04 N BALDWIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING A 4 February 18, 2025 1601 N Columbia St, Suite 220 0) OF COMIIE 6:00 PM MINUTES PRESENT Andrew Strickland, Chairman Emily Davis Kendrick Butts Sammy Hall Scott Little OTHERS PRESENT Carlos Tobar Dawn Hudson Brandon Palmer Bo Danuser CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Chairman Andrew Strickland called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with all members present. INVOCATION Remona Franklin of New Beginnings Fellowship Church gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Strickland led the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATIONS Chairman Strickland read a proclamation setting aside February 12, 2025 as Dalton Hill Day in memory the Georgia Military College student who sustained fatal injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident during a tournament. The proclamation was read into the meeting minutes as follows: Page 1 PROCLAMATION Baldwin County, Georgia WHEREAS, Dalton Hill attended Georgia Military College Preparatory School, was in the 7th grade, participated in cross country, baseball, and wrestling. WHERAS, his teachers, friends, and fellow citizens describe Dalton Hill as a light with a servant's heart. WHEREAS, our community grieves the loss of Dalton Hill, a bright young man, who rests with our father in heaven forever more. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCALAIMED that Wednesday, February 12, 2025 is hereby known as DALTON HILL DAY OF MEMORY in honor of the son of Phillip and Emily Hill of Baldwin County, Georgia. S/. Andrew Strickland, Chairman Baldwin County Board of Commissioners Mike Huckabee and Sheila Milikin of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission addressed the commissioners sharing information about the services provided fori the aging. Ms. Milikin gave a presentation on the program to transition clients out of nursing homes and into homes or apartments. Mr. Huckabee discussed Age Friendly Communities and the partnership with AARP. Mr. Huckabee presented the commissioners with an AARP plaque designating Baldwin County as an Age Friendly Community. Laura Thompson gave a presentation on the Keep Milledgeville Baldwin Beautiful program. She discussed efforts to keep liter picked up and the Adopt a Road Program. She discussed plans to implement social media campaigns and asked the commission to focus on adopting ordinances and enforcement. She stated that Keep Milledgeville Baldwin Beautiful was an educational organization. There was a discussion about cleaning up liter, the rapid rate of littering, KMBB working in the schools, setting fines, enforcement and organizing Saturday pickups. Latonya Howell gave a presentation on Black History Month entitled from Chains to Changes. She gave a brief history on the founding of Milledgeville and information on some of the noteworthy African Americans who made an impact on Milledgeville and Baldwin County throughout history. She highlighted the history of Hamp Brown, Jr. and Hamp Brown Festival, Memory Hill Cemetery, the Odd Fellows Fraternal Order, Bone Cemetery, and Sally Ellis Davis and Wilkes Flagg setting up the Eddy School. She gave a history of African American education, Nurse Luttie Andrews's pioneering efforts in allowing African American nurses to be certified, the black businesses district, and other prominent citizens in Baldwin County. Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Little made a motion to approve the January 30, 2025 work session minutes. Commissioner Hall seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Hall made a motion to approve the February 4, 2025 commission meeting minutes and the executive session minutes. Commissioner Little seconded the motion. Commissioner Davis stated the February 4th minutes did not reflect the discussion she and Commissioner Butts had about the resolution to rotate the chairmanship. Commissioner Butts stated the minutes should reflect everything being said in the meeting and the video should match up to the minutes. Commission Chairman Strickland stated that the minutes did not reflect everything said, it was a summary. Assistant County Manager Dawn Hudson stated they did not do verbatim minutes, she also stated that the minutes were send out Fridays and if there were changes requested they needed to get them. Commission Chairman Strickland asked the Clerk if anyone reached out requesting changes. The Clerk responded that no one had, the minutes were not verbatim, they were a recap based on the way they had been done up to this point. Mr. Danuser stated more detail could be added. Chairman Strickland asked Commissioner Davis if she would like to make a motion to amend the minutes to include something. Commissioner Davis responded that what they discussed needed to be included in the minutes. Chairman Strickland read the questioned portion of the minutes that included the discussion, the motions that were made and the vote taken; he asked what was not accurate. Commissioner Davis stated that was not in her email and asked Commissioner Butts if it was in his email. Commissioner Butts responded that it was not. Commissioner Hall stated that he saw it in his. Commission Chairman Strickland called for a roll call vote. Commissioners Butts, Hall, Strickland, Davis and Little voted aye. The motion carried and the minutes were approved. Commissioner Butts asked why they were taking a roll call vote. Chairman Strickland responded it was for clarity for1 the Clerk. ADMINISTRATVE/EISCAL MATTERS Resolution R-2025-18 = Support for Georgia Department of Transportation project County Manger Carlos Tobar discussed a commission show of support fori the GDOT project from Felton Drive to the east bypass. Commissioner Hall discussed a 2015 GDOT request fori the county to move the utilities; the commission voted not to move the utilities on state highway 49 at that time. He further stated that there was a memorandum of understanding that did not require the county to move the utilities and he wanted to make sure that memorandum was attached to any resolution adopted. The resolution was presented as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 2025-18 A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT ON EAST BYPASS Page 3 Whereas, the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners desires multimodal transportation development & infrastructure innovation throughout Baldwin County; and Whereas, the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners puts Baldwin County residents' safety first through innovation & technology; and Whereas, the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners supports GDOT's vision to boost Georgia's competitiveness via leadership in transportation; and Whereas, the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners supports GDOT's mission to deliver a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility, Whereas, the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners recognizes traffic has increased because of the increased enrollment at our local colleges and universities and new housing starts. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Baldwin County, Georgia, and it hereby resolved by authority of the same, as follows: 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The above stated recitals are true and correct and are incorporated as though fully set forth herein. 2. Baldwin County Board of Commissioners' Support. The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners supports the Georgia Department of Transportation project ID 231450, SR 49 FM just west of Felton Drive to East of Milledgeville Bypass. 3. Authorization of Chairman. The Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Chairman of the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners to sign any documentation necessary or reasonably required to express support for the Georgia Department of Transportation Project ID 231450, SR 49 west of Felton Drive to East of Milledgeville Bypass. 4. Severability. In case any one or more oft the provisions of this Resolution shall for any reason be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Resolution, but this Resolution shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provision had not been contained herein. 5. Repeal of Conflicting Resolutions. Any and all resolutions in conflict with this Resolution this day passed be and they are hereby repealed. 6. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. SO RESOLVED, this 18th day of February, 2025. BALDWIN COUNTY, GEORGIA Honorable Andrew Strickland, Chairman Baldwin County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Bo Danuser, County Clerk Baldwin County Georgia DATE ADOPTED [SEAL] Page 4 Commissioner Hall discussed installing a traffic signal at Allen Memorial Drive and Horace Veal Road and suggested having a request for a traffic signal at that intersection be included in the resolution of support. There was a discussion about tabling the resolution until the two items discussed could be included in the resolution, the properties taken by eminent domain, and the prospect of the project being cancelled by GDOT. Commissioner Hall made a motion to attach the memorandum of understanding where the county would not pay for moving utilities to the resolution and to include a request for a traffic signal at Allen Memorial Drive and Horace Veal Road. Commissioner Strickland seconded the motion. There was further discussion about the GDOT cancelling the project for lack of funding and making sure the MOU was still valid. Chairman Strickland called for the vote. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Hall made a motion to table the resolution until updated. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Resolution No. R-2025-19 - submit application for WIOA Grant. Assistant County Manager Dawn Hudson stated this was a grant for Dislocated Workers as an Adult Program through the Workforce Development for the period October 1-2024 through. June 30, 2025 in the amount of $350,000. The funds were used to assist adults out of work because of layoffs or permanent plant closings. The resolution was presented as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 2025-19 A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AN APPLICATION BE SUBMITTED FOR THE GEORGIA WORKFORCE INNOVATIONAND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) GRANT FOR FUNDING THE DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM FOR THE OF PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2024 THROUGHJUNE 30, 2025; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners desire to continue to receive funding from the Georgia Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant Number 36-23-24-06-011 Fain: 23 a55aw000013; and WHEREAS, the Grant provides funding of $350,000 for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Baldwin County, Georgia, and it hereby resolved by authority of the same, as follows: 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The above stated recitals are true and correct and are incorporated as though fully set forth herein. Page 5 2. Authorization of Grant Application. The Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the preparation and submission of a Georgia Workforce. Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant. 3. Authorization of Chairman. The Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Chairman of the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners to sign any documentation or take any other action necessary or reasonably required to carry out, give effect to, and consummate the application and administration of the Grant and to take all action necessary in conformity therewith. 4. Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions of this Resolution shall for any reason be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision oft this Resolution, but this Resolution shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provision had not been contained herein. 5. Repeal of Conflicting Resolutions. Any and all resolutions in conflict with this Resolution this day passed be and they are hereby repealed. 6. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. SO RESOLVED, this 18th day of February, 2025. BALDWIN COUNTY, GEORGIA Honorable Andrew Strickland, Chairman Baldwin County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Bo Danuser, County Clerk Baldwin County Georgia DATE ADOPTED [SEAL] Commissioner. Davis made a motion to adopt the resolution. Commissioner Butts seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Resolution R- 2025- 20 - Request performance review of the Baldwin County Board of Tax Assessors County Attorney Brandon Palmer stated at the request of the board, he prepared a resolution to request an independent performance review board be appointed by the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Revenue to have a thorough and complete investigation of all actions of the Baldwin County Board of Tax Assessors and appraisal staff regarding the technical competency of appraisal techniques and compliance with state laws and regulations. The resolution was presented as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 2025-20 AI RESOLUTION TO REQUEST A PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF THE BALDWIN COUNTY BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS; AND FOR OTHER LAWFUL PURPOSES WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, O.C.G.A. S 48-5-295.1 provides a process by which the Board of Commissioners of Baldwin County, Georgia ("Board of Commissioners") may request that an independent performance review of Page 6 the Baldwin County Board of Tax Assessors and appraisal staff be conducted by an independent performance review board appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue; WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners desires to have a thorough and complete investigation of all actions of the Baldwin County Board of Tax Assessors and appraisal staff regarding the technical competency of appraisal techniques and compliance with state law and regulations; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners that they do hereby make a request to the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue for a performance review as provided by O.C.G.A. $ 48-5-295.1 and that the Commissioner appoint an Independent Performance Review Board within thirty (30) days after receipt of this Resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners requests that the written report of the Performance Review Board's findings be forwarded to the Baldwin County Clerk upon completion, which report should include such evaluations, judgments, and recommendations as the Performance Review Board deems appropriate. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners shall reimburse the members of the Performance Review Board for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, including mileage, meals, lodging, and cost of materials. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Baldwin County Clerk shall submit a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue following its adoption. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective as of the date of its adoption. SO RESOLVED, this 18th day of February, 2025. Honorable Andrew Strickland Chairman, Baldwin County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Bo Danuser Baldwin County Clerk Commissioner Little stated he had four properties under appeal and asked to abstain. Commissioner Hall made a motion to approve the resolution. Commissioner Strickland seconded the motion. Commissioners Sammy Hall and Andrew Strickland voted aye. Commissioners Kendrick Butts and Emily Davis voted no. The motion failed. Page 7 Appoint Green Berry Moore to the Ocmulgee Circuit Public Defender Supervisory Panel County Manger Carlos Tobar stated that the commission had been requested to appoint Green Berry Moore, III to the Ocmulgee Public Defenders Supervisory Panel to replace a retiring member. Commissioner Little made a motion to appoint Green Berry Moore, III to the Ocmulgee Public Defenders Supervisory Panel. Commissioner Hall seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Holt Consulting for Airport Planning Services and for Engineering and Design County Manager Carlos Tobar stated that every 5 years the Federal Aviation Administration requires every airport sponsor to bid for both the planning and for the engineering and design. There was a discussion about the bids submitted and the scores used to rank the companies. Commissioner Davis made a motion to authorize the agreement with Holt Consulting to provide planning services and for engineering and design. Commissioner Butts seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Transit ADA Policy Update Assistant County Manager Dawn Hudson stated the Baldwin County Transit program operated under the Federal Transit Administration Rural Transit Program. The Federal Transit Administration required an annual update of the ADA policy included more detail on filing an ADA complaint and an update on no- shows. There was a discussion about terms of the no show policy; Ms. Hudson stated Baldwin County didn't have a problem with no shows but the language had to be included in the ADA policy. Commissioner Butts made a motion to adopt the ADA transit policy updates. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Georgia Firefighters Standard and Training Council Grant County Manager Carlos Tobar stated he was requesting authorization to submit a grant for $10,528 to purchase eleven 50-foot sections of hose and eight 100- foot sections of hose and couplings. Commissioner Hall made a motion to authorize the grant application. Commissioner Butts seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS Commissioner Butts asked for an update on the gravity fed pump station behind the O.T. Pounds area. County Manager Tobar gave Commissioner Butts information about the plans for renovating the pump station and there were plans that would be discussed at the retreat. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Davis requested bus stop signage on Harvest Court at Meriweather Road. Page 8 Commissioner Davis discussed the Federal Summer Food Program not being supported by the Governor and asked the commission send a letter of support to the State Delegation to seek funding for the summer food program. Commissioner Davis made a motion to direct the County Manager to send a letter of support for the 2025 Summer Food Program. Commissioner Butts seconded the motion. There was discussion about the program. Chairman Strickland called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT County Manager Carlos Tobar gave an update on going projects including Smith-Sibley sewer extension with a public hearing on April 16 at 11 AM, the road resurfacing and stripping list and posting the list on the website and Facebook. Commissioner Davis asked about the work on Mammie Harris Road and Mr. Tobar responded that it needed speed limit signs and the road had been recently resurfaced. Commissioner Butts asked if the LMIG lists were included in the list of roads for resurfacing. Mr. Tobar responded the LMIG and TSPLOST list was the same. Mr. Tobar continued with his report giving an update on the Fishing Creek Trail, Oconee Heights Streetscape, the airport operator proposal, and a three-week weather delays on all construction projects. Commissioner Davis announced a free dementia workshop on March 12th at the Government Building from 10 to 2; there were 25 slots available. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Chairman Strickland read the rules of decorum. Desiree Liggins of District 2 and 4 addressed the commission objecting to having her home address given in a public forum. Ms. Liggins read from the Baldwin County Code of Ordinances, she gave information about herself, discussed her educational background and tenure in the military. She discussed how the commissioners were addressing her questions and concerns and she discussed paving Sidney Butts Road. She claimed that Sidney Butts Road was being neglected because the homeowners were African American. Deb Campbell of Kenan Drive addressed the commission regarding the animal shelter and animal control. She told a story of a pet that was brought to the Animal Rescue Foundation for medical assistance. Barry Havior of East Walton Street addressed the Commission to discuss transportation needs for the recreation department. He discussed having to solicit funds in front of Walmart to provide transportation for the track team. Carlos Foster asked the commissioners to give Mr. Havior a bus. Page 9 Pam Peacock of Montego Bay Road thanked the commission, Mr. Tobar, and staff for organizing the animal adoption event at the shelter. Mr. Tobar discussed the county employees who volunteered for the event and the Georgia College Shelter Buddies. Beverly Hill of Lakemere Lane discussed placing historical banners in downtown Milledgeville for Black History Month. She discussed Milledgeville native John Warren Davis and that he was a founder and first president of the NAACP. Ms. Hill presented Commissioner Davis with a photo when she was a child. Maurice Liggins of Sidney Butts Road addressed the commissioner. He presented and read emails oetween he and Mr. Tobar. He discussed the list of roads that were approved for resurfacing, the roads resurfaced that were not on the list and the number of houses on the roads that were resurfaced. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Little made a motion to enter into executive session at 7:40 PM. Commissioner Butts seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. The commissioners entered into closed session at 7:40 PM. Commissioner Little made a motion to return to open session at 8:27 PM. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion and the commission returned to open session at 8:27 PM. ADJOURN Commissioner Little made a motion to adjourn at 8:27 PM. Commissioner Strickland seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Strickland, Chairman Bo Danuser, County Clerk Page 10