Pike County Times
The Pike County Times, PO Box 843, Zebulon, Georgia 30295. Click here to donate through PayPal. Becky Watts: Phone # 770-468-7583 editor@pikecountytimes.com
 
Online
Welcome to Pike County Times.com

This online news website is owned and operated by Becky Watts. The Editor can be reached at 770-468-7583 or at editor(at)PikeCountyTimes(dot)com. Pike County Times is a website for citizens to keep up with local events and stay informed about Pike County government. It began on November 13, 2006 as a watchdog on county government and has turned into an online newspaper.

If you enjoy reading Pike County Times, consider buying an advertisement for your business or sending a donation to support the only free online newspaper in Pike County. Donations can be sent to: The Pike County Times, PO Box 843, Zebulon, Georgia 30295. Click here to donate through PayPal. Thanks for supporting Pike County Times.com!

 
 
REGULAR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONTHLY MEETING
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Courthouse Annex, 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon, Georgia

All five commissioners are present along with County Clerk Jo Ann Wrye to take the minutes, County Manager (CM) John Hanson, and County Attorneys Rob and Tom Morton. There are quite a few here for public comment on the winery.

1. CALL TO ORDER .................................................................................... Chairman J. Briar Johnson

2. INVOCATION…………………………………………………………………………..Frank Winfrey

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ................................................................... Chairman J. Briar Johnson

4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. § 50-14-1 (e) (1))

5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(e) (2))

a. Minutes of the October 18, 2016 Special Called Meeting.

6. INVITED GUESTS - None

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 November Revenue/Expenditure Statement and Detail Check Register is included.

b. County Manager Report

▫ Update on County finances for the following funds/accounts:
General Fund ............................................................................................ $1,275,053.08
Fire Dept. Donations ........................................................................................ $4,594.54
BOC – Jury Account ............................................................................................... $0.00
Cash Reserve Account ..................................................................................... $3,646.55
Pike County CD Special Revenue Funds……………………………….....$500,000.00
Jail Fund ........................................................................................................ $14,733.82
E-911 Fund .................................................................................................... $29,878.08
DATE Fund ................................................................................................... $40,847.02
Juvenile Court Fund ....................................................................................... $14,092.63
Residential Impact Fee ................................................................................ $334,374.07
Commercial Impact Fees ............................................................................... $19,359.40
C.A.I.P FUND ................................................................................................. $4,008.92
General Obligation SPLOST Tax Bond Sinking Fund, 2016 ...................... $185,528.73
L.M.I. Grant (DOT) ..................................................................................... $548,684.57

c. County Manager Comments.

CW Matthews should be finished widening Kings Bridge Road on Thursday. Striping will be next. They will be looking at any additional items on their work in the upcoming time.

Public Works has been working on our roads putting in aprons on roads to protect the asphalt where dirt roads come into the road.

Fire Marshal – CM Hanson asked commissioners for directions on two fire related topics. Fire Chief recommended this a few months back. The State Fire Marshal inspects government related buildings. A fire inspection has to be done on restaurants though and the State Fire Marshal doesn’t do this. We have a need for this position now for new businesses and yearly inspections for fire safety. This will be at no charge and from a volunteer standpoint. The State Fire Marshal charges a very minimal charge on this so we are not looking at charging for this service.

CM Hanson asked for guidance on approving this and how to write the Standard Operating Position (SOP). Commissioner Timmy Daniel said that he would like to keep it within state guidelines and be careful not allow this to become a powerful position. Commissioners were advised that there have only been a couple inspections needed in the past 7 or 8 months. Chairman Briar Johnson asked whether this person would use their own personal vehicle and whether they would get $10 for the trip like volunteers do when they go to a fire. County Attorney Rob Morton clarified that fees for inspections like this is built into the fee that is paid to the county already. It can be changed if needed. [Note from the Editor: A motion was made to move forward on this after the same was done for medical first response. Look after the next section of discussion.]

Medical first response – CM Hanson asked commissioners for guidance on our current medical first response in the county. He said that most of the calls that we get in the county can be responded to by a fire volunteer who has had training. He told that we have many who are trained paramedics, EMT's, etc. but can only act according to fire policy guidelines that lay out what help can be given on the scene at this time. Chief Rick O’Barr is advising the county to get a Medical First Response license. This would allow care to be given without the dispensing of drugs.

Discussion of ambulance response and help from fire personnel. We have an 8 to 9 minute response from Grady now which is good, but when the ambulance arrives, fire personnel cannot help in any way. CM Hanson has spoken to Grady EMS, our state EMS Director and our Region 4 Director on this. When implemented properly, this is a good way to go and there is no cost to the county and can help our citizens. Most of the counties around us have this.

