455 Houston County Commissioners Meeting December 17, 2024 Warner Robins, Georgia The Houston County Board of Commissioners met inr regular session at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, December: 17, 2024, at the Houston County Annexi in Warner Robins, Georgia, with Chairman Perdue presiding and Commissioners Byrd, Gottwals, Robinson, and Talton present. County Attorney" Tom Hall and Director of Operations BrianJ Jones were also present. Commissioner Byrdl led those ina attendance int thel Pledge of Allegiance. County Attorney Tom Hall gavet the Invocation. Chairman Perdue and the Commissioners recognized Fire Chief/HEMA Director Chris Stoner for supporting disaster reliefi in Wheeler County following Hurricane Helene, whichi impacted Southeast Georgia earlier this year. Chairman Perdue read portions of a letter from GEMA Director James Stallings recognizing Chief Stoner for his leadership, direction, and work in Chairman Perdue and each Commissioner thanked Chief Stoner for his dedication, work, leadership, and help! he provided tot the residents of Wheeler County and for his service tot the Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the reappointment of the following to the Tax Assessors Board for a term of January 1, 2025, helping the county'sresidents recover. residents of Houston County. minutes fromi the December: 3, 2024, meeting. through December: 31, 2027: Mr. Stephen Thublin Ms.. Joyce Herndon 31,2028. and, to acknowledge the appointment of Ms. Susan Lemme to the Board of Elections by the Democratic Party of Houston County for a four-year term from. January 1,2 2025, tol December Chairman Perdue explained that the Commissioners voted ont the reappointing of Mr. Thublin and Ms. Herndon but only acknowledged the appointment of Ms. Lemme to the Board of Elections as this seat on the Board of Elections was appointed by the Democratic Party of Mr. Talton presented a request for bid approval on the Wilson Drive/Elberta Road Widening Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve acceptance of the low bid of $4,534,588.90 from McLeRoy, Inc. of Zebulon, Georgia for the Wilson Drive/Elberta Road Widening Phase 1 project. The City of Centerville will pay for the relocation oft the water main directly in the amount of $455,420.50. This project is funded by Mr. Byrd commented that four bids had been received and that county staff performed Houston County. project. 2018 SPLOST. excellent work ont this process. Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 456 456 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 455 Mr. Talton presented a request for bid approval on two new rescue trucks for the Fire Motion by! Mr. Talton, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the bid from NAFECO of Decatur, AL, at a bid price of $1,008,032.00 for both units and the purchase of additional equipment totaling $112,829.04 needed to complete the trucks. The estimated delivery date is February 2026. The total cost of $1,120,861.04 will be paid for by Chairman Perdue stated that this was the last item to be funded by the Standard Allowance Mr. Talton presenteda a request for approval of low bids oni four vehicle purchases. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the Department. ARPA and SPLOST 2018f funding. portion oft the ARPAE grant. award oft the bids ont thet following vehicles: Vehicle 1 New %7 Ton Crew Cab Truck Seller Phil Brannen $41,808 Ford of Perry Ford of Perry Ford of Perry Amount Funding Source Water Capital Funds Water Capital Funds 1N New %1 Ton Extended Cab Phil Brannen $39,042 2In-stock 2025 Ford Police Phil Brannen $46,289 Each 2018SPLOST Mr. Talton presented a request to award the fuel contract for January 1, 2025, through Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the award oft thet fuel contract to Petroleum Traders Corp. of Ft Wayne, Indiana, for thet following Interceptors December 31, 2025. prices: E10 Unl Plus 89 Octane: $0.1141 Diesel- Ultra Low Sulfur: $0.0449 Average: $0.07950 Ms. Robinson presented a request for approval of the final adjusting change order for Phase Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve Change Order* #1 from CBPE Environmental, Inc.c ofs Statham, Georgia, for Phase 6, Stages 1Cand 2A Cell Construction, totaling $238.62, bringing the contract total to $6,210,836.10. Chairman Perdue statedt that this change order was necessary! because unexpected work was Ms. Robinson presented a request for approval of four change orders for the Catalis Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the following Catalis (Benchmark)! Professional Services Change Orders: Catalis willa add as software fixt tor not create duplicate parties onac case - No Charge 6, Stages 1C and 2AC Cell Construction Project. performed outside the scope of the original contract. (Benchmark) Court System. Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 457 457 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 456 Catalis willa add a software fix tor merge duplicate Officer parties - No Charge Catalis will adds software that will allow attorneys to view dockets that are hidden from the Catalis will add software that removes items from the E-Filing proposed order screen that are not needed for the Houston E-Filing project. This will streamline the E-Filing of proposed Chairman Perdue commented thatt the Court Management System project hash been underway Ms. Robinson presented: a request for approval ofag grant that supports direct victims services Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve acceptance of the 2025 VOCA Grant C23-8-249 for $66,830 for the District Attorney's Office from the Prosecuting Attorney's-Council of Georgia. The required matching funds for thisg grant Ms. Robinson presented a request