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Wednesday, May 8, 2013 – 9:00 a.m.
Courthouse Annex, 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon, Georgia
This meeting was attended by all of the commissioners except for Commissioner Carol Bass who submitted a letter than was read by County Attorney/Interim County Manager (CM) Rob Morton that advised she could not be present due to a previous commitment from last year that could not be changed. County Clerk Jo Ann Wrye took the minutes and both county attorneys Rob and Tom Morton were present.
1. CALL TO ORDER....................................................................................Chairman J. Briar Johnson
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE...................................................................Chairman J. Briar Johnson
3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. 50-14-1 (e) (1))
4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - (O.C.G.A.§ 50-14-1(e) (2))
Minutes of the Specially Called Meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2013.
Minutes of the Regular Monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2013.
5. INVITED GUESTS
a. Senator Ronnie Chance to present to the Board the “Pike County Day” Resolution.
State Senator Ronnie Chance read the following resolution aloud and presented an official copy to the Board of Commissioners. He said that it is an honor to serve at the Capitol and invited everyone to come down to the Capitol any time it is in session. He also thanked the commissioners for their service to the community and stayed through the rest of the meeting.
A Resolution Recognizing Wednesday, January 30, 2013, as Pike County Day at the capitol; and for other purposes:
WHEREAS, Pike County, Georgia is Georgia’s 56th county, founded in 1822 and named after Zebulon Montgomery Pike, an American brigadier general in the War of 1812 and a Louisiana Territory explorer for whom Pike’s Peak in Colorado is named; and
WHEREAS, Pike County is home to five municipalities, including the county seat in Zebulon, and has a population of nearly 18,000; and
WHEREAS, although agricultural and forest products have traditionally been the economic mainstay, Pike County has emerged as one of metropolitan Atlanta’s bedroom communities and is growing its tourism industry; and
WHEREAS, Pike County is home to popular tourism events such as the Slow Exposures Photography Festival, a juried exhibition celebrating photography in the rural South, and Tour de Pike, a competitive bike ride through the scenic beauty and smooth paved roads of historic Pike County with its turn of the century towns and villages; and
WHEREAS, this county maintains its rual charm as it continues to attract new businesses, residents, and visitors who all enjoy its local charm and proximity to Atlanta; and
WHEREAS, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce is recognized as a leader in job creation, community development, and business growth and brings together the elected civic, business, and educational leaders to resolve challenges and support state and regional issues for the betterment of all Georgians; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Pike County are justly proud of their community, its past, and its many contributions to this state, and it is only proper to recognize Wednesday, January 30, 2013, as Pike County Day at the state capitol.
WHEREAS, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize Wednesday, January 30, 3013, as Pike County Day at the state capitol and congratulate the citizens of Pike County on their many outstanding accomplishments.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the press, the public, and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.
Senate Resolution 46, by Senator Chance of the 16th
Adopted in the Senate January 29, 2013
6. 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.
Interim CM Rob Morton advised that they have changed the format a bit on the summary and said that they are meeting with a couple of departments to update them on what our ordinances require because he is not sure all are aware of what is required. Motion to accept. 4-0.
b. County Manager Report
Interim CM Rob Morton provided the commissioners with a Revenue and Expenditure statement that was current through today. He also advised that the former county manager told a property owner whose property was affected by the tornado that hit Pike County in March that if he piled up the debris by the side of the road, the county would pick it up and dispose of it with no charge. This is not something that the county normally does due to the fact that it would cost the county time and money to pick up and dispose of the debris from storm damage on private property. Mr. Morton asked for direction from the commissioners on how to handle this situation. He said that due to the circumstances, this will not be setting a precedent. The debris (about one truckload) would be picked up by Public Works and taken to the landfill. Mr. Tom Morton advised that this discussion does not hinge on whether or not the former county manager had the authority to do this because it was not budgeted, but it does rely on the perception by a citizen that the former CM had the authority to make this promise. There was a consensus that this needs to be done this one time because a representative of the county said that it would be done. Motion to pick up this debris this one time based on the word of the of the former county manager to a county citizen. Approved 4-0.
▫ Update on County finances for the following funds/accounts:
General Fund ............................................................................................ $2,252,468.31
Jury Account...........................................................................................................$0.00
Cash Reserve Account................................................................................. $176,416.99
Jail Fund ........................................................................................................ $24,192.03
E-911 Fund .................................................................................................. $143,940.73
DATE Fund ................................................................................................... $18,117.38
Juvenile Court Fund....................................................................................... $23,744.95
Residential Impact Fees............................................................................... $283,521.21
Commercial Impact Fees ................................................................................. $8,203.19
General Obligation SPLOST Tax Bond Sinking Fund, 2011...................... $344,346.04
PC L.M.I. Grant........................................................................................... $315,334.89
c. County Manager Comments
Brenda Payne, Human Resources Coordinator in the BOC Office, is going to a conference at Jekyll Island by herself and needs authorization to use the county vehicle. Motion to approve. 4-0.
