MINUTES MERIWETHER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MARCH 10, 2025 6:00 PM Commissioners Present: Chairman Adam Worsley, Vice Chairman Emmett Collins, Commissioner Gene King, Commissioner Jennifer Snelson, and Commissioner Bryan Threadgill. Commissioners Absent: none., Staff] Present: County Administrator/Finance Director John Gorton, County Clerk Allyson Stephens, Administrative Assistant Hailee Palmer, and County Attorney Nathan Lee Staff Absent: none. I. CALL TO ORDER The Meeting was Called to Order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Adam Worsley. II. INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Mr. Derrick Snelson. III. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG All. IV. ADOPT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Commissioner Snelson to Adopt the Agenda. All were in favor. V. PRESENTATIONS None. VI. FINANCE REPORT County Administrator John Gorton provided the Bank Balances as of4:00 p.m. that day. County Administrator Gorton stated that all finances were holding good, and the LGIP for General Funds had brought in $40,000 of interest with a roughly 4% yield. County Administrator Gorton then provided the SPLOST & TSPLOST Commitments. County Administrator Gorton stated that they would never see the two match on a cash-in bank, and what they were provided was a ledger and they cut checks typically on the day ofthe meeting. County Administrator Gorton stated that they had roughly $607,000 to spend in SPLOST and a little over $350,000 to spend in TSPLOST. County Administrator Gorton added that the LRA was allocated out in the 2025 LMIG Project. Chairman Worsley stated that was good and they were building it back up pretty quick. County Administrator Gorton stated they were still using roughly $60,000 of gravel every month. Chairman Worsley asked if there were any further questions about the Finance Report. There were no further questions or statements to be made. VII. DEPARTMENT HEADS County Director ofPlanning & Zoning, Cassandra Jones stated that last week, her and Mr. Joel Cruse attended a Code Enforcement Officers Conference in Savanna, Georgia. Director Jones stated they had that conference twice a year. Director Jones stated that the State ofGeorgia S Code Enforcement Officers had grown significantly over the last 5 years, and in Savanna they had over 450 Code Enforcement Officers taking training. Director Jones added that the Senate had recently passed a bill, House Bill 43, which would protect them as Code Enforcement Officers when they are out on property. Director Jones stated that several Code Enforcement Officers had been injured in the line of duty and four of them had been shot and killed, because Code Enforcement Officers don't wear a vest. Director Jones stated that she wanted to share this with the Board, because she didn'tt think they were aware ofthe significance. Chairman Worsley agreed that they were not aware. Director Jones stated they were growing and there was a waiting list, and they had to cap out at 450 this year. Director Jones added that it took three years for them to get their Level I training, two and a halfy years to get their Level II training, and another three years to get their Level III training. Director. Jones informed them that she was actually an instructor for UGA to help with some ofthose classes. County Administrator Gorton gave an update for the Recreation Department. County Administrator Gorton stated that 8U Boys, 10U Girls, and 14U Boys competed at State; Unfortunately, all three of them did not advance past the first round. County Administrator Gorton stated that they received confirmation oft the Hawk' 's donation ofbasketball equipment, and that it was an extensive list. County Administrator Gorton stated he would be sending that list to all Board members to see what Hawk's would be donating to the County. Chairman Worsley stated that they needed to publicize that list for the citizens to view. County Administrator Gorton stated they could put it on the Facebook page. VIII. CITIZEN COMMENT None. IX. MINUTES 1. Vice Chairman Collins stated that on page 5 oft the Minutes to correct the spelling from Quaker's to Quercus Farms. County Clerk Stephens stated she would correct the spelling. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Collins and seconded by Commissioner King to accept the Minutes of the February 25, 2025, Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. All were in favor. Commissioner Threadgill abstained the vote. X. PUBLIC HEARING None. XI. APPOINTMENTS None. XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Confirmation ofLetter and Lease provided to the Town ofLone Oak County Administrator Gorton stated that on Monday, March 3, 2025, Staff, along with Vice Chairman Collins and Commissioner Snelson, attended the Town Council Meeting for the Town ofLone Oak. County Administrator Gorton added that they presented the Town with a proposal listing three options for the Fire Station located within the Town's limits. County Administrator Gorton read off the options - Enter into the presented lease agreement for a term of 44 years. Purchase the Fire Station and improvements at its current fair market value. Once the purchase is successful, the Town will be responsible for staffing the station. In the alternative, Meriwether County and the Town ofLone Oak would then need to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement ifthey wish for the County to continue staffing the Station. The Town will still be covered by fire services as described in the Service Delivery Plan; Ifthe Town ofLone Oak declines both ofthe above options, Meriwether County will proceed with relocating the Fire Station out of the Town. The Town will still be covered by fire services as described in the SDP (Service Delivery Plan). This option could cause the Town's ISO rating to increase, causing residents' insurance rates to increase. County