County Discusses Landfill

Members of the Jasper County Commission learned at their regular meeting Monday evening that the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is tightening its restrictions on Construction & Demolition (C&D) landfills, such as what Jasper County operates.

County Manager Mike Benton told commissioners that the C&D landfill is designed for just that. But, the county has been taking other items…such as old furniture, broken wheelbarrows, worn-out household items, etc. The EPD is moving toward making the landfill comply with just taking C&D materials.

Mr. Benton encouraged the commissioners to not give citizens the opportunity for free dumping until they can figure out what the new rules are and how best to comply with them. He mentioned the possibility of a transfer station so that residents can continue to have a place to dispose of items, but more information is needed and policies may have to be developed.

Commission Chairman Don Jernigan asked Sheriff Donnie Pope about the free dumping, and he, too, discouraged it. He said when the county has done it before, that it has required one or more deputies to help with traffic and to keep the peace. He said to do it now would require an off-duty deputy to come in and work overtime to do it, so it’s not fiscally responsible. The sheriff said it has been his experience that everyone waits for the free dumping month, and there’s lots of people trying to get in and out.

Commissioner Jernigan said he wanted to get the trash committee back together and see if they can develop a voucher system where each property owner could get one free trip to the dump each year. The commissioners voted unanimously to do that.

Then the commissioners discussed the Public Works Department (PWD), saying equipment and personnel are needed. There are more than 100 work orders in the system now for the Gradall, said Commissioner Jernigan, and PWD just can’t keep up. Then the commissioners commented on people raking leaves into drainage ditches causing problems.

During discussions at the meeting, commissioners discussed the roads and bridges that failed in the rainy weather last week, learning two roads are still closed, and that some bridges need replacing. Commissioner Steven Ledford thanked the PWD for the job it did during the severe rains.

Another agenda item was a new van for the senior citizens’ center. It has been on the agenda for more than a month, and Director Brenda Jacobs has been trying to find a suitable used vehicle for the center. After much discussion again this month, commissioners had agreed to allow Mrs. Jacobs to put $3,000 down to hold a vehicle , as each one is sold before the county’s mechanic has time to look at it. Monday evening she brought a price for a 2019 van which was more than $86,000, and it did not have the needed wheelchair lift. Commissioners discussed it further, and senior center staff members were communicating with the bus company during the meeting. The commissioners had agreed for Mrs. Jacobs to price a new van as well as continuing to seek used ones. Before the meeting was over, she announced she had found a new van, and the cost was about $116,000. Commissioners discussed it briefly, and decided to purchase the new vehicle.

The meeting was basically harmonious, unlike many in recent months.

Jennifer Lassen, the new executive director of the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, introduced herself to the commissioners and said she was a resident of the county, and that she is here to serve the county, promote business and promote the county.

After Mrs. Lassen introduced herself, several citizens commented, most of which were favorable. Jason Bunn thanked the commissioners for turning down R-2 zoning, and asked the commissioners to be open in all that they do. He then expressed concerns about school shootings, and asked the commissioners to keep it on their radar.

John Henderson spoke up to compliment the road department on the job it had done when the rains pelted the earth so badly last week. He talked about a bridge washing out which PWD workers fixed. He talked of the good work and professionalism of PWD Director Michael Walsh.

David Thompson of Monticello spoke about the county’s Scenic Byways, and suggested a Scenic Byways Commission be formed. He talked about the original intent of the Scenic Byways. The unilateral support the county gave to have Hwys. 11 and 83 north designated Scenic Byways encourages us to pick back up with the commission, he said. James Belcher thanked the county for its support of Be Kind day, noting Commission Chairman Jernigan and Vice Chairman Shelia Jones were present, and thanked the county manager for his remarks that day.

Commissioners learned the ground clearing for the Food Bank was set for yesterday afternoon, and the ground breaking for the jail renovation is scheduled for next Wednesday, April 12.

Commissioners heard from Recreation Director Keldrick Davis and the county manger about the need for more fields for recreation. Mr. Davis and Mr. Benton are to meet with representatives of Monticello Baptist Church about the possibility of using Rose Bowl Field for football later this year. They will also meet with representatives of the Jasper County Charter School System about use of the parking lot behind Thomas Persons Hall.

The commission reappointed Commissioner Gerald Stunkel to the Joint Development Authority. They also re-named the chairman to the Public Facilities Authority, and also named James Thiele, William Nash and Howard Fore, Jr. to that board.

Mr. Benton said that the full depth reclamation paving project on Jackson Lake Road between Hwy. 11 and hwy. 212 is slated to begin the first week in May.

Commissioners spent considerable time discussing upcoming called meetings and work sessions, with several already scheduled for budgetary concerns.