for approval of a quote to add access controls to the Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by allt to approve the $70,514.88 quote from BTV Systems of Macon, Georgia. This will place the. Juvenile Complex on the same system as the other county's facilities with access control. This project will be Mr. Byrd presented a request for the abandonment of an easement for property located at Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the signing of the Resolution Abandoning County Interest in Drainage Easement, approving the application submitted by Leigh Kersey, doing business as Kersey Home Builders LLC, for the abandonment of any and alli interest Houston County may have inap portion ofaz 20' drainage easement that traverses the property located at 120 Sparrow Street, Perry, Georgia 31069. The approval and signing of said Resolution will further authorize Chairman Perdue to sign a quit claim deed conveying any and all interest Houston County may have ina a portion of the existing drainage easement to the property owner. The approval of this application will be pending the recording oft the plat ofs survey that designates the portion to be abandoned and This abandonment is made pursuant to the understanding that the drainage easement was rerouted, designed, and installed by a private engineer group and anyf future issues that may ariset fromi ther rerouting oft the drainage easement will not be remedied! by the County and the Mr. Byrd presented a request for approval ofar memorandum of understanding between the Board of Commissioners and the Houston County Storm! Drainage Department. webi ift they are ap party on the case $14,000 Charge orders for attorneys.- -$ $10,500 Charge for over fivey years andi isr nearing completion. to crime victims. have been waived. Juvenile. Justice Complex. funded by 2018 SPLOST. 120 Sparrow Street. the relocation oft the drainage easement. County will not be held liablet for such issues. Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 458 458 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 457 Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the signing of a memorandum of understanding obligating $150,350.36 of ARPA funds to the Houston County Storm Drainage Department for the repair or replacement of damaged stormwater pipes ensuring proper water flow and helping to mitigate flooding within Houston Chairman Perdue explained that all ARPA funds had to be obligated by the end of the 2024 calendar year. He further explained that under ARPA rules, obligating funds to projects such Mr. Byrd presented a request to delegate authority. to approve the final audit budget Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve temporarily delegating authority to approve the final audit budget adjustment for FY24 to Chairman Perdue, Director of Administration Robbie Dunbar, and Director ofF Finance Danyelle George, to! ber ratified by the Commissioners att the first meeting in. January 2025. Chairman Perdue stated that in the past, a called meeting of the Board was needed to make year-end interdepartmental budget adjustments. Allowing these individuals to make budget adjustments, which will be reviewed and approved by the full Board at the first meeting in Mr. Byrd thanked Chairman Perdue for allowing this action to take place, stating he Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the County'sst stormwater infrastructure system. ast this through anl MOU is allowable. adjustments for FY24. January, wills streamline the process. appreciated the efficiency that it would bring. following adjustments to the ARPA Budget: Health Dept Addition Airport T-Hangars Public Safety (LPR) Cameras State Court Addition (FFE) State Court Parking Lot Addition 911 Water Damage Remdiation/Remodel Non-ProfitOrg Revenue Support Fire Department Rescue Trucks PhlI Gilbert Rd W/LE Ext Phl III: Sewell RdW/LE Ext Hwy 341 &G Graham Rd W/LE Ext Scott Rd& Scott Rd Extw/L Ext w/S Impr to ServeCemex Bear Branch Remote Well Bear Branch Remote Well Piping Dunbar RdWell Site/Facilities Middle Flint Mental Health BonaireE Elevated Tank Houston! Healthcare- EMS Woodfield! Drainageimprov: PH2 Davidson Road Paving LMIG Resurfacing Project- Houst ton Lake ARPAF Paving Stormwater Projects 6,195,341.68 1,000,000.00 945,200.00 315,651.80 344,437.55 361,157.07 105,000.00 733,211.90 916,768.40 1,071,760.40 1,533,326.00 576,585.80 2,076,756.89 2,208,027.50 267,914.00 2,437,578.71 200,000.00 6,721,293.42 2,000,000.00 646,952.00 1,093,245.31 937,549.31 1,378,698.90 150,350.36 Subtotal 18,041,609.51 Total 34,216,807.00 Subtotal 10,000,000.00 Subtotal 6,175,197.49 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 459 459 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 458 This request ist thet final adjustment and reflects contract amounts, accepted bids, or obligated Chairman! Perdue expressed his pleasure tor report that, witht these ARPAI budget adjustments, the purchase of the fire department trucks, the CEMEX water line project, and the paving, resurfacing, and stormwater projects, Houston County! has fully obligated allt the ARPA fundsi it Mr. Byrd presented a request for an amendment toi the Water Purchase Agreement with the Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve an amendment to the Water Purchase Agreement between Houston County and the City of amounts. was awarded beforet the December: 315t deadline this year. City of Warner Robins. Warner Robins to add thet following: Residence Inn 4501 Houston Lake Road- 6-inch master Meter This addition is contingent upont thet following: ont the Houston' Water System. on November 19, 2019. Modifications Project. That the developer postsak bond covering 125% oft the construction cost for work performed Adherence to the rate structure approved by the Houston County Board of Commissioners Mr. Byrd presented a request for approval of a change order for the Superior Courthouse Motion byl Mr. Byrd, second! by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously! by all to approve signing Change Order #1 for the Houston County Superior Courthouse Modifications Project for $425,279, bringing the total contract amount to $937,530. This change order is fora ani increase in the scope of work, including new flooring and painting of Courtrooms, District Attorney's Office, and Judges' Chambers. Law Library funds will fund this change orderi in the amount of Chairman Perdue: statedt that this change order was expected andi that, givent the work already being done in Superior Court, it was cost-efficient to have these added modifications and Mr. Gottwals presented a request to establishi the salaries and supplements of newly elected officials and adjust the wages ofc current elected officials as mandated by the State. Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve establishing and adjusting the following elected officials' salaries according to state mandate $250,000 and reserve fundsi int the amount of $175,279. renovations completed simultaneously. effective. January 1, 2025: Official Judge Sammons Judge Turner Judge Campbell Mark Kushinka Recommended Current Mandated Adjustment Reason $134,667.69 $128,567.99 $137,667.69 State $16,947.87 $18,075.60 $18,075.60 Mandate $16,515.35 $17,625.78 $17.625.78 Mandate $147,556.92 $133,982.52 $152,556.92 State COLA COLA Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 460 460 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 459 Commissioner Robinson Commissioner Byrd Commissioner Talton Commissioner Gottwals Sheriff Clerk District Attorney Solicitor Judge $22,388.16 $20,200.00 $19,000.00 $19,000.00 $22,943.69 Longevity & $21,290.00 Longevity & $19,760.00 State COLA $19,760.00 State COLA State COLA State COLA $144,643.20 $15,000.00 $133,702.40 Newly Elected Newly Elected Newly Elected Appointment Newly Elected Superior Court $109,907.20 Superior Court $50,000.00 Chairman Perdue stated that the raises andi increases resulted from state mandates, longevity Mr. Gottwals presented. ar request tol hire threer new employees at salary steps higher than an Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve hiringt thet followingi individuals att the grade, step, and positioni indicated based one experience: increases, or COLA, based ont the County's existing meriti increase chart. Astep. Name Keith Rutland Alasen Schell Maggie Hernandez Grade Position Step 15D ITSpecialist MIS 30C Assistant Solicitor Department Solicitor Effective Date December 18, 2024 December 18, 2024 2024 14B Deputy Clerk State Court Clerk December 23, Chairman Perdue explained that no action would! bet taken on Agenda Item 18 ast the applicant Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the appointment of Gail Robinson: ast the Houston County Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve had withdrawn their application. for the calendar year of2 2025. the payment of thel bills totaling $2,964,791.47. Chairman Perdue opened the floor for Public Comments. Ms. Meg Mehserle spoke about herv views one electioni integrity and ana articlei int the newspaper. Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 461 461 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 460 With no more public comments, Chairman Perdue opened the floor for Commissioner Ms. Robinson acknowledged the presence of former Solicitor and newly appointed Superior Court Judge Amy Smith and State Court Clerk Teresa Hathaway. She thanked the elected officials, department heads, and county employees for their hard work. Ms. Robinson wished Mr. Byrd complimented Chairman Perdue and the Accounting, Commissioners Office, and Public Works staff for their excellent work obligating all ARPA funds for projects in Houston County. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and mentioned that this was a difficult time ofy year for some, soi it was essential to be understanding with one another. He concluded his comments by congratulating the Robins AFB color guard who participated in the SEC Mr. Talton recognized Sheriff-Elect Matt Moulton for graduating from a school for newly elected sheriffs. He spoke about how, showing his leadership skills, Mr. Moulton was nominated: asp president of his class of new Georgia Sheriffs. He statedi it was an! honort tos serve with the other Commissioners and that he looked forward to the future and all they would accomplish. He recognized and thanked all County employees for their work each day and Chairman Perdue wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He expressed how proud he was of Director of Operations Brian Jones, all the Public Works staff, administration, and finances staff for their work ont the ARPA budget. He concluded that all the hard work resulted inr no money needing to be returned tot the Federal Treasury. Mr. Gottwals commented ont three Christmas movies her recommended that everyone see this season: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, It's a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Story. He commented that this meeting ends his 24 months ont the Board and looks forward to serving more. He closed by encouraging everyone to reflect ont the meaning of Christmas, the birthof Motioni toa adjourn by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all. Meeting Comments. everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Championship game! by presenting the flag during the game. wished everyone al Merry Christmas. Christ. adjourned. Robbie Dunbar Director ofA Administration Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner 462