Administrator Gorton concluded that they had 45 days from March 3, 2025, to communicate their decision to the Board. Chairman Worsley asked ift there was any additional feedback from the meeting. County Administrator Gorton stated that there was some back-and-forth with the language on page 22, they had some issues with the lease running 'for a period of 44 years from the date of execution, unless the lease is terminated at an earlier date by mutual consent ofboth parties. ? County Administrator Gorton added that they did not want 'mutual consent' in the agreement. County Administrator Gorton stated that #2 under The County Covenants To The Town they had an issue with 'In the event the county fails to construct the fire department/EMS facility, or the facility no longer serves as a fire department/EMS facility in the future, the lease shall terminate, and property shall revert to the Town. * County Administrator Gorton continued that they would like to take out 'construction' and maintenance" because it was already built, and that they wanted an auto-renewal for every four or two years. Commissioner Threadgill asked if they wanted that after the 44 years. County Administrator Gorton replied that they wanted a two or four year renewal. Commissioner Threadgill stated that they wouldn't accept the 44 years. County Administrator Gorton replied that he was correct, and that it stated if it was less than 44 years then they would have to mutually agree. County Administrator Gorton added that it was a back and forth discussion for roughly an hour or more. Commissioner Threadgill stated that in any type ofIGA, it needed to be mutual. County Administrator Gorton replied correct, and that's what he tried to relay back to their council -it's essentially the same thing if they chose a two-year automatic renewal or the 44 years. Chairman Worsley stated that even though, those are Lone Oak citizens, they were still Meriwether County citizens, and before they did a change that would disrupt their service or their ratings for insurance, they needed to make sure that it was a mutual agreement. County Administrator Gorton stated that it could affect their ISO rating depending on how many miles the fire station would be located outside of the Town, and it was believed to be five. County Clerk Stephens stated five or more. County Administrator Gorton stated that would change their ISO from a 61 to a 10, essentially doubling their homeowner's insurance. County Administrator Gorton stated that he expressed to the Council and Lone Oak, that the County did not wish to get rid ofthe Fire Station and that they would like for it to stay in the Town ofLone Oak because it served a purpose to the Town and the citizens of Meriwether County. Commissioner Threadgill stated that when they were doing the Fire District originally, they went out to all cities and towns and they either agreed to be on board with it or not, and Manchester was the only one that chose not to. Commissioner Threadgill continued that with Lone Oak moving forward with an agreement with the fire process, they wouldn't] have much of a choice. Commissioner Snelson stated that their new attorney was advising them that they couldn't get into an agreement that binded their Council for more than their term. Commissioner Snelson added that she investigated it and that it was only for monetary purposes, and that this was an agreement for services, and that's how she was misleading. Commissioner Snelson stated that Citizens that were at the meeting were in favor ofthem signing the lease. Commissioner Threadgill stated that misleading happens often. County Administrator Gorton stated that it was communicated to them numerous times by himself. County Attorney Nathan Lee stated that an Intergovernmental Agreement was 50 years. Chairman Worsley stated that this was 44 years because they had spent 6years trying to get them to sign it. County Administrator Gorton stated that they asked when the next meeting was, and he told them March 10, and that ifthey wanted to offer some changes - he would present it, but he had received nothing for the meeting. County Administrator Gorton concluded that he did not know where they were leaning, but they had 45 days. Vice Chairman Collins stated that they kept saying it was an automatic renewal, but the way he read it - it says at the end of the lease, six months prior to the end ofthe lease, the lease could be terminated by either party. Vice Chairman Collins asked if that was an automatic renewal. County Attorney Lee stated that the problem with mutual termination is that they get a fire station = automatic renewal typically states 'this contract will expire on X day and will automatically renew the next day' for however long the period is, unless one side terminates. Vice Chairman Collins stated that even though it was an automatic renewal, they could terminate it. County Attorney Lee stated he was correct. Commissioner Snelson stated that they even discussed the purchase of the land from them, and they [Town ofLone Oak] kept telling them that it was prime real estate, and they could sell it for a lot, and they told them they couldn't do that with their being a fire station on it, sO that what was she didn't feel they needed to take out mutual consent at all because it looked like they were looking for an out to be able to sell the property. Commissioner Snelson continued that she went back through two years of their minutes and any time the fire station was mentioned they would refer it to the County. Commissioner Snelson added that one time they mentioned that the County wasn't upholding the lease agreement that they [Town ofLone Oak] signed on the fire station, but she couldn't find wherever they said they signed it other than them referenced signing it in April of 2023. Commissioner Threadgill stated that the construction oft that building was between $400,000 and $600,000, sO they [the Board] couldn't just give it up. County Administrator Gorton stated it was a lengthy hour and a half to two hour discussion and all those points were illustrated back and forth with Council members, and they were advised by their attorey to take a different route. Chairman Worsley stated that there was nothing further for this Board to do, other than wait till the 45 days. County Administrator Gorton stated he was correct. Chairman Worsley asked ifthere was any further discussion. With no further discussion they moved on to item #2 ofUnfinished Business. 