BROADCAST VIA FACEBOOK LIVE SITE: CITY OF HIAWASSEE
OPEN TO PUBLIC – July 28th, 2025 6pm
Hiawassee City Hall 50 River Street Upstairs Training Room
WORK SESSION AGENDA
- Call to Order
1.1. Invocation –Amy Barrett
1.2. Pledge of Allegiance
1.3. Approval agenda as distributed
- Consent Agenda
2.1. Minutes of July 1, 2025 Council Meeting
2.2. Minutes of June 28, 2025 Work Session Meeting
2.3. May Financials
- Mayor’s Report
- WaterWorth software update
- Department head Report – Andrew Sims
- Economic Development Report – Lily Ponitz
- Public Comment
- Executive session
- Adjournment
HIAWASSEE COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES July 28th, 2025 6 pm
Date & Time: July 28, 2025 at 6 p.m. in Training Room.
Attendees: Mayor Jay Chastain,Jr., Court Clerk Sheryl Branson, Council members Jonathan Wilson, Amy Barrett, Nancy Noblet, Patsy Owens, Scott Benton, Police Chief Paul Smith, Officer Jose Carvajal and the city attorney Thomas Mitchell were present.
Opening Invocation was given by Council member Amy Barrett, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Approvals
The agenda was amended to include item 6.5 – approval of beer, wine & spirits license for Buggetti’s restaurant. The motion to approve the amended agenda was made by council member Nancy Noblet, seconded by Scott Benton and approved unanimously.
The Consent agenda consisting of minutes from July 1, 2025 City Council Meeting, the June 28, 2025 work session, and the May 2025 financial statements.Mayor’s Report
The Mayor provided an update on the major water main break that occurred early on July 4th that resulted in significant emergency response efforts from city staff, Towns County Water, EMC and volunteers. Despite the severity of the break, no city residents lost water service due to the reserve supplies at the Million Gallon Tank and repairs were completed by midnight July 5, 2025.The Mayor thanked the workers and the community members who assisted, including those that provided food and drinks. Red Hawkins brought his big machine out to help and GSP provided food. All city workers were on hand for the leak.
The Mayor discussed the aging water system and emphasized the need for major infrastructure upgrades estimated between 8-10 million. Funding options, including grants and low-interest loans will be pursued.
The speed detection permit required by the state for radar enforcement will be signed by the Mayor and Council tonight and submitted.
The Paris Business Center HVAC issues were resolved after correcting a power supply problem, resulting in stable humidity and temperature control. The final loan close-out is expected by September.
Ongoing water supply challenges were noted, particularly Dan Knob and Victoria Woods areas. SCADA system upgrades begin immediately to improve monitoring and reliability. A pressurized tank solution is being evaluated to improve performance in problem areas. Rolling Acres and Chatuge Shores face low water pressure due to old galvanized lines; long term replacements are planned.
To address the city’s 53% water loss rate, approval was requested for 35,000 to install a master meter at Dune Road, completing the citywide metering system to improve leak detection and monitoring.
Economic Development and Events
The USDA grant for the Paris Business Center furnishings and equipment closed resulting in $93,000 reimbursement. The annual Jimmy Buffett tribute fundraiser raised $34,000 and drew more than 1300 attendees. The Mayor praised volunteer, city staff, and community members for supporting and running a successful event. He had a huge shoutout to Councilwoman Amy Barrett for her many hours collecting auction items and for always helping out.
New Business
The Council will vote on Buggatti’s restaurant for their alcohol license at the August 2, 2025 council meeting.
Public Comments
Julia Alexander raised two concerns:
- A property across from the fire station, 177 Sims Road, that appears to be a fire and health hazard due to debris and structural issues. Staff will inspect the site for ordinance violations.
- A traffic safety issue near Tater Ridge, where limited visibility and speeding create unsafe conditions. Skip with the State Department of Transportation will be contacted by the Mayor to address signage and vegetation clearing.
Closing
– Motion to enter Executive Session to discuss real estate and litigation matter was made by first
by Nancy Noblet, seconded by Amy Barrett. All in favor.
Motion to adjourn was made with Nancy Noblet first and Patsy Owens second. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:54.
Motion to adjourn the meeting first by Jonathan Wilson, second by Amy Barrett. All in favor
– Meeting adjourned at 6:55 pm.