Camden CountyCamden County
Board of Commissioners
Community Outreach eNewsletter
  "Working together to make a positive difference in the community."  

 

 A Publication from the Office of the County Administrator - November 2015

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UPCOMING
 
Board of County Commissioners Meetings & Public Hearings
November 3rd
Regular BOCC Meeting 6:00PM
 

County Offices will be closed November 11th for Veterans Day
 
 
November 17th
Regular BOCC Meeting 6:00PM 
 

County Offices will be closed November 26th & 27th for Thanksgiving


December 8th
Regular BOCC Meeting 6:00PM


County Offices will be closed December 24th, 25th & 28th for Christmas



Government Services Complex
 200 E. 4th St.
Woodbine, GA 31569
   

  

"Great Customer Service is the Cornerstone of Every Successful Organization!"


 

Your Opinion Counts

Please click

 on the link below to complete Camden County's customer service survey.

 

 

Free Prescription Discount Cards Available to Camden County Residents

 

 

 Click on the image above to view more information about this service. 

 

Camden County Fire Rescue Seeking Volunteers

 

 

Camden County Fire Rescue is recruiting volunteer firefighters to be a part of the department. The volunteer firefighter program will be used to augment existing peronnel to meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

 

 

Visit the program website for the most current information.

 

 

Contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (912) 729-3911 for questions about this program.

        IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

 

 

Main Switchboard

576-5601

  

Administrator's Office

510-0464

 

 Animal Control

576-7395

 

Bryan Lang Historical Archives

576-5841

 

Camden Fire Rescue Main Office

729-3911

  

Camden Library

729-3741

 

 Camden Sheriff's Office

510-5100

 

 Clerk of Superior Court

576-5631

 

 County Clerk

576-5651

 

 Curbside Collections

510-6881

 

 Juvenile Court

576-3226

 

Magistrate Court

576-5658

  

Mosquito Control

729-4823

 

 Planning & Development

729-5603

 

 Probate Court

576-3785

 

 Public Works/Road Department

576-3028

 

  Solid Waste

729-4099

  

Tax Commissioner/Tag Office

576-3248

  

Tax Assessors

576-3241

  

UGA Extension Office

576-3219

 

Voters Registrars 

576-3245

 

 

 

A Message from the County Administrator
I am thrilled to release conceptual images of Spaceport Camden! To view these images and see what the Spaceport could look like up close is an important opportunity that we want to share with all stakeholders. These conceptually developed images allow us to actually visualize what the possibilities for the future could hold. All images can be viewed at www.spaceportcamden.us.
Recently, the Board of County Commissioners appointed Dr. Clay Montague to Chair the Environmental Sub Committee of the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee. I am pleased to have him on the team and I'm confident he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Spaceport Camden Project. Dr. Montague has over 30 years' experience as a university professor and coastal systems ecologist in the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering at the University of Florida. He also brings with him a wide array of coastal area experience as an environmental scientist, researcher, author of scientific papers, and consultant.
Dr. Montague will certainly be a tremendous asset to the newly formed Steering Committee, and along with him, nine other members were appointed to the Steering Committee at the October 20, 2015 regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting. We are excited to have these accomplished individuals serving on the committee and appreciate their valuable input.
We will be busy during the fall months preparing our Annual Report and reviewing our Strategic Plan, 2015 Action Agenda and Departmental accomplishments. The 2015 Annual Report will be released in January. The Strategic Plan, released in March 2015, has been a steady work in progress to achieving the outcome-based goals we set forth. This Plan is Camden County's blueprint for the future, our detailed roadmap, and a vital part of our success as we continue to move Camden forward and take control of our own destiny.
I'd like to wish a special congratulations to our most recent Citizen's Academy graduates. Nineteen local residents were presented with Certificates of Completion at an October 15th graduation ceremony that concluded an 8 week program they participated in. The course offered an in-depth look at their county government and the vital role it plays in their lives. I would encourage every citizen to consider participating in the upcoming January class. Congratulations again to our graduating class.
And most importantly, I would like to thank all Veterans for their service and dedication to our country.  The sacrifices made by these brave men and women, our military members, and families, have provided us with all the freedoms we have today in this great nation and I am forever thankful.
Wishing you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

Yours for a better Camden,

Steve L. Howard, ICMA-CM, CPM, CPPO
County Administrator
Celebrating Veterans Day
In the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. On November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time. In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed the day should be "filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory". There were plans for parades, public meetings and a brief suspension of business activities at 11am.
In 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and declared that the anniversary of the armistice should be commemorated with prayer and thanksgiving. The Congress also requested that the president should "issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples."
The Camden County Board of Commissioners would like to thank all Veterans for their service to our country.   The Board would like to recognize the tremendous sacrifices military members, veterans and their families have made for our great nation. Please join in showing appreciation for the brave women and men who have served in our country's armed forces.
"It is especially important for the younger generation to hear personal accounts and gain an appreciation for the past and the service of our veterans."
- Corbin B. Willis, veteran of World War II