2. Update on Brown Gilbert Road County Administrator Gorton stated that he received the survey from Mr. Nathan with DNR and their survey recorded that 'public road unopened and not maintained points 4-7 along edge of said road." ? County Administrator Gorton added that it would be something that legal would need to look at because unopened and not maintained was referring to the County abandoning that road. Chairman Worsley asked if there was anything further to say about the update. With nothing further, they moved to New Business. XIII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Approval of Emergency Repairs at the Meriwether County Jail County Administrator Gorton stated that the plumbing lines at the back ofthe jail needed to be relined due to the deterioration ofthe cast iron pipes beneath the concrete. County Administrator Gorton added that the plumber that came out was Blue Frog, and they gave an estimate of roughly $8,100 - they are going to have to tear up the concrete, they estimate about a 6x6x4 slab that they would have to cut into. County Administrator Gorton stated that this needed to be taken care of right away. County Administrator Gorton added that they could bypass their procurement guidelines and referred to Section 2.83 of the Code ofOrdinançes. Chairman Worsley stated he had a quote for $8,300. County Administrator Gorton replied it was a quote from Blue Frog, just to replace the pipe that they had identified = they said it could be more once they get in there. Commissioner Threadgill asked if they were just replacing the pipe or just putting the epoxy liner in there? County Administrator Gorton stated that when they scoped it, it was just the pipe, and the epoxy liner would not work because the p-trap was shattered. Chairman Worsley stated that $8,100 would not be enough, and they need to 'not to exceed' for their approval - how much are we looking at? Commissioner Threadgill asked ifthey gave a max. County Administrator Gorton replied that they did not, because they couldn'ttell until they busted up the concrete what all would need to be replaced. Commissioner Threadgill stated they were looking at $8,000 to do this amount of work, but not until they got in there. County Administrator Gorton stated he was correct, and $8,000 covered them repouring the concrete. Commissioner Threadgill stated they should max it at $20,000 to $25,000 tops. County Administrator Gorton agreed and stated that around $25,000 would be his recommendation. A motion was made not to exceed $25,000 using SPLOSTby Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Collins. All were in favor. 2. Consideration of Surface Maintenance, LLC to do Road Maintenance on Maffett's Pond Road and Gunter Road County Administrator Gorton stated that there were two proposals attached from Surface Maintenance LLC for the repair of Maffett's Pond Road and Gunter Road, as identified by Public Works. County Administrator Gorton added that subcontracting the repairs would allow Public Works to focus on other roads within the County. County Administrator Gorton continued that ifthe services provided met County standards, Surface Maintenance, LLC could serve as an additional vendor to support Public Works in maintaining other County roads. County Administrator Gorton concluded that this was being brought to the Board due to the amount being over $5,000 and the funding source would be TSPLOST, a restricted fund that required Board approval. County Administrator Gorton stated that Maffett's Pond was, just shy of $7,000 and Gunter Road was almost $7,500. Chairman Worsley stated it would be roughly $14,400 to $14,500 total. Commissioner Threadgill asked ift they had any other quotes. County Administrator Gorton replied no, and he couldn't find anyone else that could provide the services they needed. County Administrator Gorton added that the funding would come from TSPLOST. A motion was made to table the Agenda item due to the need of further discussion by Commissioner Threadgill. Vice Chairman Collins seconded this motion. All were in favor. Chairman Worsley stated that this would be tabled till the next meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Vice Chairman asked how long Maffett's Pond road was. County Clerk Stephens stated that it wasn'tt that long. Chairman Worsley stated it was 2,424 feet, SO half a mile. Vice Chairman Collins stated that was on the other road. County Clerk Stephens stated she didn't think it was as long as Gunter Road. County Administrator Gorton stated he would find out the distance and provide it to the Board at the next meeting. 