The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will discuss recycling and consider a retreat development in North Habersham County on Monday, May 19. The commission will hold a work session and its regular meeting on Monday. Both meetings will be held in the Habersham County Courthouse Jury Assembly Room located at 295 Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville.
The evening will begin with a work session at 5:30 p.m., during which commissioners will hold a discussion on recycling. The work session will serve as an opportunity for the commissioners to receive information and updates on the county’s current recycling program.
Following the work session, the Board will hold its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m., where a full agenda of presentations, public hearings, and county business will be addressed.
Key agenda items for the regular commission meeting include:
Presentations & announcements:
Employee Spotlight honoring Lenay Gerrin from the Parks and Recreation Department.
A proclamation recognizing May 18–24, 2025, as Emergency Medical Services Appreciation Week.
A presentation from Johnna Anderson, founder of Self Discovery 24.
Public hearing
The Habersham County Commission will hold a public hearing for a Conditional Use Application CU-25-01, submitted by Jim Draper, seeking approval to establish a Christian retreat on over 73 acres at 735 Kennedy Mountain Road.
Residents will have an opportunity to speak in favor of or in opposition to the development.
The Planning Commission reviewed the application for the retreat during its May 6 meeting. The commission denied the request without giving a reason. The development includes the construction of 12 cabins on the property.
However, several residents in the area spoke in opposition to the development during the Planning Commission’s meeting.
County commissioners will have the opportunity to review the application, receive public input, and consider approving the applicants request or accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation
Consent agenda highlights
Approval of multiple executive and work session minutes.
Approval of a Land Use Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service for a helibase at the Habersham County Airport.
Awarding of bids for the airport lighting project and health department basement renovations.
Approval of an access easement with the Habersham County Board of Education for the future site of an animal shelter.
Employee insurance renewals for the upcoming fiscal year.
Review of alcohol license renewals for two local businesses.
Reports
The commission will receive updates from County Manager Tim Sims, Interim Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon, and Financial Administrator Kiani Holden.
Appointment
The commission will consider filling of a vacant seat on the AVITA Board.
New business
The commission will consider a proposal from Rochester for a traffic engineering study and potential installation of a traffic signal on US Hwy 441/SR 365 in Demorest. The new intersection would be located between Demorest. Mt. Airy Highway and GA 197.
The new signal and intersection would support future access to and from the new Habersham County Fire-EMS Headquarters on to GA 365. The new headquarters building will be located on E. Mize Road. The cost of the study will be $46,500.
The public is encouraged to attend both meetings. While the work session is informational, the regular meeting includes opportunities for public comment on agenda items not listed under public hearings.
