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COMMUNITY OUTREACH NEWSLETTER
"Working Together to Make a Positive Difference in the Community"
Quarterly Newsletter, Summer Edition
A Publication from the Office of the County Administrator | |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO
CAMDEN COUNTY GOVERNMENT'S EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER! |
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Camden County Government's Employee Recognition Committee is pleased to announce that Conn Cole has been chosen as the Employee of the Quarter for the 4th Quarter of Fiscal Year 2009.
Conn is a diligent and motivated employee within the Planning & Development Department where customer service is essential to his workday. He performs outstanding service to the citizens of Camden County as he inspects development sites countywide to ensure they are compliant with state and local erosion and sedimentation control laws.
Conn volunteers his time as the Deputy Director for the Camden County Emergency Management Agency in an effort to help protect families and businesses in the time of a natural or man-made crisis.
Conn complements his employees in the Planning & Development Department as one of the key players in a successful team. He also works tirelessly throughout the natural landscape of Camden County educating property owners and developers about the importance of environmental and habitat preservation.
The Board of County Commissioners acknowledge Conn Cole's service to the community, and express our appreciation for his dedication!
Congratulations Conn!
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| "Great Customer Service is the Cornerstone of Every Successful Organization!" |
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Please click on the link below to complete Camden County's customer service survey.
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Free Prescription Discount Cards Available to Camden County Residents
| Click on the image above to view more information about this service. |
| Report A Concern |
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The Camden County Fix It Form will help us identify a problem in your area -- and fix it fast. Should a problem require urgent attention, please call us immediately. For a police emergency, dial 911. Otherwise, call (912) 576-5601.
The Fix It Form can be found on Camden County's website, by clicking on the "Report A Concern" tab on the left side of the homepage. |
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Annual Fishing Derby Held |
Camden's MSW Landfill held its 17th annual Fishing Derby on June 6, 2009. In January every year, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) brings in baby catfish which are grain fed and ready for the Fishing Derby in June. This event not only brings great fun and excitement for the children, but also for the volunteers. |
2009 Little Angler Winners
(Picutred with Lannie Brant, Director of Solid Waste)
Most Fish Caught
Christopher Wentworth - 108
Largest Fish Caught
Tyler Mancil - 18 1/2"
Youngest Angler
Hunter Neves - 2 1/2
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Important Dates to Remember |
Commissioners' Meeting
July 14, 2009, 6 PM
Commissioners' Meeting
August 4, 2009, 6 PM
Commissioners' Meeting
August 18, 2009, 6 PM
Commissioners' Meeting
September 1, 2009, 6 PM
County Business Offices are CLOSED
September 7, 2009
Commissioners' Meeting
September 15, 2009, 6 PM |
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"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."
~ Henry Ford | |
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Camden County's
Frequently Called Numbers |
911 Non-Emergency
(912) 729-1442
Animal Control
(912) 576-7395
Board of County Commissioners
(912) 576-5601
Clerk of Superior Court
(912) 576-5631
Construction & Demolition (C&D) Landfill Site
(912) 576-9374
Curbside Collection
(912) 510-6881
Dept. of Family & Children Services
(912) 729-4583
District Attorney
(912) 576-3704
Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
(912) 729-5602
Environmental Health
(912) 729-6012
Extension Agency (4-H)
(912) 576-3219
Fire Rescue/EMS Non-Emergency
(912) 729-3911
Forestry
(912) 576-5387
GA Dept. of Driver Services (DMV)
(912) 729-1362
Health Department
Kingsland
(912) 729-4554
Health Department
St. Marys
(912) 882-8515
Health Department
Woodbine
(912) 576-3040
Juvenile Court
(912) 576-3226
Magistrate Court
(912) 576-5658
Mosquito Control
(912) 729-4823
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfill
(912) 729-4099
Planning & Development
(912) 729-5603
Probate Court
(912) 576-3785
Public Defender
(912) 673-9488
Public Service Authority (PSA)
(912) 729-5600
Public Works
(912) 576-3028
Registrar
(912) 576-3245
Sheriff's Office
(912) 510-5100
Tax Assessor
(912) 576-3241
Tax Commissioner
(912) 576-3248 |
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| Board of County Commissioners |
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A MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR |
 The Fiscal Year 2010 Budget was adopted on June 2, 2009 by the Board of County Commissioners. This budget proved to be very challenging based on revenue projections. The County is forced to operate with a budget that is $1.8 million less than last year's budget. A copy of the adopted FY 2010 Budget has been linked to the County's homepage, or you may click here to view it. We need to remain focused and be proactive, advancing the organization's core mission.
