BROADCAST VIA FACEBOOK LIVE SITE: CITY OF HIAWASSEE
OPEN TO PUBLIC – August 24, 2026, 6pm
Hiawassee City Hall 50 River Street – Upstairs Training Room
COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
1. Call to Order
1.1. Invocation –Andrea Bell
1.2. Pledge of Allegiance
1.3. Approval agenda as distributed
2. Consent Agenda
2.1. Minutes of August 4, 2026, Council Meeting
2.2. Minutes of August 24, 2026, Work Session Meeting
2.3. 2026 June Financials
2.3. Payment of the PBC Loan from SPLOST ($29,691.87)
3. Mayor’s Report
4. Library Bboard Trustee Board Update
5. Aclarian Contract discussion
6. 120Water contract renewal
7. SPLOST Agreement
8. Canupp Way Easement discussion
9. Appointment of Hali Caldwell to the DDA Board
10. Department Head Report – Lily Ponitz
11. Public Comment
12. Executive session
13. Adjournment
Join the Public Hearing from 7-8 PM after the Work Session. The topic is Critical Infrastructure, Water Treatment and Distribution, Sanitary Sewer Collection and Treatment
COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES August 24, 2026, 6pm
The Hiawassee City Council met for the August Work Session in the Upstairs Training Room at City Hall on August 24, 2026, at 6:00PM. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jay Chastain. Present, in addition to the Mayor, were Council members Scott Benton, Andrea Bell, Jeff Scott, Nancy Noblet and Jonathan Wilson. Staff present were Economic Development Director Lily Ponitz, Police Officer Trey Chastain, City Attorney Thomas Mitchell, City Clerk Bonnie Kendrick, and Court Clerk Sheryl Branson.
The Invocation was given by Andrea Bell and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of the agenda as distributed was first made by Scott Benton, seconded by Nancy Noblet with all in favor.
The Consent agenda, consisting of minutes from August 4, 2026, City Council Meeting, August 24, 2026, Work Session, the June 2026 Financials, and the payment of the PBC Loan from SPLOST ($29,691.87) will be voted on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Mayor’s Report
We have had another very busy month, with a lot happening throughout the city. I want to update everyone on several projects and issues we have been working on.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
We have been working hard to get the word out and encourage our citizens to participate in the Comprehensive Plan.
We have advertised in the newspaper, and we have physically gone out and placed flyers in businesses throughout the community.
According to our GMRC representative, Joe Rothwell, those efforts have worked. Participation has increased not only for the City of Hiawassee but for Towns County as well.
Our last public hearing will be tonight immediately following this work session.
And tonight’s topic happens to be my favorite:
INFRASTRUCTURE.
I encourage everyone who can to stay and participate. This Comprehensive Plan is about the future of our community, and public participation is extremely important.
SPLOST RENEWAL
Speaking of infrastructure, the SPLOST renewal will be coming before the voters.
Please help us get the word out about how important this is to the City of Hiawassee.
The City of Hiawassee badly needs these SPLOST dollars to help fund much-needed infrastructure improvements.
We have aging water and sewer infrastructure that must be repaired and replaced. These projects are expensive, and SPLOST gives us an important funding source to make these improvements without placing the entire burden elsewhere.
This renewal is extremely important to the future of our city.
ROAD RUNNER LIFT STATION
We are moving forward with Phase One of the Road Runner Lift Station rehabilitation.
SmithBuilt Construction Group, the contractor performing Phase One, held a confined-space training class this morning in this very room.
The class was attended by city employees, Fire Department personnel and EMS personnel.
This is extremely valuable training and something our city employees have needed for a long time.
Most importantly, this is life-safety training.
Confined-space work can be extremely dangerous without the proper training, equipment and procedures. I appreciate SmithBuilt making this training available to everyone.
The actual demolition work at Road Runner is scheduled to begin tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Once Phase One is completed, EMI will evaluate the condition of the lift station and determine our next steps.
SHAKE RAG ROAD / ROAD 1950 WATER LINE
We have repaired a water line on Shake Rag Road, also known as Road 1950, numerous times this year.
Every time our crews repair one section, the pipe breaks either above or below the repair.
We believe much of this problem is due to the original installation. Thin-wall PVC pipe was placed in extremely rocky ground by the developer many years ago.
The city eventually took over this infrastructure, and we have reached the point where continuing to patch this line simply does not make sense. It must be replaced.
Approximately 1,600 feet of new 4-inch water line will be installed by our city crew.
The new line will be installed according to standards established by EMI and the State of Georgia.
When we’re finished, we should have a water line that will serve this area reliably for many years.
We are also going to properly map this new line so that future city employees will know exactly where it is located and exactly what size line is in the ground.
Our plan is to maintain water service to the customers while the new line is being installed.
Once installation is complete and the required sanitation and testing procedures have been completed, customers will be transferred to the new line and the old line will be abandoned.
This is another example of moving away from repeatedly patching old infrastructure and beginning to fix these problems correctly for the long term.
TVA / TVAG MEETING
I attended the TVAG meeting at Brasstown Valley this month.
It was a very valuable meeting and provided a good opportunity to network with representatives of local governments from our area as well as from other states.
I also learned a great deal more about TVA and its operations.
These meetings are important because many of the issues affecting Hiawassee do not stop at the city limits. Developing relationships with other local governments and TVA representatives can be extremely valuable when we need those relationships in the future.
BILLING SYSTEM
We continue working to get the MuniBilling and Aclarian contracts finalized.
The good news is that the first month of our new tiered billing appears to have gone smoothly. I have not heard any significant complaints regarding the transition. We will continue watching it closely as everyone becomes accustomed to the new billing structure.
WATER & SEWER
Our crews continue finding and repairing leaks throughout the water distribution system.
This is an ongoing process, but every leak we find, and repair is water that we are no longer producing and losing.
The extreme heat and the storms we have experienced have also created challenges for both our water and sewer systems. Our employees have handled those challenges and kept the systems operating. I want to thank them for their work, especially during some very hot and difficult conditions.
SOUTHERN TANK
Our city attorney, Thomas Mitchell, continues working with Southern Tank to finalize the contract for their services. We will continue moving that process forward and will update the council as soon as everything is finalized.
AQUA-AEROBIC SYSTEMS
We received another update from Aqua-Aerobic Systems regarding the wastewater treatment plant improvements. Unfortunately, the delivery dates have been pushed back, which also means the installation dates will be pushed back. That is disappointing because these improvements are badly needed. We will continue pushing to get both projects completed by the first of the year.
We will keep the council informed as we receive updated delivery and installation schedules.
CITY SQUARE
The City Square has been cleaned up, and I think everyone can see a significant improvement. We are now waiting for bids to be submitted for the ongoing landscaping and maintenance. Once those bids are received, we will evaluate them and determine the best and most economical way to keep the Square looking the way our citizens and visitors expect it to look.
PARADE
Finally, I want to mention the parade.
The parade was great, and we appeared to have a very good turnout.
I want to thank our city employees for all their help getting everything ready and getting the floats prepared. I also want to thank the members of the council who participated.
It was certainly hot—but a nice, hot time was had by all!
As you can see, we have a lot going on.
Much of what we are doing continues to come back to one word:
INFRASTRUCTURE.
Whether we’re talking about Road Runner Lift Station, replacing the water line on Shake Rag Road, repairing leaks, upgrading the sewer plant or renewing SPLOST, these are investments in the long-term future of Hiawassee.
We inherited an aging system, and we cannot fix everything overnight.
But we are identifying the problems, prioritizing them and working through them one project at a time.
Our goal is not simply to patch problems. Our goal is to leave Hiawassee with better infrastructure than we found it.
Next on the agenda is the Library Board Trustee Update.
Heath Lee stated the City of Hiawassee holds one seat on the Library Board which is currently vacant. The Board consists of six trustees in total and requires 4 for a quorum. This makes the vacancy a potential problem. The role of the trustee is as an advisory. They meet quarterly and it is for a three-year term. The only library qualification is that you are a local resident of the county you represent. During the meeting, a council member received a message from someone willing to serve. The council member told Mr. Lee that they would share the name after the meeting.
The Aclarian Contract Discussion
Mr. Mitchell has reviewed the MuniBilling software subscription agreement. He requested some changes and most were accepted. A couple that were not changed are that the contract is governed by North Carolina law and disputes resolved by arbitration in Gilbert County, North Carolina. An indemnification clause (partially removed; remaining scope limited to breaches by the city- deemed unenforceable under Georgia law). Mr. Mitchell deemed the remaining issues are not deal breakers given the importance of the software. MuniBilling operates under the Alcarian umbrella but requires a separate contract. This will be voted on at the September 1, 2026, Council Meeting.
120Water contract renewal
120Water manages all lead service line compliance and related mailings. It is well worth the money we pay to have it. This will be voted on at the September 1, 2026, Council Meeting.
SPLOST Agreement
The new SPLOST Agreement replaces the 2020 version. The key change is the distribution of excess funds (after accounts are fully funded). In the 2020 agreement the excess was split 82% to the county and 18% divided equally between Young Harris and the City of Hiawassee. In the new agreement, excess funds will be distributed to water-producing entities (Towns County Water Authority, City of Hiawassee, City of Young Harris) proportionally by number of meters.
Canupp Way Easement
Mr. & Mrs. Abernathy have applied for an easement to pull work under Canupp Way. The only infrastructure is a clearly marked 2-inch water line. Mr. Mitchell reviewed this and has no objections. This will be voted on at the September 1, 2026, Council Meeting.
Appointment of Hali Caldwell to the DDA Board
Hali Caldwell has expressed interest in joining the DDA Board. Hali is a Towns County resident and works at Sips & Shakes
Next up is The Economic Development Director, Lily Ponitz
Summer Events
* Annual Fun-Drasier
We raised $16,400 at the Jimmy Buffett concert. $14,777 of this is going toward paying off the PBC loan (90% of the proceeds).
* First Friday Night Markets
Excelled turnout in June (~600). First partnership with Towns County Summer Heat.
Great turnout in July (~400). Noted most attendees were visitors.
Rainy weather in August led to low turnout (~100). First partnership with Towns County Headstart/GA Pre-K.
Remaining markets: September 4, October 2, November 6
Starting up a Late Night on Main initiative where businesses stay open until 8pm on Night Market nights.
* Enchanted Music on the Square
Attendance has been good when the weather is nice, less so when it’s very hot or rainy. When it rains, we relocate inside the Civic Center.
Remaining concerts: August 29, September 5
Fall – Spring Events
* Light Up Hiawassee
Decorating Mayor’s Park and Lloyd’s landing: November 13
Decorating Hiawassee Town Square, followed by Santa visit and free outdoor movie: November 14
* Small Business Saturday Shop & Sip – November 28
All businesses are encouraged to have some snacks or drinks in stores and sales for Black Friday/Small Business Saturday.
Shoppers will pick up a passport and if they get enough stamps, be entered to win a prize.
* Hiawassee Half Marathon & 5K – March 13, 2027
Same routes as 2026 for the half marathon and 5K.
We are considering adding a “fun run” or “toddler trot” for children to participate.
Registration for the half and 5K will go on sale August 31.
Programs
* Façade Grants
The Unicoy Masonic Lodge was just repainted to a mountain green that looks much fresher and blends in with the surrounding buildings.
* Hometown Heroes
The 2026-2027 Hometown Heroes banners for the Hiawassee Town Square are in production and will be commemorated at the 9/11 ceremony.
* Hikeawassee
Working to set 2027 dates now. Typically, we start in early February and end in late April.
Free hiker feeds on Mondays at lunch will happen again this year – please come out and meet the hikers!
Applied for a grant from AT Conservancy to work on off-season outdoor education programs and community events. Notification will come in November.
* Fireflies
Applying for a grant from Georgia Council for the Arts to complete the fireflies installation budget.
Paris Business Center
* Incubators
Both incubators are leased. The businesses are Grass Guitars and Moore Love.
We’re hosting a Ribbon Cutting for both businesses this Friday, August 28 at 2pm – please attend!
One incubator has been in since November, so she is paying $400/month and the other started in July, so he is paying $250/month. Including the restaurant rent payments, we are generating $2,520/month toward paying off the loan (80% of all rent payments).
* Staffing Changes
Jinelle Wagner left to take a full-time opportunity. Anne Wiggin from City Hall is working at the PBC now during the open hours (Tuesday – Thursday, 10am – 2pm).
* Internships
We’re working on hiring 1-2 YHC interns to work at the PBC this fall, and pair 1-2 interns with our incubators as well.
Applied for a grant from USDA RBDG to expand our business training client base and start up an internship program in partnership with Young Harris College. Notification will come at the end of August.
Downtown Development Authority
* Board Members
Shawn Farmer resigned from the board because she is moving out of town for work.
The current DDA board is:
* Bradley Barrett (Chair)
* Alex King (Vice Chair)
* Hannah Chriswell
* Nancy Noblet
Up for nomination is Hali Caldwell.
There will be two seats remaining after this appointment, and we’re talking with three candidates right now.
* Training
With a new board, we are focused on everyone completing their DDA 101 training. We are on track for this to be completed by the end of October.
Community and Business Surveys
* Comprehensive Plan Public Input
One of the most valuable parts of the comprehensive plan process is the feedback that we get from the public.
We have had hundreds of survey responses with ideas and suggestions for how to improve downtown, and I would be happy to share these with the Council when the survey closes.
* Business Input
I sent out a survey to all downtown businesses to understand their priorities for economic development.
The top priorities for business owners were marketing assistance (digital, physical, and wayfinding) and improvements to the streetscape/pedestrian experience. I would be happy to share these results as well.
No Public Comment was requested
There was as a need to go into executive session. Motion to enter in executive session was made 1st by Jonathan Wilson and 2nd by Jeff Scott with all in favor at 6:44 pm.
Motion to Exit Executive session was made 1st by Jonathan Wilson and 2nd by Nancy Noblet.
Motion to adjourn was made 1st by Nancy Noblet and 2nd by Andrea Bell with all in favor.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:58 PM