[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:08] One
[1:21] second, I apologize, one
[1:32] minute.
[1:40] Yeah.
[1:53] 30 of those. So you're saying it's one of agreement. All dice with a fight. Probably would have performed as a single agreement.
[2:09] So look at
[2:17] that, it looks like a hoard.
[2:23] Put it together, then, and then see if the contract should have it.
[2:27] I would probably have it.
[2:28] It should be a system I would only have to wait and know me.
[2:31] That's a old year's work there.
[2:33] You have to.
[2:34] Is it...
[2:36] Is there anything
[2:43] else
[2:47] I don't know that I could be experiencing?
[2:58] We're going to
[3:06] bring
[3:11] in the signature on there.
[3:14] Let's see, it has two separate sets of these.
[3:16] A lot of them.
[3:17] A lot of paid.
[3:18] You need an all of them.
[3:20] Wow, Dennis.
[3:21] Denver, so you had to miss Stanford.
[3:24] We
[3:28] need you all here.
[3:29] Right.
[3:34] I'm starting.
[3:39] So there's the match.
[3:58] Which listed as the second grade minister.
[4:03] All right, I think let's play it, because if you want to agree with it, that's my music.
[4:11] I will.
[4:12] I will.
[4:13] All right.
[4:13] Thank you.
[4:14] We could probably explain it.
[4:15] Okay.
[4:16] All right.
[4:16] Mr. Williams.
[4:19] The
[4:22] August 17th, 2026 meeting of the Habersham County Board of Officers.
[4:26] This is a public meeting and as such, the doors in the back are to remain open at all times.
[4:30] Please silence all cell phones and now turn the meeting over to Commission Chairman Hartniss to call the meeting to order
[4:36] Okay, good afternoon. Welcome to everybody. I'm gonna call this meeting to order August 17th
[4:42] County Commission meeting, Habersham County Courthouse, Clarksville, Georgia
[4:46] Call this meeting now to order and welcome to everybody. Thank y'all for being here
[4:50] I'm gonna ask
[4:51] Commissioner Woodall to feel lead us in prayer and then Commissioner Miller to lead us in the
[4:57] Thank you.
[4:59] All right.
[5:00] Heavenly Father, we're thankful for you, for your son, and for the grace you've given
[5:04] us.
[5:04] We're reminded Lord that Your strength has made perfect in our weakness and Lord we are humble
[5:08] and we're asking for Your wisdom and for Your grace.
[5:11] Thank You for this county.
[5:12] We get to serve.
[5:13] Thank You for the citizens who have entrusted us with the leadership.
[5:16] Thank You for every county employee who serves faithfully to make a difference for our citizens.
[5:21] May You bless all that we do to not in Christ's name.
[5:23] Amen.
[5:56] Mr. Chairman, if I could interject one comment on the consent agenda portion, items D and E involve agreements related to planning services and a fuel contract for the airport.
[6:11] I'm sorry, C&D, I'm sorry, I said the wrong ones, C&D, with Kenley Horn.
[6:19] That is actually one agreement, they're listed separately initially because they had to be separately procured based upon federal law when we went through a procurement process, but it's a single agreement, so just wanted to clarify that for the record.
[6:33] So when we approve C and D, just for the record, that's a single agreement separately procured pursuant to federal law.
[6:41] I just want to make sure everybody was clear on that.
[6:43] Thank you.
[6:44] I don't think we necessarily have to amend the agenda for that.
[6:47] I don't think so either, but I wanted to raise that and make sure that was clear.
[6:50] Thank you.
[6:51] Thank you, Councillors.
[6:52] All right.
[6:53] We have a motion to prove agenda is written.
[6:55] Mr. Chairman, I make the motion we have approved the agenda is written.
[6:58] And the motion is a second.
[6:59] Second.
[7:00] There's a second.
[7:00] All in favor say aye.
[7:01] Aye. Any opposed? Okay. Motion carries unanimously. All right. Presentations and announcements.
[7:09] Reconation of Grant Reeves Veterans Honor Guard. I'm going to let Commissioner Miller read this.
[7:17] I have been talking all day long and my voice is about gone. So Commissioner Miller, please.
[7:23] Okay. Thank you.
[7:27] On behalf of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners,
[7:30] It is my privilege to recognize the Grant Reaves Veterans Honor Guard and express our sincere
[7:37] appreciation for everything its members do for our veterans, their families, and the communities they serve.
[7:43] The Grant Reaves Veterans Honor Guard is a remarkable partnership representing four veteran service organizations.
[7:50] The disabled American Veterans, the veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the veterans of Foreign Wars' auxiliary.
[7:57] 6 Chartered Groups from Habersham and Rabin counties participate in the Honor Guard.
[8:03] VFW Post 7720, American Legion Post 8-4, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15, VFW Post 4570,
[8:14] American Legion Post 2-2-0, and the VFW Post 7720 Auxiliary.
[8:20] VFW post-7720 serves as the parent organization providing accountability and helping supply and equip the honor guard.
[8:29] Together, these organizations accomplish something truly extraordinary.
[8:34] Each year, the Grant Reaves Veterans honor guard performs approximately 100 full military honors for fallen veterans.
[8:41] It is members also participate in numerous patriotic and community events throughout
[8:46] Habersham, Stevens, Raven, and White Counties, including Reads Across America, the National
[8:52] Day of Prayer, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, Veterans Day, Thirteenfold
[8:59] Flag Ceremonies, School Programs, and many other important occasions.
[9:04] The significance of their work, however, cannot be measured by numbers alone.
[9:08] When a veteran passes away, the Honor Guard answers the call.
[9:12] Its members stand beside grieving families and ensure that the veterans' honorable service
[9:17] to our nation is remembered with dignity, precision, and respect.
[9:22] They perform this service without seeking recognition or reward.
[9:25] They travel to funerals and community events using their own transportation and often at their
[9:30] own personal expense, because they consider it a privilege to honor their fallen brothers
[9:35] others and sisters in arms and provide a lasting tribute to their service to the United
[9:39] States of America.
[9:41] Their military service may have ended, but their commitment to their fellow veterans
[9:45] in their country never did.
[9:47] We are especially grateful for everything the honor guard did to help make Habersham County's
[9:52] 250th celebration so meaningful.
[9:55] Their participation reminded everyone present that the history we celebrate and the freedoms
[10:01] and opportunities we enjoy were secured and preserved through the courage and sacrifice of
[10:06] generations of American veterans. We are equally thankful for the important role they played in
[10:13] our Purple Heart Appreciation Day. That occasion was intended to honor those who were wounded or
[10:19] gave their lives and service to our country while also recognizing all veterans and the families who
[10:23] have supported them. The honor guards' presentation of the colors and participation throughout the program
[10:29] and brought dignity, reverence, and heartfelt meaning to the occasion.
[10:34] Their presence helped ensure that our purple heart recipients, veterans, and families
[10:39] felt seen, respected, and genuinely appreciated.
[10:43] For many of those in attendance, these moments were deeply personal, and the honor guard made
[10:48] the day special not only through the ceremonial duties they performed, but also through
[10:53] the pride, care, and sincerity they brought to every moment.
[10:56] Tonight,
[11:00] we are proud to recognize the members who make this service possible, and I will apologize if I pronounce your name incorrectly.
[11:07] Jim Morgan, Brady Morgan, Bailey Morgan, Bill McAllister, Barry Church, Bill W. Miles, Connie Barrow, Dana McCloud, Danny Stevens, David Cross, David Ruth, Doug Wayne, Ed Hendrix,
[11:26] Gary Cantwell, John Jones, Ken Franklin, Rick Chaffin, Roy Albea, Rob Wallace,
[11:37] Chris Denofrio, Robert Trusdale, Chris Clark, and Ken Sheridan. To each of you,
[11:45] please know that your work does not go unnoticed. You bring comfort to
[11:48] grieving families, preserve the traditions of military service, strengthen the bond
[11:53] among veterans and teach younger generations the meaning of patriotism, sacrifice, duty and respect.
[12:00] The Grant Reaves Veterans Honor Guard represents the very best qualities of service, loyalty,
[12:06] discipline, compassion, respect, and love of country. On behalf of the Habersham County Board of
[12:12] Commissioners and the citizens of Habersham County, thank you for your service to our nation, your
[12:17] continued devotion to your fellow veterans and the personal sacrifices you make to answer every call.
[12:23] Thank you as well for helping make both our 250th celebration and purple heart appreciation day occasions
[12:29] That so many people will remember for years to come
[12:32] It is our privilege to recognize you and it is truly our honor to have you serving in our community
[12:38] May God bless each member of the Grant Reeves veterans on our guard all of our veterans and their families
[12:44] Habrasham County and the United States of America. Thank you
[13:51] You want to come on up here?
[13:57] What's that?
[13:58] Are they?
[14:03] I'm not at the food.
[14:04] Unfortunately, there's so many of them.
[14:07] Blended?
[14:09] Here?
[14:09] I think you see very good.
[14:11] You can smell it.
[14:49] Two of us.
[14:52] It's a business.
[14:55] It's a business.
[14:56] It's a business.
[15:20] We're just going to take away from this picture anyway, what you've got. Look, this is a sharp
[15:24] here.
[15:42] Thank you all. Okay. Thank you.
[15:49] God bless y'all. Yes, sir. Thank you.
[15:53] See y'all. Appreciate y'all. Go look at the door.
[15:56] Thank you sir. Thank you sir.
[16:00] Yes, ma'am. Only a place you're seeing. Thank you, sir.
[16:03] Thank you for all you did. Thank you sir.
[16:06] Thank you.
[16:07] Thank you.
[16:08] I know.
[16:08] It's right.
[16:09] Good to see you.
[16:10] Thank you.
[16:10] You're welcome to see you.
[16:11] Thank you.
[16:11] Well thank you sir.
[16:12] Thank you for all your help.
[16:13] I appreciate you all being here.
[16:14] Thank you sir.
[16:15] Thank you sir.
[16:16] Thank you.
[16:18] All right.
[16:19] Thank you commissioner.
[16:21] Thank you for helping out.
[16:22] I can tell.
[16:24] Otherwise they were going to have to be here all night.
[16:31] Okay.
[16:32] Our next is going to be proclamation of August 20th, 26th, is national emergency.
[16:37] Management awareness and I'm going to let Commissioner Aikens read that.
[16:42] Right.
[16:42] Please.
[16:43] Yes, sir.
[16:47] National Emergency Management Awareness Month.
[16:49] This is our County Proclamation, whereas emergencies and disasters can occur unexpectedly,
[16:57] posing significant threats to life property, the environment, and the continuity of community
[17:03] community services and whereas local emergency managers, public safety agencies, community partners, volunteers, private sector organizations, state agencies, and the federal emergency management agency dedicate countless hours to developing and supporting preparedness, response recovery and mitigation programs that protect the residents and communities of Habersham County.
[17:27] And, whereas the Habersham County Emergency Management Agency is charged with coordinating
[17:34] the capabilities, resources, plans, and partnerships necessary to prepare for, respond to, recover
[17:42] from, and mitigate emergencies and disasters affecting the county.
[17:46] And, whereas the mission area is a prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery
[17:53] strengthen the county's ability to address all hazards and build a safer, more resilient
[17:58] community.
[17:59] And whereas emergency management professionals and their partners serve the public with
[18:04] commitment, compassion, and professionalism, often working behind the scenes before, during,
[18:10] and after emergencies to protect lives, property, and essential services.
[18:15] And whereas the efforts of emergency managers and their partners help residents, businesses,
[18:21] local governments and community organizations, prepare, recover, rebuild, and become more
[18:27] resilient in the face of adversity.
[18:30] Now therefore, it be it proclaimed by the Board of Commissioners of Habersham County,
[18:34] Georgia, that the month of August, 2026 is hereby recognized as National Emergency Management
[18:41] Awareness Month.
[18:44] In Habersham County in advance of Preparingness Month in September, the Board of Commissioners
[18:49] encourages all residents, businesses, agencies, and community organizations to recognize and express appreciation for emergency management professionals and partners who work diligently to prepare, protect, and serve our community against all hazards and risk.
[19:09] Thank you.
[19:10] All right.
[19:11] Do we have some folks that I was looking for you?
[19:16] All right.
[19:16] Okay.
[19:17] Miss Melanie.
[19:18] All right.
[19:19] I guess we can go down and take a picture of Miss Melanie.
[19:22] Yeah.
[19:23] Do you have any of your other staff or folks here with you tonight?
[20:15] Tonight.
[20:16] We have a public hearing.
[20:22] Yes, sir.
[20:23] Mr. Chairman, members of the board, members of the audience.
[20:25] I will share with you the rules that will govern the public hearing for tonight's agenda.
[20:30] For the public hearing, the Board of Commissioners will allow each side those in support and those in opposition an opportunity a total of 10 minutes to speak and present their comments.
[20:41] Each speaker will be allocated a maximum of three minutes, and we will hear from as many speakers as possible within the 10 minute per side allotment.
[20:49] We will begin each public hearing with a presentation by staff, which is not subject to the timing requirements.
[20:55] From there, we will hear first from the applicant followed by those who wish to speak in support of the application for up to 10 minutes.
[21:03] Next, we will hear from those who wish to speak in opposition to the application for up to 10 minutes.
[21:09] If there's any time remaining in the originally allocated 10 minutes, the applicant will be permitted to use the remaining time to offer a rebuttal.
[21:17] After we call each public hearing, I will ask for a show of hands to identify those wishing to speak for each side and will take the speakers in the order in which I see the hands raised after hearing first from the applicant.
[21:28] When you come to speak, please come to the podium, state your name and address before commencing with your comments, and then you will have three minutes to present.
[21:39] Thank you.
[21:39] Okay,
[21:43] Mr. Beacham.
[21:46] Thank you, commissioners.
[21:49] The public hearing tonight is a public hearing for CU26-04,
[21:57] Mitchell Payne is seeking a conditional use for a go-cart slash remote control car racing track at 155 ponderosa road.
[22:06] The property is 5.58 acres in the RR rural residential district.
[22:13] When this began, it was in the L.I. low-intensity district.
[22:18] The property has two single family homes on it.
[22:23] I believe Mr. Payne lives in one and his daughter lives in the other.
[22:27] The applicant built a go-cart racing track behind his house and code enforcement received
[22:33] complaints regarding noise and traffic.
[22:36] After investigating, we decided he needed to come through this process to get your approval
[22:41] for conditional use.
[22:46] It came out there in the Planning Commission hearing that in the past they've had up
[22:52] to 150 people attending the event.
[22:56] There are multiple races throughout the evening.
[22:58] These are usually held on Friday or Saturday night.
[23:01] There's multiple heats, I guess, in the way to what they call them by age.
[23:08] and they start in the, Mr. Pan can clarify but my understanding is they start in the late afternoon and then they go into the early evening.
[23:21] We did have a large number of people speak at the planning commission meeting both for and against.
[23:28] We had a large number of people in favor.
[23:31] they were viewed the go-kart racing as a family-friendly event, some that's
[23:40] relatively portable and family-friendly. We had also a number of large
[23:45] number of people speak against it mainly for noise, dust, traffic, and things of
[23:51] that nature. The Planning Commission, we originally heard this in the July
[23:56] meeting but they decided to table it so staff could track down on additional
[24:01] information. There were some concerns about, you know, for instance, is an ambulance required
[24:08] there or firefighting equipment, something like that. And the touch base with emergency services,
[24:15] and anything less than 500 pounds, which these go-carts are, they're not legally required to have an
[24:22] ambulance on site or firefighting equipment on site. I reached out to the state and the same thing
[24:30] as long as it was less than 500 pounds, the state did not regulate these private racing tracks.
[24:39] I also reached out to Environmental Health and if this is approved before we can issue a business
[24:46] license, he would have to have a permanent bathroom. All right, now he's got some
[24:52] porta-potties up and after talking to Environmental Health, they would require a permanent
[24:58] bathroom facility to be on the side.
[25:03] The planning commission, again, they had a
[25:07] lot of concerns about this. If you're familiar with this area, they felt it was
[25:13] essentially in the middle of a residential area, a slasher agricultural area.
[25:19] They felt that a go-car track was very appropriate for Habersham County, but not
[25:25] necessarily in this place. It's first concerns about noise dust parking. One of our planning commissioners has a
[25:36] drone. He uses for engineering, he flew it. I believe it's in your packet. We did some
[25:40] calculations and there are enough parking that we feel there's enough parking on the site for up to
[25:47] you know, the 140, 150 people at 10 of these advance.
[25:51] There's approximately spaces for 60 cars to park,
[25:56] and then there's a large area for truck and trailer parking.
[26:02] So we've filled, there is sufficient parking area.
[26:06] Mr. Payne has indicated he's, he will, if approved,
[26:11] obviously build a bathroom.
[26:12] So, anyway, the planning commission, again, they held the second hearing on this on August 4th, and after a lot of debate, they decided to recommend against it.
[26:29] Now they simply made a recommendation up to nine.
[26:33] I do want to point out Mr. Payne's original application said go cart racing or remote
[26:42] control car racing.
[26:45] I'll be honest.
[26:46] Planning commission didn't discuss that a whole lot, you know, everybody talked about
[26:50] go cart racing.
[26:52] I don't know if that would have changed their mind.
[26:55] we presented it as go-cart slash remote control but the discussion was
[27:01] exclusively go-cart and they recommended against that. Do you all have any
[27:08] questions of me?
[27:11] Gentlemen, any questions? Okay, all right. If not, I'll make a
[27:15] call to the audience. If you'll raise your hand if you're here to speak in support
[27:19] of the application. Okay, I think I see the applicant and then one other person so
[27:26] So let's start with the applicant, and if you don't fill the ten minute time allotment, then we'll hear from another individual.
[27:32] Feel please come forward, sir.
[27:38] Okay, so really we just have one person to speak then.
[27:42] Okay, thank you.
[27:43] If you will, stay to your name and address, please.
[27:46] Mitchell Payne, 187, plan wherever you're going.
[28:04] I'm speaking on behalf of Mitchell Payne.
[28:07] He's listening to the concerns of the planning department.
[28:10] He followed the rules from the code enforcers that came out and he's got a plan in place.
[28:19] As far as the parking and attendance as he spoke about that, they've came out and addressed
[28:23] that we wouldn't have people out in the middle of the road.
[28:31] As far as rest room facilities, we're currently working on that for a permit rest room facilities
[28:37] these to serve crowds of up to approximately 200 people.
[28:42] The women's restroom would include two toilet stalls and two sinks.
[28:46] The men's restroom would include one toilet, one urinal, and one sink.
[28:49] In addition to that permanent restroom building, we would also have temporary, portable restroom
[28:54] units available during the event as needed.
[28:59] He's also committed to making the facility accessible for all members of the community, including
[29:05] the handicap. And safety has always been a top priority. We've always had off-duty firefighters,
[29:12] EMS personnel, registered nurses who have volunteered to be present during race events and assist
[29:18] with their medical expertise shouldn't emergency occur. He also wants to address the concerns
[29:24] that have been raised about the noise. The predator motors that we run are stock small engines
[29:29] with a stock muffler in place. This is the same general type of small utility
[29:34] engine used on equipment such as garden tillers, generators, pressure washers
[29:38] and other small engine equipment that she used on a daily basis. The sound
[29:45] level that has been discussed with go six go carts operating on the track at the
[29:50] same time, not just one go cart based on the decibels that they pulled from that.
[29:57] Mitchell is willing to work with the county on this issue.
[30:00] Thank you. If the plan, if you guys see that it would be appropriate as part of the conditional use, we are willing to operate as a stock predator only track with stock mufflers. And as far as the event schedule, you know, we were running. One not a week. And that equals to roughly about 35 events per year with the weather permitting. Obviously, you're going to have rain and snow in the winter months. So you're not going to be able to run at night. You're going to have to run during the day. So it's going to be within that.
[30:28] Um, ordinance time, um, no,
[30:42] it does, I get more dust off that dirt on the
[30:45] road. Then you do off that go cut back.
[30:48] There's no dust off the go cut,
[30:54] thank you.
[31:00] Um, what, what did you mean by saving the rest?
[31:04] What did you mean?
[31:05] I think rebuttal, OK, all right.
[31:08] Was there someone else here who wish to speak in support?
[31:12] No. Okay. You'll have seven minutes and ten seconds for rebuttal. At this time, if I could make a
[31:21] call to the audience, is there anyone here who wishes to speak in opposition? Okay. I see the first
[31:28] hand. I saw was this lady in the black shirt and then we'll take the gentleman next and then the lady
[31:32] on behind. Okay. And we'll keep you to each three minutes. Please come forward. There's how many people
[31:37] Raise your hands if you want to speak in opposition.
[31:43] One, two, and I thought the stuff three.
[31:45] And then I see another here, four.
[31:47] So we'll try to get to all of those.
[31:50] Remember, we try to divide that time into ten minutes.
[31:54] Does anybody keep in time?
