[0:04] Okay, good afternoon. We're going to go ahead and start our call hour, changing where the 27th meeting to order, and at this time, I will ask Mr. Barnes, if he would do the prayer and the pledge.

[0:19] Please bow your hands.

[0:22] We're in the Lord. We thank you for this day and this time, and together. Help us make decisions that are wise for the best of this county.

[0:32] We ask that you bless those who weren't this bad as we can, so we can be safe and protect our military and police environment.

[0:44] Please.

[0:46] Please.

[0:49] Please.

[0:52] Please.

[1:53] Okay, at this time we will have the approval of the agenda, and I did want to let the group

[2:00] know that on the agenda, Mark Swanson had delivered two requests to Floyd County Clerk's

[2:08] office prior to the meeting requesting that items replaced on the agenda.

[2:12] The first is a request that he is formal adjacent to the procedural ruling of the chair

[2:19] of the place on the January 27th, 2026 meeting agenda.

[2:25] He also dropped off another copy of his proposed petition for a special purpose grand jury

[2:32] for the purpose of investigating the alleged election law violation in relation to the

[2:42] also provided before the January 13 meeting.

[2:47] Neither item was placed on the agenda prior to the meeting,

[2:52] and there has been no request thus far from any commissioner

[2:56] requesting that either item be added to the agenda.

[3:00] So at this time, I will ask the commissioners,

[3:03] is there anyone who would like to amend the agenda at this time?

[3:11] Hearing none, I ask, do we have an approval of the existing agenda?

[3:17] The commotion to approve.

[3:19] We have a motion and a second.

[3:21] Ms. Chandler, what you call the row?

[3:23] Commissioner Burns.

[3:23] Yes.

[3:24] Commissioner Waters.

[3:25] Yes.

[3:26] Commissioner Thornton.

[3:27] Yes.

[3:27] Vice Chair Hancock.

[3:29] Chair Wallace.

[3:30] Yes.

[3:30] Motion carries.

[3:32] Next, we have the approval of the minutes.

[3:34] Is there any additions, corrections, or deletions?

[3:39] Is there a motion to approve the minutes?

[3:43] I'd like a motion.

[3:44] Second.

[3:45] Have a motion in second.

[3:46] Ms. Chandler, we call the row.

[3:48] Commissioner Burns.

[3:50] Commissioner Waters.

[3:51] Yes.

[3:51] Commissioner Dorton.

[3:52] Yes.

[3:52] Vice Chair Hancock.

[3:53] Yes.

[3:54] Chair Wallace.

[3:55] Motion carries.

[3:56] At this time, we have no special recognition and we have no proclamations.

[4:02] But we do have a couple of people that have signed up to speak with items.

[4:09] not on the agenda. So when you come to the podium, Madam Chair, we do that typically at the

[4:18] end. As our afternoon, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm on the agenda. We do yes, that's the next

[4:25] item. Yes, I'm sorry, that's that. Yes, it is items on the agenda. So at this time when you come

[4:32] to the podium if you will give us your name and address,

[4:39] in first up, well we'll just

[4:42] let whoever wants to come up first. I have Angela Raveena on the list first if you want

[4:48] to come first. Are these are regarding matters on the agenda?

[4:54] they'd probably hear over and over.

[4:57] Right, this is not to keep right.

[4:58] We need to find that out.

[5:00] These are the zoning things. If you're here for the zoning things, that will be on the public hearing when we open up for the zoning. So, if this time is there anyone here to speak in matters on the agenda that are not related to zoning.

[5:20] I think that's confusing to a lot of people, and I'm sorry about that.

[5:24] But I think everyone who signed up to speak on agenda items, all our zoning items, is

[5:31] that correct.

[5:36] Oh, sorry.

[5:37] That was confusing.

[5:38] Okay.

[5:39] At this time, we will ask Bryce to come forward and we will do our second ratings for planning.

[5:50] Good evening, Madam Chair.

[5:52] We have seven items for you this evening.

[5:54] The first is a special use permit request.

[5:57] SCP-25, high-fantin, high-fantin, high-fantin,

[5:59] zero-four for the property at 870 Woods Road, and zero-Woods Road,

[6:02] Rome, Georgia, 3165.

[6:04] Floyd County Text parcels, G12Y-016A, and G12Y-016.

[6:09] The request is for a special use permit for an industrial recycling

[6:12] center, including concrete and asphalt recycling

[6:15] attend the role of hauling, grading, pressure, and screen services.

[6:20] You see the property outlined on your screen.

[6:21] One of the properties is split zone, the mix of suburban residential and light

[6:25] industrial.

[6:26] The other one is the state suburban residential.

[6:28] The property predates the ULDC.

[6:31] It has been around for multiple decades.

[6:34] This area is increasingly becoming residential.

[6:36] We do have preliminary plans for a subdivision to the east.

[6:39] The staff recommended approval on three conditions.

[6:42] First, that the approval applies to this project only and does not allow for further expansion of uses or services.

[6:48] It will not be expanded in terms of acreage.

[6:50] That the SGP will become void if the proposed use cease or if the existing use cease is to exist for more than 365 calendar days.

[6:58] And that the use it maintains a 100-foot setback and underserved buffer from the adjacent residential zone properties.

[7:05] Planning commission shows to approve with those conditions.

[7:08] Thank you, Madam.

[7:09] Okay,

[7:13] at this time, I will state the procedures for the public hearing.

[7:17] Each person recognized the speech.

[7:20] She'll come to the podium and state his or her name and home address.

[7:27] The people four have 10 minutes to speak and the people in the opposition will have 10 minutes to speak.

[7:34] So at this time, we'll open the public hearing and ask is there anyone here to speak in favor of this request?

[7:48] I'm Laura Weber from Martin's real estate to a one broad street sweet 200 we're

[7:55] putting this application for a variance on behalf of our tenants and that's

[8:00] Wood Woods Road recycling and so what they do is they recycle large

[8:07] construction debris so that they can reuse it. So like if you're getting a

[8:14] driveway, concrete driveway, you take your old driveway there and they crush it and then

[8:19] they can reuse it and it keeps it out of the landfill. So it's really very valuable for Floyd

[8:26] County. This all came about because they wanted to install a new truck scale but it wasn't

[8:33] zoned and we didn't realize that but they could not get a permit to put in a new truck scale.

[8:40] So basically, we're asking for a variance, so they can continue to operate.

[8:46] It won't be any big expansion.

[8:48] It's just so they can add this one big piece of equipment and a building to have the electronics,

[8:57] house electronics, other than that, to be the same.

[9:02] And we're in agreement with everything that brice the conditions that brice stated earlier.

[9:09] We're in a green with those.

[9:12] Okay.

[9:12] Thank you.

[9:13] Anyone else here would like to speak in favor of this request?

[9:20] Okay.

[9:21] Is there anyone here to speak in opposition to this request?

[9:28] Okay.

[9:28] Seeing none hearing none.

[9:29] We will close the public hearing.

[9:32] And I will ask Commissioner Barnes, who sets on the planning commission to give us a recommendation.

[9:39] I make a motion we approve.

[9:42] Second.

[9:43] We have a motion and a second.

[9:45] Can we?

[9:47] Is there any divisions provisions that are.

[9:50] Yes.

[9:52] So the motion is to approve with the recommendation and conditions that were put on by planning commission.

[10:00] Okay, Ms. Chair, I'm alert, would you call the roll?

[10:03] Commissioner Burns, Commissioner Waters?

[10:06] Commissioner Thornton?

[10:07] Yes.

[10:07] Vice Chair Hancock?

[10:08] Yes.

[10:09] Chair Wallace?

[10:10] Yes.

[10:10] Motion Kings?

[10:12] Yes, Madam.

[10:12] Second item for the seeding is SUP 26, I think, 0.1, I think 0.1 for the property.

[10:17] 0.1, I think, 0.1, I think.

[10:18] 0.1, I think.

[10:19] 0.1, I think.

[10:20] 0.1, I think.

[10:22] 0.1, I think.

[10:25] 0.1, I think.

[10:27] 0.1, I think.

[10:30] to see the larger property outlined on your screen.

[10:33] The applicant would be leasing 23 acres of approximately

[10:35] 128 acres of farm land.

[10:38] More specifically, that self-eastern corner.

[10:42] The applicant has prepared a site plan.

[10:44] That was the original one.

[10:45] He's since updated it.

[10:48] I'm sorry, it's not in there.

[10:49] There is a more recent site plan

[10:51] that the applicant made to address some of the concerns

[10:53] related to the shooting right out of the property line.

[10:56] It changed some of the firing lanes to be angled upward

[11:00] further into their own property.

[11:02] Staff had concerns about noise as well as public safety.

[11:06] I think that a bullet could potentially leave the property

[11:08] whereas on those ranges, you took the shooting further into the property.

[11:12] We do have that site plan.

[11:14] The applicant provided quite a bit of detailed information regarding the number of

[11:17] shooters in the area and whatnot.

[11:21] Staff recommended denial, as we said, we had concerns about the ability to

[11:25] manage noise as well as the public safety aspect of it.

[11:29] The applicant and I have continued to meet multiple times, he's a very legitimate person in the

[11:34] firearms industry. We have greater concerns with the property itself. If you look at most

[11:40] of our outdoor ranges, you typically have a greater setback off the property lines, they're

[11:44] typically on bigger acreage. And they're also usually shooting, as I said, further into the property.

[11:50] This does come with a staff recommendation of denial and a seven-to-one denial from the

[11:55] any commission. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. At this time, we will open the public hearing.

[12:01] The same rose applaud. Is there anyone here to speak in favor of this request? Come to the podium and tell us your name and address, please, sir.

[12:12] I'm Robert E. Camille's on the applicant. I would like to say the rest of my time to address very specific questions or concerns from the opponents.

[12:24] Okay, is there anyone here to speak in opposition to this request?

[12:33] Remember, you have a total of 10 minutes.

[12:37] So, whoever speaks just leave time for your other friends to speak as well.

[12:42] Thank you.

[12:42] My name is Chandler Nielsen.

[12:44] I live at 26, 99, Morton Ben Road.

[12:48] I want to start with our respect for possible firearm ownership

[12:51] and recreational shooting when conducted in properly-owned areas.

[12:55] My opposition is not to shooting sports themselves, but to placing an outdoor shooting range

[13:00] on agricultural residential land, and the serious impacts this would have on safety near

[13:05] by residents in quality of life.

[13:08] Safety is our primary concern, outdoor ranges near homes and farms carry inherent risks, including

[13:14] stray rounds, ricochets, and human error.

[13:17] These risks are compounded by the close proximity of neighboring properties and by emergency

[13:21] response times.

[13:22] Our nearest hospital is approximately 30 minutes away, which could be critical in the event of an injury.

[13:29] Noise is another major issue. Gunfire is loud, repetitive, and carries across long distances.

[13:35] I personally work night shift, as do many essential workers, and daytime shooting

[13:39] would directly interfere with our ability to rest and function safely.

[13:43] This also affects veterans in our community, including one being my husband

[13:47] for whom unexpected gunfire can be triggering

[13:49] did a his diagnosis with PTSD.