3. Approval to Purchase Additional Totes of BAM Product for Patcher County Administrator Gorton stated that the patcher was fully operational, and Public Works was satisfied with the quality of the product - there was approximately 410 gallons remaining from the initial purchase, equating to one and a halftotes. County Administrator Gorton added that Staff was requesting approval to purchase two or three additional totes, each containing 275 gallons, for $3,104.75 per tote the total cost for two totes would be roughly $6,209.50 plus freight, while three totes would total $9,314.25 plus freight. County Administrator Gorton continued for reference, the cost of a tanker for the silo was $62,403.00, while a full trailer load of18 totes would cost $58,285.50. County Administrator Gorton concluded that with the new Public Works Director set to begin on March 24, 2025, staff recommended purchasing up to three totes to ensure the patcher's continued operation and pothole repairs throughout the County, then allowing the Director to come to the Board with future requests. Vice Chairman Collins stated that they would pay less for shipping ifthey purchased more totes. Chairman Worsley stated that they didn't want to purchase more than three, SO they could keep them working until the new Public Works Director got there to then decide how they wanted to move forward. Commissioner Threadgill asked what the initial purchase was. County Administrator Gorton replied that the initial purchase was four totes, they came out and did the cleaning and training for free and it was right around $13,000. Commissioner Threadgill asked when that purchase was made. County Administrator Gorton replied sometime in January and there were about one and a halftotes left. Chairman Worsley stated that they voted in November on that. County Administrator Gorton stated that at the end ofJanuary they were on site, sO roughly the first week ofFebruary they were out patching. Commissioner Threadgill asked if they knew what the shipping would be. County Administrator Gorton replied $525. Chairman Worsley stated they needed to understand the shelflife in the silo versus in the tote, because ifthey bought a trailer of totes and they could go bad before using them, but in the silo they might last longer. County Administrator Gorton agreed and stated from his understanding it needed to be around 60 degrees in the silo to keep it maintained. Vice Chairman Collins stated that he talked to the guy the day they were out there and he was told that one fill-up in the patcher tank could last up to two months. Some discussion continued about the duration ofthe product and how often it gets used. County Administrator Gorton stated that Mr. Barry Lucas was very impressed with the product, and the citizens that had reached out to the Commissioners were also pleased with the product. A motion was made to purchase three totes by Vice Chairman Collins and seconded by Commissioner Threadgill. All were in favor. County Clerk Stephens asked what that would be paid out of. Commissioner King asked where it was shipped from. County Administrator replied it would come out OfTSPLOST, and it would be shipped from Texas, and the company was based out ofTexas. 4. Discussion on releasing the Agenda Packet County Administrator Gorton stated that during the Regular Meeting on February 25, 2025, Commissioner Snelson, during her comments, asked to have on the Agenda a discussion about having the Commissioners' Packet available to the public on the day of the Meeting. County Administrator Gorton concluded that this would be a topic the Commissioners would need to discuss and make a decision on. Commissioner Snelson stated that with her going to her trainings and networking with people, a vast majority of counties did this = where they would put their Agenda on their website along with their packet. Commissioner Snelson added that they would be considered Open Records anyway, and the other counties have it online to give full transparency about what would be discussed at the meeting. Commissioner Snelson concluded that she wanted to ask the Board if they would consider doing this to give full transparency to the citizens about what they would be discussing. Commissioner Threadgill stated that he agreed and understood the full transparency part, but where he was concerned was that over the years, they have had some meetings that are legally extensive in their content - for instance the granite quarry that came before them there was information that did not need to be released to the Public until after full presentations had been made by all parties. Commissioner Threadgill continued that there were things in certain applications throughout the County that would have to be redacted, SO his concern is if they release things that are there for Open Records - and there was an Open Records Law in place for a reason = and that was for citizens to be able to request that, but what that does is allow Staff at that point to redact things that they didn't need to see and even things that the Board may not need to see, such as Social Security Numbers, some financials, etc. until something it voted on. Commissioner Threadgill added that an Agenda was not an Agenda, until it was voted on by the Board at the Meeting, SO it would be aj packet, but it would not be the official Agenda until they passed that Agenda in their Meeting - ift they put something out there and someone came before them and wanted to withdraw for a certain reason, and then the packet that is out for the Public would no longer be the actual packet oft the Commissioners. Commissioner Threadgill stated that Staff would have to spend extra time going through to prepare a special packet and do redactions on certain information, before it could be posted online, because those redaction laws were there too. Commissioner Threadgill continued that if someone wanted to do an Open Records Request then it wouldn' 't cost all the taxpayers of the County for that person that person provides the reason they want it and they pay for it, and they pay for the additional Staff time. Commissioner Threadgill concluded that those were his concerns, and that there was a lot more to it because there are certain things that come before them that cannot be released until all sides and all parties have had an opportunity. Chairman Worsley referred to the Agenda with the list ofitems that were going to be discussed before a Meeting, and the full packet should not necessarily be released. Commissioner Threadgill stated that the Public had a right to the packet, but not until they close it or make a decision, and it becomes an actual Agenda once voted on ifthey have it prior