APPLING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES October 8t, 2024 @ 5:30P.M. CALLTOORDERWTICOMF/NVOCATIONPLEDGE October gth, 2024 at 5:30 PM: in the Courthouse Annex. The Appling County Board of Commissioners held the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, The meeting was called to order by Chairman Leslie Burch and he welcomed all those in attendance. Commissioner Harris gave the invocation and Chad Kent led the group in the pledge. Present were Chairman Leslie Burch; Vice Chairman Charlie Leggett; Commissioners Randy Sellers, Theodore Wilkerson, Daryl Edwards and Doug Harris. Also, present were County Manager. Al Meadows, County Attorney Tracy Brown and County Clerk Robyn Evans. APPROVALOF AGENDA County Clerk Evans stated that Item A under New Business could be removed; County Manager Meadows asked that ER. Assyst be added under Old Business. Commissioner Edwards made a motion to approve the revised agenda; Commissioner Harris seconded; unanimously approved. APPROVALOFI MINUTES Regular Meeting - September 10, 2024 Commissioner Harris made ai motion to approve the minutes after a minor change was made; Commissioner Sellers seconded; unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS Pineland Lease - In consideration for providing the office: space known as The Sunshine Center, Pineland agrees to provide Developmental Disabilities services to Appling County residents when needed and toj provide due diligence ini taking care ofthe County owned building. This agreement shall be fort the term of1 12 months, commencing on July 01,2024 through June 30, 2025. County Attorney Brown stated he will complete a new agreement since the one provided ist not in compliance. Commissioner Harris made ai motion to table and allow for a revised agreement, allowing the agreement to continue as-is until new agreement is signed; Commissioner Edwards seconded; unanimously approved. ER. Assyst County Manager Meadows introduced a contract to package paperwork and deal directly with FEMA in regards to the reimbursement process on behalfofthe County. Commissioner. Harris stated that prior to signing this agreement, he understands that our consultant, Roberts Civil Engineering provides these services, as well. He'd like to see what they can offer before an agreement is signed. Commissioner Harris made a motion to utilize an administrative service for FEMA needs, either ER. Assyst or Roberts, whichever is more beneficial; also, County Manager Meadows can sign that contract once approved by County Attorney Brown. Commissioner Leggett seconded; unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS GA Power Easement - The Hofstadler Building located on Tippins Street installed solar panels with the intent to reduce their electricity consumption. Thej panels will produce enough electricity to feed back into the grid. Asar result, Georgia Power is requesting as easement with the County to place aj power pole on county property located behind thel Hofstadler building. This easement does not convey any land, but merely grants the rights, privileges, and easements as stated. Commissioner Leggett made a motion to approve the easement; Commissioner Harris seconded; unanimously approved. Juvenile Prosecutor Agreement On Sept 10th the BOC voted tol hire Mrs. Jan Kennedy, part time, to serve as the Juvenile Prosecutor: for Appling County. The contract was sent to each commissioner: for review. This agreement was previously approved with consensus ofthe Board, however, Chairman Burch never heard from the Board in order to signed it. Commissioner Harris; Commissioner Leggett seconded; unanimously approved. The. Appling County Board of Health, through a community outreach grant, agrees to pay the. Appling County Board of Commissioners in the amount of $22,000 for this contract, to conduct evidence-based interventions, develop a trained cadre of community volunteers, and to pay an hourly garden worker. Commissioner Edwards made ai motion to approve this agreement; Commissioner Wilkerson seconded; CHAC. Agreement unanimously approved. Road Department/County Shop New Building Consulting Proposal The funding for rebuilding the County Shop was included in the 2018 SPLOST. Itl has taken some time to get plans developed and with the damage sustained by Hurricane Helene, it's time to act, according to County Manager Meadows. Thel location has been surveyed and preliminary plans developed. The proposal from Robert's Civil Engineering project oversight was presented for review and approval. Commissioner. Leggett made ai motion to approve thej proposal; Commissioner Harris seconded; unanimously approved. ACCG IRMA PTSD Program for First Responders Georgia House Bill 451 requires all public entities in Georgia to offer a supplemental benefit program for eligible First Responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. This will goi into effect on January 1,2 2025. ACCG and MetLife are still finalizing the premium invoicing process. Included in the Board packets was an Ordinance from Wayne County that addresses Solar Energy Development. It clearly describes the Standards for Solar Farms to include the establishment, the permitting, and the decommissioning: of the site when no longer needed. There was a lot of discussion about this amongst thel Board. Commissioner Harris made ai motion to table this for nowi for further review; Commissioner Sellers requested tol have a called meeting to vote on it as soon as possible. Chairman Burch asked for ai motion to have a called meeting as soon as Attorney Brown drafted the resolution; Commissioner Harris made the motion; Commissioner Sellers seconded; unanimously Solar Panel Ordinance. Discussion approved. PUBLIC INPUT Jessica Carver spoke to the Board regarding litigation costs in representing Shonda Carter, Board of Elections Supervisor and the Board of] Elections. She stated there was not a cap placed on the amount the County would spend on this. DEPARTMENT UPDATES There was no report from the Sheriff's Department, Public Buildings & Grounds, nor Fire Department/Dive Team. Mr. McGuirt spoke on behalf oft the Recreation Department and stated that soccer and basketball registration has been kicked off and they're continuing football/cheer. He also gave Mr. Carroll Weaver gave an update for the Road Department, sharing that he was thankful and blessed, regardless oft the damage brought by Hurricane Helene. He stated they are working in conjunction with the power companies but moving forward with cutting trees, removing limbs from roads, etc. He did ask ab briefoverview oft the damage to recreation properties. that the public, please bej patient, as they work towards making roads safe. COUNTY MANAGER'S COMMENTS County Manager Meadows shared, "On Sept 27, Friday morning about two (2). AM, Appling County had devastation from Hurricane Helene that hadn'tl been seen in many: years. Our county suffered millions of dollars in damage caused by extremely high winds and ist today still without power in almost at third oft the County. Everyone in our County has been affected; gas lines, food lines, and cold showers, ifyou were lucky, were the norm. The devastation was sO great it will take months, ifnot years, to rebuild. But through it all we didn't lose a life. The citizens of Appling County went into action and began helping those in need. Local businesses, Churches, and individuals provided food, shelter, and supplies to those inr need. Our First Responders, which include all Law Enforcement, EMS, EMA, Rural Fire, City Fire, Rescue, provided life saving measures to ensure to ensure the safety of our county. The Appling County Road Dept worked around the clock to get roads open and to ensure emergency vehicle could respond. All oft these men and women had damage to their homes, no electricity, some trapped until help could arrive, but still responded to the call and got to work. We are a blessed county tol have such men and women that do such courageous things. Our EMA has been working tirelessly toj provide service tot the citizens of Appling County. They have given out 1000s oftarps, cases of water, bags ofi ice, and meals "The County has contracted with a debris removal company by the name of Phillips and. Jordan. P&J will remove all debris on County roads ini right of way. They will not go onto] private property sO all debris must be moved close to but not on, the road. This process will take some time. Collection points, that are currently being surveyed and tested, will be where the debris will bel hauled. P&J will continue with multiple passes until all debris is removed. On our State Roads US#1, Hwys 15, 144, and 121, GDOT will be picking up the debris. They too, will carry to a GDOT collection point. We currently have two collection points in the County; Industrial Park West and a 20-acre tract ofland offofCity Circle Road. Phillips