329  Houston County Commissioners Meeting  February 6, 2024 Perry, Georgia  The Houston County Board of Commissioners met ina a regular session at 9:00 am on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the Houston County Courthouse in Perry, Georgia, with Chairman Perdue presiding and Commissioners Byrd, Gottwals, Robinson, and Talton present. County Attorney Tom Hall, Director of Administration Robbie Dunbar, and Director of Operations Brian. Jones Commissioner Talton gave the Invocation and led those present int the Pledge of Allegiance. MSgt. Wright, with the 116th Air Control Wing, spoke about his decision to join the military and then detailed his 27-year career int the Air Force. He spoke about the positive impact the military has had on his life and about his work as an aircraft mechanic. He closed by saying what an! honori it was tos speak before the Board of Commissioners and how thankful hei isto bei int the 116th ACW serving at Robins Air Force Base and livingi in! Houston County. Each Commissioner expressed their appreciation to MSgt Wright for his service, patriotism, and leadership, thanked him for attending the meeting, speaking at the Commissioners Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the Chief Building Inspector Tim Andrews presented: Special Exception Applications #27331 through #2735, #2737t through? #2740, #2742 and #2743. He spoke about Applications #2738 and #2742 Chairman Perdue closedt the regular portion oft the meeting and opened a Public Hearing.  were also present.  meeting and for his positive comments about Houston County.  minutes from the. January 16, 2024 meeting.  beingt tabled.  Applicant #2733 was present; there was no opposition. Applicant #2734 was not present; there was no opposition. Applicant #2735 was present; there was no opposition. Applicant #2737 was present; there was no opposition.  Applicant #2738 was present and inquired about being approved by the Board even ift tabled Chairman Perdue explained it was not possible, that the Zoning & Appeals Board would need to set the stipulations, recommendation and Section 95 Requirements that come before the Applicant #2740 was present; comments were made by Ms. Taylor oft the Statham's Landing Applicant #2742 was present and gave hand- -outs to the Commissioners; there was no Withr nof further comments Chairman Perdue closed thel Public Hearing and opened the regular County Attorney Tom Hall madea al blanket statement fort thel benefit ofa alla applicants for Special Exceptions for home occupations, that even if the Board of Commissioners approves an application, neighborhood covenants may still impose certain restrictions upon or against home businesses. These restrictive covenants are not superseded by any action the Board of Commissioners' takes. The actions taken byt the Board will not change any provision within the  by the Zoning & Appeals Board. Board of Commissioners for approval. Homeowners Association. opposition.  Applicant #2739 was present; there was no opposition.  Applicant #2743 was present; there was no opposition.  portion oft the meeting.  covenant that prohibits any commercial orb business activity.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 330    330  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 329  Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the following Special Exception Applications toi include any and all stipulations as noted on the Zoning & Appeals recommendation: and Section 95 Requirements staff report:  #2733 #2734 #2735 #2737 #2739 #2740 #2743 #2738 #2742  Daniel Pitts & Letoria Mays Marx Ivandich & Mildred Canales Andrew & Amie Willard Andrew Cannon Lal Kishal Harris Cameron Thrift Stephanie Phillips Justin & Christin Key Miranda! Stewart  Food Truck Taxi Service Mobile Welding Landscaping Plants & Crafts (Online) Landscaping Riding Stable & Academics Landscaping Special Events Facility  And also, tot table the following Special Exception Applications:  Mr. Andrews: advised the applicants approved ont the next stepi int the process, which would be obtaining their business licenset through the Commisioner'sofice. Also, hee explained that the Chief Building Inspector Tim Andrews presented rezoning application #2736, submitted by Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened al Public Hearing. With no comments, Chairman Perdue closed the Public Hearing and opened the regular Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the following Rezoning Application as recommended by the Houston County Planning  tabled applications wouldr need tor return tot the Zoning & Appeals Board.  Steve Wiley.  Applicant #2736 was present; there was no opposition.  portion oft the meeting. Commission: #2736  Steve Wiley  Property located at 806 Hwy 26E  Mr. Byrd presented a contract to appraise commercial properties in Houston County. Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the signing of a contract with Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions & Services, Inc., of Norwood, Georgia, in the amount of $264,500. This contract provides revaluation & field review of commercial, industrial, and income-based housing tax credit apartments and new commercial/industrial land schedules and improvement schedules. This contract will also provide appeals review and representation, including representation at the Board of Equalization, Certified Hearing Officer, and Superior Court hearings if necessary. This contract wills start within thirty business days ofs signing and will expire by mid-I May 2025. This contract will bet funded from the Tax/ Assessor Professional Services line item. Chairman Perduer mentioned that residential property! has recently been reappraised and that itv was time for a reevaluation on commercial propertyi in Houston County. Mr. Byrd presented al bid on one Kubota RTV tol be fitted with ai fire foam unit for use at the  Landfill.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 331    331  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 330  Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the bid on one Kubota RTV from Southside Equipment Company of Milledgeville, Georgia in the amount off $20,870. Also, ont thel bid ofc one Enforcer 10skidi firet foamu unit withi two airo cylinders from Municipal Equipment Companyo ofOrlando, Florida int the amount of $9,105.66. This total Chairman Perdue stated that there had beent two equipment fires int the last 61 months at the Landfill. He said this equipment will help staff to respond to any future incidents and help mitigate losses. He concluded bys sayingt the ideal had support from Houston County Fire Chief Mr. Byrd presented Change Ordert #21 for the State Court & Sheriff's Office Remodel. Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve Change Order #2, for the State Court & Sheriff's Office Remodel, with ICB Construction Group of Macon, Georgia. This change order in the amount of $65,125.68 will increase the total contract amount to $6,297,455.89. This project isf funded! by 2018 SPLOST. Chairman Perdue stated that since the building has now been dedicated, exterior signage Mr. Byrd presented Change Order #1 for the Houston County Public Safety Complex. Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve Change Order #1, for the Houston County Public Safety Complex, with Parrish Construction of Perry, Georgia. This change order will decrease the contract amount by $17,859.39 bringing the County Attorney Tom Hall gave the first of two readings for a proposed change to Section 2- 273 (b) oft the Houston County Code of Ordinances regarding capital budget policies. Asecond reading andp public hearing ont thisp proposed ordinance change will be held at the February 20, Ms. Robinson presented the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland: Security Agency Grant additional funds released by Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the acceptance oft the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland: Security Agency Grant Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the reappointment of Denisa Davis to the Houston County Library Board for a term to begin Ms. Robinson presented a service contract for the schematic design of the Superior Court Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the signing ofac contract with SPI Design Group Architects & Engineers, Inc. of Macon, Georgia, for thes schematic design oft the Superior Court) judges' chambers in the amount of $5,960. Chairman Perdue stated that the Houston Judicial Circuit could be expanded to four judges,  cost of $29,975.66 willl be paid from the Landfill Equipment line item.  Chris Stoner.  reflecting thel building name can be placed.  contract amount to $4,116,959.61.  2024 Commissioners meeting.  Agency from their 2021 State Homeland: Security Program.  int the amount of$29,972.53.  02/06/2024: and expire 01/31/2028. judges' chambers.  creating the needf fora a redesign oft the judges' chambers.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 332    332  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 331  Ms. Robinson presented an Independent Contractor Agreement for services in the Juvenile Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the signing ofa anl Independent Contractor Agreement with Glendal Harpert for services asap part- time contract attorney to represent certain juveniles appearing in. Juvenile Court. This annual contract will be prorated as follows; February at $1,101.51, March, April, and May at Ms. Robinson presented an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Perry and the Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the signing of an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Perry and the Houston County Chairman Perdue spoke about the benefit to all the citizens of Houston County from having Mr. Gottwals presented a request to hire poll workers for the upcoming March 12, 2024 Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve hiring thet following poll workers for the March 12, 2024 election, and for Accounting to make  Court.  $1,388.83, and. June at $1,388.87, forat total of $6,656.87.  Houston County Board of Elections.  Board of Elections to conduct the upcoming special election. the Board ofE Elections run! both city and county elections.  Presidential Primary Election. any and alll budget adjustments: 17 Managers (Precinct) 34 Assistant Managers (Precinct) 103 Clerks 154 Training 5 Janitors 1 Janitor 225 BMD (Ballot Marking Device) 3 Election Supply Load Out Help 3 Election Night Equipment Return Help 3 Election Night Check-In Clerks 17 Supply pick-up/return supplies (Managers) 17 Cell Phones 2 Ballot Scan Clerks  AMOUNT $175.00 $125.00 $115.00 $25.00 $15.50 $25.00 $2.