HEARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION March 18, 2025 - 5:30 P.M. The Heard County Board of Commissioners held a work session on March 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chamber of the Heard County Administration Building. In attendance at the meeting were Chairman Tracy McCormick, District 2 Commissioner James Perry, District 4 Commissioner Larry Hammond, and District 5 Commissioner David Walls. District 3 Commissioner Iris Harris was unable to attend and District 1 Commission seat is currently vacant. Chairman McCormick stated that this work session was called to discuss Zoning and other matters. The Board began their meeting discussing whether to participate in the proclamation for Donate Life Month in April, as presented by Lifelink of Georgia. The Board reviewed the significance of the month and the efforts to raise awareness about organ donation. The Board discussed a quote from Modern Network Solutions in the amount of$ $10,906.50 for the replacement of access controls to the doors, key fobs, card readers, push exits, and other security- related equipment at the Jail, Sheriff's s Office, and 9-1-1 facilities. It was noted that this replacement is necessary due to old and worn-out equipment that is no longer functioning effectively. The Board reviewed and discussed quotes for dumpsters. A quote from Iron Container was presented for a quantity of 6 dumpsters at $6,004, and a quantity of9 dumpsters at $8,863. Additionally, a quote from Rudco Products was provided for a quantity of 14 dumpsters at $13,384. The Board discussed quotes for porta potties for the Recreation Department at the ball fields. Two quotes were presented: Georgia Container Portable Toilets of Georgia quoted $68.50 per 28-day billing cycle for a standard portable toilet with hand sanitizer included, and $95 per 28-day billing cycle for an ADA/Wheelchair accessible toilet with hand sanitizer included. Both units would be serviced once per week. ALA-GA Roll Offs quoted $85 per month for the standard portable toilet Page 1 of3 with hand sanitizer soap dispensers and paper towels included, and $150 for the ADA Handicap Units. The Board reviewed quotes for bush hog equipment for the Road Department. The department sold scrap metal to help offset the cost of the new equipment, earning $22,103.40 from the sale. Three quotes were presented: John Deere quoted $48,710.20 for two Flex Wing Rotary Cutters (priced at $24,355.10 each), Atlantic Southern quoted $23,853.12 for one unit, and Atlas Equipment quoted $20,975 for one unit. The Board discussed improving the existing health insurance plan for employees. It was noted that while some individuals appreciate the flexibility ofthe current plan, the majority of people have expressed dissatisfaction. Human Resource Director Katrina Billingsley mentioned that there were several ongoing issues, which occur regularly and require significant time to address, including concerns about the inadequate coverage of the medical insurance. The Board discussed the possibility ofi issuing an RFP (Request for Proposals) to explore options for improving the quality ofthe health insurance plan for employees while maintaining affordable rates. The conversation then shifted to the ACCG retirement plan. Currently, employees must be employed for 3 years before they can join the plan. A proposal was made to reduce this requirement to 2 years, allowing employees to join sooner. The possibility of offering a buyback option for employees who want to purchase any additional years of service was also discussed. Further consideration was given to reducing the eligibility period to just 1 year, though this would require more discussion. The ACCG retirement plan's eligibility and buyback options will continue to be discussed in future sessions. The Board reviewed the map and discussed the location of Noles Road. Ricky and Ethan Sewell raised concerns about the road's maintenance and property changes. They explained that the road had Page 2 of3 been closed and shifted onto Hancock Timberland's property, resulting in the Sewells losing road frontage. Mr. Ricky Sewell provided further context, explaining that the mobile home at the end of Noles Road uses an alternative access route due to a creek. Originally, the road connected to Ridge Road but was closed after a bridge washed out. The Sewells are considering further development at the mobile home site, which could require additional legal discussions. A disputed strip ofland between the original and new road alignments is owned by Hancock Timberland, but the company has not acknowledged the road's encroachment. The Sewells are exploring options to resolve this issue, potentially by negotiating with the timber company. The Board discussed the legal complexities surrounding the relocation of the road. The Board discussed updating the logging ordinances. Codes Enforcement Officer James McDonald addressed the Board regarding the need to revise the ordinance to comply with Georgia law. The discussion focused on managing logging truck operations, including prohibiting long-term parking on county roads and ensuring loggers can unload at the start of their job to establish driveways. The group also considered enforcing restrictions during inclement weather and maintaining road standards. More work will be done with the county attorney to provide guidance on revising the ordinances. The work session ended with no official action being taken. End time 6:15 p.m. fahina e Mhh - - - Abuinaduy sary SEAL County Clerk Chairman Date 045/a5 0 a cou9 Page 3 of3