[0:04] And congratulations and we'll congratulate

[0:07] even more. >> Yep. Thank you, Chairman. Thank you,

[0:09] Board, for taking time out for us to come represent or present to

[0:14] you guys. I think a lot of these kids might have

[0:17] to go to the chiropractor with the neck problems with all that weight they got

[0:20] around their necks. Um

[0:23] So, I'm going to call up the teams that I coach. My name is Hank

[0:26] Shirley. I coach the 4-H um air rifle and 22 teams.

[0:32] So, we're going to start with the the sporter air rifle team.

[0:36] Morgan Abercrombie.

[0:40] Willow Combs. Willow here?

[0:44] Not here. Violet Combs.

[0:48] Jackson Carter.

[0:51] Preston Griner.

[0:55] Finn Griner.

[0:59] Braden Siems. Is Braden here tonight? I haven't seen him.

[1:04] Kendall Mangum. Kendall didn't make it. Uh Will

[1:08] Greathouse. And Bethany Shirley.

[1:14] That's the sporter air rifle team. The sporter 22 rifle team

[1:18] was Bethany Shirley, Preston Griner, Clayton Jennings,

[1:24] and Daniel Jennings.

[1:29] The 22 silhouette team was Preston Griner, Clayton Jennings, Daniel

[1:33] Jennings, and Will Greathouse. And shooting precision air rifle and

[1:38] three-position order uh three-position

[1:42] uh smallbore rifle was Bethany Shirley. So, on the team accomplishments, uh the

[1:49] sporter air rifle team got first place team CMP state championship for the

[1:53] second consecutive year. Um they got first place team American

[1:56] Legion State Championship. And they got the National Championship

[2:01] team Orion sporter air rifle league in the

[2:04] distinguished junior division. Uh, the individual recognitions for um,

[2:10] sporter air rifle Morgan Abernathy got first place sporter air rifle

[2:15] individual in the state CMP Championship.

[2:19] And she also got first place sporter air rifle individual in the American Legion

[2:23] State Championship. Kendall Mangham

[2:26] got third place individual sporter air rifle in the CMP State Championship.

[2:31] And Violet Combs got third place U17 sporter air rifle individual at the CMP

[2:37] Southeast Regional Championship. Uh, sporter air rifle

[2:41] the sporter 22 team placed fourth place in the state 4-H

[2:46] State Championship. And the individual recognitions for

[2:50] precision air and small bore Bethany Shirley earned second place individual

[2:54] at the CMP precision 3P air rifle Southeast Regional Championship.

[3:00] Third place precision air rifle team CMP uh, precision 3P air rifle Southeast

[3:06] Regional Championship and third place junior small bore team

[3:11] CMP National Championship. Uh,

[3:16] these accomplishments are only represent a small highlight of what these kids

[3:20] also uh, won a lot of uh, local matches and throughout the year so that's why

[3:26] you see a lot more medals around their necks.

[3:28] I'd also like to recognize our graduating seniors this year Clayton

[3:31] Jennings Bethany Shirley.

[3:35] I know that their time in 4-H has given them given both these athletes a strong

[3:39] foundation for future success.

[3:43] I want to also uh,

[3:46] congratulate Bethany Shirley as a graduating senior on

[3:50] her uh, she truly accomplished some outstanding things in um

[3:56] over the course of her years competing with 4-H.

[3:59] Her totals are eight state championship titles, five as an individual, three

[4:05] team, six individual regional championships,

[4:10] four individual

[4:13] she's got four national championship titles, three individuals,

[4:17] one team. She also holds three national records.

[4:21] Team member national record 5-m BB high aggregate score,

[4:26] individual national record CMP high score three-p position final score, and

[4:31] individual national record highest aggregate score at the American Legion

[4:36] national championship. She's also

[4:40] she also received our distinguished marksmanship pin from the CMP, which is

[4:45] very prestigious.

[4:52] » [applause]

[4:57] » Now, get closer together for a picture. >> [applause]

[5:03] » There you go.

[5:25] » Job well done. >> [applause]

[5:32] [applause] >> So, I think the uh

[5:35] the archery team's going to come up next, uh Gaylen.

[5:55] » Good afternoon or evening.

[5:57] If I could have the the members of the Archer team come up, Clinton Davis,

[6:02] Gabriella Alfaro, and Hazel Alden.

[6:15] All right. So, as Hank said, my name's Galen Davis. I'm the head Archer coach.

[6:19] Um first, let me express the gratitude

[6:23] to the county and and everything they do for the program.

[6:27] Um it does not go unnoticed. Um

[6:31] the new facilities that we have are

[6:35] bar none the best in the state. And we are truly grateful.

[6:40] This past year, we held a indoor fundraiser event.

[6:44] We had 60 archers from around the state. Numerous counties

[6:51] came up to us and commended us on that facility.

[6:55] Okay? There's nothing like it in the state.

[6:59] Right now, it is the largest indoor facility in the state.

[7:04] Okay? So, that that's something to be proud

[7:07] of. Um

[7:11] we had a great season. You know, it was

[7:15] um it was a season of of growth, a season

[7:20] of of new archers coming into the program, which is always a good thing.

[7:25] Um at state indoor, we had second place finisher, Hazel

[7:30] Alden, in the compound novice class.

[7:35] She finished second out of 111 shooters. Gabriella Alfaro finished third

[7:42] in the senior compound female out of 94 archers.

[7:49] At state outdoor, Gabriella Alfaro finished first in the

[7:53] senior compound. That's male and female, so she finished first

[7:57] out of the entire group. By finishing first, she was awarded

[8:02] master status and was recognized at state 4-H Congress

[8:07] a few weeks ago. Gabriella is one of a few

[8:13] around the state that has been awarded the master status in individual

[8:18] and as a team event. She was part of the team in 2024 that went to Nebraska.

[8:24] So, that is a great accomplishment by itself.

[8:27] Um again,

[8:30] thank you for the continued support. We look forward to another successful

[8:33] season. Thank you.

[8:37] » [applause]

[8:42] [applause]

[9:06] [applause]

[9:13] » I don't think the I don't think the shotgun team could make it, so BB's up

[9:16] next. Ms. Gordy, you

[9:20] » I said that right, right? >> You did.

[9:22] Fantastic. Hey, I'm Jamie Gordy. I am the head

[9:25] coach of the Walton County 4-H BB team. Um and if I could have my BB shooters

[9:31] come on up. There's a lot of them, so I won't call them out individually.

[9:39] » When I was coaching, there were only eight.

[9:41] » [laughter] >> We had We had 30 this year.

[9:44] » I think you've grown a lot. >> [laughter]

[9:47] » We do have the largest team in the state. So.

[9:54] And they also won a few things this year.

[9:57] » Please Please highlight them. >> [laughter]

[10:02] » Um So, this is our team.

[10:06] We first of all, are very thankful for the

[10:08] facilities that y'all provide to us as get to

[10:12] repeat what Galen said, they are the best BB facilities in the state. Um

[10:17] and we are able to host multiple matches. Our biggest match this year was

[10:21] almost 170 shooters. Um we have enough room to do that and people are just

[10:28] amazed at it. So, we did have the largest team in the state this year with

[10:32] about 30 shooters, which means we took multiple teams to each match. We

[10:37] competed in almost a dozen matches. We had an undefeated regular season. We

[10:42] were second in state because Cook County just had a really good day. And then

[10:50] we um

[10:53] had the top shooter in the state, Madison Everett.

