BALDWIN COUNTY REGULAR MEETING July 2, 2024 1601 N Columbia St, Suite 220 6:00 PM  MINUTES  MEMBERS PRESENT John Westmoreland Kendrick Butts Henry Craig (Virtual) Emily Davis Sammy Hall OTHERS PRESENT Carlos Tobar Brandon Palmer Dawn Hudson Cindy Cunningham CALL TOORDER INVOCATION  Chairman John Westmoreland called July 2, 2024 Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  The Invocation was delivered by County Manager Carlos Tobar. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Sammy Hall.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES  Commissioner Emily Davis made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2024 Public Hearing, June 18, 2024 Work Session, June 18, 2024 Regular Meeting, and June 18, 2024 Executive Session. Commissioner Sammy Hall seconded the motion and it passed  unanimously.  ADMINISTRATVEPSCAL MATTERS Urban Redevelopment Plan  County Manager Carlos Tobar reported a Public Hearing was held on June 18th on the Urban Redevelopment Plan. He stated the Plan has been online, available to the public for comment; sent to the housing team and Commissioners for their review and comment. Mr. Tobar again presented background information on the reason the plan has been developed which is because the County is a Georgia Initiative Community Housing (GICH) community making the County eligible to apply for Community Development Block Grant Funds every year. He stated this is a very competitive process, and we want to pursue every advantage possible to secure funding. Having an Urban Redevelopment Plan (URP) and Revitalization Area Strategy (RAS) makes the County eligible for scoring an additional twenty points on future applications which could potentially mean an extra million dollars coming into the County to replace aging  infrastructure.    Mr. Tobar presented, for the Board's consideration al Resolution designating an Urban Redevelopment Area which constitutes a pocket of blight and has designated such area as appropriate for an urban redevelopment project. He stated the Urban Redevelopment Area is comprised of thet following areas: Oconee Heights, Hardwick, Harrisburg, Youngblood and Ogden. He also presented ai Resolution adopting the Urban Redevelopment Plan. Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts made ar motion to adopt both Resolutions as presented. Commissioner Emily Davis seconded the motion andi it passed unanimously. Acopy eagb Resolutionis herewith attached and made an official part of the minutes at  pages  659  35852  Revisions to Purchasing Policy  County Manager Tobar stated the County Purchasing Policy has been revised to adjust thresholds for the formal bidding process from $35,000 to $100,000. He reported all projects at the $100,0001 threshold must be bid out through the formal bid process. Mr. Tobar reiterated thet fact that all federal and state procurement requirements must be adhered to in Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts requested a report from the County Manager when projects are bid, who receives the award and the total sO they can stay informed of the County's projects. Commissioner Sammy Hall made a motion to approve the Purchasing Policy as presented. Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ad copy of the Purchasing Policy is on file in the Commissioners' Office. Moratorium on Subdivisions and Commercial Development  the County's solicitation of bids.  County Manager Carlos Tobar reported the County previously requested that the Middle Georgia Regional Commission prepare Land Use Codes and District Based Land Use Codes. He stated the Regional Commission has prepared a map of all County districts with each parcel ini the County being given a designation. Mr. Tobar stated he has reviewed the map with each Commissioner. Ati this time, he and County Attorney Palmer need direction from the Board as to whether they would like to proceed with this District Based Land Use. Attorney Palmer stated if Commissioners choose to proceed with District Based Land Use County Mr. Tobar reported the current County Land Use Codes need to be updated, and a draft of the proposed revisions to these Land Use Codes as well as a draft of1 the District Based Land Use Discussion was held regarding proposed County Land Use Codes. Commissioner Sammy Hall stated the matter before the Board tonight is whether to adopt al Resolution enacting a moratorium on residential subdivision development and commercial development. Attorney Commissioner Sammy Hall made a motion to adopt the Resolution enacting a moratorium on commercial development and residential subdivision development for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days while the County considers changes to its land development code. Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts seconded the motion, andi itp passed unanimously. Acopyoft the Resplution is herewith attached and made an official part of the minutes at pages  Ordinances must be amended toi implement zoning procedures law. Codes willl be provided to the Board within the next week.  Palmer read the proposed Resolution.  25Band,59  Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant  Assistant County Manager Dawn Hudson presented a grant award under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for youth programs. She stated the grant award is in the amount of $718,979 for the period April 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026, and Baldwin County  serves as the fiscal agent fori the grant.    Commissioner Emily Davis made a motion to accept the grant award as presented and to authorize the Chairman to sign necessary documents. Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts  seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Grant Awards  Assistant County Manager Dawn Hudson presented thei following two awards:  Mental Health Court award in the amount of $351,481 for the period July 1, 2024 through June Adult Felony Drug Courts award ini the amount of $359,783 fori the period July 1, 2025 through Ms. Hudson stated the required match for both grant awards will be paid from court fines. Commissioner Emily Davis made a motion to accept the two grant awards as presented and to authorize the Chairman to sign necessary documents. Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts  30,2025. June 30, 2025.  seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  County Manager's Report OLD BUSINESS  Vice Chairman Kendrick Butts requested an update on cutting back trees on Irwinton Road. Commissioner Emily Davis stated thet fire hydrants on Emmanuel Harris Road need to be  checked due to the work being done on the road. There was no new business to come before the Board.  NEW BUSINESS  COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT  County Manager Tobar reported he had submitted a County Manager's report to the Board prior to tonight's meeting. He presented an update on County projects to include that road resurfacing bids are due July 15th, advertisement for bids for pickleball courts has been published, still waiting for erosion control permit for Harrisburg, CHIP houses to be complete by end of month, County Attorney sentl letter to Homeowners Association requiring installation of No Parking Signs on the correct side of the street; there willl be no access to the Milledgeville Commons development from Southern' Walk Drive and the public hearing on short term vacation rentals has been advertised to be held on July 16th at 5:00 p.m. Mr. Jeff Kelly, 143B Admiralty' Way, stated he addressed the Board at previous meetings regarding the current Short -Term Vacation Rental ordinance, and he appreciates the County looking at the current ordinance and considering proposed revisions to the ordinance. Mr. Ed Powelski, 121 Tara Place, addressed the Board expressing concern about the Milledgeville Commons Development and access to Southern Walk Drive. He stated he would like to be able to erect a gate to keep traffic from the townhouses from coming through the subdivision. He also stated every time itr rains property at 1301 Tara Place floods. Mr. Kenneth Ward, 110 Tara Place, expressed his concern about the number of houses in the development on Log Cabin, thei increased traffic, striping of roads in his neighborhood and drainage issues caused by the development. He asked when the residents in Plantation Mr. Rick Dorsey, 155 Rocky Creek Court, addressed the Board requesting assistance from the County to improve the road to make itp passable to emergency vehicles. He stated there has been extreme erosion due to logging and the development of as subdivision. He reported this is ap private road; however, the people who live on the road must have access to fire and ambulance service. He asked the County to take ownership oft the road and maintain it for the  PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS  Chase would be able to tapi into the County's sewer system.  citizens.    Mr. Steve Yeatts, 153 Rocky Creek Court, stated hel lives nextt to Mr. Dorsey and the clear cutting of timber is causing the creek to flood and wash away the road. He presented the Mr. Felix. Jones, 120 Taral Place, stated homeowners in the Plantation Chase Subdivision contacted Mr. Tobar ay year ago requesting to get on County sewer. He asked again if they could get an answer when the neighborhood residences could get on County sewer. Mr. Allen Mock, 151 Rocky Creek Court, reiterated the need for the County's help on the road Ms. Mary Jo Barfield, 149 Rocky Creek Court, expressed her concern with the water runoff from timber cutting and stated the residents need tol be accessible to fire and ambulance Mr. Bobby Chester, 125 Muscadine Trail, stated the new development on Log Cabin Road will have al big impact on that road. He stated the road to the development should be closer to the townhouses rather than further down the road. He stated there should be a gate placed sO Mr. Gerald McBride, 170 Emmanuel Harris Road, asked why the road just had gravel and had not been paved. County Manager responded the road base is being repaired before the  Board with pictures about this situation.  which has become impassable to emergency vehicles.  services.  residents in the new development do not come through his neighborhood.  paving begins. ADJOURMMENT  Commissioner Sammy Hall made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Vice Chairman  Kendrick Butts seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Respectfully: submitted,  County Clerk  E4    RESOLUTION, ADOPTINGTHE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN; ANDF FOR WHEREAS, Baldwin County, Georgiai isa duly formed political subdivision oft the State WHEREAS, Baldwin County, Georgia has prepared an Urban Redevelopment Plan in accordance with O.C.G.A. $ 36-61-1, et. seq., to rehabilitate, conserve, or redevelop a defined WHEREAS, the Urban Redevelopment Plan can be used alone, ori in combination with many of Georgia's other legislative redevelopment tools to support local comprehensive planning, revitalize faltering commercial corridors, recruit and nurture small businesses, rehabilitate older homes and neighborhoods, ensure architecturally compatible infill development and generate new adaptive reuses for oldi industrial and agricultural facilities; WHEREAS, Baldwin County has identified a defined geographic boundary that constitutes a pocket of blight and has designated such area as appropriate for an urban redevelopment project ("Urban Redevelopment Area"). The Urban Redevelopment Area is comprised oft these subareas: Oconeel Heights, Hardwick, Harrisburg, Youngblood, and Ogden. The boundaries of these areas are described in detail in the Baldwin County Urban WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Baldwin County, Georgia finds that conditions within this delineated area suffer from pockets of blight, are detrimental to public WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Baldwin County, Georgia finds that: (1) A feasible method exists for the relocation of families who will be displaced from the Urban Redevelopment Area in decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling accommodations within their means and without unduel hardship to such families; (2) The Urban Redevelopment Plan conforms to the general plan of the County as a (3) The Urban Redevelopment Plan will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs oft the County as a whole, for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of WHEREAS, Baldwin County desires to work with public and private sector partners to WHEREAS, Baldwin County hereby identifies thei influences on the geographic areas designated and intends to work diligently to foster conditions conducive to redevelopment  OTHER PURPOSES.  ofG Georgia;  geographical area;  Redevelopment Plan;  health, safety, and welfare, and are negatively affecting the community;  whole; and  the Urban Redevelopment. Areal by private enterprise.  ensure that the desired redevelopment: is achieved;  within these areas;    WHEREAS, a public hearing on the adoption of the Baldwin County Urban Redevelopment Plan was held on. June 18, 2024, att the Baldwin County Government Building, WHEREAS, the said Baldwin County Urban) Redevelopment Plan shall bei included as NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Baldwin 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The above stated recitals are true and correct and are 2. Approval and Adoption of Baldwin County Urban Redevelopment Plan. The Board of Commissioners of Baldwin County, Georgia does hereby approve and adopt 3. Severability. In case any one or more ofthe provisions oft this Resolution shall for any reason be held to bei illegal ori invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Resolution, but this Resolution shall be construed and enforced 4. Repeal of Conflicting Resolutions. Any and all resolutions in conflict with this 5. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.  16011 N. Columbia St, Milledgeville, GA31061; and part oft this resolution as Exhibit"A".  County, Georgia, and itis hereby resolved by authority of the same, as follows:  incorporated as though fully set forth herein.  the Urban Redevelopment Plan attached hereto as Exhibit"A".  asi ifsuchi illegal or invalid provision had not been contained herein. Resolution this day passed be and they are hereby repealed.  sO RESOLVED, this 3 day ofJuly, 2024.  BALDWINCOUNTY,OEORGA Honorable John H Westmoreland, Chairman e Baldwin County Board of Commissioners  ATTEST: Cynthja K. Baldwin County Clerk DATE ADOPTB [SEAL]  -lkn  SEAL OF BALDWIN COUNTY GEORGIA    Al RESOLUTION DESIGNATING. AN URBAN REDEVELOPMENTAREA;AND  FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WITNESSETH:  WHEREAS, Baldwin County, Georgiai is ac duly formed political subdivision of the State WHEREAS, the rehabilitation, conservation, or redevelopment, or a combination thereof, of blighted areas is necessary in thei interest oft the public health, safety, or welfare of WHEREAS, O.C.G.A. $ 36-61-1, et. seq., entitled the "Urban Redevelopment Law,", authorizes Baldwin County, Georgia to designate an "urban redevelopment area," which is WHEREAS, the Urban Redevelopment Law defines "pocket oft blight" toi mean an area in whichl by reason oft thej presence ofas substantial number of deteriorated or deteriorating structures; unsanitary or unsafe conditions; deterioration of site or other improvements; the existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire and other causes; or any combination of such factors, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the County, inhibits the provisions of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability and is a menace to the WHEREAS, after careful study and investigation, the Board of Commissioners of Baldwin County, Georgia desires to designate the area described in the attached map titled, "Baldwin County Urban Redevelopment. Areal Boundaries Map" and dated. July 2, 2024, asan urban redevelopment area and as appropriate for an urban redevelopment project; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Baldwin County, Georgia, andi iti isl hereby resolved by authority of the same, as follows: 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The above stated recitals are true and correct and are 2. Designation of Urban Redevelopment Area. The Board of Commissioners hereby designates that area shown in the map attached to this Resolution as Exhibit "A"tol be an urban redevelopment area because such area constitutes a "pocket of blight" which substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of Baldwin County and constitutes an economic or sociall liability, andt the Board of Commissioners therefore designates such 3. Severability. In case any one ori more of1 the provisions of this] Resolution shall for any reason be held to bei illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Resolution, but this Resolution shall be construed and enforced asi ifs such illegal ori invalid provision had not been contained herein.  ofGeorgia;  the residents of Baldwin County; and  defined to contain one or more "pockets oft blight"; and  public health, safety, or welfare in its present condition and use; and  incorporated ast though fully set forth herein.  area as appropriate for an urban redevelopment project.    4. Repeal of Conflicting Resolutions. Any and all resolutions in conflict with this 5. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately uponi its adoption.  Resolution this day passed be and they arel hereby repealed.  SOI RESOLVED, this 2nd day of] July, 2024.  BALDWNCOUNTKÇOAGIA AAAE Honorable. John H/Westmoreland, Chairman Baldwin County Board of Commissioners  ATTEST: Cynthjal K. Baldwin County Clerk DATEA ADOPIE BOAHCEN  Paluigfon  SEAL OF EE GEORGIA be E  [SEAL]    ARESOLUTION: ENACTING AI MORATORIUM ON COMMERCIALDEVELOPMENT AND RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED SIXTY (60) DAYS WHILE THE COUNTY CONSIDERS CHANGES TOITS LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE MORATORIUM, TO PROVIDE FOR FINDINGS OF FACT, IMPOSITION OF MORATORIUM, THE DURATION OF THE MORATORIUM; TO PROVIDE FOR SEVERABILITY; TO PROVIDE ANI EPECTIVEDATEOFTHISRESOLUTION, AND  FOR OTHER. PURPOSES.  WITNESSETH:  WHEREAS, Baldwin County (the "County") is a duly formed political subdivision of WHEREAS, Baldwin County has been vested with substantial powers, rights and functions under Article IX, Sec. II, Par. I to generally regulate the practice, conduct or use of property for the purposes of maintaining health, morals, safety, security, peace, and the general WHEREAS, Georgia law recognizes that local governments may impose moratoria on zoning decisions, building permits, and other developmental approvals where exigent circumstances exist to warrant the: same, pursuant too case law found at CityofRoswell V. Outdoor Systems, Inc., 274 Ga. 130 (2001); Taylor V. Shetzen, 212 Ga. 101 (1955); Lawson v. Macon, WHIEREAS, the Georgia Supreme Court, in the case of DeKalb County V. Townsend, 243 Ga. 80 (1979), held, "toj justify ai moratorium, it must appear first, that the interests of the public generally, as distinguished from those ofa particular class, require suchi interference; and second that the means are reasonably: necessary for the accomplishment of the purpose, and not  the State ofGeorgia;  welfare oft the County;  214 Ga. 278 (1958);  unduly oppressive uponi individuals"; develop District-Based. Land Use Codes; changes tot the County'sI Land Development Code;  WHEREAS, thel Middle Georgia Regional Commission has worked with County staffto WHEREAS, County staffi is in the process of reviewing and preparing recommended WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Baldwin County, Georgia ("the Board of Commissioners") is, and