A question was asked at the last meeting how many credit cards the county had and who has access to those credit cards. Mr. Rob Morton followed up on this in today's meeting. There are 4 county credit cards. There is a United Bank Mastercard, a Home Depot card, a Lowes card, and a Wal-mart credit card. The Financial Officer for the county keeps and maintains these credit cards until a request is made from a county department head for use and then they have to sign a log to take and return them.
A question was asked at the last meeting about having a public meeting to discuss roads for the SPLOST Tier 2 project which will use any remaining money after the Courthouse is finished out. Mr. Rob Morton followed this up today by saying that he talked to Public Works Director Todd Goolsby and this would be fine but recommends waiting until after the Open House for the Courthouse.
Both Rob and Tom Morton have a conflict with the May 30th Second Reading date. Consensus to change the date. Keep an eye on Pike County Times for this date.
Mr. Rob Morton advised that the county had received (two weeks) notice from Fire Chief Mike Grant as far as his (voluntary) work for the county as the Chief of Pike County Emergency Services on May 7, 2013. Deputy Chief Randy Snyder is now acting Fire Chief until a new chief is accepted by the county. [Note from the Editor: Here we go again. This has been a nasty tug of war that has spilled into county government and online venues with accusations of all sorts, and it's been disgusting. I'm not going to wade into it more than to say that I hope the incoming county manager (since the commissioners cannot hire or fire a department head) receives good counsel from those who are knowledgable on our fire department and the duties that they provide for our county for so much less than a paid fire department could do. I want those who pull up on the scene of a fire or a wreck to all have the same training and the same protocol--especially if they are caring for me and my family. I appreciate the time and money that goes into this training from our county fire department volunteers and the service that they provide to our county.]
The county also accepted the resignation of Chris Maloney in Public Works. Public Works Director is going to see if he can work with a reduced crew.
Open Enrollment for county insurance runs May 27 through June 7 with an workshop on June 3 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
He advised that a portion of Old Lifsey Springs Road. A request has been submitted to the Georgia Department of Transportation to help with repairs that are estimated at about $50,000. This could also be included in the LMI Grant project list if the GA DOT chooses to do things this way. Click here to read this article.
The District Attorney's Office hosted its annual Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony last night and, for the second year in a row, Pike County was presented with the Law Enforcement Agency of the Year award. There was applause from the audience at this time and congratulations were extended to the Sheriff's Office on the behalf of the county. Click here to read this article.
d. Commissioner Reports.
District 1 Carol Bass - Absent
District 2 Tamra Jarrett - Thanked Ben Maxedon and those who worked with him to present the National Day of Prayer service on the square.
Distict 3 Tommy Powers - None.
District 4 James Jenkins - He said that he has received 17 calls since the past meeting about the vote on prayer and that all were in favor of prayer in the meetings and complimentary to the commission for a taking a stand.
Chairman Briar Johnson - He said that he does believe in prayer and is a Christian, but also said that he was concerned with opening with prayer in a public meeting because the Board represents everyone. He said that he was not voting against prayer but voting for what he thought was best for the county.
Update 5.16.13:
e. County Attorney Report to Commissioners.
Mr. Rob Morton advised that the issue of the J. Joel Edwards Library came up during the Town Hall Meeting prior to the regular meeting. He said that the Library's bylaws state that it is a part of the Flint River Regional Library System and that Pike County owns the facility in which the Library is housed though the county does not operate the Library itself. He stated that the county does not give direction to the Library and that the employees do not answer to the county. [Note from the Editor: The J. Joel Edwards Library is the county public library and it is operated under the Library Authority which receives its money for operation from the county, but like the Recreation Authority and the Water and Sewer Authority, the Library Authority directs the operation of the facility and the employees.] He said that they are trying to smooth the language so the Library can apply for a grant and that he would like to get together with Chris Curry on this matter. He also applauded the Library and those working there by saying, "...They are doing a fine job there".
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Discuss and approve/deny bid for benches at the Courthouse. Continues from the April 30, 2013 meeting.
