BALDWIN COUNTY REGULAR MEETING May 7, 2024 1601 N Columbia St, Suite 220 6:00 PM  MINUTES  MEMBERS PRESENT John Westmoreland Kendrick Butts Henry Craig Emily Davis Sammy Hall OTHERS PRESENT Carlos Tobar Brandon Palmer Dawn Hudson CALLTOORDER INVOCATION  Chairman John Westmoreland called May 7, 2024 Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  The Invocation was delivered by County Manager Carlos Tobar. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman John Westmoreland.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES  Commissioner Henry Craig made a motion to approve the minutes of thel March 28, 2024 Planning Retreat, April 2, 2024 Regular Meeting, April 12, 2024 Called Meeting, April 12, 2024 Executive Session and the April 30, 2024 Joint Work Session with the City of Milledgeville as submitted. Commissioner Emily Davis seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts made a motion to amend the Agenda to add the contract for Dyer Construction for the Aquatic Center and to add the Road List as items #10 and #11. After discussion regarding the Dyer Construction Contract, Vice Chairman Butts amended his motion and motioned to withdraw the Dyer Construction from the Agenda. He made a motion tor move the Dyer Construction Contract tot the next agenda on May 21, 2024. Commissioner Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts made a motion to move the Road List to Agenda item #10. Commissioner Emily Davis seconded the motion and it passed by thet following vote:  AMENDMENT TO AGENDA  Commissioner Emily Davis seconded the motion.  Sammy Hall seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Aye: Butts, Davis, Hall, Westmoreland  Nay: Craig    ADMINISTRATVEFSCAL MATTERS Update by Legislative Delegation  Chairman' Westmoreland thanked Senator Rick Williams and Representatives Mack Jackson Representatives Jackson and' Vance expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to Representative Mack Jackson reported al balanced budget was passed and has been signed by the Governor. He stated the budget totaled $36.Ibillion dollars and with the federal drawdown iti increased to $66 billion. He stated the budget included pay raises for teachers, law enforcement personnel, and state employees. It also included $1.55 billion dollars for State Transportation programs. Representative Jackson discussed House Bills 1017 - the Squatter Reform Act; HB 1339- - Certificates of Need for rural counties; and HB 82 - Rural Physicians Representative Ken Vance discussed the efforts of legislators to address mental health issues. He stated bills have been passed to address mental health issues. One bill will help to expediate licensing of therapists and counselors who move to Georgia to become certified to practice in Georgia. He stated rural Georgia has many mental health issues as do larger cities and counties. Representative Vance stated the lack of beds for mental health patients is a tremendous part of the problem. He said the steps we have taken is only a start to begin to address mental health issues. He stated the income tax rate has been lower and child tax credit has been increased. Ab bill was also passed to cap the annual increase in property tax. Republicans and Democrats are committed to making Georgia al better place to live. Back the Blue Bill was passed. When a tag is purchased, an additional $5.00 can be paid thati is earmarked for local law enforcement deputies andj jailers. Collections willl begin January 1, 2025 and be distributed to law enforcement agencies in January 1, 2026. Commissioner Davis asked the status of Medicaid expansion. Representative Jackson stated Senator Rick Williams reported local legislation was passed which staggered terms of election for Baldwin County Commissioners and also established a Board of Elections for Baldwin County. He discussed the cost of early voting to counties when on some days a very small number of voters show up to vote. He stated he feels the number of days for early voting should be reconsidered because iti is such an expense. He stated he willi introduce al bill that the State build five mental wellness centers across the state with each having seventy-five Senator' Williams thanked the Board for the opportunity to present information on the past session. He encouraged everyone to contact him if he could help in any way. He stated legal requirements have been met for the application process.  and Ken Vance for attending the meeting to provide al legislative update.  address the Board.  Tax Credit which incentivizes physicians to practice in rural Georgia.  this was not approved.  beds.  Alcoholic Beverage License  County Manager Carlos Tobar presented an alcoholic beverage license for Little River Park. Commissioner Henry Craig made ar motion to approve the alcoholic beverage license as presented for Little River Park. Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts seconded the motion and it  passed unanimously.  Resolution to Donate Property to Land Bank  County Manager Tobar presented al Resolution to donate two parcels of property owned by the County to the Land Bank. The properties are located in the City at 470 Ross Avenue and 476 Ross Avenue. Hes stated Attorney Palmer and his firm have done the legal work and prepared Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts made a motion to approve the Resolution as presented. Commissioner Emily Davis seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Commissioner Davis stated other 501C(3) organizations must be considered as well as Habitat  al Resolution for the Board's consideration.  for Humanity.    A copy of thel Resolution is herewith attached and made an official part of the minutes at pages Resolution Establishing Baldwin County as Fiscal Agent for the Oconee River Greenway County Manager Tobar asked Haley Hicks, County Grant Writer, to present a Resolution establishing Baldwin County as the fiscal agent fort the Greenway DNR Recreational Trails Commissioner Sammy Hall made a motion to approve the Resolution as presented. Commissioner Emily Davis seconded the motion and itp passed unanimously. Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) List  and  Authority GAI DNR Grant  Program Grant and to be responsible for grant administration.  Acopy oft the Resglution is herewith attached and made an official part of the minutes at pages Chairman John' Westmoreland stated the T-SPLOST Road List was discussed ati the Work Session held earlier this afternoon. He asked for a motion to approve the Road List. County Manager Tobar stated the County Engineer has included roads for T-SPLOST funding as well as the second round of LMIG funding on this list. Assistant County Manager Hudson reported that $860,000 of LMIG funding will be used to offset the T-SPLOST cost of paving Log Cabin Commissioner Emily Davis made a motion to approve the road list as presented. Commissioner Sammy Hall seconded the motion and it passed by thet following vote:  24,and 243  Road which will cost $1.3 million dollars. Aye: Davis, Hall, Butts, Westmoreland  Nay: Craig  OLDI BUSINESS  Chairman Westmoreland stated the convenience center located on Meriwether Road is not being cleaned up. Commissioner Davis requested an update on whether the large boxes would be removed and replaced withi individual containers at the trailer park. County Manager Tobar stated he will check on the progress of determining addresses with staff. Commissioner Emily Davis stated she would like to express appreciation to all Nurses and Teachers for Nurses Appreciation Week and Teachers Appreciation Week.  NEW BUSINESS  COUNTYMANAGERS REPORT  County Manager Tobar reported he had submitted a County Manager's report to the Board prior to tonight's meeting. He discussed that no progress on memorial lbrary-environmental which was submitted in September of 2023 is not approved yet; construction continues on sewer project; waterline replacement continues; EPA mandatory training for Sibley-Smith sewer extension project; working with DNR staffi for environmental process for Fishing Creek Trail; update on flock cameras with one more camera installed and waiting on GDOT approval for thei installation of other four; PAPI airport project complete; Oconee Heights streetscape project continues; awaiting award information on CHIP grant; design for Coopers Park should be completed in 2025; proposals received for Rural Housing Initiative; Urban Redevelopment Chairman Westmoreland asked for an update for the Sinclair Water Authority generators. Mr. Tobar stated Putnam County is the lead on this project, and negotiations are taking place on Mr. Tobar reported Wayne Johnson, EMA Director, and Haley Hicks are working on grant for generator for Recreation Department. He also stated overflow parking at the Department is at  Plan has been completed.  the cost.  the west oft the water park location.  PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS  Mr. Edwin Atkins, 939 Walnut Street, Macon, thanked Commissioners for the Georgia Historical Marker at the old prison site. He distributed: a fact sheet on the State Prison Farm.    Mr. Danny Blair, 583 Meriwether Road, expressed his appreciation to the Board for the improvements made at thel Meriwether Convenience Center. He discussed improvements that still need tol be made. He discussed the Oakwood' Village development stating the building in the subdivision is out of control. He stated there is only one entry to subdivision and there is no adequate parking. He requested a meeting with Chairman Westmoreland and Mr. Tobar Ms. Rhonda Kelly, 143 Admiralty Way, discussed the short-term rental ordinance which she feels is not adequate to protect homeowners. She discussed problems property owners are experiencing in regards tot the short-term vacation rentals such as property not being taken care of; loud parties; animals not being restrained; and ruining the property values of the owners. Property Managers are not on site. More people at property than should' be allowed. Ms. Pam Peacock, 196 Montego Bayl Road, stated she feels the County's Animal Control Ordinance is not being enforced. She stated animals are being tethered, kept in small areas and not being fed properly. She stated Animal Control does not acknowledge calls, and the  about this situation.  animals are being left in bad situations. EXECUTIVE SESSION passed unanimously.  Commissioner Emily Davis made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. to discuss litigation and Real Estate. Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts seconded the motion andi it  RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING  Commissioner Henry Craig made a motion to reopen the Regular Meeting at 8:33 p.m. Commissioner Emily Davis seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  ADJOURNMENT  Commissioner Sammy Hall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m. Vice Chairman  Kendrick Butts secondedi the motion andi itp passed unanimously.  Respectfully: submitted, AHP  Chairman LhBb Carlos Tobar County Manager    Al RESOLUTION TO DONATE CERTAIN COUNTY PROPERTYTO THE BALDWIN COUNTY LAND BANK; TO AUTHORIZE THE TAKING OF ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO TRANSFER CERTAIN COUNTY PROPERTY TO THE BALDWIN  COUNTYLANDI BANK; ANDI FOR OTHER PURPOSES.  WITNESSETH:  WHEREAS, Baldwin County (the "County") is a duly formed political subdivision of WHEREAS, Baldwin County is authorized by the laws of the State of Georgia to purchase, acquire, andl hold real property for the benefit of Baldwin County andi its citizens; WHEREAS, the Baldwin County Landl Bank has thej power to acquire by gift or transfer Real Property and to convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of Real Property in the WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of] Baldwin County, Georgia (the "Board of Commissioners"): recognizes ai need for more: affordable housing inl Baldwin County; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners. has determined thati itisi in thel besti interest of the citizens oft the County to donate certain real property with street addresses of470&4 4761 Ross Avenue, Milledgeville, GA 31061 (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Property"), more particularly described and identified in the attached Exhibit "A" to the Baldwin County Land Bank for the purpose of the Baldwin County Land Bank donating the property to Habitat for Humanity of Milledgevlle/Baldwin County, Georgia, Inc. ("Habitat for Humanity"), a Georgia  the State of Georgia;  unincorporated area of] Baldwin County to any public orj private person;  nonprofit corporation.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners and it is 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The above stated recitals are true and correct and are 2. Donation ofl Reall Property. Thel Board ofCommissioners hereby agrees to donate the Property to the Baldwin County Land Bank for the purpose of the Baldwin County 3. Authorization oft the Chairman and County Manager. Thel Board ofCommissioners hereby authorizes the Chairman to sign, execute, and deliver the Limited Warranty Deed attached hereto as Exhibit "A", as well as any other documents necessary to  hereby resolved by authority oft the: same, as follows:  incorporated as though fully seti forth herein.  Land Bank donating thel Property tol Habitat for Humanity.  execute the closing oft this transfer of Property.    4. Other Actions Authorized. The Chairman, County Attorney, and County Manager shall be authorized to take any other action necessary or convenient and to execute and/or attest and seal any additional documents whichi may be necessary or convenient to effectuate this Resolution ort the transactions contemplated by this Resolution. 5. Actions Ratified, Approved and Confirmed. The signatures in Exhibit' "A" from the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners evidences the adoption by the Board of Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions of this resolution shall for any reason be held tol be illegal ori invalid, suchi illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision ofthis resolution, but this resolution shall be construed and enforced as 7. Repeal of Conflicting Resolutions. Any and all resolutions in conflict with this 8. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effecti immediately upon its adoption.  Commissioners oft this Resolution.  ifsuchi illegal or invalid provision hadi not been contained! herein. resolution this day passed be and they are hereby repealed.  SORESOLVED, this 7 day ofMay, 2024.  BALDWIN COUNTY,GEORGIA GALD Honorable John H/ Westmoreland, Chairman Baldwin County Board of Commissioners  ATTEST: Callins Cyntiak K. Cusninghan Baldagaptd, DATIADOPIBD Say [SEALL COUNTY  SEAL BALDWIN GEORGIA lvg    EXHIBIT"A"    Record & Returnto: Smith Welch Webb & White, LLC 22001 Keys Ferry Court McDonough, GA3 30253 Filel No. 23198.0000  LIMITED WARRANTY: DEED  STATE OF GEORGIA COUNTY OFI BALDWIN BALDWIN COUNTY  THIS INDENTURE madet this the 7 dayof  2024, between  Yhaf  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, as Party of ths First Part (hereinafter  called "Grantor"), and BALDWIN COUNTY LAND BANK, as Party of the Second Part, (hereinafter called' "Grantee"); (the words' "Grantor" and' "Grantee". toi include their respective heirs,  successors and assigns where the context requires or permits).  WITNESSETHE  THAT, for andi in consideration oft the sum of One Dollar and other considerations ($1.00)in hand paid tot the Grantor by the Grantee at and before the execution, sealing and delivery of these presents, and other good and valuable considerations, the receipt, adequacy and sufficiency ofv which arel hereby acknowledged, the Grantor, by these presents, does grant, bargain, sell, alien, convey and confirm unto the Grantee the following described real property and agreements (collectively the  "Property"), to-wit:  Allt that tract or parcel ofl land lying and being int the City of Milledgeville, City Square #164, 318th G.M.D., Baldwin County, Georgia, being Lot 19A andl Lot 20A as shown on Property Redivision Survey for Baldwin Co. Board of Commissioners, 470 & 4761 Ross Avenue, A redivision ofLots 19 & 20 of W.B. Williams Subdivision, prepared by Phillip H. Chivers, Registered Land Surveyor No. 2658, dated December 12, 2023, recorded in Plat Book 49, Page 86, Baldwin County, Georgia Records. The description ofs saidp property as containedo on said plat ofs survey isl hereby incorporated herein and by reference made a partl hereof. This Conveyance is made subject to all zoning ordinances, easements, right of ways, and  restrictions ofr record affecting said described property.    TOI HAVE AND TOI HOLD the property, together with all ands singular the rights, members anda appurtenancesthereof tot thes same being, belonging ori ina anywise appertaining, to the only proper  use, benefit and behoof oft the Grantee, forever in FEE SIMPLE.  GRANTOR shall warrant and forever defend the right and title to the property unto the Grantee, against the claims of all persons whomsoever claiming by, through or under Grantor. INWITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor has caused this Limited Warranty! Deedt to be executed in  the manner provided by law as oft the day andy year first above written.  PADMINCOUNIYBOAEDO: COMMISSIONERS  Signed, sealed and delivered int the presence of: Bblba Unofficial Witness Chldu Notary Fublic My (ormission) Expires: Croker 264h2027  POHNH H. WESIMORELANE  CHAIRMAN ATTEST By:  OF BALDWIN COUNTY GEORGIA 83 Olvg    R A00 NOTARY PUBLIC October COUNTY  AALSLOR  NNINGHAM BR SEAL OF BALDWIN COUNTY GEORGIA olve     AI RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING Baldwin County Board of Commissioners. as THE FISCAL AGENT OF THE GEORGIA! DEPARTMENT OF NATURALI RESOURCES RECREATIONAL TRAILSPROGRAM: GRANT on May 7, 2024, FOR1 THE FISHING CREEK TRAILI EXTENSION-  DOWNTOWN CONNECTOR: PROJECT.  WHEREAS, the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners will serve as the fiscals agent ofthe Georgia Department ofNatural Resources Recreational Trails Program grant, and WHEREAS, the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners will bet the primary organization  responsible for project administration. COMMISSIONERS ASI FOLLOWS:  NOW, THEREFORE, BEI ITI RESOLVED BY BALDWIN COUNTY BOARD OF  Section 1.Thel Baldwin County Board of Commissioners will bet the actingf fiscal agent oft the Georgia Department ofNatural Resources Recreational Trails Program grant.  sO RESOLVED THIS 1 day ofMay,2024. BALDWIN COUNTY, GEORGIA  John H. Westmorelahd Chairman  GREK Baldwin County Board of Commissioners  E/7)4  ATTEST:  yu oEA CleAL OF BALDWIN COUNTY GEORGIA  am  5/z/ay Date