Hart County Board of Commissioners

January 13th, 2004

5:30 p.m.

 

The Hart County Board of Commissioners met January 13th, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hart County Administrative & Emergency Services Center.

 

Chairman Randy Banister presided with Commissioners R C Oglesby, Daniel Reyen, Ricky Carter and Joey Dorsey in attendance.

 

  1. Call to Order

Chairman Banister called the meeting to order.

 

  1. Appointment: Chairman Hart County Board of Commissioners

Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to appoint Commissioner Carter for the 2004 Chairman. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion.

 

Commissioner Carter declined. Commissioner Reyen entertained a motion to table the matter until legal council is in attendance. Chairman Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 3-2 (Commissioners Oglesby and Dorsey opposed).

 

  1. Welcome

Chairman Banister welcomed those in attendance.

 

  1. Prayer

Chairman Banister offered prayer.

 

  1. Pledge of Allegiance

Everyone stood in observance of the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

  1. Approve Agenda

Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to amend and approve the agenda as follows:

            Remarks by Invited Guests, Committees, Authorities    

                        Add     Mayor Matt Beasley - 1% SPLOST funds

 

  1. Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting(s)
    • 11/11/03          Regular Meeting
    • 11/25/03          Regular Meeting
    • 12/09/03          Regular Meeting

Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to approve the minutes as amended for November 11th, November 25th and December 9th 2003 meetings. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

  1. Remarks By Invited Guests, Committees, Authorities
    • Mr. Charles Rice - Presentation of Agriculture in Hart Co.

Mr. Rice had a presentation of the local agriculture program in Hart County. He reported that the economic importance of food and fiber in the State of Georgia for 2002 was $8.8 billion industry; Hart County Farm Gate value plus agriculture and landscape services equaled $185 million in 2002; dairy industry decreased; total output 14% of the county's economy; employment impact 2,634; and explained the conservation program.

 

·        Mayor Matt Beasley

Mayor Beasley presented a priority list of water lines in the City of Hartwell and asked for their annual request for SPLOST funds. He extended an invitation to the Board to discuss consolidating water systems.

 

Commissioner Dorsey requested Mayor Beasley to submit a cost breakdown of water projects for the board to consider so that the funds could be budgeted in the SPLOST cash flow plan.

 

Mayor Beasley asked if the City of Hartwell will receive the $759,000 SPLOST funds. Interim County Administrator explained that the board has set aside 5% reserve in all SPLOST funds to cover any shortfall in revenues received.

 

2. Appointment-Chairman Position

Chairman Banister asked for direction from County Attorney Gordon concerning the nomination for the chairman. Attorney Gordon explained that the board can not function without a chairman, the law requires that the board elects a chairman.

 

Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to appoint Commissioner Banister to serve as Chairman. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion. Commissioner Banister remarked that he is committed to rotation of the chairmanship, therefore he declined.

 

Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to appoint Commissioner Dorsey to serve as Chairman. The motion failed from lack of a second.

 

Commissioner Carter entertained a motion to appoint Commissioner Reyen to serve as Chairman. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 3-2 (Commissioners Oglesby and Dorsey opposed).

 

After a short break, Chairman Reyen called the meeting back to order.

 

  1. Reports by Constitutional Officers

None

 

  1. County Administrator's Report

Interim Administrator Caime reported that Elbert County has completed their Comprehensive Land Use Plan. He added that it is available in the Elbert County BOC office for public review and they are accepting comments until January 24th, 2004.

 

Commissioner Banister asked where Hart County's status with the Comprehensive Plan. Interim Administrator responded that Hart County's deadline to submit the plan to DCA is October 2005 and that we have budgeted for consultant help in developing the plan in this fiscal years budget.

 

Interim Administrator Caime reported that the state detainee construction crew will begin the construction of the multi-purpose building at the new Recreation Park site in late May or early June.

 

He also reported that the construction of the water tank at the Gateway Industrial site has begun and that the tank structure will start to rise from the ground in April.

 

Chairman Reyen presented Commissioner Banister with a gavel and thanked him for serving in the chairman capacity during 2003.

 

Commissioner Banister thanked the board for the opportunity to serve.

 

  1. Chairman's Report 

Chairman Reyen requested each commissioner if they have an item that needs to be discussed at a meeting that is not on the agenda, that no action be taken until the following meeting in order to allow them enough time to study the matter. He also asked that the public prepare their comments in advance so that their individual discussion is limited to five minutes.