[10:57] So, and we had

[11:01] on the test at state. BB is four positions. It's prone, standing,

[11:06] sitting, and kneeling with a test and the test counts as part

[11:10] of your score. So, we really focus on the test. So, having that many 100s at

[11:15] state was amazing. We also had multiple 100s during the whole season. Um

[11:21] So, that is our our

[11:24] you know, our state this year. Now, this year we went to Nationals in Rogers,

[11:31] Arkansas for the Daisy National BB Gun Championship.

[11:36] Um and we won. We had a team of five girls

[11:43] that shot almost the national record, two points

[11:46] shy of the national record. They won first place by 57 points

[11:53] over the second place team, which is a phenomenal

[11:58] the highest margin of victory ever that anyone could remember at Daisy, and shot

[12:02] the highest score ever shot at Daisy. Not only that, the team

[12:06] um had a perfect 500 on the test, which earned them the polity for test

[12:13] trophy. So, phenomenal. We had two alternates who

[12:18] competed compete and earned did great. We had a team of champions

[12:22] who uh four champions who shot on the team last year that were able to compete

[12:27] this year who also did amazing. But, my five team members

[12:32] that earned the golden trophy were um Olivia Barth,

[12:38] Violet Combs, Freya Combs, Madison Everett,

[12:42] and Aubrey Finley. So,

[12:46] shake my hand. >> [applause]

[12:57] [applause] >> Huddle them together. I want to get a

[13:00] picture of the trophy.

[13:05] Come forward a little bit and then get behind.

[13:08] A group of you kneel and others get behind it. Bunch in.

[13:19] Good.

[13:25] Yeah. Rock.

[13:28] Yeah.

[13:43] » [applause]

[13:48] » Jamie. >> [applause]

[13:48] » Jamie. Jamie, y'all y'all just stay up here,

[13:52] Jamie. Yeah, I'd like to I'd like to call the

[13:55] uh air rifle team back up. And uh

[13:59] all the coaches and parents everybody come back up.

[14:05] Parents.

[14:08] Everybody. Y'all were fixing to get up and leave

[14:11] when this is over anyway, so you might as well get out of that chair.

[14:16] » Get a group picture. >> Okay, so

[14:20] we do this every year. Walton County's very successful and we come up here and

[14:24] we brag about what we do every year and uh

[14:26] last year uh Sheriff Brooks was here and he watched

[14:30] uh he watched what was going on and he he heard a little bit about how far we

[14:33] travel and uh he called me about

[14:37] about the beginning of the year, sometime in January I think it was, and

[14:39] said, "Hey, I want to do a fundraiser

[14:43] for the for the SAFE teams." And we started talking and we worked it out and

[14:46] uh he ended up doing a clay shoot for us

[14:50] and it was phenomenally successful. Um and then uh

[14:58] » Uh hello everyone. My name's Joe Brunson

[15:00] and I'm the Walton County uh extension agent. And uh

[15:05] so tonight we wanted to take a moment and recognize uh and thank Sheriff

[15:10] Brooks for his incredible support of the Walton County

[15:14] 4-H SAFE shooting sports programs. The success of our youth shooting sports

[15:19] programs depends on strong community partnerships and Sheriff Brooks has gone

[15:23] above and beyond by investing his time and personal commitment to helping our

[15:28] athletes succeed. Through his fundraising efforts with the

[15:32] support of Beyond the Badge, more than $30,000 has been raised this year to

[15:37] support these SAFE teams. These programs are not just about

[15:42] shooting or competition, they're about building character and preparing our

[15:46] youth to become responsible citizens and tomorrow's leaders. Sheriff Brooks, on

[15:51] behalf of our athletes, families, coaches, and supporters, thank you for

[15:55] believing in these young people and for recognizing the importance of giving

[15:59] them opportunities to succeed. Thank you very much.

[16:04] » [applause]

[16:08] » We uh >> [applause]

[16:10] » the the SAFE teams had a plaque made for the Sheriff. Uh

[16:13] it's the first annual event, so we're expecting to do this again every year.

[16:18] Thank [laughter] you, Sheriff Brooks.

[16:30] » I just want to say great job you kids, young adults, but the coaches, I know

[16:38] how much effort it takes to work with these,

[16:41] and great job. Y'all making Walton proud.

[17:16] » That's it.

[17:22] » Very good. >> [applause]

[17:31] » Now, Hank, we will give you all a couple minutes before we go to the next award

[17:36] if if all these want to leave. >> Yes, sir.

[17:46] » You're right. Hank did a wonderful job on that facility, didn't he?

[17:50] » [laughter]

[18:46] » Uh we've got a retirement recognition. Uh Walton County Fire Rescue

[18:52] is it

[18:55] Is the chief here? Is he going to

[19:01] Herbert Huff Jr. >> Yeah, I'll I'll I'll go ahead and start

[19:06] this. Um just so everybody knows, every every

[19:10] month we honor our retirees that'll be moving on into retirement from service

[19:15] to Walton County. And we do this every month just because we want to make sure

[19:20] that we honor them and respect their service.

[19:24] Our first retiree, Herb Huff, if you'll step forward.

[19:30] Herb was hired as a firefighter driver engineer in 2002.

[19:36] Promoted to captain in 2013. Promoted to fire captain in 2014.

[19:43] In 2021, he continued serving as the fire captain while also taking on the

[19:48] additional role of temporary deputy coroner.

[19:52] He'll be retiring in 2026 after 24 years of dedicated service to Walton County as

[19:59] a fire captain. Just like to appreciate everything you've done for us and honor

[20:04] you with plaque tonight.

[20:07] Thank you, sir. >> [applause]

[20:13] [applause]

[20:20] » I think I found one. >> [applause]

[20:24] » Thank you.

[20:30] Ms. Donna Boone, is she here tonight?

[20:36] No. Ms. Donna

[20:39] is going to be retiring from the tax as tax clerk. She was hired as tax clerk

[20:45] in 2010, promoted to senior tax and tag clerk in 2013.

[20:50] Promoted to property tax supervisor in 2019. She'll be retiring in 2026

[20:56] as property tax supervisor after 16 years of dedicated service.

[21:01] I'd like to honor her tonight, too.

[21:05] » [applause]

[21:11] » And finally, Sam Blue. Uh if he's here tonight, if you will step forward and

[21:16] I'll also have Ronnie step forward. Uh Sam was hired as a paramedic in 2014 and

[21:22] he'll be retiring in 2026 as a paramedic after 12 years of service. So, thank

[21:27] you, sir, for all of your service.

[21:31] » [applause]

[21:45] » I can say a lot about Sam tonight and

[21:49] all the things he's done and how much we appreciate him and we do

[21:53] very much appreciate all that he's done. I'd like to thank him personally

[21:58] for the service that he's rendered to Walton County EMS

[22:03] and to the people of this county. He's made a lot He's made a difference

[22:07] in a lot of people's lives through the years.

[22:10] Sam's one of those employees that when you uh

[22:14] see his name on the schedule, it means that I have to worry a lot less

[22:19] that day. You know he's going to show up.

[22:23] You know he's going to do a good job. You know he's going to do the right

[22:28] thing. And you know he's going to treat people

[22:31] right. And that's all the things that are

[22:34] important to me also as a director of the service.