to that, then they may. have misinformation because something may have changed between that time. Commissioner Snelson stated that ifthey released around 12:00 p.m. that day - the information, and what she pulled back from the last year, there had not been anything that had that information in it, SO that was not a common place. Commissioner Snelson added that she checked with other counties, and they posted theirs just that day that did not have social security numbers, etc. sO ifs something changed at the last minute they wouldn't have that there was an addition to it, but she thought with the basic information that they received - she didn't think there would be much information, legally, that would cause a conflict. County Attorney Nathan Lee stated that it depended on what they would be talking about. Commissioner Threadgill stated that he should have made himself clearer, because it was not always that they have that = and there were certain instances that go before them, sO if the Board decided to move forward and approve this, then they needed to be extremely careful in how they worded this, because if there is something that came up that they could not release at that moment, because it could be a legal situation, then that would put more work back on the Staff that would have to remember to not send that out because they would have passed something that stated to release everything. Commissioner Threadgill concluded that it could end in a legal situation ifit was released too soon. Commissioner King asked if the Agenda was online, and posted before the Meeting SO citizens could decide if they wanted to attend or not. County Clerk Stephens replied yes, and if they amended the Agenda during the meeting then she took the posted one down and replaced it with the amended Agenda after the Meeting. Chairman Worsley asked for today, they could see the Agenda that they would be going over. Commissioner Threadgill and County Clerk Stephens both replied yes. Commissioner Snelson stated that when she attended the Meetings as a citizen, sometimes people couldn't hear well, and it would be nice to know the numbers that they were looking at. Commissioner Snelson continued discussing examples for why a citizen would want the packet ahead of time. Chairman Worsley stated that it was already there to be done. Commissioner Snelson replied "just the Agenda. County Clerk Stephens stated that the whole entire packet that they get is not online. Chairman Worsley replied right, but he didn't understand why they would need that in everyone's hands before the Meeting. Commissioner Threadgill agreed, and a lot of times with Public Hearings and things like that - there are a lot of things that they are not even presented with until it came before them in that Public Hearing for them to make a decision on. Commissioner Threadgill added that he agreed with Commissioner Snelson in regard to putting something out there, but he didn' 't think this was the right way because ifit's a Public Hearing and it comes before them and all the presentations and the 'fors or against' come there - they have to make a decision. Commissioner Threadgill added that he thought it would create probably 500,000 questions that may not really pertain to something that they are responsible for talking to their constituents about. Commissioner Threadgill continued that with him doing it for sO long, he was worried about all the legalities that could go into them approving this, because he had seen SO many extensive types of meetings. Commissioner King stated that he also agreed with Commissioner Snelson but if they had it out at 12:00 p.m. that day and there was a Public Hearing to rezone this piece of property, etc. - no one had time to do all of that and get there by 6:00 p.m. for the Meeting. Commissioner Snelson stated that would be on them and it would be up to the citizens that want to be involved - to help citizens involvement in their community by knowing what was going on and they not feel like they were sitting there trying to talk quietly. Commissioner King stated that he had people ask him over the past couple of years saying 'it would be nice to know what y'all will be doing that night' sO they could decide on whether they wanted to come that night. Commissioner King concluded that he didn't! know the right way to go about it, but he did agree with the transparency portion ofi it. Commissioner Snelson stated that the Agenda seemed vaguer and more general and that's why she was asking. Commissioner Threadgill stated that if someone retracted right before Meeting to go into a Public Hearing for a certain type of licensing or something like that and they decide they no longer wanted to do that because they didn't want the Public to have their information, but they had already released it - it's not a legal Agenda until it comes before the Board, and they vote to pass the Agenda. Commissioner Snelson stated that the Agenda was already posted online for someone to see. Commissioner Threadgill replied, but not the packet. Commissioner Snelson stated that the information would have already been online for someone to say 'hey, this person is selling some Kubota lawn mowers, you know? Commissioner King stated that if was coming before them tonight for a Hearing, and someone wanted to retract it - then that would have been out for how many days? County Director Cassandra Jones stated roughly two to four weeks. Commissioner King stated that if someone is doing a business liçense, liquor license, etc. all that would've already been advertised in the paper, posted on the road, and then they came there and decided they wanted to retract it then the information would still have been already released. Commissioner Snelson stated the information would already be County record. Commissioner Threadgill stated but such things as the granite quarry - that wasn't. Commissioner King stated that there would be certain