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
 
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Commissioner Bass gives a copy of the county inventory to incoming Commissioner Tim Daniel.

Chairman Briar Johnson shakes hands with with Fire Chief Mr. Rick O’Barr.
 
REGULAR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONTHLY MEETING
Wednesday, December 10, 2014 – 10:00 a.m.
Courthouse Annex, 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon, Georgia

All commissioners with the exception of James Jenkins were present along with County Clerk Jo Ann Wrye, County Manager (CM) John Hanson, and County Attorneys Rob and Tom Morton. Commissioner James Jenkins was not at the meeting due a family health issue. Incoming commissioners Tim Guy and Tim Daniel were also in the meeting. The meeting began an hour late this morning because of the Economic Summit that was held by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce this morning.

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

2. INVOCATION……………………………………………………………………………Ben Maxedon

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

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

CM Hanson asked to amend the agenda to include outgoing commissioners presenting an inventory of all county assets to the new commissioners under New Business and this item then be moved forward after the reports. He also asked that the vote related to the new Fire Chief be under New Business as item 9k. He then asked that item 9c be moved after Invited Guest since those attending did not know until yesterday that the meeting would start at 10 instead of 9 and had taken off work today. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.

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

a. Minutes of the November 25, 2014 Regular Monthly Meeting.

6. INVITED GUESTS

a. Mark Hardison from the accounting firm of Clifton, Lipford, Hardison & Parker, LLC to present the annual audit of the financial statements of Pike County for the year ending June 30, 2014.

The county was given a clean opinion from this firm as far as our finances go. $2.6 million cash in the bank at the end of the year. $3,120,000 in assets. $8.5 million in revenue. $5 million in property taxes which make up 58% of our incoming funding. $8.5 million came into the county and $8.3 million was spent. Our fund balance grew over $200,000 from last year which is positive. Our fund balance has grown from $1.3 million in 2011 to $2.5 million this year. We were told that this is adequate but probably needs to be built up in case of emergency needs like repairs, etc. He praised the county staff and elected officers for their cooperation in this audit. [Note from the Editor: The county’s finances and records of finances have come a long way over the past ten to fifteen years. This public accounting of our money can be complicated, but is necessary and is enlightening to those who care to take the time to dig into it.] Motion to accept when the correction in the book is made. Approved 4-0.

9c. PUBLIC HEARING: To receive public input regarding SE-14-08, Travis J. McGinnis, property owner and Joshua W. Gross, applicant are requesting a special exception in an A-R zoned district to allow for public bull riding events, horse-related events and other agricultural-related events on the subject property. The property, located on Second District Road, has approximately 150 feet of frontage along the northern side of Second District Road. The property is located in Land Lot 8 of the 2nd District of Pike County, Georgia. The property consists of 6.52 acres and is further identified as Tax Map Parcel #062 080.
Action: Discuss/Approve/Deny

This was moved up because the meeting started late and the applicants were not aware that the meeting was starting late until yesterday. BOA on November 20 and was recommended with conditions: traffic control plan with county and City of Williamson, annual business license, signs conform to current ordinance, no parking on right of way, lighting is night sky friendly, status inspection prior to opening, official street address, consession stand conform to Health Department standards, plant evergreen trees on western side, and existing outdoor speakers be permanently removed. There was a lot of discussion about traffic. This section of property used to be a part of Cheyenne Farms. Letter authorizing Mr. Armistead to speak on behalf of TJ McGinnis. No alcohol and probably largely non-profit by the time it is said and done.

In favor: None.

In Opposition: John Morrison had some questions. He said that we have had some events there in past. He asked about the intersection at 2nd District Road. He said that there were problems at the church parking lot with beer advertisements being placed there and trailers being parked there on Sunday mornings. He just wanted to voice his concerns.