[31:55] I am.
[31:56] Oh, okay.
[31:57] I got it.
[31:58] Okay.
[31:58] My name is Allison Haines.
[32:00] I live at two, seven, four.
[32:01] White Rapids drive.
[32:03] Demarest Georgia.
[32:04] White Rapids is a private road off of Ponderosa.
[32:08] After the July Planning Committee meeting, a lot of the neighbors were very concerned about what we heard about the go-kart track.
[32:16] We got together and submitted a petition to Mr. Beachham to pass along.
[32:20] I believe it had 41 signatures of that counted right.
[32:23] So I'm going to read the letter that went along with that petition.
[32:26] We respectfully request that you deny Petition CU2604.
[32:31] Our concern is not with the business itself.
[32:33] We appreciate the value of providing a recreational activity for youth.
[32:38] However, we do not believe this is the appropriate location for this type of commercial use.
[32:43] Our community is owned residential and agricultural care reason.
[32:46] We chose to live here because of its quiet rural character
[32:50] and granting this conditional use permit would alter that character
[32:53] while setting a precedent for additional commercial uses in the future.
[32:57] Even during the track's limited word of mouth operation,
[33:00] residents have experienced increased noise and traffic and that road is very narrow,
[33:05] that opening. Barely two cars can go across at the start of Condorosa, where this property is
[33:09] located.
[33:12] Neighbors have frequently discussed the noise with one another but have not made reports.
[33:17] We value our quiet neighborhood and generally prefer not to file complaints unless absolutely
[33:20] necessary. The lack of formal report should not be interpreted as the absence of ongoing problems.
[33:26] Similarly, why it was stated at the last meeting that the road had only been blocked once,
[33:30] that reflects only the number of reported incidents.
[33:33] There is only one point of entry for over 30 households in this area.
[33:39] Some of the elderly residents I talked to were concerned what if the traffic was blocking
[33:43] our road in an emergency vehicle couldn't get in, for example.
[33:47] Even with the current attendance vehicles and trailers already create congestion,
[33:51] if the business is approved and continues to grow, these problems will only increase.
[33:55] At the previous meeting of the planning committee, the committee discussed limiting attendance,
[34:02] but without a practical means of enforcement, any conditions placed may prove ineffective.
[34:07] Ponderosa Road is simply not an appropriate location for a law recreational business.
[34:12] And for these reasons, we respectfully ask that you deny the petition while we support
[34:18] the applicant's efforts and believe the business could be successful, we believe it belongs
[34:21] in an area that's appropriately zoned for commercial activity rather than this residential
[34:27] and agricultural community. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Next gentleman on the front
[34:32] road please.
[34:37] My name is Troy Lindsay. I currently live at 360 Little Mountain Road in Dalsamble,
[34:43] Georgia, but I recently purchased a piece of land on Ponderosa so that we planned to build on.
[34:50] So when we were deciding where to buy land to build, one of the things I did was check
[34:58] the zoning in the area and also the future use plan that the county had and the whole
[35:06] area was either river conservation, agricultural, residential and I relied on what the county
[35:17] provided the information on the area in order before I purchased the land.
[35:23] So for all the reasons stated by Ms. Haynes, I agree that I will request that you deny
[35:32] the application.
[35:34] Thank you.
[35:35] Thank you, sir.
[35:36] I think the lady in the back there.
[35:40] Yeah, I'm sorry, the whoever raised their hand.
[35:43] Yes.
[35:44] Yes. Thank you. Come forward.
[35:50] First time I'm here for something in my neighborhood. My name's Katie Williams.
[35:55] I live at 110 White Rapids Drive. You guys may have seen me here before.
[35:59] I'm usually here in the sport of the animal shelter, but this time this affects my neighborhood.
[36:04] One I have noticed the same thing as Allison.
[36:07] Whenever there was an event there, it was very difficult to get my car through Ponderosa Road to get to my home.
[36:14] I just drive a small Honda HRV, nothing big, but it was difficult to get that through.
[36:19] My husband has a lot of medical needs, he's on dialysis, and one morning he had a little
[36:24] blood sugar.
[36:24] I couldn't wake him up.
[36:26] I have a call 911.
[36:27] Thankfully, they were able to get right through and get to us and get him back to life, but
[36:32] I do have concerns that if this goes ahead, I'm going to call one morning, and if there's
[36:37] an event going on, they're not going to be able to get through.
[36:41] That's most of my biggest concern with it is the parking because you just can't block two sides of this road
[36:46] It's the only way we can get in if there are some other road that we get into our neighborhood
[36:50] I'd be happy to go that way, but this is the only only one way in one way out
[36:54] So those are my concerns with it. Thank you. Thank you
[36:59] And I believe there's a gentleman over here if you come forward sir.
[37:12] My name's Gavin Angulo. I live at 236 Twin River Road
[37:16] And my property borders, Mitchell Payne's property, a lot of the things that I have plan
[37:24] to say have already been discussed, so I agree with all the folks who have spoken already.
[37:29] You know, the residents that are in neighborhood, many of them have been here much longer than
[37:35] my wife and I.
[37:36] We've been here almost three years.
[37:38] And previously, you know, they've, and we have enjoyed peaceful enjoyment of our property
[37:43] until the track was under construction, it's subsequently opened.
[37:47] You know, we think it's unacceptable that one neighbor changed the neighborhood in an adverse
[37:52] manner, and it's unreasonable for all of us to have our lives negatively impacted as a
[37:59] result of this.
[38:01] There were three open race tracks that were within 40 to 60-minute drive from Ponderosa Race
[38:06] Track that the race and community can enjoy, although in previous meetings they implies
[38:12] If this is the only show that they've got to go to the only way that they can do what they like to do
[38:18] That's simply not the truth
[38:20] The supporters also like to talk about memories being made for families family friendly, and that stuff. Let me
[38:27] Let me give you a few memories to consider
[38:30] You know we can remember Friday and Saturday night sitting down at dinner and all we hear a go-kart engines that our house is rumbling from the
[38:38] vibration of these go-karts
[38:40] We can remember going to close the chicken coop at the far end of the property and hearing
[38:44] engines as if we attract side.
[38:47] We can remember the smell of exhaust and the cloud of dust, although Mitchell says there
[38:51] is no dust, there's plenty of dust rolling over the property.
[38:55] We can remember trying to wash TV and the living room is shaking and we can't turn a TV
[38:59] up loud enough to drown out the sound of the engines.
[39:02] I can remember going outside any Sunday morning to pick up paper, place chip bags and drink
[39:06] bottles on our property.
[39:08] And go into the garden after a rainfall, not being able to work on it because it's a mud pit as a result of
[39:14] You know them disturbing the not the grade of the property and destroying the buffer that was had previously existed
[39:22] Which is causing flooding on our property soil erosion. I can remember all those things and I can, you know
[39:28] And the problem is that these are the memories that are being made for for my wife and I and our neighbors
[39:34] Okay, nobody's against people having a good time in a family friendly environment, but I think that they're neglecting to consider how their actions are impacting their neighbors that are close by.
[39:48] You know, and they do have other options, you know, and Marie Payne, the operators door to posted about the track on Facebook on April 24th, 2026.
[39:58] Part of that post reads, and I quote,
[40:01] is it loud inside my house? Yes, end quote. Okay, so they know. I think they
[40:09] know that this track is a nuisance and we think it's an eye sewer. We think it hurts
[40:12] the property values in our area and we know it's a disruption to the
[40:16] residents and on neighborhood. And for those reasons and some others that I'm
[40:21] going to have to get into with with another department about the specific
[40:25] issues we're having on our property with the erosion or lack of erosion
[40:29] I know there's a control in the flooding, you know, I'm just going to respectfully ask you to write a application for the conditional license and we appreciate considering all concerns.
[40:39] Thank you.
[40:40] Thank you, sir.
[40:42] There's still a few minutes remaining. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak in opposition that I may have missed originally?
[40:49] Anyone else here to speak in opposition?
[40:53] Hearing none, I'll turn it back over to the applicant for a rebuttal.
[40:56] I
[41:08] was a drone. He showed this parking. I don't want to get in no bigger than what it is. I
[41:15] Can't handle it no more
[41:17] So I don't want it no bigger.
[41:22] I'll stop that. I've got the right
[41:27] look to say
[41:27] I mean they
[41:32] don't need to come out there. They are no dust whenever we're doing that. How can you wet dirt?
[41:38] Break up dust a
[41:49] pave to the word you turn in to my property
[41:53] It's two lanes there.
[41:56] Oh, yeah, where they live
[41:57] this nerve but I can't help that that's not me.
[42:07] Add to that too. Mitchell as
[42:10] respected has always finished by 10 p.m. every every time that we ran at eye as
[42:18] far as local tracks that are around there's two. There's two within an hour.
[42:25] Anything further than that you have to drop four and a half hours.
[42:32] From my family
[42:33] specifically. I have a little boy who you know from time to time he can't even
[42:39] race and we get asked all the time when are we going back to Mitchell's.
[42:44] I mean
[42:44] I get the neighboring concerns but 35 times a year probably less than that
[42:49] based on the weather. And it's one day four hours. It's roughly four hours. I mean
[42:55] it's four hours one day a week. It's not like we're around here 15, 16, 17 hours
[43:03] at a time, and it's right.
[43:07] Track it.
[43:08] They more are going down Ponderosa now,
[43:10] and they, being, they keep building, building, building
[43:12] down there.
[43:15] All right, when y'all gonna do something about their traffic,
[43:19] I live in the corner of Twin River, orchard,
[43:23] and Twin River.
[43:25] And I hear track it all day, night, all the time.
[43:31] They know nothing to do about the track.
[43:35] I can't stop people, I'm going down the road.
[43:36] from
[43:44] me.
[43:45] It's okay, Vesprice.
[43:47] Well, ma'am, could you state your name for the record?
[43:49] I realize we didn't make that.
[43:51] We should.
[43:52] Katelyn, thank you, ma'am.
[43:54] Mr. Paine, when you bought the property, was it just to live there initially?
[43:58] No.
[43:59] They had chicken houses on it.
[44:02] Bag of culture.
[44:03] Okay.
[44:04] And then it got changed somehow.
[44:06] And when did you start the track in relation to when you...
[44:09] When did I start the track?
[44:11] this last year. So how long after you moved in? How long after you purchased the home and moved in?
[44:20] Oh, I've been over there 20 years. Okay. You've been there a long time and started to start
[44:25] the trip. Yeah. Okay. And so the business is on twin river road and twin river orchard.
[44:32] And was that something you approached the county about for a business license or anything?
[44:35] Well, I didn't approach the county for it because I didn't.
[44:41] I wasn't taking up money, but they was money took up, and they told me I had to get business
[44:47] license.
[44:48] So that's why I come to do all this.
[44:50] Otherwise, I go home and do it free.
[44:54] I don't need the money because that ain't what it's about.
[44:57] It's about the kids, and they don't...
[45:00] They were in this county for kids ago. I had 15 families by go cards for kids from four to 12.
[45:11] They all told me they get out of the computer, got them off the phones, being able to learn
[45:19] mechanic in, I don't know, washing their tires, doing this, doing that. And it takes more to it than
[45:28] just the go-car track. And to add to it, you know, I mentioned that, you know, there are tracks
[45:33] that are three hours away. Yeah. People have to have over three hours to go to Havisham County.
[45:39] And we've talked to businesses that are local there. And you know, whenever he had to close,
[45:44] they were affected by that.
[45:45] When they were purchasing fuel at the local gas station,
[45:49] you know, they're using our local restaurants
[45:51] and bringing money into the camp.
[45:55] When they talk about racetracks,
[45:58] they are other racetracks, but it's car.
[46:01] My grandson raised his car.
[46:07] He was too big.
[46:08] You're out to put him in a boat cart and start with.
[46:11] But I couldn't.
[46:12] At 12 a.m., I had to put him in a car.
[46:14] are. There's the covers. You pay a little five-horse motor, ain't gonna pull the weight and
[46:23] be competitive.
[46:27] Commissioners, any questions? I
[46:32] have one question for the last
[46:34] gentleman that came up, Mr. Angula. Is that right? May I just, I was going to identify
[46:40] where his property was on this. If you don't mind, Mr. Chair, if you want to hold it up,
[46:45] It's right below me.
[46:51] You say a fence.
[46:52] Sir, would you mind coming up and, sorry, Mr. Engouli, that's
[47:06] his house, right there,
[47:06] that's the back of his,
[47:10] who's in this house?
[47:15] If we could commission, or we need him to speak from the podium, just for the cracker.
[47:19] I wonder what the question would be, what framing way, but he answered it.
[47:27] And sir, if you're going to speak, if the board's going to hear your comments, we need them
[47:32] to come to the microphone just so we have it on our recording.
[47:34] If you'd like the gentleman to come forward to Commissioner, just let him know when we'll bring him to them.
[47:38] Yeah, that's what I was trying to do, but I think my question's answered on this rough to anything anymore.
[47:44] I just wanted to know where his he was talking about being right there, so I wanted to know which property was his.
[47:49] So thank you, Mr. Plain, for answering it.
[47:54] Gentlemen, any other questions?
[47:55] At this time, I believe the public here in his close, or you would like more questions?
[48:00] Would you be open just to run into RC cars, if it was L, I'm out to it?
[48:06] If I have to, I'd like to do the go-cars, but I know you want both of them, but RC cars don't, you know, they're not, they're not ready for them.
[48:18] No noise or nothing, I mean, I'm just, I'm just curious.
[48:22] Yeah, well, I'm here for either or, but hey, if I get an item, y'all gonna send me back, I mean, it's late.
[48:42] Your time is not up. If you would like to say anything further, you have additional time remaining?
[48:47] No, I mean, I'm just hearing it. I can answer as though.
[48:50] Well, we took speakers and now this is rebuttal, so really it would be inappropriate to just open it up to additional comment.
[48:58] At this point, unless the board wants to vote to diverge from their procedures.
[49:04] I apologize. We have to try to go by the rules and apologize.
[49:22] But you have four and a half more minutes if you'd like to complete your
[49:28] about. I just, uh, the last time in planning, they got to talk
[49:32] in each other. That's some questions. But some of them don't, I
[49:38] don't think knows what go-guard track is. Just like talking about
[49:42] grappling the whole parking lot. You can't do that on a go-cart
[49:45] there's a each off the ground. And the towers, you run over
[49:51] rocks, you puncher the towers. I mean, they some things.
[49:57] And
[49:58] I really don't understand a
[50:04] lot of business in town, a dirt track everywhere you go, you park on grass,
[50:12] you got dirt, it's wet, keeps the dust down.
[50:24] Anything further? Anything further? No.
[50:28] Okay. Thank you, sir. With that, the public hearing is closed and the board may deliberate.
[50:32] All right.
[50:33] Okay.
[50:35] Gentlemen, you all can make any comments.
[50:38] You know, we have three options, denial as recommended, approval of the request or commission
[50:46] may define an alternative.
[50:48] So three different options before you gentlemen,
[50:56] ask questions among each other, deliberate before
[51:00] vote, whatever you gentlemen want to do,
[51:06] build, entertain a motion, whatever you gentlemen want
[51:08] to do.
[51:16] Anybody want to make a motion?
[51:17] one way or the other, one of the three options.
[51:30] Mr. Chairman, based upon the request for being a, it's a dual use RC and GO cart which kind
[51:38] of complicates things as Commissioner McLellan brought up, what are options as far as separating
[51:45] the two, as far as operating one way and not the other?
[51:49] I think that's probably a commission question for Mr. Beechham, but I don't think that's
[51:56] that even an option at this point, or is it need to be reconsidered as a separate
[52:02] recommend?
[52:02] I would have heard my understanding since he asked for it up front as y'all could approve
[52:07] remote control cars only, the planning commission did not recommend that, but as y'all obviously
[52:14] know y'all can follow your own.
[52:17] Yes, I would agree with that if it's in the application, which I think Mr.
[52:20] Beation is confirming that it was an application for both uses.
[52:25] You could grant the special use permit for only the RC cars.
[52:30] And you can also grant with any conditions that you may want to plot, too.
[52:35] That would be an option.
[52:37] Okay,
[52:40] for me, the balance is the rights of individuals and
[52:43] rights of landowners, feel equally, and it's, if one person's actions or behavior within
[52:49] a community affects the rights of another, then there's infringement, and they can go
[52:53] both ways.
[52:54] And so I hate to deny business application for somebody who's doing something good for
[52:58] the community, but I understand that it is infringing on the rights of other property owners in
[53:02] the area.
[53:03] And so that's where, you know, laws are basically written that way so that nothing I'd do
[53:06] infringes on the rights of my neighbor or another citizen.
[53:10] And so my recommendation or my thoughts are that if we're going to approve anything, it would be the RC cars only because it does, he does, he has provided ways for parking to keep them off that road.
[53:23] It sounds like that that would alleviate the concern of access to and from the road, but I know it limits the business and what you want to run.
[53:31] But the noise, and whether or not there is a concern of the infringement of rights of others, property rights of others, that's my personal concern.
[53:42] Chairman, I have one more question to you.
[53:44] If you don't mind while we're talking about this.
[53:46] Mr. Beatson, did you, I didn't see my packet, but did you receive the petition with the 41 signatures?
[53:51] Yes, sir. I actually received, I counted 51 signatures.
[53:56] I just wanted to confirm that that was accurate.
[53:58] I had one from the other side also, it was about 200 on that pro petition, I think 58
[54:10] of them were from Habersham County, but not they don't live in the area, just participants.
[54:19] Sorry, I didn't mention it but we had one petition for and a petition again.
[54:24] Right.
[54:24] I see.
[54:25] Okay.
[54:33] Those are more thoughts and comments.
[54:40] Well, Mr. Chairman, if it's okay with you, at this point, I'd make the recommendation that we do a conditional approval for RSC cars only.
[54:48] If the applicant is okay with operating a business for RSC cars only, it's the only compromise I can see that doesn't encourage on the right so the neighbors, but also allows him the opportunity to rise up the different kids in the community that would be my recommendation, I guess my motion.
[55:04] Okay. We have a motion for RC cars only on this property. Is there a second? I'll second that, Mr. Chairman.
[55:15] Okay. There's a motion and there's a second. I'll end the favor by saying aye.
[55:21] Aye. So there's three, one, two, three, all opposed. No, nay. I'm going to go with nay because that's what the commission had recommended.
[55:32] it wasn't clear to me on whether it was one or the others reason. I didn't realize that was one
[55:38] of the others. So it has passed with the remote control cars only. So if y'all, I'm sorry?
[55:49] No,
[55:50] can't tonight. So if you'll get with Mr. Beach, I mean y'all. Well, just to be clear, you know,
[55:56] that was a denial of the go-carts. Yes. Yes. Yes. Well, why don't you make a secondary
[56:03] motion to the extent it's unclear to them.
[56:05] Mr. Chairman, I'll make the second-year motion that we deny the use of go-carts on the properties as part of this because it is a
[56:13] contentious issue between the neighbors and the business operating as residents.
[56:17] Okay, so we have a motion to deny
[56:20] the use of regular go-carts, gas-powered go-carts on the property. Is there a second?
[56:26] I'll second it. Okay, we have a motion in a second. I'll in favor for that motion.
[56:32] All opposed, okay, so that'll be unanimous that the gas fire road's race cars will be denied
[56:39] on this property. Okay, anything else? Miss Davis, we need to go over. No, I think that covers
[56:47] that agenda item. Thank you. All right. Mr. Payne, if you'll get with Mr. Beechham and y'all hammer the
[56:54] details out and you'll have a good day. Thank y'all for coming.
[57:08] Public comments and that's
[57:12] where usually the contentions rise. So Mr. Williams public comments. We are now at the
[57:20] public comment portion of the meeting. If you signed up ahead of time with the clerk
[57:23] to be listed on the agenda, you will have five minutes of public comment. If you signed up
[57:28] here at the meeting, you will have three minutes of public comment. All persons addressed in
[57:32] board shall state his or her name and you desired address.
[57:36] All remarks shall be made to the commission as a body and address to the chair.
[57:39] March shall not be made to a particular commission, commissioner.
[57:45] Okay.
[57:46] We had one person to sign up.
[57:48] We had one sign up prior to the meeting, sir.
[57:50] Mr.
[57:51] Okay.
[57:52] Mr. Sykes.
[57:53] Is he present?
[57:55] Mr. Sykes?
[57:56] Mr. Sykes.
[57:57] He gave up.
[58:08] Watson.
[58:10] Okay.
[58:10] I
[58:16] don't expect to take up much time.
[58:18] Blaine wasden 399 Tennessee to drive,
[58:22] and I really don't have any opinion either for or against,
[58:27] but the topic is regarding that annexation with Baldwin.