[22:39] Sam's been a loyal employee. He's been an advisor not only to the

[22:46] fellow employees, but to me also. I've always respected his opinion

[22:53] and felt that I could trust him. I could trust him. He would tell me He'd tell me

[22:56] the truth about things. He's also been a friend through the

[23:00] years that we've we've grown close. Our friendship has

[23:05] grown grown strong. And I I hate to see him go. He's one of

[23:10] those employees that you just don't want to

[23:12] lose. He's going to leave a void

[23:17] in our service. When he leaves, a lot of knowledge and a

[23:22] lot of experiences going are is going to leave with him.

[23:26] But as I was thinking today, a lot of that's going to stay in the people that

[23:31] he's helped train and mentor

[23:34] through the years. These younger generation of

[23:38] paramedics and EMTs that have come along,

[23:41] Sam has helped them. And that part will stay on and it'll live on for a long

[23:46] time after Sam is Sam is gone.

[23:51] So we do we're going to miss him.

[23:55] And but we wish him well in his in his endeavors and

[24:00] all the rest of the days of of his life. And Sam, we love you.

[24:05] And uh we we appreciate you and we know that God's going to bless you in

[24:09] anything and everything that we do. So thank you.

[24:14] » [applause]

[24:23] [applause]

[24:28] » Okay. Huh?

[24:30] » I'd like to comment to these guys. >> Go ahead.

[24:33] » Hey uh I'd like to personally thank the retirees for tonight, but also

[24:37] especially Herb and Sam. I've had the privilege of [snorts and clears throat]

[24:39] working alongside both of them at times, and they're some of the best

[24:43] in the business and the wealth of knowledge and the patient care from both

[24:46] of them. These guys were the first one on the scene and the last guys off.

[24:50] They always dedicated their heart and soul to this county and the people in

[24:53] it. So thank y'all for what y'all have done.

[24:57] Thank you. >> [applause]

[25:01] » Okay, we have the American Red Cross recognition of Walton Fire Rescue sound

[25:08] the alarm event.

[25:22] » Hello, my name is Patty Duckworth. I'm the executive director of the Northeast

[25:26] Georgia chapter and I'm joined by my colleague Katie Eckhardt. She's

[25:29] situational awareness and planning for the state of Georgia with the American

[25:33] Red Cross. Um I'd like to invite the Walton County Fire Department to please

[25:36] join me.

[25:44] Oh yeah, all you guys come on down.

[25:48] » [laughter]

[26:01] » Guys, I want to tell you you have the best of the best in this county. You

[26:05] genuinely do from your sheriff to your fire department. I work with 21 counties

[26:09] and I'm going to tell you these guys make our lives so much easier and we

[26:14] hope we provide the same to them. It is our honor to present the Good

[26:18] Neighbor Award to Walton County Fire Department in recognition of their

[26:22] outstanding partnership with the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia

[26:26] and their continued commitment to keeping families safe throughout Walton

[26:29] County. This past March, we had the privilege of

[26:32] partnering with Walton County Fire Department in our Sound the Alarm event.

[26:36] Together, our teams went door-to-door in the community installing 55 free smoke

[26:41] detectors and providing families with important home safety and preparedness

[26:45] information. But their commitment didn't end when

[26:49] that event was over. Throughout the year, the Walton County Fire Department

[26:53] has continued their important work installing an additional 40 smoke

[26:58] detectors in homes across the community, bringing our combined impact to the to

[27:03] 95 smoke alarms installed. Home fires are the most frequent

[27:07] disaster the Red Cross responds to, and having working smoke alarms can provide

[27:12] families with the critical time they need to safely escape from home fire.

[27:17] Outreach like this is much more about is is about much more than installing an

[27:22] alarm. It's about prevention, preparedness,

[27:25] education, and neighbors looking out for neighbors.

[27:29] The Walton County Fire Department truly embodies what that means to be a good

[27:33] neighbor. Their willingness to work alongside our volunteers,

[27:37] welcome us into their community, and continue this life-saving work

[27:41] throughout the year demonstrates an incredible commitment to the people they

[27:44] serve. We are tremendously grateful for their

[27:47] partnership and for the trust and collaboration that exists between our

[27:51] organizations. Together, we are helping making Walton Coun- Walton County safer,

[27:56] stronger, and better prepared. On behalf of the American Red Cross of

[28:00] Northeast Georgia, it is our privilege to present the Good Neighbor Award to

[28:04] the Walton County Fire Department. Thank you for your service, your partnership,

[28:08] and everything you do for our community.

[28:12] » [applause]

[28:21] [applause]

[28:54] » Thank y'all. >> [applause]

[29:03] » Thank y'all for being here.

[29:08] All right. If everyone will stand, we'll do the pledge of allegiance and have the

[29:13] invocation.

[29:17] » pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America

[29:22] and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,

[29:27] indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[30:00] » Amen.

[30:07] Okay, if anyone would like to leave before I call the meeting to order,

[30:11] now's the time.

[30:15] Enjoy Enjoy the evening.

[30:37] All right. So, who reboots that?

[30:41] » Yeah.

[33:07] » If not, I entertain a motion to uh >> [snorts]

[33:11] » adopt the agenda. >> So moved.

[33:14] » Second. >> We have a motion, we have a second. All

[33:17] those in favor say I. >> I.

[33:19] » I. >> Opposed?

[33:21] Passes unanimous. John, I'm going to turn this old

[33:25] business over to you real quick. >> Sure. Um after some discussion, we've

[33:32] got two different work sessions have been proposed. One that directly

[33:36] involves the uh repurposing of the administration portion of the old jail

[33:42] um for department expansions and instead of having multiple work session

[33:48] meetings, one of the uh proposed ideas was to

[33:51] consolidate these two. And um like to for your consideration to

[33:57] set a meeting on August 25th. It's a Tuesday.

[34:02] And if we start off like to start off with parks and

[34:06] recreation as the first part of the meeting from

[34:10] 5:30 till 6:30 and the second part of the meeting from

[34:14] 6:30 till 7:30 of old jail renovation discussion among the

[34:20] commission. That way we can set one meeting,

[34:23] tackle both of those issues, and we will go ahead and advertise that

[34:28] uh work session at a set time so that if um

[34:34] somebody wants to come for one topic or the other, they can select which one or

[34:38] everybody's welcome to come for both.

[34:44] » Okay. Do we need to

[34:48] make that a motion to set this up or just agree to

[34:56] » I think that's a great idea. >> Yes. Thank you for your help and

[35:00] coordination on making all that happen. >> All right.

[35:05] Now we go straight to your report, John. You keep the mic.

[35:09] » Okay, I'll I'll try to run this through from the different departments. Um Parks

[35:14] and Recreation fall registration is complete. We have 2,000 973

[35:20] kids participating in recreational sports across Walton County.

[35:25] On September 19th at The Grove, we're going to have a craft fair.

[35:29] On um

[35:31] September 26th, we're going to have a charity concert and bouncy houses from

[35:36] 1:30 till 10:00 at night. There'll be three bands playing at the amphitheater.

[35:42] And on August 15th, um there is a road race and kayak race

[35:47] at Hard Labor Creek State Park or Hard Labor Creek Reservoir.

[35:52] Um and that is going to be a 5K. And if anybody on the commission wants

[35:57] to participate, we'll wave uh the entry fee.

[36:01] » What was the date of that? >> August 15th.

[36:03] » Yeah, can I bring an electric bike? >> Yeah.

[36:07] Um in um Walton EMS uh

[36:12] uh they've been

[36:14] very busy. They're processing the hiring of six

[36:18] uh additional staff um with one that's finishing paramedic

[36:22] school this fall. And we have two more staff members that'll be starting class

[36:27] in the fall as paramedics and EMS. And um

[36:33] Keep Walton Beautiful. The staff have completed their annual

[36:37] litter assessment for the county. All of the six districts had improved index

[36:43] scores, but there's always uh room for improvement.

