MINUTES MERIWETHER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MARCH 25, 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 John Gorton, County Clerk Allyson Stephens, Finance Director Jamie Tarleton, Administrative Assistant Hailee Palmer, and County Attorney Michael Hill. 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 Vice Chairman Emmett Collins. III. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG All. IV. ADOPT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Gene King and seconded by Commissioner Bryan Threadgill to Adopt the Agenda. All were in favor. V. PRESENTATIONS None. VI. FINANCE REPORT County Administrator John Gorton provided the Board with the Finance Report as of 3:30 p.m. March 25, 2025. Administrator Gorton stated that Finance has no issues and the balances are holding steady. Administrator Gorton explained that the quarterly tipping fees will be coming in April for the first quarter of 2025. Allocations for LOST, SPLOST, and TSPLOST will be coming in at the end oft the month, which should be Thursday or Friday. Administrator Gorton stated that the second page of the handout he provided was the SPLOST and TSPLOST commitments and the available balance in SPLOST IS $604,000 dollars and TSPLOSTis $351,581.00. Administrator Gorton stated that there needed to be a correction where it stated 2024 LMIG and LRA. It is actually the 2025 LMIG project. Administrator Gorton stated he did list the amount received for the 2024 LRA, which was $1,013,379.36. Administrator Gorton placed that amount as later in the Agenda there is an opportunity for another LRA. VII. DEPARTMENT HEADS County Administrator Gorton introduced Jamie Tarleton as the new Finance Director. Jamie started work the previous week. Finance Director Jamie Tarleton introduced herself and stated she is from Lamar County and new to local governance. Director Tarleton stated that she came from the financial institution world. Director Tarleton stated that analytics and numbers are her game, and she is there to hopefully make everyone proud. Finance Director Tarleton stated that ifthe Board had any suggestions or opportunities for leaming, she would be all ears. Commissioner Threadgill stated the Board isn't shy and the Board welcomed Finance Director Tarleton. County Administrator Gorton gave a report on Recreation and stated that the number is just shy of 200 kids that are involved in baseball and softball this year and projections for next year are around 250-300 kids. County Administrator Gorton stated the recreation program had quadrupled from the previous year. Administrator Gorton stated that the new Recreation Director will start on Monday, March 31st, 2025. Baseball kicks off on Friday and welcomed the Board to watch Little League baseball. Commissioner Snelson stated that she attended and the girls' softball started on March 24, 2025. VII. CITIZEN COMMENT Chairman Worsley read the procedures for Citizen Comment. Michael Robertson - Mr. Robertson requested to speak, but was not in attendance. IX. MINUTES 1. Vice Chairman Collins stated that on page 8, halfway through, the minutes needed to reflect that Vice Chairman Collins stated that "one fill-up in the patcher tank, could last up to two months. " County Clerk Stephens acknowledged the change and would make the correction. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Collins to accept the Minutes of the March 10, 2025, Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m., with the changes suggested by Vice Chairman Collins. All were in favor. X. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Case#P25-001 - Request from 915 LLC, Joseph Pendley to rezone parcel 186-001, 343.25 acres from LDR to A1 for an event venue and hunting camp. A motion was made by Commissioner King and seconded by Commissioner Snelson to go into the Public Hearing at 6:07 p.m. All were in favor. Planning and Zoning Director Cassandra Jones stated that she received an application from Mr. Joseph Pendley to rezone parcel 186-001, 343.25 acres from LDR to Al. Director Jones stated that this is located at the corner ofManson Road and Highway 362. Director Jones stated, Mr. Pendley would like to rezone this for the proposed use of an event center/lodge and quail hunting facility. During the Planning Commission Meeting, Director Jones stated it was stated that the quail would be placed, and the hunts would be guided and there would be no shooting towards homes, which was a concern brought forward by one of the homeowners. Mr. Pendley has stated that because ofthe amount oft trees and large acreage ofland that the hunting would be at the center of the property and the lodgelevent center would be located at the bottom corner of the property near Hwy 362 and Manson Road. Director Jones stated that because oft the answers Mr. Pendley was able to give to the neighbors in attendance at the Planning Meeting, the neighbors were in favor ofit and had no problems. Director Jones stated the Planning Commission had heard all comments and made a recommendation for approval. Commissioner King asked why it would need to go from LDR to Al. Director Jones stated that for what Mr. Pendley wants to do as far as hunting, it requires it to be zoned agricultural. Commissioner King asked if a special use could be given. Director Jones stated that, per County Ordinance, it also has to be rezoned for the event center. Director Jones stated that as Mr. Pendley quoted "he wants to do quail hunt weddings. " Commissioner King stated that it would be a beautiful place for the weddings with the trees. Director Jones stated that he would have a lodge for the hunting and the event center for the wedding in the bottom corner. Chairman Worsley asked ift there was anyone in the audience that wanted to speak in favor of the request. Mr. Joseph Pendley - 9217 Mt. Carmel Road, Senoia, stated that he would like to speak in favor of it and felt it was a good keeper and preservation of wildlife and would give people a place to hunt. Mr. Pendley stated that it would actually increase some oft the tax base because the 25 acres that they have to do for the event venue cannot be left in CUVA any longer. Mr. Pendley stated the tax base would actually increase on that a little bit. Mr. Pendley stated that it would also help the tax base by bringing in a few jobs as a business. Mr. Pendley stated he felt it would be a great thing to do and offered to answer any questions the Board may have. Chairman Worsley asked if there was anyone that would like to speak in opposition to the request. With no one else wishing to speak for or against the request, a motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Collins to close the Public Hearing at 6:12 p.m. All were in favor. A motion was made by Commissioner Gene King and seconded by Commissioner Jennifer Snelson to approve the request from 915 LLC, Joseph Pendley to rezone parcel 186-001, 343.25 acres from LDR to Al for an event venue and hunting camp. All were in favor. XI. APPOINTMENTS None. XII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Discussion on releasing the Agenda Packet Administrator Gorton stated that this item was tabled during the March 10, 2025, meeting. Staff recommend a 90-day period to research the Civic Plus Software, undergo training on proper agenda processing, and determine whether specific items can be redacted without the need to create separate agendas. Administrator Gorton stated that Civic Plus will allow different levels to be signed off for approval ofthe overall packet. Administrator Gorton stated that is why a 90- day period is being requested, ifthe Board would like to release the packet to the public. Commissioner Threadgill stated that as he stated last time, a packet is not a packet and an agenda is not an agenda until it is approved by the Board at that particular meeting. Commissioner Threadgill stated that he does have concerns that there may be items on the agenda or items in the packet that have not been approved and not an official agenda. Commissioner Threadgill stated that he did have concerns regarding redactions and running it through legal each time before a packet is released and put online to make sure there is nothing there that would need to be redacted prior to that. Commissioner Threadgill stated that was his major concern. Commissioner Snelson stated that she still feels for transparency and, by looking up the program herself, that once the packet is loaded in, the system has the information, and it filters through it. Commissioner Snelson stated that when she looked at the program it would auto-redact, and she looked through previous months and once stuff is turned in, it is already done before the Board receives it anyway. Commissioner Snelson stated she feels for citizens' transparency and accountability that they know the Agenda is not official until the Board adopts it, but it is already on there. Commissioner Snelson stated that is why she is advocating for it, and ift the citizens would like to look at it, they can. Commissioner Threadgill asked ifthis was the request of the staff to allow 90 days. County Administrator Gorton stated that is correct if the Board would like to release it to the public and if the proper levels are in the system, SO staffi is not creating two agendas. Chairman Worsley stated, "so the staffi is not recommending for or against, just saying if the Board votes in favor of this, to allow 90 days for review?" County Administrator Gorton stated that is correct. County Administrator Gorton stated this is a Board ofCommissioners action item to take and not the staff. Chairman Worsley stated he understood. A motion was made by Commissioner Snelson to follow the staff recommendation and give them the 90-day period to go through with this and hopefully move forward with posting the agenda online. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Collins. Voting in favor were Chairman Worsley, Vice Chairman Collins, Commissioner King, and Commissioner Snelson. Voting opposed was Commissioner Threadgill. The motion passed. County Administrator Gorton stated that staff would reconvene in 90 days with their findings. 2. Consideration ofSurface Maintenance, LLC to do Road Maintenance on Maffett's Pond Road and Gunter Road County Administrator Gorton stated that this item was also tabled from the March 10, 2025, Regular Meeting. These are two proposals from Surface Maintenance LLC for the repair of Maffett's Pond Road and Gunter Road, as identified by Public Works. Subcontracting these repairs would allow Public Works to focus on other roads within the County. Ifthe services provided meet County standards, Surface Maintenance LLC could serve as an additional vendor to support Public Works in maintaining other County roads. The funding will be TSPLOST. County Administrator Gorton stated that the length ofMaffett's Pond Road would be 2,259 ft. The length of Gunter Road was 2,424 ft. Administrator Gorton stated that together both roads were quoted for under $15,000 dollars. Vice Chairman Collins stated that both roads together were under a mile. Administrator Gorton stated that was correct. Vice Chairman Collins stated that he felt the Board should wait a while and see how the new Public Works Director gets along, and maybe he can get this done without having to pay someone. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Collins and seconded by Commissioner Snelson to wait on approval of this to see ifthe new Public Works Director can get this done in house. All were in favor. Administrator Gorton stated he would get a hold of'Suface Maintenance, LLC and let them know. XIII. NEW BUSINESS 1. Execute HMPG Hazard Mitigation Grant Application 2025 County Administrator Gorton stated the current Hazard Mitigation Plan for Meriwether County is set to expire on July 19, 2025, with the associated grant expiring on January 16, 2027. The approved funding for the plan totals $24,000, with contributions of$18,000 from federal funds, $2,400 from the state, and $3,600 from local funds. Staff will be updating the Meriwether County Hazard Mitigation Plan on April 4, April 24, and May 7, 2025, ensuring the County remains compliant with the grant requirements. Collaboration with staff from other organizations may be beneficial in addressing potential events and will support efforts to secure additional grants from GEMA related to hazard mitigation. Administrator Gorton stated this is a plan for worst-case scenarios and, in the past, have used in-kind labor from staff. Administrator Gorton stated that the Chair would need to sign as well. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Collins to Execute the HMPG Hazard Mitigation Grant Application for 2025 and allow the Chair to sign. All were in favor. 2. Reconsideration of Bond Amount for Hidden Meadows Subdivision County Administrator Gorton stated he met with Mark Wurster regarding the bond amount for the Hidden Meadows Subdivision, and he has requested a reconsideration of the amount. The original bond was set at $350,649.51 for a 5-year term. During the initial meeting establishing the bond, supporting documentation indicated that the cul-de-sac had not been inspected before paving. As a result, the original bond amount was calculated based on replacing the entire road within the subdivision. Mr. Wurster has now provided documentation showing that the cost to repave the cul-de-sac and main drive would be $144,145.08. Applying the ordinance calculation of 150% of the cost, the revised bond amount would be $216,231.12. Mr. Wurster is requesting the bond be reduced to $216,231.12, and staff recommend maintaining the five-year term. Mr. Wurster has requested that it be reduced to a 3 or 4-year term as it has been sitting for a year with nothing done to it yet. Administrator Gorton explained that he could bring it back to the Board because it was the cul-de-sac that was in question of failing and not the entire subdivision road. Administrator Gorton stated that Mr. Wurster did get a quote from Piedmont of the cost being $144,145.08. County Administrator Gorton stated it does not say how long the quote is good for. Commissioner King stated that if the quotes are there, and it is multiplied by the 1.5% standard, he doesn't know the gentleman, but understands he is a developer out of Fayetteville. Commissioner King stated they would be building 14 houses there. He doesn't know the guy on aj personal level, but they will be bringing in heavy delivery and concrete trucks in and out of there and ifi it is going to tear up, it will tear up in a 3-year period, with no problem at all. Commissioner King stated he doesn' t feel like he is asking for too much as the staff has the quote and is going by the number. Commissioner King stated that, unfortunately, when Bill was checking things out and went out and looked at it, they came in with a dump truck loaded down with gravel and drove over it to see ifit stayed solid or pumps. One area had pumping. Commissioner King stated that Mr. Bill told them to dig it out, redo it, and pack it, going deeper with GAB. Commissioner King stated that ifhe was not mistaken, this was the time when Mr. Bill had some health issues and the company was trying to get an inspection. There was no one to go out and look at it. With all the rain coming, they took it upon themselves to go ahead and do it. Commissioner King stated that $200 and some thousand would cover the County well within three years. Commissioner King stated that it will be covered and will tear up within three years ifit is going to. Commissioner King made a motion to reconsider the amount ofthe Hidden Meadows Subdivision Bond to the amount ofS216,231.12 with a 3-year term. There was no second and the motion failed for lack of a second. Vice Chairman Collins asked ifthe developer was okay with the 5-year term. County Administrator Gorton stated that since the road had sat for a year, he was asking for a 3-year period. County Administrator Gorton advised that he would present it to the Board. Commissioner King asked ifhe was asking for a 3-year or 4-year. Administrator Gorton stated they are asking for 3 years, but it has been sitting for 1. Commissioner King stated that the reason he was making the motion on that was that the standard policy is 3. Commissioner King stated he was trying to stay within the guidelines of what is normally done on any other subdivisions that got inspected. Commissioner King stated they would get three years. Chairman Worsley stated the key point is that this did not get inspected, and he understood what they were trying to do, but they took the risk and did not get an inspection. Chairman Worsley stated he feels the Board is being more than fair, going back out and reassessing and looking at the real risk to the road and taking the chance to see if the dollar amount can be reduced. Chairman Worsley stated that every contractor needs to understand that these ordinances are in place for a reason and the County will stand behind them. Commissioner Snelson asked what the difference was in the curbing, and ifit was supposed to be the rollback curbing, and they did a different curbing. Commissioner Snelson wanted to know if that would impact the road. County Administrator Gorton stated that this was Bill's calculation of the entire road and not just the cul-de-sac. Commissioner King made a motion to approve the staff's recommended dollar amount of$216,231.12 with a 4-year term starting 03-25-2025 for the Hidden Meadows Subdivision. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Collins. All were in favor. 3. Consideration of accepting Credit Card Payments for the Recreation Department County Administrator Gorton stated that with the baseball season approaching at the Meriwether County Recreation Department, staff ares seeking approval to accept credit card payments and deposit them into the new Recreation bank account at United Bank. This way they are not commingled with Lake Meriwether funds. This will apply to concession sales and registration for future sporting events. Administrator Gorton stated the merchant would be with Square. There is no contract with Square, it is like Cash App or Venmo. County Administrator Gorton stated that the staff's recommendation was to accept credit card payments for the Recreation Department using Square. A motion was made by Commissioner Snelson and seconded by Commissioner Threadgill to accept credit card payments for the Recreation Department using Square. All were in favor. 4. Approval to Apply for LRA Funding for 2025 On March 20, 2025, staff were notified of eligibility for LRA funds for 2025 in the amount of $1,018,943.37. Staff are requesting approval to apply for these funds from GDOT, with no matching requirement. The proposed projects will include culverts, bridges, and roads. The Board was provided a list of what was submitted for the 2024 LRA, and staffis recommending the projects that were not included that totaled $1,080,000 dollars. County Administrator Gorton stated that the amount would have to be above $1,018,943.37. County Clerk Allyson Stephens explained to the Board that there were several bridges and culverts that were not able to be addressed with the initial 2024 LRA supplemental. County Clerk Stephens stated that those that were not addressed or bid on in the initial 2024 LRA supplemental could be added to the project list for the 2025 LRA supplemental. She could go ahead and apply fori those funds. County Clerk Stephens stated that staff needed to make sure that the project list was over the amount of what is set to be awarded, because there is no match. County Clerk Stephens stated that the project list could be amended. Commissioner Threadgill asked if the Chair would need to sign. Clerk Stephens stated that the Chair would need to sign. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill to apply for the LRA funding for 2025 and allow the Chair to sign. Vice Chairman Collins seconded the motion. All were in favor. 5. Lake Meriwether Bank Account - Allow Chair to sign letter County Administrator Gorton stated that following the resignation of Recreation Director Andrew McCrory, staff are requesting board approval to close the Lake Meriwether checking account at United Bank and open a new account under the same name, transferring the existing funds accordingly. This change is necessary for security purposes, as the current account includes recreation funds. A new Recreation account has already been established at United Bank to manage those funds separately. United Bank requires either a board-approved letter signed by the Chairman or approved meeting minutes to authorize the closure and opening of bank accounts. Staff recommends approval ofthe attached letter to facilitate this process and authorize the Chairman to sign. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Collins to close the existing account at United Bank and to open a new Lake Meriwether Bank account at United Bank, and allow the Chair to sign the letter. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Snelson. All were in favor. XIV. REPORT FROM COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR County Administrator Gorton stated that the audit is nearly complete. March 31st is the deadline to turn in the information to the DOAA, and it does not look like that deadline will be met as there is one outstanding item that will need to be taken care ofand reviewed by Mauldin and Jenkins. Administrator Gorton stated that it would be completed and submitted in April and this would be 4 months earlier than last year. A new Finance Director and Public Works Director have been hired and brought on. Administrator Gorton stated he has been training Ms. Jamie Tarleton, showing her local government and duties and responsibilities as Finance Director, and she is catching on very fast. Administrator Gorton stated that the new Public Works director will be brought up to speed on what is needed for roads. Administrator Gorton stated that he had only been working for a day and a half and has some good ideas. Administrator Gorton stated the new Recreation Director would be starting, and the baseball season has kicked off. Administrator Gorton stated it would be an exciting year for the kids, and they have pitching machines, and he spoke with Randy and the kids loved them. Chairman Worsley asked ifthere was pitching machines for both Softball and Baseball. Administrator Gorton stated there were both. County Clerk Stephens announced that Warm Springs Medical Center, in conjunction with Meriwether County DFACS and Meriwether County Family Connection, will be hosting a Prevent Child Abuse Awareness event for Meriwether County on Monday, April 14th at 11:00 a.m. A light lunch will be served. Please wear blue in support of Prevent Child Abuse Awareness Month. Clerk Stephens also stated that Meriwether County Family Connections, Rhonda Fuller Denton sent over a Save the Date Invite for Get Meriwether Reading. This is High Five for Literacy, Celebrating Five Years of Progress for Get Meriwether Reading. The Save the Date will be on Tuesday, May 20th, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Greenville Middle/High School. Staff and Commissioners were invited to attend. XV. REPORT FROM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Jennifer Snelson - Commissioner Snelson welcomed the County's new Finance and Public Works Directors as well as the Recreation Director that will be coming on Monday. Commissioner Snelson stated she looked forward to working with everyone and there are great things coming to the County. Commissioner Snelson would also like to thank the citizens for coming out and speaking and being active in the meetings. Commissioner Gene King - Commissioner King thanked all the staff from every department for all they do. Commissioner King stated he would like to take the time to clear something up and is doing sO under his attorney's advice sO it would be on public record. Commissioner King stated that, as the Board was aware last year, there was a building that he built, which is what he does for a living, builds and sells. Commissioner King stated that there was an accusation that he owned the building when the Board voted on it, and he was part of the liquor store deal and SO forth. Commissioner King stated that a particular individual that runs a YouTube channel and news stuff, put out on the Meriwether County Concerned Citizens Facebook page that he owned the building, that he shouldn't have voted, that he was not a man ofintegrity, that he needed to be voted out. Commissioner King stated that it was the final straw that he wanted to hear about and, after being approached by his attorneys and having a conversation with them, they provided every single document that the individual wanted. Commissioner King stated that