Camden County's Citizens' Academy is in full swing! For those who are not familiar with the Citizens' Academy, it is a free, interactive program designed to familiarize the general public with the roles, services, and operations that comprise Camden County Government. The program focuses on educating residents, business owners, and interested persons who work in Camden County on how daily County Government operations contribute to building a better community. To date, an orientation session and two regular class sessions have been held. There are 18 class participants of various backgrounds and organizations throughout the community. For more information about the Citizens' Academy, please click the following link: Camden County's Citizens' Academy.
We are currently in the 2009 hurricane season. "BE SAFE BY BEING PREPARED!" It is very important that we treat hurricane season seriously. We should take steps now to prepare our families and businesses for such an event. A link to Camden County's Hurricane Guide 2009 can be found in the Spotlight on Emergency Management Agency article below.
I hope you enjoy and find knowledge throughout the Summer Edition of the Community Outreach newsletter. On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, we look forward to working in partnership with you as we continue to move Camden County forward.
Sincerely,
County Administrator |
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SPOTLIGHT ON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY |
 The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is responsible for the management of all emergency preparedness programs within the County. Using the provisions of Georgia statues, the Agency is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive:
- Disaster planning
- Mitigation
- Response activities within Camden County
June 1st was the official start of hurricane season. Please click on the link below to view Camden County's Hurricane Guide 2009 provided to you by the Board of County Commissioners and Mark Crews, Director of Emergency Management Agency.
Mark Crews, Director107 N. Gross Road, Suite 1 Kingsland, Georgia 31548
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A Message from the new Executive Director of the Joint Development Authority |
 The Mission of the Joint Development Authority is to promote Camden County to expand and diversify the economy and stimulate the creation of quality employment opportunities to provide a better quality of life for citizens by serving as a conduit of:
- Bonds and creative financing
- Tax credits, abatements, and fee incentives
- Development and deal structuring expertise
The JDA jointly represents the entire county, including the Cities of Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine, and also works with other local, regional, and state partners to promote the area. The JDA has been given special powers and incentive by State and County legislation to promote and attract business to the community.
I am so excited to be in Camden County. I believe it is one of the best located communities in Georgia and is poised for a future of growth and prosperity. The industrial outlook for the area is great. Camden County is strategically located between the bustling sea ports of Jacksonville and Brunswick and offers quick and convenient access to the Jacksonville International Airport; which is just twenty miles nearby. It is an emerging warehouse and distribution hub with extensive access to and frontage along Interstate 95 and US Highway 17; close proximity to Interstates 10 and 16; extensive rail service; and lower fuel taxes than neighboring Florida. The County also boasts land available for use, access to abundant utilities, and infrastructure ready to serve the needs of expanding and relocating industry.
The quality of life available in Camden County is impressive. The County's top notch school system has been awarded numerous accolades and opportunities for higher education are plentiful; including technical training schools and four year colleges. The County is the gateway to the Cumberland Island National Seashore and affords residents and visitors with excellent fishing, boating, parks, and recreational opportunities. There are a variety of housing and shopping options available to residents, and a regional medical center provides access to a variety of medical specialties.
Of course, the area's most valued economic asset in the County is the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay (NSBKB) and the quality men and women who work there; both military and civilian. NSBKB offers the potential of expanded roles and missions in the future due to its excellent and secure warm water port and close proximity to other key transport and operational/command facilities; such as those located at the Marine Depot on Blount Island and the Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville. The spouses of service men and women and retiring military personnel also help constitute a skilled and disciplined workforce ready to meet the needs of business and industry.
Certainly, we face many current challenges to overcome; including a deep recessionary economy, limited resources, and a history of mixed messages. However, we have the assets to move forward to a prosperous future; including an excellent location, skilled workforce, abundant water and natural resources, interstate highways and rail, and pro-growth government and business leadership.
I look forward to working with you in the future to make Camden an even better place to live and work.
Sincerely,
Joint Development Authority
(912) 729-7201 |
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Master Land Use Plan - Get Involved! |
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What is the land use classification for your property? Should it be changed or are you satisfied with its designation as described?
