McCaysville park draws concerns

Park: Event ordinance next step for McCaysville city council

  • McCaysville City Council members Billy Wayne Chastain and Susan Kiker raised concerns over trucks and trailers taking up space and blocking the entrance to the main pavilion at the Toccoa River Park. This was the scene early one morning after the council meeting when they voiced their concerns. Signs will be posted to stop the problem and police officers will be enforcing the order.
    McCaysville City Council members Billy Wayne Chastain and Susan Kiker raised concerns over trucks and trailers taking up space and blocking the entrance to the main pavilion at the Toccoa River Park. This was the scene early one morning after the council meeting when they voiced their concerns. Signs will be posted to stop the problem and police officers will be enforcing the order.
  • Police Chief Michael Earley raised concerns over the appearance of the overgrown sidewalks in McCaysville as the Independence Day celebration approaches. He cited both the appearance and safety hazard.
    Police Chief Michael Earley raised concerns over the appearance of the overgrown sidewalks in McCaysville as the Independence Day celebration approaches. He cited both the appearance and safety hazard.

    Concerns over parking and late night noise at the Toccoa River Park arose among McCaysville City Council members when they met in regular session Tuesday, June 11.

    Councilman Billy Wayne Chastain said there is a problem with vehicles belonging to fishing guides taking up multiple spaces at the river takeout at the park. He said they sometimes block access to the main pavilion, and it was also pointed out that they take up two spaces with their trailers.

    The vehicles are left at the park early in the morning and often stay for the majority of the day.

    Councilwoman Susan Kiker said she had witnessed a problem with a Mineral Springs van having to unload at the opposite site of the pavilion, which is not nearly as accessible, because of the vehicles.

    Police Chief Michael Earley said it would be easy enough for the vehicles to park across East Market Street in the grassy lot. He said he knew most of the commercial guides and would contact them and explain the situation.

    The city will also erect signs prohibiting such parking and, once erected, police officers will enforce the rule.

    Kiker also reported she was contacted regarding a late night party with loud music going on at one of the pavilions until 9:30 or 9:45 p.m.

    The pavilions are rented until 9 p.m. for gatherings. Problems should be reported to the police department.

    Mayor Jason Woody noted that sometimes folks might still be around cleaning up for a few minutes after an event ended and that shouldn’t create a problem.

    Council members also heard a request from the North Georgia Autism Foundation to hold a fundraiser in the park from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. that would include food trucks and music. Proceeds would go to the foundation.

    Chastain hesitated over the request, saying the city would be “setting a precedent” by allowing such an event.

    Woody countered, “I don’t see a problem with having events” at the park.

    Kiker said the city doesn’t want to become like Blue Ridge.

    After some discussion, it was agreed for City Attorney Cortney Stuart to create an Event Ordinance.

    Woody concluded, “I don’t have a problem with events at the park at all, but we do need some management.”

    In other council action, Woody said he is working on the sewer agreement with Copperhill. Its approval was set to be decided in a Special Called Meeting Tuesday, June 18.

    The council also approved the statewide Mutual Aid Agreement through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. In the event a state of emergency was to be declared in McCaysville, resources such as fire, police and emergency medical services could be sent from other parts of the state.