Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Good evening. Good evening. Good evening. Welcome to the Liberty County Board of Commissioners regular meeting, December 2nd. Um, Mr. Mosley, has the meeting been properly advertised? Mr. Don, you back there. Yes, sir. Is it? He said he wouldn't be here. Okay, good. Okay, we'll um have the praying p and pledge led by Bishop Kendall Page. Let us all stand followed by the pledge of allegiance.

Let us pray. Most holy and righteous God, we come to you this evening. Thank you for this day. Thank you for this meeting. Thank you for the county commissioners and their families and their assistance for every presenter tonight. Give the county commissioners the wisdom they need to make the right decisions for Liberty County. It's in Jesus name we do pray and give you praise. Amen. Amen. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic to which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, Bishop. Mr. Moses, before we get started, I do want to um bring a message from um Commissioner Wald spoke with him yesterday. He's in town. He's home um resting, still recuperating. I want everybody to know that um you know, he's accepting phone calls if you want to give him a call. And um he probably have to go back to Savannah. I mean, he went to Savannah this week. Probably got to go back to Atlanta in a couple of weeks, but he's doing doing real well. And um this um continue to pray for him. Good. That's good. Okay. Uh now the approval of November minutes if they had a chance to take a look at them.

Vice chair. I'll make that motion. Second. Second. I second. We have a motion and a second. All in favor raise your hand. Okay. Proclamation. Bring one for the chair for Dr. Karen Bell.

Doing a great job, sir. Oh, thank you. Thank you. Good evening. Bring one for the chapter is one of the events that gives your Christmas tree, your live Christmas tree, a second chance. It's the event that's been around for over three decades. And they help Georgia, it's a Georgia program, recycle their trees since 1991. We have diverted over six million trees from the landfill and that's either been chipped or they have either been put into ponds for um fish or made into wonderful dirt like we do here at Liberty County. When you purchase your live tree either from a tree farm or from one of the stores, we just ask that instead of just throwing it away to actually recycle it and bring it to the recycling event which is January the 3rd, 2026 from 9 to 1. We will have over 300 trees to give away. So if you give us a tree, you don't even have to give us a tree. if you show up, we going to give you a tree and we have some um vegetables and flower seeds that you're able to get. Also, we're also going to have a um recycle fair on the same day at the same location for um in Hinesville. And that's where you can bring all of your household um hazard items like your batteries, clothes, shoes, paint, oil, um electronics. So when you get the new phones or electronics, you can bring

your old one to us and we'll make sure it get recycled in the proper way. Mr. Mosley, you have a proclamation you need to read.

Yes, sir. Proclamation. bring one for the chipper. Whereas recycling reduces the waist stream, thus saving tax dollars, improving our environment. And whereas Liberty County is committed to reducing the waist stream, thus helping the state of Georgia reach a per capita waste disposal reduction goal. And whereas the keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, the Home Depot, Davy Tree Expert Company, Georgia Forestry Commission, WXIA1 Alive, Fairy Morris Company, and Burpie Seed Company are sponsoring the 35th year of bringing one for the Chipper tree recycling program. And whereas this program promotes the recycling of Christmas trees into usable mulch material and provide county residents ease access to drop off sites. Now therefore, be it resolved uh that the Liberty County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim Saturday, January the 3rd, 2026 as to bring one for the Chipper Day in Liberty County due to duly entered into the minutes of the Liberty County Board of Commissioners this 12th month of the second day of the year 2025. Do we um need to take a picture of Okay.

And I'm sorry I didn't introduce my board member, Miss Brittany Fox, and I'm Dr. Karen Bell, the executive director for Keeper Beautiful.

Okay, if y'all will come up, we'll take the picture. There you go.

All right. Thank you.

Okay. Uh, next we have the department reports. Um, Mr. Rekerson from LCPC. Mr. Chair, would you entertain a motion to go into a public hearing? Move. Motion has been um made and second for the to go into public hearing. All in favor. All in favor raise your hand. Okay. Who second it? Okay. Oh, my mic was off. My bad. Go ahead, Joe.

Good evening, vice chairman, members of the board. Our first uh reasonzoning petition tonight is uh 2025-45 LC. This is a petition that's been submitted by Jaw Services LLC uh Justin Webb to reszone 6.92 acres of property from AR1 Agricultural Residential to C3 Highway commercial. Uh this is this is located on Highway 196 West. Uh it's next to uh Russell Gat's pay to park lot that y'all reszoneed a few years ago. Uh you can see there the parcel number is 036D81. Next slide. Oh, I can. I'm sorry. I'm driving here. Okay. So, this is a ad that we ran in the coastal courier and the sign that's located on the property and this is the uh vicinity map just showing the outline of the property. Uh Mr. Webb also owns the property here in front. So, this would be a continuation of his ownership property going back into the back. This is the guy at pay to park property located adjacent to it. And this is the of course you can see the guy property the zone C3. He's asking for this property to be C3 as well which would join with the property that he has currently here with a small warehouse building on it. And this is the future land use plan that you all adopted uh recently. It shows the the frontage of the property being mixeduse which would be compatible with the C3 zoning. The rear portion of the property is shown for low density residential. So, it's just uh the comp plan says uh says yes and no on this one. The uh flood flood map, you can see there are some flood planes back in the very rear of the property adjacent to uh Griffin Park subdivision here in the city of Pinesville, but uh majority of the property is in uplands and and not in the flood plane. And you can see the wetlands. There is some wetlands on the rear prior to the property. They wouldn't be able to

develop back in that area. So, really this is the really developable piece of property. And the narrative it just says the purpose of this resoning is to combine the property with the other piece that I've already showed you that that he owns as well. Their goal would be to have one larger track zone C3 to help boost the property values for any potential future sales or endeavor endeavors. They also have plans to possibly clear one to three acres of land toward the front to place a warehouse for their contractors to store their extra materials and supplies for their investment properties. They're in the rental business. And this is just a picture of the building that's on the front and some other uh storage uh apparatus that they have there on the property. Uh the property in questions back in the back, the tree covered area back there. And it's just another photograph of the of the built the existing building. Our zoning analysis, does it property have reasonable economic value as it's currently zoned? Uh it does. Number two, does the property conform does the proposed use conform to the Fort Stewart J joint land use study? It does. Number three, does the proposed use conform to the Liberty County comprehensive plan? Our answer there is yes and no. You saw on that map earlier that the back part of the property is uh shown for lowdensity residential, but the front property is definitely within the mixeduse urban corridor which would be compatible with the C3 zoning that he's asking for. Number four, will there be an adverse effect on the value and usability of nearby properties? No. Is the proposed use suitable in view of nearby properties? We answered yes. Number six, would the zoning proposal create undue burden on transportation, including streets, transit, schools, utilities, and public safety? We answered no. Number seven, would this allow for a short-term gain at the expense of our long-term goal? It would not. Number eight, would this change cause a domino effect? It would not. The dominoes are already moving in this general area because of the property next door that was recently reszoned for C3. Number nine, are there unique historical sites

would be which would be adversely impacted? We have not noted any. Number 10, is this propertable in a flood hazard area? You saw on the map earlier that a portion of the property, the rear portion of the property is in a flood zone A. Number 11, is it spot zoning and unrelated to the existing pattern of development? It is not. And number 12, are there unique conditions which support approval or denial? And we've answered there as the owner proposes to combine the two lots, having one zoning district would be prefer preferable. Our planning commission heard this last month and they recommend approval with standard and special conditions. And the special conditions would be to recombine the two lots, recombine this with the front piece that he has and just make it one lot. And then number two, uh a 50-ft vegetative buffer along all residential properties would be required. They they recommend that you put both of those special conditions on this. Mr. Web is here and this has been advertised as a public hearing, but I would be glad to answer any questions from you before you open it up.

Okay. Yeah. Anybody have any questions for Mr. Chairman, that that uh is in my district there and I had just had a couple questions. Um what I think the Honeybee Lane, I guess, is the only residential property. Was he opposed or any opposition? Yes. uh the property owner that lives um in this property right here did come in and express concern. That's why the planning commission recommended a 50-ft buffer [clears throat] along the property line uh for any development that would that would take place there. Okay. And also Mr. Web. Yes. I know it's just for um resoning tonight.

It's fine. I know it's just for reasoning tonight, but how are how are you planning to get in and out from that? May have to help him with the clicker. Um once I coming through where you've already where the house is up front. Yes, ma'am. Once I combine these two properties, um I'll be coming right there along the side of it. Yes, ma'am. There's already a access driveway to the rear of the property. Um right there there's a driveway. So probably right there along the side of the house or the Yes, ma'am. Or the building and to access Oh, to access it right through there.

And the warehousing I guess that would come later. Yes, Mr. Richardson. [clears throat] Yes. Would that come He would uh after the the zoning. This is zone. If the zoning is approved, he would have to come in and submit building plans for the warehouse, a site plan and building plans, and they would be reviewed by the county. Okay. Okay. Um and commissioner, with regard to your question about the driveway, he would have to apply to GOT and get a commercial driveway for this piece of property. Yeah, I know that the property owner beside him that's storing those trailers don't have that, right? He would

I don't know how he got to get approval from the county for the for the commercial the warehouse, he would have to get a G dot driveway permit. Okay. That's what I want to make sure of that also. Okay. Okay. And other uh commissioners have any questions for Mr. Rickersonson?

Okay. Now, um before we open up for public comment, um I'm going establish a little bit of ground rules. Um, anyone that wants to come and speak um for or against, we're going to limit your comments to three minutes. Uh, this these petitions and that's on all three of these zoning petitions. They've been um reviewed and vetted over at the planning commission at Jeff's office and we've had this information in our email packets um for over a week. So, we've also um taken a look at them and um we're going to um take action on it tonight. But anyone that wants to come up, please limit your comments to um to three minutes. Um I won't stop you in mids sentence, but I won't allow you to go much longer than three minutes. So if we have anybody um in favor, uh did you have any um anyone sign up for this particular?

Yes, sir. Mr. Chair, uh Mr. Mike Cook. Mike Cook pass. Okay. Thank you. Any anyone else? Anyone against? Okay, [clears throat] Mr. Chairman, I would make a motion that we approved with the standard. I'm sorry. Did you have uh Mr. Chair? Yes. If we can just go through all the petitions and I think we need to come out of before we come out before we vote. Absolutely.

Okay. No more discussion on it. Uh have a motion to come out of Public hearing. Second. [clears throat] We have a motion. I made a motion. Oh, to come out. Oh, I'm sorry. Motion to [clears throat] come out. Okay. All in favor? Ready to vote? Yes, sir. There we go. Make a motion for approval with the standard conditions. We have a motion. Do we have a second? And [clears throat] the vegetation and the special conditions. Special conditions. Yes, sir. Second it. Got a motion and a second. Everybody ready to vote? All in favor, vote I. Raise your hand. Okay.

Okay. Go ahead, Joe. Thank you. Okay. Our next petition uh has been submitted by uh William and Lynn Weiss to reszone 1.73 acres of property from You need to chair. You about to go back in back in the public hearing? Yes, sir. Okay. Make that motion. Can we have a motion to go back in the public hearing? Make a motion. Second. Have a motion and a second. All in favor to go back in public hearing. Raise your hand. Okay. Okay, Jeff.

Thank you. Uh, this is a petition that's been submitted by William and Lyn Weiss to reszone 1.73 acres of property from R12 single family residential to AR1 agricultural residential for a small backyard chicken flock. Property is located at 112 Oak Island Drive in unincorporated Liberty County. And you can see the parcel number listed [clears throat] below. Uh you can see the ad that we ran in the coastal courier and the sign located on the property advertising tonight's public hearing. And this is a vicinity map. You can see that this is a residentially developed area and uh this is the property is located right here. And that's just a vicinity map just showing the houses here. They've got a little bit of marsh land in the rear part of their property, but they're they're clearly part of a residential subdivision. And you can see the zoning map here. Uh you can see this property is zoned R12, [clears throat] as is all the property around it. And you can see the uh this is what the the Liberty County comprehensive plan calls for. It calls for uh single single family residential uh development in this area. Plug map. You can see that this whole piece of property here is zoned in the AE flood zone which is uh it is in the in the 20-y year flood I mean the the 100red-year flood plane and you can see there is a portion of wetlands that is the marsh area back in the rear of the property. In the narrative it just basically says that they would like to have a backyard chicken flock uh as as part of their residential use. The residential use is the primary use. Uh they previously had uh some chickens in the backyard and they were asked to remove them and they have removed them but they would like to uh resz on the property for residential and and in hopes of getting a um putting restoring the chickens to the property. And this is their proposed layout uh

with the house here, the garage here, the chicken coupe is still the previous the chicken coop was pre that were pre previously used is still there adjacent to a carport that's existing on the property. You can see the marsh out here in the rear of the property. And there is a photograph of the chicken coupe and just the garage uh the carport structure adjacent to that. And you can see the marsh looking back away from the chicken coop. [clears throat] Our zoning analysis. Um, does this property have reasonable economic value as is currently zoned? It does. Um, number two, does the proposed use conform to the joint le joint land use study? It does. Number three, does the proposed use conform to the Liberty County comprehensive plan? Uh, we've answered that yes. The comprehensive plan designates this property as future land use residential low density in which AR would be a compatible zoning district. Number four, will there be an adverse effect on the value and usability of nearby properties? We've answered yes to that as chickens cannot be kept within 300 ft of of any place any building or any any building where people reside or work. And this is a section out of the Liberty County ordinance. It's under the animal ordinance. This is not part of the UDO, but it is it clearly says that in county subdivisions, it's unlawful for anybody to keep any pen or coupe or enclosure for animals within 300 ft of any house or building where people reside or work. So, regardless of whether you approve this resoning tonight or not, they would not be able to have the chicken. So, the zoning zoning action tonight won't really uh cure the chicken problem. Next slide. Is the pro proposed use suitable in view of nearby uses? Uh we answered no it's not as the chickens will be too close to neighboring residences. We've actually measured um from all all all locations on this property and there's no way you can put a chicken coupe there that would meet

