393  Houston County Commissioners Meeting  July9,2024 Perry, Georgia  The Houston County Board of Commissioners met ina a regular session at 9:00 am on Tuesday, July 9, 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  were also present.  Commissioner Talton gavet the Invocation.  Commissioner Gottwals led those present int the Pledge of Allegiance.  Col. Jake Elsass, Director of Air Force Sustainment Center Engineering Robins Operating Location, spoke about! his joba and time atF Robins Air Force Base. He mentioned that this isl his second time stationed at Robins Air Force Base, and he plans to settle ini the area. He spoke about the duties he and his department carry out, saying that STEM outreach into the area's regional colleges and universities is a big part of his job. He also recruits engineers to work at Robins. Hev went ont tor mention that one of his goals is toi incorporate robotics tol help dos some oft the dangerous, dirty, and boring jobs. He concluded by expressing his appreciation for the community's support for those stationed at Robins and mentioned that those active-duty The Boarde expressed their appreciation for his service and commitment tok keeping our nation ont the cuttinge edge ofc capabilities and advancing technology at Robins AFB. They thanked him for his worki ine expanding the message of STEM into the schools and for his kind words about Chairman Perdue reada a proclamation supporting Abi Bragg being named Distinguished Young Woman of Houston County. He mentioned her many school accomplishments and theater Chairman Perdue recognized the 30th Anniversary oft the 19941 flood. A video with testimonies from individuals who were there and who helped with the reconstruction was shown. Chairman Perdue then presented plaques to current and recently retired employees who had worked during that time tog get Houston County back up and running following Tropical Storm Motion by Mr. Talton, second! by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the Building Inspections/Planning: & Zoning Administrative Assistant, Rebecca Kidd, presented Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened al Public Hearing. Applicant #2780 was present with nothing further to add, there was no opposition. Applicant #2781 was present with nothing further to add, there was no opposition. Applicant #2782 was not present, there was no opposition. Applicant #2783 was present with nothing further to add, there was no opposition. Applicant #2784 was present with nothing furthert to add, there was no opposition. Applicant #2785 was not present ast the application was withdrawn.  personnel at Robins fullyf feel this support.  Houston County and the community. accomplishments to date.  Alberto.  minutes oft the. June 18, 2024 meeting.  Special Exception Applications #27801 through #2785.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 394    394  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 393  Chairman Perdue closed the Public Hearing and reopened the regular portion of the meeting. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, 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: staff report:  Applicant #2780 Applicant #2781 Applicant #2783 Applicant #2784 Applicant #2782  Rolie O'Donnell Nautiya Smith Wesley' Walker John & Lora Ennis Paul Smith  Pressure Washing Property Restoration & Management Bookkeeping Baking and Preserves  and1 to table the following Special Exception Application:  Landscaping & Property Management  County Attorney TomH Hall made 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! by the Board will not change any provision withint the Ms. Kidd instructed those applicants whose applications were approved on the next step in getting their business! license: go tot the Commisioner'sOfite: and apply for the license. Mr. Talton presented a request from the City of Warner Robins to annex property located on Chairman Perdue explained that the County could not hold a Public Hearing on Annexations  covenant that prohibits any commercial or business activity.  Moody Road.  butt that he would opent the floor for comments. As there were no comments, the meeting continued.  Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to concur with the annexation tot the City of Warner Robins ofp property located on Moody Road, also known as Tax Parcel 001020 014000, containing 2.84 acres. The current zoning of the property is Mr. Talton presented a request from the City of Warner Robins to annex the property located Chairman Perdue opened the floori for public comments aboutt this annexation.  County C-2.7 The proposed zoning is City of Warner Robins C-2.  at 113 N. Amanda Place.  As there were no comments, the meeting continued.  Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to concur with the annexation to the City of Warner Robins of property located at 113 N. Amanda Place, also knowna as Tax Parcel00074E 079000, containing 1.07 acres, with the stipulation that all County utilities remain with the County. The current zoning of the property is County R-1. The Chairman Perdue added that North Amanda Place is a county residential road. He further explained that ifac curb cuti is needed for commercial development, a request for a waiver of  proposed: zoningi is City of Warner Robins R-1.  the county ordinances would needt to come before the Commissioners.