|
|
 Camden 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 - January 2016
|
|
|
|
|
Connect With Us!
|    | |
Keep up with what's going on in YOUR local government!
|
|
UPCOMING
Board of County Commissioners Meetings & Public Hearings
|
February 4th
Special Called BOCC Work Session
5:30PM
February 9th
Regular BOCC Meeting 6:00PM
County Offices
closed 2/15
in observance of
Presidents Day
February 23rd Regular BOCC Meeting 6:00PM
March 8th Regular BOCC Meeting 6:00PM
Government Services Complex
200 E. 4th St.
Woodbine, GA 31569
|
|
"Great Customer Service is the Cornerstone of Every Successful Organization!"
| |
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
Code Enforcement
510-5865
County Clerk
576-5651
Curbside Collections
510-6881
Erosion & Sedimentation
510-4320
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 pleased to share the release of our 2015 Annual Report for Camden County- Investing in Our Community. This Report tells the story of an incredible and eventful year full of numerous accomplishments and awards received by not only the County, but our employee's as well "our greatest Asset". I am excited to have the opportunity to share with local residents the strides your County made in 2015. I would personally like to give my sincerest appreciation to staff for their hard work and dedication to the release of this document.
As we continue to progress with our Vision 2030, Goals for 2020 and Action Items for the Strategic Plan, we look forward to sharing with you the new 2016 Action Agenda items. Scheduled to be released in February, the Strategic Plan will show what development the County's endeavors have achieved over the last 12 months along with what is planned for the next 12 months.
The Spaceport Camden Project recently accomplished another major milestone. The FAA's required Scoping Period with public involvement was completed. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will continue to be prepared over the next several months. The next major milestone will be the release of the Draft EIS.
The Spaceport Camden project was asked to have individuals testify before the House Science and Technology Committee on January 26, 2016 to present information on how the project is progressing and to answer questions from the committee members. I was thrilled to participate and showcase Camden's important project at the Georgia State Capital.
I am honored and humbled to be selected by The National Defense Industrial Association to be the recipient of the General James Oglethorpe - Space Award for my work with the Spaceport Camden Project. I share this recognition with the Board of County Commissioners and all team members of the project. On February 8, 2016, I will proudly accept this award at the Georgia Tech Institute in Atlanta.
Yours for a better Camden,
|
|
Reorganization of Board of Commissioners
The Camden County Board of Commissioners met during a special called meeting on January 5, 2016 for a reorganization of the Board. The Board elects the Chair and Vice-Chair of the County Commission each year. Commissioner Jimmy Starline was re-elected to the Chairman position, and Gary Blount was elected as the new Vice-Chairman of the Board. Each Commissioner will serve in this capacity for a one-year term.
|
Camden County Releases 2015 Annual Report
The Camden County Board of Commissioners are proud to announce the release of the 2015 Annual Report to the Citizens. This report highlights Camden County's goals, accomplishments achieved, as well as the success of the employees, during 2015.
The continued dedication and teamwork of Camden County employees ensures our community is a better place to live, work, and play.
To view the full report please click HERE.
|
|
Board Approves Appointments to the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee
At the regularly scheduled meeting held January 19, 2016, and upon the recommendation of County Administrator Steve Howard, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously appointed three additional members to the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee. Mr. Howard recommended the appointments of Dr. Robert D. Braun; Dr. Ann Proctor; and Mercedes A. Thompson.
At a special called meeting held on September 17, 2015, the Board approved the initial steps for the formation of the Spaceport Steering Committee. During that time Allen Burns, Executive Director of the Coastal Regional Commission, was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Steering Committee as well as assist staff with the structuring and parameters of forming the committee.
County Administrator Howard said, "I appreciate their readiness to serve and I am confident the committee will do an exceptional job with the task set before them."
|
|
St. Marys Mardi Gras Festival
 On February 6th in downtown St. Marys, the annual Mardi Gras Parade and Festival will take place. This year's theme is the "Thrill of Victory!" The festival features all family-friendly activities including a 7 am ColorRun, a 10 am parade, and vendors offering arts and crafts, fun, food and activities from 9am - 5pm. The center stage will be active with entertainment throughout the day. Mardi Gras would not be complete without a formal ball and the traditional announcement of the new King and Queen. Attire is in line with this year's theme of a "Thrill of Victory" and may include costumes and/or formal wear. The event begins at 6:30 pm and tickets can be purchased at Once Upon A Bookseller.
For more information, please contact the St. Marys Welcome Center, go to www.Visitstmarys.com or call 912-882-4000. To view festivals and events click HERE.
|
|
45th Anniversary Commemorative
Service of the Thiokol Explosion
 The 45th Anniversary of the events that took place on February 3, 1971 will be commemorated at the Chis Gilman (Wildcat) Stadium in Kingsland on February 3, 2016 at 10:00 am. The program will include musical tributes, reading of the names of the workers, the lighting of the candles of life, a moment of silence at 10:53 am (eastern time), the tolling of the bells of remembrance at 10:55 am (eastern time), and brief remarks.
The public is welcome and no tickets or fees are required to attend. Directions to this event can be found on the memorial website at www.thiokolmemorial.org.
Toll the Bells of Remembrance Each town, village, and city is asked to toll their church tower bells 29 times beginning at 10:55 am (eastern time) on February 3, 2016 in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
Give a Gift Now The Thiokol Memorial Project still needs to meet its fundraising goal in order to be able to move forward with the planning, building, and endowing of a monument, education center, and museum by its 50th Anniversary in 2021. Your generous donation will help us create a place of remembrance, healing, and learning. Please visit the memorial website at www.thiokolmemorial.org to find out how you can support this cause.
|
|
Kingsland Lions Club presents the
14th Annual Oyster Roast on
Super Bowl Weekend
 The Annual Old-Time Oyster Roast, sponsored by the Kingsland Lions Club, will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016 from 6 pm - 8 pm.Enjoy music, raffles, and lots of great food. The event is held at the Kingsland Lions Club at 120 West William Avenue in downtown Kingsland near Hwy 17. Tickets include all you can eat Oysters(BYO oyster knife), Shrimp, Hushpuppies, Gumbo, Brunswick Stew, Drinks and Desserts. For more information please contact the Kingsland Lions Club.
|
|
New Laws for the New Year
 The Office of the Press Secretary for the White House released a list on November 25, 2015 of new laws the President signed into law. The following partial statement details two of these new laws. H.R. 2262, the "U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act," which amends current law concerning the U.S. commercial human spaceflight industry; extends authority for use of the International Space Station through September 30, 2024; and provides authority to facilitate commercial exploration for and commercial recovery of space resources;
S. 2036, the "Equity in Government Compensation Act of 2015," which suspends compensation packages approved for 2015 for the chief executive officers of the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and any of their affiliates, and reinstates the compensation and benefits previously in effect.
For more information on these laws and others, please Click HERE. |
|
Citizens' Academy Postponed
The Citizens' Academy has been a great success in the past. This last year we graduated 37 residents which is much higher than it has been in the past.
We have decided to postpone the Winter session so that we can increase the number of presenters, add more activities, and look into different field trips - all to make the class more rich and exciting for you, the citizen.
If you have previously sent in an application for the winter session, we do hope that you will be able to join us in August for an exciting New Citizens' Academy. If you would like to attend our next Academy, please click HERE to get an application.
Be on the look out for future announcements for the upcoming and revamped Fall Citizens' Academy.
|
|
Tribune & Georgian Recognizes County
Firefighter with Reader's Choice Award
Jill Helton with the Tribune & Georgian presented Camden County Firefighter Jeremy Wright with the Best of Camden County Firefighter Award at the January 19th Board of Commissioners Meeting. This Reader's Choice Award is voted on by local residents of Camden County. The Board of Commissioners would like to congratulate Jeremy on receiving this 2015 Reader's Choice Award.
|
|
Cumberland Island National Seashore
to Offer "Fee-Free" Admission Days
|
| |
Photo taken by the late Captain William Terrell
|
The Cumberland Island National Seashore issued a News Release on December 4, 2015 stating that Cumberland Island National Seashore would be offering Free Admission Days and Entrance Passes. "The National Park Service turns 100 years old in 2016 and we want everyone to celebrate," said Superintendent Gary Ingram. "Whether it is for the first time or an old favorite, we hope the fee-free days and entrance passes provide an opportunity to visit Cumberland Island." All national parks, including Cumberland Island National Seashore (NS), will waive entrance fees on 16 special days in 2016.
