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Jodi Hearn was honored at the meeting for her service to Pike County. Photo courtesy of the Pike County Board of Commissioners.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 – 6:30 p.m.
Courthouse Annex, 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon, Georgia
The Pike County Board of Commissioners held its Regular Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room, Courthouse Annex, at 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon. Chairman Briar Johnson convened the meeting, and Commissioners Carol Bass, Tamra Jarrett and James Jenkins attended. County Manager John Hanson, County Attorney Rob Morton and County Clerk Jo Ann Wrye were also present. (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(e) (2)) Please note that Commissioner Powers was not present due to personal reasons. [Note from the Editor: I did not attend this meeting but am uploading the unofficial minutes from the meeting for readers. ]
1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman J. Briar Johnson
2. SILENT INVOCATION………………………………………………….Chairman J. Briar Johnson
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman J. Briar Johnson
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. § 50-14-1 (e) (1))
Motion/second by Commissioner Bass/Commissioner Jarrett to approve the agenda, motion carried 4-0.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(e) (2))
Minutes of the January 8, 2014 Regular Monthly Meeting.
Motion/second by Commissioner Jarrett/Commissioner Bass to approve, motion carried 4-0.
6. INVITED GUESTS
a. Jodi Hearn
County Manager, John Hanson, welcomed Jodi Hearn (a 13-year old Pike County resident that took it upon herself to provide a meal at her church for the unfortunate on December 23, 2013.) to the Board of Commissioners meeting and thanked her for her service to Pike County. He stated Jodi was the Board’s nominee for the Governor’s Servant’s Heart Award and read the letter that was submitted to the state explaining why she was the Board’s nominee. The Board and County Manager presented Jodi with a Community Service Award. Jodi and her family thanked the County Manager and the Board of Commissioners.
7. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS, DEPARTMENTS, COMMITTEES, AUTHORITIES
a. Monthly Reports submitted from County Departments and County Authorities, including a Revenue/Expenditure Statement for all departments, and a summary check register. There are no Department reports as they will be provided during the first Board meeting of February. Revenue/Expenditure Statement and Detail Check Register is included.
County Manager, John Hanson noted that the credit card statement was included in the Board’s packet since it was not in their first of the month packet. Motion/second by Commissioner Jarrett/Commissioner Bass to approve, motion carried 4-0.
b. County Manager Report
▫ Update on County finances for the following funds/accounts:
General Fund $3,768,406.29
Fire Dept. Donations $1,400.15
Cash Reserve Account $176,484.18
Jail Fund $25,364.89
E-911 Fund $63,066.64
DATE Fund $22,423.17
Juvenile Court Fund $20,448.32
Residential Impact Fee $278,057.00
Commercial Impact Fees $11,424.21
General Obligation SPLOST Tax Bond Sinking Fund, 2011 $211,030.59
L.M.I. Grant (DOT) $646,953.44
c. County Manager Comments – Commended the Board for nominating Jodi Hearn for the Servant’s Heart Award.
We have received notice that the county will get 70% of our repair cost from LMIG for the repair of Milner and Woodcreek Road. The bid for the Sheriff’s Department roof has been finalized and will be signing the contract with them soon. Waiting on the final figure to repair the damage at the Magistrate Court from our insurance adjuster so work can begin on that. Received a petition for issues regarding Tanyard Road, County Manager John Hanson noted there has been some recent publicity in the paper about that as well. He wanted to assure the commissioners that we run this office professionally; we address the roads based on needs, feasibility and cost. John stated we do that with the upmost respect to all citizens.
d. Commissioner Reports.
District 1 – Commissioner Bass – Very pleased with the way the retreat went; she enjoyed being a participant and enjoyed what the people brought to them. Commissioner Bass stated she appreciated everyone that participated and helped put this together.
District 2 – Commissioner Jarrett – Retreat went really well and appreciates everyone that helped organize it. She stated they got a lot accomplished at this one as opposed to the previous ones. She commented the previous ones were good, but this one was a working session and that is what they needed. Commissioner Jarrett said she also appreciates all the work our employees do during this weather, hoping there are no situations, but knows they are on alert.
District 3 – Commissioner Powers – Not present.
District 4 – Commissioner Jenkins – Thought the retreat went well and got a lot accomplished. He thanked the people who provide service to the County: EMA (Jimmy Totten), David Allen and Todd Goolsby. He stated without them their (the Board’s) job would be really tough, stating the job they do is awesome. Commissioner Jenkins said the Board can look good because of them (Jimmy Totten, David Allen and Todd Goolsby), noting it is not about the Board but it is the Board’s job to be on top off it and they (David Allen, Todd Goolsby and Jimmy Totten) are working behind the scenes. Commissioner Jenkins thanked each one of them.
At-Large – Chairman Johnson - Thanked the staff, department heads, County Manager and County Attorney for their help in the retreat. Chairman Johnson also thanked Jodi Hearn for her service to the community.
County Attorney Report to Commissioners – Rob Morton stated he has a quick update for Executive Session. He stated there were some items they had planned for the retreat along with the County Manager and asked for direction from the Board if they wanted this addressed in a future meeting or separate workshop. He stated he is currently working with the County Manager regarding making changes to the county policy; the main focus is on the personnel and financial policies. Commissioner Bass asked if they are talking about the Ordinances, if that could be in a separate meeting; she wants to make sure it gets the attention it needs since it will be a document that will guide the county. Rob stated they were on the same page and will let John set up the time. Rob said they are updating the code and are planning on presenting this to the Planning Commission on February 13, 2014. He also noted that the County Manager, John Hanson, got with Britain Turner to have the code uploaded to our website as well as a separate document that attached all the ordinances that were adopted in 2013, even though they have not yet been officially put into the code. Commissioner Jarrett asked if the budget is also on the website and County Manager, John Hanson said the budget was on the website as well. Commissioner Bass asked if the ordinances that were on her flash drive are the same as the ordinances that are in the book and Rob told her that it was. He stated those were the ordinances that were updated for 2012; the Board will soon be updating the ordinances for 2013. Commissioner Bass asked if the changes she had noted in the ordinances had already been changed and Rob said some of them had because some of it just did not make sense. Rob noted these changes were made in 2013. Commissioner Jenkins clarified that they could go to the website to search the ordinances instead of a flash drive, which will be easier. Commissioner Bass asked if the website will be the most current and Rob stated it would be. Commissioner Jenkins said that is what they need and what the citizens need; they (the citizens) are the ones that are paying for it.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Approve/deny Second Reading of Chapter 91, Animal Control Ordinance.
David Allen, Planning and Development Director, presented to the Board two versions of the Animal Control Ordinance. The one that was approved at the first reading that eliminated the .50 fee and the second version that eliminated the .50 fee and the language about impounding the animals, which has not been voted on. There was much discussion about the two versions.
Motion/second by Commissioner Jenkins/Commissioner Bass to approve for 2nd reading, the second version which eliminated the .50 fee and the language about impounding animals, motion carried 3-1 with Chairman Johnson opposing.
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Approve/deny request for Alcohol License (Retail Sales – Beer & Wine) for Rakesh Chourasia d/b/a Mountain View Convenience Store located at 3181 Hwy 19 South, Meansville, GA. Applicant has met criteria.
Motion/second by Commissioner Jarrett/Commissioner Jenkins to approve, motion carried 4-0.
b. Consider one appointment to the West Central Georgia Workforce Investment Board.
County Manager advised the Board there have not been any applications received. This will be re-advertised and brought back before the Board when we have applicants.
c. Approve/deny Tax Refund request from LSK Properties, LLC.
Motion/second by Commissioner Bass/Commissioner Jenkins to deny based on the recommendation of the Tax Assessor’s Board, motion carried 4-0.
d. Approve/deny of Resolution to Set Qualifying Fees for 2014 County Elections.
Motion/second by Commissioner Bass/Commissioner Jarrett to approve, motion carried 4-0.
10. PUBLIC COMMENT- (Limited to 5 minutes per person)
a. Randall Moss desires to address the Board regarding DFCS case.
Mr. Moss was not present at meeting.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. County Attorney requests consultation to discuss pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the county or any officer or employee or in which the county or any officer or employee may be directly involved, as provided in O.C.G.A. §50-14-2(1), germane the Magistrate Court.
Motion/second by Commissioner Bass/Commissioner Jenkins to enter into Executive Session at 7:07 p.m., motion carried 4-0.
Motion/second by Commissioner Jarrett/Commissioner Bass to adjourn Executive Session and enter into Regular Session at 7:14 p.m., motion carried 4-0.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Motion/second by Commissioner Jarrett/Commissioner Jenkins to adjourn at 7:14 p.m., motion carried 4-0.
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