Hart County Board of Commissioners
October 12th, 1999
5:30 p.m.
The Hart County Board of Commissioners met October 12th, 1999 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hart County Administrative & Emergency Services Center.
Chairman Moore called the meeting to order, welcomed those in attendance and called for a moment of silence.
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to approve the meeting agenda. Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The agenda is recorded in the “1999-2000” minutes book.
Approve Minutes of Previous
Meeting(s)
9/27, 10/5/99
Commissioner Burdick entered a motion to approve the minutes of the meetings held September 27th and October 5th, 1999. Commissioner Hannah provided a second to the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Remarks by Invited Guests,
Committees, Authorities, Etc.
a. Randy Fowler/Chestee-Chattahoochee RC&D
Mr. Fowler explained RC&D stands for Resource Conservation & Development, which is a non-profit organization affiliated with the U. S. Department of Agriculture. He said the council is made up of representatives from thirteen northeast Georgia counties, five soil and water conservation districts and the Georgia Mountains RDC.
Mr. Fowler said the agency’s goal is to help people utilize and protect their natural resources while improving the economy, environment and quality of life. He also stated the following programs are funded by the RC&D:
Soil Erosion, Wheels for work, Revolving loan program to establish small businesses, road stripping & grant program for timber bridges
He explained road stripping cost $65 per line mile plus bead and paint. He added the timber bridge program is funded with a maximum of $40,000.
County Attorney Walter Gordon reported the Hart County Water & Sewer Authority request proposals from the City of Royston, Bowersville, Lavonia and Hartwell for water in the incorporated areas of the county.
He reported the final delinquent tax sale is scheduled November 2nd, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. at the entrance of the courthouse facing Ace Hardware.
County Administrator Gary Cobb reported the tax digest figures were delivered to him October 11th, 1999. He said the proposed millage rate is 5.31 for the unincorporated area of the county and 5.63 for the incorporated area. He also stated the tax digest history will be advertised in the Hartwell Sun and the commissioners can consider adopting the millage rate at the November 9th, 1999 meeting.
Chairman Moore distributed an article from the ACCG county magazine pertaining to property tax issues. A copy of the article is recorded in the “1999-2000” minutes book.
Commissioners' Reports
Commissioner Burdick reported he recently attended an RDC meeting. He said the RDC members emphasized the importance that everyone completes the 2000 census reports and returns them.
Consent Agenda
County Administrator Gary Cobb read the consent agenda as follows:
New Business:
1. Authorize bids for a new high-way paving machine
2. Authorize ad for paving Lakeview Road, Winding Way & Baker’s Bridge Roads
3. Surplus property
4. Commitment to Hartwell Downtown Development Authority
Commissioner Hannah entered a motion to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Burdick provided a second to the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The consent agenda is recorded in the “1999-2000” minutes book.
Old Business
None
New Business
a. Kathryn Smith/Partners for Health plaque presentation
Ms. Smith expressed appreciation to the commissioners for sponsoring the Partners for Health handbook. She presented Chairman Moore with a plaque.
Chairman Moore stated that on behalf of the county he appreciated the Partners for Health efforts. He presented a check to Ms. Smith for the organization.
b. Service Resource Corp/easement
Carey Johnston requested a perpetual easement across the county landfill property to install fiber optics cable in the underground pipeline. He said the pipeline runs 4200’ on county property and the company is willing to pay $1.00 per foot for the easement. He explained there would not be an immediate benefit to Hart County.
Commissioner Oglesby asked if the proposed fee is a one-time fee. Mr. Johnston stated the fee is one-time amount of $4,200.
Chairman Moore asked if the company is offering landowners the same fee for the easement. Mr. Johnston said the company authorizes $1.00 per foot to all property owners with no exception. He also reported he is in the process of acquiring easements from eighty property owners in the county.
County Administrator Gary Cobb reported he and the county staff are reviewing the county ordinances and suggested the commissioners table Mr. Johnston’s request.
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to table Service Resource Corp. easement request. Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment - Executive Session As Required –
Adjournment
Virgil Ayers asked since the 1% SPLOST was voted in why has it taken four years for the process for water in the county. He also voiced his concern about the ISO fire rating in conjunction with a county-wide water system.
Chairman Moore explained forty percent of the 1% SPLOST funds is designated for Economic Development which includes county-wide water. He said the water allotment from the Corp of Engineers has been purchased.
County Attorney Walter Gordon explained the process to purchase the water allotment from the Corp was a lengthy ordeal. He also stated land has been purchased for the water treatment plant.
Chairman Moore also stated the 1% SPLOST funds were used to fund water lines along the Industrial loop around Royston to provide water to Hart County citizens in the area of the loop.
Mr. Gordon said the way the 1% SPLOST projects are structured the county has not borrowed funds to proceed with any projects.
Mr. Ayers also inquired about the 1% funds to upgrade the county fire department. Chairman Moore explained the fire department is well ahead of spending the 1% funds and the department exceeded expenditures for the general fund and the 1% SPLOST. He stated the fire department is funded through the insurance premium tax and funding has not been cut.
Commissioner Burdick explained what the insurance premium tax is used for and stated it has nothing to do with the ISO rating.
Earl Johnson thanked the board on behalf of the Downtown Development Authority for their support.
Commissioner Burdick entered a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------------
Joel Moore, Chairman Lawana Kahn, County Clerk