Commissioner Powers asked about Grady's thoughts on this. Grady has said that this would be acceptable as long as we do NOT dispense drugs because that is a liability. This would be up to basic life safety and giving oxygen. We can write SOP to only do basic life safety for now. It could be raised later if the Board decided to, but dispensing drugs is not what the county has in mind at this time.

CM Hanson said that this would be an additional service for citizens if the Board wanted to do this and wanted some direction on this. It would be on a limited basis. There have been instances in the past where first responders were on the scene first and could have helped Grady or the past ambulance service in helping a patient. This could be especially beneficial on a major incident with multiple ambulances out on calls and are waiting on mutual aid from another county. Chairman Johnson asked if additional training will be necessary and was told no. CM Hanson said that our personnel would work with Grady and the procedures would be the same for everyone.

Commissioner Timmy Daniel asked why we haven’t done this in the past. Fire Chief said that past administrations were trying to do this but didn’t accomplish this. A lot of money was spent on supplies--some that we needed and some that we didn't. Some of the items were outdated too. Now we can control bleeding, do CPR, and take vitals but that is about it. Discussion that every minute counts. Chief O’Barr praised Grady while saying that this could benefit everyone with no cost. This could be up and running in a month. Motion to move forward and get more information on this. Powers, Daniel. Motion approved 5-0.

[Note from the Editor: This paragraph only has been added from the County Manager's Report.] CM Hanson has met with Fire Chief O'Barr, Russ McGee (Region 4 EMS Director), Ernie Doss (State EMS Director), and Bill Compton (Grady EMS) to discuss the Medical First Response License. CM Hanson pointed out that a majority of the Fire Department calls are first responder calls and that this can be an excellent layer of added service to citizens. This will be implemented only with the same protocols and medical direction of Grady EMS, our current EMS provider as is mentioned above to ensure that the same protocols are followed for everyone. There will be no cost associated with this and the state will inspect any Fire Department vehicle that is used as a first response vehicle. End of added section.

Question of whether a motion is needed for the fire marshal. Motion to get more information of how SOP would look on both. Approved 5-0.

Stalwark Films from The Walking Dead is wanting to film on Halloween on the bridge at Flat Shoals. They will be filming on the Meriwether County side and are asking Pike County to do the same on our side. They will not block residents who live there to come through the bridge from 3 to 8 p.m. but are asking for a detour for regular traffic. Commissioner Powers suggested asking for some kind of compensation. Motion to approve based on them allowing local residents to come through. Discussion: Other counties have a daily fee for filming now. CM Hanson said that film companies have been very accommodating to the county. Approved 5-0.

Updated 11.16.16

d. Commissioner Reports.

None with the exception of Chairman Johnson welcoming Ms. Brantley from Three Rivers to the meeting.

e. County Attorney Report to Commissioners.

None.

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None

9. NEW BUSINESS

a. Approve/deny renewal of Alcohol License (Pouring-beer, wine and distilled spirits) for Ron Alexander, d/b/a Barnstormer’s Grill, 349 Jonathan’s Roost Rd., Williamson, GA. Applicant has met criteria.

Motion to approve. Approved 4-0-1. Abstention Tim Guy.

Motion to approve. Approved 4-0-1. Abstention Tim Guy.

b. Approve/deny renewal of Alcohol License (Retail Sales – beer and wine) for Dolores Ferguson d/b/a Ferguson’s, 6764 Hwy. 362, Concord, GA 30206. Applicant has met criteria.

Motion to approve. Approved 4-0-1. Abstention Tim Guy.

c. Approve/deny request by Parvez Dawoodani D/B/A Mountain View Convenience Store to prorate Alcohol license for 2016. Prorated amount is $128.64 for the remainder of the year 2016.

Motion to approve. Discussion: Why are we prorating? This is a new owner who has to have his own license for the rest of this year. Our ordinance does not allow transfers. Approved 4-0-1. Abstention Tim Guy.

d. Approve/deny Alcohol license for the remainder of 2016 and for the year 2017 (Retail Sales – beer and wine) for Parvez Dawoodani d/b/a Mountain View Convenience Store, 3181 U.S. Hwy 19 S, Meansville, GA. Applicant has met criteria.

Motion to approve. Approved 4-0-1. Abstention Tim Guy.

e. Consider request from Jimmy Vincent of Montgomery Lodge #31 to use the courthouse grounds for a BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday, November 12, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.

f. Consider request from the Pike County Christmas Parade and Festival Committee to use the courthouse grounds for Christmas Parade Festivities on Saturday, December 11, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.

g. Consider request from Peggi Payton of the Pike County American Legion Auxiliary Unit 197 to use the courthouse grounds for a bake sale fundraiser on Saturday, November 12, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Motion to approve. Discussion: These two groups are working together so there will be no conflicts with the courthouse grounds. Approved 5-0.

h. Consider one appointment to the Pike County Planning Commission Board to fill a three-year term, set to expire November 27, 2019. Applicants have met criteria.