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $10.00 $10.00 $100 TOTAL  TOTAL $2975.00 $4250.00 $11,845.00 $3850.00 $77.50 $25.00 $450.00 $225.00 $225.00 $225.00 $170.00 $170.00 $200.00 $24,687.50  Mr. Gottwals presenteda a request toa addal Tax/Tag Supervisor position to the Houston County Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the addition of one Tax/Tag Supervisor position tot the Houston County Position Controll Listing at Grade 17.A Also, to authorize Accounting tor make any necessary budgetary adjustments. Mr. Gottwals presented: a request tof fillt the vacant Deputy Clerk position int the. Juvenile Court. Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve hiring Ms. Pink Woodward to fill the vacant Deputy Clerk position in the Juvenile Court at Grade 14 Step B effective February 7, 2024. Staff has reviewed her qualifications, and she  Position Control Listing.  meetst the requirements for the Bs step.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 333    333  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 332  Mr. Gottwals presented a request to fill the vacant Building Engineer Technician position in Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Byrd and carried unanimously by all to approve hiring Mr. Matthew Meekst tof fill the vacant Building Engineer Technician position in Public Buildings at Grade 21 Step F effective February 7, 2024. Staff has reviewed his qualifications, and he Chairman Perduer mentioned that Mr. Meeks already had al low voltagel license, hade experience Mr. Gottwals presenteda ar request tor ratify changes madet toar memorandum of understanding between the Houston County Sheriff'sOffice andi the Houston County Boardo of Commissioners Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the changesi madet tot the Memorandum of Understanding between the Houston County Board of Commissioners and the Houston County Sheriff's Office for the purpose of fingerprinting Mr. Talton presented al loan agreement tot the City of Perry for gas line expansion. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve loaning up to one million dollars $1,000,000.00) to the City of Perry for the expansion ofa gas line serving the property of Link Snacks, Inc. This shall be a construction loan on which noi interest shall accrue until a draw isr made ont the principal balance and any such amount that is drawn shall bear interest at the rate of 5.3% per annum, accruing daily. The loan together with accrued and unpaidi interest and allo other charges, costs, and expenses, is due and payable in Five (5) annual installments beginning. July 10th, 2025 and continuing on the same date until Chairman Perdue spoke regarding Houston County stepping int to assistt the City of Perry with the cost oft this gas line expansion. He said this loan isb being put into place in case of delays in Mr. Byrd said he appreciated the cooperation that exists between the County and the three Mr. Talton presenteda al bid ont the Waterline Extension to Serve! Hwy 341 and Graham Road. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the award of the bid on the Waterline Extension to Serve Hwy 341 and Graham Road to Pyles Plumbing & Utility Contractors, Inc., of Macon Georgia, int the amount of$ $894,860. This project Mr. Talton presented Change Order #1 fort the Water System improvements to Serve AE Harris Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve Change Order #1, to decrease the contract price in the amount of $37,300.00 on the Water System Improvements to Serve AE Harris Road Phase II. This decrease will bring the total Mr. Talton presented Change Order #1 fort the Water System Improvements to Serve AE Harris  Public Buildings.  exceeds the requirements for the F step. int the field, and was very qualified.  Office approved att the. January 16, 2024r meeting.  applicants for business licenses.  the finali installment. July 10th, 2029.  receiving funds from the State of Georgia to cover this expansion.  cities.  will bep paidf for by ARPA funds. Road Phasel II.  contract price from $564,0821 to $526,782.  Road.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 334    334  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 333  Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd and carried unanimously by all toa approve Change Order #1, to decrease the contract price by $233,170c on the Water System Improvementsto Serve AE Harris Road. This change order will decrease the amount of the contract from Chairman Perdue asked Utility Director Terry Dietschi ift this was the final change orderi fori the  $1,400,309.25tos $1,167,139.25. AEHarris Road project. Mr. Deitsch: stated that itv was.  Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the Chairman Perdue stated that the Commissioners' would! be going into Executive Session at the end oft the Commissioners meeting but would be opening the floor for Public Comments and Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion of the meeting and opened Public Comments. James Moore, Houston County" Tax Assessor, thanked the Commissioners for approving the contract for the commercial property reevaluation att today's meeting. He also thanked the There being no further comments Chairman Perdue closed the Public Comments portion of  payment oft the bills totaling $7,663,370.82. Commissioners Comments first.  