Three bids were received at the past meeting. This was postponed from them to review the bids and clarify exactly what was needed so those bidding were presenting an "apples to apples" comparison so to speak. Redneck Machine was the low bid for (1) 6 foot and (2) 8 foot benches that are needed in the courthouse. Discussion on quality as well as reputation and that they didn't have to go with the low bid since Impact Office Interiors and Blount Sheet Metal both have good reputations and no one was familiar with Redneck Machine. Motion to go with the low bid from Redneck Machine to provide these benches for the courthouse from SPLOST funds. Approved 4-0. (The Sheriff's Office will ensure that the BOC office gets a copy of the warranty on these items.)
b. Approve/deny to pay for bricks for the Courthouse with SPLOST or from 100-42-1545-522140-000. Continued from the April 30, 2013 meeting.
These bricks were damaged when work was done on the courthouse. It was said that plywood was put over these bricks that were already engraved and around the Courthouse for protection, but in the process of completing the rest of the work they were damaged. There was a follow up with the contractor who said they were not responsible for this and Mr. Morton said that he believes this is an appropriate SPLOST expenditure. Motion to approve paying for these bricks out of SPLOST. (It's less than $1,000.) Approved 4-0.
Update 5.24.13:
c. Discuss the order of prayer on the agenda and related policy. Continued from the April 30, 2013 meeting.
Interim CM Morton pointed out that the Meeting Protocol Policy will need to be amended in order to have prayer added to the meeting. Commissioner Tamra Jarrett said that she does not think that the county attorney should conduct the prayer. [Note from the Editor: If the county were to become involved in a lawsuit, we need the county attorneys to be able to take care of this matter and they could not do this if they were directly involved in the matter so this is a good suggestion.] Discussion where to place the prayer on the agenda. Motion to place the pledge on the agenda before the Pledge of Allegiance. Approved 3-0-1 with Commissioner Jarrett abstaining.
John Morrison raised his hand to speak and a motion was taken and approved to allow him to speak. John advised that he is a member of the Lion's Club and he recommended appointing a Chaplain and alternate Chaplain to conduct prayer at every meeting. Discussion: Commissioner James Jenkins advised that there are times when Mr. Tom Morton has done this for a city council when the person didn't show up to lead the prayer. Chairman Briar Johnson asked if someone comes up from another religion or non-religion, how do we address this? Commissioner Jenkins said that if people are already lined up, then people are already lined up. County Attorney/Interim CM Rob Morton advised that the county is not taking a position on this matter related to denomination or faith or whether to designate a Chaplain or alternate with Pastors giving the prayer. Commissioner Tommy Powers then made the motion to appoint Commissioner James Jenkins as the Chaplain for the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Jenkins was told by Commissioner Powers that he could make the second and he did. CM Morton said that he didn't think that there was any prohibition against this. 2-2 with Chairman Briar Johnson and Commissioner Tamra Jarrett voting against this. The county will continue looking into options and this will be on the next agenda. [Note from the Editor: At the risk of being stoned with those who voted against prayer in the meetings because some in our community have not been nice about this difference of opinion, I am going to point out what my gut is telling me on this. Government and our courts are absolutely blind when it comes to religion. In fact, the courts specifically often push to be politically correct so no one gets left out of the opportunity to lead the prayer in a public meeting. Click here to read about a case that is going before the Supreme Court where a town in New York has been told that it must go outside of its borders to find people to lead prayer who are not of the Christian faith. This is my fear for Pike County and personally after thinking this over for a month, I would rather continue praying silently on my own without a public prayer before seeing the court system embroil our county in a controversy over prayer.]
8. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consider approval and authorization for execution of a twelve-month renewal contract with Three Rivers Regional Commission and Georgia Department of Transportation for Pike County’s participation in the 2014 public transportation program for an amount not to exceed $2,491.00.
Information and statistics have been provided for this budgeted item. Motion to approve. 4-0.
b. Nominate Employee of the Quarter.
Letters have been provided for the four nominations. Nominees are: Cheryl Blackmon from the Board of Registrar's Office, Lisa Baker from the Appraiser's Office, Patricia Maxedon from the Tax Assessor's Office, and Jonathan Smith from Public Works. CM Morton said that all are qualified but recommended that Jonathan gethis this award. Jonathan found a bank bag and tracked down the owner to return the bag intact. He has also received many compliments about his work ethic and his honesty. Commissioner Tamra Jarrett said that she sees him working constantly and he is always smiling and waving to people as he works. Motion to nominate Jonathan Smith to receive this award and the $250 that accompanies it. Approved 4-0.
More soon.
c. Updated MOU between UGA and Pike County for County Extension Agent Helen Carter.
d. Consider request from Jim Totten of the American Legion to use the Courthouse Grounds for a Veteran’s Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
e. Discuss Open House for Courthouse and determine itinerary and budget allocation.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT- (Limited to 5 minutes per person) None
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Interim County Manager 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 to Magistrate Court. ADDED: Same for Pike County Emergency Services (Fire Department).
11. ADJOURNMENT
Agenda subject to revision.
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