Robert Driver is a resident on 2nd District Road. He attended last week’s meeting and is concerned that this could go from 200 people to 1,500 people and he doesn’t think that will be good for the rural community that we live in. He has witnessed at least one accident on the road because of the bottleneck on that road and said that there are no sidewalks on that road with residents who walk back and forth to the store. He said that this could cause a hardship for these residents. He thought it was a good idea until he heard of the large number of people who could come into this. He encouraged that other roadways be used to enter this facility rather than using 2nd District Road and Little Street. He talked about the possibility of crime coming into the community and was concerned about the possibility of lowering property values as well.

Andy Allen is on the City Council and a citizen of the City of Williamson. He also voice concerns about 2nd District Road and Little Street. He said that this road used to have speed bumps that were destroyed and the City of Williamson was not reimbursed. He said that horses were rode up around Ashley Glenn and other areas and the horses relieve themselves wherever they are at and it is not cleaned up by the riders and this needs to be addressed. He asked if there was a time that it should this end and asked about making one if there isn’t one already. He said that he could hear the loud speakers all of the way up at his house. He asked if cars could come off of Hwy 362 into this small road. Litter is going to be a problem too.

Buford Robinson said that he is against it because the noise is real bad there. He said that the speakers are real loud. He voiced concerns about alcohol and people urinating at the problem and also asked that people come down 362 and not Little Street because of the mud and the problems that extra traffic would cause.

Public hearing closed. Commissioner Bass asked about lighting. There is none there now. Discussion of whether to follow David Allen’s recommendations or those of the Board of Appeals. Commissioner Jarrett asked about access there. She attended an event in 2007 and it came off of 362. The owner of the other property has talked them about access at one point, but they have agreed to use 2nd District off of 362 rather than Little Street. He said this is wholesome and healthy and will bring people into Pike County. CM Hanson said that the entrance from 2nd District will need a wider culvert and that the best access will be from 2nd District from 362. You can’t make the turn from Chapel Hill Road. It’s a steep angle and the road is not wide there by Mr. Driver’s driveway.

A question was asked about shutting down roads on the county and city side so people don’t use them. CM Hanson said that the city and county could come together in agreement on this. A question was asked about road repair. It’s 4/10th of a mile. Commissioner Powers was concerned that the county not pay for widening the road or repairing the road. That bottleneck is a problem and makes the road about 2 feet shorter for a long distance and it will be a concern. It was discussed that the applicant and land owner are working to try and get access through the other property. Mr. Armistead said that all opportunity involves risk but also said that they are talking with the other property owner and would like to enter from 362 with an easement.

Commissioner Bass said that a recent event in Williamson sold one business owner out of all of his diesel fuel so it does help the county. She said that events like this are very good for the county.

Chairman Johnson asked whether there is a similar facility and was advised that there is one in Hollonville pending approval now. He also asked about keeping animals on the property. Mr. Armistead also said that bull and horse business could be an asset to our county, pointed out about the money that could come into the county, and said that we need to take advantage of it.

County Attorney Rob Morton said that they need to take a short break. Motion to take a short break. Approved 4-0. 10:58 a.m.

Back into session. Commissioners Bass and Jarrett were honored for their service as commissioners over the past four years as this is their last meeting. Both were given plaques for their service. Commissioner Jarrett had to leave at this time.

Motion to go back to regular agenda. 11:06 a.m. Approved 3-0.