and. Jordan have assured me these two sites will: meet the needs for Appling County." "The county has contracted with a debris monitoring company by the name ofDebris Tech. They will monitor and manage all debris and complete alll FEMA paperwork and requirements at the collection points. They will also establish the best method to dispose of all debris. I met with a contractor this morning by the name of] ER. Assist Inc. They package all oft the paperwork and deal directly with FEMA. They will provide Disaster Operational management, admin documentation, and funding related services. They calculate everything from hours worked and fuel used to filing administrative paperwork with FEMA. The city, BOE, and the hospital are considering theses service, as well." County Manager Meadows shared that thel Red Cross asked to set up a mobile kitchen at our. Ag Center or the Oak Street kitchen. Thel kitchen would be outside but the utensils and pans willl be washed inside. The Red Cross workers will sleep inside the Ag Center on cots. They will bes self-sufficient. This would be fort the community. Brent Carter, EMA, spoke with the Red Cross representative and has more details. and continue to do: so." CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS Chairman Burch thanked all the citizens for volunteering their time and efforts during the storm. He asked for continued prayers for Florida as thel brace for another Hurricane hit. ADJOURN There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:401 PM. Evans, County Clerk Leslie Burch, Chairman ESaslu Burd - APPLING COUNY GEORGIA @ ATTEST APPLING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CALLED MEETINGWORK SESSION MINUTES October 16th,2024 @ 3:00 P.M. CALLTOORDER/WELCOMEINVOCATION/PLEDGE 16H,2024 at 3:00 PM in the Courthouse Annex. The Appling County Board of Commissioners held the regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, October Ther meeting was called to order by Chairman Leslie Burch and he welcomed all those in attendance. Commissioner Sellers gave the invocation and Chairman Burch led the group in the pledge. Present were Chairman Leslie Burch; Vice Chairman Charlie Leggett; Commissioners Randy Sellers, Theodore Wilkerson, Daryl Edwards and Doug Harris. Also present were County Manager. Al Meadows, County Attorney Tracy Brown and County Clerk Robyn Evans. APPROVALOF AGENDA the agenda: Chairman Burch: requested approval for the agenda as printed. Clerk Evans gave the following changes to Under Old Business, remove the lease for Pineland as the item was not ready to be signed; Under New Business, remove Georgia Association ofConversation Districts (GACD) as thisi item was previously approved; add item Intergovernmental Agreement with City ofBaxley for Debris Commissioner Sellers made a motion to approve the changes; Commissioner Wilkerson seconded; Removal. unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS-/ American Recovery Funds Remaining A. Pickleball- - County Manager Meadows shared that three (3) proposals were included for the Board to review. They are for resurfacing tennis courts and/or converting existing tennis courts Bid 2-] ECO PREMIER COATINGS options for double tennis courts located at Max Deen Park Bid3-N MATCH POINT TENNIS options for double tennis courts located at Max Deen Park There was al lengthy discussion in regards to the location ofthe courts and whether tennis and pickleball could be combined. Commissioner Edwards made ai motion to approve the following: $43,000 Eco Premier Coatings for court at Max Deen Park $12,500 J. Hiers Company, Inc. for court by Aquatic Center into pickle ball courts. Bid1 1-JOEY HIERS options for both tennis and pickle ball courts $36,000 J.J Hiers Company, Inc. for court by Old. Jr. High School; Commissioner Wilkerson B. Ag Center/Extension Services Office Flooring - County Manager Meadows shared three (3) seconded; unanimously approved. proposals to remove carpet and replace with LVT: flooring. Bid1-A ACA CABINETS & FLOORING $10,700.70 Bid2-DISCOUNT FLOORING $12,022.13 Bid3-DAN SPIRES $17,900.00 Commissioner Harris made. a motion to approve the lowest bid by ACA Cabinets and Flooring; Commissioner Edwards seconded; unanimously approved. C. Solar Panel Ordinance - The ordinance was provided for review and discussion, which was had, D. Re-Visit Annual Supplement tol DA Higgins v/s In-Kind Contribution for Staffing-C County Attorney Tracy Brown stated that this item would be discussed in Executive Session since it's pertaining to Personnel. NEW BUSINESS A. Model Ordinance Meetings Organization before its discussed further and agreed upon. B. Harris & Co., P.C. Agreement County Attorney Brown presented the model ordinance for review which was created from ACCG guidelines. This ordinance establishes meeting procedures. The Board was asked to review the ordinance The annual agreement from accounting firm, Harris & Co., remains the same amount as previous year. Commissioner Edwards made ai motion to approve the agreement; Commisionerleggett seconded; unanimously approved. C. Intergovernmental Agreement for Debris Removal & Monitoring The agreement was discussed and City Manager Keri Orvin answered some oft the questions asked by the Board. Attorney Brown stated that he' d add Item #13 to state that should the contract with Phillips and Jordan extend beyond ninety (90) days that FEMA will reimburse at 100%, a cost-share agreement with the City of Baxley will be developed. Commissioner Leggett made ai motion to approve; Commissioner Commissioner Leggett made a motion to close the regular meeting and enter into executive session; Commissioner Sellers made a motion to end executive session and return to the regular meeting; Inr regards to the District Attorney's office, Commissioner Leggett made ai motion tol hire the two (2) legal assistants that were currently working in Appling County but were being paid by Glynn County Board of Wilkerson seconded; unanimously approved. EXECUTIVE SESSION - Personnel and Litigation Commissioner Wilkerson seconded; unanimously approved. Commissioner Edwards seconded; unanimously approved. Commissioners. Commissioner Edwards seconded; unanimously approved. COUNTY MANAGERSREPOKI County Manager Meadows shared with the Board that Phillips and Jordan, contractor for debris removal, began work ini the County last Friday morning, removing debris from the right-of-way. He stated they currently have eight (8) trucks working in our county and are operational twelve(12)! hours per day, seven (7) days a week; they are picking in the City and throughout the County. Itis estimated to take three (3) to four (4) months to complete, and ask that everyone be patient with this endeavor. County Manager Meadows then announced, "due to the lack of confidence from the Board,Iam County Attorney Brown advised the Board that a motion would need to be made to accept Al Meadows' resignation. Commissioner Leggett made a motion to accept; Commissioner Wilkerson seconded; submitting my official resignation", and left the meeting. unanimously approved. Commissioner Harris made a motion to hold a called meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 5:301 PM toa appoint an Interim County Manager; Commissioner Leggett seconded; unanimously approved. Attorney Brown then advised that thel Board should appoint County Clerk Robyn Evans and Chairman Burch to act as Interim County Manager until a called meeting could be held to appoint an official Interim while recruitment process is completed for aj permanent manager. Commissioner Leggett made ai motion Commissioner Leggett made a motion to advertise immediately for the County Manager vacancy; toa approve this; Commissioner Harris seconded; unanimously approved. Commissioner Edwards seconded; unanimously approved. CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS Chairman Burch had no comments. ADJOURN There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 PM. Robyn Evans, County Clerk G Leslie Burch, Chairman PANDOT C0 FAPPLINO COUNTY GEORGIA delu Buch APPLING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CALLED MEETING MINUTES October 22nd, 2024 @ 5:30 P.M. CALLTOORDERWERMVTLCOME/NVOCATIONPLEDGE The. Appling County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting on October 22nd, 2024 at 5:301 P.M. in the Courthouse. Annex. The meeting was called to order by Chairman/Interim Manager Leslie Burch and he welcomed all those ina attendance. Steve Aycock gave the invocation and Henry Jones led the group in the pledge. Present were Chairman/Interim Manager Leslie Burch; Vice Chairman Charlie Leggett; Commissioners Randy Sellers, Theodore Wilkerson, Daryl Edwards and Doug Harris. Also, present were County Clerk/Interim Manager Robyn Evans, County Attorney Tracy Brown and Finance Clerk LaFonda Solomon. APPROVALOF AGENDA Chairman/Interim Manager Burch requested