Commission Revisits Zoning Issue
Monday’s regular meeting of the Jasper County Commission saw the commissioner’s reopen an issue thought settled, and raise continued debate on another issue.
At the advice of County Attorney John Nix, after numerous closed sessions, the county was prepared to settle the Superior Court case of Robert and Nannette Manning vs. Jasper County. The Mannings want to put a convenience store at the intersection of Hwys. 11 and 380, and the previous commission turned them down.
Apparently, Mr. Nix told the commissioners their best bet was to settle, rather than taking it to court and possibly losing there after spending much more in attorney’s fees.
But, Mr. Nix was not at Monday’s meeting, and his associate, Marvin Harkins advised the commissioners it was a coin toss, the case could go to trial, and it could go either way. Then, in the midst of discussions, at one point Mr. Harkins said he thought he could win the case.
During discussion, Commission Chairman Jack Bernard said that he was in favor of going to litigation. After some discussion, commissioners voted to table any action on the suit.
Before the commissioners voted, during agenda comments portion of the meeting, Ken McMichael had made a plea to the commissioners to not allow the gas station to happen. He told them about leaking gas tanks, possible damage to the water table, traffic hazards, and other concerns.
In a separate issue, commissioners spoke heatedly about Jasper’s involvement in the Four County Development Authority. In meetings over the last few weeks, Mr. Bernard has expressed his displeasure with the Authority. Mr. Bernard indicated that Jasper County might want to ask the other three counties—Newton, Walton and Morgan—to allow Jasper to defer its portion of the payment, for 10-15 years.
In discussion, Mr. Bernard said it is a “high risk” investment and he’s not sure Jasper County should be involved. After considerable discussion, the board voted for Commissioner Charles Hill to represent Jasper County on the Four-County Authority, and to come back to the Jasper County Commission with a recommendation after meeting with other representatives to the authority. Mr. Bernard volunteered to accompany Mr. Hill to those meetings.
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The commissioners discussed the Advanced Disposal Service (ADS) contract for curbside pick-up with the attorney, who said he thought the commissioners would have a contract to sign by the next regular meeting, slated for October 17.
The commissioners heard a presentation for Niki Morris, the local Family Connection director.
Mrs. Morris told commissioners what her collaborative agency does, and explained its workings somewhat. She said the main goals of Family Connection are school success and, along with that, to improve the county’s graduation rate.
In other action at Monday’s meeting, commissioners:
•Voted to name Hugh Brock to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
•Approved signing agreement for Express Poll equipment. The equipment is paid for with state funds, with no money being expended locally.
The board also agreed to settle a lawsuit that is an appeal from Magistrate Court. David Missouri was appealing a $1,000 fine ordered by Magistrate Court. Rather than have the expense of a court case, the county agree to settle for $250.
Commissioner Carl Pennamon raised the issue of anyone signing documents obligating the county without approval from the board. He said that it should not happen. He then made a motion to that effect.
Chairman Bernard told him he was out of order. Mr. Bernard said that since it was not on the agenda it would be inappropriate for the commission to take action on it. Mr. Pennamon said he had asked for it to be put on the agenda. Then, he said, when the agenda was publicized he saw it was not on the agenda.
He said he called the Interim County Manager Leonard Myers who told him that Mr. Bernard told him to take that item off the agenda.
In discussion after the meeting, Mr. Pennamon said the agenda item should concern the role and responsibility of the board chair. He asked Mr. Myers to put it on the next agenda.
Much of the relatively short meeting time was taken up by public comment.
Francis Cason pointed to the zoning matter the commissioners had just tabled and said that “If you can’t deny this, you can’t deny me,” referring to a use he might have of his land. He has argued repeatedly on several zoning issues about the constitutionality of what the ordinance says.
He said the ordinance requires 1.2 acres, and the Mannings have only .99. The county should have the right to deny them that use of their property.
Mary Patrick told the commission that the mayor [of Monticello, Susan Holmes] is good at manipulating the county. “Do not let the city determine what goes on with service delivery,” she said in response to an earlier discussion.
She commented on the money the county is spending on office supplies, postage, and training and education to name a few. She also questioned the use of comp time and vacation time. She said “who oversees it, and who oversees the person overseeing that?”
That prompted Commissioner Hill to say that the county needs to rework its personnel policy, a proposal he had made at least twice earlier this year.
Charles Forsythe questioned the commissioners’ motive in delaying setting the budget and millage rate; questioned public employees working on the proposed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax on public time, which is illegal, and he said that no one commissioner has more authority than any other, and no commissioner should be able to obligate the county without a vote.
After hearing from those constituents the meeting was adjourned.
Five Now Vie for
County Manager
Interim County Manager Leon-ard Myers said that 27 people had applied for the permanent position of County Manager, and that list has been narrowed to five.
He said he will interview those five, and then when the list is reduced to the final three, the names will be released, and two weeks later, the Commission will vote.
He said six of the applicants were from out of state and 21 were from Georgia.