[58:32] Just in preparing tonight for this meeting,
[58:35] I was looking through the paperwork,
[58:37] and what I saw in the paperwork looks like,
[58:40] they're saying that I have a question about
[58:43] it might be a problem and very specifically there's a property lot that looks like it is
[58:53] listed as part of the annexation, but then when I was looking at the permissions and the signatures
[59:01] and stuff like that, that lot was missing and specifically it's the 048, 022, a lot. You have to have
[59:12] that 22a. And if you look at the map, there's, you know, the lower part is already part
[59:21] of Baldwin, if I'm remembering or if I understand correctly, and they're going to be rezoning
[59:25] it, then the upper part is about to be annexed into Baldwin, but there's this little small
[59:32] one acre lot that I cannot find in any of that paperwork where there's a signature saying
[59:39] I want to approve it or go with it or I give permission or whatever, so I don't have an opinion about floor against, but I remember a few months ago, there was something that was annexation that said that you can't create an island, so I wonder if this might run a foul of that.
[1:00:00] Yes, they can force that, again, I'm really ignorant of law and process with annexation. I don't know if they can compel that one tiny one acre law in the middle to get annexed. So, leading ignorance, one other little thing I was going to preface, but I'll just add on my wife moving, and now I are moving into here. We love the Habersham, we love the value, the cultures, and I echo what other people say just generally.
[1:00:29] that I also want to conserve the values and the cultures and everyone talks about change but you want the right change and you want change in the right direction. But that's just a principle.
[1:00:40] But I question if there's a technical process or I don't want to say legal because I'll leave it to our legal experts but if there's a problem with this process with that maybe an island.
[1:00:54] Again, 048-022-A, I guess that's enough.
[1:00:59] Thank you to commissioners.
[1:01:01] Thank you, thank you for coming.
[1:01:03] Okay, all right, do we have anybody else?
[1:01:08] Nobody?
[1:01:08] Okay, well, hey, I'll miss your opportunity.
[1:01:14] You should have signed up.
[1:01:19] We love you, but that
[1:01:25] ends come across being rude.
[1:01:26] I hope that, I'll just play, I'll just play and
[1:01:29] with you.
[1:01:34] Okay, all right. We are to the consent agenda. All right, gentlemen. I mean,
[1:01:41] we didn't hear any questions or concerns. When we approve the agenda, do I have a motion
[1:01:46] to approve the consent agenda? So moved. All right. Have a motion. Is there a second?
[1:01:50] A second. A second. A motion. A second. Prove the consent agenda as written. All in favor
[1:01:56] say aye. Aye. Any opposed? All right. Passes unanimously. Okay. Moving on over to page
[1:02:03] page three reports, yes, oh sorry, Mr. Sam's.
[1:02:09] Yes, sir,
[1:02:11] I'm going to try to be brief tonight because we got some new business that we
[1:02:15] need to spend some time on.
[1:02:18] We are beginning the flossed educational seminars.
[1:02:22] We are planning those with Ashland and with the partnership Habersham, actually the state
[1:02:27] is now referring to the flossed as PTR loss, which is property tax relief loss.
[1:02:32] And so we'll be referring to it from now on as PTR lost, which will be a new
[1:02:38] sales tax that we're proposing to the citizens to add to the eight cents now
[1:02:43] as a sales tax and all the proceeds that we get for that will go back to
[1:02:47] rollback property taxes for the county residents.
[1:02:50] That's to be voted on in November.
[1:02:52] That is on the ballot for November.
[1:02:53] Take effect until April.
[1:02:55] No, it would take effect in January.
[1:02:57] Oh, January.
[1:02:58] And then we would have to take any receipts that we give
[1:03:01] between January and June 30th of next year, and then roll back a partial year of everyone's
[1:03:07] property taxes at that time.
[1:03:09] And then we'll be collecting for a whole another year, and then the second year of it,
[1:03:13] we would be having a whole year of collections to roll back property taxes.
[1:03:17] So it's kind of a easing into the roll back, but that is something that is out there for
[1:03:23] the citizens, and that will cover all property owners in the county, not just homesteaded
[1:03:28] properties as some of the state legislation that didn't pass this year was
[1:03:33] suggesting that we do. So we'll be to be looking for those schedules and
[1:03:37] things to come out for the citizens. We're going to try to get the cities involved
[1:03:41] helping us to promote this not not necessarily promote. We have to educate. We
[1:03:45] can't promote. We educate partnership. And the chamber is going to advertise and
[1:03:50] advocate for us. Is that true for the last question on that? Is that true that if
[1:03:56] This passes by the voters that some city taxes will almost go down to zero.
[1:04:02] It depends on their military, yes sir.
[1:04:08] That would be after a whole year's collection, the half of your collection not so much
[1:04:11] the first year, but the whole year of collection right now is estimated that it could be rolled
[1:04:15] back almost four meals.
[1:04:17] So before we had the last reevaluation of property, there were two cities that weren't going to
[1:04:22] any milling rates whatsoever with this tax.
[1:04:25] But if, because it would replace their property taxes,
[1:04:27] but now these like less than a mill,
[1:04:29] that they would be charging for their property taxes.
[1:04:32] Are there, what are the counties around
[1:04:33] the subordinate implemented, the flossed?
[1:04:36] White County, Banks County, and several,
[1:04:39] there's about, I think, 58 other counties
[1:04:41] in the state of Georgia that have enacted this so far.
[1:04:43] Okay.
[1:04:44] And so far, everybody's loving it from what I hear.
[1:04:48] I was just over in White County at a meeting
[1:04:50] and their residents are getting to protect
[1:04:52] that first six months of collections this year.
[1:04:55] And it's been very, of course they get a lot of tourism
[1:05:00] over there with Helen.
[1:05:01] So they've got a lot more sales tax revenue committee
[1:05:03] and that is rolling their property tax back my half.
[1:05:06] So what is White County sales tax right then
[1:05:10] without enacted, didn't go to eight?
[1:05:12] I believe it went to eight, yes.
[1:05:14] So Bass County has a tea floss as well.
[1:05:17] So they could be, I think they're at 9%.
[1:05:27] Matty's cared for 388 animals this month, and our leftover pets, our new veterinary service, has started.
[1:05:34] They are using the old, or the mobile clinic that she has to do our spaying neuters with a much discounted rate than the average vets that we have.
[1:05:44] And also, we just, Mike told us they had this old house, which is the little house we bought in front of the aquatic center.
[1:05:51] He's got that renovating ready and they'll be moving into that and running their operation out of that old house
[1:05:57] That'll be happening and hopefully maybe I've already happened and maybe happened in next couple of weeks
[1:06:02] Randy reported about the purple heart day
[1:06:04] It was a success. We had over 150 people attend that and we just honored the honor guard there. They helped us out
[1:06:10] You can see
[1:06:12] The fire numbers that we got and we do have an EMT class or an firefighter class starting September 21st
[1:06:17] We got 14 recruits and two recruits on Baldwin that would be going through that and hopefully
[1:06:23] getting those in through the classes and ready and putting the stations by the first
[1:06:28] of the spring.
[1:06:30] I do want to say in IT or code red emergency alert system was hacked by their whole company
[1:06:37] was hacked by cyber security themes and so we have had to move and transfer all of our
[1:06:45] things to a new company.
[1:06:46] So, HQE is our new company and we have been able to save our people that had signed up for that service and migrate them over to the HQE.
[1:06:57] And as soon as we get all that family up and running and log in for that, other people can register to sign up for that.
[1:07:04] We would be putting that out but we were just in the process of that because they were hacked and I don't know why some of the other counties that are still using them are still using them because they've told them a lot of information.
[1:07:14] And they didn't really tell us, we found out second hand that they did that.
[1:07:17] So anyway, Tracy as security minded as she is, she shut them down right quick and we moved
[1:07:23] to this new service.
[1:07:25] So the citizens shouldn't be seeing any lack of service at this time, as long as you're signed
[1:07:30] up for that.
[1:07:32] Again, our email security gateway, we had 105,000 emails come in.
[1:07:37] We had 38,000 of those that were identified as potential threats, so our firewall's still
[1:07:41] doing there is job.
[1:07:45] Melanie Ballinger said that the Greenville Spartanburg weather service determined that our
[1:07:49] July 28th storm was actually straight line winds and not a tornado.
[1:07:55] We had some damage to a couple of our buildings, our fleet maintenance building, nine of the
[1:08:00] 12 doors were blown in or out either the first ever side of the building they were owned.
[1:08:05] So we had to secure that and order a new door and one of our dugouts at the aquatic center
[1:08:11] fields of the roof blew off and blew over into the next field so the new roof now
[1:08:15] isn't the new roof that's the demo memorial thank goodness so we've got an
[1:08:21] interest claiming for that and they've they're treating it all as one storm
[1:08:24] event right now so that'll save us on two different deductibles on the radio
[1:08:31] system that it's all live and going right milling so we have sent out the
[1:08:35] IGH to all the cities we've been going through since 2022 to the cities
[1:08:40] explaining to them our radio meets and its agreement and how we're going to share those
[1:08:44] costs with the new things and they are locked in for 15 years with our bid that we did back
[1:08:49] when we were doing the radio system. So they've known all this time that this is coming once the
[1:08:54] radio system went live. We have had a lot of turnover with different elected officials in those towns
[1:09:00] and we're having to go back and re-educate some of them with this process but this has been approved
[1:09:05] and you'll hear tonight that Crenie has already sent theirs in and we're
[1:09:09] approving their IGA and we're just waiting on the other cities to return that
[1:09:13] as well. As I said my grandmother said we talked about the nine of the 12
[1:09:19] relative doors station five remodel is 90% complete. The new dugouts are
[1:09:23] complete at Diamond Memorial our restoration of those and then our animal
[1:09:29] control building is walls are up they are starting to dry in so we hope that
[1:09:35] We'll have our November date of opening is still what they're shooting for so we're keeping our fingers crossed
[1:09:41] We don't have any more bad weather or rain that will prevent that but once they get it dry
[1:09:46] And they should be able to go to town on things. So we're really excited about that
[1:09:51] You guys asked about the fuel cost and revenues for the airport. We've got a report in here about that
[1:09:57] last year we sold
[1:10:00] $857,000 worth of fuel, but we purchased 583,000 so between last year and since we only
[1:10:09] had one month to report to you to combine those for 13 months, we had a revenue of $386,000
[1:10:15] and $386,668 profit for the air fuel sales.
[1:10:22] So you can see that chart and how that works out.
