The Regular Meeting of the Oconee County Board of Commissioners was held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Chambers at the Oconee County Courthouse. Members Present: Staff Present: Media Present: Chairman John Daniell Commissioner Mark Thomas Commissioner Chuck Horton Commissioner W. E. Bubber Wilkes Commissioner Mark Saxon Jeff Benko, County Administrator Daniel Haygood, County Attorney Kathy Hayes, County Clerk B.R. White, Director, Planning & Code Enforcement Sandy Weinel, Assistant Director, Planning & Code Enforcement Emil Beshara, Director, Public Works Wes Geddings, Director, Finance Melissa Braswell, Assistant Finance Director Paula Nedza, Director, Information Technology J.R. Charles, Director, Economic Development Lisa Davol, Deputy Director, Parks & Recreation Alex Perschka, Director, Tourism Michael Prochaska, Editor, The Oconee Enterprise Lee Shearer, Athens Banner Herald Chairman Daniell began the Board Meeting at 7:02 p.m. with a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Wilkes. Chairman Daniell asked that during the moment of silence that those in attendance also remember that today, June 6 th, is known as World War II D-Day. Approval of Agenda: On motion from Commissioner Horton and second by Commissioner Wilkes, the Agenda was unanimously approved. Statements and Remarks from Citizens: Dr. Carole Ludwig spoke regarding dangerous dogs and the need for special permitting and responsible ownership. She proposes that owners of dangerous breeds be required to purchase a permit, maintain an 8 fence with locked gates and signage, safety training for owners, dogs are leashed at all times when outside a fence, and owner maintains liability insurance on the dog. Statements and Remarks from Commissioners: Chairman Daniell presented to Jeff Benko a certificate from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for recognition as a Patriotic Employer for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America s National Guard and Reserve Force. Chairman Daniell announced that Parkway Boulevard has been opened for traffic to the public. Approval of Minutes: On motion by Commissioner Saxon and second by Commissioner Horton, minutes of May 2, 2017 and May 23, 2017 were unanimously approved as submitted. Due to the absence of Commissioner Thomas from the May 11, 2017 Budget Work Session, the minutes were approved separately. On motion by Commissioner Horton and second by Commissioner Wilkes, minutes of the May 11, 2017 Budget Work Session were approved as submitted. Solid Waste Management Ordinance Amendment Second Public Hearing: A second public hearing was held for the Amendment to the Solid Waste Management Ordinance. County Attorney Daniel Haygood presented to the Board that the Amendment will update references to definitions in state law and corrections of citations. Chairman Daniell asked for public comment and there was none. On motion by Commissioner Horton and second by Commissioner Saxon, the Board unanimously approved the Amendment to the Solid Waste Management Ordinance to update references to definitions in state law and correct citations. See Documentation in Ordinances and Resolutions Book No. 21. Property Disposition Ordinance First Public Hearing: The first Public Hearing was held for the Property Disposition Ordinance. County Attorney Haygood presented to the Board a Property Disposition Ordinance to establish criteria to dispose of Countyowned property. Maria Caudill asked about the process to decide which real estate agent would be allowed to sell county property. Mr. Haygood responded that a sealed bid process will be used.
