283  Houston County Commissioners Meeting  September 19, 2023 Warner Robins, Georgia  Thel Houston County Board of Commissioners meti inar regular session at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Houston County Annex in Warner Robins, GA, with Chairman Perdue presiding and Commissioners Byrd, Gottwals, Robinson, and Talton present. Also present were County Attorney Tom Hall, Director of Administration Robbie Dunbar, Sheriff Talton, Chief Deputy Rape, District Attorney Will Kendall, Director of Operations Brian. Jones, Director of Personnell Ken Carter, Utility Director Terry Dietsch, Director of Purchasing Vanessa Zimmerman, Chief Financial Officer Danyelle George, Coroner James Williams, Senior Accountant Will Davis, ChiefE Building Inspector Tim Andrews, State Court Solicitor. Amy Smith,  and Community Planner. Jake Cox. Lt. Matt Moulton gave thei invocation.  Commissioner Robinson! led those present int the Pledge of Allegiance.  Georgia State Representative Bethany Ballard read and presented a resolution from the Georgia General Assembly recognizing Sheriff Taltonf for his 50 years ofs service as the Sheriff ofH Houston County. This Resolution: 350r recognized SheriffT Taltona ast thel longest serving sheriff,  not onlyi int thes state of Georgia, but also the United States. Chairman Perdue expressed his appreciation to Representative Ballard.  Chairman Perdue as well as the Commissioners, Mr. Dunbar, and Mr. Hall, spoke of their admiration, appreciation, and the work that Sheriff Talton has done fort the citizens of Houston Sheriff Taltone expressed his thanks, appreciation, and affection to all who were ina attendance Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the Mr. Byrd presented a request from the MIS Department for approval ofa quote to complete thei installation oft the VOIP phone system att the Houston County Annex. Chairman Perdues statedt that the delay on movingf forward withi this project was tog give County Attorney Tom Hall time tor review the proposal for the project presented by Mitel. Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the quote from CNP Technologies, LLC., of Charlotte, North Carolinai int the amount of$72,826.50. Richie Deason of Atlantic Coast Consulting presented a' "Waste Management Needs" meeting regarding the expansion of the Construction and Demolition (C&D) portion of the Houston Countyl Landfill. This presentation isr required byt the Georgia Environmentall Protection Division (Ga EPD). He advised that the C&D landfill has 6y years of "life" left and with the long process securing approval for expansion, the Board needed to begin the process now to secure Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion of the meeting and opened a Public Hearing. As there were no comments, Chairman Perdue closed the Public Hearing and reopened the Because this was a required Public Hearing, no action was needed on behalf of the  County.  and thanked his staff and the citizens of Houston County. minutes from the September 5, 2023 meeting.  This isaz 2018 SPLOST funded project.  approval for this expansion.  regular portion oft the meeting. Commissioners.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued onl Page 284    284  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 283  Director of Administration Robbie Dunbar presented a second reading of the new alcohol license for Saira LLC. for the sale of beer and wine retail on premises and liquor package store. Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened al Public Hearing. As there were no comments, Chairman Perdue closed the Public Hearing and reopened the Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the alcohol license for the sale of beer and wine on premises and liquor package retail store at County Attorney Tom Hall conducted a second reading of a proposed amendment to the Houston County Code of Ordinances. The proposed amendment woulda addap paragraph tot the code concerning the purchases the County makesf for the county road systems. The paragraph would be added to Chapter 2, Article' VP Purchase of Materials and Services. Thet first reading of this proposed amendment to the Houston County Code of Ordinances was held at the Chairman Perdue closed ther regular portion of the meeting and opened a Public Hearing. Mr. Tom McMichael: stated that this action should have been taken al longt time ago. Ast there were nof further comments, Chairman Perdue closedt the Public Hearing andr reopened Motion! by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve an amendment tot the Houston County Code of Ordinances by adding a paragraph to Chapter 2, Article VI Purchase of Materials and Services. The paragraph shall read asi follows: Any purchases forr materials, supplies, equipment ors services tob be utilizedi fort the construction and maintenance oft the county road systems shall comply with 0.C.G.A.932-4-63. County Attorney Tom Hall conducted a second reading of a proposed amendment to the Houston County Code of Ordinances. The proposed amendment would remove and replace the current Sec. 2-555 of Chapter 2, Article III, Division 9t titled Development Authority. The replacement of this paragraphi is necessary to update the Houston County Code of Ordinances regarding the number of term years for Development Authority Board Members to be in compliance with O.C.G.A. $36-62-4(a)." This amendment will not applyt tol boardi members that are currently serving ont the Development Authority. The amendment will only applyt tol board members appointed orr reappointed after the amendment ish heard anda approved byt the Board of Commissioners. The first reading of this proposed amendment tot the Houston County Code Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened al Public Hearing. As there were 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 ana amendment tot the Houston County Code ofOrdinances by removing the current Sec. 2-555 of Chapter 2, Article III, Division 91 titled Development Authority. The revised paragraph shall  Thet first reading was held att the September 5, 2023 meeting.  