[1:10:25] We did not purchase any fuel in July because it was kind of ordered at the end of July and it'd be in August
[1:10:31] expenditures
[1:10:34] You can see Kathy Hulkins report and all of her numbers for her clients and those that she serves
[1:10:40] Terry Landon had reported that we had 373 kids registered for our fault program sports
[1:10:46] They're listed above on the on our report
[1:10:49] And then we have a new program
[1:10:50] girls flag football and we have three actual teams that have we've been able to create
[1:10:55] one 10 new and two 14 new teams 26 girls that signed up so they're real excited about that
[1:11:02] and if you'll skip over to their memberships in July there was 3622 total check-ins to the
[1:11:10] aquatic center so that was kind of a little bit of a record last month and we're proud of that
[1:11:18] Johnny Vickers had reported 2,250 tons of commercial and residential MSW, and that was
[1:11:25] up 300 tons from last month.
[1:11:27] And you had also asked about the recycling revenue.
[1:11:29] So in your report, you'll see a report that is down there showing the different months
[1:11:33] and the little chart of how those revenues have come in for the recycling that we have been
[1:11:39] collecting.
[1:11:40] Now, I do want to note that both of our recycling centers were down for a few weeks or last
[1:11:45] fiscal year for remodeling and upgrading so these numbers are you know because
[1:11:50] we had one closed at one time and one closed at another time of the year they
[1:11:54] are reflected in those numbers so if you have any other questions about that we
[1:11:59] can get that information to you and then last but not least public works they are
[1:12:05] still repairing gravel roads all these storms are really having wrecking havoc on
[1:12:10] our gravel roads and they're getting around to them as quick as they can but we
[1:12:14] get one fixed and here comes this big downpour and it messes up what we just done so we're doing
[1:12:19] our best to get around to that and then our local LMIG resurfacing program began on July 15th
[1:12:29] they've already completed 7.8 miles of road so far and then we also got an additional SAP grant
[1:12:35] from the DOT to
[1:12:38] Restripe 35.83 miles of road in the county at a cost of $265,000 and that is a no-cost share
[1:12:47] Grant from the DOT. So that's good. You've seen some some hopefully new pain on the road so that you can
[1:12:54] See them in some cases and then the last
[1:12:58] Item is last month go ahead asked about the different work zones across the county
[1:13:02] So I have attached maps that Mack and his staff are giving me of the different work zones.
[1:13:08] You've got an overall big map and then you've got five smaller maps to show you those zones.
[1:13:14] And those are the, they don't necessarily follow the Commissioner Districts,
[1:13:18] but these are the zones that we send out folks to work in.
[1:13:22] And hopefully that will help you guys understand when they make reports of where they'll be working.
[1:13:28] And that's all I got for you tonight, and I'll reserve my other comments for Mr. Trick.
[1:13:33] It's up here.
[1:13:34] We've got some good news coming to you.
[1:13:36] I got one.
[1:13:38] Yes, sir.
[1:13:39] This was cyclone revenue.
[1:13:41] I mean, we reserved $40,000 for last year, so that should be where hope we're high
[1:13:46] for this year, and we only took in $1,760.
[1:13:50] Well, we're only in that that was fiscal year, so that's July through June.
[1:13:55] Okay, and then we'll be we're starting July again, so I have another 11 months of revenue to add to you that any
[1:14:09] questions.
[1:14:11] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you much. Okay. All right. Old business none moving on to new business.
[1:14:19] Okay. Consider and approve the Intergovernmental Agreement. G.A. with City of Cornelia for use of
[1:14:25] any radio system and radio maintenance. Miss Belinger, you want to handle that for us?
[1:14:40] Okay, this is just an intergovernmental agreement with the municipalities for the maintenance
[1:14:45] and the use of the radio system, our P25 radio system. So we've got this sent out, all IDA
[1:14:54] sent out to all municipalities. Renee, you happen to be the first one to return it.
[1:14:58] Okay, are we?
[1:15:00] We're going to do them individually as they come in, Mr. Sims, or? Yes. The only reason we're doing it individually because we don't get it all signed at the same time. They do have different meetings. So we won't be able to get them all at one time. Okay. And all the towers are up and running now. Yes. Okay. And we're hoping to have, excuse me, we're hoping to have the rest of them by the next meeting so that we can do all those at one time. Okay. All right. Very good. Okay. All right. We need to, is that something that we need to take a vote on?
[1:15:29] Yes, please.
[1:15:31] All right.
[1:15:31] All right.
[1:15:32] Okay.
[1:15:33] Mr. Chairman.
[1:15:35] I'd like to make a motion to approve the Northeast Georgia Regional Radio Network
[1:15:39] Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Cornelia as presented.
[1:15:44] Okay.
[1:15:45] We have such a motion made.
[1:15:46] Is there a second?
[1:15:47] I'll second the motion.
[1:15:48] Okay.
[1:15:49] There's a motion.
[1:15:49] There's a second.
[1:15:51] Prove the Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Cornelia for the use of the County Radio
[1:15:54] system and radio maintenance, which is motionless. Second all in favor say aye, aye, all opposed but
[1:16:00] same sign. Okay, passes unanimously. Okay. Moving right along. Consider and approve the resolution
[1:16:06] authorizing large sum for the Kennedy's general obligation bonds. All right, Mr. Andrew Tripp.
[1:16:14] You want to bring your, your, our traveling friend with you there? Yeah, well we will, we will take
[1:16:20] Great turns, again, for the group, I'm Andrew Tritt with Seifland-Niccoes.
[1:16:24] I'm a bond underwriter.
[1:16:25] Roger Murray with Murray-Varns-Pinister is bond council to the county.
[1:16:30] We are here to report to you guys about a bond sale that took place today.
[1:16:35] Before I get into that, let me sort of back up and start from the beginning of this.
[1:16:40] Back in November, the voters of Habersham County approved the renewal of Spost, and
[1:16:47] And they also approved up to $52 million worth of general obligation bonds.
[1:16:53] So since that passed back in November, the county has been positioning itself up to this
[1:16:59] point, which is the ability to sell bonds.
[1:17:03] What is entailed in a bond issue is a lot.
[1:17:08] And so the county manager, the finance director, the county attorney, the county chairman,
[1:17:13] when we sat down with Moody's, we had a conversation
[1:17:16] about the credit worthiness of the county.
[1:17:21] Think about it, it's not always a very pleasant experience.
[1:17:25] They ask you a lot of questions,
[1:17:26] they're sort of trying to find where all the bones
[1:17:29] are buried, so to speak.
[1:17:31] And so part of that process is to have an offering document.
[1:17:34] And we call that a preliminary official statement.
[1:17:36] There's a lost bond document with this.
[1:17:38] And it's about a 60 page document that describes the county,
[1:17:42] is one of the tools that the rating analysts use to review the county, and what they're
[1:17:47] trying to do is assign a credit rating or credit worthiness for Habersam County so that
[1:17:53] investors can use that to then know what kind of interest rate to offer, you guess.
[1:17:58] So if you think about it, an investor might not always know who Habersam County is.
[1:18:03] Well, I'll fast forward a little bit and say there were $164 million worth of orders today
[1:18:08] of folks who knew who's Habersam County was. But investors, you know, you've got a whole
[1:18:15] laundry list of the big boys, whether it's, you know, Goldman Asset, US Bank Trust, Wells Fargo,
[1:18:25] Beard Investment, Vanguard, the list goes on. There's a lot of folks out there. But they might not
[1:18:31] necessarily know who Habersam County is. But if we assign a bond rating to Habersam County, then they
[1:18:37] We know a different county that has that same bond rating and they say, ah, Havisham County is a lot like X, Y, Z County, and Texas, right?
[1:18:46] So we went through that process and we ended up getting a double A3 bond rating.
[1:18:53] That's an investment grade bond rating.
[1:18:56] The only wrong above the double A category is triple A, so when you're in that double A category it is very, very strong.
[1:19:04] that allows us to market bonds really, really well.
[1:19:08] In the Moody's report, I don't know if you guys have seen this,
[1:19:11] but it references expanding tax space for the county.
[1:19:16] It says things about the growing economy of the county.
[1:19:20] It references how the 2027 budget is balanced.
[1:19:24] There were a lot of really positive good things
[1:19:27] that came about through this process.
[1:19:30] And it ultimately led us to what happened today.
[1:19:33] Okay, so our assignment was to get enough orders so that we can deposit $52 million in to
[1:19:42] Habersam County controlled bank account for the new addition of the jail, right, as approved by voters.
[1:19:52] So there were maturities from 2028 to 2047 and those are all approved by the voters where we put the dead.
[1:20:00] The first six years is paid by SPLOST, so there's no taxes involved with the repayment of this.
[1:20:07] We had our assignment was to sell enough for the $50 million or $52 million bonds.
[1:20:14] As I alluded to earlier, we got $164 million for the orders.
[1:20:18] That allowed us to be aggressive with our pricing.
[1:20:20] And ultimately, the final volume was at 3.943% for upwinded right through the whole period of time.
[1:20:31] So it's an excellent outcome.
[1:20:34] It is only an outcome of that magnitude because of your staff who has put this together
[1:20:40] because of y'all's willingness to be methodical and to be patient and to be stewards of taxpayer dollars.
[1:20:47] and it makes our job much easier, so thank you guys for doing that.
[1:20:52] You've got a couple of bond documents that you're going to improve.
[1:20:56] Roger will talk about that with you.
[1:20:58] If you guys have any numbers or any questions about numbers,
[1:21:01] I'd be happy to answer those.
[1:21:04] Again, I just want to reiterate how well staff did in this process.
[1:21:09] It's been a pleasure. Thank you.
[1:21:11] Thank you.
[1:21:13] All right. Any questions, gentlemen?
[1:21:16] Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[1:21:17] All right. Mr. Murray, you're up.
[1:21:19] I'm notoriously short and sweet.
[1:21:22] So we have a resolution that Angie and I prepared that authorizes
[1:21:26] to the issuance of the bonds and the execution of all the related documents
[1:21:30] in particular one called the bond purchase agreement.
[1:21:33] That's the document that allows you to sell the bonds to Andrew
[1:21:37] and then he sells them ultimately to the investors.
[1:21:39] So, I would just ask you to motion and
[1:21:44] authorize the adoption of the resolution.
[1:21:50] Gentlemen, if you don't have time to,
[1:21:51] you don't have any questions.
[1:21:52] Do you want to have Kenny?
[1:21:55] Mr. Chairman, if I may.
[1:21:56] Yes.
[1:21:57] Mr. Mayor?
[1:21:58] Mr. Simms.
[1:21:59] So, our first phase is via this next
[1:22:10] So, remind me, because I apologize, I forgot how much did we have in that splos in the,
[1:22:17] this splos to handle.
[1:22:19] We have $20 million a year marked out of this current, this upcoming splos to make those payments.