 The Camden County Board of Commissioners would like to invite any interested citizens and/or business owners to get involved in the development of the county's first Master Land Use Plan. Bill Ross of Ross & Associates, Inc., recognized as one of the leading land use planners in the entire State of Georgia, will be leading this planning process in addressing the relationship between future population growth projections and available developable land in the unincorporated areas of Camden County. Mr. Ross' firm authored the County's Unified Development (Zoning) Code and the Development Impact Fee Program which were both adopted by the Board of Commissioners in 2008.
The Master Land Use Plan process is expected to be completed within a 2-3 month timeframe. The Master Land Use Plan initiative was in part proposed based on recommendations derived from the creation of the Camden County Joint Comprehensive Plan; where the need for a Future Land Use Map was viewed as a high priority. The Future Land Use Map is a visual tool informing the public of what specific land use categories are established for all land parcels throughout Camden County. The Future Land Use Map designation may be either similar or different from the categories noted on the Camden County Zoning Map.
It is projected by 2030 the population throughout the county will reach over 70,000 residents. Coastal Georgia is becoming an increasingly popular area for people to both visit and relocate in the future. The attraction to Coastal Georgia heightens the importance that Camden County residents need to work in a coordinated manner to decide where future growth should occur and what areas should be permanently protected. The Master Land Use Plan process will help the Board of Commissioners decide on the merits of land use and zoning decisions that will affect future generations of Camden County citizens.
Let your voice be heard, join us in shaping the Master Land Use Plan for Camden County! |
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Pictorial History Book Will Capture Family Life in Camden |
 The Bryan-Lang Historical Library and the Tribune & Georgian newspaper are partnering together to publish a pictorial history book of photos of family history in Camden County from the past up to the 1990s.
Interested individuals may drop their photos off at the Tribune & Georgian office, 206,Osborne St., St. Marys, (912) 882-4927, or the Bryan-Lang Historical Library, 311 Camden Ave., Woodbine, (912) 576-5841. The deadline to submit photos for review is August 20, 2009.
D-Books Publishing Inc. of Marceline, Mo., will be publishing the history book.
Suggestions: Family photos, old weddings, fish fries. Famous visitors. Local characters. Old school and church photos including camp meetings, revivals, baptisms in the river. Storms, rescues. Milestones in county history (medical facilities, shrimp, timber, paper and chemical industries, farming, bridge openings, school openings, Navy buildup). Recreation from sandlot baseball to boating, hunting, swimming and horseback riding and travels on Cumberland Island.
Photo handling: Photos will be held at the Tribune office until they are reviewed and digitally scanned. Owners will be called when they are ready to be picked up.
To order a book: Call or stop by the Tribune & Georgian office, $24.95 in advance, $34.95 after publication.
For more information, please contact the Tribune & Georgian at (912) 882-4927 or the Bryan Lang Library at (912) 576-5841. You may also click on the link below to view the full article published by The Tribune & Georgian newspaper on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 and written by Susan Respess.
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Award Winning Year for Camden County Government |
The last several months have provided for some exciting moments for Camden County employees and the community. Over the past few months, Camden County has been the proud recipient of two grants and four national awards.
 In March, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs awarded Camden County the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant for its innovative collaborative project in partnership with the Cities of Fitzgerald, Darien and Brunswick. This grant will enable Camden County to provide down payment assistance to qualified buyers of nine (9) foreclosed homes in Camden County of approximately $11,951.00 per home. The receipt of this grant has the ability to assist families in Camden County realize the dream of home ownership.
(click to view)
In June, the Camden County Board of Commissioners received notice from Georgia Department of Natural Resources that after review by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, a recommendation has been made to the U.S. Environmental Protection Division to fund the Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant to Strengthen Erosion & Sedimentation Control Enforcement in Camden County. This project has been recommended for funding with a federal budget of $141,698.00 over a three year period.
Additionally, Camden County received notification in June that the National Association of Counties (NACo) had selected four county programs to receive national recognition. These programs included: Open Communications in Government, Institute of Organizational Excellence, Strategic Planning Initiative, and Suggestions To Assist in Reduced Spending (STARS). The recognition of these programs by NACo, validates all of the hard work and dedication of our employees, as their success is directly attributable to the efforts of each of our employees.