regular portion oft the meeting.  2919U.S. Hwy 341 South, Hawkinsville, GA.  September 5, 2023 meeting.  the regular portion oft the meeting.  of Ordinances was held att the September 5, 2023 meeting.  regular portion oft the meeting.  read asf follows:  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 285    285  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 284  Sec.255-Memberahp.  The board shall consist of 7 directors. Each director shall be appointed by resolution of the Boardo of Commissioners toa ai four-yeart term of office. If, at the end ofa any termo ofc office ofa any director, a successor thereto has not been elected, the director whose term of office has expired shall continue to! hold office until his or her successor is SO elected. County Attorney Tom Hall conducted a second reading of a proposed amendment to the Regulations for Access Management and Encroachment Control, Chapter 3 - Commercial Driveways, Sec. 3A - When are Permits Required, as adopted in the Code of Ordinances, Houston County, Georgia at Chapter 54, Article IV, Sec. 54-90. The proposed amendment would add ane exception clause to Paragraph 3A-6 oft the Regulations for Access Management and Encroachment Control. The first reading of this proposed amendment to the Houston Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened a Publicl Hearing. As there were no comments, Chairman Perdue closed the Public Hearing and reopened the Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve an amendment to Paragraph 3A-60 of the Regulations for Access Management and Encroachment Control whichs shall read asf follows [newl language is italicized for emphasis only): 3A-6AC Commercial driveway will not be permitted on any county road determined to! be used primarily for residential purposes byt the Houston County Public Works Department, except for property that was zoned commercial, prior tot the adoption oft the amendment dated December Chairman Perdue mentioned that property zoned commercial prior to the adoption of the amendment dated December 17, 2019 would be exempts so as tor not cause damage to existing Mr. Gottwals presented a request from the Personnel Department to fund a Projects Coordinator positioni int the Commissioner's Office. This request ist to classify this position ata Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the funding of a Projects Coordinator position (#016) at Grade 16 effective September 20, 2023, andi fort the accounting department to make any necessary! budgetary adjustments. Mr. Gottwals presented a request from Personnel to add a Senior Building Maintenance and Construction Supervisor position tot the Houston County Position Control Listing. Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the addition of a Senior Building Maintenance and Construction Supervisor position to the Houston County Position Control Listing at Grade 23 effective September 20, 2023. Also, to approve the Accounting Department to make any necessary budgetary adjustment. Chairman Perdue mentioned that the public buildings maintenance team was short on staff Mr. Gottwals presented a request from the Personnel Department to add an additional  County Code of Ordinances was held at the September. 5, 2023 meeting.  regular portion oft the meeting.  17,2019.  land owners who had property zoned commercial prior tot that date. Grade 16 and to utilizei itf for various administrative tasks.  and isl looking forward tot this addition tot the team.  Assistant Solicitor tot the Houston County Position Control Listing.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 286    286  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 285  Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the addition of one Assistant Solicitor tot the Houston County Position Control Listing at Grade 30 Step A, effective September 20, 2023. Also, to approve the Accounting Department to make Mr. Gottwals presented a request from the Personnel Department to add a Clerk to work at the new Bonaire precinct. This position is Grade 10 and will be utilized for clerical and Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the addition of a Clerk Position to the Houston County Position Control Listing at Grade 10 and beinge effective! September 20, 2023. Also, to approve the Accounting Department tor make any Chairman Perdue advised that he is looking forward to the increase in customer service for Houston County citizens whent this public safety building comes onlinea and the addition oft this Sheriff's Department staffr member at the new precinct willa assist inr meeting resident's needs. Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second! by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the appointment of Alan Everidge to the DFCS Board to fulfill the unexpired term of Kathy Mr. Talton presented: a request from the Purchasing Department for approval ofak bid on one Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the award oft thel bid forc one new: 145 HP Tractort tol Lasseter Tractor of Unadilla, Georgia forat total purchase price of $154,385.82. This purchase will be funded from Landfill Capital Funds. Chairman Perdue thanked purchasing department staff for their cooperation and work with public works and thel landfilli in! helping tof find and buye equipment that is needed. Mr. Talton presented a request from the Purchasing Department for approval ofal bid on one Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the award of a bid for one Schulte Model FX-1800 Flex Wing Rotary Cutter in the amount of $32,295.68 to Atlantic & Southern of Dothan Alabama. This purchase will be funded from Mr. Talton presented a request from the Purchasing Department for approval ofal bid on one new in-stock 2023 Ford Explorer (Admin Pkg.) for use by the Houston County Sherif's Motion by Mr. Talton, second by! Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the award ofa al bid on one new in-stock 2023 Ford Explorer (Admin Pkg.) to Phil Brannen Ford in Perry, GAi int the amount of$ $40,775.1 This purchase will bet funded from 2018 SPLOST. Mr. Talton presented: a request from the Purchasing Department for approval ofal bid ont two Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the award ofak bid ont two new 2023 Ford Mavericks to Phil Brannen Ford of Perry Georgia ini the total amounto off $58,400 witha a delivery of4 4-5 weeks. This purchase willl bef fundedf from 2018  any necessary budgetary adjustment.  receptionist duties att the new Sheriff's Precinct.  necessary budgetary adjustment.  Wallace. The term will be 09/19/2023 through 06/30/2025. new: 145 HP1 Tractor for use at the Landfill.  Deliveryi is expectedi in April 2024.  new Flex Wing Rotary Cutter for use att the Landfill.  Landfill Capital Funds. Deliveryi is expected in March of 2024.  Department, Juvenile Division.  new 2023 Ford Mavericks for usei int thel Tax Assessors Office.  SPLOST.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 287    287  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 286  Chairman Perdue asked Purchasing Director Vanessa Zimmerman how confident she was in Ms. Zimmerman replied that the vehicles were in production and believed the time quoted Mr. Talton presented a request from the Purchasing Department for approval ofab bid for one newi in-stock RAM: 1500 Crew 4X4 to be used in the Roads and Bridges Department. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the awardo ofab bid on oner newi in-stock RAM: 1500 Crew 4X41 toJ Jeffs Smith Chrysler of Perry Georgia atac cost of $48,900. This purchase willl bet funded from 2012 SPLOST. Mr. Byrdp presenteda a request from the Purchasing Department tol holda a publica auction for the sale ofi items declared surplus by the Houston County Commissioners. Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve a Surplus Auction for the sale ofi items declared surplus by the Houston County Commissioners. The auction willl be! held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 10:00a.m. at the Houston County Warehouse, witha a rain date of Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 10:00a a.m. Mr. Byrd presented a request from the City of Warner Robins for the addition of three developments to the Water Purchase Agreement between the City of Warner Robins and Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the addition oft the following tot the Water Purchase Agreement between Houston County and The City of Warner Robins contingent upon the developers posting a bond covering more than 125% of the construction cost for work performed ont the Houston County Water System:  the delivery oft these vehicles. from the dealer was accurate.  Houston County.  1.The Valvoline Instant Oil Change, 758 Hwy 96 2.The Central Retail Plaza Phase 4,8 860 Hwy 96 3.The Robins Pharmacy & Shops, 608 S. Houston Lake Rd.  Chairman Perdue statedt that hel has spoken with Mayor Patrick regarding thes subject ofr master meters andl billing county water for city commercial property att the retaila and wholesale rates. Mr. Byrd presented a request for a distribution of funds from the Non-Profit Organizations Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the issue off funds from the Non- Profit Organizations Revenue Support line item of ARPA Funds to Chairman Perdue: stated that her recently spoke with Dr. McEver, who works with the Houston County' Volunteer Medical Clinic. He said that the clinic meets ani important medical need for thosei individuals who are working! but who do not have healthi insurance. Dr. McEver advised Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened Public Comments. He then let the public knowt that Public Comments would bel limitedt tof five minutes per individual  Revenue Support linei item oft the ARPAE Budget Plan.  the Houston County' Volunteer Medical Clinici int the amount of $35,000.  him that these funds would be oft tremendous helpt tot the clinic.  payment oft the bills totaling $3,607,869.75.  speaking today.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 288    288  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 287  Meg Mehserle: spoke aboute election integrity issuesi in Georgia.  Former Commissioner Tom McMichael had a question about APRA expenditures listed in the Chairman Perdue said that most oft thet funds were for water line expansion. Mr. Dunbar added that some oft the funds could also bef for thel Health Department. Jacqueline Rozier had comments and questions for the Board regarding the status of improvements for the northern entrance to Houston County crossing the Echeconnee Creek. Chairman Perdue stated that the County had applied for a Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant that would have created public access to the creek along with canoe and kayak launches, an elevated boardwalk, restroom facilities and improved parking. He continued sayingt that Houston County/ssubmissiont was nota approved, butt that the Countywouldi reapply Ms. Roziera also inquired about the mowing of SR247 ont the northe end of Houston County and Chairman Perdue replied that this right of way was the State of Georgia's responsibility asi itis as stater road. He continued: saying that the County uses its personnel and equipment to mow this right-of-wayl int the summer, and that keeping up with mowing ana area this large was quite ac challenge. He further stated that the County has a contractor mowing and maintaining the urbanized county rights-of-way which have curbs, and gutters with sidewalks. Donna Sant, chair oft the Houston County Republican Party, spoke about election issues, the voting process and encouraged everyone to get involved in the elections process and volunteer. She congratulated the Houston County Board of Elections staff for the great work Ned Sanders, former Chairman of the Houston County Commissioners, expressed his appreciation to Sheriff Talton and Chief Rape for the fantastic job they and their deputies do daily, and on behalf of the former Commissioners and Chairman, thanked him for the  bills.  for this grant.  asked why this right of way was SO overgrown.  they do during each election.  cooperative way he worked with them while they were inc office. Norman' Woodward: spoke about election integrity issues in Georgia.  Chief Chris Stonere expressed his appreciation to Sheriff Taltoni for his leadership, example and help which has assisted him personally in his career. He also expressed his appreciation for the way that the Fire Department works so well with the Houston County Sheriff's Department. He concluded by advising all thosei in attendance about the building dedication and grand opening of the new Public Safety Complex in Bonaire and that the dedication Daryl Allen spoke at length of his dissatisfaction on several topics. He spoke regarding the appearance of the north side of Houston County, taxes, the state oft the roads, development in the County, and the lack of information and notices on the County's Facebook page for Without further comments, Chairman Perdue closed the Public Comments portion of the  ceremony begins Friday at 9:30 am.  residents.  meeting and opened the floor for Commissioner Comments.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 289    289  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 288  Mr. Gottwals spoke of the wonderful public servants and first responders we have ink Houston County and how blessed we are to! have them and tol have Sheriff Talton leading our Sheriff's Ms. Robinson thanked everyone for attending the meeting and recognized Sheriff Talton for his service and the amazing milestone of his 50 years of service. She also recognized former Chairman Ned Sanders and former Commissioner Tom McMichael who were in attendance Mr. Talton thanked everyone for being at the meeting and expressed how glad and appreciative he and his family are to live in Houston County. He thanked Sheriff Talton for his outstanding service and for setting the bar so high for law enforcement agencies in the surrounding area and state of Georgia. He also expressed his appreciation to the Houston County Fire Department and Sheriffs' Office personnel fort their work toh help with recents storm Mr. Byrd said that he has al lot to be thankful for and one of those many things is living in Houston County. Her recognized former Chairman! Ned Sanders andi former Commissioner Tom McMichael for their attendance. He expressed his deep appreciation to Sheriff Talton and ChiefF Rape fort theirg greate example ofb being servant leaders. Hei finished bys saying hei ist thankful for the way that Houston County supports the law enforcement and public safety community Chairman Perdue commented how nice it was to have Representative Ballard present at the meetingt thise evening and thanked her and thel Houston County delegation fori their recognition of Sheriff Talton. He thanked Sheriff Talton for his service and advised that he is very much deserving of all the accolades her receives for his service, leadership and example. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all.  Department.  ande expressed her appreciation toa allt the County employees.  cleanup and opening the roads.  here.  Meeting adjourned. Robbie Dunbar Director of Administration  Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner    290