BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS T. PAGE THARP GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING KINCHAFOONEE ROOM

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1 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS T. PAGE THARP GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING 102 STARKSVILLE AVENUE NORTH, LEESBURG, GEORGIA TUESDAY, APRIL 08, 2014, 6: 00 P.M. LEE r- ff i O U C ` - 1/ T. PAGE THARP BUILDING KINCHAFOONEE ROOM MEETING MINUTES WORK SESSION COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY STAFF Rick Muggridge, Chairman District 4 Ron H. Rabun, County Manager Dennis Roland, Vice-Chairman District 1 Christi Dockery, County Clerk Luke Singletary, Commissioner District 2 Jimmy Skipper, County Attorney Greg Ed Duffy, Frich, Commissioner District 5 Commissioner District 3 The Lee County Board of Commissioners met in a Work Session on Tuesday, April 8, The meeting was held in the Kinchafoonee Conference room of the Lee County T. Page Tharp Governmental Building in Leesburg, Georgia. Those present were Commissioners Rick Muggridge, Dennis Roland, Luke Singletary, and Greg Frich. Commissioner Ed Duffy was absent. Staff in attendance was County Manager Rabun, County Attorney Skipper and Christi Dockery, County Clerk. Chairman Muggridge gave the invocation and called the meeting to order at 6: 00 P.M. INVOCATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES A) Consideration to approve the Board of Commissioners meeting minutes for March 25, Commissioner Roland made a MOTION to approve the minutes of the March 25, 2014 meeting. Commissioner Frich seconded the MOTION. Commissioner Singletary voted for the MOTION. The MOTION was approved unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA NEW BUSINESS A) Recognition and congratulations to Ben Roberts, Lee County Code Enforcement Officer, who was recently awarded certification as Code Enforcement officer from Georgia Association of Code Enforcement ( G.A.C. E.). Areas of study that Ben had to complete included Legal Aspects of Code Enforcement, Stormwater Management, Environmental Protection, Nuisance Abatement, Ethics, Hazardous Materials, and Change Management. Roberts is continuing his studies and is scheduled to receive his Master Code Enforcement Certification by the Fall of Lee County Code Enforcement Officers are required to have and maintain a Peace Officer Standard and Training( P. O. S. T.) certification, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission ( GSWCC) Level 1- B Certified Inspector, and Certification as a Georgia Code Enforcement Officer. Chairman Muggridge commended Ben Roberts for obtaining his certification as a Code Enforcement officer from the Georgia Association of Code Enforcement. Chairman Muggridge commented that Mr. Roberts is greatly appreciated and has always been professional, responsive, and wonderful addition to the Lee County team. B) Michael Kelly, request to address the Board regarding an Eagle Scout Project to do repairs at Leesburg Central Park. Michael Kelly addressed the Board regarding his proposal for an Eagle Scout project with a group of Boy Scouts to do repairs at Leesburg Central Park. These repairs would include installing a cement bench, mulch around the play area, adding a bird bath and planting flowers. In addition, Mr. Kelly would clean up the park area. Chairman Muggridge commented that the Board is excited that Mr. Kelly has chosen to work on this park, it is an unknown jewel. County Manager Rabun explained that he would give Mr. Kelly's 1

2 contact information to Jeremy Morey, Parks and Recreation Director, to coordinate this project. Commissioner Frich invited all the Boy Scouts working on this project to come back before the Board to be recognized. C) Consideration to approve Proclamation designating April as National Donate Life Month presented by Commissioner Rick Muggridge. Chairman Muggridge read the Proclamation designating April as National Donate Life Month. Lee County has already registered 15, 746 citizens to Give the Gift of Life at PUBLIC HEARING A) Z ZONING APPLICATION. THE LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, has submitted an application to the Lee County/ Leesburg/ Smithville Planning Commission to rezone a 5 acre tract of property on Mossy Dell Road located in Land Lot 51 of the 1st District of Lee County, Georgia; and being on the Lee County west side of Mossy Dell Road approximately 989 feet north of its intersection with State Highway 32. Property is currently zoned AG (Agricultural) and application is made to rezone a 5 acre tract to I- 2 heavy industrial in order to locate a new business, a concrete plant. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 27, 2014 and recommended denial. County staff recommends approval. Chairman Muggridge opened the public hearing for Z ZONING APPLICATION. The Lee County Economic Development Authority, has submitted an application to the Lee County/ Leesburg/ Smithville Planning Commission to rezone a 5 acre tract of property on Mossy Dell Road located in Land Lot 51 of the 1st District of Lee County, Georgia; and being on the Lee County west side of Mossy Dell Road approximately 989 feet north of its intersection with State Highway 32. Property is currently zoned AG Agricultural) and application is made to rezone a 5 acre tract to I- 2 heavy industrial in order to locate a new business, a concrete plant. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 27, 2014 and recommended denial. County staff recommends approval. Steve O' Neil, Regional Commission staff, recommended approval of the Z Zoning application. County Attorney Skipper said that he would look at this application but the area between Leesburg and Albany to determine if it could be interpreted as spot zoning. There are different kinds of zoning and he believes that this project is not considered spot zoning. County Manager Rabun reviewed the sound test report conducted by Jim Wright, Chief Code Enforcement officer, explaining that the projected decibel levels of this concrete plant in particular, and allowable decibels in industrial zoning generally, could be considered an improvement to the allowable continuous sound decibels in the existing AG zoning 68 vs. 90. Otis Westbrook, resident at 374 Gray Moss Road, questioned if this plant could be built at the former Leesburg Ready Mix plant. Mr. Bridges, the perspective owner of the concrete plant explained that this property was not for sale. Erin Thaggard, neighbor of the proposed concrete plant, addressed the Board regarding her opposition to the approval of this zoning application. Ms. Thaggard was concerned about the spot zoning in the middle of farm land, noise, air quality, pollution, and run- off from this concrete plant. Farmers irrigate from the adjourning river and crops could be contaminated due to this concrete plant. Ms. Thaggard expressed concern for the ability of the EPD to properly regulate businesses citing the spill event at the Georgia Ogeechee River. Mr. Brian Bridge, resident of Lee County lives at 166 Plantation Drive and the perspective owner of the concrete plant explained that this concrete plant is regulated by EPA and this agency neighbor. The Board discussed this zoning application. is not on his side. Mr. Bridge commented that he wants to be a good Chairman Muggridge closed the public hearing and explained that the Board would take all comments under advisement and vote in two weeks. B) Z VARIANCE APPLICATION. LARRY& SHARON TURBEVILLE, have submitted an application to the Lee County/ Leesburg/ Smithville Planning Commission to receive approval for a variance to the Lee County Code of Ordinances Section ( 3) for the purposes of allowing continued construction of an unpermitted, but partially built accessory building, or combination of accessory buildings, ( 2184 sq. ft. two buildings) exceeding the square footage of the ground floor area of the principal dwelling, ( 2028 sq. ft.). Total square footage of variance is 156 sq. ft. Property is located at 693 Graves Springs Road, Leesburg, Georgia in land lot 99 of the 1st District; and being further described as a acre tract zoned R- 1 single family residential. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 18, 2014 and recommended approval. & Sharon Turbeville, have Chairman Muggridge opened the public hearing for Z VARIANCE APPLICATION. Larry submitted an application to the Lee County/ Leesburg/ Smithville Planning Commission to receive approval for a variance to the Lee County Code of Ordinances Section ( 3) for the purposes of allowing continued construction of an unpermitted, but partially built accessory building, or combination of accessory buildings, ( 2184 sq. ft. two buildings) exceeding the square footage of the ground floor area of the principal dwelling, ( 2028 sq. ft.). Total square footage of variance is 156 sq. ft. Property is located at 693 Graves 2

3 Springs Road, Leesburg, Georgia in land lot 99 of the 1. District; and being further described as a acre tract zoned R- 1 single family residential. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 18, 2014 and recommended approval. Larry and Sharon Turbeville were present and available for any questions. Commissioner Frich commented that he supported approval of this Variance request. The public hearing was closed. C) Required annual update to the Capital Improvement Element ( CIE) of the Lee County Comprehensive Plan, adoption of a Resolution and transmittal to Department of Community Affairs. Steve O' Neil, Regional Commission Planning Director, reviewed the process for the required annual update of the Capital Improvement Element. Mr. O' Neil explained that the county collects Impact Fees and this report demonstrates where the money has been spent. Department of Community Affairs will review this report and upon approval the Resolution will be brought back to the Board for adoption. Commissioner Singletary made a MOTION to approve the Resolution adopting the Capital Improvement Element ( CIE). Commissioner Roland seconded the MOTION. Commissioner Frich voted for the MOTION. The MOTION passed unanimously. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS Public Safety Department A) Consolidation progress update presented by Bobby Watkins, Interim Public Safety Director Public Safety consolidation update. Bobby Watkins, Interim Public Safety Director, explained that fire training had been completed and participating staff will take the state examine May 1, These cross- trained employees will be state certified upon passing the test. Dual training progress and training records compliance. County Manager Rabun, Fire Chief Howell, Larry Hill, E911 Director, and Bobby Watkins, Interim Public Safety Director, all participated in an recent ISO seminar with Brad Bain, from the Insurance Services Offices ( ISO). Lee County staff was updated with the ISO requirements and were told that Lee County will be credited for housing and training EMS and Fire staff together. Most EMS employees have participated in the additional firefighter training but some did not due to their health conditions. Credit will be given if volunteers respond to fires within 10 minutes. The Board discussed several options with volunteers, such as, volunteers with professional blending firefighters. Volunteers will have to participate in 50% of the training and respond to 50%o of the fires in the county. Commissioner Roland suggested working with the Sheriffs office to participate in this cross training with Fire and EMS departments. Decatur County fire department operates with participation from the Sheriffs deputies serving as firefighters. Fire Equipment/ rolling stock condition. James Howell, Fire Chief, explained that the new ISO classification rules will be effective July 1, Mr. Watkins explained that one ambulance is in the shop. County Manager Rabun explained that staff had located a used fire pumper for$ 125, , 000 that the Board may want to consider. All vehicles must be housed inside a heated structure to obtain ISO credit. EMS response protocol to fire scenes. Mr. Watkins explained that EMS had responded to 2829 calls in a twelve month period. EMS house calls billing and transport protocols. Collections for EMS calls are out sourced. Insurance companies do not pay for non- transport calls. ISO future review. The Board commended Bobby Watkins and the Public Safety team, including James Howell, for their support and buy- in of this cross- training effort. The recent house fire was handled with the cross- trained EMS/ fire fighters was also a good outcome. Planning Department B) Discussion of Facade Ordinance and possible amendments. County Manager Rabun discussed modifying the façade ordinance. Chairman Muggridge explained that application of this ordinance had to be consistent but Lee County may have to incorporate rural and business applications. Commissioner Singletary said that the older areas where warehouses have rusted out after ten years are unusable inside. Several Board members expressed support for the improved appearance of buildings that the current ordinances promote. The Board requested input from Winston Oxford, Economic Development Director. County Manager Rabun explained that the staff had to be uniform in the application of this ordinance and could not vary. County Attorney Skipper explained that the county had to have standards to enforce this ordinance. County Manager Rabun will contact additional research from other parts of the state and report back. 3

4 CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS & GOVERNMENTAL BOARDS/ AUTHORITIES A) Consideration to appoint one member to the Lee County expires 5/ 5/ 14. Letters of interest from Steve Ruckel, current appointee. Board of Tax Assessors to a six-year term. Current term Chairman Muggridge explained that one member of the Lee County Board of Tax Assessors was up for re- appointment. This appointment is for a six- year term. Current term expires 5/ 5/ 14. Letters of interest were received from Steve Ruckel, current appointee. B) Consideration to appoint four members to the Development Authority of Lee County for a 2 year term. Current terms expire Letter of interest from Winston Oxford, Development Authority Director, on behalf of Larry Walters, Fred Finney, Greg Crowder, and Larry Walden. Chairman Muggridge explained that the Board is to consider appointment of four members to the Development Authority of Lee County for a two-year term. Winston Oxford, Development Authority Director, on behalf of Larry Walters, Fred Finney, Greg Crowder, and Larry Walden submitted a letter of interest. C) Consideration to appoint one resident member ( two applicants) to the Lee County Housing Authority Board for a five year term. The current term expires 7/ 4/ 15. Letters of interest from Leslee Turner and Latrisha Bell. This was continued from the March 25, 2014 regular Board of Commissioners meeting to secure a recommendation from Mr. McCarthy the Housing Authority Director. Mr. McCarthy has indicated that both resident member candidates are equally qualified. Chairman Muggridge explained that the Board had to appoint one resident member ( two applicants) to the Lee County Housing Authority Board for a five year term. The current term expires July 4, Letters of interest from Leslee Turner and Latrisha Bell. This appointment was continued from the March 25, 2014 regular Board of Commissioners meeting to secure a recommendation from Mr. McCarthy, Housing Authority Director. Staff contacted Mr. McCarthy and he confirmed that either resident would be qualified to serve. Commissioner Roland made a MOTION to appoint Latrisha Bell to fill the unexpired term to the Lee County Housing Authority. This term will expire July 4, Commissioner seconded the MOTION. Commissioner Frich Singletary opposed the MOTION. The MOTION passed with Commissioners Roland, Singletary and Muggridge voting for the MOTION. D) Reminder of other pending Board vacancies. County Manager Rabun explained that the Board had several vacancies on various Boards and Authorities that needed to be filled. The current vacancies include The Housing Task Force one vacancy, SOWEGA Community Action Council one vacancy, SOWEGA Regional Commission one vacancy, and Family and Children Services Board one vacancy. COUNTY MANAGER' S MATTERS A) Consideration to approve execution of USDA FSA triple net lease ( space, utilities and janitorial) for office space ( 2, 568 sq. feet) at 101 Main Leesburg, GA at $ per Square Foot or $23, annually. USDA rent will be paid retroactive beginning October 1, County Manager Rabun explained that he had discussed the lease revisions with Julius Byrd, USDA staff, but as of today Mr. Byrd has not yet returned the revised lease agreement for Federal office space at 101 Main Street. COMMISSIONER' S MATTERS OLD BUSINESS COUNTY ATTORNEY' S MATTERS County Attorney Skipper provided an update on current litigation. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Roland made a MOTION to recess to Executive Session at 7: 55 p. m. to discuss personnel matters. Commissioner Singletary seconded the MOTION. The vote was unanimous. Commissioner Roland made a MOTION to recess from Executive Session at 8: 30 p.m. Commissioner Singletary seconded the MOTION. The vote was unanimous. Commissioner Roland made a MOTION to amend County Manager Rabun' s employment agreement to extend the $ 1, 200 monthly housing allowance for an additional six months or until Mr. Rabun obtains permanent housing. Commissioner Frich seconded the MOTION. The vote was unanimous. 4

5 PUBLIC FORUM Up to six individuals will be allowed to address the Board of Commissioners for up to two minutes each. meeting. No one signed up to speak during the public forum. ANNOUNCEMENTS Individuals should sign up prior to the start of the A) All County offices will be closed in observance of Good Friday, Friday, Apri118, B) The next regularly scheduled County Commission Meeting is Tuesday, April 22, 6:00 p.m. in the Opal Cannon Auditorium. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Roland made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Singletary seconded the MOTION. Commissioner Frich voted for the MOTION. The vote was unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 8: 45 p.m. Lee County is a thriving vibrant community celebrated for its value oftradition encompassing a safefamily oriented community, schools ofexcellence, and life long opportunitiesforprosperity and happiness without sacrificing the rural agricultural tapestry. Persons with special needs relating to handicapped accessibility or foreign language interpretation should contact Katrina Chambers, ADA Coordinator, at ( 229) or through the Georgia Relay Service ( 800) ( TDD) or ( 800) ( voice). This person can be contacted at the T. Page Tharp Building in Leesburg, Georgia between the hours of 8: 00 a. m. and 5: 00 p. m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. 5