[13:52] Fourth, increased traffic on narrow rule roads

[13:54] and the disruption of wildlife and agricultural activity

[13:57] make this proposal incompatible with the intent

[14:00] of agricultural zoning, which is meant to preserve safety,

[14:03] stewardship, and the peaceful rule character of our area.

[14:07] Fifth, there are concerns of environmental contamination

[14:09] on this property.

[14:10] This property has a known history of industrial waste dumping

[14:13] for over two years, including paper mill sludge.

[14:16] The Ponds currently located on the site were excavated specifically to contain the runoff from the dump site contaminants.

[14:22] There are concerns regarding elegant elevated levels of arsenic and other contaminants in the soil and water.

[14:27] Notably, one pond does not even support aquatic life, which raises serious environmental red flags.

[14:33] Allowing public access, including children for children's sport of shooting, to a site which known or suspected contamination, presents a serious health and safety concern.

[14:43] Prior to any approval, comprehensive soil and water testing by the Georgia EPD wouldn't be necessary to determine whether the site is even safer human use.

[14:52] And still such testing is conducted and remediation is completed.

[14:55] This property is wholly unsuitable for recreational or commercial activity involving the public.

[15:00] Six, there is a lack of a meeting full local support. While many letters in favor to you guys have been submitted, numerous supporters are not residents of this community, or even the state of Georgia.

[15:10] Land use decisions to prioritize those directly impacted, and the strong opposition from nearby residents who live and work in this agricultural residential area deserves significant weight.

[15:20] I also want to address the claim that this proposed outdoor gun range would bring positive economic impact.

[15:25] There is little evidence that this rule out through a gun range is providing meaningful long-term economic benefit.

[15:31] They operate with minimal staffing, attract mostly local users and do not significantly increase tourism or local spending.

[15:37] And many communities, such ranges, have instead led to declining nearby property values,

[15:42] student noise, safety concerns, and reduced quality of life.

[15:45] Any limited revenue generated does not outweigh the potential economic losses to neighboring residents, agricultural operations and existing businesses.

[15:52] economic development should enhance a community, not divide it, disrupt it, or diminish this

[15:58] rounding property values.

[16:00] Finally, I want to address property rights and land compatibility.

[16:03] Many surrounding property owners purchase land in this area with the reasonable expectation

[16:07] of a rule, agricultural, or residential environment.

[16:11] The introduction of a shooting range fundamentally alters the character of the area and

[16:14] may negatively impact property values, land use, and enjoyment of one's own property.

[16:18] In closing, this proposal places a high impact commercial or recreational use in an area that is simply not appropriate for it.

[16:26] There are more suitable locations, properly zoned, remote, and designed to mitigate these risks

[16:30] where a shooting range could exist without imposing significant burdens on surrounding residents.

[16:35] I respectfully urge this board to consider the long-term consequences of this decision

[16:39] and to deny or reconsider this proposal in the interest of public safety, health, and community well-being.

[16:45] In addition to underscore the level of concern, our community organized a change.org position, opposing the proposed outdoor gun range, which gathered 238 signatures from local residents.

[16:57] Thank you for your timing consideration.

[16:59] Thank you.

[17:01] Is there anyone else here to speak in opposition?

[17:14] Please give us your name and address.

[17:19] So, I'm sorry.

[17:21] I'm here you because I all the gun parts.

[17:22] but please give us your name and a chance.

[17:26] I'm a hand-in-it person, 30, 28 point and then I'm a gun over.

[17:31] I believe in guns, most of that I believe in guns.

[17:36] But we don't need it.

[17:38] Two hundred, three hundred, four hundred yards from our home.

[17:42] Could you imagine that from your home?

[17:47] That's absolute, I don't know how.

[17:49] how I would sleep. I'm also in the state of worker. I have to do a call. I do not ship the

[17:56] times. She made it. I went about all of that. So I'm not going to rehash that. My biggest thing is

[18:05] we moved out to the country for a reason. But many reasons. Number one, we have family down there.

[18:12] Number two, away from the hustle and bustle of just dream, much less having 1,000 in 1,000 of gunfire.

[18:23] Safety, she brought up the point, human air.

[18:27] Human air is, then our hell will burn, she could have, no matter what all you have, set to keep it safe, human air.

[18:39] We have two charges, two brave sites, within that 3,400 yards, up to 90 and up to 600 for the other one.

[18:52] I thought that was a no gun.

[18:55] That's kind of disrespectful.

[18:58] It's hard to understand why.

[19:01] I would love to have a gun range.

[19:03] could do all of that, but not in our backyard. We move to town away from light and light

[19:11] pollution, away from noise pollution, to be safe, to be with our families, to let our kids and

[19:17] our animals be able to, you know, enjoy the country. This is going to steal and rob everything

[19:26] that me and my husband for 27 years has dreamed about.

[19:32] There's plenty of opportunities in other places

[19:35] for this to be placed, and I would love for it to be placed.

[19:39] But not in our backyard.

[19:41] This is a quiet, one-row community.

[19:45] This is dangerous, this is loud,

[19:49] it's disruptive, it's going to tear down what all of us

[19:53] have monitored dreamed of. If we wanted noise, we would be in the city. We chose to be in the country.

[20:00] Regimentary for a reason. They also, there's three owners. Are they here? Three owners? Only one signed off, or at least that's what we see.

[20:12] He only has 25 or 24 and a half percent ownership. We're at the other two signatures for them, that own that property.

[20:23] Don't know, sorry, don't know.

[20:29] Also, the financial means to do it somewhere else.

[20:36] They can go somewhere else.

[20:39] Most of us are not will-off, I'm not.

[20:43] I work 27 years to get where we're at.

[20:47] And for something to come available to be closed my in-laws,

[20:52] to be close to nature, to be in the quiet.

[20:57] That's our safe place, is that is your home and your yard not your safe, quiet place.

[21:03] This is not one of these safe and quiet.

[21:06] Human air alone makes mistakes, win the stake, just win bullet, an animal, much less

[21:17] a human.

[21:20] That's all I have to say.

[21:21] Thank you for listening.

[21:22] Thank you.

[21:25] And please give us your name, and address, please, sir.

[21:31] I'm their next door neighbor.

[21:34] My pastor and barn is 250 feet away from the property line

[21:38] of where they're going to be shooting.

[21:40] My house is less than 700 feet.

[21:42] And my home office is less than 600 feet.

[21:45] I work from home.

[21:46] My kids are homeschooled.

[21:48] They take their test at home.

[21:50] They need that peace and quiet.

[21:52] Every single day, just imagine,

[21:53] all work three going on. And you're right beside you. That's going to be me every single day.

[21:59] My animals, my horses, my thunkies, goats, chickens, all that. Two hundred feet away.

[22:06] So I guess thank you. Is there anyone else to speak in opposition? There's one minute left.

[22:19] I'm a rustling mayor of the 1815 Morton Bend Road, I've been on the bend for 20-2 years,

[22:27] I have a wife, two dollars, 14-10, I have a son that's three, I have another 20 years,

[22:36] like I said, bought the property, built my house, built my barn, on myself.

[22:42] So my house is going to be downrange from where the shoe craze is going to be, I'm roughly

[22:46] 400 guards I'll ship the road and so I did just a little bit I mean I'm I'm gonna

[22:53] honor a lot of calipers and the range of stuff so just give you some resources from

[23:01] ArmyLive.com doesn't ammo rifle shooter magazine I said come around five five six

[23:09] out of 16 each barrel has a range of five hundred yards or 15 hundred feet we have a

[23:16] It's about CREEDMORE has a max range, 12-hore yards, five-hore yards effectively, 308, another

[23:24] coming round for deer hunting, lethal one-mile range, and they also have neighbor he can't

[23:32] be here, he's

[23:38] here this week, so I'll talk with him yesterday, kind of his family lives

[23:42] wrapped behind the same fun.

[23:44] He has a wild kids that live there, one goes to college, he has grandchildren,

[23:51] 10 minutes is total, the total 10 minutes is, yes sir. So now we will allow you to come back

[23:59] and if you want to take the rest of your time to answer those people's questions or

[24:06] rebuttal or whatever you would like to say, just give us your name and address.

[24:18] Robert

[24:20] We don't have endless money, and we can't just build in multiple places.

[24:26] This is where the intersection of financial and physical opportunity met, and that's why we chose this place.

[24:34] I'm in a chief range safety officer with an RA and USCCA, and the proposal of 25 Burms is above and beyond.

[24:43] Well, it's in our A recommends in their guidebook, so that's what we're going by.

[24:52] You'll be hard pressed to find a range with 25 berms anywhere, but even in a residential

[24:58] type space like this.

[25:00] So, safety wise. Now, as far as the maximum factor range of calibers, there's already hunters that hunt on that property with no barriers whatsoever. With no direction of fire, they shoot in any direction available.

[25:15] So, I think there's a higher likelihood of something going south with hunters than a controlled environment of the shooting range. As far as noise goes, we have mitigation plans that we've discussed with planning,

[25:29] And definitely the 20-foot berms around all the perimeter walls is going to be a big huge

[25:35] factor on that.

[25:36] And high frequency or high volume ranges, we're going to put baffles over the 25 yard ranges.

[25:43] And we are going to use hydro seed to coat the slopes of all the impact berms and the

[25:52] dividing berms.

[25:54] The threshold for OSHA is 85 decibels at eight hours of constant sound.

[26:03] As dangerous, I expect that we can keep that below 80 decibels and that's intermittent.

[26:11] And that's probably right now I'm speaking at probably 90 decibels or more through the

[26:16] microphone.

[26:18] So I don't think that's going to be that much of a problem.

[26:20] I know it's an emotional issue, and it seems like there's a battlefield going on, but that's not the case at all.

[26:28] And people who shoot at multiple ranges probably understand this.

[26:33] So we have made our directions a fire, west and north only, and granted there are houses, west, far-down range.

[26:44] But between the shiplete and the firing line, yes, it's a 20-foot berm and terrain.

[26:54] In the same north and the closest, they said some footage lines there.

[27:01] I have been measuring from the firing line and the closest house that the one gentleman referred

[27:07] to to the east there from the firing line is somewhere around a thousand feet.

[27:12] So, yes, human error is exists, but I would venture to say that a good estimate of negligent

[27:25] discharges is that somewhere around 90 plus percent happened in the dirt directly in front

[27:30] of the shooter.

[27:33] Yeah, I pledge level of professionalism that most people in a civilian world probably aren't

[27:40] exactly used to dealing with, and let's say, and we plan to make as many, not as many

[27:49] changes as needed, but we plan to address the issues that the truth concerns, and that

[27:56] to be noise in my estimation. And safety, of course. But again, I'm so confident with 20

[28:03] foot burns that that's not going to be an issue. So beyond that, if the commission

[28:10] has any questions, specifically asked or if anyone would like to, but I'll see you in the

[28:18] time. Thank you. Is there anyone else here to speak in favor of this request?

[28:37] I'm going to be one of the gentlemen that's out there running this range.

[28:43] I grew up hunting more bin road back in the heavens used to own that same property.

[28:49] So I've been out there since I'm 40 years old now, so I've been out there for 30 plus years.

[28:55] So I'm very familiar with the area and understand the concerns that the individuals came up here and spoke with.

[29:00] Sir, can you pull that mock up? Just a little please, thank you.

[29:05] Sorry about that.

[29:07] Yes, so I completely understand their concerns.

[29:10] And obviously noise and safety are the biggest concerns here.

[29:13] So some of the other ones are not something I would necessarily be concerned about,

[29:18] but as far as noise goes, like Edgar said,

[29:21] you know, we've done the measurements.

[29:23] I'm not sure where the gentleman is actually located,

[29:26] But we believe from the firing line, the closest dwelling is about 1,000 feet, and in between that dwelling obviously there's a large berm that we will construct, and then there's the terrain features in between there.

[29:36] It's actually, the range is actually sitting in a bowl. If you actually go out there and look at your range, so it's actually down in a bowl, so any direction we shoot, you actually are shooting uphill in any direction, the way that it has been built.

[29:48] So in the air it rounds is somehow where to find its way over a berm would significantly

[29:55] clear any residential household that was anywhere near there.

[30:00] Because they would have to aim at such an angle high that there's no way it would come into an impact area within that residential area.

[30:07] And if you zoom out from those areas, pretty much everything around there is just fields or forests.

[30:14] So that concern of them having a safety issue is not as great as I think they think it is.

[30:19] And at the noise thing, one thing that may some may or may not be know about is that recently

[30:27] the tax stamp that came along with suppressors is no longer a thing.

[30:33] So I'm a competitive shooter, and to go off on a small tangent real quick, so I go around

[30:38] the country and compete competitively, and I know for a fact that the people that I could

[30:45] with my sponsors have a lot of interest in this area because there's nothing around here that

[30:50] offers what we want to offer. So as far as bringing some value to the local area as far

[30:56] as Rome because of its proximity to Rome would be substantial. Vince liked the tactical

[31:02] games which I compete in at a very high level. That can bring anywhere from 250 to 300 just

[31:07] competitors alone not to mention friends and family, any sponsors and things of that nature.

[31:12] Then we're talking about USPSA, PCSL, I could go on and on about the amount of events that

[31:18] can occur out of this place.

[31:20] On a very regional level, it would bring a substantial amount of business to this area because

[31:24] of its proximity to Rome, which typically you have to go a pretty significant distance to

[31:28] get to a range of this level.

[31:31] So it would be very beneficial for Rome as a city, but a source that noise goes and the suppressor

[31:35] thing.

[31:38] So, suppressors with that $200 tax stamp that you have to pay, used to kind of put them

[31:43] out of reach, right, and speaking from experience, when you go to a range, I go to a

[31:48] competition.

[31:48] There's always that one guy that shows up without a suppressor, and we hate him, right, because

[31:53] when it goes off, you can notice we tell a difference between what we're shooting and what

[31:57] he's shooting, right?

[31:59] So, we are very cognizant of suppressor use, and it's something that is growing significantly,

[32:04] And even with this removal of the tax stamp, it's going to grow even more so.

[32:09] So more and more people are going to be using this type of attachment on their muzzle.

[32:14] So therefore it will drastically reduce the noise level of the kind of weapons that will

[32:19] be shooting out at this range.

[32:22] So we'll have it overnight, no.

[32:25] But we'll have it over time, absolutely, because people are becoming more and more aware of what

[32:31] effects it has when you're shooting, you know, firearms in close proximity to

[32:37] your ears and the percussion and things of that nature. So, suppressors are

[32:40] going to be coming more and more mainstream and more available to all

[32:44] demographics because that tax stamp is no longer available. I just got

[32:48] back from shot show. I know there's a lot of suppressors being made now

[32:51] that are in the $2 to $300 range. So, they're now much more affordable

[32:55] because that tax stamp is no longer available. And it's something that we can

[32:59] introduce at our gun range.

[33:02] All right, suppressor hour, only hours.

[33:05] I've been to other ranges that have done that.

[33:07] It's certain hours.

[33:09] We can say if you want to shoot at this range,

[33:11] you have to use the suppressor.

[33:12] That's the thing, it exists at other ranges

[33:14] because they may be in close proximity to other houses.

[33:18] So the noise mitigation, we are taking all the steps

[33:21] possible to make that happen because I get it, I understand it.

[33:25] But I don't think it's going to be as great as some of them

[33:28] making it seem that I've been around, I'm serving the military currently, I've been around

[33:34] a lot of ranges, and you'd be surprised how easy it is to mitigate that sound with the

[33:40] burns and especially to rain. It will make a difference. But with the introduction of

[33:45] suppressors, I think that that issue will actually calm itself a lot more than people think.

[33:50] That's all I have. Thank you.

[33:53] There's 25 seconds left. Is there anyone else that would like to speak in favor of this request?

[34:05] I will not speak to anything that has an argument set specifically with regard to Edgar and Kurt,

[34:12] just to vouch that they are consummate professionals and all that they do.

[34:17] It is difficult to understand the level of professionalism that they currently conduct themselves within that they will operate the range with.

[34:25] so you can take what they've said to the bank and know that they have the best interests

[34:28] of the range, the community, and for accounting and mind.

[34:32] Thank you.

[34:34] Okay, at this time we will close the public hearing and I will ask if there's any questions

[34:41] or discussion from the commission.

[34:48] I know we've had lots and lots of discussion over the past couple of days, but is there

[34:54] any discussion from the commission at this time?

[35:02] One thing, you know, obviously, you guys were talking about just a little earlier as you were discussing.

[35:10] The fact that this was on the agenda this evening was, you talked about various conditions and, you know, that you all had looked it.

[35:18] You'd had staff, staff, staff, Bryce to look at conditions. It could be placed in what other communities and those sorts of things to do to try to deal with those situations.

[35:29] and I know Bryce has mentioned sort of a list of various things it could be conditions

[35:33] right.

[35:34] If you were to decide that what you wanted to do was to travel proof to approve but to

[35:39] try to deal with some of those mitigations so I don't know if there's any desire to talk

[35:44] through some of those things tonight or you know or not but those some of that has been

[35:49] provided.

[35:50] I know that there was also a map that we looked at earlier and I don't know if you guys would

[35:54] to make sure that map comes into sort of the record of, you know, of the hearing or not, but

[36:02] just well.

[36:03] Well, and also along those lines, Chris, we had talked about the possibility of having

[36:08] some more time, because things were evolving even right before our meeting, and that there

[36:13] was a discussion between the planings of director and also the applicant, and that that seemed

[36:18] to be something that both agree could potentially be beneficial to have a little bit of a

[36:24] time to evaluate these evolving criteria and then looking at these other standards that we were

[36:31] looking at.

[36:32] And I would like to also say, I wrote out to the property today.

[36:35] I spent about an hour out there, I actually called Brass on the phone while I was out there,

[36:39] looking at it to be sure that I was aligned the right way and I was looking at everything in the

[36:44] right perspective.

[36:45] So any decision that's ever made by this commission on these kind of issues are taking

[36:49] very serious.

[36:50] And they're not taking lightly.

[36:52] And one thing I don't want to do, this is not a second

[36:54] amendment issue with this fire and range.

[36:57] This is an issue of a zoning request.

[37:01] So I know the folks that do live out there.

[37:04] I'm sure that most of them do hunt.

[37:06] They probably hunt on their own property out there in that area.

[37:09] But the gentleman with the range did,

[37:11] one of the concerns I had was the way the fire and range

[37:14] was pointed down range.

[37:15] But I think the map that Chris was referring to,

[37:19] And we don't have a digital copy of it, do we, bros?

[37:22] I wish we, but it, it turned the range of other directions.

[37:26] So the firing lanes are now facing, and if I'm wrong, correct me.

[37:30] The very opposite of the direction they were previously.

[37:33] Previously facing Southward, we were facing Northward further into the property.

[37:37] Right.

[37:37] So, further into their own property, rather than shoot away.

[37:40] And I want to thank Mr. Smith because it was your email, I think it was you that put

[37:44] the distance.

[37:46] That's why I wrote out there.

[37:47] I wanted to look to see what I was looking at.

[37:48] That was a very good detailed email, and thank you for sending that.

[37:53] But yeah, I just wanted everybody to know that we did have discussions, and we did talk

[37:58] about it in caucus, and we did ask some questions about some things that could be changed,

[38:05] and you know, these decisions are not easy when it comes to zoning.

[38:08] I don't want to buy that.

[38:09] And the SUP stays with the property.

[38:12] So that's, we need to be very intentional about the decisions that we make related to this.

[38:16] That is correct, especially Stormland is not issued to a person or a business that's issued to a parcel number, since they're an address.

[38:23] So if this gentleman sells the property, that issue piece stays with that property as well as the restrictions.

[38:28] If I'm wrong, as well as the restrictions are put on it.

[38:31] So somebody else could come back and open a gun range, but they have to adhere to the same restrictions that this organization did as well.

[38:42] Okay, at this time I know that there's a lot of discussions.

[38:46] And there's a lot of moving parts, a lot of things that are changing very quickly.

[38:51] So at this time, I'd like to make a motion that we deny the request without prejudice,

[38:57] which means that the applicant can work, continue to work with the planning director,

[39:04] and then that means that it would come back to the commission probably in March, and that

[39:12] would give him an opportunity to see if the stipulations and conditions that would be required

[39:20] for this top property, if that would be something that they could see if it's affordable

[39:26] or if they could make the changes or what that would look like.

[39:32] So at this time, that is the motion to deny without prejudice.

[39:36] We have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion?

[39:43] Okay, Ms. Charmler, will you call the row?

[39:45] Commissioner Burns.

[39:46] I have staying.

[39:47] Commissioner Waters.

[39:48] Yes. Commissioner Thornton.

[39:50] Vice Chair Hancock.

[39:51] Yes.

[39:52] Chair Wallace. Yes.

[39:53] Motion carries.

[39:56] Our next item for you this evening is

[39:58] SCP-26501.

[40:00] 02 for the property at 3770 Kingston Highway. That is fully county tax parcel in 143311A. The property is currently

[40:08] zones agricultural residential. The request is for a special statement for a daycare slash group home. You

[40:15] have the property outline on your screen. It's just over 12 acres in size. It's a pause for a second.

[40:20] Yeah, if you don't mind, just give us just one second and let everybody that was here for that item. If they

[40:27] on to the lead. They're welcome to.

[40:40] Okay, Bryce, I think we're good.

[40:42] Yes, ma'am. As I said, this is a special response request for a daycare

[40:46] slash group home properties outlined on your screen. It was previously used by

[40:50] Windshake Foundation, where it was a sort of transitional housing

[40:54] for kids that had aged out of foster care. The applicant owns and

[40:58] operates a personal care home and another daycare within the city limits.

[41:05] This did come with a staff recommendation of approval.

[41:08] It got unanimous approval from the Planning Commission.

[41:11] There was a comment brought up the Planning Commission about noise issue for

[41:14] related to a previous event that was stated that that was essentially a fundraiser for

[41:19] that.

[41:20] I've since looked into that further.

[41:22] I gave you guys some information in caucus.

[41:25] I also found where the problem is listed as being offered for a Airbnb slash event facility

[41:32] on a city social media, Georgia's Rome, but I'm assuming that is what the neighbors were referring

[41:40] to related that. So just for some additional information, but as I said, the staff report

[41:45] was written that did come with a staff recommendation of approval and it did get unanimous approval

[41:49] from the Planning Commission. Thank you. Thank you, Bryce. It this time we'll open the public hearing

[41:55] and is there anyone here to speak in favor of this request?

[42:06] Please pull that microphone down please.

[42:08] Thank you.

[42:09] It's hard to hear up here.

[42:11] Thank you.

[42:11] Hello.

[42:12] I'm Tamika Fitzgivins and I'm the owner operator of Fitz personal care and we're here

[42:19] to receive a special permit to continue offering housing for elderly and special

[42:28] need of those as well as activity time during the day and some weekend activities.

[42:38] Now, I want to leave the rest of my time for any questions on any way may you?

[42:41] Okay, is there anyone else here to speak in favor of this request?

[42:50] Is there anyone here to speak in opposition to this request?

[42:59] Did you want to say anything else?

[43:02] Okay, you're welcome to have a seat.

[43:05] Okay, we've heard the information that has been presented.

[43:11] I will call on Mr. Burns.

[43:13] Could we ask some questions first?

[43:16] Can we get in like a motion?

[43:19] Okay.

[43:20] No, I'm just curious.

[43:22] So is the space going to be a housing facility for those in need or is it going to be an Airbnb event venue?

[43:30] Because it's confusing.

[43:32] One of the houses will be them for those in need of housing.

[43:41] What I am doing during the day is offering parents and education

[43:47] to those who don't have been now in comp and the CCSP waivers to stay there so I'm using the Airbnb to get them free stay and time off from their special knee kids and the services of free to them.

[44:02] So it's a free stay. It's not an Airbnb then. Sorry. So what I was saying was it isn't Airbnb for the three not the big house,

[44:13] But I'm using also offer free stay for the parents of special needs or caretakers to come in while my staff get them on there now and come for their CCSP waivers and so that they could have respite away from their kids.

[44:32] Okay, thank you.

[44:39] So I'm confused.

[44:42] So what we're approving is,

[44:48] Chris, exactly, tell what we're approving is, have anything

[44:50] to do with an Airbnb or is it, and they're using it for a paid Airbnb, is that part of the

[44:58] issue P, issue P?

[45:00] It's not related to that, or the request. It was just something that I identified when I was looking

[45:04] on the Internet trying to research the neighbors complaint.

[45:09] So, but does it affect this request in any way?

[45:14] So, it's two different homes. Is that there's three homes?

[45:19] Yes, and it has, neither one has anyone can have an Airbnb. You have to pay taxes on it.

[45:25] Right. So, that has nothing to do with it.

[45:28] have anything to do with it. Nothing at all. That's there you go. That's what I was

[45:32] on here. Thank you.

[45:36] And I asked if we have other venues, they were something else that

[45:40] made you forward.

[45:42] I mentioned that Mr. Skittons and I'll be precinct to discuss it.

[45:46] Back in October the possibility of turning the property into it.

[45:48] And then it didn't mean that it doesn't mean that it doesn't mean that

[45:51] the minimum acreage, minimum acreage is just 15 acres.

[45:54] This property is just over 12.

[45:57] However, as the neighbors mentioned that there was some sort of an event where they felt that the noise was too loud and I said at the point where they went and made a request to turn it down and appears that there was some sort of a jazz night type of event, the tickets were sold for, and that happened in September of prior hours.

[46:14] Excuse me, I was speaking about it.

[46:19] I only say that because it was also listed on the social media post that it could be rented for weddings and parties and whatnot.

[46:27] So for us this evening is just the determination of whether we approve the SUP.

[46:37] Okay.

[46:37] Is there any other discussion from the Commission?

[46:42] At this time, Commissioner Burns, would you like to make a motion?

[46:46] I'm making a motion that we approve.

[46:48] Second.

[46:49] Have a motion and a second?

[46:51] Mr. Umla, would you call the row?

[46:53] Commissioner Burns?

[46:54] Yes.

[46:54] Commissioner Waters?

[46:55] Yes.

[46:57] Yes.

[46:57] Last year, Hancock?

[46:58] Yes.

[46:59] Chair Wallace?

[47:00] Yes.

[47:00] Motion carries.

[47:03] All right.

[47:04] Next item for you is Z-26501-1003.

[47:07] For the property of zero rock mark road,

[47:10] the request is to resume from suburban as an initial

[47:12] to community commercial.

[47:13] This is fully county tax parcel.

[47:14] K-1703.0.

[47:17] The picture you see there is outdated.

[47:20] That is property though outlined on your screen.

[47:22] Since it's been cleared, the request came with no information

[47:26] simply that it was a speculative request

[47:28] so that the property could be marketed, because of its highway frontage, we have since

[47:34] learned that this is reportedly going to be a dollar general site.

[47:39] The time staff had no knowledge.

[47:41] We simply evaluated what we had, and there was no reason to justify going and get

[47:45] our comprehensive plan, or our future land use map.

[47:48] The staff recommendation was to deny just one second.

[47:55] The Planning Commission voted to deny by a vote of three to five since the motion to deny failed.

[48:01] It has been forwarded to the fully counting commission as a recommendation of approval.

[48:05] Thank you.

[48:06] Thank you.

[48:07] At this time, we will open the public hearing and I will ask if there is anyone here to speak in favor of this request.

[48:20] Thank you.

[48:21] My name is Jim Gibbons.

[48:22] I'm at 16 Commerce Court, and I'm here today to represent Ashley Evans' development that

[48:30] would be Larry Ashley and Gary Evans, they're the owners of the property.

[48:34] I'm here representing them.

[48:35] I do not represent Dollar General, so anything I say about them, I cannot make any commitments.

[48:41] But I can tell you that we received last night a site plan to the property from Dollar General

[48:48] lay out people, developers, and I mentioned that to Brass today, I didn't want it to be a surprise to him.

[48:55] The reason we said it was for speculation, because at the time of application, we didn't know exactly where

[49:01] the dollar general was on this project, but we do have a contract on the property to sell to a dollar general developer.

[49:09] The site plan is here, it has a 10,640 square foot building being proposed.

[49:15] that would be either a market, they have two different type of stores, a market store,

[49:24] one very similar to the one in Kusa, or it would be a select store, which is located

[49:28] intersection to give you a comparison of 156 and highway 27 North.

[49:34] Now the plans do call for a brick or stucco facade on the part of the building that faces

[49:40] 101, they have gotten away from the metal building look and that's their call, but I'm

[49:48] just telling you what's showing up on their plans. They do call to improve the turniness,

[49:53] turning radius of the intersection, a tree might drive, and 101. The tax?

[50:00] In closing, the tax value of this property, if this is approved, is developed and sold into the marketplace.

[50:06] The tax value of this track and land will increase from 51,000 to over 2 million dollars.

[50:13] I'm here to answer any questions. I reserve my time.

[50:17] Thank you.

[50:19] Is there anyone else to speak in favour of this request?

[50:25] Is there anyone here to speak in opposition to this request?

[50:29] My

[50:34] name is Laurie Hardy. I've lived at 23 Tremont, so I am right across Tremont from

[50:42] that's the property. My property goes to all the way to 101 and it's two lots. We have

[50:47] a house on the second line. This is a picture from my driveway to the dollar general property.

[50:57] I impose it. In theory 101 doesn't sound like a bad place to put a dollar general in

[51:04] that we have when on 101.

[51:06] We do not need it at the entrance to our neighborhood.

[51:11] That is not how I want to welcome people

[51:13] into my neighborhood with a dollar general.

[51:17] The road is narrow, like he said.

[51:19] And for now, it would be ridiculous,

[51:21] because this is how all the big vehicles have

[51:24] parked at the stop sign at three months

[51:26] to turn on to 101.

[51:28] But it does it, GPS does it, and the buses do it.

[51:31] We can't even turn in.

[51:32] We have to wait until they pull out into 101.

[51:34] this, how narrow it is. The speed limit is 25 miles an hour. There are about 25, 20

[51:39] houses on one and one half of them have little kids. As it is, people speed down that

[51:44] road if they are using that as a cut-through and it will always be a cut-through if

[51:49] there is a dollar general there because of the large neighborhood behind us, people coming

[51:53] through to go. We would have to have speed bump or something to slow them down because

[51:58] people who don't live on that road go well beyond the 25 miles an hour.

[52:03] There are blind driveways on that road.

[52:05] There's a hill at the other end.

[52:07] There's blind driveways on both sides of the hill.

[52:11] So no business would really be good there.

[52:14] Let alone an dollar general.

[52:15] Dollar general's own business model is one store

[52:18] deserved $10,282 people.

[52:21] Romharding has 14 stores, which for one store

[52:26] to serve about 6700 people.

[52:29] Romharding has the highest store to person ratio

[52:31] in the state of Dollar General's. Dollar General also, their goal is the stores are placed

[52:39] in Minnesota Park. They're trying to put stores with no matter where you are, you can get

[52:45] to a Dollar General within 10 minutes. The current stores, there's one in Lindell's 3.7

[52:49] miles away, it's 8 minutes to get there. There's one on Cape Springs Road at 5.8 miles

[52:54] away, that's 10 minutes away. There's one on Dean Street, five miles away, that's 7 minutes.

[52:59] There's one on 101 in arrogant 5.3 miles away, six minutes, and there's one on 2nd Avenue is 6.7 miles away, this 10 minutes.

[53:09] We're going to end up in the same boat y'all have issues with all the gas stations.

[53:13] The other shores nearby are silver-create minimark, 1.9 miles from my house,

[53:18] run food marks, 0.4 miles from my house, easy stop is 0.6 miles, and silver-create,

[53:29] This site is surrounded by houses.

[53:32] There's one to the right.

[53:33] There's one behind it that has small children living there.

[53:35] And then there's one, I am on the left.

[53:37] I have seven kids.

[53:39] Fortunately, the youngest ones are 14.

[53:41] So they probably will not be hit in the middle of the road.

[53:44] But we do not need a dollar general to welcome people

[53:47] into our neighborhood.

[53:49] I moved there surrounded by residential property

[53:52] because that's how I wanted to live.

[53:54] That's where I wanted to stay.

[53:55] If I wanted to live by a business, I would have stayed in town.

[53:58] Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else to speak in opposition to this request?

[54:11] Hearing none, we will close the public hearings.

[54:15] Mr.

[54:18] Gibbons, did you want to come back and answer any of those rebuttals?

[54:22] I have, according to Georgia DOT records, the traffic count at this intersection have to take

[54:30] two readings and kind of extrapolate, but there's 8,000 cars a day on how we want to

[54:36] want it this location. It meets dollar general's criteria to a T. Thank you.

[54:42] Thank you. Okay, this time we will close the public hearing and I'll ask if there's any

[54:47] discussion from the Commission, or is there a motion from Mr. Burns?

[54:53] I have a question.

[54:54] I need to go ahead.

[54:55] Go ahead.

[54:56] So you talked about a turn radius Mr. Gibbons. Can you explain that?

[55:00] Is that coming out of Tremont? They would extend that turn radius back out on the 101, not sure understood.

[55:09] Mr. Hancock, the only thing I can reference is this document.

[55:12] Okay.

[55:14] And it does say on there that they intend to improve the existing intersection radius, it appears as though the bulk of that improvement, according to this shaded area, is closer to roll.

[55:26] And then on the other side, more toward rock martyred, it kind of narrows some, but I don't have any specifics.

[55:32] Okay.

[55:32] On what that is, they just included that on their preliminary plan.

[55:36] Okay.

[55:37] Thank you.

[55:39] Mr. Wood, with the information that you've now received that this is potentially a dollar general.

[55:44] Does that change the opinion of your, you and your staff?

[55:48] I do feel better. That's not going to be a gas station.

[55:52] Yes, ma'am.

[55:54] That's a step in the right direction.

[55:56] And there is commercial property around this.

[56:00] There's an old junkyard that's no longer open.

[56:03] I directly across the highway.

[56:04] There's a house in Zones, C.C.

[56:06] In the meeting area.

[56:08] There's a body shop in a convenience store.

[56:11] I've got three houses down.

[56:19] Thank you.

[56:19] Is there any other discussion or any additional questions?

[56:28] Commissioner Barnes, would you like to make a motion please?

[56:33] I have a motion and a second, Ms. Chomu, would you call the row?

[56:39] Commissioner Burns, Commissioner Waters, Commissioner Thornton.

[56:44] Vice Chair Haincock.

[56:45] Yes.

[56:45] Chair Wallace.

[56:46] Yes.

[56:47] Motion carries.

[56:49] Next item for you this evening is Z-26.

[56:51] I can 0-1, I can 0-4 for the property.

[56:53] 43, 34, Martha Berry.

[56:55] Highway, properties kind of is on suburban residential.

[56:58] The request is to resume to community commercial for a portion of the property.

[57:03] As we get to the map here, that is outlining the entire property.

[57:06] There at the corner of Martha Berry and that side street.

[57:10] You have a pharmacy shop that predates the adoption of the U.S.

[57:13] You'll receive the request is to resume that small quarter there to CC to allow for that

[57:20] store to be raised and a newer bigger one to be developed.

[57:23] The rest of the property would remain zoned as are.

[57:26] That was it to request of the owners so that they can protect the homes on the property.

[57:31] This does come with a staff recommendation of approval based on the provided site plan.

[57:35] Thank you.

[57:37] Thank you.

[57:37] It is time we will open the public hearing.

[57:39] Now ask is there anyone here to speak in favor of this request?

[57:48] Is there anyone here to speak in opposition to this request?

[57:54] Seeing none hearing none will close the public hearing.

[57:57] And I'll ask if there's any discussion from the Commission.

[58:04] Commissioner Barnes, which would like to make a motion please.

[58:08] I'm motionally approved with the conditions.

[58:11] Second.

[58:13] We have a motion in a second.

[58:15] Ms. Chandler, would you call the road?

[58:17] Commissioner Burns.

[58:18] Yes.

[58:18] Commissioner Waters. Yes.

[58:19] Commissioner Thornton. Yes.

[58:20] That's your handcuffs.

[58:22] Yes.

[58:22] Chair Wallace. Yes.

[58:23] Motion carries.

[58:24] The next item we have for you is a

[58:27] to the Unified Land Development Code, it relates to gas stations in

[58:31] convenient stores, or convenient gas stations in convenient stores.

[58:35] First of all, it removes the option for automobile service stations.

[58:40] Those did not exist any more in our area, and I don't anticipate them coming back.

[58:45] Next is, it emits the use chart to make convenient gas stations allowed by right

[58:49] with limitations in the CC, HC and LID districts.

[58:52] Those limitations are contained below, it limits them to arterial roads, major or minor.

[58:58] There is an exception there for retail shopping centers and excessive about 100,000 square

[59:03] feet.

[59:04] It places a distance of six hundred, six hundred foot buffer from a school of starches,

[59:09] daycares, stock-all-treatment centers,

[59:13] public parks, and the public ride-away assisting

[59:15] with a greenway trail and the governing-way trail.

[59:18] There, once again, is an exception that allows for a 100,000 square foot retail centers.

[59:24] There is a 1,000 foot directs line distance requirement between stores.

[59:29] That is measured property line in the property line.

[59:33] There is a 300 foot distance requirement, straight line measurement from store to property that is zone for single family home or developed as a single family home.

[59:42] then from the historic districts, which is only an issue in the city.

[59:47] Lastly, they are not allowed within 500 feet of the river.

[59:50] That's an environmental concern.

[59:53] Not allowed within the 100-year floodplain.

[59:55] Once again, that's environmental.

[59:57] And lastly, not allowed within 500 feet of a...

[1:00:00] Linear feet. I think Governor operated well. That is where the county gets his drinking water from. For the city, it creates some design requirements. But as of right now, those were limited to the city.

[1:00:10] Of run the convenience store side that do not sell gas. Those would be allowed by right with limitations in the CC and HC district. And it creates several of the similar distance requirements from other stores as well as parks, churches, schools, things of that nature.

[1:00:29] This does come with a staff recommendation of approval and you know what's the approval from the planning commission and it was also adopted last night by the city.

[1:00:37] Thank you.

[1:00:38] Thank you at this time. We will open the public hearing and I'll ask is there anyone here to speak in favor of this request?

[1:00:54] Thank you. I do want to point out that I did speak at the planning committee in support of this and the last night at the city commission.

[1:01:02] So, the people who know me know that I'm a frequent critic of the government.

[1:01:07] And those who really know me know that I will give credit when it is due.

[1:01:11] As a conservative, I view our land and resources as a precious commodity, and must be

[1:01:18] managed with the screen care.

[1:01:19] I love capitalism, many Americans, dreams, including my families were made possible by it.

[1:01:26] But as it stands today, the United States operates under mixed marketing capitalism, where

[1:01:31] private ownership exist, but the government, meaning the people, regulate industries and

[1:01:36] provide safety nets. So it is due time that Rome starts implementing quality over

[1:01:42] quantity, and I know I get repetitive with that. Currently, Rome employed have a profusion

[1:01:48] of gas stations compared to the national average. Every time I attend a city and county meeting,

[1:01:54] Rome is always applauded at how it appears to outside communities and how much other cities

[1:02:00] and communities want to be like Roe.

[1:02:03] I want people to wish that they could live here

[1:02:05] and doesn't want them to.

[1:02:07] But our gas stations and convenience stores

[1:02:09] where other communities really desire.

[1:02:12] I hear how Rome is unique.

[1:02:14] I honestly don't believe that's true anymore.

[1:02:16] Maybe at one point, when we had Mills,

[1:02:19] when we had a nickname, the Stove Center of the South.

[1:02:23] There is nothing unique about gas stations,

[1:02:25] data centers, chain restaurants,

[1:02:27] and let's not forget the 17, well, 18, I guess, now dollar general stores between the city and the county.

[1:02:36] What I see is status quo, cookie-cutter, or suburban sprawl.

[1:02:41] The bit of uniqueness that we have left is the statue sitting on the auditorium steps.

[1:02:46] The small mom and pop shops trying to survive unbrid.

[1:02:50] I'm not trying to be ugly or mean, but the truth hurts,

[1:02:53] But to preserve Rome, Floyd, its uniqueness, and its people, the truth is needed.

[1:03:00] The city's uniqueness only spans the point six miles, or mile, along the stretch of

[1:03:06] broad, then what?

[1:03:08] Get out into the county, and it's like nobody cares what's being built.

[1:03:12] I'm not saying to control it, I'm not for that.

[1:03:15] But when one operates in public, there should be at least, and standard, for some pride,

[1:03:21] of what gets built in the county as well.

[1:03:25] If we want to be the best, then we need to have pride,

[1:03:28] not only on broad, but throughout all of Floyd County.

[1:03:32] Pricewood has been, I believe, pointed to this position,

[1:03:35] and I believe from what I've heard and seen in the past,

[1:03:38] that he has the best interest of Floyd County at heart.

[1:03:41] So I applaud and thank him and everyone else responsible

[1:03:44] for putting this ordinance together, prioritizing our community,

[1:03:48] and the people's well-being. In closing for full transparency, there is currently a petition circulating in the community and support of this ordinance, thank you.

[1:03:58] Thank you. Is there anyone else here to speak in favour of this request?

[1:04:06] Is there anyone here to speak in opposition to this request?

[1:04:20] an association of gaff owners and developers in Rome and Floyd County and there's some

[1:04:27] sea store owners in that association as well, but these guys are largely the fellows and the

[1:04:33] ladies that come in and spend substantial money on new projects and they don't just set up the

[1:04:37] ding-ding shop in the strip mall. I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight.

[1:04:44] I also want to thank Mr. Rubino. Mr. Hicks, Mr. Missier, earlier they've heard me talk about this

[1:04:49] three or four times, and I must be the least-like guy in Floyd County and Rome defend in the C-Sports right now.

[1:04:57] Frankly, surprise no one's hitting with a rock while I think.

[1:05:01] I was engaged by these guys back when this first came across the table at the planning commission. I had one client, the scenes, who wanted to build a store over there across the street from the walk around the store.

[1:05:16] After that meeting, where it was table for the first time, I woke up the next day and I had 20 phone calls and a lot of different clients.

[1:05:25] And we interface with Chris with Bryce and really appreciate all the hard work they put into this and the consideration they gave my clients and my arguments and our concerns and we think we made some good compromises on the ordinance and I think as written it's a great ordinance.

[1:05:44] The problem that remains with the ordinance, though, to us, is that there is no reasonable

[1:05:53] transition period from the regs that were in effect when the moratorium was entered, and

[1:06:01] those that will go into effect if passed today.

[1:06:05] If you recall how the moratorium came up, it was added to the agenda, I think during caucus

[1:06:10] it, a meeting here on June 10th, last year,

[1:06:16] their published agenda didn't mention

[1:06:17] a moratorium like that.

[1:06:19] The public really had the notice.

[1:06:23] And leading up to that day was important

[1:06:25] as that two of my clients within the association spent,

[1:06:31] they bought property 100 contract on property and lead 24.

[1:06:35] One closed on and 24, the other closed early 25.

[1:06:40] both of those properties would have allowed gas station development as of right.

[1:06:46] If any of you all do real estate frequently, especially on the commercial sphere, you know that often those contracts do diligence.

[1:06:55] One of the things you do is to make sure you go, you can get the entitlements that you need,

[1:06:59] make sure that you can get the rezoning, that you need, you can firm, that you can put the use that you want on the property.

[1:07:04] When you get that confirmation, you close the deal, you hire your architect, you hire your

[1:07:09] engineer, you spend real money trying to get a project put together, and that's everything

[1:07:17] that my clients were doing right up until June 10th, June 9th and 10th of last year with

[1:07:25] the stroke of a pen, it appears like their legs were cut out from under them.

[1:07:29] In the county alone, my clients have invested already in $1 million in to gas station developments.

[1:07:38] And that's a big loss for them if they're not going to be able to develop those stores.

[1:07:44] Yeah, they say I think everyone is familiar with the saying that ignorance of the law is no defense.

[1:07:49] I think it bears thinking about why that's the case.

[1:07:51] That's the case because the law's written down in a book somewhere and we can all go look at it and we can rely on it.

[1:07:58] We know that, okay, it says, that you can't steal my car.

[1:08:02] Well, I know if some of you got steals my car,

[1:08:03] I can call the police and they're going to enforce that.

[1:08:05] In the same way, people look at zoning regulations,

[1:08:10] particularly as providing an idea and bearing on the value of property

[1:08:16] and how to make investments.

[1:08:18] People don't make a million dollar investments based on a gamble.

[1:08:21] They don't make a million dollar investments based on maybe actually

[1:08:24] get everything from the board of the adjustments that I need.

[1:08:26] They make those investments when they can rely on the zoning regulations and other laws and effect.

[1:08:33] And that's what my clients did here.

[1:08:37] And so, as I mentioned, I think the ordinance is a good ordinance.

[1:08:40] I think that what it needs, however, is a transition period.

[1:08:43] Or we need some transition period where the moratorium is lifted for a short amount of time.

[1:08:50] And then, these new regulations go into effect to allow everybody who is ready to go.

[1:08:57] I mean, I think you can do a two week lift of the moratorium, and that would show that

[1:09:02] people who really had invested their money right up to the very deadline of the moratorium,

[1:09:07] allow them to submit their applications, allow them to get their land of service permits,

[1:09:12] their building permits, and looking forward, you've got a clean slate, you don't have any

[1:09:17] on the pipeline who, you know, it's going to be telling their friends who can invest money

[1:09:21] in Ford County because they'll take it away with the stroke move in. You really do what's

[1:09:25] right. And then we look forward to these new rags that I think do directs these stores and

[1:09:30] gas stations, so places that are best for the community. So, thank you.

[1:09:35] Thank you. Is there anyone else here to speak in opposition to this request?

[1:09:47] Hearing none, seeing

[1:09:48] We'll close the public hearing and I'll ask is there any discussion or any questions from the commission?

[1:09:56] I mean, Mr. Berners just sort of said, hey, you want to.

[1:10:00] Address with there be a Fisher being here and bringing that up. What I'll say to that is certainly when you invest in a piece of property, it requires permitting that requires more than just any kind of property, even to build a house or to do something like that. You're somewhat engaging in speculative activity until you get your permits.

[1:10:25] right until you have the permit, and then regulations can change.

[1:10:30] Building regulations can change the IPMC, which is the International Property Maintenance

[1:10:36] Code, the Building Codes, can change, and all of a sudden you may not be able to do what

[1:10:41] you think you could do.

[1:10:42] Zoning can change.

[1:10:43] Zoning can change because someone petitions for that on the property or zoning can change

[1:10:49] because the government itself says, oops, this property really isn't what we, you know,

[1:10:55] It really should have been, right, future land use maps change, those sorts of things.

[1:11:01] In this case, the county and city both enacted more tutorials, because of a, it may have

[1:11:10] been added to an agenda without being prior on the agenda, so we add, I don't know, to

[1:11:17] the agenda by a four-fifth vote if that's what you guys decide to do when it's a matter

[1:11:24] experience, right, a matter of urgency, and Bryce came to you with factors that related to

[1:11:31] the unbelievable number of interests, people who had said, hey, I'm interested in putting

[1:11:35] a store here, is this property zone properly for this? And some of them may have been

[1:11:42] Mr. Wall's clients, some of them may have been other folks, but when, you know, he essentially

[1:11:48] said, if we don't, you know, we don't do something. We're going to see, you think there's a ton of

[1:11:53] and the administration was now, what do you see what happens?

[1:11:58] And so you guys just have to make a decision,

[1:12:00] you voted to pass a moratorium.

[1:12:03] But you didn't just say, from here on out,

[1:12:06] there's no, you know, nobody gets to move forward.

[1:12:10] You drew a line, and that line was in association

[1:12:14] with help from the building inspection

[1:12:17] and permitting office.

[1:12:19] They said, if you've got a land disturbance permit, right?

[1:12:22] That means you have not just invested money, but you've actually gotten a property right from us.

[1:12:27] You have enhanced something that says, hey, look, I can actually start moving dirt or a kind of sort of thing.

[1:12:37] Then you have an expectation at that point.

[1:12:39] And that's where we drew the line as far as that expectation.

[1:12:43] And if you had that, land establish permit or anything beyond that,

[1:12:46] But let's say you were passed the land of permit and you were putting up all, trying to, you know,

[1:12:51] get your sector, you know, see what permit or sector, whatever that looked like.

[1:12:55] You can continue to move forward, and we've got stations, I believe, in the county.

[1:12:59] I know there's several in the city that are in that that are continuing that process,

[1:13:04] and being able to move forward like that.

[1:13:07] You had to draw the line somewhere, right?

[1:13:09] And if you say, well, you know, we're going to open it back up for a period of time.

[1:13:14] Well, you know, you get this influx, this giant rush.

[1:13:18] And now, you know, we've got, you know,

[1:13:20] is it going to be the, you know,

[1:13:21] it's going to be the extra number of gas stations

[1:13:23] that Bryce was, you know, how to interest him

[1:13:25] that everybody, all of a sudden, is, you know,

[1:13:28] shows up and seeks that permit.

[1:13:30] And now we're sort of right back where we started,

[1:13:34] not having really fixed the issue that you guys

[1:13:37] were seeking to fix.

[1:13:39] And so, I think you picked a reasonable line to draw.

[1:13:42] I do think that there may be some folks out there who, and again, we did work with Mr.

[1:13:50] Law and his clients and try, and we can't just acknowledge things and make some changes to

[1:13:54] the ordinance, but I'm sure that there are still people out there.

[1:13:58] And we do have a variance process, the variance process is the same for, you know, and all of

[1:14:06] this stuff that you're looking at is things that you, most of these issues have to leave

[1:14:11] with things that you could seek a variance for, right?

[1:14:14] If you're talking about a thousand feet from another gas station, or from an

[1:14:18] you know, excuse me, from a school or something like that, now it's not as

[1:14:22] a right, and I get how that is harder to sell to an investment and say, well, I'm

[1:14:28] I'm going to have to go another board and ask them for an opportunity, right?

[1:14:32] But that is out there, and I would think that certain factors might be raised

[1:14:38] such as the investment that, you know, that Mr. Wallace is referencing any correspondence

[1:14:43] that was had prior to new to try to make sure that the zoning was appropriate when it was

[1:14:47] purchased. You know, those sorts of things may be things that I expect that I will hear from

[1:14:52] Mr. Law coming in the very near future. And then the board that would consider that support of the

[1:15:00] So I'm happy to answer any further questions about that, but I didn't want to sort of outline that it's not just that when we said more and more building and all these people who have got permits in our, you know, that those folks are able to keep moving forward and wherever it is. It's sort of these ones where, yeah, there was, there was some, I would like to do that, or I've almost been some money on this, but not quite ready to jump in.

[1:15:26] Thank you, any other questions or discussions?

[1:15:33] Commissioner Burns.

[1:15:35] I make a motion.

[1:15:35] We approve amendment of Article 3, Article 4 of the ULD City,

[1:15:41] regarding convenience stores and gas stations.

[1:15:45] I have a motion and a second.

[1:15:48] Ms. Drumler, would you call the row?

[1:15:49] Commissioner Burns?

[1:15:50] Yes.

[1:15:50] Commissioner Waters?

[1:15:52] Yes.

[1:15:52] Commissioner Thornton?

[1:15:53] Yes.

[1:15:53] Vice Chair Haincock, Chair Wallace? Yes. Motion carries.

[1:15:58] And the last item I have for you this evening is the re-adoption of the ULDC and accompanying

[1:16:01] zoning maps. We do this every January. It's a procedural thing, but it is very important.

[1:16:06] So we would greatly appreciate your support. Thank you.

[1:16:09] Thank you. At this time, I will open the public hearing and I will ask is there anyone

[1:16:14] here to speak in favor of the re-adoption of the ULDC?

[1:16:23] Is there anyone here to

[1:16:28] or is anyone here to speak in opposition?

[1:16:35] Seeing none, hearing none will close the public hearing and I'll ask is there any discussion

[1:16:40] from the Commissioner

[1:16:44] Burns?

[1:16:45] I make a motion when you prove the re-adoption of the ULDC.

[1:16:49] No, second.

[1:16:50] Have a motion in a second.

[1:16:51] Ms. Drumler would you call the roll?

[1:16:53] Commissioner Burns?

[1:16:54] Yes.

[1:16:54] Commissioner Waters?

[1:16:55] Yes.

[1:16:56] Commissioner Dorton?

[1:16:57] Yes.

[1:16:57] Vice Chair Hancock?

[1:16:58] Yes.

[1:16:59] Yes.

[1:17:00] Yes.

[1:17:00] Motion carries. I want to just, I want to just, before we go, I want to tell Bryce and his team. Thank you for all the hard work. There's a lot of, a lot of time.

[1:17:09] Spin in that and I won't tell you from on my behalf. Thank you for all that and your team to work you do.

[1:17:15] You, you have to fight to get a word in with David. That's what I was going to say. Thank y'all. Thank you.

[1:17:20] Thank you, Bryce. Okay. Public hearing.

[1:17:24] we have no public hearings. Resolutions, we have no resolutions, and then under the Chair

[1:17:34] Ms. Report, you see each commissioner has their committee assignments.

[1:17:43] Do I have a motion

[1:17:44] to approve the committee assignment?

[1:17:47] So, move. Second.

[1:17:48] Have a motion in second, Mr. Hummer, would you call the roll?

[1:17:51] Commissioner Burns. Yes. Commissioner Waters. Yes. Commissioner Thornton. Yes.

[1:17:57] Vice Chair Hancock. Yes. Chair Wallace. Yes. Motion carries.

[1:18:00] And then number two is the reappointment.

[1:18:05] Reappointment. Give me buyers to the Gordon Floyd development authority.

[1:18:09] His term will begin immediately and then will expire on December 31,

[1:18:14] first 20, 28, and that comes as a motion.

[1:18:19] Do I have a second?

[1:18:21] Second?

[1:18:21] Have a motion in second.

[1:18:22] Is Chandler what you called a row?

[1:18:24] Commissioner Burns.

[1:18:26] Commissioner Waters.

[1:18:26] Yes.

[1:18:27] Commissioner Thornton.

[1:18:28] Chair Wallace.

[1:18:31] Motion carries.

[1:18:32] Next we have our commissioners reports, and I did want to report on a couple things.

[1:18:39] First of all, I'd just like to take a moment to thank all of the people who

[1:18:44] long hours. Sometimes out in the bitter, bitter code to ensure that we were prepared for what we had.

[1:18:51] We had been significant us storm. We're lucky that the storm passed us by and behind the scenes at Public Works,

[1:19:02] 911 EMA and police fire and all others made us all very prepared and we really appreciate all they do.

[1:19:10] I didn't want to give you an also the update on the historical courthouse on Fifth Avenue.

[1:19:20] Those renovations are scheduled to begin on February 3rd.

[1:19:26] The law enforcement building renovations we hope to have a contract approved in March.

[1:19:33] That would be to finish or to start phase with the second and third floor building,

[1:19:40] which will house 9-1-1, juvenile court and the tax commissioner and tag office.

[1:19:46] The 4th and 6th Avenue Park index will remain free and open to the public for their

[1:19:52] downtown parking needs.

[1:19:54] So that's been a great thing for all of our citizens.

[1:19:58] I did also want to...

[1:20:00] To thank Chief Wallace and his team, we were able to host the area monthly commissioner luncheon and we had commissioners come from five counties and it was held at the law enforcement building and we toured that and it was very nice and everyone was impressed of what we had done to that building.

[1:20:25] So, thank you for that, at this time, Commissioner Waters, would you like to just briefly

[1:20:33] want to mention that Bryce and his team have been leading a group going through the revisions

[1:20:40] of the ULDC.

[1:20:41] It's been a very collaborative event between the city and the county, also citizens such

[1:20:46] as architects and builders, and then of course staff members, realtors, it is a very tedious

[1:20:53] process but I appreciate the good work and he hopes to have a draft maybe in a month for us.

[1:20:59] So thank you for that work. Yes, thank you. In the end for the airport Commissioner Burns.

[1:21:06] Okay the wings over north Georgia air show is going to be April 3rd in the fourth and as of now

[1:21:13] the Air Force Thunderbirds will be here. That's great. That is the Friday and Saturday

[1:21:22] Thank you for that, Commissioner Thornton.

[1:21:27] Thank you, Chair.

[1:21:29] It's honor to meet with our area commissioners like Chair Wallace said, and honored to

[1:21:37] help being an alternate on the airport commission.

[1:21:40] I've met with two different times with a fully county parks department, Todd Walford and

[1:21:46] Amy Bryant owns the project on our tourism committees and had the citizen meeting of eight

[1:21:53] different citizens with contact and went out and seen their concerns and had 38 contacts

[1:22:00] by phone, email, text, or in person and I want to say one thing we got Captain O'Havio

[1:22:06] Lone here today and I would like for her daughter to stand up.

[1:22:10] She won't alert.

[1:22:11] She won't alert about government and she brought her here today so I think we'll give her

[1:22:21] Thank you, and you got one amazing mother.

[1:22:25] Mr. Hancock, did you have anything you wanted to say?

[1:22:29] No, ma'am.

[1:22:31] Okay.

[1:22:32] How have you been today?

[1:22:34] Managers report.

[1:22:35] Well, he'll be a unique attacker out for supper

[1:22:37] to bring her to seven public hearings on her first album.

[1:22:40] They're not all this bad or long,

[1:22:42] but just a couple of things

[1:22:44] the Commissioner Wallace mentioned the historic courthouse project and some of the other

[1:22:52] projects we got going on will be starting on February 3rd. We're under contract and I was

[1:22:56] to proceed that will be mobilizing over this week and starting next week. We were supposed to

[1:23:01] do a ribbon cutting on our DDS facility yesterday but due to weather and statewide travel, we

[1:23:07] decided the state decided to postpone that. We're tentatively looking at February 24th that

[1:23:12] state has not been confirmed.

[1:23:14] 23rd or any third floor.

[1:23:16] I'm stuck on that number.

[1:23:18] Glenn Wood, we've mentioned that Glenn Wood

[1:23:20] we've got a few additional items that

[1:23:22] carried over from the last year's

[1:23:24] ale in the grounds.

[1:23:26] And our LEC renovation second,

[1:23:28] 34 years out to bed.

[1:23:30] We had a pre-bed on January 25th.

[1:23:32] Had nine general contractors attending

[1:23:34] and bid your due on March the 12th.

[1:23:37] So we're excited about that.

[1:23:38] We're working to still work on first four test fit

[1:23:40] with our judges and trying to finalize that over the coming weeks.

[1:23:45] Thank you, Mr. McCord.

[1:23:47] Is there a attorney's report, Mr. Jackson?

[1:23:50] One thing I would tell you, with the adoption of the new ordinance with the ULDC, well,

[1:23:57] the re-adoption of the ULDC and the new adoption of the gas station ordinance, I will likely

[1:24:02] be recommending that we take action on the termination of the moratorium, probably at our next meeting.

[1:24:09] And that is of interest to probably to Mr. Law and some of his clients and that's the thing.

[1:24:16] So we'll work on the agenda and whether or not that needs to be on the next meeting.

[1:24:20] The city also did not take action last night in which I think that will give a nice opportunity for

[1:24:25] Bryce to get with the actual sort of get the final draft over to the building inspection department.

[1:24:33] And that's all I've got tonight.

[1:24:34] OK, thank you very much.

[1:24:37] At this time, Mr. Miller is a consent agenda in order?

[1:24:40] Yes, it is, Madam Chair.

[1:24:42] Is there a motion to approve?

[1:24:45] So moved.

[1:24:47] Have a motion in second.

[1:24:49] Mr. Miller, would you call the row?

[1:24:51] Commissioner Burns.

[1:24:51] Yes.

[1:24:52] Commissioner Waters.

[1:24:52] Yes.

[1:24:53] Commissioner Thornton.

[1:24:54] Yes.

[1:24:54] That's your handcock.

[1:24:55] Yes.

[1:24:55] Chair Wallace?

[1:24:56] Yes.

[1:24:57] Motion carries.

[1:24:58] We have no obviousness, but we...

[1:25:00] We do have two items under new business. Mr. McCourt, would you go over those for us, please?

[1:25:07] Yes, ma'am, item one, consider a quest from engineering to approve the acceptance of roads in the

[1:25:11] old summerville Village subdivision on the county maintenance. The roads included our casino way

[1:25:17] north west, sweets by drive, north west, and silver barrel lane, north west, and an associated

[1:25:23] detention pond. Still be under a 12-month warranty period after it's a not-supportable

[1:25:28] is approved. You've heard the recommendation from our county manager is their motion to approve.

[1:25:35] I'm motion we approve. Second. Have a motion in second. Ms. Troma, would you call the row?

[1:25:40] Commissioner Burns. Yes. Commissioner Waters. Yes.

[1:25:43] Commissioner Thornton. Yes. Vice chair Hainha. Yes. Chair Wallace. Yes. Motion carries.

[1:25:48] And not until you can see requests from police department to the free purchase and installation of

[1:25:52] soundproofing materials for the interview rooms in the amount of $3,400, utilizing funds from

[1:25:57] 1, 2, 3, 1, 9, 6, 6, 1, 2, 3, 6, 0, 0, 1, 6, no change in the budget is required.

[1:26:05] This is one of the items that carried over from 2025.

[1:26:08] You've heard the recommendation from our county manager is their motion.

[1:26:12] Motion to approve.

[1:26:13] Second.

[1:26:14] Have a motion.

[1:26:15] And second.

[1:26:16] Ms. Chumma, would you call the row?

[1:26:18] Commissioner Burns.

[1:26:19] Yes.

[1:26:19] Commissioner Waters.

[1:26:20] Yes.

[1:26:20] Commissioner Gordon.

[1:26:21] Yes.

[1:26:22] Vice Chair Hancock.

[1:26:23] Yes.

[1:26:23] Wallace? Yes. Motion carries. There's no other business, but we do have three people signed

[1:26:31] up to speak on non-agenda items. If you will just come to the podium to tell us your name

[1:26:38] and address, you will have three minutes. First is Daniel Asin.

[1:26:51] Good evening. My name is Daniel Asin. I live at 11 Robon Street here in town. I want to express

[1:26:57] a appreciation that the matter, the proposal,

[1:27:04] was not put on the agenda tonight, and that's

[1:27:07] because the appreciation is because matter such as allegations regarding elections have a

[1:27:15] place.

[1:27:16] They're not here, and they're not for special grandjuries that cost money, they go to the

[1:27:24] late election board, they hear those matters all the time, they get investigated all the

[1:27:29] time.

[1:27:30] The State has a budget for that purpose.

[1:27:34] I just appreciate that this matter did not make it to a grand jury of folks who are

[1:27:43] like me, a layperson, often don't understand all the forms in the election's office.

[1:27:49] I follow the elections, meticulously, I watch the state election board meetings meticulously.

[1:27:56] And I don't know everything that our election staff goes through every day.

[1:28:02] I could watch for weeks and not know everything that they do.

[1:28:05] They get trained for that.

[1:28:07] The state election board, on the other hand, has investigators who know what to look for,

[1:28:12] who know what allegations are worthwhile and which are not.

[1:28:17] That's where this matter should be, and thank you for not going there.

[1:28:23] Thank you, sir.

[1:28:24] And I would say, I'm sorry.

[1:28:25] Thank you.

[1:28:26] I would say that it is good that this did not go to a special grand jury, because our staff at the

[1:28:32] elections office shouldn't be burdened with doing, I think, six elections this year, while they're

[1:28:41] being investigated by a grand jury for actions in the last election or two

[1:28:45] lexons and the cycles ago.

[1:28:47] It's just too much and at some point we have to also as a community that we're

[1:28:54] watching too much happen to elected officials and government employees.

[1:28:59] It's got to stop somewhere.

[1:29:01] The ability has to take over and we've got to treat each other well if we have

[1:29:07] differences of opinions on politics, that's one thing, but to go after people, just to go after people to

[1:29:13] wreck the government, that's not what we should be about.

[1:29:18] Thank you.

[1:29:19] Thank you.

[1:29:20] Thank you.

[1:29:22] Next, we have Ms. Gloria Thacker.

[1:29:34] Well, this is really, I guess, I'm upset from what he was saying.

[1:29:39] And my question mainly is that I would like to get an answer for if y'all could do that

[1:29:46] today according to what I heard it, the last meeting I will answer questions.

[1:29:54] And my question is whether you vote.

[1:30:07] Special grand jury, or not, I feel like the people of our time on dates to at least hear from, you know, the reason, whether it's, you know, one person, you write up something and you explain to the people, the taxpayers here,

[1:30:33] Why you don't want this done, you know, I mean, I'm not saying that you should that you're going to do it or we're going to be just out with you real good because you don't do it.

[1:30:49] But as our commissioners and we took you in office, we deserve an explanation as to why you know or how you want that hand on, at least something and not just the way it appears now to me and a lot of people, it's just being thrown out to the trash and it's not no big deal and I'm not saying that's the way it is.

[1:31:17] I'm just saying that's the way, and I'm sure y'all know there's more people that wants answers for that than there is that don't want any answers and that is, you know, what we have have you for or that's what, you know, I've always thought and then too

[1:31:40] Um, my question, another question that I have is, um,

[1:31:51] when in and how did you decide that you're not going to put something on the agenda?

[1:32:01] Would be.

[1:32:02] I think those are two fair questions.

[1:32:04] Okay.

[1:32:04] And I'm going to ask our attorney Chris Jackson to explain that process that has been

[1:32:09] explained over several times.

[1:32:11] Maybe not in this forum.

[1:32:12] But I'll just I'll let Chris give an opportunity or Jamie or somebody else to give an opportunity to explain our process

[1:32:19] Or you're you are with that Chris?

[1:32:21] I certainly can

[1:32:23] So we've got a loser procedure for the Floyd County Board Commission and

[1:32:29] Under the rules of procedure

[1:32:31] And this is as to the second question because that's really more what I can speak to is is procedure right

[1:32:40] But as to the agenda, the agenda is under section 1-07.

[1:32:47] It says the county clerk under the direction of the manager.

[1:32:50] That would be the county manager.

[1:32:52] Mr. McCord, shall prepare an agenda of subjects to be acted on for each meeting.

[1:32:57] An agenda work session held by the county manager shall be held prior to the regular meeting to finalize the agenda.

[1:33:03] The chairman and all commissioners may participate in the work session.

[1:33:06] When ever a quorum of the Board is present for an agenda work session, the meeting shall be open to the public and all notice and record keeping requirements applicable to an open meeting must be met.

[1:33:17] The agenda shall be made available to the commissioners, at least one business day before every board meeting.

[1:33:23] And as a next short paragraph, one sentences says members of the public may request that a particular subject be placed on the agenda for the following meeting.

[1:33:34] To be considered, this request must be submitted to the cleric and receive prior to the agenda meeting, okay?

[1:33:41] The agenda meeting is typically held on Thursdays. Every now and again has to be moved.

[1:33:45] It is not a meeting that is noticed because we don't typically have a core in there. If we did have a core, we we would now

[1:33:51] Some of y'all have attended those meetings on occasion, especially if there's something specific that you feel like

[1:33:57] You have want to make sure it gets on the agenda or a contract or something that you're concerned about.

[1:34:02] My understanding is that, by practice, the department heads have to have agenda items that they would like on the agenda about Wednesday at noon.

[1:34:12] Is that right?

[1:34:13] And so, by Wednesday at noon, a department head, if they want to have a contract approved, they have to have it to the county manager.

[1:34:20] By that time.

[1:34:21] However, just because they make a department head, just because a department head makes a request to have something on the agenda.

[1:34:28] It doesn't mean that we'll necessarily get on the agenda.

[1:34:31] Various concerns and considerations are taken into account by the county clerk under the supervision of the county manager.

[1:34:40] Those things sometimes do with the fact that they know that we have seven public hearings that might be on an agenda for any evening.

[1:34:46] And so therefore they say, well, we're going to defer that contract to another time or I'm not sure that we're ready to approve that agreement or whatever that may happen to be.

[1:34:57] But what they do is they prepare.

[1:35:00] A draft agenda, but they don't have the final say so on what's on the agenda. The agenda gets approved

[1:35:08] here in public at the county commission meeting. And let me say this, I think commissioners can request

[1:35:13] that things go on the agenda if they want to. But I think it's still a request. I think that in times

[1:35:23] It may not, I don't know how often it happens nowadays, because I think there's a fairly collaborative, you know, sort of, where are we on this agreement, where are we on that, but I think there have been times in the past where there's been request by commissioners to have something on the agenda that's not been put on the agenda.

[1:35:42] And, you know, so they have a remedy for that, though.

[1:35:45] And the remedy is this four-fifths sort of a request to add something

[1:35:52] to, you know, to amend the agenda before the agenda is approved.

[1:35:56] And so any commissioner can make a motion, whether they get asked by an individual

[1:36:01] from the public or they just have their own thing that they feel like

[1:36:04] needs to be on the agenda.

[1:36:05] If it didn't make the advertised and published agenda, then they can make a motion

[1:36:09] for that, if there's a second time, then there's a vote, and if it proves and it's required

[1:36:14] not just a simple majority, but a four-fifths majority to add something, since it would be

[1:36:19] a matter of exagency or a matter of importance to add that evening, it can be added to the

[1:36:26] agenda.

[1:36:26] And if it gets added to the agenda, then that becomes the agenda then gets voted on and we

[1:36:35] move forward.

[1:36:35] We see that happen from time to time, stuff gets added.

[1:36:37] But also, we see stuff that doesn't get added.

[1:36:40] Hey, we're going to have to punt that.

[1:36:42] Well, we've made a decision tonight not to add.

[1:36:45] Well, I sort of said, hey, do you guys want to,

[1:36:47] is there anybody who's going to want to add the termination

[1:36:51] of the moratorium on the agenda tonight?

[1:36:54] You also sort of said, let's not do that.

[1:36:56] I mean, you know, nobody made a motion on that.

[1:36:59] I mean, there was some discussion about it,

[1:37:00] but I think for a price of staff and for the other staff,

[1:37:04] nobody made a motion based on their comment.

[1:37:06] So that's how agendas get set and, you know, the setting of an agenda is certainly a serious process, but if, you know, what I, what I don't read in any of these rules is something that says that any person, any one person gets to other than the fact that the county manager and the county clerk are in charge of putting together a draft agenda, that anyone person gets to just demand,

[1:37:32] And hey, look, I want this on the agenda, and it goes on the agenda without there being

[1:37:38] some process and procedure for that.

[1:37:41] And I think that's a good thing because, again, that sort of keeps government wheels moving.

[1:37:47] This is, I know for a lot of folks, this feels like a place you come and have a discussion

[1:37:51] and get here what's going on, and it is.

[1:37:53] And it should be.

[1:37:53] But it is also the only place that these five people can be in the same room together

[1:37:57] and conduct business.

[1:37:58] all the contracts that have to be approved and all the, I mean, you know, you know, they don't spend a general, you've got a $5,000.

[1:38:06] You can spend without asking them to ask him anyway, but you, you, you can, you, you can, it may be a little more than that.

[1:38:10] It's a 25, 20,000. So, anyway, that's not a habit that Mr. McCormons to get into doing is just doing that.

[1:38:19] And so these, all these things, this is the opportunity for these guys to do that.

[1:38:23] And so, they need to set what goes on the agenda, and they do that in their discretion.

[1:38:30] And, you know, because of that, because not everything necessarily can be in a agenda item,

[1:38:35] they've adopted rules that are not required of them under Georgia law, which is to have

[1:38:41] a public comment period about things that aren't even on the agenda, an opportunity for you

[1:38:45] to do this, right, for you to stand up and have a chance to chat about something that you

[1:38:50] bill is important. And of no. And if that gets through to the commission, then maybe at

[1:38:57] another agenda meeting, guess what? That will be on the agenda. And we've seen that happen.

[1:39:00] We've seen people come up and bring an issue that does end up on the agenda. And so some

[1:39:07] places make you register a head of time if you want to be on the agenda. If you want to have,

[1:39:12] not in on the agenda. If you want to speak about a matter not on the agenda, you just want

[1:39:15] to have public comment. They make you register by a certain time ahead of time, even to

[1:39:20] to get to talk about that. And whatever you want to talk about. So it's a balance.

[1:39:27] But that's the procedural understanding that I have. I don't know that is that helpful.

[1:39:35] Okay. Thank you. Okay. And I understand, excuse me, what you are just saying, but the question,

[1:39:42] And my main question is, why do, as Council members, do y'all not want to talk, I mean

[1:39:55] even if we had a community meeting, like they had on the data set?

[1:40:01] Why do you not want to talk about it? That would be a question. I feel like that one of the commissioners should answer not the attorney because that's what I'm asking is why y'all don't want to talk about it. Not like you don't want to per se put it on the agenda.

[1:40:20] But I mean, this is something that, to me, my main concern, and David knows my family, and he knows me.

[1:40:33] My main concern, you're three minutes.

[1:40:36] Well, I didn't talk for three minutes.

[1:40:38] We didn't have the time.

[1:40:42] Well, it's just like, you know, it makes me feel like, just like,

[1:40:46] He said that he and that's why I came tonight because he didn't make the statement that y'all would answer questions, and y'all never

[1:40:56] I do want to, it kind of just make one comment. The the question regarding

[1:41:03] The allegations regarding elections the appropriate place for those to be handled are the at the state election board and that's why we

[1:41:13] suggested that remedy to the individual.

[1:41:16] That's the best approach to deal with it.

[1:41:18] They're the people who are best educated, most knowledgeable,

[1:41:22] have a process, and said that is what we said.

[1:41:25] And I still stand by that.

[1:41:26] I agree.

[1:41:29] I mean, like I say,

[1:41:33] I'm concerned to my children, my grandchildren,

[1:41:37] and the way wrong is going right now.

[1:41:40] I lose sleep, I don't know what I got, but I lose sleep, but not worried about my kids and all

[1:41:46] the stuff that is going on.

[1:41:49] And one thing could you answer me, you say, like the Facebook stuff, everything's on Facebook.

[1:41:58] Where can we go, other than there, where can people go to get their word out, or to get, if

[1:42:07] got something going on about the time, we can go other day and face the good.

[1:42:14] I would be happy to give you my cell phone number after this meeting.

[1:42:17] If you got any questions, call me and ask me.

[1:42:20] And we will, we will, we've got your name, Mr. Thacker.

[1:42:24] If you will stay.

[1:42:25] That's after one.

[1:42:26] We'll make sure you have our email addresses and our cell phone numbers.

[1:42:31] They're all online on the Floyd County website, OK?

[1:42:34] But each person only has three minutes to speak.

[1:42:38] And that's fine.

[1:42:39] Thank you.

[1:42:40] Next up, we have the grant.

[1:42:42] I do just would say, I do think that there's some of, I mean, there was, there wasn't

[1:42:47] Addressing that things were addressed by the, by the election's director at the last election's board meeting.

[1:42:56] It was on front page of the paper.

[1:42:57] Right.

[1:42:58] And so anyone.

[1:42:59] Yeah.

[1:43:00] Thank you for that.

[1:43:01] Grant.

[1:43:08] Grant Miller.

[1:43:09] carries springs road. So specifically I would come to tell you this that you all do listen

[1:43:15] the county apartments, listen, city managers office listen. Back in November, a petition

[1:43:23] was submitted about paving that needed be done a mountain view road above the golf course

[1:43:28] where I live right there off Calrier. And you all heard that I called in, I spoke to John,

[1:43:33] And it's being investigated, y'all looking at ways to make that happen.

[1:43:38] It might not be quick, but again, you all listen.

[1:43:43] And I want to make sure that's known that at every form y'all have answered questions,

[1:43:50] y'all all listen to us.

[1:43:53] And I want to make sure y'all hear that.

[1:43:54] And everyone's room, here's that.

[1:43:57] That all citizens have a voice here.

[1:43:59] They can make their concerns known.

[1:44:02] And I'm going to give place, I come to a lot of means for many years, I try to attend a lot.

[1:44:08] And a lot of what she has just mentioned, you all have addressed multiple times.

[1:44:14] And y'all are amazing in every way to serve in y'all's capacities.

[1:44:18] The office in John, I called you several times this past week.

[1:44:22] Something simple as a traffic light that's having issues, or something else.

[1:44:28] All departments every time there's response by maybe it's not always quick

[1:44:35] But there's rules and things you have to go through in these processes and I'm very privileged to be involved in serve committee passes community

[1:44:44] To know that we have great people here in Rome and Floyd County

[1:44:49] We have one of the most amazing cities and counties here probably in the state we're regularly recognized for what all we do is the community

[1:44:58] so

[1:45:00] Again, I want to thank you all, but it's simple like there's sometimes a disconnect that happens, like taking straight. It took forever get paved. It's state controlled. Like, we can all go speak up, but again, there's so much that we can do related to getting that done. There's funding. There's different comments that didn't be made. There's processes. But you all hear, listen. You all hear all the time extra questions.

[1:45:30] multiple times. Y'all go above and beyond in every way. So again, I just want to say thank

[1:45:35] you, the people above, the golf course, thank your office for taking their

[1:45:40] petition, look at it, paving that road. Again, thank you all.

[1:45:44] Thank you.

[1:45:47] We did go into executive session tonight to discuss

[1:45:51] property acquisitions and personnel. There was no vote taken. This time we are adjourned.

Board of Commissioners

Agenda

Transcript