has been, interested in developing a cohesive and coherent policy regarding development in the County, and has intended to promote community development through stability, predictability and balanced growth which will further the prosperity of the WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners has always had a strong interest in growth management: so ast to! promote the traditional police power goals ofhealth, safety, morals, and the  County as a whole;  general welfare oft the community and other public requirements;    WHEREAS, it is thel belief oft the Board of Commissioners that the concept of "public welfare" is broad andi inclusive and includes, but is not limited to, the valid public objectives of aesthetic conservation; preservation of the value of existing lands and buildings within the County, making the most appropriate use of resources, preserving existing neighborhood characteristics, enhancing and protecting the economic well-being oft the community, facilitating adequate provision of! public services, and thej preservation of the resources oft the County; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners' desire to review and revise its Land Development Code necessitates a limited cessation of commercial and residential subdivision development and finds that such limited cessation is reasonable and within the publici interest. NOW,THEREFORE, BEI ITI RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners ofl Baldwin County, Georgia, andi iti is hereby resolved by authority oft the: same, as follows: 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The above stated recitals are true and correct and are 2. Moratorium on Commercial Development and Residential Subdivision Development. The County does hereby enact a moratorium for an indefinite period, not to exceed sixty (60) days from the effective date of this Resolution, to allow the County Manager and staff to adequately study, review, evaluate, and devise a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners regarding revisions to the County's Land Development Code. The duration of this moratorium shall be until the Board of Commissioners adoptsar revision oft the County'sLand use Code or until the expiration ofs sixty (60) days fromi the date ofa adoption of this Resolution, whichever first occurs; During thei moratorium period, no applications for any development permits, variances, or licenses or other permits of any kind shall be accepted by the County or any ofi its Departments, Boards, or Committees pertaining to commercial or residential subdivision developments tol bel located or operated on any property located within the unincorporated area of Baldwin County, Georgia. Any such applications tendered and/or submitted to the County or any Department, Board, or Committee during this moratorium period shall not be accepted, considered, nor acted upon by the County, nor any Department, Board, or Committee thereof. Should an application be accepted, ine error, during the moratorium period, such application shalll be deemed null and void andl have no effect whatsoever and shall constitute no assurance of any right to engage ina any act or action related to the development of commercial or residential subdivision This moratorium shall have no effect upon approvals of permits for commercial or residential subdivision developments previously issued or as to development plans previously approved by the County prior to the effective date of this Resolution. Property owners who claim tol have a vested right, pursuant to the laws oft the State of Georgia, to obtain ap permit for commercial ori residential subdivision developmenti must submit a written application for exception to the County Manager for submission and consideration by the County Land Use Committee. The written application for  incorporated as though fully set forth herein.  or until such time as may be later set by the County.  developments. Reliance on any such permit shall be unreasonable.    exception must include verified supporting documentation of the facts and data that support their claim of vested right, and request for exception to the moratorium. 3. Severability. In case any one or more oft thej provisions oft this Resolution: shall for any reason bel held to bei illegal ori invalid, suchi illegality ori invalidity shall not affect any other provision oft this Resolution, but this Resolution shall be construed and enforced 4. Repeal of Conflicting Resolutions. Any and all resolutions in conflict with this 5. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.  asi ifs such illegal ori invalid provision had not been contained! herein. Resolution this day passed be and they are hereby repealed.  so1 RESOLVED, this dayofluly,2024.  BALDWIN COUNTY,GEORGIA K  Chairman  Baldwin County Board of Commissioners  ATTEST: Cyhthià K.C Baldwin County Clerk DATE. ADOPTEDa lal24  Gigken  BOARD SEAL OF BALDWIN COUNTY GEORGIA bg SHBO  [SEAL]