Commission Handles Routine Business
The Jasper County Board of Commissioners honored several people at its meeting Monday evening, while also approving some rezoning requests and handling other business.
Board Chair and District 2 Commissioner Bruce Henry read a proclamation for J’Quavious Thurmond (see related story) then Sheila Pounds read a proclamation honoring Don and Donna Shipp for their many years of service to the Jasper County Recreation Department.
That action came after three rezoning requests were heard and approved. In one case, property was rezoned from Residential to Ag for a man to give his son acreage on which to build a home. The other involved a land swap with Paul Kelly, allowing his neighbor to have recommended road frontage for a home, and approving property for an automobile repair shop or mini-warehouses.
During the regular meeting, LaToya Johnson and Trina Hope were named to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) Board.
In addition, commissioners approved the Georgia Indigent Defense Services Agreement in the amount of $79,000. The commission has no choice; it is a mandated service.
Commissioners decided to go with the second lowest bid for Construction for Cell 5 at the C&D Landfill. There was some concern about “extra” work that may be required, and the low bidder’s price for the extra soil removal and replacement, if needed, was about double what the middle bidder’s price was. In addition, Piedmont Mining, who bid $224,057, provided its license and insurance information while the low bidder, DEP Hauling & Grading did not. Its bid was $198,825.
After some discussion, commissioners determined the $25,000 difference would be worth it if indeed the soil removal and replacement is needed.
Commissioners approved a private burial site on a parcel of land, while tabling action on an ordinance for private burial sites. Planning & Zoning Director Doug Attaway said he had received two requests in the last month, and that it is not unusual. He and the county attorney said the county needs an ordinance where it doesn’t have to come before the commissioners each time, as usually time is of the essence.
Commissioners also voted to amend the Opioid Legal Services agreement which still listed the county’s previous law firm.
Commissioners approved the sheriff to buy a Champs vehicle not to exceed $75,000 with funds from the drug fund which is financed by fees and fines levied by the court system.
They appointed Bailey Nieves, the Chamber of Commerce president, to the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission Workforce Development Board as a citizen member.
Commissioners were presented a resolution opposing the pursuit of legal fees by the state of Georgia and the Joint Development Authority against Concerned Citizens, which District 4 Commissioner Asher Gray read aloud. Mary Patrick, chairman of the Taxpayer’s Watchdog Group drew up the resolution. After Commissioner Gray read the resolution he made a motion to have the commissions sign it. That motion failed 2-3. He and District 3 Commissioner Rob Alexander voted for it, with the other three voting no.
District 5 Commissioner Steven Ledford said he personally felt the same way as Commissioners Gray and Alexander, but was reticent to sign a resolution that could possibly result in the county being adversely affected when it comes to money if the commission submits the resolution.
During citizen comments, James Belcher, chairman of the Democratic party, spoke, saying at the last Board of Elections and Registration meeting when a Democratic representative spoke, the response received from member Cathy Benson was “spoken like a true Democrat.” He said that originally the board was supposed to be made up of one Democrat, one Republican and one Independent. He asked that Ms. Benson be removed from the board, and a Democrat serve in her place.
Ms. Benson spoke next questioning who to call when she sees an open sewage line running from a camper onto the ground and eventually into the lake. She said code enforcement and the health department don’t work weekends…yet it happens every holiday weekend.
Mary Patrick expressed her dissatisfaction with Magistrate Court, and said that when she was there last there was an eight-month-old violation that was being handled She suggested there should be more and quicker enforcement because as in this case it was dismissed because the problem had been rectified. She also suggested the county and city work together for an Independence Day parade next year on the country’s 250th birthday. She said they’re always talking about working together; this would be a good chance.
Jason Bunn thanked law enforcement an first responders for their work and offered prayers for the young man who drowned on the river Saturday. He then suggested that Jasper County remove itself from the Joint Development Authority. He further complained that every department is asking for an increase in their budgets.
Sherry Benton who lives on Landers Way complained again about Jason Pope operating a trucking business in the residential area where she lives. She said she sees wrongdoing every day; no one else sees the problem. It’s discouraging, she said. She said she operates an in-home business and follows the rules.
In county commission items, Commissioners Ledford said that P&Z needs to look at permitting ecotourism. Mr. Attaway indicated they would begin work right away.