things that would definitely be questionable to release. Director Cassanda Jones stated that what was on the Agenda was in the paper, but what she wants is the full packet and those are not. Commissioner King stated that when she puts it in the paper and they posted it, then he could go to her office and ask for an Open Records Request on that. Director Jones replied that he would go before County Clerk Stephens for the Open Records Request. County Clerk Stephens stated - if she had it, because sometimes she doesn't have it. Commissioner Threadgill stated that the redactions would have to be there. Director Jones agreed that the redactions would have to be made. Commissioner Snelson stated that sometimes County Clerk Stephens wouldn't have it yet. Commissioner King stated he was just trying to clarify, in his mind, the whole scenario. Commissioner Snelson stated that was why she wasn't asking for it to be posted weeks in advance, but just the day of the Meeting sometime before noon = that way ifa citizen wants to read it over and attend then they could. Vice Chairman Collins stated that if they were going to have a Public Hearing with such-and-such, then it would be listed in the Agenda, right? Commissioner Threadgill stated he shouldn'thave said that and asked to take the Public Hearing out ofit, and this was a whole legal situation that could occur. Vice Chairman Collins stated that ifthey wanted to talk on the rock quarry, then they would see it under New Business. Commissioner Threadgill stated right, and it was under there and it was posted, but there were some things that could cause them and the citizens of the County to get into a legal situation as well and that's what he was worried about. Chairman Worsley stated that it sounded like there needed to be more discussion with the Board to decide what to do about this. A motion was made to table the item till the next Meeting by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Collins. Voting in favor where Chairman Worsley, Vice Chairman Collins, Commissioner King, and Commissioner Threadgill. Voting opposed were Commissioner Snelson. The motion passed. 5. Discussion of Re-Opening a portion ofMeadows Boone Road County Administrator Gorton stated that Staff was approached by a representative of Crawford Grading regarding the reopening of a portion ofMeadows Boone Road. County Administrator Gorton continued that after research, a citizen had come before the Board on June 8, 2005, requesting for the Board to allow him to put a gate across the road - at that time, the Attorney advised the citizen he would need to come back in for a Public Hearing to allow the road to be closed. County Administrator Gorton added that Staff could not locate records ofa Public Hearing, nor confirmation that the road was ever officially closed, however a gate was still installed, effectively closing the road to traffic. County Administrator Gorton stated that Crawford Grading was offering to get the road back into operable shape, then asking the Board to take back over maintenance. County Administrator Gorton concluded that Staff was recommending approval of the County to take back over maintenance oft this portion of Meadows Boone Road. Chairman Worsley asked how they had a road that had been closed for 20 years, with no one coming before the Board about, but now they are wanting the Board to resume maintaining it = what is on that road, on the road, and who had interest in it? County Administrator Gorton replied that Crawford Grading more than likely purchased the last bit of the road, and it appeared that they may wanting to put a subdivision back there. County Administrator Gorton referred to County IT. Director Matthew Brown since he was more familiar with the topic. Commissioner Threadgill asked ifCrawford Grading wanted to make a subdivision. Director Matthew Brown stated that it was timber property, and it was leased out and the gentleman that approached Staff complained about people coming in and dumping trash out on the property and the Board advised him to come back for a Public Hearing, which never occurred, yet the gate somehow managed to get there. Director Brown stated that the road, ifit was completely opened, goes from starting out on Luthersville Road and goes back onto Strickland Town Road and part ofit crossed over Coweta County in two places - this part was completely in Meriwether County. Director Brown continued that he didn't think Crawford Grading wanted to build a subdivision, but wanted to put some houses out there and had purchased the entire piece of property. When he and John rode out there, it appeared they had a makeshift road for their equipment coming in and out, but that wanted to make it back into a passable dirt road that went down to a creek and believed that the culvert at the creek was possibly washed out, but they didn't want to cross the creek and would rather do some sort of cul-de-sac in that area. Director Brown added that Crawford Grading would do all the work to get the road back into usable shape but would then want the County to start maintaining it again. Chairman Worsley asked ift this was up to the washed out culvert. Director Brown replied yes, and that there would not be a reason for the culvert to ever be fixed. Chairman Worsley stated if they had no record of the County ever closing that road or deeding it back to whoever, and no one had come before the Board with concerns about it - if they were to officially close it, and deed them the road and property, then they could do whatever they want to with it. County Administrator Gorton stated that would be a legal matter. County Attorney Lee stated that they could look into the records, and technically when they close the road it would be half-and-half. Chairman Worsley stated that there was an old record that they had reservoir of that road. County Administrator Gorton stated that there was no record that they could