Dawson County commissioners approve alcohol license, authorize Johns Creek EMT clinical MOU and reject security-barrier bids

Dawson County commissioners on Thursday, July 3, 2025, approved several routine and operational items, including an on-premise alcohol license for a new restaurant, a clinical-education memorandum of understanding with the Johns Creek Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services, and the rejection of bids for concrete crash-related security barriers.

The actions were taken during a short voting session at the Dawson County Courthouse. The board voted on each item by voice; where recorded, votes were unanimous among the three commissioners present. Commissioner Bruce was absent.

The board approved an alcohol license application from Chen Yee Inc., d/b/a Akami Sushi and Grill, 145 Forest Boulevard, Suite 465, Dawsonville. Licensing staff told the board the applicant “has provided all required state and county documentation, and the licensee has successfully passed and completed the criminal history check.” Commissioner Stowers made the motion to approve the license; Commissioner Turquette seconded. The board approved the license by a recorded 3–0 vote.

Separately, the board considered Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 476-25 for materials and labor for concrete crash-related security barriers and voted to reject the bids and take no further action at this time. Commissioner Gaines moved to reject the bids; Commissioner Stowers seconded. The motion passed by a 3–0 vote.

The board approved a memorandum of understanding between the Johns Creek Fire Department and Dawson County Emergency Services that allows Johns Creek EMTs to ride along with Dawson County staff for the clinical portion of their training. Commissioner Stowers moved to approve the MOU; Commissioner Turquette seconded. The motion passed 3–0.

The board also ratified a waiver of conflict related to an attorney who had briefly worked in the county attorney’s office and subsequently joined an outside firm representing the Oak Forest neighborhood on a matter that previously had limited work by the attorney. County Attorney Miss Davis explained, “Our ethical standards require that there be a waiver,” and said she had reviewed screening protections and was comfortable the county was not compromised. Commissioner Gaines moved to ratify the waiver; Commissioner Stowers seconded. The waiver was ratified by a 3–0 vote.

Procedural items also moved forward: the minutes of the June 5, 2025 work session and voting session and the July 3 agenda were approved by motions during the meeting. The voting session minutes were recorded as approved “3 with 1 abstention” in the transcript; earlier work-session minutes and the agenda were approved by motions with votes recorded by the chair.

Near the end of the public meeting the board voted unanimously to enter an executive session to discuss potential litigation; the chair said there would be no vote coming out of executive session.

Votes at a glance

- Approve minutes of work session (06/05/2025): motion to approve as presented; motion by Commissioner Stowers; second by Commissioner Turquette; recorded by chair as approved (transcript: “3 with 1 extension”). Outcome: approved.

- Approve minutes of voting session (06/05/2025): motion to approve as presented; motion by Commissioner Stowers; second by Commissioner Turquette; recorded vote: “3 with 1 abstention.” Outcome: approved.

- Approve agenda (07/03/2025): motion by Commissioner Gaines; second by Commissioner Stowers; recorded outcome: approved 3–0.

- Alcohol license — Chen Yee Inc., d/b/a Akami Sushi and Grill (145 Forest Boulevard, Suite 465): motion to approve license; mover: Commissioner Stowers; second: Commissioner Turquette; outcome: approved, recorded 3–0.

- IFB No. 476-25 — materials and labor for concrete crash-related security barriers: motion to reject bids and take no further action; mover: Commissioner Gaines; second: Commissioner Stowers; outcome: approved, recorded 3–0.

- MOU — Johns Creek Fire Department and Dawson County Emergency Services (clinical education/ride-alongs): motion to approve MOU; mover: Commissioner Stowers; second: Commissioner Turquette; outcome: approved, recorded 3–0.

- Ratification — waiver of conflict related to Oak Forest matter: motion to ratify waiver; mover: Commissioner Gaines; second: Commissioner Stowers; outcome: ratified, recorded 3–0.

- Executive session to discuss potential litigation: motion to enter executive session; mover: Commissioner Stowers; second: Commissioner Turquette; outcome: approved, recorded 3–0; chair announced there would be no vote coming out of executive session.

Ending

The board completed its recorded business and recessed into executive session on potential litigation. No additional public comments were recorded during the voting items covered here.