[36:47] And we'd like to encourage any of the public that would like to assist with

[36:51] the Adopt-a-Road program to reach out to Keep Walton Beautiful to help uh uh

[36:56] participate in that. In finance, the auditors will be

[37:00] arriving August 31st to perform the FY26 audit and will be reporting back to you.

[37:06] They'll be on site for 3 weeks. Um so we're moving forward with that

[37:11] process. Walton County Water,

[37:14] we currently have 18,452 active customers.

[37:19] Um we have the water rate study which is in

[37:22] process. Morris and I are working together with them on that. The water

[37:26] portion of the DOT project for the roundabout at 138 and 81 is now

[37:31] complete. Um the water portion for Highway 20

[37:35] uh improvements um they're continuing, but they're moving slowly.

[37:40] Um and then we continue to wait for the work at the 78 bridge at Highway 138

[37:45] which has been delayed. Um the water plant at Hard Labor Creek

[37:49] Reservoir is on schedule. They're currently 50 uh percent complete now

[37:55] and expect a completion date of January of 2028.

[38:00] Uh and we have phase one and phase two water transmission lines that are under

[38:05] construction as we speak. In public works,

[38:09] um completed resurfacing portions of um Bay

[38:13] Creek Church Road and Youth Monroe Road. And they've completed HA5 pavement

[38:20] preservation projects in the columns at Providence Club and Wood Lake

[38:24] subdivision.

[38:29] Fire, um, currently just wanted to do a

[38:33] shout-out from their acknowledgements and everything, but we also

[38:38] have needs in the fire department. We have open firefighter one and

[38:42] firefighter two positions currently with 12 positions across the department open.

[38:47] So, if anybody's interested in fire, um, we encourage you to apply.

[38:53] In In planning, we move We're moving forward. In June, we had 21

[38:58] single-family permits for the month. And so far in July, we have, uh, issued 24

[39:04] single-family permits following up.

[39:12] Carl has been busy with the different storms and emergency management. And one

[39:17] of the things that I just wanted to commend all the departments between the

[39:20] sheriff's department, fire, and emergency management is for our, um,

[39:25] ongoing preparation that they've been completing to make sure that our, um,

[39:30] students are, uh, all taken care of and, um, as they return back to school.

[39:36] And finally, we currently have a head count of 1,035 employees across HR

[39:42] department. We just completed an update from the, um,

[39:48] employee health clinic. All of our numbers continue to go up, which are

[39:52] resulting in increased participation, results in increased savings across the

[39:57] board of providing health insurance. And one final thing that I have, um, on my

[40:02] report is that we have a conflict, like we did last year in the month of

[40:07] November, with the clerk's training. So, Rhonda and Gretchen are expected to get

[40:12] mandated training the first week of November. So, we've double-checked with

[40:17] planning and the other departments that would have timing and scheduling issues

[40:22] and we will um need to be recommending that we delay

[40:26] the regular meeting on the 3rd until the 10th the next week so that we don't have

[40:32] any conflicts with the planning commission or anything. So, if you would

[40:35] um consider making that change and

[40:37] approving that and to move forward so they can attend that training and not

[40:41] have to drive through the middle of the night to try to get to that after a

[40:44] commission meeting. Um I'd appreciate it for So, it'll be November 10th at 6:00.

[40:50] » Let's uh go ahead and take care of that now if uh if y'all

[40:55] » Make a motion to change that meeting to the 10th.

[40:57] » I'll second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any

[41:00] further discussion? All those in favor, say I.

[41:05] » I. >> Opposed?

[41:07] » Moving forward, we'll do our best. We don't always know what the clerk

[41:10] training schedule's going to be, but um but if it does appear that they're going

[41:15] to keep it the first week of November, we'll go ahead and as we set up our

[41:19] calendar for next year, we'll try to avoid that one just so we don't have to

[41:22] change it. But with that, that concludes my report tonight, sir.

[41:26] » Thank you very much. Any questions of the county manager on any of the items

[41:30] he covered? Thank you, John.

[41:33] » You're welcome. >> All right, the next uh

[41:36] item six are resolutions. First one is to adopt our 2026 millage rate.

[41:44] And what we're proposing is leaving the mill rate exactly as the same as last

[41:49] year at 12.278.

[41:52] And in the same resolution covers the special fire district

[41:59] millage rate and it's exactly the same at 2.365.

[42:08] We've held the three public meetings and need to move forward on this. So,

[42:15] » I make a motion to approve. >> We got a motion to adopt the millage

[42:19] rates. >> Second.

[42:21] » We got a second. Any further discussion?

[42:25] All those in favor say I. >> I.

[42:28] » Oppose? >> I.

[42:29] » I.

[42:32] » Who I know Lee voted no. >> Dixon.

[42:36] » And Dixon.

[42:40] Still carries four to two. All right. Next item on the adoption

[42:47] of millage rates, we have to adopt the schools millage rate.

[42:52] Uh because we're

[42:55] This is where it's done. Uh their millage rate

[43:00] is recommended at 15.367 mil

[43:05] is uh and zero for debt service. So, they

[43:10] have no debt service. And I understand that's a slight

[43:13] reduction from last year. >> That is correct.

[43:17] » All right. We'll need a motion to adopt the schools millage rate.

[43:20] » So moved. >> We got a motion.

[43:23] » Second. >> We got a second.

[43:26] Any further discussion? All those in favor of that say I.

[43:31] » I. >> I.

[43:32] » Oppose?

[43:36] All right. We got budget amendments with the sheriff's office youth

[43:40] investigations. Item 63.

[43:46] » The >> [clears throat]

[43:47] » first one is the budget transfer to move funds from we've got law admin, uniform

[43:51] patrol, court services, and 911 personnel accounts in the amount of

[43:55] $481,627.83

[44:00] to law admin, uniform patrol, and youth investigation personnel accounts in the

[44:05] amount of $477,509.21.

[44:09] This was approval of position changes, reclassification, and grade changes that

[44:13] was approved during July 7th board meeting. This transfer would have an

[44:17] increase in fund balance. And the second line item is for

[44:23] youth investigation, a budget transfer to move funds from regular and personnel

[44:28] accounts in the amount of $86,382.64

[44:33] to temporary and personnel accounts in the amount of $86,382.64.

[44:40] This request is relates to a deputy sheriff position being unfunded to fund

[44:44] two temporary deputy sheriff position. This transfer would have no effect on

[44:48] fund balance. >> Okay, are there any questions from the

[44:52] board? >> Motion to approve.

[44:54] » Second. >> We got a motion to approve and a second.

[44:59] All those in favor, say I. >> I.

[45:02] » Opposed?

[45:05] As is. All right, we got item 64, budget amendment and project link budget,

[45:12] Splash 5, Barrington Manor resurfacing project.

[45:24] » Yes, sir. This is our project link budget for Barrington Manor.

[45:30] Uh there is a typo on the on the project link budget. The the total cost

[45:36] would be $69,533.

[45:41] » Instead of $102,000? >> Yes, sir.

[45:44] » Okay. 69 >> $533.50.

[45:53] » That's a big typo. >> Well, it uh

[45:57] our system builds in uh shoulder work and striping, which won't be needed for

[46:02] this project. >> Okay.

