505 Houston County Commissioners Meeting April 22, 2025 Warner Robins, Georgia The Houston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Houston County Annex in Warner Robins, Georgia. Chairman Perdue presided, and Commissioners Byrd, Gottwals, Robinson, and Talton were present. Director of Operations Brian Jones and Director of Administration Robbie Dunbar were also present. Commissioner Byrd led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Gottwals gave the invocation. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the minutes from the April 8, 2025, meeting. Mr. Byrd presented: a request from the City of Warner Robins to annex property located at 120 Kennel Drive. Chairman Perdue opened the floor for Public Comments. There were no comments, SO the meeting continued. Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to concur with the annexation of property located at 120 Kennel Drive containing 22.97 acres, known as tax parcel 000730 032000, with a zoning change of County R-1 to City of Warner Robins R-4, with the following stipulation: All access will be from Watson Blvd., with only emergency vehicle access on Mauk Circle. Mr. Byrd commented that the City of Warner Robins had required an additional buffer around the development. Chairman Perdue reiterated that the City required an additional buffer and expressed appreciation that the City agreed to limit access to Mauk Circle to emergency vehicles only. He concluded by saying that he was glad to see the project taking place, as it would be a positive redevelopment project for the area. Mr. Byrd presented a request for an amendment to the intergovernmental Agreement for E- 911 services. Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the amendment to the E-911 Intergovernmental Agreement, which updates the funding terms of the agreement between Houston County, the City of Warner Robins, the City of Centerville, and the City of Perry. Chairman Perdue commented that after talks with the cities, it was decided that a formula model based on the number of calls for service would be the fairest, with the County paying an additional 30% premium. He continued, stating that the fees we pay for cell phone and landline services do not fully fund 911 services, requiring local governments to contribute. Mr. Talton presented a request from the City of Perry to add to the Water Purchase Agreement. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals and carried unanimously by all to approve the addition of the Remington Chase Phase II subdivision located on Gurr Road in Perry to the Water Purchase Agreement between the Houston County Board of Commissioners and the City of Perry, with the following stipulations: The developer posts a bond covering 125% of the construction cost for work performed on the Houston Water System. Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 506 506 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 505 Adherence to the rate structure approved by the Houston County Board of Commissioners on February 18, 2025. The issuance of a utility permit to the City of Perry based on all conditions being met according to "Houston County Utility Accommodations". Mr. Talton presented a request for the approval of a quote to replace IT network switches at the Courthouse and Detention Center. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the quote from CNP Technologies, LLC of Charlotte, North Carolina, in the amount of $198,745.07, with half ($99,372.53) being paid upfront, and the remainder paid at completion of the project. This project will be funded by 2018 SPLOST. Also, allow the Accounting Department to make thei initial payment by special check on April 23, 2025. Chairman Perdue expressed his thanks for approving a special check being issued for the initial payment before the quote expires and prices go up. Mr. Talton presented a request for approval of a change order on the purchase agreement for the two new rescue trucks approved at the December 17, 2024, meeting. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the change order in the amount of $1,138 per truck, bringing the total price for two trucks plus equipment to $1,123,137.04. This purchase will be paid for using ARPA and SPLOST funds with this change order being funded by 2018 SPLOST. No additional time will be added to the delivery. Chairman Perdue stated that the change was made after a site visit to the Rosenbauer's plant, where the necessary modifications in storage design became apparent. Chief Stoner agreed that the changes were necessary. Ms. Robinson presented a request to approve a bid on one new Ford F-150. Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the bid on one new 2025 Ford F-150 4X4 Supercrew, for use by the District Attorney, from Phil Brannen Ford of Perry, Georgia. This truck will replace the current 2019 GMC Yukon that will be reassigned. This purchase in the amount of $65,429 will be reimbursed with Drug Forfeiture Funds. Ms. Robinson presented a request for approval to hire poll workers for the upcoming June 17, 2025 Special Election. Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve hiring the following poll workers for the June 17, 2025 election, and for the Accounting Department to make any and all budget adjustments: AMOUNT TOTAL 17 Managers (Precinct) 175.00 2,975.00 34 Assistant Managers (Precinct) 125.00 4,250.00 30 Clerks 115.00 3,450.00 81 Training 25.00 2025.00 12 Training (Backup Workers) 25.00 300.00 5 Janitors -Schools 15.50 77.50 2 Janitors 25.00 50.00 85 BMD (Ballot Marking Device) 2.00 170.00 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 507 507 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page506 2 Election Supply Load Out Help 75.00 150.00 2 Election Night Equipment Return Help 75.00 150.00 3 Election Night Check-In Clerks 75.00 225.00 17 Supply pick-up / return supplies (Managers) 10.00 170.00 17 Cell Phones 10.00 170.00 1 Ballot Scan Clerk 100.00 100.00 TOTAL 14,262.50 Ms. Robinson presented a request to fill the vacant Assistant District Attorney position. Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve hiring Brandi Holland to fill the vacant Assistant District Attorney position at a Grade 30 Step C effective April 23, 2025. Mr. Gottwals presented a request to begin phase 1 of a leadership development program for Department Heads. Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve beginning phase 1 of the leadership development program for department heads with Axis Leadership, LLC. The cost of phase 1, including course materials for 25 participants, will be $34,625. This training will be paid for using the General Fund Balance previously designated for Leadership and Development. Mr. Byrd presented a request tot fill the vacant Legal Secretary position in the Public Defender's Office. Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve hiring Jana Dingmore to fill the vacant Legal Secretary position in the Public Defender's Office at a Grade 13 Step B effective April 23, 2025. Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve the payment of the bills totaling $4,175,313.71. Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion of the meeting and opened Public Comments. Rev. Dr. Rutha. Jackson, and Dr. Daryl Vining spoke on their views of the at large representation utilized in the County and advocated changing it to district representation. Tim Burkle spoke about his ideas for improving traffic flow in Houston County. Jaqueline Rozier spoke on her views regarding the at-large representation utilized in the County and advocated changing it to district representation. Bob Floyd spoke about various issues of concern to him personally. Jonathan. Johnson spoke on his views on the at-large representation utilized in the County and advocated changing it to district representation. Fire/HEMA Chief Stoner spoke about the recent improvement in the County's Fire Department ISO rating from 4 to 3. There being no further comments, Chairman Perdue closed Public Comments and opened Commissioner Comments. Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 508 508 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 507 Mr. Gottwals spoke about the dedications earlier in the day of three multipurpose rooms at government buildings honoring three former Houston County Commissioners: Mr. Walker, Mr. Thomson, and Mr. McMichael. He concluded his comments by expressing his appreciation for camaraderie, togetherness, and the way that the Commissioners work SO welli together for all Houston County citizens. Mr. Talton thanked everyone for attending the meeting and commented on the combined total of over 70 years of service that the three former Commissioners recognized earlier ini the day had given to the citizens of Houston County. He concluded his remarks by thanking Chief Stoner for the great report about improving the Fire Department's ISO rating and for his leadership. Mr. Byrd expressed how great it was to celebrate each of the three former Houston County Commissioners that day. He stated that he was thankful to be part of a Board that helps provide essential services to all Houston County residents and gave his congratulations to Fire Chief Chris Stoner for the Department's improved ISO Rating. He concluded his remarks by commenting on the many items approved related to intergovernmental cooperation. Finally, he wished his mother a very happy birthday. Ms. Robinson thanked everyone for attending and for their comments. She thanked Chief Stoner and his department for their efforts to improve the ISO Rating. She recognized former Commissioners Walker, McMichael, and Thomson for their work and dedication and thanked them for their mentorship when she served with them on the Board. Chairman Perdue stated that today was Earth Day and explained his thoughts about how County recognizes Earth Day everyday through the work that takes place at the Landfill. He further commented that the landfill helps protect the environment and helps the County be a good steward of environmental resources. He expressed thanks to Public Works staff Terry Dietsch and Jeffery Smith and the personnel who work at the landfill for their efforts every day. He concluded his comments by reminding everyone that April 23rd was Administrative Professionals Day and thanked Dawn Wilkins, Cheryl Scarborough, and Jordan Kelley for their work in supporting the County. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve adjourning the meeting. Meeting adjourned. Robbie Dunbar Chairman Director of Administration Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner