Hart County Board of Commissioners
June 8th, 2004
5:30 p.m.
The Hart County Board of Commissioners met June 8th, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hart County Administrative & Emergency Services Center.
Chairman Daniel Reyen presided with Commissioners R C Oglesby, Randy Banister, Ricky Carter and Joey Dorsey in attendance.
1. Call to Order
Chairman Reyen called the meeting to order.
2. Welcome
Chairman Reyen welcomed those in attendance.
3. Prayer
Commissioner Banister offered prayer.
4. Pledge of Allegiance
Everyone stood in observance of the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. Approve Agenda
Commissioner Dorsey questioned why the jail food issue was not on the meeting agenda. Chairman Reyen responded that he instructed Interim Administrator Caime if two commissioners want the issue on the agenda to place it on the agenda. However, if Commissioner Dorsey wants to discuss the issue he can bring it up during Commissioners’ Reports.
Commissioner Dorsey read the section of the code of ordinance that pertains to setting the meeting agenda.
Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to amend and approve the agenda as follows:
Move New Business item e) ISO Changer Presentation to item 7
Add New Business item h) Subdivision Variance Request
Add New Business item i) Jail Food Issues
Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
6. Approve Minutes of Previous Meeting(s)
· 5/25/04 Regular Meeting
· 5/27/04 Work Session Meeting
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to approve the minutes of the meetings held May 25th and May 27 th, 2004. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
7. Remarks by Invited Guests, Committees, Authorities
An ISOChangers representative offered his services to help design an emergency service plan that would benefit property owners to receive a lower ISO rating. He reported that he has helped thirteen counties in the State of Georgia to achieve lower ISO ratings.
Commissioner Carter asked how much the survey would cost the county. ISOChangers responded that there would be no costs for the pre-survey.
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to allow ISOChangers to proceed with the preliminary survey at no cost to the County. Commissioner Carter provided a second to the motion.
Dr. Manning reported that according to the minutes of the January 22, 2004 that the county’s ISO rating changed from 9 to 6. However, he has not received a reduction in his fire protection insurance.
ISOChangers advised Dr. Manning to contact John Oxendine’s office and file a complaint against his insurance company. He said insurance companies are fined if they do not offer a reduction in premiums when ISO ratings change.
Commissioner Dorsey reported that when Hart County’s ISO rating changed to 6/9 and the county has met the criteria to reduce it to a 5/9. He also remarked if property owners meet the criteria that most of the local insurance companies are reducing the premium rates.
The motion carried 5-0.
8. Reports by Constitutional Officers & Department Heads
County Attorney Walter Gordon reported that he received a request from a property owner on Lightwood Lane to abandon a section of the road that serves no purpose to the public. He reported that the section of the road is a stub between two lots at the very end of the road, and that it is unpaved and has not been maintained.
Realtor James Gray reported that the stub serves no purpose and that the property owners are trying to clear up the situation so they can close on it.
Commissioner Dorsey remarked that the commissioners should go out and look at the situation and voiced his concern that the county would be setting precedent if they proceed with the request to abandon the section of the road.
Commissioner Carter asked why these individuals want the section abandoned. He also remarked that the Commissioners should get the opinions of others in the neighborhood. Attorney Gordon responded that abandoning this section of road would allow the land owner to join two lots.
No action was taken.
9. County Administrator’s Report
None
10. Chairman’s Reports
None
11. Commissioners’ Reports
None
12. Consent Agenda
None
13. Old Business
a) Third & final reading – Exemptions to Subdivision Regulations for deeding to grandchildren
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to adopt the 3rd and final reading-Exemptions to Subdivision Regulations for deeding to grandchildren. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
b) Landfill Methane Vent Bid Award
Alan Pope representing Goldie & Associates explained that the methane vents is the next step to eliminate the methane issue at the old county landfill site. Mr. Pope recommended Lee & Sims to install the vents.
Commissioner Dorsey asked what the success rate is to eliminate the methane issue by using the vent system. Mr. Pope responded that it depends on the soil condition and that it is the least expensive measure.
Commissioner Banister asked Mr. Pope if he has used the vent method before. Mr. Pope responded that he has.
IA Caime reported that the landfill site has to be monitored for thirty years after it’s closed. Currently the County has developed and obtained EPD approval on a long range phased plan for stopping methane from leaving County property. He explained that this is the third of four proposed phases for this issue and that each phase builds on the prior phase. In this fashion the County spends the least amount possible attempting to fix this problem. If this phase does not solve the problem the next phase will take place in about 2 years to add a vacuum system to extract the methane. He further explained that the county is on schedule with the EPD requirements.
Commissioner Carter asked how many vents would be installed. Mr. Pope responded that Goldie & Associates recommends 32. Commissioner Carter asked about these wells being over $3,000 each and that a water well is cheaper.
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to award the bid to Lee & Sims. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
14. New Business
a) Hart County Chamber of Commerce Request to use Courthouse Grounds
Michael Crump requested use of the amphitheater area of the courthouse grounds for concerts on Thursday afternoons from 6:00 to 8:00.
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to allow the Chamber to use the grounds area. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
b) Discussion on Proposed Charge for State Prison Crew
Effective July 1, 2004 the Department of Corrections will no longer be able to provide no-cost inmate work details to all governmental entities. They will continue to offer inmate work details for a charge of $35,700 for the Hart County detail per year.
Commissioner Carter entertained a motion to write a letter to State Representative Alan Powell and to the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections to petition relief from the State’s request to fund the work detail. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
c) Approval of Public Defender Budget FY05 & Resolution
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to approve the Public Defender’s Budget & Resolution for fiscal year 2005. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0. The budget and resolution is recorded in the minutes book.
d) Approval for purchase of safety net for Recreation Department
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to purchase the safety net in the amount of $675 plus cost of cables and installation. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion.
Commissioner Carter said we should know all cost before approval.
Commissioner Banister remarked that he would rather see a complete set of costs and a management plan in place.
Chairman Reyen asked if there is anything in a long range plan for the existing Recreation Park. IA Caime responded that he was not aware of a long range plan for the existing recreation park but one is needed.
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to withdraw the motion to purchase the safety net and table the issue. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 4-1. (Commissioner Dorsey opposed)
e) ISO Changer Presentation – moved to Remarks by Invited Guests etc.
f) Consideration of accepting extension to Green Meadows Drive into County Road System
IA Caime explained that this extension is not a County road but was paved to County standards and inspected the entire time. This 0.117 mile road ends in a cul-de-sac and has been paved for over a year and is now for consideration as accepting into the County system under the subdivision regulations. Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to accept the extension to Green Meadows Drive into the County Road System pending approval of the right of way. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
g) Discussion Board/Authority Appointments
Commissioner Dorsey entertained a motion to re-appoint Nancy Grizzle, Emily Gunnells, Gary Devore and Morene Sokol to a four year term to the Library Board. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Dr. Manning asked if the board does a follow-up with anyone to see what kind of job individuals are doing once they are appointed to the various boards.
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to send letters to individuals that are currently serving to see if they are interested in being re-appointed once their term expires. Chairman Reyen provided a second to the motion.
Commissioner Carter commended everyone that serves on boards as a service to Hart County.
Chairman Reyen remarked that the purpose of advertising for the board/authority appointments is to make the public aware of the boards and that the positions are available if anyone is interested in serving.
The motion carried 5-0.
h) Subdivision Variance Request
IA Caime reported that a request has been received for a variance from the subdivision regulations pertaining to the prohibition of subdividing off an easement and the requirement for 60 feet of road frontage per lot. He explained that this lot in Hidden Point Estates is 1.5 acre and the potential developer is wanting to subdivide this lot into three lots. He further explained that he does not recall the Board ever granting a variance from the prohibition of subdividing off an easement and that granting this variance will set a very bad precedence. He stated that the prohibition is in place so that developers do not develop properties where the taxpayers will eventually be faced with accepting the road serving lots and eventually be burdened with the costs of improving and/or maintaining that road at the taxpayers expense. The developer is the one who will profit from the lots and should bear the expense of road improvements.
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to table the issue. Commissioner Dorsey provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
i) Jail Food Issues
Commissioner Dorsey reported that the county received several complaints about the jail food and the vendor was made aware of the issues. However, the current vendor has not responded to IA Caime’s request for information pertaining to the complaints. Commissioner Dorsey said he wants to make sure the county receives closure to the complaints.
Chairman Reyen remarked that in an attempt to achieve closure to the issue that he visited the jail facility on several occasions and ate the meals that the inmates were being served. He remarked that the complaints from inmates about the food generally centered on small portions. However, the vendor is providing food portions that are in compliance with the contract. He also reported that he visited Mary’s Kitchen and discussed the outcome of his visits to the jail facility. He further reported that he has investigated this matter thoroughly and considers this issue resolved.
Commissioner Dorsey voiced his concern that the current vendor did not respond to IA Caime’s request. He also voiced his concern that the board does not communicate about issues that are being presented concerning county matters.
Commissioner Bannister commented that he believes we have closure on this issue.
15. Public Comment
None
16. Executive Session
None
17. Adjournment
Commissioner Oglesby entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
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Daniel W. Reyen, Chairman Lawana Kahn, County Clerk