Page 2 Chairman Daniell explained that the second reading of the Ordinance will be held at the June 27, 2017 Agenda Setting Meeting, with consideration for adoption at the July 11, 2017 Regular Meeting. Rezone Request No. 6985, O-I-P PUD and B-1 to R-1, +/- 39.556 Acres, and Special Exception Variance No. 7132 - Stonebridge Partners, LLC, Hog Mountain Road and Stonebridge Parkway: Chairman Daniell asked that Special Exception Variance No. 7132 be presented with Rezone Request No. 6985. The Board held a Public Hearing on Rezone Request No. Rezone Request No. 6985, Stonebridge Partners, LLC, O-I-P PUD and B-1 to R-1, +/- 39.556 Acres, Hog Mountain Road and Stonebridge Parkway, to allow for development of a single-family residential subdivision. Assistant Director Sandy Weinel presented the staff report and noted that the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval subject to nine (9) conditions. The Board held a Public Hearing on Special Exception Variance No. 7132, Stonebridge Partners, LLC, Hog Mountain Road and Stonebridge Parkway, to allow seven (7) lots to access Stonebridge Parkway instead of the proposed interior street. Assistant Director Sandy Weinel presented the staff report and noted that staff recommended approval of the request with one (1) condition, which is to allow six lots to access Stonebridge Parkway (Lots 27-32) with access for Lot No. 26 on the proposed interior street. Justin Greer, Williams and Associates, briefed the Board on both requests. Billy Crozier, President of the Daniell Plantation Homeowners Association, spoke in favor of the rezone and the variance. approved Rezone Request No. 6985, Stonebridge Partners, LLC, O-I-P PUD and B-1 to R-1, +/- 39.556 Acres, Hog Mountain Road and Stonebridge Parkway, to allow for development of a singlefamily residential subdivision with nine (9) conditions. See Documentation in Ordinances and Resolutions Book No. 21. On motion by Commissioner Saxon and second by Commissioner Horton, the Board unanimously approved Special Exception Variance No. 7132, Stonebridge Partners, LLC, Hog Mountain Road and Stonebridge Parkway with one (1) condition, which allows Lot Nos. 27-32 to access Stonebridge Parkway and Lot No. 26 access on the proposed interior street. See Documentation in Ordinances and Resolutions Book No. 21. Special Use No. 7134 -- CLWF, LLC, A-1, +/-5.00 Acres, New High Shoals Road: The Board held a Public Hearing on Special Use No. 7134, CLWF, LLC, A-1 +/-5.00 Acres, New High Shoals Road to allow a non-compliant landscaping services business in an Agricultural District. Assistant Director Sandy Weinel presented the staff report and noted that Staff recommended denial and Planning Commission recommended approval of the request with 14 conditions. Abe Abouhamdan, ABE Consulting, Inc. briefed the Board on the request. Chad and Marilyn Forehand, owners of the property and business, spoke in favor of Special Use No. 7134 and stated that, due to information received from a former Planning Department employee, their business should be allowed. Andrew Cowen spoke against the Special Use Request. Mr. Cowen states that the business has been operating out of compliance and asks that the Board decline the Special Use Request. Tom Senyitko, adjacent property owner, spoke against the request. He is concerned about the location of the septic lines and the size of the buffer between the two properties. David and Amy Sprayberry, property owners across Union Church Road, spoke against the rezone with concerns about roadside buffer areas and truck traffic. Mr. Abouhamdan spoke during the rebuttal period stating that the property is A-1 and a plant nursery is allowed under the A-1 zoning classification; the business has only five employees; the owners are willing to create buffers for the roadways; and the septic system was installed and approved by the Environmental Health Department. Discussion between the Board and Planning Staff continued regarding permitting was for a barn and standard driveway; business uses allowable in A-1 zoning; acceptance of business licenses issued outside of Oconee County; and buffer distances for septic absorption lines.
Minutes-June 6, 2017 Page 3 Chairman Daniell asked the Forehands about future plans for the business. Mr. Forehand stated that several green houses will be built. Commissioner Wilkes moved to approve Special Use No. 7134, CLWF, LLC, A-1 +/-5.00 Acres, New High Shoals Road to allow a non-compliant landscaping services business in an Agricultural District. Commissioner Thomas asked to amend the motion to include a buffer of 25 feet on Union Church Road and High Shoals Road. Commissioner Wilkes agreed to the amendment and Commissioner Thomas seconded the motion. Commissioners Wilkes and Thomas voted yes; Commissioners Saxon and Horton voted no. Chairman Daniell voted no. The motion failed. Commissioner Saxon moved to deny Special Use No. 7134, CLWF, LLC, A-1 +/-5.00 Acres, New High Shoals Road to allow a non-compliant landscaping services business in an Agricultural District. Commissioner Horton seconded the motion. Commissioners Horton and Saxon voted yes; Commissioners Thomas and Wilkes voted no. Chairman Daniell voted yes. Special Use No. 7134 was denied. See Documentation in Ordinances and Resolutions Book No. 21. Special Use No. 7139, James D. Lauderdale, Et Al, R-1, 1281 Dials Plantation Drive: The Board held a Public Hearing on Special Use No. 7139, James D. Lauderdale, Et Al, R-1, 1281 Dials Plantation Drive to allow for a home business. Assistant Director Sandy Weinel presented the staff report and noted that Staff recommended approval of the request with one (1) condition. Sharon Thelen, applicant, briefed the Board on the request stating that her husband, Jim Lauderdale, would like to have a wood-working business as a hobby in their home. On motion by Commissioner Saxon and second by Commissioner Horton, the Board unanimously approved Special Use No. 7139, James D. Lauderdale, Et Al, R-1, 1281 Dials Plantation Drive to allow for a home business. Assistant Director Sandy Weinel presented the staff report and noted that Staff recommended approval of the request with one (1) condition. See Documentation in Ordinances and Resolutions Book No. 21. Rezone Request No. 7146 -- Aaron Cirou, A-1 to AR-1 +/- 9.00 Acres, Hog Mountain Road (SR 53): The Board held a Public Hearing on Rezone Request No. 7146, Aaron Cirou, A-1 to AR-1 +/-Acres, Hog Mountain Road (SR 53) to develop a residential subdivision. Assistant Director Sandy Weinel presented the staff report and noted that Staff recommended approval of the request with five (5) conditions. Brian Wood, DuSouth Surveying and Engineering, briefed the Board on the request. On motion by Commissioner Horton and second by Commissioner Thomas, the Board unanimously approved Rezone Request No. 7146, Aaron Cirou, A-1 to AR-1 +/-Acres, Hog Mountain Road (SR 53) to develop a residential subdivision with five (5) conditions. See Documentation in Ordinances and Resolutions Book No. 21. Variance No. 7174, Dorothy Handley, AR-1, +/-5.044 Acres, 1071 Porter Creek Drive: The Board held a Public Hearing on Variance No. 7174, Dorothy Handley, AR-1, +/-5.044 Acres, 1071 Porter Creek Drive to allow a guest house in the front yard. Assistant Director Sandy Weinel presented the staff report and noted that Staff recommended approval of the request with one condition. Becky Henderson, applicant, briefed the Board on the request. On motion by Commissioner Saxon and second by Commissioner Wilkes, the Board unanimously approved Variance No. 7174, Dorothy Handley, AR-1, +/-5.044 Acres, 1071 Porter Creek Drive to allow a guest house in front yard with one condition. See Documentation in Ordinances and Resolutions Book No. 21. Farmland Preservation Committee Appointee: appointed Delmar Finco to one three-year term to begin September 1, 2017 and expire August 31, 2020. Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission Appointee: On motion by Commissioner Saxon and second by Commissioner Horton, the Board unanimously appointed Rachel Tandy, Kim Tompkins, and Margaret Thomas for three three-year terms to begin July 1, 2017 and expire June 30, 2020; and Tracey Wyatt for one unexpired term to begin immediately and expire June 30, 2018. FY18 Family Connection Contract: County Administrator Jeff Benko presented to the Board the FY18 Family Connection Contract in the amount of $48,500.00. Ann Hester serves as Executive Director of Family Connection and County Clerk Kathy Hayes serves as the Fiscal Agent. The contract period begins July 1, 2017 and ends June
Page 4 30, 2018. The purpose of Family Connection is to improve the school performance of students by increasing attendance and grade progression. Chairman Daniell asked for public comment and there was none. approved the FY18 Family Connection Contract and authorized Chairman Daniell to sign the contract in the amount of $48,500.00 to begin July 1, 2017 and end June 30, 2018. Mars Hill Widening Road Project, Phase 2 Award of Right-of-Way Demolition Services: Public Works Director Emil Beshara presented to the Board the bid tabulation for Demolition Services of right-of-way of the Mars Hill Road Widening Project, Phase 2. Mr. Beshara recommended that T&A Grading and Pipeline, LLC, be awarded the contract in an amount not to exceed $76,750.00 and that the project will be funded from the Reserve Fund Balance. Commissioner Thomas asked if T&A Grading and Pipeline had a business license in Oconee County. Finance Director Wes Geddings stated that the company is based in Oglethorpe County, which does not require a business license, but the company has a state license. Planning and Code Enforcement Director B.R. White stated that the company will need a business license from Oconee County. On motion by Commissioner Saxon and second by Commissioner Wilkes, the Board unanimously approved award of the Demolition Services Contract to T&A Pipeline in an amount not to exceed $76,750.00 to be funded from the Reserve Fund Balance and require that T&A Pipeline and Engineering acquire a business license from Oconee County. FY 2018 Budget and Fee Schedule Adoption: Finance Director Wes Geddings presented to the Board a summary of the FY18 Budget and Fee Schedule. Mr. Geddings stated that the total of all funds for FY18 is $49,920,904 and includes the General Fund, Special Funds, Capital Projects Funds, SPLOST Funds and Enterprise Funds. Sara Bell, President of the Oconee Historical Society, requested funding for repair work and a historical architect to evaluate the Central School House. She stated that there are no SPLOST funds in the budget for historic/scenic sites. Kate McDaniel asked that money be set aside for Central School House to preserve the history of the county. Ms. McDaniel also stated that the County needs a location for historic relics, possibly a museum, and the Central School House may be the place. Margaret Sommer requested that the County seek professional advice by consulting a historical architect. Chairman Daniell stated that the Board will work with the Oconee Historical Society prior to funding historic/scenic projects. He also asked that County Administrator Benko have staff look at the Central School House for possible costs of improvements/updates. On motion by Commissioner Saxon and second by Commissioner Horton, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the 2018 Fiscal Year budget as follows: Total of all Funds $49,920,904 to include General Fund $26,943,955; Special Funds $3,188,589; Capital Projects Funds $662,264; SPLOST Funds $11,256,794; and Enterprise Funds $10,494,408 and the Fee Schedule as amended. See Documentation in Ordinances and Resolutions Book No. 21. Consent Items: On motion by Commissioner Wilkes and second by Commissioner Thomas, the Board unanimously approved the following Consent Agenda: 1) Award contract for the Oconee Veterans Park Pump Station and Force Main to Legacy Water Group, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $584,570.00. 2) Approve Oconee Areawide Radio System (OARS) Intergovernmental Emergency Communications Cost Sharing Agreement between Walton, Greene and Oconee Counties. The Oconee County Allocation shall be $394,023.68 for the 10-year period of the Agreement. 3) Approve Alcohol License Application for Fully Loaded Pizza, 1260 Mars Hill Road, Watkinsville (Justin Kamishlian, Registered Agent). 4) Approve Agreement for the Providing of Concessionaire Services by Oconee Futbol Club, Inc., for a term of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. Executive Session: On motion by Commissioner Wilkes and second by Commissioner Thomas, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn into Executive Session at 8:53 p.m. to discuss personnel, land acquisition, and potential litigation.
Page 5 No action was taken in Executive Session. On motion by Commissioner Wilkes and second by Commissioner Horton, the Board adjourned Executive Session at 10:05 p.m. On motion by Commissioner Wilkes and second by Commissioner Horton, the Board adjourned back into Regular Session. There being no further business, on motion by Commissioner Wilkes and second by Commissioner Horton, the meeting was adjourned at 10:07 p.m. County Clerk Chairman Date