the 300 foot distance requirement from the surrounding houses. So uh that we've mentioned that one that it would not be suitable because of that requirement in the ordinance. Number six, uh with a zoning proposal create an undue burden on transportation, streets, uh public schools, utilities and public safety would not Number seven, would this allow a short-term gain at the expense of our local long-term goals? It would because it's not allowed under the animal ordinance. Number eight, would this ch would this change cause a domino effect? It would because others would want to come in and do the same thing. Number nine, are there unique historical sites which may be adversely impacted? We have not identified any. Number 10, is this parcel uh in a flood hazard zone? Yes. Uh you saw on the map earlier that the whole property is located in an AE flood hazard zone. Number 11 as a spot zoning or unrelated to the existing pattern of development. If you zone this property A1, it would be an A1 AR1 property in the middle of a area that's zone R12. So it would definitely be a spot zone. And number 12, are there unique conditions with support approval or denial? and we've answered yes as the proposed use is prohibited in the animal ordinance check section 6.7 regardless of what the zoning is. So the plan commission heard this at their last meeting and they recommended disapproval. So the applicant mrce [clears throat] is here and this has been advertised at a public hearing but I'll be glad to answer any questions that you have.

Well I have one question just before we go into the public hearing. Could you go back to the picture? I think you said one of them had a picture of a of a coat. Yeah. Right there. Um, which one of those um is the coupe? This is the coupe and this is the pen. I guess they this is the outdoor area and that's that's that's where they have the the nest for laying laying eggs, collecting eggs. I mean, I asked that cuz I'm kind of a urban cowboy. Never

never really been um outside of this was asphalt that um and that sort of the little shed in the back, the beige looking building, that's where the chickens that's the coupe. That's where that's where the nests are and where they gather the eggs. This is just the enclosure where the chickens can can roam around in the yard. And where this one is right now, is that within the the distance requirements from the from the owner's house? From the owner's house. No, it would not be it would definitely not be within the distance requirements of the owner's house. And it's not within the distance requirements of the neighbor's house. Okay. Right. Okay. Um, anybody else got any questions for Jeff?

Yeah. [clears throat] What what was the uh vote? Was it unanimous vote at LCPC or I was not at the LCPC meeting when they met, but I'm I'm pretty sure it was a unanimous vote. I don't think there was descent on [cough] [clears throat]

uh Mr. Vice Chair, one thing, Mr. Rickerson, let me mention something to you. A while back we asked for the minutes the votes was it 4 to two 5-2 and also we asked for the districts to be incited uh uh on our report. Now I have attended some of Hinesville city council meeting and they received the information like this. We would like to receive that same information over here. Okay, I will definitely do that. Anyone else for Jeff? No.

I'd like to make a motion that we go in open up for public hearing. So, move already there. You already in public hearing? Yeah. Okay. Um, do you have anyone to sign up? Yes, sir. I have um William and Lynn Wise, Ben and Christine Banks, Mike Cook, and Marjorie Zaharto. Okay. Uh you can come in that order. And again, the the rules that I spoke of earlier um still apply.

Good evening. My name is William Weiss. And if I could clarify uh Commissioner Stevens question, there was one vote against as compared to all the others were four during the voting process during uh the LCPC meeting. So there was one oh actually there was it wasn't it wasn't a unanimous vote. Okay, I see the confusion there. One voted in favor of our request as compared to the disapproval. Okay, just to clarify that point. Okay,

if I could start with a brief statement and then I'd be happy to answer your questions. Uh, this has been a process that's been going on for us now for pretty much over a year since our initial meeting with Commissioner Blunt and at the time county commissioner Brown in January of 2025. Uh, we've received no direct feedback on the commission's position concerning the backyard chickens. It's just been silent. Instead, the the comments that we've been offered are that uh this is a Lake George problem, that the other districts in the county do not face this problem. Uh and most troubling, the suggestion to wait until the dust settles, build a fence, and put the chickens in the backyard. These remarks, while noted, don't provide the clarity or guidance that citizens deserve when seeking to comply with county ordinances and pursue lawful efforts to update the court of ordinances. The absence of a formal position leaves residents uncertain uh undermines the confidence in the process and risks uh inconsistent application of standards across the districts. to ignore a citizen's request for a petition uh to petition their elected officials is a violation of their constitutional rights. Therefore, I feel to date that uh my first uh amendment rights have been uh infringed upon both here with the commission and also during the process with the magistrate court concerning my request. uh I meet the requirements for complimentary uh property types but not the section of the current municipal codes uh which falls in under nuisance animals. The part of that ordinance that's often uh kind of glossed over is it also applies to kennel dogs. Now dogs are a far greater problem within the county than chickens to date, but nobody ever seems

to talk about that portion of it. So, uh, in that ordinance, the chickens and the kennels for multiple dogs must be 300 ft from human inhabited structures, uh, within a subdivision. The broad nature of the code, as it's currently, uh, stated, places at most properties under five acres within the county would be in jeopardy of being non-compliant regardless of their zoning designation. This is based off of what the state of Georgia recognizes as a subdivision. Uh during our initial meeting, uh the explanation for the 300 ft distance was that it was created sometime back in the 1980s. Myself, I believe it's time for a change. I urge the commission to return to the table to discuss uh to establish a plan to address the citizens desire to maintain backyard chickens and develop an updated ordinance that creates a transparent consistent policy uh regarding the backyard chicken flocks. This issue is not confined to one neighborhood. It reflects a broader question of property rights uh community standards and responsible governance. Clear guidance would allow residents to act prudently, respect their neighbors, and enjoy the same quality of life that is enjoyed throughout Georgia and the country at large. Uh respectful dialogue and transparent decision-m are the cornerstones of good governance, and I trust the commission will uphold these principles. Thank you. Uh if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer.

Any questions? No questions. Okay, thanks for your comment. All right. Oh, hold on. Mr. We have one. Uh, I heard everything you said. It's pretty accurate except for a little bit. Um, didn't you call me and I come met with you at your house and we discussed some of this? We did. And that was where some of the same information I believe it was you that said just wait till the dust settles. And I understand that's a common thing. Hey, that you know it's worked in the past. It's not going to work as we continue to build out. Let me finish. Okay. I'm sorry.

All right. So, we talked about this and I know you and some others have come up here several times wanting to talk to us, but I give you some advice to go to LCPC and you have and know that's the way you've got to get in front of us right here and everything. Um, but I just wanted to set the record straight. I have reached out and come to you. Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir. You have and everything. I didn't want it to go that we've just ignored you and everything. I've talked to you. Um, and we'll talk some more about Go ahead and let the rest of them come if you want to.

