Next Step Taken With Aquatic Center

Despite concern from a resident’s group, the Tuesday night approved moving forward with a multi-million-dollar aquatic center.

The commissioners approved a business plan already but postponed a decision at their last meeting on whether or not to take bids on the construction.

In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the commissioners voted to go ahead.

The approximately $15 million project, located at Gresham Mill Parkway at Sixes Road in Holly Springs, was approved and funded as a part of Cherokee County’s Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond that passed in November 2008.

However, it could be two years before the center is able to support itself, according to projections. Some in the community have questioned any additional spending during this economy.

A newly formed residents group asked the commissioners to wait on the bid process until more figures were available about the project.

The commissioners heard a presentation during an afternoon work session that they may have to postpone some of the park bond projects due to the dismal economy. The aquatic center will not be put on hold, said Commissioner Harry Johnston.

Here's a blow by blow of our live coverage of the commissioner's regular meeting.

6:09 p.m. Commissioner Jason Nelms gives the invocation. Pledge is done and we're off and running.

6:11 Proclamation is read to Debby Pinion for her work with Read for the Record Day. Oct. 6 will be Read for the Record Day. Read to a child.

6:12 Announcements are made.

North Georgia Health District’s Drive-by flu clinic for Cherokee County is on Friday, October 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Northside Hospital- Cherokee Conference Center at Bluffs Parkway. The cost is $20 for the regular flu shot and $52 for the high-dose vaccine.

Cherokee Friends of Recovery is hosting their 2nd annual 5K fun run (Twilight Run F.O.R. Cherokee) at Hobgood Park on Saturday, October 29 at 8:00 p.m. The event is to promote public awareness of the DUI/Drug Treatment Court which helps rehabilitate habitual drunk drivers. Proceeds to benefit Cherokee Friends of Recovery Foundation, Inc.

The Georgia Department of Transportation announces that Water Tank Road will be closed to through traffic at the western intersection with SR 20 from September 5 to October 20, 2011, for intersection reconstruction and realignment associated with the SR 20 improvement project.

Electronics Recycling Day is Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cherokee County Administration Building located at 1130 Bluffs Parkway. For more information, please call (404) 394-9601.

6:18 Minutes are approved from the commissioner's past two meetings.

6:20 Public Comment.

Marguerite Cline wants to know what happened to the county's splash pad.

6:22 Chairman Buzz Ahrens gives an update on the Transportation Investment Act from Monday's public meeting in Cherokee County. The intention was to provide referendum information for the public, Ahrens said. He says he thinks it was a good meeting and people got much more information than they had had in the past.

6:28 A presentation is given by Carolyn Cosby, the leader of a new 9-member resident's committee that wants to look into ways the county can save money and operate more efficiently.

She reads off an agenda for the Review and Recommendations Committee. Applause when she is done.

6:40 Ahrens gives an update on the Shoal Creek Reservoir and the public hearings on the issue in Dawson County. The reservoir would take 100 million gallons of water from the Etowah River before it gets to Cherokee County. It is still in the early stages, Ahrens said. No action is taken.

6:46 Under Commissioner Johnston. Subject to a petition from the neighborhood, the board approves an all-way stop as a speed control measure on Water Tank Road.

6:50 Under Commissioner Jim Hubbard. He asks residents to write letters in support of Northside Hospital Cherokee's expansion in a new location. WellStar has opposed the move.

"It's just a delay tactic," Ahrens said.

Johnston said it was probably the most important economic development project in the county.

Ahrens said the county has been working to help the project along.

6:57 Board approves the consent agenda.

7:02 Board approves the renewal of contract services to Fire One, Inc. to provide Ground ladder inspections, testing and repair services.

7:02 Board approves amending the budget for State Court Technology Fees in the amount of $14,066 for the purchase of 3 laptops, 4 desktop computers and maintenance agreement for courtroom technical equipment.

7:02 Board approves Human Resources signing a service application for leave administration services with UNUM to provide FMLA administration services for two years, free of charge. Upon receipt of the Service Application, UNUM will enter into A Professional Services Agreement with the County to provide FMLA services.

7:02 Board approves recommendations from the Employment Benefits Committee for the 2012 benefit plan: Health Management Program, healthcare plan change, healthcare premiums, a $20-per-pay-period tobacco surcharge and flexible spending account provider.

A more specific agreement will be presented at the next meeting

7:07 Board approves the release of the Aquatic Center design and engineering documents for competitive bidding. The board would still have to accept whichever bid county personnel decides on.

County Manager Jerry Cooper said no tax monies will be used to run the center. He mentioned an increase in sports fees as one way to help pay for the first two years of operation.

Commissioner Hubbard said that the county was on a tight time table. "I'd love to have the time to investigate ever figure in this, but..."

Ahrens said the business plan in place is one of the best he's ever seen.

"You go by what your best judgement is," he said.

7:21 We are adjourned.