365  Houston County Commissioners Meeting  May 7, 2024 Perry, Georgia  The Houston County Board of Commissioners meti ina a regular session at 9:00 am on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Houston County Courthouse in Perry, Georgia, with Chairman Perdue presiding and Commissioners Byrd, Gottwals, Robinson, and Talton present. Acting County Attorney John Hulbert, Director ofA Administration Robbie Dunbar, and Director of Operations Commissioner Gottwals gavet the invocation andl led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chief Master Sergeant Ronald Bartsch spoke about his military career. With 16 years in the United States Air Force and 10y years of service ins special operations, hes said hel has 2y yearsl left until he retires. He spoke about his work with the 5th Combat Communications Group at Robins, wherel hei is the senior enlisted member. He and his wife Sarah! have two children, and theya are considering stayingi ink Houston County when! he retires. He stated his family has lived inl Idaho, Florida, Wyoming, and Virginia. He said that they know the slogan EDIMGIAFAD is Chairman Perdue and each of the Commissioners expressed their appreciation to CMSgt Bartsch for his service, faith, and kind words about the Base and the Houston County Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the Chairman Perdue stated that Item #5 a Rezoning Application had been withdrawn by the Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve Chief Building Inspector Tim Andrews presented: Special Exception. Applications #2755,#2757, Acting County Attorney. John Hulbert madea al blanket statement for thel benefito ofa all applicants for Special Exceptions for home occupations, that even if the Board of Commissioners approves an application, neighborhood covenants may stilli impose certain restrictions upon ora against home businesses. These restrictive covenants are nots superseded by any action the Board of Commissioners takes. The actions taken by the Board will not change any provision Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened a Public Hearing. Mr. Edward" Tucker: spoke onk behalf oft the Overlook Homeowners Association in opposition to Mr. Alvin Striggles spoke inf favor of his application, answering some oft the questions raised! by  Brian. Jones were also present.  legitimate because iti is displayed both ona and offt the base. community. They thanked him for sharing his stories ofs service.  minutes fromi the April 23, 2024 meeting.  applicant and needed to ber removed from the agenda. removing Item #5, a Rezoning Application from the agenda.  #2762-#2765, #2769 and #2770.  within the covenant that prohibits any commercial or business activity.  Special Exception Application #2755 submitted by Mr. Alvin Striggles.  Mr. Tucker.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 366    366  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 365  Mr. Austin Clements spoke in favor of his Special Exception Application #2764, asking for a  clarification oft the home-based business rules. Chairman Perdue asked Mr. Andrews to answeri the question.  Mr. Andrews stated that the point ofas special exception approval for a business is for the business to operatei ina ani inconspicuous manner, sucha asp performing paperwork or office work, not having personnel come daily tot the home, or having deliveries to the residence. Mr. David Edmondson spoke in opposition to Special Exception Application #2764. He commented on the large delivery trucks from Lowes delivering construction material to Mr. Clement'shouse: and his workers coming into the neighborhood, causing a safety hazard. Without further comments, Chairman Perdue closed the Public Hearing and reopened the Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the following Special Exception Applications to include any and all stipulations as noted on the Zoning & Appeals recommendation: and Section 95 Requirements staffr report:  regular portion oft the meeting.  #2757 #2762 #2763 #2765 #2769  Antti Palomaki Tamyrik Andrews Walter Biavaschi William & Wendy Bellamy Jason Bright.  Painting and Art Sales Dessert Baking Seal Coating & Striping Accounting Metal Artwork  Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to disapprove the  following Special Exception. Applications:  #2755 #2764 #2770  Alvin Striggles Austin Clements & Baylee Irby Charlie Kersey  Framing Contractor Business Fencing & Patio Mobile Automotive Repair  Mr. Byrd stated that the Commissioners encourage entrepreneurial behavior and find it rare tol have this much concern which speaks to a possible history of non-compliance. Mr. Talton commented that he hoped that the three business applicants whose applications were denied would be able to find a way to comply and resubmit their special exception Mr. Andrews instructed those applicants whose applications were approved on the next step ing getting their business license, whichi is to go tot the Commissioner's Office and apply fori the Mr. Andrews presented Rezoning Application #2759 submitted by Mr. Mitulkumar Barot. Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened a Publick Hearing.  applications for the Board to reconsider.  license.  Mr. Barot did not have anything to add.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 367    367  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 366  Chairman Perdue advised the applicant that the County's current ordinance would not allow Tony Widener, representing the applicant, stated that Public Works personnel advised him Director of Operations BrianJ Jones statedt that hel hadi nota authorized: any exits onto Story Road for thea applicant and was unaware of anyone att the Public' Works department authorizing this. Chairman Perdue advisedI Mr. Widener that he would need tog got through the variance process Without further comments, Chairman Perdue closed the Public Hearing and reopened the Motion! by Mr. Talton, second by Ms. Robinson and carried unanimously by all to approve the following Rezoning Application asr recommended by the Houston County Planning:  commercial exit on Story Roada asi iti is primarily a residential street.  thate exits onto Story Road would be allowed.  with the County to get permission to exit onto Story Road.  regular portion oft the meeting.  #2759  Mitulkumar Barot  1058 Hwy 247  Mr. Talton presentedar request fora approvald loft the FY22 Emergency Management Performance Motion! by Mr. Talton, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the acceptance ofa ant Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)toi installo county-owned generators and transfer switches at three fire stations and replace ten mobile message board batteries. The total cost breakdown will be grant funds of $26,000 and Houston County matching funds of $26,319.40, for a total of $52,319.40. Matching funds will be funded from Mr. Talton presented a request for approval ofa a quote for roadside litter pickup. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve a quote from Dixie Lawn & Landscaping Inc. of Cochran Georgia at a cost of $285.00 per mile of service or $6,968.25 per service. This cost willl bet funded by Host Fees. Mr. Gottwals commented on the need to be mindful of litter and littering because it costs Chairman Perdue agreed with Mr. Gottwals. He said this especially applies tor roadsl leading to the landfill, where trash flies out of unsecured loads on trucks and trailers. He further explained that the Host Fees were fees paid by people from outside the County to use the Mr. Byrdi mentioned he was thankful for the advancement of right-of-way maintenance int the Mr. Gottwals presented a request for approval ofal bid for vehicle maintenance. Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the acceptance oft two bids for vehicle maintenance, Five Star of Warner Robins, and Phil Brannen Ford of Perry. The term oft this bid is July 1, 2024, through. June 30, 2025 with an option to  Grant (EMPG) int the amount of $26,000.  the 20185 SPLOST.  money.  Landfill.  County and appreciated efforts tok keep our county roads clean.  extendf from. July 1,2 20251 through. June 30, 2026.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 368    368  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 367  Chairman Perdue stated that the Fire Department and Sheriff's Office were looking for ways to lower vehicle maintenance expenses and decrease downtime for vehicles being out of service. He said these bids for vehicle maintenance work should help with this issue. Mr. Gottwals presented a request for approval oft the acceptance oft the FY241 Violence Against Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the acceptance oft the FY24 Violence Against Women Act Grant for thet time period of January 1,2024t through December 31, 2024. Theg grant,i int the amount of $64,842, will be administered by the District Attorney's Office. The County's required matching funds of $21,614 will be Mr. Gottwals presented a request to fill the vacant Lab Analyst II position at the Water Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the hiring of Matthew Scottt toi fillt the vacant Lab Analyst II position at the Water Department at Grade 17 Step Be effective May 8, 2024. Staff has reviewed his qualifications, and Mr. Scott does exceed the requirements. Also, for the Accounting Department to make any necessary Mr. Andrews presented Rezoning Application #2761 submitted by Mr. Jason Maloy. Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened al Public Hearing. There being no comments, Chairman Perdue closed the Public Hearing and reopened the Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the following Rezoning Application asr recommended by the Houston County Planning:  Women. Act Grant (VAWA).  funded by the General Fund. Department.  adjustments.  regular portion oft the meeting.  #2761  Jason Maloy  120 Old Hwy 96  Chairman Perdue spoke about his first paying job at Davidson's Grocery, next door to this Mr. Byrd presented a request for approval ofa quote to seal and stripe the County's parking Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the acceptance ofac quote from Houston Asphalt Paving and Sealcoating, of Macon Georgia, int the amount of $19,800 to seal and stripe the County's parking lot at 310 Snellgrove Drive. This project willl bet funded by Host Fees and has ac completion date of June 28, 2024. Chairman Perdue commented that the Central GA Soccer Association and the Warner Robins Little League use this parking lot and the County wants tol keepi iti ing good shape. Mr. Byrd presented a request for approval of the acceptance of grant funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to purchase and install 4 fixed generators at different  rezoning application. lot at 310 Snellgrove Drive.  remote wells and water treatment: sites.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 369    369  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 368  Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the acceptance of the Hazard Mitigation Grant in the amount of $409,800 with al breakdown as follows: Federal Funds of $368,820, State Funds Share of $16,392, and the County's share of $24,588. Based ont the current pricing quote of $502,219, the County would! be responsible for an additional $92,419. The County's portion willl bei funded by' Water Capital Funds. Chairman Perdue expressed his appreciation to Chief Stoner and Utilities Supervisor Terry Dietsch for finding these grants for the generators, which will work to keep water flowing in Mr. Byrd presenteda a request fora additions tot the Water Use Agreement between the Houston Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the addition of commercial properties located at 951 Feagin Mill Road and at 946 Hwy 961 to the Water Use Agreement between the Houston County Board of Commissioners and The City of That the developer posts al bond covering 125% of construction cost for work performed on Adherence of the rate structure approved by the Houston County Board of Commissioners Thei issuance ofa utility permit to the City of Warner Robins based on all conditions being Mr. Andrews presented Rezoning Application #2766 submitted by Katie Greer- Davis. Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and openeda a Public Hearing. There being no comments, Chairman Perdue closed the Public Hearing and reopened the Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the following Rezoning Application as recommended by the Houston County Planning:  the evento ofap power outage.  County Board of Commissioners and the City of Warner Robins.  Warner Robins with the following stipulations:  the Houston' Water System. on! November: 19, 2019.  met according to' "Houston County Utility Accommodations".  regular portion of the meeting.  #2766 Renovation.  Katie Greer- Davis  Commodore Drive  Ms. Robinson presenteda a request for approval ofab bid ont the Elberta Water Treatment Plant Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the bid on the Elberta Water Treatment Plant Renovation from Plumbline Construction, LLC of Warner Robins, Georgia int the amount of $47,737.30f for the renovations oft the exterior oft the Elberta Water Treatment Plant." Thisp project willl be funded by Water Funds. Chairman Perdue commentedi thatt this watert treatment facility was built int thee earlys seventies. Ms. Robinson presented ar request for approval for the installation ofas sidewalk and concrete  pad at the Ed Dunbar Law Enforcement Training Facility.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 370    370  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 369  Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously to approve the bid from Appling Brothers Company, of Macon Georgia, in the amount of $38,975 to install a sidewalk connecting the parking lot tot the pole barn, and a concrete pad under the pole barn at the Ed Dunbar Law Enforcement Training Facility. This project will be funded by the 2018 Chairman Perdue stated that the barn had been constructed for gatherings and equipment storage when needed. He then asked Director ofA Administration Robbie Dunbar if he had any  SPLOST. comments.  Mr. Dunbar replied that it wasi needed and much appreciated.  Ms. Robinson presented ar request to dispose of $9,665.40 worth ofi items that are no longer Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the write off of the expired and obsolete merchandise at the Purchasing Warehouse in the Mr. Byrd complimented the Purchasing staff ont their good job of managing the inventory. Mr. Talton advised this inventory had become obsolete or expired over the course of several Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened Public Comments. Mr. Dan Rhoades, of the 21st Century Partnership, presented information about the Department of Defense and USAF budgets. He spoke off future workload coming tol Robins AFB and al bill recently signed by Governor Kemp that would streamline state licenses for military spouses having a similar license from another state being recognized in Georgia. Chairman Perdue askeda aboutt the possibility of ani increase int the F-15X.  used by the county or are expired. amount of $9,665.40.  