David Hughes, George Granade, David Brisendine, David Graham. CM Hanson reviewed the applicants and the Planning Commission did as well and recommended George Grenade. Approved 3-2. Guy and Daniel opposed. Guy and Daniel clarified that there was misleading information in the past and this is nothing to do with Mr. Granade because they don’t even know him. There was no other discussion on this matter.

i. PUBLIC HEARING: To receive public input in regards to SE-16-12 – Timothy W. and Sharon Manley, property owners, and Jeremiah Manley, applicant, are requesting a special exception in an A-R zoned district to allow for a domestic winery on the subject property. The subject property, located at 395 East Milner Road, has approximately 465 feet of frontage along the northern side of East Milner Road and approximately 298 feet of frontage along the western side of Nazareth Church Road. The property is located in Land Lot 158 of the 8th District of Pike County, Georgia. The property consists of 10.09 acres and is further identified as Tax Map Parcel #079 041.

There are additional staff recommendations on this that Planning and Zoning Director David Allen passed out. This went before the Board of Appeals on October 20 and was given an ok with conditions. Adequate parking on the property, weekdays 1-7 p.m. annual business license, this is for the farm winery, etc. Shall meet all state requirements for a farm winery, etc.

IN FAVOR:

Jeremiah Manley said that they are asking for permission to open a farm winery at their house. This is a pretty small production process and they are limited because of their size. There are only 5 acres that can be used as a vineyard.

Vernon Stephens, a neighbor, and spoke on the character of Jeremiah Manley. He served our country overseas and has hiked the Pacific Rim Trail and the Appalachian Trail solo. He is doing business classes and asked commissioners to consider allowing this for a veteran.

Nichole Wilson, a neighbor, also spoke in favor of this. She is a teacher in the school system and ADA issues are near to her heart. The ADA issue is one that he addressed with Manley in the beginning.

Sharon Manley, his mother, said that this will be a small operation and that he has completed several classes. This will not interfere with the nearby church because of the size of the operation.

Josh Lee, friend of Jeremiah, said that Jeremiah would have investigated this all of the way through and that he will follow this through all the way.

Ellen Turner, his great aunt, said that she would appreciate their consideration on this.

IN OPPOSITION:

Terry Ison is the pastor of Open Arms Baptist Church. He said that he can also speak to Jeremiah’s character and that he commends him for his service to our country. This adjoins the church property and they are in opposition to the consumption of wine on this property. He mentioned smell and that the county should thoroughly investigate rules and guidelines to take us into the future. He asked commissioners to address all of the issues and the precedent that it will set.

Public Hearing closed. Discussion: Commissioner Jenkins thanked Manley for his service first of all. He then asked about the law about alcohol in proximity of the church. Wine is fermented and not distilled. Wine is restricted to 100 yards for schools and rehabilitation services. The creek is a wet weather creek so it will not be a problem. In larger wineries, they can sell the skins but with them being so small, they are looking at composting or giving it to local farmers. 25% of how much they grow will end up as waste in skins. Manure and hay to create compost and this will be a small amount. Compost doesn’t smell when it is done correctly.

Commissioner Powers asked about the smell and said that he thought that the smell would be worse than they anticipated. He has driven by one for years and it smelled. Is it going to affect the homes around there? He asked about the procedure to make wine. Harvest, crush them, add yeast, transfer to an aging tank for fermentation, and then monitor it through to the end. 8-9 months for white wine and a little longer for red wine. They have to grow 40% of what they produce according to state regulations. Commissioner Powers asked CM Hanson and Director Allen to check on the smell and the property values. Manley said that he would not allow the smell of compost to become a problem.

Commissioner Powers asked to postpone this until the night meeting in November so David and John can check on this. He said that this will not hurt Manley to wait a month since they will not be able to plant vines for another couple of months.

Commissioner Guy said that this is our county and that the people in the community need to voice their support or opposition to this. He said that he feels that we have enough alcohol in this county already, but he understands that the Board has to look at this. Later on, the county could be looking again at a rehab facility for those hooked on alcohol.

Further discussion: There will be no traffic onto Nazareth Church Road because they are fencing this off. County Attorney Rob Morton said that there are specific state statutes that deal with farm wineries. Commissioner Daniel asked if there are any nearby wineries similar to what he is looking to do. Warm Springs. Commissioner Jenkins asked about ordinances for wine tasting that would need to be followed. Manley said that he would not be able to sell it without permission. He doesn’t even know if this will warrant a tasting room to begin with.