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 The deadline for the "Showcase Camden County" Photo Contest has been extended to September 30, 2009!
This contest calls for amateur and professional photographers to submit their best photos of Camden County, Georgia and its activities, attractions and events, as well as historic and scenic locations.
Camden County's natural landscapes and unique events provide limitless creative inspiration to individuals that enjoy seeing the world through the lens of a camera. Example subjects might include downtown areas, museums, historical markers, parks,  and activities such as boating, biking, hiking and others. Also, local festivals and fairs would be ideal subject matter.
These photos will be used by the Camden County Board of County Commissioners in its ongoing promotions. Appropriate credit will be given to photographers when their photos are used. The winning photographs will be showcased at Camden County's new Government Services Complex as well as various other locations throughout Camden County.
 Prizes will be awarded in each of the two categories: amateur and professional. The first place award will be a $100 prize package and second and third place winners will receive special gift prizes. Those 17 and under will require parent/guardian consent on the entry form.
Each entry must include either an 8x10 print and a negative or, if submitting a digitial image, it must be at least 300 dpi and must be submitted on a disk accompanied by an 8x10 print. A completed entry form must be submitted with each photograph. If submitting multiple entries, each print should be numbered to match a corresponding entry form. Prints, disks and/or negatives will not be returned.
The deadline to submit photos is September 30, 2009.
Entries should be dropped off at or mailed to:
Camden County Board of County Commissioners
c/o Katie Bishop
P.O. Box 99
Woodbine, GA, 31569
Get Out and Take Your Best Shot!
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Calling ALL Local Artists |
 Great News! We have our first participant in the Calling All Local Artist project! Pete Krawiec, a local artist in Camden County, has submitted six (6) pieces of his artwork to hang in the Government Services Complex. On Wednesday, June 17, 2009, Mr. Krawiec, as well as Steve Howard,County Administrator, were interviewed by Ryan Duffy of FCN regarding this external communication project and the benefits of showcasing the beauty of local artwork in County buildings at no costs to the taxpayers. Mr. Krawiec's artwork is currently displayed in the Commissioners' meeting room, as well as in the lobby upstairs. Be sure to stop by and check it out!
"Calling All Local Artists" is an effort to encourage local artists, here in Camden County, to submit their artwork to be displayed in the Government Services Complex located in Woodbine, Georgia.
For more information and to submit an artwork entry form, please click on the link below:
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"Peaches On My Mind" Camden County's Exhibition of Local Flavor Well Recieved |
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On Friday, May 29, 2009, Camden County Government participated in the Key Ingredients: America by Food traveling exhibition by hosting "Peaches on My Mind" Camden County's Exhibition of Local Flavor. The event was held from11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, at the Satilla Waterfront Park in Woodbine. Over 30 peach-themed recipes were entered into the contest and were prepared for the judges and all those who attended to taste. Judges were David L. Rainer, Chair, Board of County Commissioners; Annette Thomas, Camden County Employee; David Keating, JDA Director; and Randy Horne of K-Bay 106.3. Winners of the three recipe categories are:
Best Drink - "Georgia Peach Punch" prepared by Kelly Wagner
Best Appetizer - "Spicy Peach Shrimp Cocktail" prepared by Kevin Berry, Seagle's Café
Best Dessert - "Sunset Peach Pie" prepared by Tami Holubar
The winners received a special "peach" themed gift basket and ribbon, and were also recognized with a certificate at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, June 2nd. Each of the winning recipes were prepared and brought to the Board meeting for the citizens to sample. Kevin Berry, Chef and Manager of Seagle's Café stated, "I created a seasonally inspired recipe to complement our traditional seafood fare. I wanted to submit an appetizer that showcased the coastal flavors we offer our guests at Seagle's Cafe."