 

  1. Commissioners' Reports

Commissioner Banister read the Certificate of Appreciation presented to Hart County for outstanding support of the 1st Battalion 214th Field Artillery's mobilization. He commended the local National Guard unit for their efforts during their deployment.

 

Commissioner Carter suggested that we develop a policy for appointing individuals on various boards/authorities.

 

Chairman Reyen stated that individuals that are appointed by the board are acting in the board's and the county names. He suggested creating a method that would allow everyone on the board to know more about an individual before appointments are made.

 

Commissioner Oglesby asked if Chairman Reyen and Commissioner Carter were saying that there are unqualified individuals on the Board of Assessors'. He also asked if anyone has taken the opportunity to introduce themselves to the Board of Assessor members. Chairman Reyen responded that they have not bothered to come in and introduce themselves either.

 

Commissioner Carter remarked that he did not say anything against anyone on the Board.

 

Jerry Linne' remarked that the number one responsibility of the Board of Commissioners is to oversee other boards.

 

Commissioner Dorsey asked about a letter from Administrator Caime that went out to the volunteer firefighters, the Board of Commissioners, and the County Clerk dated December 10th, 2003 concerning the payout for the firefighters. Commissioner Dorsey said he did not get a copy of the letter that was supposedly placed in his box in the Administrative office.

 

Commissioner Dorsey asked for an explanation of what happened to the payout and what is it going to take to get the situation rectified by the end of January.

 

Interim Administrator Caime explained that he has requested a copy of the reports from each fire station so that he can compare them with the reports that were on file and used in the payout.  In addition he explained that he is auditing the reports to determine where errors may have occurred with his staff’s preparation of the payout. 

 

Commissioner Oglesby remarked that a set amount of pay for each firefighter would eliminate any problems in the future with their payout.

 

Joey Strickland said that nine members of the Goldmine Fire Station were underpaid and that several members did not receive a letter regarding the pay situation.

 

Commissioner Carter stated that the problem needs to be resolved.

 

Commissioner Dorsey stated that he would like to see more communication between the board members. Chairman Reyen responded that the telephone works both ways.

 

  1. Consent Agenda

None

 

  1. Old Business

a)                  Assessors Office Software Upgrade

Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to upgrade the Assessors office software to Novalis. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion.

 

IT Specialist Mary Hughes reported that there is very little difference in the cost of Novalis vs WinGap software. She stated that she had completed a survey with some counties that are using WinGap and determined that it would take a 22% increase in the staffing level in the Assessors office.

 

Commissioner Carter asked Mrs. Hughes if she was using her own money with software system would she buy. Mrs. Hughes responded that she would purchase the Novalis software.

 

Jay Earle remarked that Hart County contracted with William Farris during the re-evaluation process in 1996 and the tax digest should have been revoked. He added that Mr. Farris is connected with Cott.

 

Chairman Reyen called for the vote. The vote carried 5-0.

 

b)                  Environmental Planning Criteria Discussion & Action

Interim Administrator Caime reported that the administrative office received a letter from DCA and there has been an indefinite extension for the Environmental Planning Criteria.

 

Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to table the issue. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

c)                  Action to release hold on Hart County DDA funds

Interim Administrator Caime read a letter from Kenneth Hodges requesting the board continue holding funds for the Downtown Development Authority.

 

Mr. Storing reported that Mary Alice Applegate has not complied with his open records request.

 

Commissioner Carter asked Mr. Storing if he has received the information. He responded that he did. Commissioner Carter asked him if he made a threatening statement to Ms. Applegate. Mr. Storing responded that he did not and at the time he talked with Ms. Applegate no one else was in the office. Mr. Storing said the issue with Ms. Applegate was an act of intimidation and a breach of the law.

 

Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to continue withholding funds to the DDA until the board could hear Ms. Applegate’s side of the issue. Commissioner Carter provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

Commissioner Banister asked Mr. Storing what he is wanting from the DDA. Mr. Storing responded that he would be satisfied with a letter of apology published in the Hartwell Sun from Ms. Applegate.