[46:05] This will be coming out splash five. >> Splash five, yes sir.

[46:09] » All right. Entertain a motion. >> I'll take a motion to approve.

[46:12] » We got a motion to approve. >> Second.

[46:15] » We got a second. Any questions? Any discussion?

[46:19] All those in favor say aye. >> Aye.

[46:22] » Aye. >> Oppose.

[46:24] Thank you, sir.

[46:30] Item 6.5 was added to the agenda today. The attorney's been working on it

[46:36] and finally got it done today.

[46:39] Uh the water department

[46:43] uh water and sewer department's going to

[46:45] have to bond money to finish up the transition lines

[46:50] and we're spending money right now and the bonds haven't been funded yet.

[46:56] So, this is a uh intent resolution for reimbursement

[47:01] for money we've spending now uh

[47:07] once the bonds are funded to get paid back.

[47:11] Any questions on this from the board?

[47:16] » Motion to approve. >> We got a motion to approve.

[47:19] » Second. >> We got a second.

[47:22] Any further discussion? All those in favor say aye.

[47:26] » Aye. >> Aye.

[47:27] » Oppose. Passes.

[47:31] All right. Planning and development, fun part of the meetings.

[47:39] » All right. Uh item 7.1 is a zoning case

[47:43] Z26-0158.

[47:47] Propose to rezone 3.9 acres from R1 to A1 to have personal outside animals.

[47:54] The applicant is Carlos Barahona. Uh

[47:59] owner is Anita Panjwani, Arash Panjwani, and Cynthia D. Santos Diaz. The property

[48:07] is located at 2487 Johnson Road, map and parcel C01-00016.

[48:15] It's in District 2. Uh there was there was some opposition

[48:20] at the Planning Commission meeting, and the Planning Commission recommended

[48:23] denial.

[48:26] » All right, thank you. I'm going to turn it over for the count to the county

[48:31] attorney to hold the public hearings.

[48:39] » Before we start, just remind everyone that we follow the same

[48:43] for each public hearing. Uh the applicant will go first. You have

[48:47] up to 10 minutes to speak. Um

[48:49] followed by those that are in favor, and then those in opposition.

[48:54] will have a total of 10 minutes as well. So, please state your name and address

[48:58] before you speak. Um and then any time not used by the

[49:02] applicant's side can be reserved for rebuttal. With that, will the applicant

[49:06] in the first case like to come forward to address the board?

[49:10] » You can go ahead and tell them to come forward if they'd like to.

[49:30] » Good afternoon. My name is Carlos Barahona.

[49:51] I have come before you uh again to see what has transpired for the situation on

[49:58] my case.

[50:05] I wanted to know if it has been approved or not.

[50:10] » Can Can you ask him to explain what his request is tonight and if it's any

[50:16] different than in the past?

[50:26] » It has been the same request.

[50:37] To have permission to have uh

[50:41] chickens and two ponies.

[50:45] And it they're not for sale, it's only for family purposes.

[50:56] The neighbors on the left side of the property,

[51:00] uh they're in agriculture.

[51:07] And I have temporarily lodged my animals in that location.

[51:16] That is all.

[51:20] » Any questions for the applicant?

[51:26] How many animals do you have currently? I guess it's chickens mostly, correct?

[51:38] » Yes, chickens and six roosters. >> How many chickens?

[51:54] » Uh there have been about 16 to 17 chickens and quantus.

[52:01] And the smaller ones are

[52:05] only 2 months old and there about 20 of them.

[52:13] » And currently you don't have any chickens on your property.

[52:27] » I do have a chicken coop in the area because I have not placed it in my

[52:32] neighbor's uh location for now.

[52:45] Yeah. And the neighbor on the other side on

[52:48] the right side has taken pictures because I one time I left the door open

[52:55] and the chickens came back in

[52:59] to my property.

[53:02] That is all. >> I have a question for the applicant.

[53:09] Thank you, sir. >> Gracias, senor.

[53:11] » Is there anyone else here who would like to speak in favor of this request?

[53:19] Is there anyone here who would like to speak in opposition?

[53:22] » Yes. >> Please come forward one at a time.

[53:25] Will you be able to sit there? I don't know if the state time is really

[53:28] that.

[53:36] » My name is Lawrence Bowman. I live next door

[53:39] to him at 2487 Johnson Road, Loganville. I've been there for 33 years. I've never

[53:45] had a problem with a neighbor nowhere until this.

[53:49] And so far as his leaving the gate open one time, these chickens have

[53:53] This was brought up here last year. And it was denied.

[53:57] And y'all gave him 30 days to get rid of the chickens.

[54:01] The chickens have I don't know how many times code enforcement has been out

[54:04] there because of the chickens being on his property.

[54:07] And and the chickens have remained on his property. I have pictures here that

[54:11] y'all are welcome to look at. And this was took

[54:16] Some of these was took last month at the day of the meeting.

[54:20] » Thank you. >> And uh

[54:24] So far as being 18 chickens, there's way more 18 chickens.

[54:28] » Sir, come back to the mic for us. >> the last meeting he said he had some in

[54:32] incubation. And they're not for sale. The eggs are

[54:35] not for sale. There's only three people that I know of that live there.

[54:40] How many chickens can three people use? And

[54:46] uh my my problem is if this is re-zoned uh

[54:51] he can have hogs, anything over there.

[54:55] And this this property is zoned for residential that's and I've been there

[54:58] for 33 years. There's been no problem with it.

[55:03] And I've got a picture on my phone that I

[55:07] took yesterday of feathers in my yard where something

[55:12] has killed some chickens. And let me tell you something, when you

[55:16] run over a dead chicken that's been there for a couple of days

[55:20] with a zero turn lawn mower, it makes a mess.

[55:24] And it stinks. And then I have to clean my your lawn

[55:28] mower and everything. And I've done this two

[55:30] or three times. This is not the first time.

[55:34] And and So far as it

[55:37] Listen, these chickens are there but but the last meeting we had here last month,

[55:41] that afternoon, I bet there was 40 chickens in that yard.

[55:46] On my way home.

[55:49] So, that's all I've got to say. It's just you know, y'all y'all already ruled

[55:52] on this once. I don't understand how long this has got to go on and I don't

[55:56] understand why after being ruled on, that he continued

[56:01] to be able to keep the chickens.

[56:05] That's all I got to say. >> Thank you.

[56:12] » Just to let y'all know our code enforcement officer is here if y'all

[56:15] have any questions for him.

[56:20] » Good evening, everyone. My name's Ryan Nesbitt.

[56:24] I live diagonally across the street from the gentleman with the chickens.

[56:29] So, they don't impact me directly now because they don't come across the

[56:33] street, but what Lawrence was saying, we've already

[56:37] ruled on this once. All we're doing different this time is

[56:40] [clears throat] changing the wording in the paperwork from

[56:44] chickens to now basically every kind of animal he can dream up.

[56:50] This is an ongoing thing. This is This We got to stop this somewhere.

[56:55] We continue to go over this and we changing words and changing language and

[56:59] we're allowing this to continue growing, not

[57:02] not not just staying the same, but this is growing. He's he's breeding animals

[57:06] over there. What do we think he's going to do with a

[57:08] horse? Cuz the last time he was here, he said he wanted a male and female pony.

[57:12] Well, that to me screams breeding cuz he's already doing it with the chickens.

[57:16] Why do you need 15 roosters or six or however many he's got

[57:20] if you just want pet chickens? You don't need a rooster over there.

[57:24] Roosters are only good for a couple of things.

[57:27] So, there's more to this than what he's

[57:30] saying. So, if we allow this to go on to go further, it is it is going to

[57:34] propagate into something that we're not being told. And I think a lot of us can

[57:38] assume what that is. Um we didn't abide by the ruling the

[57:43] first time, so he did what he wanted to. If we don't do it this time, he's going

[57:48] to do it again, and it's just going to keep on going.

[57:51] And where is it going to stop? I mean, it's in y'all's hands to stop this.

[57:55] We're here pleading to y'all to do so. We've been there for 30 years as well.

[58:01] Well, 32. Uh

[58:04] residential, that's what we bought in. If you want a farm, go buy a farm where

[58:08] it's already agriculture. Don't move into a residential area and

[58:12] change it. Go buy yourself a farm, man. Okay,

[58:15] there's plenty of them out there. I'm sorry.

[58:21] Anyway, that's it, okay? All right, thank you.

[58:24] » Thank you. >> Anyone else like to speak in opposition?

[58:28] Sir, would you like to rebut? >> But the comments that have been made

[58:32] » Okay. >> Yes.

[58:49] » If you can see up in the corner, the last four lots are agriculture.

[59:00] I came last year to do the planification.

[59:03] And three people came in.

[59:11] I don't get [clears throat] involved with anybody. Uh it's not the issue for

[59:16] uh neighbors that I have.

[59:25] The gentleman that just spoke, he is about 2 acres away

[59:29] uh in difference. I don't know what the difference might be.

[59:46] And the the name Mark, he is present.

[59:50] I showed him pictures and the

[59:57] I showed him videos and photos of the situation.

[1:00:05] And my fence was messed up. I didn't mention

[1:00:10] anything because I didn't want any issues about it.

[1:00:19] I just wanted to ask if it's illegal to dump trash from one property to the

[1:00:25] other one.

[1:00:33] And I do not make a formal police complaint because I know that there are

[1:00:37] older persons.

[1:00:54] And [clears throat] I also the attitude that they had towards this

[1:00:59] meeting and uh it's not their money. It is my money

[1:01:04] that I have spent.

[1:01:12] I bought the area believing that it was an area for agriculture and if I didn't

[1:01:18] if I was aware that it was that I would have not bought it.

[1:01:30] And since I first bought the property, the first gentleman that spoke has

[1:01:36] always been giving me complaints. It's not just now.

[1:01:42] It may be because I'm Hispanic or I don't know what the issue is.

[1:01:49] And that's it. That is all. I do not want any more controversies.

[1:01:54] Thank you. >> Thank you.

[1:01:55] » [clears throat] >> That's it.

[1:02:12] » We we need to have you at the podium. Is board in agreement or

[1:02:18] » I'm not sure what Baron has on the on the rezone.

[1:02:21] Does everything do the rezone? >> [clears throat]

[1:02:33] » He had some dead trees that was growing along the fence line on his side of the

[1:02:38] fence. One of them broke off and fell over the fence and broke the fence.

[1:02:44] It was his tree. Broke his fence.

[1:02:48] And it laid there for 2 weeks. And I cut it up and I didn't know that I couldn't

[1:02:53] throw it back over the fence on his side.

[1:02:56] It was his tree and I did. And the code enforcement guy come over to the house

[1:03:00] and said, "You can't do that." I said, "Okay. I didn't know that." I

[1:03:04] told him, I said, "Write me a ticket." He said, "Oh, no. I'm just letting you

[1:03:07] know you can't do that. You can't if it if it's a tree unless you wrote a letter

[1:03:13] saying that it's a dead tree. If it falls on your property, then you're

[1:03:17] responsible to clean it up. But I did not damage his fence. That tree damaged

[1:03:21] his fence and it's still damaged. He has not fixed it.

[1:03:25] As far as the trash, I've never thrown no trash over his on his side. Now those

[1:03:30] bags and stuff where he feeds those chickens blows all over my yard all the

[1:03:35] time and I pick them up and I do not throw them back over on his side.

[1:03:39] But that's what happened. And as far as the other complaint that he said in the

[1:03:43] last meeting, he said I complained about his dogs. I did not complain about his

[1:03:47] dogs. He had them tied to a dog house in the yard when the

[1:03:52] temperature was down to 13° and they howled all night. Somebody

[1:03:57] called animal control. They went out and gave him a warning two or three times

[1:04:02] [laughter] about not tying those dogs. Every time he would leave, they tie them

[1:04:06] up again. And animal control called me and wanted

[1:04:10] to know if they could come up to my driveway where they could see over in

[1:04:14] the backyard where those dogs were tied or not. And I told them they could and

[1:04:19] they came and they got the dogs. They took the dogs. That's what happened

[1:04:25] to those. So that's what happened.

[1:04:27] » Okay, thank you. >> Thank you.

[1:04:32] » Public hearing is closed. >> I'm sorry.

[1:04:34] » Closing the public hearing. >> All right, we're closing public hearing

[1:04:38] and entertaining what the board wants to do.

[1:04:43] » Yes, sir. I appreciate everybody coming out tonight and

[1:04:47] um this is a tough one but I'm going to go

[1:04:50] with the planning commission recommendation for denial.

[1:04:54] I'm going to recommend denial.

[1:04:58] » And we have a second. >> Second.

[1:05:01] » All right, any further discussion? All those in favor of Mr. Myers' motion,

[1:05:07] say I. >> I.

[1:05:09] » Oppose. >> I.

[1:05:11] » We have a second. >> Second.

[1:05:12] » We got Kirkland opposed, correct? >> Yes.

[1:05:19] » All right, let's go on to seven. >> I got one question. So, if if he keeps

[1:05:23] them chickens and they running loose, what are we going to do about it?

[1:05:32] Yes, sir. Huh?

[1:05:37] Well, he said they were still there. >> It's an citing.

[1:05:43] Right now, they's in compliance. He's got three properties that

[1:05:47] on the right of him that butt up to his property, all three are A1.

[1:05:52] Uh he's moved his chicken coop over 50 ft into the neighbor's yard.

[1:05:57] And that's where he's storing his chickens at this time.

[1:06:00] » Okay. >> And they apparently have got out or he

[1:06:05] lets walks them.

[1:06:09] But he is storing them on the neighbor's property, which is A1.

[1:06:13] » All right. >> Anything else?

[1:06:16] » Any other questions?

[1:06:20] Thank you. All right, let's move on to 7.2.

[1:06:26] Um

[1:06:30] » All right. Uh case Z 260139

[1:06:36] is application to rezone 3.11 acres from R1 to A1

[1:06:42] to have personal animals uh personal outside animals. The applicant is Dinko

[1:06:47] Chepic. The owner is Dinko and Marissa Chepic.

[1:06:51] The property is located at 3460 Stock Road. It's

[1:06:56] map and parcel C0720061. It's in district five.

[1:07:01] At the planning commission meeting, there was no opposition in the planning

[1:07:05] commission recommended approval as submitted.

[1:07:09] » All right.

[1:07:31] » Good evening. My name is Dinko Sepic. I live in I own

[1:07:34] at 3460 uh Stock Road. Uh nothing's changed from the previous um

[1:07:40] plan. Uh plan is to build a small chicken coop

[1:07:44] uh with proper setbacks in the backyard. Uh 6x5 chicken coop uh just to house a

[1:07:49] couple hens.

[1:07:54] » How many How many chicken will you have, sir?

[1:07:57] » Uh no chickens now. The plan is to have four, hopefully.

[1:08:17] » All right, I'll entertain uh a motion from the board.

[1:08:26] » Motion to approve with Planning and Zoning recommendation.

[1:08:29] » All right, we got a motion to approve. >> Second.

[1:08:33] » We got a second.

[1:08:36] Any further comments or observations?

[1:08:41] All those in favor, say I. >> I.

[1:08:44] » Oppose?

[1:08:49] All right, 7-3. >> All right, the next case is Z-260156.

[1:08:56] Application is uh to rezone 7.486

[1:09:01] acres from A2 to B2 for a convenience store with fuel pumps,

[1:09:07] an office warehouse {slash} contractor storage buildings.

[1:09:11] The applicant owner is 81 Investment Company LLC.

[1:09:15] Property is located at uh 5187 Highway 81

[1:09:21] and Bay Creek Church Road. It's map and parcel C039-0008.

[1:09:27] It's in District 1. Uh there was some opposition at the

[1:09:31] Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission recommended approval

[1:09:35] with the following conditions. One, a 10-ft landscape buffer shall be

[1:09:40] planted with appropriate evergreen buffer trees per the Walton County tree

[1:09:45] ordinance. Uh number two is the frontage of uh

[1:09:49] convenience store shall be enhanced with deciduous trees and shrubs.

[1:09:55] Number three is the architectural treatment shall be in keeping with the

[1:09:58] applicant's submitted renderings. Four was transportation upgrades as

[1:10:03] recommended by the traffic study shall be installed by

[1:10:09] DOT and Walton County transportation coordination.

[1:10:12] And the uh number five is outdoor storage shall be prohibited in the

[1:10:17] storage area.

[1:10:40] » Good evening. Uh I'm Andrea Gray, 300 East Church Street, Monroe, Georgia.

[1:10:45] This evening I have the pleasure of representing 81 Investment Company LLC

[1:10:49] and their request to rezone 7.486 acres from A2 to B2 for a convenience

[1:10:55] store with fuel pumps, office warehouse, contractor storage.

[1:11:01] The property, again as Ron mentioned, is located at the corner of Highway 81 and

[1:11:06] Bay Creek Church Road. It is currently zoned A2, but is directly adjacent to

[1:11:12] another convenience store that is zoned B2. So, we've got a commercial node

[1:11:17] along a state highway. This is the future land use map. It is

[1:11:23] in the neighborhood residential character area, which permits B2 uses

[1:11:28] that support the surrounding community. Again, we are in a commercial node, and

[1:11:33] we are in the Big Haynes Alcove River Watershed Overlay District, and our site

[1:11:38] plan reflects the requirements within those districts.

[1:11:43] There are other commercial properties in the vicinity on Highway 81. If you're

[1:11:47] going 1 mile to the west, we've got actually six commercial properties

[1:11:51] interspersed along the road there. We've got another gas station again across the

[1:11:55] road from this development. We've got a dog grooming facility, HVAC company,

[1:12:00] self-storage facility, a pet salon, and then number six there is just inside the

[1:12:06] city limits of Loganville and was recently rezoned for a retail

[1:12:10] development there.

[1:12:13] The uses that we're proposing again is a convenience store, which is roughly

[1:12:18] 7,000 square feet. It'll have the store with some retail on either side of it,

[1:12:23] fuel pumps. The storage area is three buildings. Those will total about 37,000

[1:12:30] square feet. Per the watershed protection overlay,

[1:12:35] 75% of the surfaces on this property will be pervious, so only 25%

[1:12:39] impervious. And as mentioned, and I'll show a little

[1:12:42] bit further in the presentation, we have agreed to do a 10-ft landscaping strip

[1:12:47] and fencing to help our adjoining properties with the visual impacts of

[1:12:52] the project. Here's a representative rendering of the

[1:12:57] convenience store and fuel pumps. You can see it's it's a very upgraded

[1:13:03] material upgraded in coordination between the pumps and the building with

[1:13:08] brick and stone veneer accents along with metal

[1:13:12] overhangs to match between the building and the fuel pump overhang there.

[1:13:19] Likewise, the storage areas, these are not self-storage facilities. These are

[1:13:23] much larger intended to house inventory for

[1:13:28] companies, but much larger roll-up doors and then individual entry doors as well.

[1:13:33] But the metal siding here is meant to coordinate with the convenience store

[1:13:38] colorings. It'll also have the brick or stone veneer knee wall.

[1:13:46] History about this application, we did have someone speaking off this issue in

[1:13:50] last month primarily about the history. But the history of this matter is that

[1:13:55] it was filed about a year or so ago and then withdrawn. My client withdrew

[1:14:01] it to address some of the concerns that the neighbors raised. So during that

[1:14:05] period, he had a community meeting with those neighbors.

[1:14:09] And based on their their representations about concerns of visual and traffic, he

[1:14:15] met with GDOT and provided the plans to GDOT for their recommendations. He hired

[1:14:20] a traffic study from an engineer. He changed the site plan to include

[1:14:24] additional 10-ft buffer strips and to add fencing around the storage

[1:14:31] buildings. He also established operational

[1:14:34] strategies as far as no outdoor storage, no tractor-trailer parking,

[1:14:39] added a single gated entrance with cameras to the storage facilities.

[1:14:45] And um, and again, made an extra effort to reach back out to those neighbors,

[1:14:50] uh, once he was ready to refile this application. Um, I sent you a letter to

[1:14:55] include in the application regarding his efforts here.

[1:14:59] So, the traffic analysis that he had completed, um, showed that on Bay Creek

[1:15:03] Church Road, there would be 422 added daily trips with half turning right and

[1:15:09] half turning left. And then on the entrance on Highway 81, it showed 466

[1:15:14] daily trips, half going right and half turning left. Um, the recommendations

[1:15:19] from the engineer, uh, which GDOT also concurs with, is that on Highway 81, my

[1:15:24] client would add a both a center turn lane

[1:15:28] and a right turn deceleration lane on Highway 81. And then at the Bay Creek

[1:15:32] Church Road entrance, he would add a right turn deceleration lane. So,

[1:15:36] significant improvements, um, all of which my client is willing to make to

[1:15:40] make sure that there are no significant traffic impacts from this development.

[1:15:46] Um, buffers and mitigation of impacts, you'll see in the green here, these are

[1:15:50] the 10-ft landscape strips that my client added to the site plan.

[1:15:54] Um, the first is along Highway 81 there to the north, screening those, um,

[1:15:58] storage facilities. And then the second is to the south, um, and it's intended

[1:16:03] to screen along with a opaque fence and then within the 50-ft buffer from those

[1:16:08] adjoining property owners to the south.

[1:16:13] Security, there'll be downward, inward-facing lighting, but security

[1:16:17] will make sure that, um, that everything is properly lit. There'll be video

[1:16:22] cameras, um, gated access to the storage facilities, and then perimeter fencing,

[1:16:27] um, around the entire development, but then also specifically around the

[1:16:32] storage facility area.

[1:16:35] This development will bring significant community benefits to Walton County. Um,

[1:16:39] it'll will a need, a demand for additional fuel stations in this area.

[1:16:44] It is a high-end design. My client is a local uh developer here, and he wants to

[1:16:50] make sure that this product reflects well on him and on this community. Um

[1:16:54] so, it's not your typical um typical gas station and storage area.

[1:16:58] This project will bring jobs to our community. It will generate sales tax,

[1:17:02] and it will generate property taxes to support our community.