Retired Educator's Day
The Camden County Board of Commissioners proclaimed November 1, 2015 as Retired Educator's Day during the Commissioners meeting held October 20, 2015.  
More than 105,000 retired educators have devoted their time, energies and talents to public education, providing the academic development of millions of outstanding Georgia citizens.  Retired educators touched and influenced the lives of generations of young people, motivating and inspiring their students to use their innate talents and abilities to the fullest and to become responsible, contributing citizens.
These retired educators possess valuable knowledge and use their lifetime of experience and skills to enrich the educational process in a variety of settings.  They often continue to be a major source of insight and direction in education for our state and nation.  Many also continue to serve in religious, civic, and political organizations.
For 58 years, the Georgia Retired Educators Association had dedicated its efforts to improving the welfare of retired educators and has provided opportunities fro them to become involved in community activities.
Georgia citizens are grateful for the work done by retired educators around the state and nation.  Commissioners would like to commend them for their time and commitment to bettering our country.  The Board of County Commissioners urge Camden citizens to recognize the lasting contributions of our State's retired educators.
9 Appointed to the Environmental Sub-Committee of the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee
At the October 20, 2015 regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board of Commissioners, upon the recommendation of County Administrator Steve Howard, appointed nine additional committee members to serve on the Environmental Sub-Committee of the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee.
Howard recommended the appointments of Ashby Nix, Satilla Riverkeeper; Alex Kearns, St Marys Earthkeepers; Meagan Desrosiers, One Hundred Miles; Russell Regnery, Ph.D., Little Cumberland Island; Ben Carswell, Jekyll Island Authority; Phil Fortune, J.D.,St. Simons Island; Charles McMillan, P.E., Georgia Conservancy; David Ball, Cumberland Island; and Mark Risse, Ph.D., Georgia Sea Grant and UGA Marine Extension. The new appointees will join Environmental Sub-Committee Chairman Clay Montague, Ph.D., who was also recently appointed by the Commissioners on October 6, 2015.
Howard is excited to have these accomplished individuals to serve on this important committee and he looks forward to their valuable input.  "I appreciate their willingness to serve and am confident the committee will do an outstanding job with the tasks set before them."
Treasure ye Health!
October 22, 2015 employees from the City of St. Marys, City of Kingsland, Public Service Authority (PSA), and Camden County attended the annual Employee Health & Wellness Fair.
With a Pirate theme employees were able to receive information from many different vendors that provided materials on health and wellness topics as well as performed various screenings at no cost.   
Camden County Living Well Onsite Clinic Staff 
STAR of Hope - Help put a SMILE on the Faces of Children this Holiday Season
Camden County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) "STAR of HOPE" program will be hosting a Pasta Bar and 5K Run fundraisers in an effort to support families in our community during the holiday season by providing Christmas to those in need. This is the 6th annual project for the STAR of HOPE since its inception in 2010. Last year the Sheriff's Office delivered food, clothes, and toys to 100 children in Camden County.
How can you help? Participate in any or all of the fundraisers listed below:
  • Bowls of HOPE, Friday, November 13, 2015 at the Woodbine Community Center on 205 Camden Avenue from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Come and enjoy soups and chili's all for a good cause.
  • All U Can Eat Pasta Buffett   Friday, December 4, 2015 at Woodbine Community Center on 205 Camden Avenue from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM.  Pasta with your choice of sauce, Garlic bread and Drink $7.00
  • Run, Run, Rudolph 5K - 1 mile Jingle Bell Fun Run/Walk; Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Camden County PSA on 1050 Wildcat Drive, Kingsland, Race begins at 8:00 AM. Entry Fee is $25; 1 Mile Entry Fee is $10 (Entry Fee includes T-shirt & Bibb).  Participants can Check in December 4th at the Woodbine Community Center from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM or December 5th at 6:45 AM - 7:45 AM at the PSA.  Register online or pick up a Race Entry Form & Waiver at the following locations:
    • Sheriff's Office - Woodbine
    • Sheriff's Sub-Station - St. Marys
    • Board of Commissioners Office - Woodbine
The STAR of HOPE committee, is comprised of employees from the Sheriff's Office and the Board of County Commissioners office.  Please join us with efforts to make a child's Christmas special
Curbside Collection's Holiday Schedule
Due to the end of year holidays, the Curbside garbage collection schedule will be altered on certain days during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's weeks. 
The modifications are listed below for your convenience. If you do not see your normal day listed, then your service will remain unchanged.
 
City of Kingsland
Normal Pick up Day
Altered Pick up Day
         Thanksgiving
    Thur. 11/26
     Wed. 11/25
         Christmas Eve
    Thur. 12/24
     Wed. 12/23
         Christmas Day
    Fri. 12/25
     Thur. 12/24
         New Years Day
    Fri. 1/01
     Thur. 12/31
City of St. Marys
 
 
         Thanksgiving Day
    Thur. 11/26
     Fri. 11/27
         Day After Thanksgiving
    Fri. 11/27
     Sat. 11/28
         Christmas Day
    Fri. 12/25
     Sat. 12/26
          New Years Day
    Fri. 1/01
     Sat. 1/02
City of Woodbine
NO CHANGE
 

Humane Society looking for Dag Walkers
If you or someone you know is interested in walking the dogs at the Humane Society.  For more information please contact or visit the Humane Society.
 