Personally, I I mean, everybody tends to think that this is just a Lake George problem. It's not. And if you don't want to listen to me, listen to your employees because they bother me endlessly about the problems. And more importantly, my wife who's on on the the internet side of it there. We have a petition with how many? 750 names on it within Liberty County. Uh 85 just within Lake George. Okay. Thanks, Mr. Weiss.

So, it it's it's a process, you know, that needs to be looked at. From my standpoint, I'd be happy if we could just set a date where we could get back down and set and develop a standard that that Atlanta and Savannah and many other areas throughout Georgia already enjoy that 300 foot distance in Columbus, Georgia. I can have poisonous snakes. Generally, the setback in most other places throughout the uh the state of Georgia is anywhere from 15 to 50 ft from the property line. Okay. Thanks, Mr. Weiss. Um, do we have who's next? Um, Mr. Mo. Okay, Mr. Mike Cook. Mr. Mike Cook.

I'm actually My name is Michael Cook. I don't I live in uh district one, but I'm familiar with this particular case because it was on the agenda the last time I was in here for the reasonzoning that happened across the street from me, which was uh uh SNF wanting to put in uh warehouses. Our land is our land. I mean, in a nutshell, and I support it. You know, I don't have chickens right now, but I do have chick I have had chickens. I don't have kennels, but I have multiple dogs. And I don't like certain individuals by virtue of their duty positions telling me I can't do something. It just goes against my nature. After having served 20 years in the military to support y'all, I'm having a lot shoved down my throat. and so are the people around here. We're generally tired of it. So, you know, a little bit of suage in the way. Are there anybody here that says that this is unacceptable other than y'all or LCPC? Is there anybody I mean a small chicken pin as long as they're not allowed to run free it you know what difference does it make? It's not a health issue.

Thank you. Okay. Thanks. Christian Banks. Miss Banks. Mr. Banks.

Hey, good afternoon. I'll be pretty brief. Um, so we've fought this every angle we know how to. Um, and it's quite frankly kind of embarrassing that we've spent so much time just trying to have chickens in our backyard. I live just down the street from Bill and Lynn. And you know, my chickens never went out and pooped in my neighbor's yard. They stayed confined confined in a clean pin just like Bill's did. Just like so many people across this county have chickens today against the county ordinance. But they're not. The difference between them and Bill and I are we we got reported and they haven't. So the county code has been weaponized against us and likely everyone in this room. If I went to your house, I could probably pull out that code book and find something wrong with every single person's house in this in this room today. And what we're asking for, I mean, we're just looking for avenues, right? We're looking for help. And just if if this isn't allowed or it sounds like even if it is allowed, he can't have chickens anyway, just work with us on a common sense resolution to give us the freedom to have chickens responsibly, safely, not flying all over the place and going all over the, you know, I've cleaned up dog mess in my front yard. I've never cleaned up Bill's chicken mess. You know, it's it's it's not a a plaguing issue. I mean, this is it's really quite simple. And like Bill said, this this issue has been solved all across Georgia, all across the nation. It's more and more municipalities adopting and amending codes that allow this in a reasonable manner. And I I can't understand why we've had to fight so hard just for s such a simple request. Um so it's just it's just really frustrating at this point. So

Okay. Thank you. Thank you. I just want to say say thank you for allowing us all to speak tonight and hearing um our position on the on the chicken issue. Thank you. Thank you. [snorts] Anyone else? Mr. Mosley. Marjorie Zoro. Mr. Roco. Echo my predecessors. Can can you come up please? I just want to echo my predecessors on this issue. Um I don't have anything else to say. I think they've spoken eloquently about our stand. Thank you. Thank you. [clears throat]

Anyone else? Mr. Mosley. Okay. I'll I'll say this. I uh before we came out here, um Commissioner Blunt was um speaking with the attorney and he did mention that um he was going to um revisit the issue somewhat with um Mr. directors from LCPC and um I'm quite sure he'll do that and um maybe he'll reach out to you all once um once they have that meeting or maybe he'll even invite you to the meeting. That's that's um strictly up to him. That um that's everybody. Joe, that closes the public hearing. May I speak? Did she sign up? No. Okay.

Well, no. No, no, ma'am. No, ma'am. No, ma'am. We good with that. Okay. Very. Okay. Um, we have a motion to come out of public hearing. So move. Second. All in favor? [clears throat] Chairman, just to reiterate, this is a request to reszone the property. It it it won't what [clears throat] no matter what you do tonight, it's not going to change the fact that chickens are not allowed on this property. So that's a separate issue, but but I may have stated it right there on the presentation, but the planning commission recommended disapproval of the reasonzoning. Okay. Any other questions for Mr. Rickerson?

Ready for a motion? I make a motion that we follow LCPC recommendation for disapproval. Um, I'll leave it short and simple on that. Uh, I want to add one little thing. Um, as Mr. G just said um me and Jeff [clears throat] have talked, me and uh Kelly Davis have talked. Um probably by maybe the midterm December, we're going to relook at that 300 foot ordinance and all. Um I was advised by Kelly that we need to post it publicly. So I'm not going to address it here tonight. I was hoping I could but I can't legally. Um I wanted to say that but that's where I'm at with this. Okay. So, we have a motion and a second.

Second. Ready to vote? All in favor? Thanks, Jeff. Thank you. We [clears throat] have one more. We got to go back. Sorry. Okay. We have a motion to go back in the um public hearing. Okay. Second. Second. Second. All in favor? Go ahead.

Okay. This is this is a a two-part one, but it's it it is just one one action. It's a reasonzoning request to uh it's been submitted by C2F Investments. Uh Dustin Futch to reszone 43.44 acres from PUD. Uh this was the old Haberssham pod that has since it's developed as much as it's going to develop in the original plan with uh with residential use. So now they're selling off the back pieces of the property and the the owners have have increasingly come in to change the zoning to either a or a residential. In this case, Mr. Futch is asking for an a residential zoning. Uh he wants to store vehicles and equipment associated with a tree service uh along this property. Uh and also wants to use as a staging area for storm debris. Uh he's also in addition to the reszoning, he's also asked for a conditional use to be allowed to operate that tree service. Uh this property is located at 3050 Luke Road in an unincorporated Liberty County and you can see there the partial number. Uh you can see here we've advertised in the Coastal Courier and there's a sign that's been posted on the property for some time and this is the property. That's the outline of the property. This is Luke Road and this is the 43 acres that they're wanting to take out of the Haberssham pod and reszone [clears throat] that property for agricultural uh residential use. And this is the overall zoning for the area. The everything you see there in blue is the old Haberssham Pud. You can see the area up there that was actually developed in the way it was originally intended. There's a subdivision up there. All the rest of the property is uh currently being used as either agricultural or lowdensity residential. Okay. And uh for the future land use map, the future land use map for this entire area because it was a residential

pud is is shown as low density residential. and the flood map of the area. You can see here this property here uh some of the property is located in the in the flood zone area there, [clears throat] but there's the area where they want to uh operate the tree service is upland area and you can see the wetlands there as well. Uh there's just a few wetlands in the rear part of the property as well. The narrative purpose purpose of this resoning request is to change uh the current zoning designation from PUD residential pod to agriculture to allow for the operation and expansion of the Summit Tree and Land Solutions uh business operated by Mr. Dustin Futch. Uh Summit Tree and Land Solutions is a locallyowned business that has successfully operated as a homebased enterprise. they run it out of their home, but they they wanting a a place to store their equipment and to handle some of the material that they take out of uh that that come as part of the tree service business. The proposed resoning will provide the additional space to park vehicles, store equipment, and manage timber while preserving the property's low impact rural character with surrounding agricultural uses. In addition, the property will serve as a staging and storage area for storm debris following natural disasters, allowing for efficient response and cleanup operations that benefit the wider community. The requested agricultural zoning designation is appropriate based on the size, location, and intended low intensity of use of the property. The proposed activities are compatible with agricultural and rural service operations. It will not result in adverse impacts on the neighboring properties or local infrastructure because the UDEO does not include a specific category for tree service. Uh they're asking for the AR AR1 zoning to allow along with a conditional use and that was that was a recommendation that we made to them when they told us what they wanted to do. This resoning will ensure that Summit Tree and Land Solutions can continue to provide

valuable environmental and emergency uh response services while preserving the rural character of the area. So, just wanted to get you their full explanation of what they're wanting to do there. This is their uh concept plan. It's kind of tilted to the side, but this is the area where they want to have the debris storage, and this is a pole building where they want to store the equipment that they use, the trucks and equipment that they use for the tree service business. And of course, this is Loop Road out here. And it's just a closeup uh showing the entrance road coming off of Loop Road here. The area over here is where they want to do the uh storm debris storage. And this is the pole building where they want to store the equipment. And that's just some photographs from the site. That's the entrance road. Uh you can see u the storage area over here for the debris. on the u the storage building that you saw on the sketch would be over here on the on the left hand side and you can see this some some of the ponds that they've created on the property for the

Could you speak up for a little bit more Jeff?

Sorry, I'm sorry. Uh and this is area where they've already they've already cleared the property. Uh they've previously cleared the property before the county came out and told them they needed to get a permit to do what they're doing. And you can see there's a piece of equipment that's uh associated with the tree service business. And our zoning analysis, uh, does this property have reasonable economic value as it's currently zoned? It does. Number two, does the prop does the proposed use conform to the uh Fort Stewart joint land use study? It does. Number three, does the proposed use conform to the Liberty County comprehensive plan? Our answer there is yes. The comprehensive plan designates the f future land use as residential low density which AR1 is a compatible zoning district. Number four, will there be adverse effect on the value and usability of nearby properties? There will not. Number five, will there be a is this proposed use suitable in view of nearby uses? It's a rural uh uh agricultural area. So, we concluded yes that it is. Number six, will the zoning proposal create an undue burden on transportation, streets, public safety, and utilities? It will not. Number seven, would this allow would this allow a short-term gain at the expense of our long-term goals? It will not. Will this change cause a domino effect? It possibly would because uh if if this uh business is allowed here, there may be other similar businesses that would want to go into the area. Number nine, are there unique historical sites that might be adversely impacted? We have not noted any. Number 10, is the parcel in a flood hazard area? You saw on the map that a portion of the property is located in the zone A flood hazard area. Number 11, is it spot zoning and unrelated to [clears throat] the existing pattern of development? No. And number 12, are there unique conditions that support approval or denial? And we have not identified any. Planning commission heard this at their last month's meeting and they recommended approval with standard conditions. And Mr. Futch is here and his engineer is here as well and I'll be glad to answer any questions before we go into public hearing.

Okay. Thanks, Jeeoff. I have one question, Jeff. If you go back to the narrative, um the second paragraph, the third sentence from the bottom where it says in addition, it said, "In addition, the property will serve as a staging storage area for storing debris following natural disasters." And I remember um you know, working with the city as I do now that when we had something like that that we had stored some debris out at the the old airport. So, as is Mr. um is I mean is he planning to um allow the county of just anybody to store debris out there? I would need to let him answer that question. Okay. Okay.

Yeah. But it says in addition, right? Um I mean I know he's planning on doing something but he says in addition that it it could be used for that and I didn't know if um and I guess um when we had those Irma and Matthew and those other storms we had a area on the east end and on the west end. So I I didn't know if um if we were looking for additional I mean additional space. That's all I had. Any other questions for Jeff before we bring on the Jeff? [clears throat] Sure. Where would uh EPD come in at on this?

Um I think they would only come into play if you were burning. I think they would you would be required to have some kind of an air curtain, but the the when we get to the uh when we get to the conditional use part of it, which is the second part of this, you'll find that the planning commission recommended that you not allow burning. [clears throat] Well, the reason why I ask that because I I just happened to come down Luke Road on yesterday and uh there was smoke where in the very back I don't know if they were warming their hands or what or roasting potatoes. Yeah. But there was smoke on the backside. So assume that there was a fire out there, right?

They will they will have to operate under whatever conditions that you impose on them for the conditional use permit. Okay. Any other questions for Jeff? Okay, Mr. um Mosley, we have anyone signed up for public comment? I believe Mr. Sax, a man that needs no introduction, but but give us one.

Appreciate that. I'm Marcus Sack with Mack Engineering. Uh good evening, commissioners. Um so, just to address a couple of questions. Um Commissioner Gillard, um Dustin is willing to entertain that. Maybe it should have read, you know, could be used. Okay. But certainly that he's he's willing to entertain if there needs to be some type of east end um storage facility after a storm. That's something he's willing to do. Um in addition to, you know, the storm debris that he would collect probably as a private business, but but it wouldn't be like it's someone that lived near there and they were just tired of waiting to get the yard clean up and they cleaned up.

They couldn't just hold it out there. They would have to get get his permission. It just wouldn't be like a Okay. It would either be his his private business or some agreement that he came up with with the county or or some other municipality. Okay. Okay. Yes, sir. With with the debris that's already out there [clears throat] and bringing in more debris in a couple of years, what would it look like and what would you do with the debris?

Right. So, the debris that's out there right now was generated on site from his uh clearing operations, which we're trying to get straight. um with that as well. He's got a stop work order. Um he's he went to the LCPC after that happened. They directed him uh to an engineer and um I've known Dustin a long time, but the the debris there is on site generated which is allowed to be burned. It's when you accept trees from offsite that it gets to be questioned as to whether it could be burned or not. Um so the off-site debris legally can be chipped or it can be converted into firewood and sold. Uh that's the best way to get rid of uh tree debris from other properties.

Okay. Any other questions for Mr. Sack? Marcus Zman, do you have anything that else that you No, I think the the presentation covered it. As as Jeff indicated, there's really um not a specific zoning requirement for this type of use. Um he will be continuing to operate as a a home business from his house. Uh, but he needs this room to to spread out and store vehicles and that sort of thing. Okay. Yeah. We appreciate y'all's consideration. Okay. Yes, sir. So, you've seen the special conditions and standard conditions. Y'all in agreement with

Yeah. So, the the 50oot buffer, uh, Mr. Futch is fine with the 50ft buffer. We would ask that the the burning requirement not be a special condition. Those are governed by both local and state um regulations and we don't need an additional regulation. For instance, if if they did go into an agreement uh to accept countywide debris after a storm um with that condition on there, they wouldn't be able to burn it, but normally you could burn it with a special permit from EPD. So, we'd want to have that availability. Um we think that the local and state regulations control burning well enough. Um, I've been out there as you have Mr. Stevenson seen. I was out there two weeks ago and I know there's been burning and I was out there yesterday. Um, I didn't know he had been out until I just heard it. But, uh, looks like there's been some burning still going on. I know we sit here and we don't control that. The state controls burning, giving burning permits and such as that. Um, I'm aware that uh, Mr. Futch has got several things he needs to get compliant. We're not here to really go into that. That's a whole different level of government. Um on no on site burning. The only way I could go away from that a little bit is uh if Mr. Futch was willing to maybe mulch things up because I know he's going to get a lot of debris coming in there or possibly go with a air curtain burner.

That's right. Uh the air curtain is something we discussed at the LCPC meeting and Mr. such [snorts] is agreeable to burn um if the special condition allowed burning to only burn with an air curtain. And I did want to point out because we got a call from the the county inspector today too about um continued burning. We just wanted to point out that that is still the same burning that occurred four weeks ago prior to the stop work order. Those were just some massive trees in a pretty big pile. So no additional fires have been started. It's just continuing to burn from that original burn.

All right. the police. I ain't gonna worry about that part. [laughter] The only thing that I would add is must be with air. I think if we do something with you want to add you want to Yeah. have add that. Go ahead. Yeah. It uh one thing I'd like to add where it says there shall be no on-site burning. I can modify that or I'm willing to modify that. Guide me where I need to to add in air curtain burner only. Right. That that would be on the next the second part of this the the conditional use. But if you want to modify that you should that's that's the board's prerogative. Okay. Okay. Any other questions for Marcus or or Jeff?

Thanks Jeff. Um u motion to come out of public hearing. I'm on that list. He's on the list. Oh, okay. Go ahead. Uh, I just need a point of clarification. The stop work order was for the land clearing or for the burning. I'm not sure familiar with that.

The the the burning was a product of the land clearing. Um the the land clearing clearing took place and generated the debris that was then burned. Uh the stop work order was for all work to stop on site. Um I had a I'm going to bring this up to y'all because I am Joe Blow. I went down to your building permits, I guess it is, and I asked the question about land clearing, and they basically told me that as long as the land belonged to you, you could basically do what you wanted. What drove me to question them what goes back to SNF was doing development work that was quote same thing that he got stopped for. All right, that's one. The second question is, and I'm going to throw this out there, everything that y'all do as far as buffers between development and residential or people across who it's going to affect is 50 ft. Y'all are and because of the way that the law is written by y'all, which you're going to revisit, you're saying that a person can't have a chicken coupe within 300 ft.

Now, where's the fairness in that? Thank you. In a residential area, he can't have it. But we off the chicken coupe. What I'd like, like I said, 50 ft, 30 ft. 300. If you'll let me, I'll help you with a little something. Sure. Now, with that clearing part, you can come in and cut timber off your property and everything's fine. But when you start clearing and grubbing it, taking the stumps out and that kind of stuff, if you're over one acre, you have to file an LDA, which is a land disturbance act and everything at all. Nothing was done. There was nothing on record downstairs for SNF clearing land. That means I'm sure they're not going to be just that's not with us local. That's with the state. That's with the state and all LDA to be filed with the state and everything.

All right. I I'm not going to argue it here because I'm I'm I'm at a disadvantage because I don't know know the law. I'm just bringing it up to you. What affects one don't affect another. All right. As an engineer, but yeah, you're welcome to ask him. Yeah. Thanks. I'm sure I will. Okay. We met. Is anyone else uh Mr. Mosley? No, sir. Okay. Uh motion to come out of public hearing. So move, Mr. Chair. Second. All in favor? Raise your hand. Okay. Hi [clears throat] Jeff. Uh Mr. Vice Chairman, this recommendation from the planning commission is just for the zoning only to to reszone it from PUD to AR1. And they have a favorable recommendation for you. Okay.

They have a motion. I'll make a motion that we follow LCPC approval. You know, special standard condition. Okay. We have we have a motion and a second. Second. Motion and a second. We're ready to vote. All in favor raise your hand. Say I. Thanks, Jeff.

Thank you. Okay. The next U wait a minute. All right. So, the next part is the conditional use request and we had to we had to go through the conditional use criteria. Uh, the use shall not adversely affect the economic values or the physical appearance of the neighborhood or the area surrounding the site or lot in question. We answered that no. Number two, the use shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan and with the purpose and intent of the land use district. We answered yes. The plan designates future land use for this area as residential low dens low density which the area one is a compatible zoning. The establishment, maintenance and operation of the use shall not be detrimental or endanger the public health, safety or general welfare. It will not be detrimental. Number four, the use will not create undue burden on transportation including streets, transit, schools, utilities and provision of public public safety. We answered that no. Number five, the design shall minimize physical uh environmental effects on adjacent properties including adverse visual impact. buffer zones where necessary to shield any adverse factors shall be considered. Uh we said yes if the buffer requirements are met and you talked about the buffer requirements. Uh number six, additional space for parking landscaping adequate measures for ingress and ingress shall be considered if necessary. We have not identified any and the planning commission heard this one as well. The special use that goes along with the resoning and they had two special conditions that they recommended to you. One would be the 50-oot vegetated buffer shall be maintained around the perimeter of the tree service business. And then number two, there shall be no on-site burning. You are free to accept or reject or modify any of any of these two conditions.

Okay, that's what you was. Yes, that's what I'd like to do. Number two, I'd like to change that to where it's air curtain burner only. Uh I don't like to be so hard that he can't burn, which that state's going to have to govern that. But, uh, if he's willing to get Eric Curtain burner, I'm all for it. You know, add that to it. And okay with that, Marcus? Okay. Well, Jeff, did we need to go? Go ahead.

Uh, sorry. Uh, I'll also give them the benefit of the doubt if they want to do demulion or something because you're going to get debris coming in and uh because you're a tree service, you have stuff coming in. you you might go in business and let people come and pay you to jump there. So, at one some point you got to either mulch some of it and get rid of it or you going to have to use the air curtain burner. So, I'm okay with both. I don't have a problem with Okay. You modifying the special condition. The motion is not in there. They need to come out of the out of the public hearing first. Are they Are they out of the public hearing? Okay. Okay. Okay. I'll make a motion we follow follow LCPC standard.

Mr. Chair, we still have Mr. Cook. Mr. Cook signed up to speak to speak to speak on this part here, too. No, sir. I'm good. Thank you. Yeah. Go. It uh I make a motion we follow LCPC standard conditions and also the special conditions with the exception of the debris must be when it needs to be mulched or burned with a air curtain burner. Second I agree with that second motion been approved and any any other questions all in favor raise your hand and say I

thank you. Okay. Okay. Um, Mr. Mosley, new business employee holiday, uh, Friday. That's the day after Christmas. Mr. Joe Mosley. Uh, members of the board, uh, before you is a request to have administrative day for, uh, Friday, um, December 26. Sounds good. Okay. So, that's um Christmas is that Thursday the 25th and then they'll take um bit of holiday the 26th as well. Yes, sir. Well, are they doing anything the following week for around New Year's? Only New Year's Day. This New Year's Day. And they'll come back in that Friday. Yes, sir. Going to be a real

real slow real Well, ain't nobody coming, but but we'll see. We'll see. You'll be here. Okay. All right. All right. I'm talking about Okay. Okay. Um, need a motion on that. Yeah. You need a motion on that? Yes, sir. Administrative day. I made that motion. Vice Chair. Motion approved and I mean made and second. Do we have any any other questions? All in favor the motion raise your hand. Vote I tell them tell them to enjoy it. Pass. Yeah, that's a that's a good thing to do that. Okay. Um qualifying fees. Uh Mr. Joseph M. Mosley.

Uh Mr. Chair and members of the board. uh our upcoming we have uh districts one, two, and three uh that will come open for uh the seats will be becoming available, not available, they'll be up in up for election. Uh Liberty County Board of Education chairperson and then Liberty County Board of Education districts four, five, and six. Uh talking to uh Miss Walar, we needed to approve these fees and for district 1, 2, and three, that amount has increased from 286 or 282 to 504. Uh and the ones for the board education chairperson and district 45 and six will remain the same at $180. Uh you'll notice also in this resolution there's scheduled dates in terms of when they're to be uh advertised. And then also you will have um the qualifying you'll notice starts on Mar Monday March the 2nd 2026 and will end at 12:00 noon on Friday March the 6 uh 2026. And we have to do this uh y'all have to adopt the uh schedule. We have to advertise and then we can move forward.

Mr. Mosy. Yes, sir. Would you explain how we got to the 504?

Uh the way we went to the 504 following the election guideline has to it it's based on 3% of the base salary plus any supplemental benefits uh supplements, not benefits but supplements. And that's where um it increased the 504. this year the governor because every year the legislature uh unlike the city on the county side y'all's salary is based upon formulas that the legislature put in place. A city on the other hand can do research and they can raise their salary um by simple vote but it only goes into effect the next election. But on the county side y'all are regulated by the state.

Okay. And it was it was based on 2% previous right? I believe so. Now it's 3%. 93%. Yes, sir. Okay. Any other questions for Mr. Mosley? [cough and clears throat] And you need a motion for this, Mr. Mosley? Yes, sir. Mr. Chair, I I make the motion to approve the upcoming 2026 uh qualifying fees for uh the Liberty County Commissioners District 123, Liberty County Board of Education Chairperson, and also Liberty County Board of Education Districts four, five, and six. I second it.

Motion's been uh approved and second. U do we have any other questions? All in favor of the motion, raise your hand, vote I. Mr. Mr. Vice Chair, before you move on, since we're on that topic, I think he's the chairman tonight. Huh? He's the chairman. That uh I do plan to qualify and ask and seek reelection. Okay. Oh, well, me too. [laughter] All right. Okay. Um request to accept annexation resolution from the city of Riceboro. Mr. Paul Simon, another man who needs no introduction. Thanks, sir. That's the money man. [clears throat]

Pardon me. The money man. Oh, well, I'm not sure about that. Um, so I'm here tonight to talk to you guys about or to answer any questions really about the annexation for um the city of Rice. Do we have that map up here of the area? I think they do have one.

Oh, they have one, too. Okay. All right. So, [clears throat] the the city's been approached by by several people about annexation. They've got some some folks that are doing petitions for like the bribe area. There's some uh annexation efforts to the north for the SNF property. Uh but they've also been approached by the uh uh property owners at exit 67 and about uh supplying water and sewer to the area. You know there is a underground seaf tank system down there now that some of those places are using not very uh successfully and then I think there's some some issues with water. So developers from the area have approached the city a number of times to do that. And as all of you know basically in order to to annex um by petition or by you have to join the existing property I mean the existing city limits and right now the existing city limits of Riceboro goes to the intersection of 17 and retreat road and then goes around Sandy Run Road and all. So what this petition does is it picks up at the intersection of Retreat Road and 17, follows 17 all the way down to I95, 700 ft on either side of the proper of the center line of the road. And then once it crosses I 95, then it takes in the developable property on the other side over to the Macintosh County line with with the thought of basically ultimately getting water and sewer service down to uh the interchange there once the development gets there that can support the cost of getting it there. So, we're up we're we have submitted what we consider the first annexation petition to go from the

existing city limits down to se uh I95 and uh around to the county there. Any questions about that? I have one. Um Paul, so that when you say downtown 95, would that include that that McDonald's area? Would that be Riceboro as well? Yes, sir. All the way to the Macintosh County line? Yes, sir. Yeah. would take all of the property of the McDonald's, even the area behind McDonald's and across the road and all [snorts] of that would come into uh the city limits. Well, what about what's the name of that road, Commissioner Steven? Is where the the Gichi Kunda is? Is that um which is on the left? Ways Temple. Ways Temple. Yeah.

Yeah. So, the and what we as we go down 17 once we go down 17 and in that property, I think there is actually a petition going around or something like that for the ways temple. Once we get down to that far, then they'll they'll join us. They'll join the city and then they can they can come in and buy petition at that point. So, I mean, it's just 17. So, when you turn on the waves temple, is that going to be city as well? 700 ft. Back 700 ft. 700 ft, but but [clears throat] all the way down to where the the GI Kund facility is. That wouldn't be that's right adjacent to the 700 ft, I think. Okay. Okay. Uh,

that's the only question I had. Uh coming back going north of the city limits where would it stop at? Say again now. Coming north where does it stop right now? Yeah I mean you know where would it stop at the proposal? Where would it stop at? So it stop it it adjoins the existing city limit at the intersection of Retreat Road and 17. No going north. Oh going north. So, if you go on the north side, the current city limits ends right there at at the canal.

Yeah. Right. And then and then the uh um SNF has has uh they're they're trying to gain a a connection to the exist existing civic limit so they can annex that 571 acres. Ultimately, we would go to uh Lewis Frasier Road where Lewis Frasier Road comes out and there has been talk about even going on to um U Peacock Canal, Peacock Creek where it goes through there. Now, that part of it though would be by petition. So once that once we get uh SNF property into this to the city where we'd provide them water and sewer then any other property that touched that would be able to petition to come into the city. So that one is going to be it the plan for that is a little different than the uh annexation down to uh the Macintosh County line. So, the city of Riceboro anticipate doing all of this one time or will it be a A B section?