[1:17:07] So, our request this evening is for you to adopt the planning commission's

[1:17:10] recommendations, and to approve rezoning 7.486 acres from A2 to B2 with the five

[1:17:17] conditions. I won't I won't read them again. Uh Ron did a great job doing

[1:17:21] that, but we are happy to comply with all of those conditions. And with that,

[1:17:25] I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

[1:17:28] » Any questions for the applicant at this time?

[1:17:31] Thank you. Anyone else like to speak in favor of

[1:17:34] this request? Anyone here that would like to speak in

[1:17:38] opposition?

[1:17:41] No one else would like to speak here? Okay, we'll close that public hearing

[1:17:46] and entertain a motion from the board. >> I motion to approve with the conditions

[1:17:51] outlined by the planning and zoning committee.

[1:17:53] » We have a motion to approve with the uh conditions that were recommended.

[1:17:58] » I second. >> And we got a second.

[1:18:01] Any further discussion? All those in favor, say I.

[1:18:06] » I. >> Opposed?

[1:18:09] Thank you.

[1:18:12] Okay, it's time to move on to the contracts.

[1:18:15] We've got a contract uh with Sheriff's Department and Loganville

[1:18:21] Christian Academy to to uh supply them with a school resource

[1:18:27] officer. Is that correct? >> Yes, sir.

[1:18:31] » Um >> Contract covers the not the loaded labor

[1:18:34] rate, but the base salary cost. >> All right. Any questions from the board

[1:18:38] on that?

[1:18:42] If

[1:18:45] That's uh any of these agreement amendments

[1:18:49] will be subject to the county's attorney's review.

[1:18:54] Uh all right, entertain a motion on 8.1. >> I make a motion to approve uh with

[1:18:59] review of the county attorney. >> Second.

[1:19:02] » All right, we got a motion and second. All those in favor say I.

[1:19:06] » I. >> Opposed?

[1:19:09] Thank you on that one. All right, we got Med Trust LLC on the

[1:19:14] inmates wanting to raise the daily rate

[1:19:18] that we pay per inmate by 16 cents. Is that correct?

[1:19:23] » Yes, sir. It's to account for the increase in medical malpractice

[1:19:27] insurance they have to provide. It's a standard.

[1:19:30] » any increase at all has to be approved by this board and subject to the

[1:19:34] county attorney's review. Entertain a motion to approve this amendment.

[1:19:38] » Motion to approve. >> I'll second.

[1:19:40] » We have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I.

[1:19:45] » I. >> I.

[1:19:45] » Opposed? That passes.

[1:19:49] All right, the next one is with our uh food service agreement at the

[1:19:55] uh public safety complex, our jail. And they got a program where for $55 per

[1:20:02] inmate for four-week program, uh they will try to teach them skills

[1:20:08] within the kitchens where they might can get a job when they get out of jail.

[1:20:13] And they're wanting to offer that to us and the sheriff's wanting to do that.

[1:20:18] » Uh I'd like to point out also, Chairman, that that

[1:20:22] the those funds come from inmate funds, so the county's not incurring a cost.

[1:20:25] » They come from inmate funds. >> Yes, sir.

[1:20:27] » Just have to have county approval >> Yes, sir.

[1:20:30] » on doing it. >> Motion to approve.

[1:20:32] » We have a motion to approve. >> Second.

[1:20:34] » We got a second. All those in favor say I.

[1:20:38] » I. >> I.

[1:20:39] » Oppose. Thank you, sir.

[1:20:41] » Thank you. >> All right, we have a change order

[1:20:45] on a Dry Pond Road Culvert Replacement. Uh

[1:20:51] John's coming to tell us about it.

[1:20:56] They bid this project on quantity of materials.

[1:21:01] » Yes, sir. >> And ended up being more material needed.

[1:21:09] Uh >> Yes, sir.

[1:21:12] This was submitted by Wilson um Wilson Construction Management

[1:21:18] on our Dry Pond Road Culvert Replacement project.

[1:21:23] Um in front of you, what what kind of

[1:21:28] uh stuck out to me was the 45 yd of of class AA concrete

[1:21:36] overage and I talked to the engineer and that and the 1,800 lb to 1,500 lb of

[1:21:44] steel were not picked up on the quantity sheet, so it wasn't bid on.

[1:21:51] The rest of it is is just the normal overages and then and then we

[1:21:57] have a decrease in some of the items and the total came up to 73,208

[1:22:03] cents.

[1:22:07] But all the

[1:22:08] » All right, any questions of John on there? It's complete and finished,

[1:22:14] right? >> It's complete and finished. The we're

[1:22:17] going to put guardrails on both sides, but that wasn't in the contract.

[1:22:21] » Okay. >> I'll make a motion to approve.

[1:22:24] » We got a A from Kirkland to approve. >> Second.

[1:22:28] » We got a second. All those in favor say I.

[1:22:32] » I. >> I.

[1:22:33] » Oppose. Okay.

[1:22:36] » Thank you. >> your administrative consent agenda

[1:22:39] before you. Uh

[1:22:41] you have

[1:22:45] generally the same uh

[1:22:50] stuff uh >> Motion to approve.

[1:22:54] » Second. >> Agreement renewal with Victory Baptist

[1:22:57] School. All right, we got a motion and a second.

[1:23:03] All those in favor say I. >> I.

[1:23:06] » Oppose. Passes.

[1:23:09] All right, and we need to make two appointments. We got two expired

[1:23:15] appointees to the Walton Industrial Building Authority.

[1:23:21] And they expired without us recognizing it. And we need

[1:23:25] to reactivate that authority. >> The authority is activated. You All you

[1:23:30] need is just to appoint them. >> Just appointments. Okay.

[1:23:34] All right, and it's been recommended to appoint

[1:23:39] uh Melinda Dally

[1:23:43] and Morris Jordan to the Walton Industrial Building

[1:23:48] Authority. If we could get a motion to make those appointments.

[1:23:53] » I'll make a motion to approve.

[1:23:57] » I'll second. >> All right, we got a motion and a second.

[1:24:01] Any further discussion? All those in favor say I.

[1:24:05] » I. >> I.

[1:24:06] » Oppose. Passes.

[1:24:10] No one's signed up for public comment. Uh

[1:24:15] Anyone has any announcements to make? >> I just want to say happy back to school

[1:24:21] week for Walton County. Um yay teachers. Yay

[1:24:27] SROs. Yay all of the other people that work at the school. Yay bus drivers. Yay

[1:24:34] kids. Yay school. >> All right, there's a need for executive

[1:24:41] session. I believe it's land acquisition.

[1:24:46] Uh our land and uh we need to

[1:24:51] uh motion adjourn.

[1:24:53] » Motion. >> Motion to adjourn.

[1:24:55] » Motion to adjourn into executive session.

[1:24:59] » [snorts] >> Second.

[1:24:59] » Motion to adjourn into executive session.

[1:25:02] » Second. >> We have a motion second. All in favor

[1:25:04] say aye. >> Aye.

[1:28:14] » Mhm.

[1:39:20] » Need a motion to come back in to regular session.

[1:39:24] » I so move. >> Second.

[1:39:26] » We got a motion and a second. All in favor say I.

[1:39:29] » I. >> There is no announcement to make from

[1:39:31] executive session, so I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

[1:39:36] We got a motion to adjourn. >> Motion to adjourn.

[1:39:38] » Second. >> I was thinking we weren't going to get

[1:39:41] that second.

Board of Commissioners Meeting August 4th, 2026

Transcript