To visit the Humane Society, please visit 950 South Grove Blvd., Kingsland, GA  31548, Phone Number 912-729-7141, email: [email protected] or you may check out their website at www.humanecamden.org
Citizen' Academy Graduates 19 
Local Area Residents
Pictured left to right: County Administrator, Steve Howard; David Silva, Sherri Silva, Melody Rouse; Sheila Meadows; Brandi Whitehouse; Wayne Greenberg; Dothelia Boykin; Eddie Allen; Marie Boyett; Robert Wenum; CT Green; Bridget Wenum; Mandy Scott; Joy Cooper; Austin Burkett; Stephanie Brown; Commission Chuck Clark; Liz Nelson; Commissioner Chairman, Jimmy Starline; and Peggy Morton. (not pictured Randi Kramer)
The Camden County Citizens' Academy Class of Fall 2015 graduated 19 local area residents during a ceremony in Woodbine on Thursday, October 15, 2015. Each graduate was presented with a Certificate of Completion during the final class of the weekly program.
The Citizens' Academy is an 8-week interactive program designed to familiarize the general public with the roles, services and operations that comprise their 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. Students were also introduced to just how much their county government is a part of, and works cooperatively with, a larger network of local, regional and state governmental agencies.
Each week various department heads spoke to the class about their role and the role of their department in the larger county government. As part of the class, students toured the County Courthouse in Woodbine, the County Jail and 911 Center, the Emergency Operations Center in Kingsland and the County Landfill. They also toured the route of the upcoming widening of Colerain Road and Highway 40 as well as the Public Service Authority (PSA).
County Administrator Steve Howard said the Citizens' Academy plays a vital role in reaching the community. "This is the opportunity for the class members to get a thorough, in-depth look at their county government and the vital role it plays in their lives. I would encourage every citizen to consider participating in future classes."
STAR of HOPE FOOD DRIVE 
All donations go to support the 2015 STAR of HOPE program which helps provide for those less fortunate during the holiday season.  Donations can be dropped off at any County Office.  
For more information please contact County Clerk, Katie Bishop at 912-576-5651.
Spaceport Camden Releases 
Conceptual Images
The Board of County Commissioners are proud to release conceptual images of Spaceport Camden. It is important for all stakeholders to be able to visually see what Spaceport Camden could look like. To see Spaceport Camden conceptually developed allows the opportunity for a close up view of what the possibilities can become. Images can be viewed at www.spaceportcamden.us. County Administrator, Steve Howard said, I'm thrilled we are able to share these images with the public which gives everyone a glance of what Spaceport Camden may look like in the future. 

Thanksgiving Fast Facts
  • A ripe cranberry will bounce.
  • All turkeys and chickens have wishbones.
  • Canadians celebrate their own Thanksgiving every October.
  • Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863.
  • The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924.
Thanksgiving thoughts are the kind of thoughts that we should have all year long. For it is the folks with thankful hearts whose lives are filled with song. We should take time for kindness to those we hold most dear,and just extend a helping hand to others through the year. Let's set aside some quiet time and share it with a friend. For friendships brings a special joy and pleasure without end. So may the blessings of this day that we would ask for you, now fill you with Thanksgiving Peace that lasts the whole year through!


 
One of our goals for the County is to ensure that we are providing our citizens with the right information and a better understanding of current local issues as related to Camden County Government. It is our hope that you have enjoyed reading the monthly Community Outreach Newsletter and have found it to be informative and helpful. We encourage your feedback and value any input you may be able to offer as we strive to improve our services for the future good of Camden County.  

By working together, Camden County can continue to be "Georgia's Coastal Community of Choice."

Meet Your Commissioners

 
  Chip Keene
District 1

Chuck Clark
District 2
 
  Jimmy Starline
District 3
Commissioner Gary Blount  
  Gary Blount
District 4

Tony Sheppard
District 5
Our Commitment to You!
 
MISSION
Our mission is to deliver defined county services with exceptional customer service and to do so in a financially sustainable and transparent manner.

VISION 
Camden County 2030 is the premier coastal community of Georgia- beautiful and safe.  
Camden County 2030 has a strong regional economy and diverse job opportunities with four major pillars:
  • An active Naval Submarine Base;
  • A successful World Class Spaceport;
  • Space tourism; and,
  • a Technology Corridor. 

Camden County 2030 has relaxed living with quality residential developments, and abundant leisure choices for all.

 

VALUES

The Board of County Commissioners and employees of Camden County are committed to the following values: Integrity, Respect, Service, Accountability, Teamwork and Balance.