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 395    395  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 394  Mr. Gottwals presented a request from the City of Warner Robins to annex the property Chairman! Perdue explained before discussing and voting ont thisi item and agenda item #5 that the Commissioners would consider each of these annexation requests separately as they are separate properties. He statedt that he would hear comments from three people ins support of  located at 2717 HWY1 127.  the annexation and three inc opposition oft the annexation.  Chairman Perdue opened the floor for public comments on this annexation.  Teresa Bennet spoke in favor oft the annexation and gave a history of the parcel that belongs to her mother. She explained that her mother wishes to sell the property to a willing local Teri DelGiorno: spokei inc opposition to the annexation: and gaves spot zoning, incompatible land use, increasedi traffic, and ani increase int the chance of wrecks as her reasoning. Keith Newton spokei inf favor oft the annexation, describing potential plans for the property and his! history asa al local developer looking toi improve Houston County. Kathy Taltons spoke in opposition tot the annexation and cited safety concerns she has for the increased traffic and accident potential, especially living across from the property to be Chad Bryant spokei inf favor of the annexation and gave examples of commercial development already int the area. He stated that there were adequate utilities and infrastructure already in Heather Talton spoke in opposition to the annexation, citing concerns about traffic and increased accident potential. She also mentioned that no changes were made to the original Chairman Perdue closed the public comment period and resumed the regular meeting. Before making his motion, on agenda item #4, Mr. Gottwals spoke about the approval given by the Warner Robins Planning andz Zoning Boarda ahead of the Commissioners voting and that legal propriety has been established: andi isp present for this parcel, in! his opinion, to warrant a Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to concur with the annexation tot the Cityo of Warner Robins of property located at 2717HWY: 127, also known as Tax Parcel 001050 085000, containing 2 acres, with the stipulation that all County utilities remain with the County. The current zoning of the property is County R-AG. The proposed Mr. Gottwals presented a request from the City of Warner Robins to annex the property Before making his motion on agenda item #5, Mr. Gottwals spoke about the prior approval givenf for this annexation and rezoning by' Warner Robins Planning & Zoning and gave further reasons for a concur or non-concur vote by the Commissioners. Ultimately, however, Mr. Gottwals felt that this parcel was an example ofs spotz zoning and would thus make his motion  purchaser.  annexed and rezoned.  place tos support the development.  annexation request brought previously ont the same property.  concurrence on annexation and rezoning.  zoningi is City of Warner Robins R-1. located at 727 Old Perry Road.  tor non-concur.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 396    396  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 395  Motion! by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton and carried unanimously by all to non-concur with the annexation to the City of Warner Robins of property located at 727 Old Perry Road, also known as Tax Parcel 001050 038000, containing 11.53 acres, with the stipulation that all County utilities remain with the County. The current zoning of the property is County R-AG. Mr. Byrd thanked Mr. Gottwalsi for his thoughts, reasoning anda assessment behind his motion fore each parcel considered for annexation: and rezoning by the City of Warner Robins. Chairman Perdue thanked everyone for their time and consideration oft these annexations. He then agreed with everything Mr. Gottwals had stated about both annexations and the Mr. Byrd presented a request for approval ofal bid on two (2) 145 HP Tractors for use by the Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the bid on 2r newi in-stock: 2023. John Deere 6145M Cab Tractors from Lasseter Tractor Company of Unadilla, Georgia for $143,709.72 each with the option ofa 60 month/5,000 hour extended warranty for an additional cost of $6,242 per tractor. The total cost for this purchase will be Mr. Byrds statedt that by usingt thel bidding process, Houston County realized 36%i ins savings. Mr. Byrd presented a request to approve the FY25 Work Detail Agreement between the Georgia Department of Corrections and Houston County Board of Commissioners. Motion by Mr. Byrd,s second byl Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by allt to approvet the Work Detail Agreement between the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Houston County Board of Commissioners. This agreement for FY2025 will contain 5 work details with a cost that will be at most $246,590. The Water Fund will provide funding for 2 crews, and Solid Chairman Perdue: statedt that progressi is beingr made tol have fullys staffed work crews from the Ms. Robinson presented a request for approval to enter into a Professional Services Agreement for the trimming of tree limbs overhanging the rights-of-way