HALL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES June 14, :00 P.M. Georgia Mountains Center, 301 Main Street SW, Gainesville, GA

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1 Continuing, HALL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES 6:00 P.M. Georgia Mountains Center, 301 Main Street SW, Gainesville, GA 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairman Oliver at 6:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Tom Oliver and Commissioners Craig Lutz, Billy Powell, Scott Gibbs and Ashley Bell. Also present were County Administrator Randy Knighton, Commission Clerk Melissa McCain and County Attorney Bill Blalock. 2. Invocation: Dr. Jerry Gill - Lakewood Baptist Church gave the Invocation 3. Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Gibbs led the Pledge of Allegiance 4. Public Comment Agenda Items Only (2 minutes per speaker/10 minutes maximum) There were no public comments 5. Consent Agenda: a. Approve Board of Commissioners May 24, b. Approve Executive Session for June 12, c. Approve Dr. Linwood Zoller s annual contract for inmate medical services at the Hall County Correctional Institution. d. Approve Intergovernmental Agreement with Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority. e. Approve Hall County Library System s applications to the State of Georgia for the Georgia Public Library Service Major Repair and Renovation Grant Program for the Spout Springs and Gainesville-Headquarters Library, appointment of the Library Director, Adrian Mixson as the Program Designee, and authorization for Chairman Oliver to execute any related application or award documents. f. Approve Task Order #9, in the amount of $115,000 for On-Call Consulting Services under the North Hall County Sewer System Master Plan and Design Services Contract between Hall County and AECOM, as amended, as specified in the Scope of Services for the Task Order and authorize Chairman to execute document. g. Approve Contract with GA DOT Consultant Amec for Value Engineering Study for the Spouts Springs Road Widening project, for contract not to exceed $37, and authorize Chairman to execute documents. h. Approve acceptance of Verification Certificate for Indefinite Term Surety Bond for original $27,431 Guaranty Agreement for Streets in Harbor Point 7B and 7C Subdivision. Page 1 of 8

2 i. Approve release of $4,000 Irrevocable Letter of Credit for Fencing around Detention Pond in Village at Deaton Creek Phase 2A, Unit 1. j. Approve release of $4,000 Irrevocable Letter of Credit for Fencing around Detention Pond in Village at Deaton Creek Phase 2A, Unit 2. k. Approve IFB for Traffic Control Supplies with EPH & Associates in the amount of $11, and authorize the Chairman to execute said contract. l. Approve RFP Addendum for Shoretel VOIP System for the rest of the County (includes Courts, LEC Public Defender and Fire Services) in the amount of $291, and authorize the Chairman to execute said contract. m. Approve IFB for Hi-Bay Fluorescent Fixtures with Eagle Industrial in the amount of $15, and authorize the Chairman to execute said contract. n. Approve IFB for Inmate Bread and Milk Annual Contract with Flowers Baking Company and Flav-O-Rich Dairies in the amount of $ 30, and authorize the Chairman to execute said contract. o. Approve IFB for Inmate Clothing and Related Items to the following vendors: Tabb Textile- $1,190.30; Robinson Textiles- $502.00; Carolina Textiles- $2,317.88; Georgia Correctional- $10,785.00; ICS Jail Supplies- $1,565.93; Uniforms Mfg. Inc.- $12,040.83; OD Taragin & Bros Inc.- $157.50; Charm-Tex- $4,475.34; Bob Barker Co. Inc.- $43,125.50; JNC Supplies- $1, and authorize the Chairman to execute said contracts. p. Approve IFB for Printing Services for Hall County Government with Reach Technologies in the amount of $21, and authorize the Chairman to execute said contract. q. Approve IFP for the annual contract for Water Treatment Polymers & Enzymes with Ashland Water Technologies- $12, and ChemSmart Wholesale- $6, and authorize the Chairman to execute said contracts. r. Reappointment of Chief David Kimbrell to the Region II Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council. s. Reappointment of Rick Foote to the Keep Hall Beautiful Board. t. Reappointment of Billy Powell as Ex-Officio member to the Hall County Library Board. u. Reappointment of Killian Edwards to the Hall County Library Board. v. Reappointment of Sandra Cantrell to the Hall County Library Board. w. Reappointment of Marty Owens to the Region One Mental Health/Development Disabilities/Addictive Diseases Regional Planning Board. x. Reappointment of Scott Crain to the Region One Mental Health/Development Disabilities/Addictive Diseases Regional Planning Board. Reappointment of Lisa Signorile to the Hall County Environmental Management System s Citizen Advisory Committee y. Reappointment of Frank Armstrong to the Hall County Environmental Management System s z. Reappointment of Tommy Sandoval to the Hall County Environmental Management System s aa. Reappointment of Mark Pettitt to the Hall County Environmental Management System s Citizen Advisory Committee. bb. Reappointment of Barbara Griffeth to the Hall County Environmental Management System s cc. Reappointment of Judy Senter to the Hall County Environmental Management System s Citizen Advisory Committee. dd. Reappointment of Douglas Aiken to the Hall County Environmental Management System s Page 2 of 8

3 ee. Reappointment of Tim Wilbanks to the Hall County Environmental Management System s ff. Reappointment of Marty Jones to the Hall County Environmental Management System s Citizen Advisory Committee. gg. Reappointment of Faye Bush to the Hall County Environmental Management System s Citizen Advisory Committee. hh. Reappointment of Ashley D. Bell, Ex-Officio, to the Hall County Environmental Management System s ii. Appointment of Laura Thompson as the District 2 representative on the Department of Family and Children Services Board Motion made to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. MOTION: Billy Powell SECOND: Scott Gibbs AYES: Craig Lutz, Billy Powell, Tom Oliver, Scott Gibbs and Ashley Bell NAYS: None Motion carried 6. Other Business: a. First Reading and Public Hearing on a Malt Beverage and Wine Package license for Island Store located at 5825 Lanier Island Pkwy, Buford, GA.; Business Type: Convenience Store; Owner: Zoe Ventures, Inc. ; License holder: Malik Roopani; Registered Agent: Raymond Michael Russell. Commission District 1. Business License Director Susan Rector gave a summary of the application. Attorney Blalock opened the public hearing. Attorney Blalock called for public comments in favor of the application; there were none. Attorney Blalock called for public comments in opposition of the application; there were none. It was noted the second reading and public hearing for this item will be held June 28, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Georgia Mountains Center. b. First Reading and Public Hearing to amend Section Entitled Commissioner Districts of Chapter , Title 200 of the Official Code of Hall County, Georgia so as to delete said section in its entirety and to substitute in lieu thereof a new Section with the same name for the purpose of setting forth the four commissioner districts that comprise the voting precincts located in Hall County, Georgia; to provide for an effective date for said resolution; to repeal conflicting ordinances and resolutions, and for other purposes. Attorney Blalock gave a summary of the resolution. Attorney Blalock opened the public hearing. Attorney Blalock called for public comments in favor of the application; there were none. Page 3 of 8

4 Attorney Blalock called for public comments in opposition of the application; there were none. It was noted the second reading and public hearing for this item will be held June 28, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Georgia Mountains Center. c. Consider previously tabled Public Hearing and approval for the adoption of the Gainesville/Hall Economic Opportunity Gateways Urban Redevelopment Plan. Administrator Knighton reviewed the plan and advised that the City of Gainesville is scheduled to consider amendments to the original plan at their next meeting. Upon adjournment of their meeting an updated copy of the plan will be provided to Hall County for consideration. There was a motion made to table the public hearing and adoption of the Gainesville/Hall Economic Opportunity Gateways Urban Redevelopment Plan until the June 28, 2012 Hall County Board of Commissioners meeting. MOTION: Billy Powell SECOND: Scott Gibbs AYES: Craig Lutz, Billy Powell, Tom Oliver, Scott Gibbs and Ashley Bell NAYS: None Motion carried d. Consider and approve one appointment to the Region One Mental Health/Development Disabilities/Addictive Diseases Regional Planning Board. Full Commission appointment There was a consensus to place this appointment on the June 28, 2012 Hall County Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for further consideration Fiscal Year Budget Public Hearing Administrator Knighton approached the Commission and advised that the County came into the budget process with a deficit and to minimize this deficit the budget preparation has been diligently worked on through many hours of review and difficult department cuts. With these efforts by the elected officials and staff we were able to propose a budget that reduces furlough days from twelve to three but to also provide an opportunity for the County to reinstate a portion of the employee retirement contribution. With that said, administrator Knighton turned the presentation over to Finance Director Neikirk for further detailed information. Finance Director Neikirk reviewed a PowerPoint presentation and made the following summaries: Prior year budget history: 2009 Budget $97,915, Budget $92,681, Budget $90,572, Budget $85,606,807 Page 4 of 8

5 Director Neikirk reviewed the following challenges the County was facing coming into the budget process: Estimated 9% decline in tax digest - $2.8 million Increase in health insurance - $516,000 Increased fuel costs - $92,000 Increased Property/Liability Insurance -$272,000 (Gen Fund portion) Increased costs to fund Defined Benefit Retirement - $914K Further reviewed was ways staff combated these challenges: Requested additional expense reductions from departments and elected officials Departments collectively reduced their budgets by $2.2 million (prior to any additions) Forecasts of additional fees from Ambulance service, LOST increase, Probation Services and other various revenues $1.1 million use of fund balance (same as FY 12) Final numbers on tax digest provided an additional $1 million in projected revenue Continuing, Director Neikirk reviewed the benefits to the employees and to the public that this proposed budget will provide: No General Fund Tax increase or roll-up This proposed budget reduces furlough days from 12 to 3 per year 2% County paid retirement will be implemented January 1, 2013 Service level to citizens will improve with the reduction of furloughs Director Neikirk reviewed the change in percentage for each fund as found below and advised that these percentages may show increase as compared to last year but that is due to the reduction of furlough days as well as the reinstatement of a portion of the retirement. General Government 9.43% Judicial 4.62% Public Safety -.28% Public Health/Welfare -2.86% Recreation & Culture 3.55% Public Works -4.12% Housing & Development -3.82% Agencies -1.16% Total 2.57% Director Neikirk took each of the above funds and reviewed a further breakdown of each department within those funds. Finally, Director Neikirk reviewed the projected revenues and expenditures for the 2013 fiscal year with a General Fund dollar amount of $89,160,023 as compared to the 2012 amended General Fund fiscal year budget of $86,924, total proposed fiscal year budget is $190.8 M. $42,296,622 of that amount is Capital Funds and $148,460,152 is Operating Funds. Administrator Knighton approached the Commission to specifically review the Community Service Center. Page 5 of 8

6 Administrator Knighton advised that this is a jointly funded Department with the City of Gainesville and that under the proposed 2013 budget two of the five services will continue to be provided as usual; the Senior Center and the Community Outreach Center. One of the programs, Meals on Wheels, will actually be able to be expanded, adding 29 individuals that are currently on the waiting list for Meals on Wheels program benefits. Continuing, Administrator Knighton stated that after deliberation and collaboration with the City of Gainesville there was a consensus that the Family Preservation Program also known as Home Based Family Support will cease operation as of Sept 30, Both the City of Gainesville and Hall County s contributions to this program are substantial as compared to other programs. It was noted that there are other programs available that provide family preservation support in Northeast Georgia. Hall County and City schools as well as DFCS, the Health Department, the Juvenile Courts and others will assist affected families with the transition. Administrator Knight reiterated that this is a joint service provided by the City of Gainesville and Hall County and that the modifications to these programs were made in conjunction with the City of Gainesville after much discussion and deliberation. Further, Administrator Knighton advised that after discussions with the Service Center Director, there will be a modification to the operating hours of the Hall County Area Transit System, routes will remain but hours will be changed from 6:30 am 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm 5:30 pm. Service on Route 2 will be changed from eight hours to four hours and a new route will be created to serve the new Hall County Government Center. It is anticipated that the new route should be operational by mid July. Finally, Administrator Knighton emphasized the appreciation and cooperation of the County Departments, Constitutional Officers and the Agencies during this budget process. Specifically Sheriff Cronic, Reggie Forrester with the Courts, Phillippa Lewis Moss and all the loyal Hall County employees. The positive outcome of this process has been the development of better communication between all departments and agencies. Work still needs to be done and we will remain practical and prudent of our resources and remain good stewards of the tax payer s money. Thanks to the Commissioners and the citizens of Hall County. Attorney Blalock opened the public hearing. Attorney Blalock asked for public comments pertaining to the Hall County 2013 Fiscal Year Budget; there were none. It was noted that the second public hearing for the 2013 Fiscal Year Budget Resolution as well as the Millage Rate Resolution will be held June 22, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at the Court House Annex building. Commissioner comments on the budget: Commissioner Lutz: Thanks go to the staff for their hard work as this process has been a moving target for some time. Working with five personalities and trying to reach a consensus can be challenging. I think we have something that is starting to come in into focus and I look forward to seeing what we can do. There are some objectives that are a little out there, but we will manage it with our staff and get through this. Page 6 of 8

7 Commissioner Powell: We are trustees of public funds and as such we are required to write advertise, publish, act and live within a reasonable budget. I commend the tax payers of Hall County for the overwhelming understanding that the nation s economic climate mirrors our own. We have and we are weathering difficult times as trustees of public funds. I commend our staff for following through on guidelines that the Commission has set and turning those guidelines into a budget that is: reasonable and fair; for communicating with tax payers and stake holders in a professional way; for recommending fewer furlough days which has a detrimental effect on staff, services and the health of the county. Thanks for envisioning a near future conducive of modest growth and job gain for our citizens. Although this is not an ideal budget during ideal economic times, I believe it is something that can be lived within and can be respected by Hall County citizens. We will be mindful as we move into the new fiscal year that solid fiscal management; streamlined operations; reorganization of resources and constant monitoring of public funds is essential to the professional management of this county. Commissioner Gibbs: Thank you to Marty and Randy for their service and dedication to the staff and Hall County. You have both met and exceeded my expectations in the short time that you have been in your current positions. Vickie you have been here 9 months and you re doing a great job. I have to state that staff has had to work with not just five elected officials but eighteen elected officials as they have to try to put together a budget for each of them and their departments. This can be a very challenging task. Sheriff Cronic, I appreciate what you have done this year and last year with your budget as well as Reggie Forrester in courts. I am grateful as you make us all look good and do all the work. To the employees, I am so gratefully that we can get away from furlough days. I would like to see the furloughs scheduled at the end of the year so that if the money is in the budget, we can dispose of all the furlough days as opposed to just nine. Commissioner Bell: I agree with everybody s statement as what was said is pretty much what I was thinking. As my pastor would say, we have come a mighty mighty mighty long way. Also, we are about 1000 comments shorter at this public hearing then we were last year and we will get out of here at a reasonable time. There is always an easy way out and this year we choose the road that is less travelled and that s to not increase taxes and not roll up. We know that it has been very difficult and I can t say enough about the employees that have withstood and had the patience to know that this day would come when we begin to get out of this hole. Page 7 of 8

8 We had to make tough decisions last year but this year, because of those decisions; we are on our way back to restoring the level of service. We really couldn t have done that without our elected officials. Sheriff Cronic has done a phenomenal job with the budget and this will be our last budget with him. Sheriff Cronic we will miss your leadership and can only pray that whoever takes your place has the integrity and courage that you have to lead. I would say the same to Ms. Cornett and Mr. Echols; your leadership has been tremendous and will be missed. We still live in difficult times no doubt, but today as you see, we have a lot to be proud of and we have a lot to look forward to. I would like to thank the Chairman as well as he has taken this budget preparation by the horns. Once we all agreed there would not be a tax increase or a roll up, we decided we could make this work. We headed down the road pretty fast and we got here with the cooperation of everyone and I commend this Board, Randy and Marty for their hard work. Chairman Oliver: I would like to thank the administrative staff for the job they have done because it is not always easy working with all of us. Thanks also go out to the employees as they have been very trustworthy during this process. As with some of the Commissioners, I do trust that we can pull all the furlough days and restore the pension program. I would like to thank this Commission as in the past we have had some turmoil and we have had our share of discussions and disagreements but to our credit, we have worked through this and brought harmony to the group and we have had people come to us and say that they could work with this. I want to thank Craig, Billy, Scott and Ashley for your leadership, for the way you each handle your districts and for your input on our discussions. Further, thanks to Linda Pryor who was left out as a departing employee and will be missed. 8. Report from County Administrator No report 9. Consider other business presented by members of the Commission No reports 10. Adjourn With no further business to come before the Hall County Board of Commissioners, Chairman Oliver adjourned the meeting at 6:37 p.m. Page 8 of 8