find. Commissioner Threadgill stated that the record stated that the Board voted on moving forward with a Public Hearing and discussing the possibility of abandoning that road, but there was no further documentation. Director Brown stated that they never voted to hold the Public Hearing, and then it was never brought up after that meeting. Director Brown pulled up a map highlighting the location of the road. Commissioner Threadgill found where this request was tabled from a previous Board, but no Public Hearing set after. Vice Chairman Collins asked who owned the land around the road. Director Brown stated that Crawford Grading purchased the entire tract of land. Vice Chairman Collins stated that he felt it was the best interest to abandon the road. Commissioner King agreed and stated that they could be deeded back the property. Commissioner Threadgill asked if there was a State Ordinance that stipulated ifthe road has not been maintained for a number of years, it becomes abandoned automatically. County Attorney Lee stated no, but he knew what Commissioner Threadgill was talking about and would have to pull that out. Attorney Lee stated that, generally, the standard is that the road ceases to be used for a public purpose. County Attorney Lee advised the Board that if they wanted to abandon the road, they would have to have a Public Hearing. Commissioner Threadgill feels that they need to dig a little bit more because it seems as if there were thoughts of what should happen that never really took place. County Administrator Gorton asked the Board if this were to be tabled, to table it until the April meeting to give sufficient time. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Collins to table the Discussion of Re-Opening a portion of Meadows Boone Road until the April 7, 2025, Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Threadgill. All were in favor. 6. Consider Date for a Work Session Administrator Gorton stated he is requesting the scheduling of a work session for the Board of Commissioners to discuss and prioritize key projects for Meriwether County in 2025. This session will allow the Board to review proposed initiatives, consider budgeting and funding needs, and identify potential challenges to ensure the County's goals are met efficiently. As we prepare for the upcoming year, early discussions will help establish clear priorities and ensure projects are well-planned and properly resourced. This work session will be valuable in aligning our efforts and setting a strong foundation for the year ahead. Staff suggest the following times for a Work Session, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. before the Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. or Monday, April 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. before the Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. After discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Collins to have two Work Sessions on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. and on April 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. All were in favor. 7. Request to Surplus 2 Kubota Mowers - Public Works 2008 Kubota ZD28F-60P 2008 Kubota ZD21 - Zero Turn County Administrator Gorton stated that Public Works had two 2008 Kubota mowers they were wishing to surplus - both mowers had been unused for at least two years and were no longer needed for the County. County Administrator Gorton added that Staff recommended surplusing both mowers and donating them to Talbot County. County Administrator Gorton concluded that Talbot County had provided assistance in the past with debris cleanup, and they were in need of the parts on these mowers. A motion was made to donate both 2008 Kubota mowers to Talbot County by Vice Chairman Collins. County Administrator Gorton stated they he needed a surplus first. A motion was made to surplus both 2008 Kubota mowers and donate them to Talbot County by Vice Chairman Collins. Commissioner Snelson seconded this motion. All were in favor. XIV. REPORT FROM COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR County Administrator Gorton stated that all Department Head positions had been filled: the new Finance Director was Jamie Tarleton and would start next Monday, March 17, 2025 the new Public Works Director would start on March 24, 2025, and his name was Brian Griffith from Harris County. County Administrator Gorton added that Brian Giffith does in-house paving, and the new Recreation Director would start April 1, 2025 his name is Allan Fordham, and he was out of Bowden Recreation in Georgia. County Administrator Gorton continued that the Courthouse assessment should be done by the end of the week, and they just did the mold testing last Thursday, and Staff were researching Brown Gllbert Road. County Administrator Gorton stated that there was a request that he would come before the Board at the next meeting about a student wanting to do some filming at the covered bridge. County Clerk Stephens corrected and stated they would be filming at Red Oak Creek. County Administrator Gorton stated he received the request at 6pm that day. Commissioner Threadgill asked ift they had applications in place for that. County Clerk Stephens stated she thought they did at Building & Zoning, but it was a unique request from a college student that was trying to graduate from UGA, and she thought that he wanted to film and go down in the water. Commissioner Threadgill stated that they needed to understand ifthey utilize that bridge, there were stipulations in place on what can and cannot be done. County Clerk Stephens stated that she didn't think they were wanting to touch the bridge. County Administrator Gorton stated that with the bridge, they needed to understand liability issues. Vice Chairman Collins stated that the grandmother called him, and that the student just wanted to access the water and do some filming oft the water, and he didn't