Commission Adopts Rules of Conduct
The Jasper County Board of Commissioners conducted its first meeting of the new year Monday evening which included enacting a new open meeting conduct policy though not unanimously passed.
The idea of the conduct policy was based upon the perceived need for guidelines to put in place to ensure a professional, respectful atmosphere is maintained during all public meetings. The drafted conduct policy consisted of seven basic tenets in an effort “to minimize disruption of the meeting, ensure all visitors can hear and see the proceedings, and everyone have an equal opportunity to express their needs and issues without fear of harassment or ridicule,” according to the policy.
The policy outlines: a) that citizens are welcome to attend meetings of the commissioning body but must sign in to comment on matters b) does not guarantee that time will always be allotted for citizens comment c) comments will be heard during specified time unless otherwise invited d) commentary will be limited to three minutes e) citizens are prohibited from making noises or causing disruptions that demean, ridicule, or mock others f) outbursts will result in removal from the room and g) patterns of disruption will result in a ban from attending any meetings after three removals.
Commissioner and newly elected vice chairman Doug Luke spoke in favor of the policy noting that everybody should have their say but it that persons should also be respectful of people appointed and people in the room. He was against including stipulation “b” as noted above.
“I’m a big boy and I can handle the harsh commentary but others may not be able to do so,” he said.
While Mr. Luke was in support of the policy with a modification, not all commissioners expressed the same sentiment.
“I understand the policy was written to protect everybody but do we really need one?” questioned Commissioner Carl Pennamon.
Commissioner Bruce Henry plainly stated that “we don’t need a policy to run a meeting.”
After some banter among the five commissioners including humor from the re-elected chairman Gene Trammell about newly appointed Sergeant-at-arms Keith Standifer stepping in with gunfire, the board voted 3-2 to approve the policy. Commissioners Pennamon and Henry dissented.
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LANDFILL
In other new business, discussions happened upon the county’s ongoing landfill issues. County manager Karen Degges advised the BOC of operational changes recommended for the inert landfill which involves natural forms only such as leaves, stumps, limbs, etc. She said that the volume of materials being transported to the inert landfill is too low to necessitate the one-time expense of permitting it for use. The county manager recommended that the inert materials be approved for placement in the C&D landfill.
The recommendation was approved 4-0 with Mr. Pennamon abstaining from the vote.
With regards to the C & D landfill, the board voted unanimously to enter into a six month consent order extension with the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for additional time to explore options for bringing the landfill up to code. The original consent order was granted in 2006 and the county has remained under such since that time.
Ms. Degges noted that an exploration into the possibility of energy conversion for the landfill was in the works. The problematic fiber materials could possibly be converted into electricity which could power nearby facilities, she said, but time was needed to thoroughly explore such.
While agreeing to the consent order extension which would expire June 2015, Commissioner Henry strongly expressed placing a time limit on the exploration process in an effort to be better prepped for the June deadline. He suggested a May 1 deadline for the board to review all possibilities and decide which direction to take with regard to the landfill.
Commissioner Pennamon was concerned with the fiscal year 2015 funds in the amount of $350,000 budgeted for the landfill. The funds, if not used, would roll over into FY 2016 budget.
NEW BUSINESS
The usual new business agenda items that accompany the start of a new year for a new board were quickly dispensed of with Mr. Trammel retaining the chairman position and Mr. Luke assuming the vice chairman position.
County attorney Jim Alexander requested that his law firm be named as the legal representative for the county with David Osborne to serve as the attorney of choice in his absence. Mr. Alexander said that he expected to be traveling a great deal more this year and would not like his unavailability to hinder the business of the county. He noted that billing would remain as normal with hours accumulating for the service of only one attorney not two. His request was approved.
Also, Sharon Robinson was reappointed as county clerk with some commissioners requesting a job description for that position.
Thirteen holidays were approved for the current year. Some discussion ensued as Mr. Henry brought attention to public works employees receiving more paid holiday than other county employees. Public works staff work 10 hour days not eight hours thereby receiving a possible 130 hours of holiday pay per year versus 104 for other employees. Mr. Henry wanted to know how is that fair to all employees.
The board suggested aligning the personnel policy at a later date in order to create more of a balance. The measure passed 3-2 with commissioners Henry and Luke dissenting.
Additionally approved were the 2015 regular meeting dates which will remain on the first Monday of each month with the exception of January and September. The meeting start time will also remain at 6 p.m.
Other approvals included a resolution to send a draft of the capital improvement element of the comprehensive plan, outlining use of impact fees, to the regional council for review, and the commitment to serve as the fiscal agent for Jasper County Family Connection for FY 2016.
Commissioners received a brief updated status on issues with the Pitts Chapel bridge project which could involve Newton County and action was tabled on requesting bids for proposal for improvements on Pintail Road.
COMMISSIONERS ITEMS
Chairman Trammell requested each commissioner share with the board and public which project or issue he would like to see resolved this year. Mr. Luke noted the Pitts Chapel bridge project was a priority on his list while Craig Salmon wanted to see a landfill resolution. Mr. Henry would like to see employee handbooks tackled this year as well as issues with public works. He also inquired about correspondence with AT&T and the forthcoming annual trivia night.
Mr. Pennamon said that updating the county’s website would be an important part in keeping the public informed about the county’s business. He also announced that the December 15 work session with the Jasper County Water and Sewer Authority board members and respective attorneys for both agencies had rendered the result that the county would not be handling the billing or day-to-day operations of the authority thereby declaring any previously mentioned intergovernmental agreement as being off the table. He did note that the BOC would continue to help with the authority’s infrastructure.
The chairman said that recreation department improvements and better public information sharing were atop his list.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Two public hearings were conducted for applications for beer and wine licenses.
Wand Barron of Cora’s Bar and Grill, formerly Hwy. 142 Bar, approached the board about her application. She said that she wanted to offer good food and drinks to responsible adults.
Tommy Clemons of TLC Restaurant & Lounge located off Hwy. 11 South said he was interested in opening a decent respectable restaurant.
Following commentary for and against each application was allowed commissioners took some time discussing the process of permitting such licenses in accordance with building inspections and state regulations. Code enforcement personnel Sherry Braley aided the commissioners during the discussion.
Both permits were tabled by a 4-1 until further requirements were met with Ms. Braley instructed to aid each applicant throughout process.
Commisoners entered into an executive session for discussion of personnel matters at the conclusion of the regular meeting session. No action was taken.
