Center, 342 Campbell St., at 6:30 p.m.
Other items on Monday’s agenda include:
Request to rent city unit on the square and request a variance for the use of a under the counter grease trap for a coffee business;
Approval to open banking account to accept loan funds;
Ron Cantrell Construction Inc., proposal for design development and engineering documents for the City Municipal Complex;
Status update on current projects;
North Georgia Pipeline – Hulsey Rd waterline upgrade;
CARES funding;
Old Blairsville Road waterline upgrade;
Sewer line smoke testing;
Under New Business, Council will consider
Agri-Fest September 26, 2020 – requests for the closures of South Brooks St and Quillian St at E. Kytle to E. Underwood and for police, fire, and sanitation services;
Approval to begin process of opening an account for SPLOST 5 fuds.
There will also be departmental reports by City Manager Tom O’Bryant, Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt, Police Chief John Foster and City Attorney Grant Keene.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
City Council to hold called meeting Monday
News May 29, 2020
CLEVELAND, Ga. – The Cleveland City Council will hold a called meeting Monday June 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Community Center, 342 Campbell Street. The public is welcome to attend the meeting in person, but standards recommended by the State of Georgia due to the coronavirus will be in place.
The public is also welcome to join the meeting by teleconference by calling 646-558-8656 Access Code 922-4360-0027 or by Zoom https://zoom.us/j/92243600027
City Engineer Brian Rindt will discuss several issues, including the wastewater treatment plant, Phase III of the bypass, the Hulsey to Warrior Tank waterline and the Jesse Hunt Road well status.
Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt, Police Chief John Foster and City Attorney Grant Keene will present updates and City Administrator Tom O’Bryant will address the council on an amendment to the Old Blairsville Road Emergency Water Line Project and the continuation of waivers for past due utility bills and occupational tax license
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Cleveland Mayor Shan Ash resigns effective immediately
News December 30, 2019
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Shan Ash who ran unopposed for a second term as Cleveland’s mayor in this year’s municipal election abruptly resigned today, citing “unforeseen recent events.”
In Ash’s letter of resignation obtained via an open records request, he wrote:
“Much has been accomplished in the past four years. It is my hope that my civic service will have a positive impact for years to come for our community. It has been a privilege to lead the City of Cleveland employees who are outstanding and dedicated to making our town a better place. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to Cleveland.”
He is expected to serve until a replacement can be found.
Ash would have taken the oath of office along with Cleveland City Council members Annie Sutton and Nan Bowen at a called meeting scheduled for Monday (Dec. 30). Councilman Bradley Greene is Cleveland’s mayor pro tem.
City Administrator Tom O’Bryant said Cleveland will need to hold a special election for mayor.
Fetch Your News will have more details when they become available.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Cleveland City Council will meet Monday
News October 5, 2019
CLEVELAND, Ga. – The Cleveland City Council will read proclamations honoring the service of Cleveland Police officer Raymond Rutledge, and firefighters Mark Gunter and Martin Godfrey when they meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Annex, 85 South Main Street.
Council will also consider an amendment to the zoning ordinance, including a fee increase to cover the costs of processing and administering annexation requests as well as legal fees associated with annexation.
Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt, Police Chief John Foster, Grant Keene and City Manager Tom O’Bryant are expected to present reports to the council.
Other items on the agenda include a discussion of:
- Oak Springs Civil Construction
- Water Loss Control Program
- Affidavit of ownership – Talon Property
- A contract to engineer future Oak Springs Nature Trail
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Council approves resolution to reduce speed at Truett McConnell
News May 8, 2018
CLEVELAND, Ga. – The Cleveland City Council unanimously approve a resolution in support of reducing the speed limit in front of Truett McConnell University (TMU) Monday. The resolution now goes to the White County Board of Commissioners and, if approved, Senator Steve Gooch will deliver the resolution to the Georgia Department of Transportation for final approval.
TMU Director of Alumni Relations and Public Policy Dr. John Yarbrough addressed council, saying, “With our growth of property and students, we now have eight points of agress and egress within a quarter mile.” The reduction in speed from 45 to 35 mph, he said, would increase safety for students.
Council voted unanimously to enter into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Board of Commissioners to accept the historic Oak Springs School and property from the county. The school, which was the first one in White County for black students, will be converted into a community center.
“Due to the historic nature of the school, city council is very interested in preserving it,” said City Manager Tom O’Bryant.
Council also approved the Georgia Municipal Association District Directors Ballot that includes Annie Sutton as second vice president and a request for City Clerk Connie Tracas to take an online course for accounting at a cost of $419.
O’Bryant met with White County and city of Helen officials last week to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement with regard to a division of funds from a proposed 2020 special purpose local option sales (SPLOST) tax.
In earlier SPLOSTs, the two cities each received about 20 percent of the revenue. Both, however, agreed to settle for 13 percent in the last two SPLOSTs to help fund the county jail. Now they want a return to the 20 percent level.
O’Bryant said the city has identified a list of projects it would like to fund. Those projects would cost about $5.4 million and require about 20 percent of projected revenue. Any future SPLOST, however, must be approved by White County voters before it can be implemented.
