Minutes
Transcription
Minutes
l\flNUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE COLQUITT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Tuesday, November 3, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 o'clock p.m. by Chairman Terry R. Clark. PRESENT: Those present were Commissioners Winfred Giddens, Marc DeMott, Donna Herndon, Paul Nagy, Johnny Hardin, and Chairman Terry R. Clark. Also present were County Administrator Chas Cannon, County Attorney Lester Castellow and County Clerk Melissa Lawson. ALSO PRESENT: Kevin Hall, Reporter with the Moultrie Observer. ABSENT: Commissioner Luke P. Strong, Jr. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The invocation was given and the pledge of allegiance led by Commissioner Johnny Hardin. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF :MEETINGS HELD OCTOBER 6 & 20: Commissioner DeMott made the motion to approve minutes of meetings held on October 6 & 20. Commissioner Nagy made a second. The motion carried unanimously. CITIZENS HAVING BUSINESS WITH THE COUNTY: Jennifer Fabbri, Coordinator of the Colquitt Superior Substance Abuse/Mental Health Treatment Court Program, addressed the board. Mrs. Fabbri stated that the mission statement of the court, which began in 2013 under the leadership of retired Superior Court Judge Frank Horkan, was to provide treatment services to individuals facing substance abuse and/ or mental health issues. Mrs. Fabbri stated that she strongly believed in the program, with Colquitt County being the only county in the Southern Judicial Circuit to have a drug treatment court. Mrs. Fabbri spoke of the success of recent graduates, stating that keeping these individuals out of jail saved the county money, as well as improved the quality of life of the affected individuals. In closing, Mrs. Fabbri thanked the board, declaring that if the Board had not agreed to fund a match portion to grant funds, there would be no program. APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF LIST OF UNPAID INVOICES: Commissioner Nagy made the motion to approve payment of the list of unpaid invoices. Commissioner Herndon made a second. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF TAX RELIBFS AND ADDITIONS: Commissioner Hardin made the motion to approve the list of tax reliefs and additions. Commissioner Giddens made a second. The motion carried unanimously. County Administrator Chas Cannon presented the following agenda items: APPROVAL OF FAMILY CONNECTION CONSULTING CONTRACT: Commissioner DeMott made the motion to approve the consulting contract, as presented, with Janet Sheldon, Execute Director of the Colquitt County Family Connection November 3, 2015 Page2 Collaborative on Children and Families. Commissioner Nagy made a second. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF l\IBMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - COUNTY PHYSICIAN: Commissioner Nagy made the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding, as presented, between Colquitt County and Dr. Woodwin Weeks, County Physician. Commissioner Hardin made a second. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF INVOICE - EDMUNDS & ASSOCIATES, INC.: Commissioner Hardin made the motion to approve payment of the invoice submitted by Edmunds & Associates Inc., in the amount of $15,074.00, representing license and maintenance fees for calendar year 2016. Commissioner Herndon made a second. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF INVOICE-JAMES, BATES, BRANNAN, & GROOVER: Commissioner DeMott made the motion to approve payment of the invoice submitted by the law firm of James, Bates, Brannan, & Groover, in the amount of $42,903 .86, concerning legal services rendered regarding litigation filed against the county by Northlake, LLC/Lynn Lasseter. Commissioner Giddens made a second. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF ADOPTION OF AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION HAZARDOUS WASTE TRUST FUND: Commissioner Herndon made the motion to adopt Resolution 2015-R-ll, authorizing reimbursement from the Department of Natural Resources - Hazardous Waste Trust Fund. Commissioner Hardin made a second. The motion carried unanimously. (Resolution 2015-R-11 is hereby made a portion of the minutes by reference thereto.) APPROVAL OF ADOPTION OF AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION - 5311 RURAL TRANSIT FUNDS: Commissioner Giddens made the motion to approve Resolution 2015-R-12, authorizing the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission to apply for rural transit funds of behalf of Colquitt County. Commissioner Hardin made a second. The motion carried unanimously. (Resolution 2015-R-12 is hereby made a portion of the minutes by reference thereto.) APPROVAL OF BID FOR USED 1OR1.5 TON TRUCK VAN- ROADS & BRIDGES DEPARTMENT: Commissioner Hardin made the motion to approve the low and recommended bid from TransPower, Inc., in the amount of $16,700.00, regarding the provision of a used van type body truck to be utilized by the Roads & Bridges Department. Commissioner Nagy made a second. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF BID FOR % TON 4X4 TRUCK - COUNTY AGENT: Commissioner DeMott made the motion to approve the recommended bid from Robert Hutson Ford, in the amount of $24,018.00, regarding the· provision of a% ton 4x4 truck to be utilized by the County Extension Office. Commissioner Herndon made a second. The motion carried unanimously. November 3, 2015 Page3 BID FOR USED CARGO VAN - COUNTY CORONER - TABLED: Commissioner Nagy made the motion to table the bid received regarding a used cargo van to be utilized by the County Coroner. Commissioner Hardin made a second. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF AMENDl\ffiNTS TO THE COUNTY PERSONNEL POLICY: Commissioner Herndon made the motion to approve amendments to the county personnel policy, as presented. Commissioner Nagy made a second. The motion carried unanimously. BEER AND WINE LICENSE APPLICATION FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION: At this time, Lester M. Castellow, County Attorney, stated that the board recently made an administrative decision to amend the alcohol ordinance to allow for the on-premises consumption of beer and wine. In order to obtain approval, Mr. Castellow stated that strict requirements must be met, although no public hearing was required. Mr. Castellow called upon Justin H. Cox, Chief Compliance Officer, to present the application. Mr. Cox stated that Ashburn Hill Plantation met all requirements of the application, including inspection by the Compliance Office and State Fire Marshall Office. Mr. Cox further stated that all current codes and safety codes as adopted by the county and state had been met. APPROVAL OF BEER & WINE LICENSE APPLICATION FOR ONPREMISES CONSUMPTION ASHBURN HILL PLANTATION Commissioner Nagy made the motion to approve the license application submitted by Ashburn Hill Plantation for the on premises consumption of beer and wine. Commissioner Hardin made a second. Those in favor were Commissioners Nagy, Hardin, Herndon, and DeMott. Opposed was Commissioner Giddens. APPROVAL OF REQUEST TO BEGIN ROAD CLOSURE PROCEDURES PORTION OF EARNEST NORMAN ROAD - Commissioner Giddens made the motion to commence road closure procedures for a portion of Earnest Norman Road. Commissioner Nagy made a second. The motion carried unanimously. OTHER COUNTY BUSINESS FROM COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR: At this time, Mr. Cannon addressed items received after the agenda deadline. APPROVAL OF MOTION TO SELECT TAYLOR INSURANCE SERVICES AS SUPPLEl\ffiNTARY BENEFITS PROVIDER AND TO REMAIN WITH TAYLOR BENEFIT RESOURCE FOR SELF FUNDED DENTAL INSURANCE WITH INCREASED PREMIUMS: Commissioner DeMott made the motion to select Taylor Insurance Services as the provider of supplemental benefits to county employees, and to remain with a self-funded dental program administered by Taylor Benefit Resources, with increased dental premiums. Commissioner Nagy made a second. The motion carried unanimously. November 3, 2015 Page4 Public Hearings The following public hearings were duly called and advertised for the purpose of three rezoning requests and a request for major subdivision. Lester M. Castellow, County Attorney, called the public hearing to order: Mr. Cox stated that he would present three separate requests for rezoning, with approval of the request for major subdivision being contingent upon approval of the preceding rezoning requests. Request/or Rezoning-Mr. Cox presented the first request for rezoning from Mr. Ed Wasdin, requesting to rezone four acres located at the 1800 Block of Doerun Norman Park Road from AG to R-1/R-lMH to allow for a residential subdivision. Mr. Cox presented an aerial view of the property and informed the board that the property was duly posted and advertised. Requestfor Rezoning- Mr. Cox presented the second request for rezoning from Mr. Ed Wasdin, requesting to rezone 13.29 acres located at the 200 Block of Davis Road from AG to R-1/R-lMH to allow for a residential subdivision. Mr. Cox presented an aerial view of the property, stating that the property was duly posted and advertised. Requestfor Rezoning- Mr. Cox presented the third request for rezoning from Mr. Ed Wasdin, requesting to rezone 16.11 acres from AG to R-1/R-lMH to allow for a residential subdivision. Mr. Cox presented an aerial view of the property, stating that the property was also duly posted and advertised. Mr. Castellow asked for any comments in support of the requests for rezoning. Ed Wasdin, applicant, addressed the board. Mr. Wasdin stated that he purchased the property in question twenty years ago, and further stated his belief that Colquitt County was in need of residential lots. Mr. Wasdin declared that residential lots would attract manufacturing and industry, and stated that he had met all requirements of subdivision rules and regulations. Mr. Wasdin stated that he had imposed deed restrictions from day one, stating that to date, he has heard no complaints regarding the deed restrictions. Mr. Wasdin stated that, if approved, his subdivision would enhance property, while allowing people to live the "American Dream." Mr. Wasdin declared his belief that it would be a great injustice to deprive someone of that opportunity. Lester Castellow, County Attorney, requested clarification from Mr. W asdin that he did impose deed restrictions. Mr. Wasdin replied in the affirmative. Mr. Castellow asked for any comments in opposition to the requests for rezoning. Jeremy Meads, resident of Doerun - Norman Park Road, addressed the board. Mr. Meads stated that he purchased his property in 2010, paying fair market value due to the covenants November 