on county roads. Public' Works staff solicitedl bids from 3 contractors and recommended accepting bidder Ben's Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by allt to approve entering into a Professional Services Agreement with Ben's Tree Service of Gordon, Georgia for ana amount of $175 per hour. Insurance Premium Taxi revenue will fund this expenditure. Chairman Perdue explained that the County often tries to handle worki in- house tok keep costs down. He further explained that because oft the specialized equipment needed and personnel costst to handle limb trimming along the county'sr rights-of-way, it would be more economical Ms. Robinson presented a request for approval of a professional services contract between Christopher Gray and Houston County. The current contract expired on June 30, 2024. The Accountability Court and Christopher Gray reviewed and approved this contract, and the  Thep proposed: zoningi is City of Warner Robins C-2.  conclusions he had reached. Roads & Bridges Department.  $299,903.44. This purchase will be paid from 2018 SPLOST.  Waste Fund for 3 crews.  McEver Probation Facility working on the rights-of-way int the County  Tree Service.  tob bidt the work out.  county attorney's office also reviewedi it.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 397    397  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 396  Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the signing ofap professional: services contract with Christopher Gray. This contract for surveillance Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the Chairman Perdue: stated that the layout and format of the bills are different this meeting due to a new accounting software system. He recognized Danyelle George, Will Davis, Phyllis Duncan, and Brenda Adkins of the Accounting Department for bringing this new software to the county. Hes statedt that hel knowsi it will make work easier, more streamlined and potentially Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion oft the meeting and opened Public Comments. Meg Mehserle spoke about election integrity issues and having been let go from beinga a poll watcher att the Board ofE Elections. She requested. action be taken regarding her complaints. John Trussell, Vice Chair oft the Zoning Appeals Board, referenced several articles int the latest At Home in Houston County publication highlighting various historical places, events, and occurrences int the pasti in Houston County. He requested Commission support fora ar restroom facility at Oaky Woods so that campers and hunters would have a place to use the restroom. Hes statedt that hel hads spoken to Safe Site Services, al local porta-potty company, and had been  services will start. July 1,2 2024 ande expire. June 30, 2026. payment oft the bills totaling $5,151,010.91.  use less paper.  quoteda a service contract rate of$ $125.00 monthly.  Chairman Perdue asked Mr. Trusselli if he thought a vault toilet would work.  Mr. Trussell agreed thati it may. He concluded his remarks by advisingt that as a member oft the Sons ofA American Revolution, he was working with County staff to have a liberty tree planted along witha aj plaquet to commemorate the 250th anniversary oft the United States. Also, thati in March of next year, his group would be celebrating French General Lafayette's returning to As there were not further comments, Chairman Perdue closed Public Comments.  America ins support oft the American Revolution. Chairman Perdue opened Commissioner's Comments.  Mr. Byrd spoke aboutt thel Flood of1 1994 video anda about how well done it was. He spoke about his memories of that time and the fact that Houston County did indeed react, repair and restore its damaged infrastructure without waiting fors state orf federal assistance to arrive. Mr. Talton thanked everyone for attending the meeting and congratulated Abi Bragg for her Ms. Robinson1 thanked everyonei for the productive and professional meeting. She stated that comments on! both: sides ofac controversial agenda issue had been giveni ina a positive way. She spoke oft the recent 4th ofJ July holiday and the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation to be celebrated in 2026 and the fact that she was glad to live in America, in Georgia and in Mr. Gottwals commented on the fact that 30 years ago there was too much rain and 30 years later, more rain is needed and expressed how proud he was to represent the people of  excellent accomplishments: and her bright future.  Houston County. Houston County.  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 398    398  Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 397  Chairman Perdue spoke about the role of government and read a quote by Edmund Burke regarding representative government: and the role of the representative. He then thanked the Board for their service and expressed how much of a privilege it was to serve with each of them. He spoke about the recent passing of G.L. Crocker, his prior service on the County's Boardo ofA Adjustments: and Appeals, the! business owner and community pillar he was, and how Motion to adjourn by Mr. Talton, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all.  he willl be missed. Meeting adjourned. Robbie Dunbar Director ofA Administration  Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner