MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING The Chairman called the meeting to order. Invocation conducted. Pledge of allegiance to the Flag. Dalton Daisy and Brownie Troop 24005 led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance Roll call to determine quorum The following members were present: Others Present: Jevin Jensen, Chairman Robert Smalley, County Attorney Barry W. Robbins, Vice-Chair Robert Sivick, County Administrator Robby Staten, Member (ABSENT) Department Heads John Thomas, Member Citizens Greg Jones, Member Press Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to approve the agenda as presented. The agenda was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Jones, Thomas, and Robbins in agreement. Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the Special Called March 5, 2025 and March 10, 2025 Regular Business Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Jones, Thomas, and Robbins in agreement. Chairman Jensen recognized Gina Rogers as the Employee of the Month for February 2025. Ms. Rogers works in the Elections Office. Proclamation = Dalton Daisy and Brownie Troop 24005: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Jones to recognize the achievement of the Dalton Daisy & Brownie Troop 24005 in Girl Scout cookie sales and community service. The troop sold 6,200 boxes, an average of 451 boxes per girl, making them the top-selling troop in Whitfield County, with orders reaching 24 states. They also voted to allocate a significant portion of their earnings to provide Easter meal boxes for families in need. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas and Jones in agreement. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Jones to proclaim April 13-19, 2025 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Whitfield County, Georgia. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas and Jones in agreement. National Donate Life Month: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Jones to proclaim the month of April 2025 as National Donate Life Month in Whitfield County, Georgia. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Chairman's Report: Chairman Jensen noted the 250th Celebration of the United States Committee will be voted on during this meeting. Jensen further noted that citizens could appeal their property assessments at the Tax Assessors Offices. Page I of5 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET Report from Commissioners: Commissioners Robbins and Thomas did not have any updates to report for this month. Commissioner Jones noted that Public Works has begun mowing in Whitfield County. County Administrator Report: County Administrator Robert Sivick informed the Board that the Broadband Citizen Advisory Committee held a meeting on March 20, the Natural Treasures Stewardship Forum will be held on April 25, at Dalton State College and that Believe Greater Dalton was one of ten community organizations statewide to receive the inaugural Georgia Reads Community Award and a $25,000 literacy grant. February 2025 Financial Statement: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the February Financial Statement as presented by Chief Finance Officer Debbie Godfrey. Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) collections: February collections of $1,272,807 were 4.24% less than budgeted collections of $1,329,167. This was 2.21% more than January collections of $1,245,318. YTD collections of $2,518,125 were 3.59% more than PY collections of $2,430,851 for the same time frame. TAVT collections: February collections of $390,481 were 3.68% less than January collections of $405,384. YTD collections of $795,865 were 9.02% less than PY collections of $874,762 for the same time frame. YTD actual revenues of $6,908,157 were less than projected revenues of $7,375,911 by $467,754 or 6.34%. YTD actual expenditures of $9,971.321 were more than projected expenditures of $9,795,838 by $175.483 or up by 1.79%. Actual February 28 ending fund balance = $31,702.155. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Jones and Robbins in agreement. Public Comment: Several citizens voiced their concerns about their recent property assessment notices. Chairman Jensen reminded citizens that they can appeal their assessments at the Tax Assessors Office. Appointment of Animal Shelter Director: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to appoint Whitney Dunn as Director of the Animal Shelter for Whitfield County. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Robbins and Jones in agreement Finance = Wells Fargo Building Elevator Invoice: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the payment of the invoice from Otis Elevator in the amount of $49,078.75. Per the lease agreement with Triple E Properties, LLC, the County must pay their portion of repairs made to the Wells Fargo office space. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Finance = Budget Amendment Tax Commissioner Cameras: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the bid from Odin Integrated Technologies of $20,894 for cameras and installation at the Tax Commissioner's Office from 2025 Capital. In 2021, the Federal Government banned certain surveillance camera makers (Hikvision and Dahua) from sale in the US. The Federal Government is now requiring replacements of those cameras. The County has been actively replacing those camera brands with NDAA-compliant cameras. The sites where cameras have been replaced or will be replaced soon are the Courthouse, Parking Desk, Wells Fargo, Sheriff's Office including the Training Facility, and Treatment Court. The Tax Commissioner's Office has the largest number of these banned cameras, which need to be replaced with NDAA-compliant cameras The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Finance = 2024 Year End Budget Amendments: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to approve the 2024 year end budget amendments as follows: Net General Fund Revenue increase of $703,000 Page 2 of5 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET Net General Fund Expenditures increase of $1,368,000. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Public Works = Equipment Surplus: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Jones to declare the equipment and vehicles as surplus and to auction on Gov.deals.com. Public Works is requesting to surplus the following: Unit# 309, 2015 John Deere 6105 tractor with boom mower SNIPOBIOSOTEMBSTE6. Unit #30, 2012 Ford F-150 pickup S/N 1FTFW/EF7CFB8/198 Unit #36, 2011 Ford F-150 pickup, S/N 1FTFWIEF4BFA08095, Unit #327, 2001 Rosco 9 wheel roller S/N 36590, Unit #614, 2000 Ford Expedition S/N 1FMPUI6L4YLB83452 The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Robbins and Jones in agreement. EMA - Radio Purchase for School Resource Officers: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the purchase of Motorola Radios for $95,487.28. Whitfield County EMA and the Sheriff's Office are requesting the purchase of 14 portable radios for school resource officers. The funds will come from the 2024 SPLOST. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas and Jones in agreement. IT- Panasonic Toughbooks for Sheriff's Office: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the purchase of 138 Panasonic Toughbooks from the lowest responder - Eastern Data including a 3 year warranty for $391,506.00 paid out of the 2020 SPLOST. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Ratify = ARC Ready Grant Agreement: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to ratify the acceptance and grant agreement for the Appalachian Regional Commission's READY Local Government. This is a $50,000 federal grant for leadership and management training. No match is required. The grant performance period is May 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Jones, Robbins, and Thomas in agreement. UGA Contract - Whitfield County Extension Office: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the contract for the UGA County Extension Office for their fiscal year which is July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 in the amount of $96,549.00. The first 6 months of the contract are already in the 2025 Budget and the final 6 months will be included in the 2026 Budget. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Jones, Robbins, and Thomas in agreement Parks & Recreation = Purchase of Utility Tractor: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the purchase from Nelson Tractor for a utility tractor for the parks and recreation department in the amount of $37,450. The funds will come from the 2024 SPLOST. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Jones, Thomas, and Robbins in agreement. Appointment of 250th Celebration Committee: Motion was made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Jones to appoint a citizen-led committee to work with County staff and Page 3 of5 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET coordinate with cities and towns on 2026 July 4 celebration activities. Members include: Amanda Brown, Robert Webb, Jean Garland, Matthew Gramling and Melissa Whitesell. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Thomas, Robbins and Jones in agreement Sheriff's Office - Vehicle Replacement: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the purchase a replacement vehicle for the Sheriffs Office from Mountain View Dodge Ringgold for $43,145.50. The Board of Commissioners previously purchased the Sheriff's Office a 2024 Dodge Durango and was placed into service 02/20/25. The vehicle was involved in an accident on 03/21/25 and was declared a total loss. The insurance company of the other party is issuing a check for $43,912.39 of which $799.89 will be deposited into the general fund. The motion was approved 3-0, Commissioners Jones, Thomas and Robbins in agreement. Ratify = Domestic Violence Court VAWA Grant Award: Motion as made by Commissioner Robbins and seconded by Commissioner Thomas to ratify the grant award. The Conasauga Domestic Violence Court has been awarded a Violence Against Women (VA WA) grant for FY2025 in the amount Of $79,328 with a $26,443 match. This is a recurring grant for which the Court applies each year to fund operations. This is a federal grant administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). The motion was approve 3-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas and Jones in agreement. Rezoning Recommendation: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the recommendation of the planning commission approving the request of Riverstone Construction LLC to rezone from High Density Residential (R-7) to Zero Lot Line Residential (R-4) a tract of land totaling 12.7 acres located at 2610 Cleveland Highway, Dalton, Georgia. Parcel (12-089-02-000). The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Robbins, Thomas and Robbins in agreement. Rezoning Recommendation: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the recommendation of the planning commission approving the request of Greyson Renz to rezone from General Agriculture (GA) to Suburban Agriculture (SA) a tract of land totaling 7.8 acres located at 228 Cohutta Beaverdale Road, Cohutta, Georgia. Parcel (11-095-08-000). The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Jones, Thomas and Robbins in agreement. Rezoning Recommendation: Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the recommendation of the planning commission approving the request of Kayla Mathis to rezone from Low Density Single Family Residential (R-2) to Rural Residential (R-5) a tract of land totaling 2.53 acres located at 2241 McCamish Road, Dalton, Georgia. Parcel 12-017-03-000). The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Jones, Thomas and Robbins in agreement. Rezoning Recommendation; Motion was made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Jones to approve the recommendation of the planning commission to DENY the request of Ryan Beavers Construction to rezone from Rural Residential (R-5) to High Density Residential (R-7) a tract of land totaling 5.54 acres located on Fondel Lane, Tunnel Hill, Georgia. Parcel (11-259-13-039). The motion to DENY was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Jones, Thomas and Robbins in agreement. County Lease = Rocky Face Ridge House: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to approve the renewal of the lease for the Rocky Face Ridge house with Lennie C. Holbert. The house is located at 2231 Crow Valley Road. The lease will terminate on Page 4 of5 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE WHITFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. AT THE COURTHOUSE BOC MEETING ROOM LOCATED AT 205 N. SELVIDGE STREET December 31st, 2025. The motion was approved 3-0 with Commissioners Jones, Thomas and Robbins in agreement. Rocky Face Ridge - Hay Bid: Motion was made by Commissioner Jones and seconded by Commissioner Robbins to renew the lease agreement from Josh Land to maintain the Hay Fields on approximately 70 acres of Rocky Face Ridge. The hay will be cut, baled and removed and Land will pay an annual amount of $350.00 to Whitfield County. The motion was approved 3-0, with Commissioners Jones, Thomas and Robbins in agreement. PUBLIC COMMENT: More Citizens addressed the Board regarding their property assessments. The Board reiterated to the Citizens to file appeals with the Tax Assessors Office. ADJOURN Unanimous Cs : - JEVIN JENSEN, CHAIRMAN WAITFIELD COUNTY-BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Blao Cndo BLANCA CARDONA, COUNTY CLERK DATE5/4/2025 Page 5 of5