Next year for extra North Hall Park acre

GAINESVILLE - Getting that additional acre of land for the controversial North Hall Park now has to wait until next year when two new Hall County commissioners take office; commissioners agreed to table the issue at the last meeting of the year Thursday night.

Commissioners discussed condemning the land because the county and the land owner could not agree on a price; It may not be necessary to condemn the property according to County Attorney Bill Blalock; the County needed the extra land because part of the North Hall site is in a flood plain.

"We're going to be able to work it out," Blalock said. "The condemnation will probably not be needed, we're discussing and negotiating."

Incoming new commissioners have vowed to move the North Hall library to Clermont where city officials claimed the county promised it would locate.

UPCOMING MEDIATION

Commission Chairman Tom Oliver called on county commissioners and the public to attend next February's mediation between the county and the City of Gainesville over the Cedar Creek Reservoir and that the mediation sessions are open to the public.

The mediation concerns the city's right to draw water from Cedar Creek; the County built and owns the reservoir and Oliver said the City wants to draw the water without paying for it because of a 2006 lease agreement.

"We're saying we need a formula whereby you pay us a certain amount for the water and in turn resell it," Oliver said.

The City plans to build a treatment plant and distribution lines at Cedar Creek; commissioners unanimously approved Oliver's motion.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS UPGRADE

Commissioners heard how the county could save money with a communications and computer system upgrade as they plan to move into their new administration building, the Liberty Mutual Building, next year. Milwaukee, Wisconsin consultant Gerritt Holgerson said the building is high tech and computer friendly; also the county would save by consolidating systems.

"That's the way technology is going and I think it's also the way you save money," Holgerson said. "In essence get more for less."

Holgerson said he should present final recommendations and cost estimates this month.

COMMISSION FAREWELLS

Thursday night's Hall County Commission meeting was the final meeting of the year and the final session for outgoing commissioners Steve Gailey and Bobby Banks. Gailey gave his farewell remarks Monday, saying he likely would not attend the meeting because of an out of town business trip. Banks drew thanks from fellow commissioners and staff for his service.

"I really have enjoyed my time on the Commission," Banks said. "It's been a pleasure serving South Hall and I want to thank the staff and all the employees of Hall County for their diligent service to the county."

Banks served four years on the commission board in District One; Gailey was District Three Commissioner for eight years. Banks was defeated in this year's Republican Primary by Craig Lutz who later prevailed in the General Election. Gailey chose not to seek re-election and he will be replaced by Scott Gibbs.