During the regular meeting of the Cherokee County Park Board Wednesday, Board Chairman, Jeff Wolfe, told the Board He, Treasurer Dave Crum, and Former Board Chairman, Scooter Howell and the Board’s Attorney met with representatives from ADECA last Friday to go over some things that were not complete at the Cherokee Rock City Park. Wolfe said one thing that was pointed out was a sidewalk between the pavilion and the comfort station. The board decided to do a large concrete pad which would serve as the side walk and also a concession area. Wolfe told the Board they had to do this, they had no choice with photos of the completed project taken and sent to ADECA. Former Chairman Howell told the Board that was the only thing pointed out that had to be done. The Chairman was authorized to have the project done.
ADECA has more than $24,000 in grant funds to be released to the Board when they meet compliance requirements. The Board submitted claims to ADECA in 2013 for the funds but received a letter from ADECA in November of that year that informed them more documentation was needed. Durng this period of time since that letter, the Board obtained $67,000 from the County Commission and later went back to the Commission for a 3 year operational appropriation advance in the amount of $90,000 in order to finish the project and bring it into compliance but after more than 16 months and the additional funding the Park is still not complete nor in compliance. The original completion deadline date in the contract was October 18,2013.
The Park Board is planning several events for the spring including the Southeast Climbers Association Trail Day on March 21 along with a Bouldering Competition by another group on the same day. The Board also approved An Open House Free Admission Weekend for Easter Weekend beginning with Good Friday and going through Sunday with the main emphasis on Saturday April 4. Plans are for several vendors to be on hand providing goods and services for the weekend. While admission will be free to the park for the weekend, camping rates will still apply for those camping during that time. A Sunrise Service is planned for Easter Sunday morning and a fun run for kids will be included during the weekend as well.
In other business Dave Crum, Treasurer, gave a financial statement with $27,099.65 in the operations account and $8498.99 in the personnel account. Crum also submitted his resignation effective 2/27/15 which the Board accepted.