Mt. Airy moves forward on playground, paving; public works director resigns

MT. AIRY, Ga. — The Mt. Airy City Council on Monday approved new playground equipment, agreed to partner with Habersham County on paving projects, and accepted the resignation of its public works director.

Council members unanimously awarded a $9,350 contract to AAA State of Play Commercial Playground Equipment for materials for a new playground at Mt. Airy Park. The bid was significantly lower than others because it did not include installation.

Mayor Adam Tullis said the city could seek a local contractor to handle installation at a later date. The council voted to bid out that portion of the project separately.

Paving partnership aimed at cutting costs

The council also agreed to move forward with a plan to partner with Habersham County on

upcoming paving projects, a move officials say will make it easier to secure bids and reduce costs.

Tullis told the council the city has struggled to attract contractors due to the small size of its paving projects.

“We had trouble getting people to bid on our paving projects because they’re not very large,” he said, noting that one previous round of bids took more than a year to receive responses.

Under the proposed arrangement, the county would include Mt. Airy’s paving needs in its larger bid package, allowing the city to pay its share of the work.

“I’ve talked to the county — they’ve agreed to put our paving projects on theirs … we can just pay our part, easier for us to get our projects,” Tullis said.

He added there is a time constraint, with the county expected to open bids around April 15.

“If we’re going to go this route, we’re pretty well committed to whatever the bid results are,” Tullis said.

As part of the discussion, the council also reviewed funding options for resurfacing Wilson Road. Tullis said the city plans to use $32,953.29 in state MRA funds — which require no local match — toward the project, along with SPLOST funds to cover any remaining costs.

The council approved that plan without objection.

GMA agreement to review utility fees

Council members also agreed to move forward with an agreement with the Georgia Municipal Association for telecommunications and right-of-way management services.

Tullis said the program would help the city audit utility providers operating within public rights-of-way to ensure all applicable fees are being paid.

“They go in basically and audit it and see who’s not paying,” he said.

The service costs a little more than $1,000 per year and carries no long-term obligation. Tullis said it could also help the city update outdated franchise agreements — some of which date back decades — and assist with drafting any needed ordinances related to fees and maintenance.

The council raised no objections to moving forward with the agreement.

Public works director resigns

Following an executive session, the council accepted the resignation of Public Works Director Daniel Johnson.

In a letter submitted to the city, Johnson said he had accepted another professional opportunity and expressed appreciation for his time working with the town.

Tullis told the council Johnson had done a great job for Mt. Airy and said the city wishes him well in his next role.

Johnson will remain in his position until a replacement is found.