Commissioner Farewells

After a combined 24 years of service, three of Glynn County's Commissioners will say goodbye, come December 31, 2020. Chairman Michael Browning, Commissioner Bob Coleman, and Commissioner Peter Murphy will end their tenures as Glynn County Commissioners, as the year comes to a close. Their efforts and support are appreciated by all Glynn County staff, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Commissioner Browning is honored to have served his fellow citizens on the Board for the past eight years as District 1 Commissioner. He pursued this role with the hope of making his community a better place.

He's proud of the changes that have taken place during his tenure, such as developing a Strategic Plan, updating the County's Comprehensive plan, working towards updating the Zoning Ordinances, and changing the pension plan to a defined contribution plan for employees. Additionally, SPLOST 2016 was approved by the voters which has funded sidewalks, road projects, drainage projects, a new animal control center and a new Veterans Memorial Park.

He offers his gratitude to County Manager, Alan Ours and all Glynn County staff who do the daily heavy lifting. It was that capable and prepared team that put the community back together after several tropical storms and hurricanes brought severe damage to our beautiful area in recent years.

He offers the utmost respect to his fellow Commissioners. He says there's way more to the job than most will ever imagine. He wishes them all the best as he prepares to leave what has been a very rewarding job, as he looks forward to his next set of challenges. He believes Glynn County is a great community and by working together we all can make it even better.

Dr. Murphy has served one full four year term as Glynn County's District 2 Commissioner.

Dr. Murphy is proud of many changes and projects that have come to fruition during his tenure. For starters, there are the Public Works projects on St. Simons, such as the construction of three round-a-bouts and road repairs to Frederica and Demere; plus the rock revetment project, which he hopes will protect the island for another 50 years. Additionally, Dr. Murphy played a role in developing the recent Short Term Rentals ordinance and the Golf Cart Ordinance, which aligns County ordinances with state laws.

What Dr. Murphy has enjoyed the most during his time as Commissioner are the quarterly townhall meetings he initiated for St. Simons. He thought it was important to have the ability to transmit information directly to the people and to hear his constituents. Additionally, the townhalls allowed citizens to meet County leadership from various departments and have valuable in-person discussions.

Dr. Murphy says he's grateful to have been able to serve St. Simons for the past four years. He's learned a lot, and he tried his best to be responsive to citizen comments and complaints. He's ready to step aside and allow someone else to meet the challenge.

Commissioner Bob Coleman has committed twelve years of service to the citizens of Glynn County as Commissioner At-Large, Post 2.

One project that Commissioner Coleman is particularly proud to be apart of, is the rebuilding of the Animal Control Facility, which is expected to be completed in May 2021. Commissioner Coleman spent approximately eight years on the discussion of the project, until all the pieces finally fell into place for it to become reality.

He's proud of not just of the facility but the entire program that is led by Animal Control Manager, Tiffani Hill, the animal control staff and officers, as well as the volunteers and animal welfare groups who support Glynn County Animal Control. The department has progressed significantly over the past decade. He's thankful that the animals of Glynn County will get the facility and care that they deserve.

Commissioner Coleman has seen a lot of change occur during his long tenure, change that he believes is necessary to keep us all moving forward. He's proud to have been part of that change.

Winter Weather Preparedness

Shortly after the official Hurricane Season ends on November 30th, Georgia must stay alert for its often unpredictable winters. While the dangers of winter weather vary across the state, most Georgians are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. The following are a few tips to help prepare you for the season:

