County Handles Business
The Jasper County Commission after public hearings, will consider changing the minimum lot width for residential districts to 125 feet, and amend the Guest House ordinance to reflect the intentions of the ordinance.
Under the new ordinance, the guest house cannot have a separate driveway, and must use the same electrical service as the main house. In addition, it cannot be more than 750 heated square feet.
The minimum lot width change came about because under the past zoning, 100 feet was the minimum, but with a required 1,800 sq.ft. home it is hard to get it in a 100 ft. lot. The Board of Appeals has had to grant several variances because of this which necessitated the change. Another public hearing will be held on the change in January, then commissioners could vote on it.
The commission approved numerous alcohol licenses, all of which were renewals. There was much discussion about whether to approve the license for Lakeview Restaurant as there have been six 911 calls to that location this year. Commissioners were concerned about the high volume of calls to the location. After much discussion, commissioners approved the alcohol license, but said they want quarterly reports on 911 calls, as the ordinance allows the county to investigate the business if needed.
Others who were approved include Tyson’s Country Store, Frank’s Restaurant, Lakeview Marina, Larry’s 4-Way, Turtle Cove Property Owners Association, Bear Creek Marina restaurant, and Shane’s One Stop.
Commissioners spent considerable time discussing the quarterly Human Resources Report, which among other things, documented six openings on the Jasper County Water Authority. There is also one vacancy on the county Department of Family and Children Services Board. Other agencies have vacancies coming up, so Human Resources Director Sharon Robinson will advertise for the positions. She said she thought a number of people wanted to be re-appointed, but others would also be given an opportunity to serve.
Mrs. Robinson also reviewed employment changes, showing that currently the county has six open positions—public works director, equipment operator, paramedic, and three EMT positions. She also reviewed new hires and terminations/resignations.
Commissioners reviewed a contract with Triple Point Engineering, Inc. for landfill compliance and engineering consulting services, and a representative of the company was there. It had been discussed in a work session last month, and the county attorney had reviewed the document, so commissioners approved it with little discussion.
Commissioners also learned that the solid waste landfill located beside the operating C&D landfill was never officially closed. Landfill Director Sammy McCowan said he is aware of what is needed to complete the closure, which was begun 15 years ago. He assured commissioners it could be properly closed within six months.
Commissioners also voted to take part in the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Hazardous Sites Response Program. The landfill engineer had explained to commissioners that if they take part in the voluntary program, the county can receive reimbursement for some improvements at the landfill. The reporting can be retroactive, so the county can go back as far as it has records to request funds. This should generate some income for the county.
In other action at Monday’s regular meeting, commissioners:
Agreed to meet next Tuesday, Dec. 15, to discuss the applicants for the Public Facilities Authority and other items.
Reviewed the county’s first quarter financial report.
Approved an emergency operations agreement between Jasper Memorial Hospital and Jasper County Senior Center.
Approved the 2021 holidays and meeting dates. Meetings will be on the first Monday of each month except for July and September when commissioners will meet the second Monday because of first Monday holidays. County employees get 13 holidays a year.