Council approved the purchase of a Dodge 1500 pickup truck from Jacky Jones Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram to replace a city-owned truck that had a blown engine. Funding for the vehicle will come from voter-approved SPLOST funds.
Callie Armour, a White County Middle School student and 4-H member, told council about a project that her 4-H class is working on involving the building of a planter for the city square with plants and colorful plants.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Cleveland’s new water tank is ready to serve city
News November 14, 2017
Cleveland City Council learned Monday the city’s new water tank is ready for use
CLEVELAND, Ga. – The Cleveland City Council heard from City Engineer Brian Rindt Monday who said the long-awaited water tower is now “substantially” complete and ready for use.
Rindt reported the tank was filled to the five-foot level Monday. The contract called for the work to be completed by Nov. 7, and Rindt said the company had requested an extension of five days due to inclement weather. Council voted unanimously to award the extension, meaning the contract was completed in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
The company now has 30 days to complete a punch list that includes grading, grassing and fencing.
Rindt also informed the board that casing in well no. 7, located on East Jarrard Street, does not meet EPD standards for the thickness of the casing and must be brought up to the agency’s standards.
Council then voted unanimously to spend $7,900 with Lanier Well Drilling to make the necessary improvements.
Beth Truelove requested the city provide services such as police, fire and sanitation for the annual Christmas in the Mountains Celebration scheduled for Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Her request received unanimous approval.
Council discussed possible future annexations but decided not to move forward at this time.
City Administrator Tom O’Bryant updated the council on the status of one of the city’s fire trucks that is in need of repair. O’Bryant said the city received two estimates, one for $112,000 and the other for $150,000. He also presented the council with an option to purchase a 1997 fire truck from Brackets Fire Truck Repair for $96,000. The vehicle comes with a six-month, bumper-to-bumper warranty. It has an engine and transmission installed in 2009.
Council gave unanimous consent to purchase the used ladder truck.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
O’Bryant is Sole Finalist for Cleveland City Manager Job
News June 29, 2017
Tom O’Bryant is sole finalist for Cleveland City Manager job.
CLEVELAND — White County Community and Economic Development Director Tom O’Bryant is the sole finalist for the position of Cleveland City Manager.
The city received 29 applications for the position and interviewed four applicants before naming O’Bryant as the finalist.
O’Bryant has been employed by the county since 2006.
A city-issued press release said O’Bryant’s appointment as city manager will be announced at the July 10 meeting.
“This is a wonderful opportunity,” O’Bryant said Thursday. “I look forward to working with the mayor and city council to help move the city forward.”
Commissioners’ Work Session Scheduled Monday
News January 27, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session Monday, at 4:30 p.m. followed by a called meeting to consider going into an executive session to discuss personnel and real estate.
Mitchell Posey, Special Agent in Charge of the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office will request board approval to apply for the 2016 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $359,412.00.
White County would serve as the fiscal agent for the grant funds.
Director of Community and Economic Development Tom O’Bryant will propose an amendment to the county code associated with the excise tax levy for wholesalers of distilled spirits in White County.
Patrick Brennam, executive director of the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association will provide an update on programs at the facility. The office is located at 283 SR 255 North in Sautee and is open fro 9 a.m. until 5 p.m Monday through Friday. The Galleries and Historic Museum and Folk Pottery Museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
On Feb. 17-19 the center will host the second annual Nacoochee Art Festival in conjunction with the Winter Festival Arts Tour, Alpine Helen Festival and Unicoi Fireside Craft and Art Show.
Commissioners are also expected to consider the appointment of Judi Lawson to the White County Department of Family and Children Services Board for a five-year term to expire June 30, 2021.
Drug Enforcement Grant, Tax Levy on Distilled Spirit Distributors Discussed at Monday Work Session
News January 31, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — GBI Special Agent Mitchell Posey came before the White County Board of Commissioners work session Monday to ask for approval to apply a $359,412 grant to fund the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO).
Posey explained that the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the federal government is the same grant the board has approved for several years. It pays about half the salaries of the agents and does not require any match from local government.
ARDEO is one of 11 multi-jurisdictional drug task forces and is made up of at least one agent employed by a law enforcement agency in White, Lumpkin, Banks, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens or Towns counties.
Director of Community and Economic Development Tom O’Bryant presented a proposal to amend the county code associated with the excise tax levy for wholesalers and distributors of distilled spirits in the county.
O’Bryant explained that when the county adopted a dozen or more amendments to the county code it overlooked wholesalers and distributors.
“Right now, they’re not paying the tax,” Commission Chairman Travis Turner said. “But they will pay 22 cents per liter.”
Sautee Nacoochee Community Association Executive Director Patrick Brennan previewed SNC’s upcoming Winterfest. SNC is partnerning with Unicoi State park & Lodge and Helen Arts & Heritage Center for the inaugural event being held Feb. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. More than 145 artists will perform live and visitors can win original art and fine craft prizes. For more information visit the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association web site.
The board also discussed the appointment of Judi Lawson to the White County Department of Family and Children Services for a five-year term.
These items are expected to be voted on at the next scheduled voting session.