[1:22:25] Okay.
[1:22:25] And then what's, is the plan to, the plan is to continue that into the next splos.
[1:22:31] and also we will have the ability to board in prisoners for a little while
[1:22:36] because we're building it for future use and we can potentially house in 100
[1:22:41] prisoners or so which would net us about 2.1 million dollars based on the
[1:22:45] average rate to how's the prisoners right now and that's excuse me that's
[1:22:49] approximately what is it hard county hard can you recognize in real time yes hard
[1:22:54] can he's doing that right now and they the revenue that they bring in from
[1:22:57] housing in-prisers and when many of them are hours, if I'm not mistaken, Robin, are
[1:23:02] hours and so they're making their whole debt payment from the revenue they're
[1:23:08] making on boarding in prisoners. Okay. So we will be earmarking that money to
[1:23:13] make additional payments in the future as well. Okay. I need most of that but like I
[1:23:18] feel like we have to reiterate those things when we stop it's coming up because
[1:23:22] it's a lot of money. Yeah. Mr. Chairman, and there is some savings as well for
[1:23:26] transporting a house and prisoners out.
[1:23:28] What is that annually from our budget?
[1:23:31] Depends on the year, I'm sure.
[1:23:32] Depends on the year, probably I would say at least 100,000
[1:23:35] transport costs.
[1:23:36] And then also the amount that we pay on boarding out
[1:23:39] prisoners, we've got budgeted for the past two years,
[1:23:42] 300,000, but it's cost more than that to house them out.
[1:23:45] So we're 400 to 500, 600,000.
[1:23:48] So that's real savings on the budget as well.
[1:23:54] Which is also, sorry, which is also
[1:23:56] So well of the servicing of the bond widely.
[1:24:06] So to summarize it, it doesn't go into the journal fund.
[1:24:09] To pay for it, we're paying for it at the whole point.
[1:24:11] But it doesn't affect the tax pay.
[1:24:13] Yeah, good deal.
[1:24:15] Thank you.
[1:24:15] All right.
[1:24:16] Okay.
[1:24:17] Show them if you all had time to review the document, the bond agreement document.
[1:24:24] There are any questions, any more questions?
[1:24:30] I'm good. Yeah. Gentlemen, we've been working on this a while. The interest rate was really good news. Yes. Yes. Very good.
[1:24:38] Thank you, gentlemen, for all your hard work.
[1:24:41] Welcome.
[1:24:43] Okay.
[1:24:44] Commissioner Woodoff, any questions?
[1:24:46] Yes, sir. Very good.
[1:24:46] Commissioner Paolo.
[1:24:48] I'm good.
[1:24:49] Okay. All right.
[1:24:50] Okay, then I guess that brings us for a long motion.
[1:24:55] He wants to make that motion for us.
[1:24:58] And Mr. Chairman, a motion to approve the bond purchase agreement and all associated
[1:25:02] documents, I think, would be fine.
[1:25:03] Right.
[1:25:04] Okay.
[1:25:04] All right.
[1:25:05] So I would like to make a motion to approve all the bond documents and all related whatever
[1:25:10] you said I can.
[1:25:14] That's ADHD and I'll already forgot what you said, all related documents.
[1:25:20] All related documents. All right, we have a motion, is there a second on the floor?
[1:25:25] I'll second that, Mr. Chairman. Okay, we have a motion, we have a second.
[1:25:28] All right, all in favor by the sign of I. All right, all opposed.
[1:25:32] Okay, all right, vote unanimously.
[1:25:35] Thank you, gentlemen, for all your hard work.
[1:25:37] Thank you.
[1:25:40] I think we're going to try to do the signatures as soon as the principal meeting finishes.
[1:25:44] So there's two more agenda items of Yalkins that take just for a second.
[1:25:47] We'll try to sign those before executive session.
[1:25:51] If we won't make y'all stay for executive session, I'll sign those documents here in just a minute.
[1:25:56] Okay. Thank y'all for coming.
[1:26:01] All right.
[1:26:01] But consider and approve the resolution 2026, 8-2-001, except on the quest by in and
[1:26:11] out home buyers LLC to DNX 4.122 acres of property from the City of Demarest,
[1:26:28] Mr.
[1:26:30] 3131D. It is 4.122 acres. Give you a little background. It is four individual lots. Each one around the
[1:26:39] Naker a little more that were recorded back in 2024. I understand in the applicant contacted the
[1:26:48] city of Demarest about public sewer and was told, you know, engineering wise, it would not work out.
[1:26:55] and he since talked to them about requesting the annexation if it didn't get
[1:27:01] sewer from them he did not want to be in the city of Demarice so he requested
[1:27:09] the annexation they said it had to come to the county first contacted our
[1:27:14] county attorney's office and that is correct we have to do a resolution to
[1:27:20] consent to the deanexation, which should be in your packet. And just on that I
[1:27:27] wanted to point out that if a deanex, the property, we cannot legally zone it
[1:27:35] to anything until we go through the rezoning process. So there is a vision and
[1:27:42] the resolution saying no permits, no land disturbing permits, nothing can be
[1:27:48] done on the property until we rezone it in the county I explained that to the applicant
[1:27:54] he was fine with it so but I did want to point that out to y'all that is if we did if
[1:27:59] they de annex it I will immediately start a rezoning process and it will come back to
[1:28:05] y'all at that point or rezoning to some appropriate. Do you have any questions or work?
[1:28:12] We're exactly as this comes the street from you.
[1:28:14] Yeah, that will bring the road.
[1:28:16] It's South Fort Drive.
[1:28:19] Yes, sir, you know where that little single-wide trailer is.
[1:28:22] I always got the red Dodge in front of it.
[1:28:25] There's four lots behind it.
[1:28:26] I don't know how.
[1:28:27] That's Mr. Chess.
[1:28:29] That's our planning director.
[1:28:30] He knows all Chess bro's property.
[1:28:32] Yeah, I didn't know that across the street.
[1:28:34] Was any of that was in the city?
[1:28:35] It was.
[1:28:36] It was done.
[1:28:37] I'm not exactly sure why, but it was done at some point.
[1:28:41] The house with the red Dodge truck is not in the city of Demarice but the one to the left of it is
[1:28:48] It was that the only section over there this in the city. I thought double bridge only on the left was in the city
[1:28:57] No, we've got some on the ride also
[1:29:00] Really, it was done. I believe at the same time as a subdivision sub division. I didn't know that
[1:29:07] other
[1:29:12] questions
[1:29:19] Yes sir the applicant is uh in and out home buyers Zane Stewart and uh yeah he asked
[1:29:27] if he needed to be here he didn't want to come for some reason I love coming to the
[1:29:33] other.
[1:29:35] Jim if I may ask and I soon to zoning would follow our UDO that was just recently approved
[1:29:40] it.
[1:29:40] What kind of?
[1:29:41] Yes, I've talked to him about that.
[1:29:43] These are existing roughly one acre lots.
[1:29:46] We've got one acre zoning beside him.
[1:29:50] I would probably recommend one acre zoning.
[1:29:53] I've talked to him about that.
[1:29:54] He was fine.
[1:29:58] There's no multi-family health.
[1:30:00] No.
[1:30:07] So but the lights themselves other than that little flag strip or not own double bridge, right? Just this, that, that, that, uh, south four is, uh, is an easement. And, uh, how, how are they going to get? Are they going to make an easement? And then on the backside, another easement for all those lights? Yes, sir. I mean, this, this has been approved as it's recorded as an easement along the rear of the property. We would might have, have done little different.
[1:30:36] if it was in the city or I'm sorry if it was in the county but it is a legal document now there is
[1:30:42] an existing legal easement on the property. I guess two more questions have you all made a
[1:30:47] recommendation? Your office have you all made a recommendation? No I mean I would recommend
[1:30:55] to prove love it you know it's it can be in our jurisdiction or the city of
[1:31:01] It doesn't really matter to me, but just to help a local property owner, I would recommend approval
[1:31:08] if
[1:31:08] Demarest approves it. I don't think this is something we need to fight for them without have they made it last question
[1:31:14] If they made any no my understand I asked the
[1:31:19] Asked about that and they wanted to come through this process before they even heard the matter
[1:31:23] They didn't waste their time if the county is gonna say no, okay, all right
[1:31:29] gentlemen any more questions mm-hmm okay all right thank you okay all right
[1:31:34] Mr.
[1:31:37] Brownland if you have something you're just okay okay the thing we're not
[1:31:44] taking a bid okay all right gentlemen do we have a there's a simple motion out
[1:31:53] the bottom of your page is there a is there motion on the floor regarding this
[1:31:56] four acres do we have a resolution number two assigned but is yet there's not one
[1:32:01] on the paperwork. So we literally just going to leave that blank at the time.
[1:32:08] Where's it at. Thank you for clarifying that. Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion to approve
[1:32:16] Resolution 2020 resolution 2026-08-001 for the DMXation of parcel 108-031D from the City of
[1:32:31] We have a motion, we have a second, all in favor, but sign.
[1:32:33] Aye.
[1:32:34] Aye.
[1:32:34] Any opposition?
[1:32:36] Okay.
[1:32:37] Passes unanimously.
[1:32:39] All right.
[1:32:40] D.
[1:32:42] Mr. Beecham, you're back up.
[1:32:45] Discussion regarding cook construction.
[1:32:48] We
[1:32:51] have received another annexation application from the city of Baldwin regarding the proposed
[1:32:58] cook annexation.
[1:33:02] understanding is this one is slightly different than the previous application. They want to use the 60% method of this.
[1:33:10] It's a unique aspect of state law where basically they've taken area and as long as 60% of the voters in the area approve the annexation, they can they can annex the entire area.
[1:33:24] Yeah, some of the new cities around Atlanta, I believe, that's how they were created, and so that's why this the gentleman that asked earlier about the property in the middle is not being signed for, you know, they're, they're probably going to be annex, whether they want to or not under this method if it approves 60% of the voters.
[1:33:47] In my understanding and discussions with opposing councils, they are trying to acquire
[1:33:51] that property, but that property is a holdout, and so that was a good eye that you notice
[1:33:55] that it was not included, but by the 60% method, they can pursue annexation of it, even without
[1:34:01] their approval, that they are trying to acquire it, so they're negotiating to purchase, and
[1:34:05] they've acknowledged that if they are not able to acquire it, the whole project will probably
[1:34:10] follow-up part because it's right in the center of what they're proposing to do with the project.
[1:34:16] Question of the question.
[1:34:19] Okay, gentleman.
[1:34:21] I mean, everything else is roughly the same, same objections,
[1:34:27] holds from my staff, you know, we think 26,000 plus trips a day is going to be a burden, you know,
[1:34:37] the road is both roads are state maintained, but we provide emergency services at that intersection
[1:34:46] for Rex and things. It is already one of our most dangerous intersections. All of the traffic
[1:34:52] leaving that area is probably going to get on one of the surrounding county roads so we expect
[1:34:57] the traffic to increase for those reasons and we recommend to object to the annexation.
[1:35:03] Any questions? Have we received any studies? Yes, sir. We did receive a traffic study. I believe I got it
[1:35:14] Yes, just very recently but I was originally anticipated around 24,500 trips and they their engineer is saying it's going to be
[1:35:28] I don't think 26 and a half thousand or so it's even going to be more traffic than I put in my staff analysis.
[1:35:37] Any other impact studies on utilities or resources or anything?
[1:35:45] None that I've seen if City of Bowdoin stands on, they've not shared it with us.
[1:35:50] Okay. Or any required, any further impact stays required?
[1:35:53] They're going to have to get through. It was called the development of regional impact
[1:35:57] where they go in and look at all of those different kinds of aspects but it's not been done yet
[1:36:06] to best my knowledge. Is this in conflict with any of the zoning in the area?
[1:36:11] Our existing zoning is suburban residential for this property that's I'm sorry that's one another
[1:36:18] basis of the addiction is the change in the land use. Sorry, everything runs together.
[1:36:25] Another point that was raised by staff is emergency services and response to traffic accidents, that intersection that's just beyond.
[1:36:34] Maybe Mike could speak to it more openly.
[1:36:36] The next intersection up, level growth, that is also one of our most dangerous.
[1:36:43] Just given the location of this, it's inevitable that a lot of people are going to go head north and then turn right on level growth.
[1:36:52] So, you know, that's the basis of some of our objections is our existing infrastructure.
[1:37:01] You know, between this and the other end of the level where they're doing the small
[1:37:09] development in the city of Cornelia, you know, we had a traffic study done on that side
[1:37:14] also.
[1:37:15] So I think between the two, yeah, I mean, it's going to be a significant amount of traffic
[1:37:22] on level growth.
[1:37:23] And the road south of 365 is actually a county maintained road.
[1:37:32] So anything going through the red light south, you know, up to BC Grant, all that area, all
[1:37:38] of that is county roads.
[1:37:39] So it's in the city of Baldwin.
[1:37:41] I believe we've got an agreement where we maintain that portion.
[1:37:46] And Mike, is it level grove and Duncan Bridge because I have in mind it's Duncan Bridge
[1:37:52] had approximately 200 accidents at that intersection with Highway 365 over the last year.
[1:37:59] And that's some of the concern that the increased trip traffic with already having 200 acts that
[1:38:03] intersection is liable to increase which produces an additional strain on the counties emergency
[1:38:09] response services.
[1:38:15] So what is before you tonight is a consideration of whether to file an objection
[1:38:21] through the Department of Community Affairs process. That is by statute that allows you to object
[1:38:28] for purposes of concerns with respect to burdens placed upon the county based upon financial impacts,
[1:38:38] based upon changes to the zoning in terms of use and intensity and all those things have been documented to you through the staff reports.
[1:38:46] We've also got before you a proposed resolution based upon the concerns that have been expressed that would have direction to counsel and to staff to prepare and file the objection with the Department of Community Affairs and has a proposed objection letter that details to some extent the staff comments and reports that you've already seen.
[1:39:08] and heard about from Mr. Beacham tonight. So if you wish to file the objection, it would be appropriate to have someone make a motion to approve the resolution, which, again, includes as an exhibit the proposed objection letter.
[1:39:32] So that motion needs two parts. Is that right? You need to.
[1:39:35] No, just really just one, a motion to approve the resolution.
[1:39:38] Okay.
[1:39:44] And the Mr. Beacham, what was your division's recommendation?
[1:39:51] We would recommend that you approve the resolution to object, resolution to object.
[1:39:58] I guess we would recommend to object.
[1:40:01] The legal language, but.
[1:40:03] We'll do it.
[1:40:07] All right.
[1:40:07] Gentlemen, any questions?
[1:40:09] Okay.
[1:40:10] All right.
[1:40:11] We have a motion.
[1:40:12] This is a misject.
[1:40:14] Yeah.
[1:40:14] Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion that we approve the resolution to object.
[1:40:19] Okay.
[1:40:20] OK, there's a motion to approve the resolution to object.
[1:40:23] Is there a second?
[1:40:24] Second.
[1:40:25] There's a motion.
[1:40:26] There's a second.
[1:40:27] All in favor say, ah, objections.
[1:40:30] OK.
[1:40:31] Passes unanimously to, so we will see,
[1:40:44] you know,
[1:40:45] we answer to the voters.
[1:40:47] We try to listen to the voters.
[1:40:52] All right.
[1:40:52] That gentleman, in additional comments before we go into executive session.
[1:41:03] I would just like to thank our staff for a great representation in New York City, including our chairman.
[1:41:08] I saw some photos, I'm kidding, I'm kidding, good photos.
[1:41:12] But no, it is important work of the business of the county and it was voted on by the voters to build a jail.
[1:41:16] Nobody likes to build a jail, but you know the conditions of our jail and the need for it, the cost, the citizens that are in the budget already.
[1:41:23] And this is a method for solving many issues for our county and I'm thankful to voters approved it
[1:41:29] And I'm thankful for you guys representing the county so well and then to go to Jason's for our bond. Thank you
[1:41:36] Mr. McClell, I'm good
[1:41:38] Okay, gentlemen
[1:41:40] Just echo what Commissioner Woodall said it's some fortunate that we need to jail that big
[1:41:47] but
[1:41:47] But from all indications, with communities like Hart County, which most of us have already
[1:41:53] been over there to see, they built a jail big enough to actually house inmates outside
[1:42:00] of their county.
[1:42:02] So they're getting a measure revenue from that, but the fact is right now we're spending
[1:42:06] a lot of money in anywhere from three to four to five to six hundred thousand dollars
[1:42:11] in some years that I was here to spend that.
[1:42:16] So there's no guarantees, but in all likelihood between additional revenue and not having to pay
[1:42:23] out house inmates, there's a really high likelihood that this may be one of the smarter decisions,
[1:42:28] this commission is made in a while. So I'm happy to see that. Go for it. Congratulations, Sheriff.
[1:42:33] I know you'll do a good job with that. I know you've worked very hard. And our last sheriff did too,
[1:42:38] there's been something that's been in the works for a long time. And the voters approved it. So
[1:42:42] Yes it is. We're doing what they voted to do.
[1:42:47] Mr. Miller,
[1:42:52] I was honored to go with you, gentlemen, and with Mrs. Simms and Mrs.
[1:42:58] Cionney, holding up there to New York, no cost of taxpayers.
[1:43:04] You know, we held
[1:43:08] down costs and everything by various means and so it didn't cost taxpayers
[1:43:16] anything for us to go up there to fight for the taxpayers to try to get as Mr.
[1:43:22] Tritt explain a good rating if we had not had gone it could have gone
[1:43:29] the other way and we wouldn't have got such a good rating and I appreciate
[1:43:33] everybody's hard work appreciate y'all's hard work Mr. Tritt Mr. Murray I appreciate
[1:43:40] everybody being here thank y'all for coming and once again I'm trying to hold
[1:43:44] All these meetings down, and I apologize that we're going to have to have an executive session.
[1:43:49] And we're going to have to have a motion for that.
[1:43:51] You can hang around if you want to, if you don't want to.
[1:43:53] God bless you and thank you for coming.
[1:43:56] I don't know how long the executive session is going to meet, and I apologize for that.
[1:44:00] But do we have a motion for executive session?
[1:44:02] Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of potential litigation.
[1:44:08] And personnel.
[1:44:09] And personnel.
[1:44:10] Yep.
[1:44:11] Okay.
[1:44:11] It says property disposal.
[1:44:13] And property disposal.
[1:44:14] property. Yes. Okay. All right. There's a motion on the table. Is there a second?
[1:44:20] A second, a motion, Mr. Chairman. All right. There's a motion. There's a second. All right. All in
[1:44:24] favor say aye. When they roll call, I was going to get to that. All right.
[1:44:32] Yes. Yes.
[1:44:47] I think
[1:44:47] you, I thought I think you got my name twice or I thought you did. So it's unanimous. Okay.
[1:44:56] All right, the vote is unanimous. Okay, we're going to
[1:45:07] We do need to take about 10 minutes to sign those documents. Please, before we start. All right. Take a break. I'm going to be back. Good job, Mike. Yeah, very well. A lot of ground you covered tonight. Okay. And then I can just look at that for a race. I'll support.
[1:45:24] Okay.
[1:45:27] Son, it turned exactly like that.
[1:45:29] It was good as me, you're like, my gosh.
[1:45:35] Get it?
[3:10:48] Brandy back. That's
[3:11:19] a great point. Do you all want to return to me what we? I was just thinking that might be an appropriate.
[3:11:28] Yeah, okay. Okay,
[3:11:38] did you want the.
[3:11:42] Yeah, that doesn't need to.
[3:11:46] All right. Um, have a motion to adjourn. Um, rather, let's say reconvened back from executive section.
[3:11:55] Make a motion, Mr. Chairman, to come out of the executive session.
[3:11:58] All right, there's a motion, there's a second, all in favor say aye.
[3:12:02] Aye.
[3:12:02] Any opposed?
[3:12:03] Okay.
[3:12:04] All right.
[3:12:04] Can you turn to your statement?
[3:12:05] Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman, I will state for the record that during the executive session the
[3:12:10] board discussed issues regarding potential litigation and personnel and land disposal.
[3:12:20] Yes.
[3:12:22] Okay, we
[3:12:25] need a motion and a second to adopt the representations authorizing such an affidavit.
[3:12:31] So I moved.
[3:12:32] Okay.
[3:12:33] Second move.
[3:12:33] There's a motion there a second.
[3:12:35] All in favor say aye.
[3:12:36] No.
[3:12:37] Okay.
[3:12:38] Now we need a motion to adjourn.
[3:12:39] Book the adjourn to him.
[3:12:40] Okay.
[3:12:41] There's a motion there a second.
[3:12:42] Second.
[3:12:42] All right.
[3:12:43] Motion to second.
[3:12:44] All in favor.
[3:12:46] Okay.
[3:12:46] All right.
[3:12:47] We're adjourned.
[3:12:47] Thank you.
[3:12:48] Thank you.
[3:12:49] I'm going to take the phone.