MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024, 2024, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE  BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET  REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING The Chairman called the meeting to order. Roll call to determine quorum. The following members were present: Jevin Jensen, Chairman Barry' W. Robbins, Vice-Chair Robby Staten, Member John Thomas, Member Greg Jones, Member  Innvocation conducted and Pledge of allegiance to the Flag.  Others Present: Robert Smalley, County Attorney Robert Sivick, County Administrator Department Heads Citizens Press  Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to approve the July 8, 2024 Regular Business meeting minutes as presented. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Chairman Jensen recognized Jennifer Jones as the Employee of the Month for May 2024 and Chairman's Report: Chairman Jensen went over the various ways that the County notifies the public of upcoming rezoning hearings and that he would like to establish a committee to help plan a  Thomas and Jones in agreement.  Cathy Taylor as Employee of the Month for June 2024.  celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.  Report from Commissioners:  Commissioner Staten, Thomas and Jones did not have any updates to report for this month. Commissioner Robbins noted that on. August 15 a Library Board meeting will be held and further noted that he has received numerous calls from citizens regarding their property tax assessments.  County Administrator Report:  County Administrator Robert Sivick informed the Board of a some upcoming events, the play Romeo & Juliet will be performed at Praters Mill Friday, Aug. 16 & Saturday Aug. 17., and the annual Battle of the Badges will be held on Saturday September 7th beginning at 10am at Riverbend Park. June 2024 Financial Statements: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Staten to approve the June Financial Statement as presented by Chief Financial Officer Debbie Godfrey, Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) collections: June collections of $1,289,408 were 1.02% more than budgeted collections of $1,276,363. This was 2.2% more than May collections of $1,261,590. YTD collections of $7,610,641 were 5.73% greater than PY collections of $7,198,270 for the same time frame. TAVT collections: June collections of $459,583 were 8.36% less than May collections of $501,516. YTD collections of $2,936,180 were 4.9 1% greater than PY collections of $2,798,688 for the same time frame. YTD actual revenues of $20,997,376 were more than projected revenues of $20,637,281 by $360,095 or 1.74%.YTD actual expenditures of $30,450,60/were more than projected expenditures of $29,793,423 by $657,178 or up by 2.21 %. Actual June 30 ending fund  Page lof5    MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024, 2024, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE balance = $26,048,146. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Jones, Staten  BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET  and Robbins in agreement. Public Comment: PRESENTATION:  Daryl Long addressed the Board about how there are no Senior Citizen shelters in the County. 2023. Auditors Discussion & Analysis - Mauldin & Jenkins: James Bense from Mauldin and Jenkins gave brief overviews of the independent auditors report, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, financial statements, footnotes, compliance reports, and audit scope and procedures Chairman Jensen noted the reports will be online at the County's website for the public to review. Whitfield County UZO Text Amendments: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to postpone the UZO text amendments. 1. Whitfield County Unified Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments Amending Chapter 15 Subdivision Regulations: Subdivision Regulations, otherwise known as Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances of Whitfield County, Georgia, be amended by redefining major and minor subdivisions, and for other purposes. 2. Whitfield County Unified Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments: Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control Ordinance, otherwise known as Chapter 5, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances of Whitfield County, Georgia, be amended by adding an exemption for certain minor subdivisions, and for other purposes. The motion was approved 2023A Audit- Mauldin &. Jenkins: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Jones to accept the 2023. Audit Presentation from Mauldin and Jenkins. In discussion, James Bense from Mauldin and Jenkins gave a brief summary to the Board regarding the 2023 audit. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Jones, Thomas, and Staten in Rezoning Recommendation: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to deny the recommendation of the planning commission approving the request of JFP Properties Group LLC to rezone from General Commercial (C-2) to High Density Residential (R-7) a tract of land totaling .96 acres located at 2813 Cleveland Highway, Dalton, Georgia. Parcel (12-051- 58-000). The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in Rezoning Recommendation: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the recommendation of the planning commission approving the request of Gerald and Donna Clark to rezone from Rural Residential (R-5) to General Agriculture (GA) at tract of land totaling 13.47 acres for property located on Reed Road, Dalton, Georgia. Parcel (11- 317-19-000). The motion also approves the Special Use Permit for the property. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Rezoning Recommendation: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the recommendation of the planning commission approving the request of Jesse W. Kell to rezone from General Agriculture (GA) to Rural Residential (R-5) a tract of land totaling 1.25 acres located at 1086 Lowe Road, Cohutta, Georgia. Parcel (11-150-15-000). The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in agreement.  to the Board regarding the 2023 audit.  4-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Jones, Staten and Robbins in agreement.  agreement.  agreement.  Page 2 of5    MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024, 2024, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE Rezoning Recommendation: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the recommendation oft the planning commission approving the request of Charles K. Trew to rezone from General Commercial (C-2) to Low Density Single Family Residential (R-2) a tract of land totaling 1.02 acres located at 1275 Dawnville Road NE, Dalton, Georgia. Parcel (09-108-57-000). The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Cityo ofVarnell Annexation - parcel 11-192-14-012: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Robbins for no land use classification objection to tax parcel number 11- 192-14-012. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Staten, Jones and Robbins Town of Cohutta Annexation - parcels 11-062-01-069 & 11-062-01-078: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Staten for no land use classification objection tot tax parcel numbers 11-062-01-069 & 11-062-01-078. The motion was approved 4-0, with Buildings & Ground - Emergency Purchase Courthouse Air Units: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to delay this purchase. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Transit - Purchase of Three (3)Transit Busses: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the purchase of three (3) transit busses utilizing the 2024 Transit Trust Funding Program. Whitfield County Transit received 36,000.00 in 2024 Transit Trust Funding Program for 3 asset replacements. Each asset will be purchased of the state contract. Bus request is for 3 Starcraft Allstar 7.31 Gas engine 166 passenger bus with 2 wheelchair positions. Each bus will total 118,578.50, Whitfield County 10% will be $11,857.85 per bus totaling $35,573.55. Bus lettering may! be an additional cost. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Staten, Jones, Juvenile Court - 2024 Delinquency Prevention Program Grant: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Staten to approve Juvenile Court applying for the FY: 2024 Delinquency Prevention Grant. This is a continuation of the grant the Juvenile Court received in 2023. The Juvenile Court is requesting permission to apply for the FY 2024 Delinquency Prevention Grant Program. This is a continuation of the grant the Juvenile Court received in 2022 and 2023. The Delinquency Prevention Grants Program provides financial and technical assistance to implement the Strengthening Families Program 7-17 (SFP 7-17). This grant provides for continued funding for the implementation of SFP 7-17 to youth who are first time offenders, diverted from the juvenile justice system, or charged with a CHINS offense and identified as at-risk. The maximum dollar amount per award for the continuation oft the grant is $42,000, with no County match required. The award period is October 1, 2024 - September 30 2025. Awarded agencies will be eligible for continued funding through September 30, 2025. The application deadline is Friday, August 16, 2024. The motion was approved 4- Federal Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Application: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Staten to approve the resolution to apply for the grant. The County Administration and the Engineering Department seek approval to apply for the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant. We will apply for a planning grant to develop a safety action plan and possibly a corridor study for Reed Rd. A safety action plan will make the County more competitive for  BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET  Thomas and Jones in agreement.  in agreement.  Commissioners Staten, Jones, Robbins and Thomas in agreement.  Thomas and Robbins in agreement.  0, with Commissioners Staten, Robbins, Jones and Thomas in agreement.  Page 3 of5    MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024, 2024, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE future road and bridge infrastructure grant opportunities. The project budget isn't firm yet, but it will not exceed $500,000 and the required match is 20% or up to $100,000. The application deadline is August 29th. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in GAI EPD Scrap Tire Abatement Program Application: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the submission oft the application for participation in the program. County Administration and Public Works are seeking approval to submit applications for the Scrap Tire Abatement Reimbursement (STAR) Program. The County would be eligible for reimbursement of up to $75,000 in a State fiscal year. If approved for the program, the County plans to hold a passenger tire collection event in late fall at the Public' Works facility with an estimated collection of 2,400 passenger tires for an estimated cost of $3,400. Should the event be successful, the County may consider holding another event in the spring. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Whitfield County Administration Office Lease Amendments with Triple E Properties, LLC: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the following lease amendments with Triple E. Properties, LLC; purchase price expiration October 1, 2024 and Elevator Safety improvement and ADA-compliant costs in the amount of $395,000.00, and approves and agrees to reimburse Lessor for its pro rata share of the same within thirty (30) days of Lessee's receipt of an invoice for the same. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Staten, Thomas, County Administration Offices - Parking Deck Repair Last Payment: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to approve the final payment of $83,072.58 per the Lease agreement approved on December 11, 2023. Per agreement with Triple E Properties, LLC, the County will pay their portion of the repairs at 40% to the Parking Deck at the Wells Fargo Building. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Jones and HR Dept. Approve EEO Utilization Report: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to approve the Human Resources Equal Employment Opportunity Plan as presented. The Human Resources Department has completed, filed and submitted the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan Utilization Report to the Office of Civil Rights. The EEOP is done every 2 years and it allows us to receive the Department of. Justice grants. The motion was approved 4-0, with Public Works - Vehicle Surplus: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Staten to declare the vehicle surplus and auction on Gov.Deals.com. Public' Work received (2) vehicles from Tax Assessor Office, (2) from the District Attorney Office and (1) from Engineering to be declared surplus to be sold on govdeals.com, below is the description of each District Attorney -Unit # 8806 2002 Ford Crown Victoria VIN-2FAFP73W53X142130 Mileage 206548- Tax Assessor-Unit #2628 2009 Ford Escape VN-FMCU02Z79KB19208 Mileage 72269-Reason for  BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET  agreement.  Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in agreement  Robbins and Jones in agreement.  Thomas in agreement.  Commissioners Staten, Jones, Thomas and Robbins in agreement.  department vehicles:  Reason for surplus, Vehicle life cycle & cost of repairs Reason for surplus, Vehicle like cycle & cost of repairs surplus, Vehicle life cycle & cost to repair  Unit # 8803 1999 Ford Crown Victoria VIN2FA/P7WEXX161697 Mileage 187906-  Page 4 of5    MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024, 2024, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE  BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET  Unit # 2494 2007 Ford Five Hundred VIN-1FAHP24157G162470 Mileage 136875-  Reason for surplus, Vehicle life cycle & cost to repair Staten, Jones, Thomas and Robbins in agreement.  Engineering-Unit* 612 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid VIN-1FMCU59H18KC97461 Mileage 147988-Reason for surplus, Vehicle life cycle & cost to repair. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Public Works = LMIG Grant Approval: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve LMIG Grant Funds. Public Works is requesting approval to accept the LMIG grant funding for $1,546,028,50. The funds will continue the county's paving plans to complete 30+ miles this year. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Engineering GDMPO Award 2050 MTP Update: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to award the contract to Gresham Smith for $299,000 and authorize the Chairman to sign the contract for the County's MTP update. The Federal Highway Administration and GDOT require the MPO to update its long-range transportation plan every five years. The plan is now known as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The plan utilizes the latest traffic, population, and socioeconomic data to propose projects that will help move people and freight more effectively. The plan period is 25 years, or 2025-2050. The grant pays 80% of the cost, with a local match of 20%. Through a competitive RFP process reviewed by GDOT and FHWA, the MPO selected Gresham Smith as the firm to develop the MTP. Gresham Smith's proposed price is $299,000. The supplemental grant we received for the plan is $300,000 6240,000/560,000. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Staten, Robbins and Jones in agreement. Sewer Connection for FD Station #1, 2,7&11: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Staten to Accept the bid from Ellis Contracting for an amount not to exceed $140,000 using ARPA funding. Fire Stations 1, 2,7, and 11 are currently on septic systems that are old and giving trouble. Sewer has become available in front of these stations, and the Fire Dept. would like to abandon the septic systems and connect them to the sewer. We advertised the bid for 30 days and received one from Ellis Contracting in Dalton. Their bid is $119,040. After the bid opening, we were informed that an existing pump at Station 7 would not work for a sewer connection as we had previously thought. An additional pump station has been added to the original bid, bringing the total to an amount not to exceed $140,000. A final price on the additional pump station was not available before the 08/12 BOC meeting, but we have been told by Ellis that it will be less than $20,000, which is how we arrived at a not-to-exceed number of $140,000. The motion was approved 4-0, with  Thomas and Jones in agreement.  Commissioners Staten, Jones, Thomas and Robbins in agreement.  PUBLIC COMMENT:  Sandra Ellis addressed the Board about all the zoning changes in the Carbondale area. Madeline Smith addressed the Board about the recent County tax assessments.  ADJOURN Unanimous  Y  BARRY W. ROBBINS, VICE CHAIRMAN WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS  BcCdens BLANCA CARDONA, COUNTY CLERK  DATE: 9Ara404  Page 5of5