Motion to review this again at the November night meeting was approved 5-0.

j. PUBLIC HEARING: To receive public input in regards to text amendment to the Pike County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 156, Zoning Code, Sections 156.06, 156.26 (J), 156.43, 156.63, 156.78, 156.93, 156.137, 156.173, 156.188, 156.203, and 156.218 for various code changes and clarifications, including, but not limited to, standards and restrictions for shooting ranges, and new standards for garage apartments and animal hospitals / clinics.

This went before the Planning Commission on October 13. They added changes to David’s changes. This is to fulfill the moratorium on the firing ranges that ends in January. The Board of Appeals asked that garage apartments be moved to another section so it does not require a special exception. The animal hospital with outdoor pens would still require a special exception.

This went before the Planning Commission on October 13. They added changes to David’s changes. This is to fulfill the moratorium on the firing ranges that ends in January. The Board of Appeals asked that garage apartments be moved to another section so it does not require a special exception. The animal hospital with outdoor pens would still require a special exception.

No one spoke in favor or opposition. Discussion: County Attorney Rob Morton clarified that David is looking at approval of this as the first reading. Motion to approve as the first reading. Approved 5-0.

k. PUBLIC HEARING: To receive public input in regards to Initial Public Hearing for the Full Update of the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Pike County and its municipalities, identifying the schedule and participation techniques for updating the Comprehensive Plan, as well as approval of the required County Stakeholders involved in the Plan Update.

This is the required initial public hearing to update our Comprehensive Plan. It is required by the state and has not been adopted fully since 2004. An update was approved in 2009. This will have to be fully finalized by the county and cities by October 31. This is being done jointly. Monthly and bimonthly meetings will be held in the spring. The document will be compiled and heard in the summer and the final document approved by October 31, 2017. Jeanie Brantley from The Three Rivers Commission is here as well. Concord Mayor John Strickland attended the meeting at David’s invitation.

No one spoke. Motion to approve the first reading. Approved 5-0.

l. Approve/deny proposed County stakeholders list required for Full Update of the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Pike County.

5-7 county stakeholders and the cities will have their own representatives. Chairman Briar Johnson, Chris Curry, Joe Parks, Howard Johnson, Alicia Gibson, Jeshon Burden, Alan Dodson. All candidates have accepted as stake holders. Motion to approve the list. Discussion: Can others be added later? Yes. No one on there from the school system. Does this need to be addressed? They are not of the comprehensive review. This is land use issues, but the intent of this is planning and development. If there are recommendations for further appointments, they will consider this. The cities may include those in education too. Approved. 5-0.

m. Approve/deny Adoption Resolution for Capital Improvements Element (CIE) Annual Update, pursuant to the Georgia Development Impact Fee Act and the Development Impact Fee Compliance Requirements of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

This was submitted for review to Three Rivers, etc. Final approval was given on October 18. The adoption resolution will be need to be signed tonight. Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.

n. Per Code Section 155.03 (A), Planning and Development is forwarding a request for approval of a revision to a previously approved subdivision plat off of South 6th Street Extension.

This was brought in a few weeks ago. Lot 9 and Lot 12 has a potential buyer but the seller would like to combine these two lots. This would reduce the number of lots and meets all requirements. Motion to approve. Approved 5-0.

o. Discuss Intergovernmental Agreement for Animal Control with municipalities.

County Attorney Rob Morton said that this is a draft intergovernmental agreement between the county and municipalities. This has been discussed for quite a while. Most of the cities do not provide animal control provisions. The state required all counties to address dangerous and vicious dogs and this is an outgrowth of this through the service delivery strategy. This won’t be an additional cost to the cities at a base level. The cities could approve this to include cases within their city limits as well as the regular county issues. Magistrate Court is already hearing cases once a month already. This would be for the enforcement of animal control only. The county would prosecute the cases in the name of the cities in Magistrate Court. This seems like the best way for the cities to work with what the county is already doing and would not be at an additional cost.

Discussion: Where do fines and fees go? Our ordinance says that fines and fees go toward operating animal control in the county. The intent is to be fully funded and deal with dangerous and vicious dogs. Motion to receive this and hear what the City of Concord has to say on this. Approved 5-0.

10. PUBLIC COMMENT- None (Limited to 5 minutes per person)

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None

12. ADJOURNMENT

Adjourn: 8:07 p.m.

[Note from the Editor: If you appreciate being able to read information from county meetings for free on Pike County Times, please make a donation to Pike County Times through the PayPal link at the bottom of the page or by check to Pike County Times at PO Box 843, Zebulon so I can justify the amount of time that I am spending away from family. It may not seem like much but sitting in a meeting and then typing it up takes a lot more time than you might imagine! Thanks for reading Pike County's only FREE newspaper.]

Updated 11.16.16
Top