But Big Canoe can solve it, Bates says

Rosemarie Heindel, Bill Bates and Bennett Whipple at the September Squires and Stags meeting.

Squires and Stags
By Ray Bowyer
Short-term rental properties are a growing problem in Big Canoe, according to Director of Public Safety and Public Works Bill Bates, who spoke at the September meeting of Squires and Stags.

Bill said approximately 10 percent of the homes in Big Canoe are being advertised as available for short stays or conferences, and he believes the number is increasing.  In some cases, homes with two or three bedrooms are being advertised as having sleeping facilities for 30 people or conference space for 60 people.

This creates parking and noise problems for neighbors, stresses the capacity of the septic tanks, and creates concerns in case of fire or other emergency.  Bill currently has a committee investigating the possible need for stricter rules and regulations to control this area of Big Canoe life.

Bill had 34 years experience with the fire department of Alpharetta, before coming to Big Canoe.  Originally recruited to be head of fire fighting, his responsibilities have gradually been increased.

Bill reported that the paving program has been completed for this year, with the final part of the program being Wolfscratch Circle, around the post office and tennis center.  In addition to paving, the program included some road widening, which has benefits for the driving public, but sometimes creates drainage problems.

Trash, recycling concerns

A big area of concern at this point is trash and recycling.  Bill and a committee of homeowners have been investigating the subject.  The current contract expires Jan. 28, 2009, and a Request For Proposals has been submitted to three potential bidders to take over responsibility at the termination of the current contract.  The RFP calls for again having material recycled at the Big Canoe trash facility, using single-stream technology.  The committee's current plan is to eliminate the open-top dumpsters, except for one day twice a month.

The upgrade of the tennis facility, part of the amenity package begun three years ago, is well under way, with anticipated completion at the end of September.

The capability of Big Canoe emergency medical staff to provide support in cases of medical emergency has recently been upgraded.  Additional equipment and additional staff training have been obtained, so improved service to residents can be provided prior to arrival of an ambulance.

Bill expects the inter-county agreement, under which Dawson County provides emergency medical service throughout Big Canoe, to be renewed when it expires later this year.

POA staff has been pursuing getting access to the entire building which is now used as the village fire station (on one side) and by the Byrne Corporation (on the other side).  With the additional space, Public Safety personnel could better store some of their equipment, and have better arrangements for training and drills.

The leaf vacuum purchased last year has been working well when it works, but it has a high failure rate.  Bill is trying to get last year's leaves removed before this year's leaves start falling.  Leaves vacuumed up are converted to mulch, which is available to residents.

BCERT needs members

Rosemarie Heindel spoke to the group about the Big Canoe Emergency Response Team (BCERT).  The group currently has about 70 members, which would be adequate to carry out its responsibilities if everyone were here all the time.  Because so many people are out of town occasionally, additional members are needed. 

She described the many functions BCERT performs:

● Providing directions to arriving firefighters.

● Providing water, Gatorade, and food to firefighters.  A truck is available for this purpose.

● Providing assistance at the two gates for Public Safety personnel.

● Providing road condition information when needed.

● Providing transportation from gates to homes when conditions warrant.

Rosemarie said the time required of a BCERT member is relatively modest-one one-hour meeting a month, plus participation in events.  An event can take from an hour to a full day (or all night), but they don't occur very often.

Rosemarie expressed appreciation for the funding provided by the Homeowners Association and the Property Owners Association to support the needs of BCERT.

Squires and Stags meets monthly.  Anyone desiring to be on the announcement list for future meetings should contact Mike Smaracko, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 678-522-9553.