Continuation of the McGinnis/Gross Public Hearing. Commissioner Bass asked if some of the roads needed to be addressed. County Attorney Morton said that the City of Williamson could shut down Little Road if they chose to and access on the city side is not under the control of the county commissioners. He advised that the commissioners could approve with the condition that they gain access from Hwy 362 with the easement or they could deny this. CM Hanson said that he had a concern with approval based on the easement because this involves another property owner. Commissioner Bass asked about striking paragraph number 1 because it is something that is not under their control. She said that this is good for the city and the county if it can be accomplished. She heard that people don’t mind it coming but that people want their concerns to be addressed. County Attorney Morton said that this could be enforced through ticketing but Chairman Johnson asked about the county enforcing not driving through Little Street and was advised by the county attorney that that the county could enforce not driving on Little Street unless there was an agreement with the City of Williamson. Chairman Johnson said that he would like to see it say that vehicles shall not access from Little Street and take out the section that mentions 2nd District so there is access to this property. There was much discussion about what roads needed to be used for access. It will simply say that there will be no access through Little Street. There was a LOT of discussion about the roads. At one point, County Attorney Morton said that they have addressed limiting the access from Little Street but they don’t have the authority to do this without an ok from the City of Williamson. He said that everyone is understanding that the best access is from Hwy 362. If they want to authorize the use, just put a period after little street.

Motion to approve based on staff recommendations (not BOA recommendations) and specifically say that vehicles directly related shall not access from Little Street. 2, 3, 4, 5 add the word any added lighting, 6 say any future public events, and leave 7 and 8. Bass, Powers. Motion to approve. Approved 3-0. Commissioner Bass addressed the applicant about removing the speakers and he said that he would do so.

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, Credit Card Statement and a summary check register.

b. County Manager Report
▫ Update on County finances for the following funds/accounts:
General Fund ............................................................................................... $938,182.13
Fire Dept. Donations........................................................................................ $1,200.67
Cash Reserve Account................................................................................. $254,235.32
Jail Fund ........................................................................................................ $38,580.85
E-911 Fund .................................................................................................... $39,765.53
DATE Fund ................................................................................................... $35,172.65
Juvenile Court Fund....................................................................................... $17,875.03
Residential Impact Fee ................................................................................ $274,725.56
Commercial Impact Fees ............................................................................... $11,429.00
General Obligation SPLOST Tax Bond Sinking Fund, 2011........................ $76,140.88
L.M.I. Grant (DOT)..................................................................................... $233,054.97

c. County Manager Comments.

CM Hanson said Merry Christmas to everyone and invited them to the parade on Sunday afternoon.

d. Commissioner Reports.

Commissioner Bass voiced appreciation for being on the board for the past 4 years.

Commissioner Powers praised the outgoing commissioners for a job well done.

Chairman Johnson praised Pike Post 197 American Legion for the program on Saturday. He also praised the outgoing commissioners and said that even though they didn’t always agree, there was a mutual respect and appreciated their service. He also advised that Commissioner Jenkins' wife is having surgery and that is why he isn’t here.

e. County Attorney Report to Commissioners.

County Attorney Rob Morton said that he and his father have been county attorneys since August of 2003 and have known outgoing commissioner Carol Bass since then. He said, "Because of your efforts, the county is a better place." He commended her philosophy of: If we have rules, let’s follow them and if they don’t work, let’s get rid of them. He said that Commissioner Jarrett stressed transparency and have worked with her on her passion for that. He said that both will be missed and praised them for a job well done.

County Attorney Tom Morton said that Commissioner Bass and her husband Jimmy have been good neighbors to him and that he has worked with her on the Citizens Advisory Committee because she always did her homework. He praised her for keeping an eye on taxpayers dollars in her time here as a commissioner. He said that she has made a significant impression on this county. He said that he also goes way back with Commissioner Jarrett and praised her efforts for transparency and addressing animal control here in the county. He said that with her leadership on that, this came about here in the county. He said that they are going to be missed on this Board of Commissioners.

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None

9. NEW BUSINESS

9a. Commissioner Carol Bass gave a copy of the county’s inventory to incoming Commissioner Tim Daniel as required by state law. She said that this is the first time that this has happened. She said that this community owes County Clerk Jo Ann Wrye a great debt of service. Everything has a tag and the citizens now know where their property is. [Note from the Editor: Commissioner Jarrett will do the same with incoming Commissioner Tim Guy at some point in the future as well.]

b. Approve/deny renewal of Alcohol License (Retail Sales – Beer & Wine) for Saifullah Bhamani, d/b/a The Rock Store, 4131 Hwy. 19 South, Zebulon, GA. Applicant has met criteria.

Motion to approve. Approved 3-0.

c. Approve/deny renewal of Alcohol License (Retail Sales-Beer & Wine) for Rakesh Chourasia, d/b/a Mountain View Convenience Store, 3181 Hwy 19 South, Meansville, GA. Applicant has met criteria.

Motion to approve. Approved 3-0.

d. PUBLIC HEARING: To receive public input regarding SE-14-08, Travis J. McGinnis, property owner and Joshua W. Gross, applicant are requesting a special exception in an A-R zoned district to allow for public bull riding events, horse-related events and other agricultural-related events on the subject property. The property, located on Second District Road, has approximately 150 feet of frontage along the northern side of Second District Road. The property is located in Land Lot 8 of the 2nd District of Pike County, Georgia. The property consists of 6.52 acres and is further identified as Tax Map Parcel #062 080.
Action: Discuss/Approve/Deny

This was moved up in the meeting and can be read after the invited guest above.

e. Discuss and/or Approve/Deny award of bid for Asphalt/Milling Reclamation.

This was advertised. This is for a remote machine and only one bid came in. It is from the Asphalt Zipper Company and it is the model that the county was looking at for $125,490 with training and delivery included. This is the price that we budgeted for and CM Hanson recommended purchasing this item. Motion to approve. Approved 3-0.

f. Consider one appointment to the Pike County Water & Sewer Authority to fill a five-year term, set to expire December 31, 2019. Applicants have met criteria.

Mark Whitley applied and has met their criteria. Motion to approve. Approved 3-0.

g. Consider two appointments to the Two Rivers R C & D Council as Pike County representatives for Executive Board Member and alternate to fill a one-year term, set to expire December 31, 2015. Applicants have met criteria.

Tom Lacey and George Norris both applied and have met the criteria. CM Hanson said that both have served on this board and have done a good job and recommended approval. Motion to approve George Norris as the appointment and Tom Lacey as the alternate.

h. Consider one appointment to the Three Rivers Regional Commission Board to fill a one-year term, set to expire December 31, 2015. Applicant has met criteria.

Motion to approve Fred Roney. Approved 3-0.

i. Consider one appointment to the Pike County Board of Appeals for a three-year term, set to expire November 25, 2017. Applicant has met criteria.

Leslie Ratliff has applied and met the criteria. Motion to approve. Approved 3-0.

j. Consider Resolution To Acknowledge Recognition of Pastor Travis L. Ferguson and authorize Chairman Johnson to sign resolution.

This was read aloud to honor Rev. Travis Ferguson and his service at Old Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church for 19 years in Concord and is approaching his 20th anniversary as pastor there. Motion to approve. Approved 3-0.

k. Consider closing county offices on Friday, December 26, 2014 in lieu of Wednesday, December 24, 2014.

CM Hanson said with Christmas falling on Thursday, this makes more sense to have Friday off. Commissioner Bass asked about employees getting off early on Christmas Eve day but asked that employees use vacation time instead of costing the taxpayers money. CM Hanson talked with department heads about this already and discussed flexibility with Christmas Eve day if needed and the use of their time rather than costing the taxpayers money. Motion to approve rotating the days for this year. Approved 3-0. The rest was just direction to the County Manager.

l. CM Hanson said that the Fire Panel has met and interviewed the applicants. Mr. Rick O’Barr is the panel’s unanimous choice and they believe that his experience in fire and the political arena will be an asset to the county. Motion to approve. 3-0. He said thank you and said that he looks forward to working with the board and the county. We are going to provide the best customer service that the county has ever had and said that the door is always open for them to talk to him.

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

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None

12. ADJOURNMENT: 11:47 a.m.

Agenda subject to revision.

[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.]

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