5/2/2011 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
Regular Meeting
Chairman Padgett called the meeting to order at approximately 6 p.m.; welcoming all in attendance. Minutes from April 4, 2011 meeting were presented for review and approval. David Mitchell made motion to approve minutes; seconded by Betty Ann Surdykowski. All voted aye.
Chairman Padgett introduced Dan McBee, president of non-profit organization, New Echota River Alliance to HPC members. Meeting was turned over to Mr. McBee.
Mr. McBee presented the HPC with an overview of the New Echota River Alliance (NERA). Mr. McBee informed the HPC members of paddle trips organized by NERA. He stated the paddle trips take place on the three major rivers in Gordon County and the purpose of the trips is to increase people’s interest in the rivers of Gordon County. He stated there were 355 people who participated in the paddle trips in 2010. Paddle trips have an impact on tourism, the average person spends $55.00 a day in Gordon County during a Paddle Trip. He stated there are 47 miles of navigatable miles on the rivers of Gordon County. He stated Gordon County’s drinking water comes from Big Springs, which can handle drinking water for 55,000 people and the Coosawatee River. Mr. McBee stated NERA also visits the local elementary schools to present a Environment & Pollution program to all fourth graders. He stated the Calhoun Middle School science group collects all the rainwater off the buildings to benefit their butterfly garden. Mr. McBee informed the HPC members that Calhoun High School will start bacteria monitoring on the rivers beginning in August. He stated there are five streams/rivers in Gordon County as impaired by the EPA. They are as follows: Camp Creek, Snake Creek, Oostanaula River, Salacoa Creek and Oothacalooga Creek. Mr. McBee stated any monies raised for NERA stays in Gordon County. He encouraged the HPC members to visit NERA’s website at neranow.org. The website gives an overview of the organization and gives information on upcoming activities to get involved with. Two years ago NERA was awarded an Environmental Organization Award for Education. NERA has also been named the top watershed environmental group for Georgia.
Mr. McBee thanked the HPC for their work. Chairman Padgett thanked Mc. McBee for his involvement.
Unfinished Business
- Chairman Padgett said the signage for the Resaca Battlefield entrance will hopefully be in place prior to the reenactment later this month.
- Chairman Padgett stated the grant application for the Fort Wayne project is awaiting signatures. He stated there will possibly be a canoe/kayak launch site at the bridge.
- R. Stanley Chambers stated three more cemeteries have been visited since last monthly meeting.
- Chairman Padgett stated they are still searching for Byrom cemetery.
- David Mitchell informed HPC members that a lady from Nelson, Georgia has offered the HPC a truck load of marble foot stones if they could be used. He stated he will pick up the foot stones from her and store them at his house.
- Jane Powers Weldon stated there is nothing new to report on the Calhoun HCP.
- She stated they only received approximately 20 survey responses; which is not enough to take any action. She stated individuals can take action for individual properties to put listed on the National Register.
- Chairman Padgett stated the Rockdale Plantation is now owned by the bank; status unknown.
- Chairman Padgett stated he anticipates getting started in the near future with GPS locations for historic markers in Gordon County. He stated there are approximately 30 markers in Gordon County.
- HPC members decided to table the vote for changes to the HPC meeting schedule until June 6, 2011 monthly meeting.
Adjournment
Chairman Padgett stated next meeting will be Monday, June 6, 2011.
Jane Powers Weldon made motion to adjourn; seconded by Betty Ann Surdykowski. All voted aye. Meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:40 p.m..
