Sams Presents State Of The City Address
Wednesday, May 24th, 2023
The State of the City is strong. That was City Councilmember Annalee Sams' message at the Chamber of Commerce's annual State of the County and City breakfast. Councilmember Sams, who also serves as Mayor pro tem in the absence of Mayor David Pennington, presented updates on some major city projects and initiatives during her speech.
Councilmember Sams began her speech by outlining some of the City of Dalton's strategic priorities for 2023, including reinvestment in the Parks and Recreation System, implementation of a 21st century stormwater abatement plan, continued execution of a number of capital projects, and an update on the City charter. She also touched on a major strategic priority that has been a focal point for the City for the past several years: the abatement of blighted properties.
Caption: City Councilmember and Mayor pro tem Annalee Sams presented the State of the City to the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday morning
Councilmember Sams showed several examples of blighted structures that have been torn down using a newer City ordinance that allows the City to demolish blighted structures on behalf of property owners who then reimburse the City later. The streamlined process has led to the removal of many unsightly and dangerous structures around the City which has made way for new development and improvements in the City. Councilmember Sams also highlighted the renewed efforts of the City's code compliance unit which is working to address code violations to improve the appearance and safety of areas around Dalton including the Crown Mill Village. Councilmember Sams also highlighted a project that the City hopes will breathe new life into the Crown Mill neighborhood. Construction is set to begin soon on a new trail system called The Mill Line which will link Haig Mill Lake Park with downtown via a paved trail along Mill Creek and a sidewalk system through Crown Mill along Chattanooga Avenue. The project was enthusiastically endorsed by the Young Gamechangers last year and City leaders hope that it will have a similar impact on revitalization and redevelopment as the Belt Line project had on surrounding neighborhoods in Atlanta. The first phase of the project is set to be completed by December 1st.
There is a lot of reinvestment happening in the City's Parks and Recreation Department. Councilmember Sams highlighted the recent completion of the Heritage Point Soccer Complex and the installation of new synthetic turf to replace worn surfaces at Lakeshore Park and the Ron Nix Soccer Complex. In addition to those upgrades, the Lakeshore Park track is also set to be resurfaced. New playgrounds are open at the Dalton Green and Joan Lewis Park and a replacement of the playground at Civitan Park is coming up in June. Herigate Point Park is set for more upgrades as well, including new fencing for playing fields and new playgrounds. The City also recently received word that a state grant for $2.2 million will be funding most of the project to resurface the baseball infields there with artificial turf. That will mean play can resume more quickly after rain events which will help Dalton attract more traveling tournaments and also improve the experience for local players. Councilmember Sams also highlighted the project to renovate and reimagine the John Davis Recreation Center on Civic Drive. Sitework is already underway on the project to renovate the aging building with new gym space, new office space and meeting areas ofr the public, as well as new locker facilities and a new entryway for the pool area.
Councilmember Sams also highlighted the important work being done by the City to improve Dalton's stormwater management infrastructure. Flooding of property and roadways not just damages property, it can also have a negative impact on the local economy when roads are impassable or if businesses have to shut down. In 2020, the City engaged the Arcadis consulting firm to study the city’s flooding problems on both public and private property as well as roadways. The consultants used LIDAR technology to develop a complete computer model of the city and identified 30 projects that will reduce flooding concerns and improve stormwater flow. So far, the City has allocated funding for approximately the first third of that package, and the City has seen improved stormwater flow and reduction of flooding concerns in areas where projects have been completed. Councillmember Sams showed several examples of projects that have already been executed, including a new stormwater detention area along Brookwood Drive and also the soon-to-be-completed regenerative stormwater conveyance in the West Hill Cemetery.
Caption: (from left to right) Cohutta Mayor Ron Shinnock, Varnell City Councilmember Bill Caylor, Whitfield County Commission Chairman Jevin Jensen, Dalton City Councilmember Annalee Sams, and Chamber of Commerce President Jason Mock pose after the State of the City and County Breakfast
Councilmember Sams also highlighted another project that is being aided by state grant funding in the Cuyler Street/Pentz Street corridor streetscape project. The renovations to the sidewalks and landscaping along Cuyler and Pentz has been planned since the year 2000 as part of the downtown master plan but it was never completed due to budget constraints. Now, with the assistance of a $2.19 million grant from the state, the corridor will be remade with improvements for pedestrians to make a more walkable link from Gateway Park to Burr Park downtown. With new private investment already taking place along the corridor with the Carpentry Hotel and new restaurants opening, City leaders hope to see even more growth with the renovations that will make the area consistent with the rest of downtown.
Councilmember Sams also updated the progress of the creation of a new City charter. The project has been underway since last year to draft a new charter for the city government. Dalton's existing charter is more than 100 years old, with some sections dating back to Dalton's incorporation in 1847. Many sections are out of date and no longer reflect current practices or even current state law. The Charter Update project is now in the review stage with an evolving Charter draft undergoing review by City elected leaders and staff as well as the public. A comprehensive review of the City's code of ordinances is also underway to ensure that the ordinances and policies of the City are in line with the new Charter draft.
In addition to Councilmember Sam's update on the City of Dalton, leaders from other local governments also gave updates to the Chamber breakfast gathering. Whitfield County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jevin Jensen provided updates on Whitfield County while Cohutta Mayor Ron Shinnock and Varnell Councilmember Bill Caylor spoke for their governments.