documents were provided to the gentleman from the State, as well as from his closings. Commissioner King stated that it got to the point that even on his personal Facebook page ifhe was just posting something about his daughter and granddaughter, he would post comments stating "when are you going to let us see your financial statements, Commissioner King?" Commissioner King stated that after his attorneys reached out to him and provided the gentleman with all the documents he wanted, instead of coming back on the Meriwether County Facebook page and clearing up the matter, he did put on his on website that Commissioner Gene King did appear to be legit in voting on previous property that he owned. Commissioner King stated that it went on regarding the Board meeting on November 4, 2024, when there were some outbursts about it. He is also showing on the website all the tax records of when he sold it. Commissioner King stated the company he sold it to went to the State of Georgia and changed it from that name to another name. Commissioner King stated he was provided all State records for liquor stores and Attorney Hill could vouch for that. Commissioner King stated that everyone that is involved with that has to be listed on it, and he is not listed on any of that. Commissioner King stated that the gentleman went on to state "while this would allow Mr. King a vote on the property he no longer owned at this location. It did belong to a property to the Liquor Bam, LLC, which they transferred the deed to Alvaton Liquor Store, and it goes on and goes on. Commissioner King stated that he has all the documents if any citizens would like to see them. Commissioner King stated that the final straw was when he was labeled as a man with no integrity. Commissioner King stated his dad raised him right, he will do the citizens right, and he cares about everybody in the County, whether his district or not. Commissioner King stated that it is sad that someone can use social media to damage someone's character, but not go back and clarify it. Commissioner King stated that all he had to do was put that on that page, and he would post it for him, because most people in his County are not going to his website to see it. Commissioner King stated this was his way of satisfying Commissioner King's attorneys to clear up the matter. Commissioner King stated he did not own the property and has never had anything to do with the liquor store, and is proud to announce it today and have on public record if anyone wants to see it in the future. Commissioner King stated he is here for every citizen in the County and thanked the Board for allowing him the time to speak on this. Vice Chairman Emmett Collins - Vice Chairman Collins stated he would like to thank the staff at the County, at the Administrative Office, all the employees and Directors for the job they do. Vice Chairman Collins stated he is glad there is a new Public Works Director, and he hopes they get moving with the roads and dirt roads in the right direction. Vice Chairman Collins also thanked all the constituents. Commissioner Bryan Threadgill - Commissioner Threadgill stated that he was glad that Finance Director Tarleton was on board, as well as the Public Works Director and Recreation Director. Commissioner Threadgill stated it was good to see some faces he hadn't seen in a while, and welcomed them back. Commissioner Threadgll thanked everyone for everything they do in the County. Chairman Adam Worsley - Chairman Worsley thanked everyone for all they are doing and welcomed all the new Directors. Chairman Worsley stated he is looking forward to good things starting to happen in the County, that we have been planning on. Chairman Worsley stated that we now have a full staff and look forward to a lot of great things happening quickly. XVI. REPORT FROM COUNTY ATTORNEY County Attorney Michael Hill had no report, but understood there was a need for an Executive Session. County Administrator Gorton stated that an Executive Session was needed for Litigation, Personnel, and Real Estate. XVII. EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Commissioner King to go into an Executive Session for Litigation, Personnel, Real Estate, and Tax Matters at 6:40 p.m. All were in favor. A motion was made by Commissioner King and seconded by Commissioner Threadgill to go out ofthe Executive Session at 7:03 p.m. All were in favor. A motion was made by Commissioner King and seconded by Commissioner Threadgill to go back into the Regular Session at 7:05 p.m. All were in favor. No action was taken in the Executive Session. XVIIL.FUTURE MEETINGS & NOTICES Chairman Worsley read the Future Meetings prior to the Executive Session. XIX. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Vice Chairman Collins and seconded by Commissioner Threadgill to Adjourn the Meeting at 7:05 p.m. All were in favor. Approved by: Alainly Voke 0f Hc Boord of Conmissioncs Attest: CMAn & Alaphon, clert Date: Cnuny phl 7 2075