approval for the agenda as printed. Commissioner Harris made ai motion to approve the agenda; Commissioner Sellers seconded; unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS ARPA Funds-Quote for EMA Boat & Cell Tower Mr. Daryll Holcomb provided three (3) quotes to the Board of Commissioners for the purchase of an EMA rescue boat. The lowest quote received was from Southeastern Marine & Repair LLC for a 60HP- 18' Carolina Skiff for $26,000.00. Commissioner Randy Sellers made ai motion to accept the lowest quote from Southeastern Marine and Repair) LLC: for $26000.00; seconded by Commissioner Wilkerson; Chairman/Interim Manager Burch stated only two (2) quotes were received for the cell tower. There was discussion as to the most beneficial location oft the cell tower. Following the discussion, Commissioner Harris made ai motion to accept the lowest quote from Monroe Communication and Electronics for unanimously approved. $23,059.16; seconded by Commissioner Edwards; unanimously approved. NEW) BUSINESS A. Extension ofLocal State of Emergency Declaration Chairman/Interim Manager Burch provided the Declaration ofLocal Emergency and advised it be extended an additional thirty (30) days. Commissioner Harris asked what benefits the County may gain from extending the Local State of Emergency. Mr. Brent Carter, EMA. stated that by extending the Declaration, the County would be eligible for additional State and Federal assistance. Commissioner Harris made a motion to extend thel Local State of Emergency Declaration for thirty (30) days; seconded Chairman/Interim Manager Burch outlined the agreement with FEMA: for the use of the Agricultural Center as a Disaster Recovery Center/Public Assistance Office. Commissioner Edwards asked ift the FEMA operations would interfere with 4-H activities previously scheduled. Chairman/Interim Manager Burch stated the FEMA operations would: not interfere. Commissioner Wilkerson asked how thej public by Commissioner Wilkerson; unanimously approved. B.Lease Agreement with FEMA for Disaster Resource Center were being informed that FEMA assistance is available att the Ag Center. Chairman/Interim Manager Burch said it is being advertised on the EMA website. Commissioner Edwards said it should be advertised in the paper. Commissioner Wilkerson asked ifitis on the County website and said many citizens are not informed. Commissioner. Edwards made ai motion to enteri into the lease agreement with FEMA; seconded by Commissioner Wilkerson; unanimously approved. C.Intergovermental Agreement with City of Baxley (Debris Pickup) Attorney Tracy Brown stated that one (1) additional item was added to the agreement. Item number seven (7) was added, which states that int the event the debris contractor's work extends beyond the 100% FEMA: reimbursement period, the City and County will endeavor to develop a cost-share agreement regarding any amount due, based on location and time ofs service. Commissioner Harris reiterated that the County will be responsible for covering all up-front costs oft the debris pickup and must wait for FEMA reimbursement. Commissioner Harris also asked ift the debris pickup exceeded the timeframe, how would the costs be separated. Attorney Brown stated that the costs would be separated based on location of pickup but the debris company is on-course to finish within the ninety (90) day period. Commissioner Harris made a motion to enter into the intergovernmental agreement with the City of Baxley, for debris removal and monitoring; seconded by Commissioner Sellers; unanimously approved. D.Intergovermental Agreement with District Attorney Attorney Tracy Brown updated the Commissioners regarding District Attorney Higgins and his budget for staff for the Appling County office. The Intergovernmental. Agreement would redirect the current budgeted funds to cover the local office staff. Ifs signed, the staff will report from Brunswick and the local office could resume operations. Attorney Brown said hei is trying to get all counties, in the circuit, to the table to resolve the dilemma with the District Attorney operations. This agreement will get Appling County's DA office open and reduce caseload assignment back-log. Commissioner Leggett madea a motion to enter into thel ntergovermmental Agreement with the District. Attorney; seconded by Commissioner Sellers; unanimously approved. Executive Session Chairman/Interim Manager Burch stated there was ai need