Boardi for the continued. support of his department and employees.  the meeting.  Chairman Perdue opened the floor for Commissioner's Comments.  Mr. Gottwals expressed his appreciation to County staff for the amazing work they do to put Ms. Robinson thanked everyone for attending and commented on the elevated costs of Mr. Taltont thanked everyone for attending and the great meeting. He also thanked MSgt. John Wright, the military speaker att the meeting. He concluded by making the announcement that Mr. Byrd spoke about the feedback he received from the audit company who performed the County's Audit. He stated they were very complimentary about Houston County and the attention to details which the County presented. They also recognized several county employees by name for their work ont the audit, as well as all Houston County employees for their work all year long. Commissioner Byrd concluded by saying he would be seeking Chairman Perdue expressed his appreciation to the Commissioners for always being fully prepared for each meeting and for their work they doi for the citizens of Houston County. Chairman Perdue stated that the Commissioners would move into Executive Session per  together the agenda everyt time.  equipment.  hev was seeking reelection tol his Post 4 seat.  reelection to his Post 5s seat.  0.CGA50-143D2): fora al Personnel Issue.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 335    335  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 334  Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton and carried unanimously by all to approve enteringi into an Executive Session per 0.CGA50-143D2) for a Personnel Issue. Chairman Perdue, after reentering the meeting, advised that no action would be taken as a Motion to adjourn by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all.  result oft the Executive: Session. Meeting adjourned. Robbie Dunbar Director of Administration  Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 336    336  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 335  EXECUTIVE SESSION AFFIDAVIT  STATE OF GEORGIA COUNTY OFI HOUSTON  AFFIDAVIT OF PRESIDING OFFICER  Dan] Perdue, Chairman oft the Houston County Board of Commissioners, being duly sworn, states under oath that the following is true and accurate Thel Houston County Board of Commissioners meti in a duly advertised During such meeting, the Board voted to goi into executive session. The executive session was called to order at 10:08 a.m.  tot the best ofl his knowledge and belief: meeting on] February 6, 2024.  1. 2. 3. 4.  Thes subject matter oft the closed] portion of the meeting was devoted to the following matter(s) within the exceptions provided in the open meeting  law:  Consultation with the county attorney or other legal counsel to discuss pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to bel brought by or against the county or any officers or employee or in which the county or any officer or employee may be directly involved as] providedi in O.C.G.A. S 50-14-2(1); Discussion of tax matters made confidential by state law as provided by O.C.G.A. $ 50-14-2(2) and (insert the citation tot the legal authority making the tax matter confidential)  Discussion or voting on: 3(b)(1)(A); 3(b)(1)(C);  Authorizing a settlement as provided in O.C.G.A. $ 50-14- Authorizing negotiations top purchase, dispose of, or lease property as provided in O.C.G.A. $ 50-14-3(b)C)(B); Authorizing an appraisal as provided in O.C.G.A. $50-14- Entering a contract for thej purchase, disposal of, or lease of property as providedi in O.C.G.A. $ 50-14-3(b)()D); Entering into an option toj purchase, dispose of, or lease property as provided in O.C.G.A. S 50-14-3(b)CI)(E); Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 337    337  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 336 Discussion or deliberation on the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating ofa county officer or employee as Interviewing candidates for executive positions as provided in Other (describe the exemption tot the open meetings law):  X  providedin O.C.G.A. $50-14-3(b)(2); OCG.A850-1430)2:  as provided in (insert the citation to thel legal  authority exempting the topic).  5.  During the course oft the closed session devoted to exempt topics, ani incidental remark: regarding a non-exempt topic or an attempt to The attempt was immediately ruled out of order and attempts The attempt wasi immediately ruled out ofc order. However, the comments did not cease, sot the closed/executive: session was immediately adjourned without discussion or action being taken regarding any non-exempt topic.  discuss ai non-exempt topic was made.  to discuss same ceasedi immediately.  6.  Minutes were taken oft this meeting and will be filed and held fori in  camerai inspection only.  This  day of] February 2024.  Dan Perdue, Chairman  Houston County Board of Commissioners  Swornt to and subscribed before me this February 2024. Notary Public My commission expires:  day of    338