The 16 entrance fee-free days for 2016 will be:
� January 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
� April 16-24 - National Park Week
� August 25-28 - National Park Service Birthday Weekend
� September 24 - National Public Lands Day
� November 11 - Veterans Day
In addition to "fee-free" days, any fourth grade student can get a free annual pass through the Every Kid in a Park program. Students can complete a fun educational activity at www.everykidinapark.gov in order to obtain and print the pass. Educators and community leaders can use the website to access educational activities, field trip options, and print passes for the classrooms. Kids can trade in their paper pass for an official card at the Visitor Center in Saint Marys, Georgia.
Active duty military and citizens with a permanent disability can visit the Cumberland Island NS Visitor Center to get free passes through the America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program seven days a week from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, closed Christmas Day.
For more "fee- free" days and pass information, please visit www.nps.gov. About Cumberland Island NS: Cumberland Island is a unit of the National Park Service and is Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. You can find pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes and learn stories of native people, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and wealthy industrialists. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness. Visit us at www.nps.gov/cuisand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CumberlandIslandNPS.
Usually, Cumberland Island NS has a day-use fee of $4 per person. The day-use fee waiver does not cover camping fees, transportation fees, rentals or special tours provided by the park concessionaire.
|
| | Photo taken by the late Captain William Terrell |
|
|
SEVEN Camden County Schools
Designated Title I Reward Schools
 The Camden County Board of Commissioners would like to recognize the Seven Camden County schools that have been designated Title I Reward Schools, according to the 2015-2016 list recently published by the Georgia Department of Education. Crooked River Elementary School earned the title of Highest Performing School for the fourth consecutive year and Matilda Harris Elementary School earned the title for the second consecutive year. Mary Lee Clark Elementary and Sugarmill Elementary were also designated by the Georgia Department of Education as Highest Performing Schools. St. Marys Middle School, Kingsland Elementary and Mamie Lou Gross Elementary were named Title I Highest Progress Schools. To learn more about these prestigious awards, click here. |
|
New Board Member Appointed to the
Camden County Board of Tax Assessors
 During the Board of Commissioners regularly held meeting on January 19, 2016, Liz Johnsen was unanimously appointed to serve on the Camden County Board of Tax Assessors as a replacement for past Board Member Freddie Noble. The Board would like to express their deepest gratitude to Mr. Noble for his 10 years of service to the citizens of Camden County. His contributions and dedicated service are appreciated and will be greatly missed. The Board is grateful for his willingness to serve in this capacity for over a decade.
Mrs. Johnsen is a long time resident of Camden County and a 1981 graduate of Camden County High. She is a local real estate agent at Prudential Magnolia Realty and has held her license there for over 10 years. Her vast experience and knowledge of the local real estate market will bring added value to her role on the Board.
|
PSA to hold DADDY Daughter DANCE
Camden County Public Leisure Services Authority (PSA) will hold their annual Daddy/Daughter Dance on Friday, February 5, 2016 at the Recreation Center from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Along with dancing, dads and daughters will enjoy fun activities, photos, and refreshments.
This event is FREE to reserve a space or if you have any questions please call 912-729-5600.
|
|
Camden County's Employee of the Quarter
Camden County Government's Employee Recognition Committee is pleased to announce Sergeant Jennie Sikes of Camden County Sheriff's Office as our Employee of the 2nd Quarter for fiscal year 2016. Sergeant Sikes will be formally recognized with this award at the Board of County Commissioners meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, 2016.
Sergeant Sikes is Shift Supervisor at the Camden County Detention Facility. She always goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety and well-being of not only her co-workers but the inmates as well. She implements policy and is willing to help educate fellow officers when it comes to booking, release paperwork, warrants, training, and any new software.
Sergeant Sikes is up for any challenge, no matter the outcome. She is an energetic, hard worker who gives the Sheriff's Office her best at all times. While dedicated to her position Sergeant Sikes believes in her team and always encourages communication with fellow co-workers while showing one another compassion and consideration on and off the job.She is an aiding hand to new and seasoned officers when needed even if the officer is not on her shift. Sergeant Sikes has never asked for recognition or praise for the work she does. She has a passion for helping other officers as well as improving the jail. Sergeant Sikes is an irreplaceable asset to the Camden County Sheriff's Office and we are extremely proud to have her on our team.
|
|
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."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chip Keene
District 1
|
 Chuck ClarkDistrict 2
|
Jimmy Starline
District 3
|
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.
|
|
|