Peach Recipes
"Cala Sandwiches" by Pauline Butler Heritage Wedding Chapel
"Crunchy Munchy Peach Cobbler" by Bobbi Owens
"Energizing Peach Iced Tea" by Ashley Halliday
"Georgia On My Mind Pound Cake" by Terry Huggins & Jordan McCahan
"Georgia Peach Drink" by Julie Swick
"Georgia Peach Pound Cake" by Dianne Drawdy
"Georgia Peach Punch" by Kelly Wagner
"Georgia Peach Soup" by Marianne's Sterling's Southern Café
"Grilled Peach Salad" by Alison Crews
"Peach & Almond Baked Brie" by Paula Amari
"Peach Betty Dessert" by MJ Manning
"Peach Blossom" by Marianne's Sterling's Southern Café
"Peach Cobbler" by Aunt B's
"Peach Dump Cake" by Michelle Preston
"Peach Gazpacho w/Duck Liver & Briche French Toast" by Borrell Creek
"Peach Jelly Chews" by Jeanine Kabasakalian
"Peach n' Cream Roll" by Kayla Gregory
"Peach Puffs w/Peach Dipping Sauce" by Sarah Cortez
"Peach Salsa" by Alison Crews
"Peaches & Cream Bread Pudding w/Amaretto Sauce" by Mary Hoover
"Peaches & Cream Casserole" by Valerie Evans Goddard
"Peaches & Cream Cheese Cake" by Katherine Nisi Zell
"Peaches & Cream Pie" by Brenda Amerson
"Peaches & Cream Upside Down Cake" by Terri Keller
"Peachy Lemonade" by Bobbi Owens
"Spicy Peach Shrimp Cocktail" by Kevin Berry, Seagle's Café
"Summer Chilled Minty Peach Soup" by Ashley Halliday
"Summer Peach Salsa" by Kelly Wagner
"Sunset Peach Pie" by Tami Holubar
"West Coast Peach Enchiladas" by Ashley Halliday
The Key Ingredients - America by Food tour has been made possible through the Georgia Humanities Council along with the Smithsonian Institute. "The Camden County Communications Committee was very excited to be a part of this nationally recognized event. It gave us the opportunity to showcase Camden County's food culture and spotlight some of the local talent found right here in Camden County," said Staci Bowick, Chair of the Communications Committee. |
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Helping Other People Everyday (H.O.P.E.) |
 The Camden County Employees H.O.P.E. Committee actively participated in the Camden County Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society, on May 1st and 2nd. With the help of all of its members, fellow county employees, residents and visitors of Camden County, our team raised in excess of $5,400 and we will continue to raise money for this worthwhile cause through mid-August. The results of the "Take a Chance" basket drawings are posted on our website at www.co.camden.ga.us on the charity committee web page - congratulations to the winners!
Donations can continue to be made through the Board of Commissioners Office. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Diana Smith at (912) 576-6773.
We look forward to giving back to our community through other initiatives throughout the year and hope to make a difference now and in many years to follow. On behalf of the H.O.P.E. Committee, we would like to thank all of those who attended this event and helped contribute to its success. County Administrator Steve L. Howard stated, "I commend the committee for their tireless efforts on this most recent initiative. They truly set an example of making a difference in our community for others to follow."
(Pictured above from left to right: Michelle Preston, Susan Conaway, Dusty Copeland, Briana Gadson, Audrey Michelle, Staci Bowick, Bobbie Jo Tyler, Julie Swick (Team Captain), Chris Goebel, Beth Soles, Kathy Strickland, Scott Brazell, Carol Daley, Diana Smith (Team Captain), Jennifer Carver, Kim Horne, Keri Moreland, and Lannie Brant) |
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Board of County Commissioners 2009 Calendar |
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As always, one of our goals is to ensure we are providing the citizens of Camden County information and a better understanding of current issues involving Camden County Government. I hope you enjoyed reading our Summer Edition of the Community Outreach newsletter and found it informative. I encourage and value your feedback and any input you may have to help us improve it in the future.
Please let us know what you think by taking our SURVEY!
By working together Camden County can continue to be
"Georgia's Coastal Community of Choice". |
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VISION "Helping to make Camden County the best place to be by preserving and enhancing the history and quality of life while promoting smart growth and providing an efficient, effective and responsive government."
It is the mission of Camden County Government to provide responsive, innovative, and cost effective services, promote smart growth, effectively communicate with the community, improve infrastructure and technology, preserve the health, welfare, safety, and environment while maintaining the outstanding quality of life that makes our county a desirable place to live and work.
VALUES
The Board of County Commissioners and employees of Camden County are committed to the following values:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Service
- Accountability
- Teamwork
- Balance
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Do you have great news? Please share it with us! If you would like to provide information to be included in this newsletter, please contact Julie Swick at (912) 510-0464. |
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