 

  1. New Business

a)                  GA DOT LARP 2004 Discussion & Action

Interim Administrator Caime reported that the DOT has tentatively picked the following roads for the 2004 LARP program:

            Deer Run Lane, Reed Road and half of Junction 77 Road

 

Interim Administrator Caime reported that the County can commit to paving the second half of Junction 77 or Reed road depending on which road the DOT only picks half of.  This would save the County money with the large State LARP contract.

 

Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to submit a letter of commitment to the DOT. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

b)                  I-85 Industrial Park Financing & Budget

Interim Administrator Caime presented a proposal for the I-85 Industrial Park financing and budget. He said Phase 1(b) budget proposal would upgrade a pump station and sewer lines for the site.

 

After discussing the matter, Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to bid out Phase 1(b) of the project. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

c)                  NE GA Animal Shelter: Dr. John McGarity

Dr. McGarity thanked the board for financial support for the Animal Shelter.

 

d)                  Adoption of 2004 Qualifying Fees

Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to adopt the 2004 Qualifying Fees as follows:

            Board of Commissioners           $          162.00

            Board of Education                                 72.00

            Clerk of Superior Court                              1,321.72

            Chief Magistrate Judge                1,210.09      

Coroner                                                     108.00                                          

            Probate Judge                                1,210.09

            Sheriff                                            1,577.10

            Surveyor                                                    159.86

            Tax Commissioner                          1,185.27

 

Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

e)                  Consideration of accepting Reese Lane as a County Road

After discussing accepting the issue at length, Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to adopt Reese Lane into the county road system upon review and approval of the ROW by Walter Gordan, to be maintained as a dirt road. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 3-2 (Chairman Reyen and Commissioner Banister opposed).

 

f)                    Bid Award – Stone

Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to table the matter and direct the Administrator to negotiate a two year contract with the low bidder. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

g)                  Bid Award – Pipe

Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to award Southeast Culvert the low bid for 60”, 66”, 72” and 84” pipe and Cherokee Culvert for 15”, 18”, 24”, 36 and 48” pipe. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

Interim Administrator Caime was directed in the future that before any contracts are let out for bid that they be notified.

 

h)                  First Reading – Amendment to Chapter 18 Building Permits

Commissioner Banister entertained a motion to accept the amendment to Chapter 18 Building Permits as the first reading exemption of planned building renovations of value greater than $2,500.00 to the value of the existing property. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion.

 

Chairman Reyen called for a vote. The vote carried 5-0.

 

i)                    Ty Cobb Healthcare Financing – Walter Gordon

Attorney Gordon explained that the county does not have any financial liability to Ty Cobb Healthcare.

 

Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to adopt the resolution. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

j)                    Request to give prior credit for hiring two Sheriff Deputies

Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to allow (2) years prior credit for Deputy Christopher Lack and (4) years prior credit for Deputy Michael Bowers. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

k)                  Request to promote a Road Department Truck driver to Equipment Operator

Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to promote Daniel Parker to a heavy equipment operator position. Commissioner Carter provided a second to the motion.

 

Interim Administrator Caime explained that the promotion would eliminate one truck driver position and create a position for a heavy equipment operator. However, in the event that Mr. Parker leaves employment with the county the number of truck drivers will go back to seven and the number of heavy equipment operators will go back to eight.

 

Chairman Reyen called for the vote. The vote carried 5-0.

 

l)                    Discussion & Possible Action on Parts of the Draft Staffing & Pay Analysis Plan

Commissioner Banister entertained a motion to table the further discussion. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion.

 

Commissioner Dorsey remarked that the board had agreed to discuss the matter when they discussed the two new fire fighters positions in December at the first meeting in January.

 

Commissioner Banister stated that he thought the issue was going to be discussed during the next budget process.

 

Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to move the EMT to pay grade 12 and not to move anyone else for the remainder of the fiscal year. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion.

 

The vote to table the matter carried 3-2 (Commissioners Oglesby and Dorsey opposed).

 

  1. Public Comment  

None

 

  1. Executive Session – Litigation 

Commissioner Carter entertained a motion to exit into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation matters as required by law. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0. The affidavit and resolution is recorded in the minutes book.

 

With no further action taken during Executive Session, Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to exit Executive Session. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

  1. Adjournment

Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.

 

 

 

-----------------------------------------------------                 ---------------------------------------------

Daniel W. Reyen, Chairman                              Lawana Kahn, County Clerk