Connie Massey Begins Service as Watkinsville Councilwoman

Watkinsville Council is once again whole with five members.  At a meeting last Wednesday, Connie Massey was sworn in by Probate Judge David Anglin.  She fills the vacancy left by Henry Norman when he resigned in September.

The first order of business was to hear a business license request for the home-based Harjo Wood Works, located on Southland Drive.  Joshua Johnson said he and his father started the business because they enjoy refacing cabinetry, repairing furniture and filling custom woodworking orders.  

"I just wanted to start a business where I was able to go out there and do artisan work, and this community has always supported artists," he said. The request sailed through.

Council also approved a business license for Reynaldo Juarez, who plans to open Tire Depot Services on Greensboro Highway beside Jack's Food Mart. The shop will sell and service tires.

In other news from the meeting:

• Antonio Rooks addressed council about his dogs and the new tethering ordinance. He said he's worried his dogs will escape a pen, as they have in the past, and so he needs to tether them to keep them safe.  Code Enforcement Officer Robert Hegge will speak to him about a solution.
• Resident Dan Matthews suggested the city consider changing the current paper ballot method of voting in order for municipal elections to be run more smoothly.
• Mayor Charles Ivie applauded the Watkinsville Police Department on its award as the Piedmont Area Traffic Enforcement Network "Agency of the Year."  He also congratulated Police Chief Lee O'Dillon on his "Lifetime Membership" status in the Peace Officers Association of Georgia.
• The city agreed to enter into a five-year lease with Oconee County Little League to allow the use of baseball field at Harris Shoals Park.  For $1 per year, the Little League has access to the field and agrees to perform necessary maintenance.  Parking alongside the field will be permitted only for coaches and the elderly or handicapped.

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