Thomson & Dearing McDuffie County Planning Commission  Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Minutes 210 Railroad Street Thomson, Georgia 30824  McDuffie  County, Georgia  Board Members Present:  Commissioner Paul Coughlan, Chairman Commissioner Georgia Hobbs Commissioner Penny Lowe Commissioner Bud Lunceford Commissioner Matt Milburn  County Representatives Present: Visitors Present: Call to Order Invocation  Jason Smith, Community Development Director  Craig Wildi, Zoning Official See sign-in sheet in file. Chairman Coughlan (6:30 p.m.) Commissioner Lunceford April2,2024 5-0  Determination of Quorum: Sof6inattendance  Approval of Minutes  Motion: Commissioner Lunceford; second: Commissioner Hobbs; vote:  Information & Announcements Apontmen/erponment  None None Old Business: None New Business:  1) Application for zoning change from R-21 to R-1 and Special Use Exemption for a composting Chairman Coughlan recognized property owner Brian Ligon, who was represented by Jeff Darley. Mr. Darley explained Mr. Ligon owns a tree service company and plans to use the property asa composting operation using chipped and pre-screened wood as the base. They are currently working with the Georgia Extension Office in Augusta to develop a plan for mixing manure (or some other material) with wood and then turning the piles over as they reach certain temperatures. There are currently no plans for on-site grinding, and the owner expects to use a maximum of 10 acres of the 50-acre property. The completed product would be transported from the site to sellers. There are  operation, on Boneville Road, Parcel number 00640019.    no plans for public sales on the property. The facility would need to be permitted as a Category 2 solid waste facility under the guidelines of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Area resident David Kitchens expressed concerns about runoff into Sweetwater Creek (whichi is connected to Usry Pond -a public water source), potential smells emanating from the property, and Chairman Coughlan addressed the county's definition of solid waste facilities, which specifically includes composting facilities in the definition (Sec. 44-22). He also reviewed specific requirements for solid waste facilities including the requirement of a minimum 100-acre site, site distances from residential structures and wells, and the prohibition of such facilities within one mile of any watershed. The proposed location is within the Usry Pond Watershed District. Following a short discussion, the property owners asked that the rezoning request bet tabled while Commissioner Hobbs made a motion to table the rezoning request. Commissioner Lunceford  wear and tear on Boneville and Randall, Hunt roads.  he reviews options for the property.  seconded the motion. The motion toi table the request carried 5-0.  Adjournment:  Motion: Commissioner Hobbs; second: Commissioner Lunceford; vote: 5-0 I Time: 7:03 p.m.  FA Paul Coughlan, Chairman bipbyai Bill Hopkins, Vice Chairman Bdhd $ Bud Lunceford, Commissioner  Matt Milburn, Commissioner B  baalbal  Carrie R Edwards, County Clerk  Commissioner  Jeanêtte Lowe,  Commissioner  Gofe