3, 2015 Pages included in the sale. Mr. Meads stated that he did not understand how Mr. Wasdin could change covenants that he himself imposed on others, voicing his concern that mobile homes would decrease his property value. Mr. Castellow questioned Mr. Meads regarding traffic conditions on the Doerun - Norman Park Road. Mr. Meads stated that traffic was very heavy on the road, comparing it to an expressway. Mr. Meads also stated that the road needed to be resurfaced. Mr. Wasdin approached the board again, stating that he did not sell property to Mr. Meads, but rather to an individual who in tum sold to Mr. Meads. Mr. Castellow questioned the current use of the property and the surrounding land. Mr. W asdin replied that it contained planted pines, with surrounding land being primarily Ag land. Mr. Castellow questioned the use of property mentioned in the other requests for rezoning. Mr. Wasdin replied that it was mainly pasture land used for cattle. Mr. Castellow questioned if any commercial establishments were in close proximity to Mr. W asdin's property. Mr. Wasdin stated that the only business he was aware of was a deer stand construction business. At this time, Mr. Castellow questioned the condition of Moye Road and David Road. Mr. W asdin replied that Davis Road was a good road and stated that he had worked with the road department in the past to improve it. Mr. Wasdin stated that he had signed a petition to get Moye Road paved, and discussed negotiations with the county to get it paved. Mr. W asdin also stated that Moye Road needed to be widened. Debra Crosby, resident of Moye Road, addressed the board. Ms. Crosby stated that she had previously questioned the Roads & Bridges department regarding their maintenance schedule of the roads in question, with the department responding with a letter describing their maintenance schedule in detail. Ms. Crosby read the letter aloud, stating that the Road & Bridge department described Moye and Davis Roads as requiring the most attention of any roads in the northern quadrant of the county. Ms. Crosby stated that the roads could not accommodate the additional traffic that a residential subdivision would require. Ms. Crosby also voiced her concerns regarding decreased property values as a result of the subdivision. Karey Howard, resident of Moye Road, addressed the commission. Ms. Howard stated that her main concern was the condition of the roads and their ability to accommodate additional traffic. Upon heavy rain, Ms. Howard stated that the school bus would not travel the roads. Ms. Howard also spoke of the deed restrictions placed upon her property when it was purchased. Ken Weaver, resident of Doerun Norm.an Park Road, addressed the board, stating that his family has owned the property on which he resides since 1961. Mr. Weaver stated that, November 3, 2015 Page6 according to the proposed subdivision, one lot would be within 25 to 30 feet of his front door. He further stated that the Doerun - Norman Park Road was a heavily traveled road and spoke of the bad condition of Davis Road. Mr. Weaver also voiced his concern regarding the installation of septic tanks encroaching upon the ability of surrounding farmers to irrigate their crops, as well as the overall security of the area. Libby Holden, resident of Davis Road, addressed the board. Mrs. Holden referred to an article published in the Moultrie Observer where she pleaded for assistance with road conditions. Upon heavy rainfall, Ms. Holden stated that Davis Road was impassable. Ms. Holden stated that she had lived in this location for forty years, surviving a total home loss due to fire and rebuilding from scratch. Mr. Castellow asked for any further comments. There being no further comments in opposition to the applications for rezoning, this public hearing was closed. Mr. Castellow called the next public hearing to order, and called upon Justin H. Cox, Chief Compliance Officer, to present the application for Request for Major Subdivision. Mr. Cox began by reiterating that approval of the Request for Major Subdivision was contingent upon approval of the Requests for ReZoning. Mr. Cox stated that the proposed name of the subdivision was Edinburgh Estates, and stated that it would be comprised of all acreage presented as part of the requests for rezoning, for a total of 31.40 acres and 20 building lots. Mr. Cox stated that the all lots would have private septic tanks and wells and would utilize existing public roadways. Mr. Cox presented an aerial view of the proposed subdivision. At this time, Mr. Castellow asked for any comments in favor of or in opposition to the proposed request for major subdivision. Debra Crosby addressed the board to reiterate that the roads could not accommodate the additional traffic that would occur if the subdivision were approved. Jeremy Meads stated that the subdivision should contain the same restrictions as the ones imposed on his property. Mr. Meads further stated that surrounding property values would decrease as a result of the subdivision. Ken Weaver stated that he feared for the security of the area if the subdivision was permitted. Ed Wasdin addressed the board, declaring that he had never been privy to so many complaints regarding road conditions in the area. He further stated that he traveled the roads in question daily, often hauling produce or crops without difficulty. Mr. Wasdin stated that different covenants were applied to different parcels of property. He further stated that he did, however, see the need to widen Moye Road. November 3, 2015 Page 7 Commissioner Hardin questioned the distance between the individual parcels included in the request. Mr. Wasdin briefed Commissioner Hardin on the locations of the parcels. Commissioner Hardin questioned the proximity of the lots to both Moye Road and Davis Road. Mr. Wasdin replied that they were approximately V2 mile apart. Karey Howard restated her opinion concerning road conditions and traffic on Moye and Davis Roads. Kalea Weaver addressed the board, stating that she loved her home on Doerun - Norman Park Road. Ms. Weaver also voiced her concern that her property value would decrease as a result of the proposed development. There being no further comments from the audience, the public hearing was closed. At this time, Commissioner Herndon stated that she felt for both those in favor of and those in opposition to the proposed subdivision, stating that she herself lived in a place where she would not want to be encroached upon by development. Commissioner Herndon stated that she would like to research the situation, and stated that she felt that each side possessed a valid argument. Commissioner Giddens stated that he was in favor of development, but not when the majority of surrounding property owners were so vehemently opposed to it. He further stated that he was aware of the conditions of the roads in the area. Commissioner Hardin stated that many in the audience were good friends and further stated that the board in no way wanted to harm them. However, Commissioner Hardin stated that zoning was created to direct and guide development, not to prohibit it. Commissioner Hardin stated that certain guidelines were in place to develop subdivisions, and declared that if a proposed development met those guidelines, it would be hard to deny an individual the right to develop their property. MOTION TO DENY REZONING REQUEST: Commissioner Giddens made the motion to deny the rezoning request as submitted by Ed Wasdin regarding property located at 485 Davis Road. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Hardin stated that the roads were narrow, and upon development of a subdivision, it would be the county's responsibility to ensure the roads were passable and safe. Commissioner Nagy stated that he was sensitive to an individual's property rights, and stated that as a commissioner it was his job to consider several factors, including economic development, tax base, and the safety of citizens. Commissioner Herndon stated that she was hesitant to make a hasty judgement. November 3, 2015 Page 8 Commissioner Giddens stated that the opportune time to ascertain the condition of Moye and Davis Roads was after a heavy rainfall. Commissioner Herndon again stated that she would like to be fair to all parties involved Discussion ensued regarding the legality of tabling the item pending further research. APPROVAL OF MOTION TO RECESS FOR FIVE MINUTE BREAK: Commissioner Nagy made the motion at 8:45 p.m. to recess for a five minute break. Commissioner DeMott made a second. The motion carried unanimously. The board reconvened the meeting at 9:03 p.m. At this time, Mr. Castellow stated that he was originally concerned that the Zoning Ordinance or Zoning Procedures Act required the board to make a decision. During recess, Mr. Castellow stated that he researched both documents and stated that neither article contained any such provision. As a result, Mr. Castellow stated that board had two options: they could table the item or proceed with making a decision. APPROVAL OF MOTION TO DENY REZONING REQUEST: Due to safety aspects and knowledge, Commissioner DeMott made the motion to deny the rezoning request by Mr. Ed Wasdin for property located at 485 Davis Road. Commissioner Giddens made a second. Those in favor were Commissioners DeMott, Giddens, Nagy, and Chairman Clark. Opposed were Commissioner Hardin and Commissioner Herndon. APPROVAL OF MOTION TO DENY REZONING REQUEST: Commissioner Giddens made the motion to deny the rezoning request submitted by Ed Wasdin for property located at the 200 Block of Davis Road. Commissioner Nagy made a second. Those in favor were Commissioners Giddens, Nagy, DeMott and Chairman Clark. Opposed were Commissioner Hardin and Commissioner Herndon. APPROVAL OF MOTION TO DENY REZONING REQUEST: Commissioner Nagy made the motion to deny the rezoning request submitted by Ed Wasdin for property located at the 1800 Block of Doerun Norman Park Road. Commissioner Giddens made a second. Those in favor were Commissioners Nagy, Giddens, DeMott, and Chairman Clark. Opposed were Commissioner Hardin and Commissioner Herndon. At this time, Mr. Castellow stated that the application for major subdivision was a moot point due to the denial of the rezoning requests. There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m. Approved D.ocon..Qur- 11/J,QJ S Colquitt County Resolution Number 2015-R-ll RESOLUTION Authorization to Execute Agreement Governing Expenditures for State and Local Government Costs WHEREAS, the Colquitt County Board of Commissioners has submitted an application to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division ("EPD") in order to receive funds from the Hazardous Waste Trust Fund; and, WHEREAS, the EPD has submitted an Agreement Governing Expenditures for State and Local Government Costs to the Colquitt County Board of Commissioners for execution; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Colquitt County Board of Commissioners that the proposed Agreement is hereby approved and that the County Administrator is hereby authorized to execute, on behalf of the Board of Commissioners, the referenced Agr eement and any other related documents necessary to obtain the funding as provided therein; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Administrator is hereby authorized to talze any and all other action, without further approval or action of this Board, which may be necessary or appropriate in order to fully consummate and carry out the intent of the Agreement. This 3rd day of November, 2015. Colquitt County Board oLCommissioners I l ltvc: c.w /')(.(I• I /J,t(J. ... ! i . Lh: M;~sa La~son I I County Clerk Colquitt County Board of Commissioners 58-6000806 FEDERAL ID# CERTIFI CATION I do hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the Resolution duly adopted by the Colquitt County Board of Commissioners on the 3rd day of November, 2015. I furth er certify that I am the Coun ty Clerk of Colquitt County and that t he said Resolution has been duly entered into the official records of Colquitt County and remains in full fotcfl " ie~t this 3rd day of Nov,ember, 2015. . ' ~ • ' /. f I { / . ,/ I c ' Meli~sa Lawson, Coun ; l ! I 1I ' ,v -{ .,._ Clerk Colqu tt County, Ge6rgia v --- Colquitt County Resolution Number 2015-R-12. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION BE1WEEN COLQUITT COUNTY, GEORGIA AND THE SOUTHWEST GEORGIA REGIONAL COMMISSION RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, FOR A GRANT FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE UNDER SECTION 5311 OF THE FEDERAL TRANSIT LAWS UNDER CHAPTER 53 OF TITLE 49 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE. WHEREAS, the Federal Transit Administration and the Georgia Department of Transportation are authorized to make grants to non-urbanized areas for mass transportation projects; and, WHEREAS, the contract for financial assistance will impose certain obligations upon applicants, including the provisions for the local share of project costs; and, WHEREAS, it is required by the United States Department of Transportation and the Georgia Department of Transportation in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that in connection with the filing of an application for assistance under the Federal Transit Act, the applicant gives an assurance that it will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and under the United States Department of Transportation requirements thereunder; and, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY COLQUITT COUNTY, GEORGIA: 1. The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, hereinafter referred to as "Official," is authorized to execute and file an application on behalf of the Applicant, Colquitt County, Georgia, with the Georgia Department of Transportation to aid in the financing of public transportation assistance pursuant to Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act. 2. That the Official is authorized to execute and file such application and assurances or any other document required by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Georgia Department of Transportation effectuating the purpose of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 3. That the Official is authorized to execute and file all other standard assurances or any other document required by the Georgia Department of Transportation or the U.S. Department of Transportation in connection with the application for public transportation assistance. 4. That the Official is authorized to furnish such additional information as the US. Department of Transportation or the Georgia Department of Transportation may require in connection with the application of the project. 5. That the Official is authorized to execute grant contract agreements on behalf of the Applicant with the Georgia Department of Transportation in connection with the application for public transportation assistance. 6. That the Official, while making application to or receiving grants from the Federal Transit Administration, will comply with FTA Circular 9040. lG , FTA Certifications and Assurances for Federal Assistance 2015 as listed in Appendix A of this application and General Operating Guidelines as illustrated in Georgia State Management Plan and Administrative Guide for Rural Public Transportation Programs. 7. That the Official has or will have available in the General Fund the required non-federal funds to meet local share requirements. APPROYED AND ADOPTED, this / .. , -~"'\ ..<./'' '::·: l·Y;·' . . .··~, i ...,, / (:.; .. ~- r·. /~ ,_. . Terry R. Clark, Chairman Board of Commissioners Colquitt County, Georgia I •:: I , / \. l. f '.: . 3rd day of November, 2015. ,,. ATTEST: Melissa Lawson, Coilli.ty Clerk CERTIFICATE The undersigned duly qualified and acting County Clerk of Colquitt County, Georgia certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted at the Board of Commissioners regular meeting, duly called and held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Th~s 3rd day of November, 2015. L! . Melissa Lawson, County Clerk Colquitt County, Georgia