Develop a family communications plan.
Prepare a Ready-Kit for at least three days of self-sufficiency.
Keep space heater safety in mind: Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Remember to keep all heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
Have an alternate plan in place if you depend on electricity to operate medical equipment.
Make sure to have a cell phone with an emergency charging option (car, solar, hand crank, etc.)
Plan to check on elderly/disabled relatives and neighbors.
Plan to bring pets inside.
Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it in case you lose power.
Cover outside vegetation.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed of winter weather watches and warnings. Also monitor commercial radio, television, and the Internet.
Allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
Prepare your vehicle by:
- Fully winterizing your vehicle: Have a mechanic check antifreeze, brakes, heater and defroster, tires, and windshield wipers to ensure they are in good shape. Keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Keeping an extra Ready kit in the trunk of your car.
Prepare your home by:
- Keeping it well insulated.
- Having a working carbon monoxide detector.
- Have a backup heat source in case the power goes out such as blankets, sleeping bags, winter coats, kerosene heater (with proper ventilation), wood burning stove (with plenty of dry firewood), or a gas log fireplace.

Additional tips can be found on the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security's webpage and Facebook.

Glass Removed from Recycling Stream

Beginning January 1, 2021, Glynn County residents are asked to refrain from placing any glass products in their curbside pickup recycling bins. Alternatively, residents will be able to drop off their recyclable clear and colored glass, at no cost, at either of the Republic Services drop-off locations:

Brunswick - 550 Young Lane
St. Simons - Demere Road (behind the Farmer's Market)

The following items can still be placed in curbside recycling bins:

Paper Products
Cardboard
Plastic Bottles & Containers
Metal Food & Beverage Cans

Due to the rising cost associated with recycling glass, removing it from the mixed recycling stream will help keep the solid-waste fee on property tax bills consistent for Glynn County residents.

Additionally, the purpose for this change is to help prevent contamination in the recycling stream. Broken glass shards are prone to embedding in paper and cardboard, which can ultimately contaminate an entire truck load of recycling. Once contaminated, the other material can no longer be recycled and has to be disposed of along with non-recyclable trash.

Additional information can been found on the Glynn County Public Information Office webpage and in the County's updated Solid Waste & Recycling Brochure.

Employee Spotlights

Sandra Tindall - Recreation & Parks
Sandra Tindall is an invaluable member of the Recreation and Parks Department leadership team. Serving as an Administrative Assistant, she oversees major department projects including 2 semi-annual publications of the seasonal activities guide which requires exceptional organizational skills and focus.

Sandra, originally interested in the judicial side of county government, began her time with the Recreation and Parks department six years ago, starting off at the Blythe Island Regional Park before transferring to the Ballard Park office. Reflecting on her time at the Blythe Island Regional Park, Sandra is flooded with great memories of constantly busy days full of meeting new people and catching up with regular visitors. Overall, she's thankful for the time she's spent with the department. She's met some of the best people in Glynn County and has been able to express her creative side through various projects that bring joy to the children of Glynn County.

Professionally and personally, Sandra is always up for new experiences and opportunities to grow. One of her favorite hobbies of deer hunting began after her husband said she could never do it, knowing she could never say no to the challenge. She was also up for the task of managing a committee of department employees to plan the "Jolly Jamboree". Sandra applied for and won a $1000 grant from the Georgia Recreation & Park Association which helped bring the event to fruition. This new holiday event focuses on affordable family fun, community engagement, and festive celebration of the holiday season.

Sandra’s positive energy, strong work ethic, and “can do” attitude exemplify her commitment to serving the citizens of Glynn County.

Benny Crawford - Community Development
Benny Crawford has been a vital part of Glynn County's Community Development team for thirteen and half years, currently in the role of Construction Inspector.

Being a public servant isn't necessarily a role Benny was seeking out, as he knew dealing with the public wouldn't always be easy, but he's found his time with Glynn County rewarding. Community Development's Engineering Department is responsible for assisting in the regulation of various issues from storm drainage to building permits to soil erosion. Much of the time citizens come to Benny wanting to ensure they're following the proper procedures, but they sometimes need help figuring out what those steps are and the best way to tackle them. Benny says being able to help those people and the gratitude they show makes the more challenging aspects of the job all worthwhile.

One of Benny's favorite projects he's worked on is the round-a-bout at Frederica and Demere. Before it was in place, he remembers sitting at the intersection, just waiting for the light to change. Now, he's amazed how improved the flow of traffic is in that area.

One of Benny's greatest skills is his ability to explain permitting requirements to builders and homeowners in a clear and easy to understand way. Benny is always ready to help with any project and goes out of his way to provide excellent customer service to all of Glynn County.

Meetings, Events, and Reminders

Reminders

Citizen's Academy Sign-Up

February 8, 2021 will kick off Glynn County's third annual Citizen's Academy. This program is a free 9-week civics class that encourages participants to "Get to know Glynn County." Each week includes an inside look at county government departments, what each does, and how they serve Glynn County citizens. Classes include, speakers, exercises, and tours in order to give participants the best understanding of day to day operations. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and offer ideas throughout each class.

Applications for 2021 Citizen's Academy will open on December 14, 2020. The first ten participants to apply will be admitted into the class.

More information can be found on the Public Information Office webpage.

Convenience Fee Implementation

Starting in January 2021, Glynn County will begin collecting a 3% convenience fee on all debit/credit card transactions. This fee will help the County offset the costs it incurs with each processed debit card and credit card payment.

This fee will also assist in Glynn County's effort to provide more online transactional capabilities, which have become increasingly necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information about this fee can be found on the Glynn County Website.

Community Events

Brunswick Spay/Neuter Clinic
Funded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Glynn County Animal Control will host a FREE spay & neuter clinic at the Lissner House in Downtown Brunswick on Saturday, December 12th.

To qualify for this event, residents must live in the 31520 zip code.
Appointments are required.
Appointment includes free spay/neuter, rabies vaccination, & microchipping.
Income qualified owners can submit their application to Glynn County Animal Control via email at animalservices@glynncounty-ga.gov.
Event is for dogs & cats (max 4 per address).
For more information call 912-554-7505 or visit www.glynncountyanimals.org.

Recreation & Parks Department December & January Programs

Online registration for Glynn County Recreation and Parks Department programs is available at www.glynncounty.org/recreation.

2021 Spring/Summer Activities Guide

Glynn County Recreation and Parks Department’s 2021 Spring/Summer Activities Guide is now available! Download your copy at www.glynncounty.org/recreation or pick one up at any Recreation and Parks office. The guide provides information on upcoming athletics, programs, and events offered for Glynn County citizens.

Santa's Mailbox

Santa’s elves have installed magical mailboxes at offices for children to mail letters to Santa! Santa will respond to children who send letters by December 15^th.

Dates: Now-December 15
Mailbox Locations: Ballard Park, Howard Coffin Park, Mallery Park, Selden Park, and Blythe Island Regional Park
More Info: 912-554-7780

Jolly Jamboree

Join Glynn County Recreation and Parks for a magical and memorable holiday experience! This new event is focused on affordable family fun, community engagement, and festive celebration of the holiday season in a safe and positive environment. Activities will be held indoors and outdoors (weather permitting). Children will enjoy holiday-themed carnival games, inflatables, barrel train ride, stone and ornament decorating, apple cider and cookies, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Enter our drawings for door prizes including a live Christmas tree and a brand new child’s bicycle! Participating sponsors include SSI Rocks (St. Simons Island Rocks), Bounce-It-Out, Academy Sports, Home Depot, Kona Ice, and Kiwanis Club of Brunswick. Please consider dropping off an unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign, pet supplies for Glynn County Animal Control, or canned food for a local food bank. Cash only for admission and raffles.

Day/Date/Time: Saturday/December 12/10am-1pm
Cost: $3 per person/Children Under 3 – Free
Location: Howard Coffin Park
More Info: 912-554-7780

Polar Plunge

How brave are you? Come take a dip in the icy waters of the Neptune Park Fun Zone Pool and find out!! This free event is open to people of all ages. There will be a prize for the best costume. Pool gates open at 11:30am.