think he wanted to do anything with the bridge. Vice Chairman Collins stated he noticed there was a lot of graffiti being written inside that bridge and they needed to do something to stop that. Commissioner Threadgill asked ifthey had cameras there. County Administrator Gorton replied that he would have to check, but he thought they removed them, and they were looking at getting new cameras put up. County I.T. Director Matthew Brown stated that the cameras that were down there had all failed and they were having to get new ones. Commissioner Threadgill stated they didn't need them 30 feet up where they were, but they needed them inside the bridge too. Commissioner King stated that he noticed it the other day too and if they had someone to go down there on a regular basis, then it may slow the graffiti down. Director Brown stated he had used a graffiti remover before and he would have to see ifit was safe to use with those timbers, but it worked fantastic when he used it before. Commissioner Threadgill stated they would need to check with the Historical Bridge Society to make sure before utilizing any chemical on there, but if he wasn'tmistaken - there were benches and trash cans down there for people to eat, and that Public Works used to go down there weekly to empty those trash cans. County Administrator Gorton stated that he would check with Public Works. Commissioner King stated the benches were removed, and Quakers Farm owned all of that property now, SO once you passed that bridge - it didn' 't belong to the County at all. Commissioner King asked ift they remember picking up the picnic tables and donating them to Lake Meriwether, and that the trash cans were probably gone too. Commissioner King added that it wasn'ta public park and was a historic bridge. Commissioner Threadgill stated that the graffiti used to come from the boats going under the bridge and they would paint as they were going by, but they had never had it inside the bridge before. Commissioner King stated that the only time it was good enough for a boat to go under it was when it was flooded. County Clerk Stephens stated that she also noticed it the last time she was there. Vice Chairman Collins stated there were black marks on the wood in the bridge, like someone was possibly up there just spinning their tires. County Administrator Gorton stated that when he first started, there was a grant for that bridge and they did not take advantage oft that, SO he would reach back out to see who that grant was through, and they could reapply for it to restore the cover bridge. Commissioner King stated they could get a sign out there that says, "Go ahead and write, cause you're on camera" and they would be looking around for them. Commissioner Threadgill stated he didn'tremember it being for the Red Oak Bridge but remembered someone applying for the White Oak Covered Bridge that is no longer there. County Administrator Gorton stated that it was when he had first started and he couldn't remember the exact bridge, but just remembered it was for a covered bridge. County Clerk Stephens stated it was something through the natural historic society, that they could apply for something, but she didn't know that they did. County Administrator Gorton stated that he just remembered it being a discussion when he came on board, about a grant for it. Chairman Worsley stated they may want to look at closing the bridge between certain hours, and that would deter some ofthat at the time of night that activity would happen. County Administrator Gorton stated they would put cameras up as quickly as they could. XV. REPORT FROM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Jennifer Snelson: Commissioner Snelson had no report. Commissioner Gene King: Commissioner King stated that, fortunately, the rain they had been getting hadn't washed out anymore culverts, sO they seemed to be getting in the right direction and could hopefully start having some good and dry weather and get other things in the County taken care of. Vice Chairman Emmett Collins: Vice Chairman Collins stated that he wanted to thank the Staff and all the employees for what they were doing for Meriwether County. Commissioner Bryan Threadgill: Commissioner Threadgill had no report. Chairman Adam Worsley: Chairman Worsley thanked everyone for the hard work that they do and looked forward to seeing what all they could get done with a full Staffin a few weeks. XVI. REPORT FROM COUNTY ATTORNEY County Attomey Nathan Lee stated that if the Board recalled the Von Diamond Kennels had filed a lawsuit against them, and they had trial about two weeks ago and the Judge ruled in the County's favor. County Attorney Lee stated they had appeal rights, but for now the case has been thrown out. Chairman Worsley replied,' n good job" and asked ifthere was a need for an Executive Session. County Administrator Gorton replied yes for the purposes of Personnel and Real Estate. Chairman Worsley stated that he would like to list all 4 reasons just in case. XVII. EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was made to go into Executive Session for the purposes ofLitigation, Personnel, Real Estate, and Tax Matters by Commissioner Threadgill at 6:54 p.m. Vice Chairman Collins seconded this motion. All were in favor. A motion was made to close the Executive Session at 7:37 p.m. by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Collins. All were in favor. A motion was made to go back into Regular Session by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Collins at 7:39 p.m. All were in favor. There was no action taken in the Executive Session. XVII. FUTURE MEETINGS & NOTICES XIX. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made to Adjourn the Meeting at 7:39 p.m. by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Collins. All were in favor. Approved by: Majonty Vole AA 4he Boad of Conmsstoncys Attest: WHyAb &. Atuphna, Tounly Clerk Date: Match 26 2025