MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025, 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. Invocation conducted and Pledge of allegiance to the Flag. Roll call to determine quorum The following members were present: Others Present: Jevin Jensen, Chairman Robert Smalley, County Attorney Barry W. Robbins, Vice-Chair Robert Sivick, County Administrator Robby Staten, Member Department Heads John Thomas, Member Citizens Greg Jones, Member Press Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to amend the agenda to include the potential additional item, (1). Public Works - Purchase of (2) 2024 F- 150 Trucks. The amended agenda was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Jones, Thomas, Staten and Robbins in agreement. Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the January 13, 2025 Regular Business Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Staten, Jones, Thomas, and Robbins in agreement. Chairman Jensen recognized Christina Curtis as the Employee of the Month for November 2024 and Jeff Shields as Employee of the Month for December 2024. PRESENTATION: Lynn Cabe, of the Praters Mill Foundation gave an overview of their 2024 Annual highlights and their 2025 Strategic goals. She also informed the Board that the annual fair will be held on October 11-12, 2025. Chairman's Report: Chairman Jensen noted that Whitfield County was awarded the ACCG County Excellence Award Winner for the First Responders Pathway Program. The hands-on firefighting course is designed to train the recruit for a career in fire service using methods that enhance cognitive skills through field exercises and classroom learning. Jensen also noted that members for the Broadband Citizen Advisory Committee have been nominated. Report from Commissioners: Commissioners Jones and Thomas did not have any updates to report for this month. Commissioner Robbins noted that in March they library will meet with the new Library Director. Commissioner Staten noted that the Trade Center had a very successful December. Report from County Administrator: County Administrator Bob Sivick noted that he participated in Disaster Preparedness Training held at the 911 Center, an Accessibility Town Hall will be held at the Library and the Hidden Rivers Film and Community Meeting will take place on February 26 at Edwards Park. December 2024 Financial Statement: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the December Financial Statement as presented by Chief Finance Officer Debbie Godfrey, Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) collections: December collections of $1,430,528 were 12.08% more than budgeted collections of $1,276,363. This was 13.78% more than November collections of $1,257,288. YTD collections of $15,337,026 were 85% less than PY Page 1 of5 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET collections of $15,468,337 for the same time frame. TAVT collections: December collections of $460,413 were 9.06% higher than November collections of $422,182. YTD collections of $5,701,059 were 3.38% greater than PY collections of $5,359,055 for the same time frame. YTD actual revenues of $49,288,257 were more than projected revenues of $48,948,692 by $339,565 or .69%. YTD actual expenditures of $63,874,775 were less than projected expenditures of $64,121,718 by $246,943 or down by 39%. Actual December 31 ending fund balance = $20,178,80. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Jones, Staten and Robbins in agreement. Public Comment: Ms. Caldwell voiced her concerns about the trash that is on Dug Gap Mountain Road. Public Works Department 2025 Bids: The following bids for Public Works were approved. a. Gravel/Crushed Stone - Recommend the award go to Vulcan Materials for 2025 for $150,000 for the year. Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in agreement. b. Public Works is requesting an annual contract be drawn for with C R Coating for Road Striping. Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in agreement. C. Rental of Tandem Truck and Operator - Tunnel Express and Wheat Trucking. Tunnel Express as our first call and' Wheat as our second. Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Public Works = Purchase of 1 Service Truck: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Staten to approve the purchase of a 2024 F550 service truck for the amount of $231,987.00. 2024 SPLOST Funds will be utilized for this purchase. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Staten, Thomas, Robbins and Jones in agreement. Public Works = Purchase of 5 Dump Trucks: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Staten to approve the purchase of 5 new Kenworth 880 dump trucks for the amount of $1,035,425.00. The trucks are expected to be here in June 2025. They will be replacing 2 1987 dump trucks, a 1988 dump truck, 1998 dump truck, and a 2004 dump truck. 2024 SPLOST Funds will be utilized for this purchase. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Staten, Thomas, Robbins and Jones in agreement. Public Works = Purchase of 1 Striping Truck: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the purchase of a striping truck for the amount of $473.281.07 (2020 SPLOST funds will be used for this purchase). The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Staten, Thomas, Robbins and Jones in agreement. Public Works = Truck Storage Building: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the budget amendment of $40,000 to rebuild the public works storage buildings. In 2024, there was storm damage to the storage building used for trucks at the Public Works facilities. After the insurance deductible, the County will be reimbursed around $40,000.00, which will be used to rebuild these buildings. Buildings and Grounds personnel will handle the construction of these facilities. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Staten, Thomas, Robbins and Jones in agreement. CDBG-CV Grant increase - Ratification: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Staten to ratify the grant increase as presented. The County has been awarded a budget increase of $61,052 for the CDBG-CV Food Bank grant which will cover some of the increased operating costs the Food Bank has incurred as a result of the cooler/freezer repair project. The County is only the fiscal agent and will draw down the grant funds to reimburse the Food Bank for their Page 2 of5 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET allowable costs. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Staten, Thomas, Jones and Robbins in agreement. Broadband Committee Appointments: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to appoint the following persons to the Citizen Advisory Committee: Mat Nap, Mike Miller, Ronny Huggins, Scott Houston, Shane Day and Stephanie Hogshead. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Robbins, Staten and Jones in agreement. MOU with Enterprise Center and Tech Goes Home Program: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Jones to ratify the memorandum of understanding with the Enterprise Center to administer the Tech Goes Home program. In January 2024, the BOC accepted a digital equity grant, a federal grant passed through the Appalachian Regional Commission to the non- profit Connect Humanity. This grant funded the development of the County's connectivity plan which the BOC approved at the November 2024 meeting. With the remaining grant funds, the County will be providing digital skills training. After reviewing quotes, County staff selected the Tech Goes Home program administered by the non-profit Enterprise Center in Chattanooga, TN to provide the training for $15,187. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Staten, Thomas, Robbins and Jones in agreement. Sheriff's Office = Ratify Vehicle Purchase: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to ratify this purchase from Ford of Dalton for $60,000.00, paid for from 2020 SPLOST. The previous request to purchase a 2025 F150 crew Cab Lariat from Ford of Dalton for $73,150.00 was postponed. The Sheriff's Office then requested approval to purchase one (1) 2025 Ford F-150 truck from Ford of Dalton for the Chief Deputy. In agreement with the Sheriff's office, the 2020 SPLOST will fund $60,000.00. The motion was approved 4-0, Commissioners Staten, Jones, Thomas and Robbins in agreement. Intergovernmental Agreement - School Resource Officers: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the intergovernmental agreement between the Whitfield County Board of Education, Whitfield County and the Sheriff of Whitfield County as presented. The WC School Board has elected to start funding the School Detective beginning February 1, 2025. The School Board has agreed to provide funding for up to twenty-four (24) total SROS and one (1) School Detective I School Safety Specialist to cover every Whitfield County school. The School Board shall reimburse directly to the County, in equal monthly installments, of a flat rate of $350.00 per SRO, per day. To the extent that the Sheriff remains willing to designate as many as three (3) Sheriff's Deputies as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Officer for school placement and assignment by the School Board and Sheriff. Whitfield County is responsible for PTO and pay when school is out of session. This is estimated at $250,000 a year in 2026. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Superior Court = State Crisis Intervention Program Grant Award: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to ratify the grant award as presented. In October 2024, the BOC approved the application for the Byrne SCIP Grant for Domestic Violence Court. In early January, we received the notice of award in the amount of $98,479. This is a federal grant being administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. The grant will cover one year of personnel costs and associated operating costs for a treatment provider for the Conasauga Domestic Violence Court. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Staten, Robbins and Jones in agreement. Page 3 of5 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET Juvenile Court - Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Award: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Staten to ratify the grant award as presented. With prior BOC approval to apply, grant funding was awarded from the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Grant in the amount of $78,184, from January 1 - December 31, 2025, with no county match. The Juvenile Court of the Conasauga Judicial Circuit will hire a full-time Intervention Coordinator to develop and implement a Handgun Intervention Program. Modeled after HIP in Colorado and CHIP in Clayton County, GA, this program will focus on educating at-risk youth and CHINS about the dangers of gun violence and to reduce youth gun access. Second, this grant will provide funds to expand and include segments on gun violence awareness and mental health resources for the Teen Maze Program. Also, education and training materials will be used for educational outreach and collaboration with community partners such as law enforcement, health organizations, and schools to ensure onqoinq violence prevention efforts. In October 2024, the BOC approved the application for the Byrne SCIP Grant for Domestic Violence Court. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Staten, Robbins and Jones in agreement. Board of Elections and Registrars = Equipment Surplus: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to declare surplus of an ES&S Balotar Flex Model #N31204A. This item is no longer certified for use with the Georgia Voting System, according to O.C.G.A. 21-2-300. This renders the old equipment no longer necessary and available for surplus. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Jones and Thomas in agreement. Fire Department - Purchase of Knox Boxes: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Thomas approve the purchase from Knox for $24,989 utilizing 2020 SPLOST funds. The fire department uses Knox Boxes to access businesses across Whitfield County, should the need arise. The fire department, working along with the Knox Box company, received a quote for Knox Box Secure Systems to be installed on our apparatus. This system will allow daily accountability and enhanced key security through cloud-based software. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Jones and Thomas in agreement. EMA = Radio Purchase for Sheriff's Office: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Staten approve the purchase of 20 radios for the Sheriff's Office from Motorola Solutions for $116,992.95. This includes an extra 12% discount with state contract pricing. This purchase will use 2020 SPLOST funds. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Jones and Thomas in agreement. Parks and Recreation = Vehicle Surplus: Motion was made by Commissioner Staten and seconded by Commissioner Jones to declare surplus of a 2011 Ford Escape and auction on Gov.Deals.com. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Staten, Jones and Thomas in agreement. Parks & Recreation = Riverbend Park Ratify Insurance Claim: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Staten to ratify the insurance claim with Servpro for $50,000 for water damage at Riverbend Park. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Jones, Thomas, Staten and Robbins in agreement. Public Works = Vehicle Purchase: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Staten to approve the purchase of two (2) 2024 F150 Crew Cab Trucks from Ford of Dalton for $110,600.00. This is the state contract pricing. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Jones, Thomas and Staten in agreement. PUBLIC COMMENT: Page 4 of5 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET Will Caldwell wanted to know if the County Commissioners are opting out of HB581, Chairman Jensen noted that the Board will not be opting out of HB581. Ricky Wheat with Wheat Trucking and Rita Jackson with Jackson Trucking wanted to speak with someone about the public works annual bid for Tandem Dump Truck with operators. County Administrator Bob Sivick referred both of them to speak with County Engineer Kent Benson. Executive Session = Real Estate: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to go into executive session to discuss Real Estate. Present for the meeting were Chairman Jevin Jensen, Commissioners Robbins, Jones, Thomas and Staten, County Attorney Robert Smalley, County Engineer Kent Benson, County Finance Officer Debbie Godfrey, Human Resources Director Jacqueline Carlo and County Clerk Blanca Cardona. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas, Jones, and Staten in agreement. Motion was then made by Commissioner Jones and Staten to come out of executive session. The motion was approved 4-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas, Jones and Staten in agreement. ADJOURN Unanimous an Leri JEVIN/JENSEN, CHAIRMAN WHITFIELD COUNY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Bload ha -. Ors BLANCA CARDONA, COUNTY CLERK DAT3o0as Page 5 of5