Day/Date/Time: Saturday/January 2/12pm
More Info: 912-279-2836

Please follow the Glynn County Recreation and Parks Facebook page for updates on programs, athletics, events, facilities, and services.

*Glynn County Recreation and Parks will follow all local, state, and federal guidelines pertaining to COVID-19. Due to COVID-19 precautions some activities may be postponed, canceled, or altered, and access to certain park facilities and services may be limited.

Public Meetings & Important Dates

Please see the County Calendar for updates.

December 8th, Board of Elections Meeting: 6:30 PM - Office Park Building, 2nd Floor
December 8th, Finance Committee Meeting: 2:00 PM - Virtual Meeting
December 9th, SPLOST 2016 Citizens' Oversight Committee Meeting: 6:30 PM - Virtual Meeting
December 10th, Zoning Board of Appeals: 10:00 AM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
December 14th, Brunswick Area Transportation System (BATS) - Policy Committee Meeting: 1:30 PM - Virtual Meeting
December 14th, Application submissions for the 2021 Citizen's Academy open
December 15th, County Commission Special Called Meeting: 2:00 PM - Virtual Meeting
December 15th, Island Planning Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - St. Simons Island Casino Building Room 108
December 16th, Police Advisory Panel Meeting: 5:30 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
December 17th, County Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
December 25th, Glynn County offices will be closed in recognition of the Christmas Day Holiday. This includes all offices in the Harold Pate Building, the Glynn County Historic Courthouse, and the Glynn County Courthouse. Public Safety and Animal Control will remain on duty to serve the public.
January 1st, Glynn County offices will be closed in recognition of the New Years Day Holiday. This includes all offices in the Harold Pate Building, the Glynn County Historic Courthouse, and the Glynn County Courthouse. Public Safety and Animal Control will remain on duty to serve the public.

Animal Spotlights

The furry friends at Glynn County Animal Control all sent letters to Santa this year asking for their perfect human to come adopt them.

Sawyer, Max, Mary, Gracie, Maria, and Pepper are just a few of the animals patiently waiting for the best Christmas present they could ask for....their forever homes!

All adoptable pets can be found on the GCAC Website.

Schedule a time to meet your new best friend by calling 912-554-7500 or emailing animalservices@glynncounty-ga.gov.

Sawyer is a ball of energy looking for the perfect active family to spend the rest of his days with. He does prefer to be the only animal in the house, so he can have all the love his new family will offer!

Max is a great guy! He prefers the company of females over males. His sweet smile will pull you in and keep your attention.

Mary is the sweetest cuddle bug you will ever meet. Just look at that sweet face! Her perfect home would provide her with all of the love and patience that she deserves.

Gracie is a senior girl who just wants a cozy home just in time for the holidays! This sweet girl loves all people and does great with other dogs.

Maria is a younger pup looking for her perfect family. She would do best with a patient and active family, so she can have all the training and fun her heart desires!

Pepper loves to be petted and loves to give kisses! She will show you just how sweet she can be if you only give her a chance.

Book Review of the Month

A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens

“Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.” And, so begins our adventure with this timeless Christmas classic. This, like many other classics, is firmly entrenched in most everyone’s mind as the ultimate Christmas book. It might also be one of those books that everyone means to read, but hasn’t.

Through Hollywood, we all have a preconceived notion of this particular book. Most everyone has probably sojourned with Allastair Sim and other actors as Scrooge. As beloved as all of these portrayals are, I invite you to pick up “A Christmas Carol” in print form, perhaps for the first time. It’s a good reminder that we are all on this fantastic journey together, and that we should all be kinder to one another.

And, from our Library Family to yours: we wish you the most joyous holiday season ever!

--Jim Orser-Schwalm

The Glynn Report will be released the first Friday of each month. To subscribe, please sign up through Notify Me on the Glynn County website. Thank you for reading!