In their final regular meeting of 2023, Gilmer County commissioners dealt with a stuffed stocking of issues.
Items on the agenda ranged from bridges to bike trails and new people and new convenience center hours for Yukon Road.
Commissioners passed the second reading of two ordinances, one dealing with crypto and data mining operations in the county and a land use ordinance which contained changes dealing with the same issue.
Voting almost hit a snag when Gilmer County Emergency Management Director Keith Kucera told the board he had concerns about the power usage of crypto and data mining organizations. He said he would like assurances from the power companies regular power usage would not be affected by the operations during emergencies.
He said places such as Murphy, N.C., which had operations in place had experienced sudden power outages.
Gilmer County Attorney David Clark told commissioners since the ordinances were in the second reading, they would either have to pass them or not, but they could not be held up or altered.
Commissioners could pass the ordinance and make alterations in the future, he said.
Both ordinances passed unanimously.
Planning and zoning fees
Commissioners unanimously approved an increase in the fees charged by the planning and zoning department of the county.
Discussion about increasing the fees came about during budget meetings as the county sought to make the department self-sustaining.
Master plan
Commissioners voted to approve a recommendation to award a contract for developing a master plan for the county Parks and Recreation department.
CPL Architecture led the scoring system out of five firms following presentations to the selection committee.
The scoring system used took price, presentation and other factors into account. Members of the selection committee included the three commissioners and two members from the parks and recreation advisory board.
Cost for the plan will be in the $75,000 range.
Swimming pool
Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris said the newly constructed county swimming pool is undergoing a second test for water loss.
The pool failed the first test. Remediation was done, and the pool was refilled for the second test.
Paris said once a successful test is held, the pool will be drained and coated.
Other business
﹣ Kelly Pickering was named as the new director for the county animal shelter.
﹣ Beginning in January the convenience center located on Yukon Road will be open six days each week.
﹣ Culverts to replace two bridges on Rock Creek Road have been installed and will be paved when warmer weather allows.
﹣ Demolition of Lower Cartecay Bridge is almost complete. A new bridge will be built in its place.