Questions answered by Lamar Paris, County Commissioner
Q. Are there age limitations on mobile homes being brought into our county?
A. There has been an ordinance in place since 1995 that states no mobile home over 7 years old could be brought into Union County without a variance. However, due to a new law passed by the Legislature this year, they have taken this ability away from counties. We can and are in the process of setting up new strict health and safety guidelines, but can no longer use age as the only criteria.
However, stricter permits and inspections will be required prior to bringing a mobile home into Union County or moving one within the county. If you are considering a move, please contact the Building Inspection Dept. (706-439-6045) for details of the new ordinance.
Q. When will the new mobile home law take effect?
A. It will take effect September 1, 2010. We will be having a first reading of our new ordinance to protect the health and safety of not only those who would move a mobile home to or within the county, but to protect those who ultimately will actually live in the units. Our first reading of the new ordinance will be this Thursday, July 15 at the county meeting with the second reading and adoption of the ordinance following in one month at our next county meeting on August 17. The proposed ordinance will be available at the commissioner’s office in the courthouse next Monday. The new ordinance will take effect a few days prior to the old ordinance expiring on September 1st.
Q. What type of business is conducted in the Magistrate Office?
A. Magistrate Judge Johnie Garmon, along with Judge Timothy Grizzle and Judge Teresa Collins and clerk Barbara Holbrooks run a 24/7/365 operation. Arrest warrants, search warrants and other violations can happen any time, day or night, or on the weekend, and usually do. A report by Judge Garmon’s office shows the following Magistrate Criminal Cases from January 1,2010 through June 30, 2010 (six months): 240 felony arrest warrants, 295 misdemeanor arrest warrants, 18 search warrants, 6 first appearance hearings, 43 commitments, 13 ordinance violations, 94 misdemeanor citations, 9 extradition hearings and 90 miscellaneous first appearances. Much of this is going on by our Sheriff’s Dept. and Magistrate’s office while we are sleeping. This amount of crime is one reason that public safety cost the taxpayers so much money
Q. What is the county doing about stolen street signs?
A. As you have heard me say before, stolen street signs are a tremendous public safety issue. We have offered rewards and continue to prosecute those who are guilty, as severely as possible. However, the problem has not gone away. The latest person caught stealing a street sign received a $ 2,000 fine, 40 hours community service, one day in jail, and a court record. We take this very seriously!!
This person could have come to the Road Dept. and paid $ 20.00 and we would have made him a sign just like the one he stole, except it would not be broken. What seems like a meaningless prank to some is a severe safety hazard and prevents or delays homes and patients from being located quickly in an emergency. It is also a tremendous cost to taxpayers.
Last week someone stole 32 road signs off almost every road along Hwy 60 and 180 in Suches. We have not found the thief yet, but the county is offering a $ 5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction. WE TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUSLY !!
If you have not spoken to your children or young adults about stealing street signs, it would be a good time to start. However, most who have been caught have been legal though relatively young adults.
Q. We saw a lot of folks at the Dog Park a couple of weeks ago. What was going on?
A. There was a Disc Golf Tournament. The county property located next to the North Georgia Technical College, known as the Dog Park, serves double duty as a Disk Golf Course. It is a game played similar to golf, except instead of putting your ball in a hole, your disc (Frisbee) must land in a basket with chains around it to help it land correctly. Each hole is different and has a different par or number of throws allowed for you to make a low score.
It is easy to play and the equipment is relatively inexpensive. What is more impressive, it cost nothing to play, at least for now.
Q. Why would anyone want to play this game?
A. It is fun, first of all. You do not have to be strong, big and mean to play. You simply need to enjoy being out in nature and experiencing the beautiful scenery as you play the game. It has 18 holes, like golf, and it has different tee locations, based on your ability. It is designed to be user friendly for kids and adults alike and is great exercise. It is ideal for a family game.
Q. Is our Disc Golf Course difficult to play?
A. From the longer tees, it is challenging, but much easier from the front tees. It has a great reputation as being one of the best in the area. In fact, the tournament held two weeks ago had people from 60 different cities/counties in Georgia and others from Tenn., NC, Florida and Oregon. The total number playing was 70. The contestants that had never been here before were very impressed with the course layout.
Q. How can we learn how to play Disc Golf?
A. The Union County Recreation Dept will have a Disc Golf class in the next several weeks. Just call their office at 706-439-6074 for details. Also, you can call Matthew Mashburn at 706-897-8291and he will be glad to give you more information if you are interested. He is one of our local Disc Golf advocates and stars. You can use regular Frisbees to begin with, but will want special disc as your skill improves.