Walton County Quality Growth Committee

Minutes January 20, 2009

 

Attendees:

Committee members and associates: Karen Paul, Margaret Street, Ross Street, Frank Hilton, Michael Paul, Elsie Brooks, and Laura Templeton

Karen called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm. A sign-in sheet was circulated.

Agenda and minutes from November meeting were approved with no amendments.

Old Business

1. Planning and zoning applications review by committee: Karen will contact Mike and Charna for update on status.
   
    
2. Committee by-laws: Need to consider if we are indeed a “committee.” Would another status be more accurate – council, etc?
   
    
3. Communications: Karen reminded members to vote on approval of the minutes by email. Website is getting approximately 110 hits per month. Would like to get a column in the Tribune prior to the February meeting.
   
    
4. Presentation by Livable Communities Coalition: Karen has copies of their presentation from the November meeting. She will email copies to any who want them.

New Business

1. Quality Growth Committee overview: Karen provided a brief history of the QGC as well as its mission and goals.
   
    
2. Introduction of guests: Elsie Brooks, who lives on Glen Iris Drive in Monroe.
   
    
3. Elsie outlined her efforts at correcting several blighted areas on her street. She has spoken with various city officials (mayor, code officer, city councilman) but has not gotten problems corrected. Her biggest concern is that several homes do not comply with existing codes.

Karen stated her intention to drive by the area in question. She suggested that the QGC send letters to property owners involved. She can also contact city- and county-level officials to discuss the issues.

Margaret suggested that letters also be sent to the renters living in the homes. Is it possible that the county can clean up the properties in question and place a lien on the property to recoup the costs?

Else also mentioned that litter at intersection of Highways 11 and 78 was removed. Margaret believes that the Kiwanis Club may be working on that area.

 

4. Letters of commendation: Michael spoke with Councilman Chuck Bagley. He related that per District Manager Tony Stewart, Wal-mart is paying for the $40,000 in improvements to the Monroe store landscaping. Area looks much better, and they are still working on improvements. Suggestion was made that the QGC should recognize businesses such as Wal-mart for their efforts at beautification with the presentation of a certificate or plaque, as well as public recognition in The Walton Tribune.
   
    
5. Building alliances: Karen and Laura to meet with Chuck Leathery to discuss his ideas for committee growth. Karen is also reaching out to Chamber members and local churches to let them know that we welcome their participation. Everyone on the committee is urged to begin developing a personal invitation list from their address books and forward our announcements to them with a personal note.
   
    
6. Discussion of potential projects for QGC involvements:
   • Quality Growth Day – possibly in conjunction with Crepe Myrtle Festival or other county-wide event.
   • Recognition to local businesses such as Wal-mart.
   • Involvement with new park in Monroe – Michael suggested a fundraiser to purchase new trees for the park.
   • Partnership for Family and Children – Frank suggested a tie-in with this organization, as they are concerned with the quality of our county for families and children.
   • Walton Clean and Beautiful monthly meetings (1^st Wed of each month at Noon)
   • Friends of Walton County
   • Parks and Recreation – specifically park near the county airport and at Blasingame Lake in need of repairs.
   • Frank Hilton suggested that we research expanded training courses for our committee members in furthering quality growth initiatives..

7. Karen will schedule meeting with Kevin Little to discuss issues raised at tonight’s meeting.

In closing, Karen recapped five main issues for follow-up: Parks and Recreation, Walton Clean & Beautiful, Elsie Brooks’ issues, possible training for committee members, schedule meeting with Kevin Little

Karen adjourned the meeting at 8:10 pm.