Subdivisions Will Require 30 Percent Green Space

The Jasper County Commission, at its regular meeting Monday, approved a text amendment to conservation subdivisions requiring subdivisions built in Jasper County now to have at least 30 percent green space. That’s down from the 40 percent that was suggested until this text amendment was passed.

The text amendment was necessary because of ambiguous language in the ordinance that required 40 percent in one place and not in others.

The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval of the text amendment which was reducing the amount of green space to 20 percent. Before the commissioners voted on it, Chairman Bruce Henry said he wasn’t sure the people of Jasper County wanted that dense of population (what the 20 percent would do), but still felt like 40 percent was too much.

So the four commissioners at Monday’s meeting discussed it briefly and agreed to 30 percent. Attorney David Ozburn assured them they were within their rights to make that adjustment after the public hearings.

(Commissioner Carl Pennamon was absent.)

During Commissioners’ Comments, District 5 Commissioner Doug Luke asked the status of the guest house ordinance, as there currently is a moratorium on guest houses. Planning & Zoning Director Shane Sealy said his group had a work session on that last week, but nothing has yet been brought forward to the commissioners.

District 3 Commissioner Don Jernigan told of a local resident, Major Norman Douglas Gibson, who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He turned 95 years old yesterday, and friends planned a boat parade so Mr. Gibson could celebrate. A brigadier general was to play happy birthday on the bagpipes.

He also reminded those present that everyone needs to be counted for the 2020 census. He said Jasper only had a 58.5 percent response rate. The census determines political representation, monies to be handed down from state and federal governments and more. It is important for each household, and each person in the household to be counted.

Mr. Jernigan also inquired about the status of a Gradall and bushcutters, and was assured they are in the shop, and should be repaired soon.

The commission recognized members of the Eastside Bomb Squad, an 11 & up baseball team that has numerous players that live and attend school in Jasper County.

Commissioners agreed to accept the low bid for this year’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) which the state pays 70 percent of and the county must pay the other 30 percent. The commissioners agreed to do a portion of Post Road near Hwy. 142, as they work to finish the road that has slowly been resurfaced over the last several years. They also agreed to do the part of the road in the city of Monticello if the city agrees to pay its half of the project. Monticello City Council meets Tuesday, at which time they will likely consider it.

Commissioners re-appointed Bonnie Walsh to the Department of Family and Children Services Board, and also named Patti Hobby to that board. One vacancy remains.

They also re-appointed Michael Fleming and named Rachelle Stanionis to the Recreation Board.

In addition, they named Jennifer Allen to the Board of Appeals for Planning & Zoning.

Lastly, the commissioners approved a resolution agreeing to move forward working with the city of Monticello on code enforcement. They also named three people to a committee to work with city officials—Chairman Bruce Henry, District 1 Commissioner Carl Pennamon, and Mr. Sealy.

The meeting was held in the large Courtroom in the historic Jasper County Courthouse, which has been getting a facelift. County Manager Mike Benton said the work is almost complete, but spoke about the downspouts. He said they were improperly installed, and when it was called to the attention of the contractor, he agreed to fix them. The entire project which included new roof, windows, coping, and many repairs should be complete this month.

The meeting was aired on Facebook through Facebook Live so anyone could look in.