for executive session for personnel. Commissioner Leggett made ai motion to close regular session to goi into executive session; seconded by Commissioner Harris made ai motion to close executive session and return to regular session; seconded by Chairman/Interim Manager Burch announced that there willl be a Called meeting on Thursday, October 24#,2024 @ 8:30. A.M. to name an Interim County Manager, whom will serve until aj permanent County Manager can be recruited and hired. Chairman/Interim Manager Burch stated he will: form a committee consisting of the following: Commissioners Randy Sellers and Daryl Edwards; incoming Commissioners Jakharis Jones, Ricky Barnes, and Chad Kent; and County Clerk Robyn Evans. The Committee will review applicants and select the top three (3) most qualified candidates to bei interviewed with questions they develop. Commissioner Edwards made ai motion to approve the committee; seconded by Commissioner Harris; unanimously approved. Commissioner Edwards; unanimously approved. Commissioner Harris; unanimously approved. Chairman/Interim Manager Burch stated interviews for the County Manager position will bel held duringa public meeting on November 25, 2024. There will bei no public "participation" in the interview process. Mr. Ricky Barnes stated he will be out oftown on that date/week. Attorney Tracy Brown asked ifhe could be available to participate via zoom. Commissioner Leggett made a motion to allow Barnes to participate via zoom; seconded by Commissioner Edwards; unanimously approved. Chairman/Interim Manager Burch asked thel Board ifthere were any other comments. From the public, Barbara Courson Reynolds asked ift the regular) November 5th meeting could bei rescheduled to Monday, November 4th due toi it falling on Election Day. After al brief discussion, Commissioner Randy Sellers made a motion to change the meeting to Monday, November 4th, seconded by Commissioner Edwards; unanimously approved. ADJOURN There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:121 PM. LaFonda Solomon Leslie Burch, Chairman dagnlaslimay POAD OFC dolu Bud APPLING COUNTY GEORGIA APPLING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES October 24, 2024 @ 8:30 A.M. CALLED MEETINGI. APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM COUNTY MANAGER CALLTOORDERWVFICOMEINVOCATIONPLEDGE The Appling County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting on October 24, 2024 at 8:30. A.M. int the Courthouse Annex, to discuss and appoint an Interim County Manager. The meeting was called to order by Chairman/Interim Manager Leslie Burch and he welcomed all those Joshua Wilkerson gave the invocation and County Clerk/Interim Manager Robyn Evans led the group in Present were Chairman/Interim Manager Leslie Burch; Vice Chairman Charlie Leggett; Commissioners Randy Sellers, Daryl Edwards and Doug Harris. Also present were County Clerk/Interim Manager Robyn Evans, County Attorney Tracy Brown and Finance Clerk LaFonda Solomon. Commissioner Theodore ina attendance. the pledge. Wilkerson was absent. Executive Session unanimously approved. Chairman/Interim Manager Burch asked for ai motion to close the regular meeting and goi into executive session for personnel. Commissioner Edwards made a motion; seconded by Commissioner Leggett; Commissioner Harris made a motion to close executive session and return to regular session; seconded by Attorney Tracy Brown asked each Commissioner to express their vote for Interim County Manager. Commissioners Edwards, Leggett, Harris and Sellers all stated their vote was for Mike Deal, whom served previously as Interim. Commissioner Harris made ai motion to appoint Mike Deal as Interim County Manager under the same terms as his previous service, equivalent to $60 per hour with a travel/gas allowance; seconded by Commissioner Leggett; unanimously approved. Attorney Tracy Brown thanked Chairman Burch and County Clerk Evans for their service as Interim Commissioner Harris made ai motion to recommend County Clerk Robyn Evans, to serve as the representative and contact in relation to the Intergovernmental Agreement with the City ofl Baxley and contractors for Debris Removal services; seconded by Commissioner Edwards; unanimously approved. Commissioner Edwards; unanimously approved. County Manager. ADJOURN There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned. LaFonda Solomon dbidina Leslie Burch, Chairman Bud ATTEST COUNTY 9 GEORGIA E