years.  the payment oft the bills totaling $4,521,789.22.  Mr. Rhoades answered Chairman Perdue's question about the increase in F-15X that yes, Commissioner Byrd expressed his appreciation to Mr. Rhoades and allt the staff who work at Mr. Tom Davidson spoke about the withdrawal of the rezoning application at Hunt and Chairman Perdue advised that he had no additional information other than that it was requestedt to! be withdrawn and that the owner could apply fora a rezoning later. Mr. Davidson had another question regardingi inmates picking upt trash.  production will increase for that airframe. the 21st Century Partnership.  Houston Lake Road regarding the owners' plans moving forward.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 371    371  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 370  Chairman Perdue said that COVID-19 impacted the number and availability of inmate work crews for picking up trash, and that impact is still being felt. He also said that when this occurred and right-of-way maintenance had to be contracted out, residents were very Karen Mertens had questions about traffic signals at intersections, specifically Hunt and Chairman Perdue repliedt that the State Department of Transportation had tol be contacted for any traffic signalization ons state highways, which Hwy. 96i is. He continued by saying that the County had petitioned the Georgia Department of Transportation about several busy intersections int the County that are on State highways but that the GAI DOT's assessment said the traffic level did not warrant traffic signals. He concluded by saying that he would see what the County could do at the intersection of Hunt and Houston Lake Road. Director of Administration Robbie Dunbar said that the County! had written letters of request for traffic signals at some of these intersections on state routes and even stating that the County would pay for the signal but have yet to receive any permits allowing for any signal Mr. Larry Hunt spoke about the sharp curves on Hunt Road and requested that should a rezoning of the property at Hunt and Houston Lake Road come before the Board again, to consider thei increasei int traffica andi theses sharpo curves. He advised that vehicles routinely come through toot fasta and run offt the roada att thesec curves andt that commercial development would Meg Mehserle. spoke abouth her views one election integrity issues, and her feelings about being Houston County Library Director, J. Sara Paulk, spoke about the summer reading program at all the libraries in Houston County and mentioned how popular this program is in Houston Chairman Perdue paused Public Comments due tol Ms. Robinson needing tol leavet the meeting Ms. Robinson thanked everyone for attending the meeting and remarked on how productive it was. She thanked everyone for their understanding of her need to leave the meeting early. After Ms. Robinson left Chairman Perdue asked for any further Public Comments. As there  complimentary: about the increase int the quality oft the work done. Houston Lake Roads and' Tara Estates and Hwy. 96.  installation.  onlyi increase traffic on! Hunt Road.  let go as ap poll worker fromi the Houston County Board of Elections.  County. early.  were noi further comments Public Comments was closed. Chairman Perdue opened Commissioner's' Comments.  Mr. Gottwals said that communication isa al keyi issue to remember and that sometimes, a lot ofi issues can be handled just by having ai face-to-face conversation. He also spoke about the Mr. Talton thanked the County staff and Chief Stoner for finding and applying for the grants approved att the meeting. He expressed! his appreciation to Dan Rhodes and the staff with the 21st Century Partnership for their work. He thanked everyone for attending the meeting and  civility oft the meeting, where several controversial items were presented.  bringing their concerns before the Board.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 372    372  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 371  Mr. Byrd thanked the County staff and the other Commissioners for their work and commented ont thet topics that came before the Board: personnel, land use, and bid and grant approvals. He also thanked the Planning & Zoning Board and Tim Andrews for their work. He encouraged everyone to early perdue and finished by recognizing John Hulbert for handling Chairman Perdue thanked everyone for attending the meeting and was glad to see Tim Andrews being able to walk al little more now. Hef finished by saying that he was continuing to Motion to adjourn by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all. Meeting  the County Attorney dutiesi inp place of County Attorney Tom Hall.  prayf for the healing oft this foot.  adjourned. Robbie Dunbar Director of Administration  Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner