PRESS RELEASE

The long-awaited Ball Ground Bypass is moving forward with the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approving a $1.1 million contract for design services.

The Board unanimously approved highest scoring proposer, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB), to design the new alignment roadway that begins around the southside of the city of Ball Ground.

District 1 Commissioner Steve West made the motion to approve, which was seconded by District 2 Commissioner Richard Weatherby. The vote was 5-0.

The bypass is proposed from the intersection of Howell Bridge Road and Ball Ground Highway/SR 5 to the intersection of Flatbottom Road and Ball Ground Road (SR 372).

“During the 2022 Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) project solicitation process, the county was successful in securing a commitment from the ARC to fund portions of the design and engineering for the Ball Ground bypass project,” said County Manager Geoff Morton. “Federal funding includes $3,074,537 for design and engineering with a county local match of 20%, which equals $768,634.”

The proposed section is expected to include two 12-foot travel lanes, an 8-foot rural shoulder with a 6.5-foot paved bike shoulder. A 21-foot urban shoulder, consisting of 2.5-foot curb and gutter, 6-foot grass strop and a 10-foot shared use path is proposed near the proposed roundabouts. The total project length is about 1.5 miles.

In other business, the Board:

• Heard Community Services Agency Director Bryan Reynolds announce the winners of the Inaugural Board of Commissioners Art Competition. Linley Lowe, of Woodstock High School, won first place for “Autumn Rivers,” acrylic and oil pastels. Lowe’s prize was a $500 scholarship, certificate and ribbon. Addison Daniel, of Woodstock High School, earned second place for her untitled piece utilizing nail art supplies. Her prize was a $250 scholarship, certificate and ribbon. Third place went to Etowah High School student, Regan Kadlub, for her oil painting, “Dragonfly.” Kadlub’s prize was a $150 scholarship, certificate and ribbon. Cherokee High School student Dina Becovic won the Cherokee Choice award and received a $50 gift certificate. Her work, “What We Eat,” was created with acrylic and tempura paint.
• Heard a proclamation highlighting Senior Hunger Awareness. Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a state-wide proclamation for Senior Hunger Awareness Month for the month of April 2024. According to a recent report on the State of Senior Hunger from Feeding America, Georgia is ranked 9th in the percentage of food insecure seniors in the nation, meaning one in twelve seniors do not know how they will purchase their next balanced meal.
• Announced the 2024 Great American Cleanup on behalf of Keep Cherokee Beautiful.
• Approved, 4-0, the minutes from the April 2 work session, executive session and regular meeting. Commissioner Ragsdale abstained due to his absence on April 2 meeting. Commissioner Weatherby made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Carter.
• Held a public hearing on board-initiating zoning modification for Big Door Vineyards, LLC. Related to alcohol sales and service, food trucks, noise and outdoor speakers. Seven people spoke. Commissioner Carter made the motion to approve the zoning modification, which was seconded by Commissioner Ragsdale.
• Approved, 5-0, the consent agenda, which included: a request from Information Technology to surplus several computers, monitors and miscellaneous equipment; a request from the Tax Commissioner’s Office to surplus a broken conference table and chairs; acceptance of the annual Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Violence Against Women Act formula grant totaling $93,333 on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office; a request from Emergency Management to submit annual federal grant application totaling $100,000 to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security and for a budget amendment of $50,000; the first amendment to the ARPA subrecipient agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta/Malon D. Mimms Boys and Girls Club to add additional scope of work; the countywide Equal Employment Opportunity Plan and EEO Utilization Report as required by the Prosecuting Attorney Council of Georgia in order to receive the Victim of Crime Act grants from the U.S. Department of Justice; calling for a public hearing on May 21 for proposed text amendments to the zoning ordinance related to non-conforming uses; calling for a public hearing to modify zoning conditions related to AOA Properties; and calling for a public hearing on May 21 regarding a board-initiated rezoning for 1.5 acres at 6699 Bells Ferry Road in addition to acquired right of way, as well as concurrent variances. Commissioner West made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Weatherby.
• Approved, 5-0, an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Nelson for animal control and impoundment services. Commissioner Carter made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Ragsdale.
• Approved, 5-0, an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Woodstock for animal control and impoundment services. Commissioner Ragsdale made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Carter.
• Approved, 5-0, a right-of-way acquisition fee schedule with Atlas Technical Consultants for the SR 140 at Univeter Road Intersection Improvement Project. The amount is not to exceed $299,900. Commissioner Weatherby made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Carter.
• Approved, 5-0, awarding a standard construction services agreement to Bartow Paving Company for the roundabout at East Cherokee Drive at Mill Creek Drive. The cost is $2.2 million. Bartow Paving was the low bidder. Commissioner Weatherby made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner West.
• Approved, 5-0, a request from Public Works to submit a list of 31 roadways and eight alternate roadways totaling 11.681 miles to the Georgia Department of Transportation for consideration under the 2024 Local Road Assistance Administration Funds for phase two of the 2024 resurfacing project. Commissioner Carter made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Weatherby.
• Approved, 5-0, a request from the Building Department to adopt local amendments to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code. Commissioner Weatherby made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Ragsdale.
• Approved, 5-0, a request from Information Technology for renewal of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement for three years through authorized reseller Dell Technologies, the lowest priced vendor. The amount is $540,425. Commissioner Ragsdale made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Carter.
• Approved, 5-0, a request from Property Management to enter into a professional services agreement with Bug Busters, Inc. for pest control services for all county facilities. The cost is $35,200. Commissioner Weatherby made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Ragsdale.
• Approved, 5-0, a request from Senior Services to purchase a Ford Escape, from a yet to be determined dealership, at a not-to-exceed cost of $27,840. Commissioner Carter made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Weatherby.
• Approved, 5-0, a request from the Building Department to purchase one Ford Ranger pick-up from Krause Family Ford in the amount of $37,753. Commissioner Ragsdale made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Carter.
• Approved, 5-0, a condemnation resolution authorizing the county to proceed with the condemnation process for parcels 13 of the SR 140 at Batesville Road and Hickory Road Intersection Improvement Project. Commissioner Weatherby made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Carter.