So, uh it's I think it'll be in stages. I think it's going to be three stages. You know, this one basically is done through the legislative route. Three minutes up. This one's done through the through the legislative route and then uh I think that once the SNF property they'll petition to come into the city and once that goes then there's other people that have contacted about just doing it but they'll be a join in us once we get to there and then there's a there's a third stage that's happening which is the the people at Brier Bay and um Shell Road are they've actually submitted a petition. It hadn't really checked all the boxes yet, but um they're they're soliciting um annexation by petition. And uh probably that one will be by the 60% rule, but at this point there's there's there's not a certainty that they're not creating islands and they're doing that. So, but that that's kind of on the horizon. Any other questions for Mr. Simonson?

Yes, I do. Uh ju just quick quick question. Uh do do you all have uh any type of numbers on the anticipation of of how many uh I guess the population change or how many people are coming in or parcels or both? I'm sure the mayor does, [laughter] but but I don't you know there was there was because of the way that the census tracks

are done, you know, uh at the last census determination, they actually lost population because the those population that they they that they were getting credit for were actually turned out to be in some of those like um ways temple area and then Bri Bay and So I think you know it was like they had lost 240 or 250 or something like that you know so they at least gain that yeah okay

yeah go ahead I have a question. Yes sir. Um the city of Rosboro they accepting all this cost on this proposal that they want right now. I'm sorry. They they they accept assuming all the cost with this.

Well, yeah. So, you know, let me let me tell and there's been a lot of Yes, they are at this point and and uh there's been a lot of discussion about that because, you know, a lot of people come in and in fact, I had a call I was on a call with him about a week ago where a developer came in and from 67 and he said, "Hey, I need for for you guys to do this this and and you know, I told the mayor I said the money doesn't make sense to do that." So, but yeah, they they're getting water and sewer down there that well now they know that they're not going to come to you for the cost on that. Now, we we will probably go to some funding agencies to help the city, but it'll be it'll be up to them to get the uh the services to there.

Long as they not come to the county. Well, no. So, yeah, sir. But obviously I I can't say they'll never come. But the plan is right now we're trying to make the numbers work. So it does. And the good part about this one is we're we're not going to inherit a bunch of road. It's all DOT route. So that that's kind of part of it, too. Any other questions for Mr. Simon? The only thing I hate, Paul, about this, there's been no communication with me on this. None. I'll pass that word along to the folks there.

None. I'll talk with the mayor about that. Okay. Okay. Um, we need a motion. Let's accept this request. Move, Mr. Chair. Second. Have a second. Second. Second by M. Commissioner Stevens. Any questions? All in favor raise your hand and say I. I. Thank you. Thanks, Paul. Okay. [clears throat] Uh, request to wave the tipping fee for Hines Shaw Development Project. Uh, Mr. Joe Mosley. Again,

uh, Mr. chair, members of the board, um you have before your resolution to wave the fees. Uh Commissioner G provided um a update that basically the city of Hinesville had um received uh bids to stabilize the historic um Heinshaw school and that they were looking for ways that they could save some money. And so, Commissioner Gia had recommended to you guys to look at possibly um waving some of the fees and he provided those receipts. If you'll notice a total of 19 $1,921.92 and so at this time we would recommend that you guys uh wave those fees and that would those will be funds that would not be collected by the enterprise fund of the solid waste.

So that wouldn't come from the general fund. Need a motion on that? Yeah. Uh no we we having you you good Joe? Yes sir. Yeah. We have any questions? I know we we we've discussed this in uh

discussed that last time. Yes, Commissioner Ste. Yeah. I I I want to add though we um I'll send y'all some pictures. Um the public works department in Hindsville is kind of a joint project. Um uh the chairman, Chairman Lover said that it's it's a county project, it's on splash, and we're just looking at ways to, you know, to um to fund it. Um but I I took some pictures from some of the work that public works did. And if y'all been by there, um, it looks a whole lot better now after they tore down that that bus ramp and that walkway and moved it away from the building. And then there was a walkway from the historic school, right, to the pack part by the lunchroom that's been removed

and it it looks like a brand new building. I mean, I mean, close. [cough] The roof is the roof is still like a convertible, but um, [laughter] you know, but it's it it looks a lot better. I'll send y'all the pictures today. I'm going to do you like you do me. I rode it this afternoon and it's not in my district. It does look good. Wasn't wasn't [laughter] nobody warm in the hands. Was no smoke coming. No, was no smoke coming. Okay. Um, any other questions, comments? Okay. Um, need a motion. Make that motion. Second.

Okay. Got a motion, a second. Any further discussion? All in favor, vote. I raise your hand. Thanks, Mr. Mosley. And um now we got the approved uh the bid for purchase of the removal of the playground equipment at Susie King Taylor Freedom Park. Mr. Joe Mosley. Once again, [laughter]

Mr. Chair, we did a seal bid to uh purchase and remove uh the equipment there at um Soua King Memorial Park. Uh as you're aware that uh we actually y'all have approved the purchase of three different uh playground equipments and this is one of them. um looking at the other two uh parks, the equipment wasn't worth, but this one the department uh the equipment still was in pretty decent shape and so we put it out still bid. We had five um if you notice in the list, we had some vendors, but they basically didn't uh understand the lesson or instructions and was only really one uh group and that was the white community club that understood that it was a acquisition and demolition and they bid a total of $500 and we would recommend that you guys go with that group. M Mr. Chair, I did just have one question for Mr. Mosley. Is this is the same one that we had to uh

reject, right? Reject because they didn't understand the instructions assignment. Yes, sir. The first time? Yes, sir. And then we put it back out and they still didn't understand the assignment. They still didn't understand assignment. Was it was it the same language or No, we changed the language. We made sure it was purchased and removed. Oh, the language was was was changed, too. Yes, sir. Okay. Well, that that was all right that I have. Make that motion, chair. Any other questions for Mr. Mosley? Oh, okay. Like to have a motion. Right. Second. I did. Motion by Commissioner Stevens, second by Commissioner Frasier. Any other questions? All in favor of motion, raise your hand, say I. Uh, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Uh, since we talking about the playground hour, [clears throat] it was mentioned to me that the playground equipment should be here sometime this week for I give you the report, sir. Go ahead. [laughter] All right. Good. Good. Okay. Okay. Now, we um that's all on that one. Have the intergovernment agreement for the Hinesville Downtown Development Project. Um, Mr. Chair, uh, uh, county attorney told me that that wasn't ready and would ask that y'all take that off. Okay. Yes, sir. I'm sorry I didn't mention that earlier. Did it not? because I was ready to table anyway.

Yeah. Yeah, we we could do that. Um yeah. Um you were saying that that we gonna hurry up and get out of here. We got we got two big elections today. The the one in Midway, but the one that's most important is the the football polling. I want to know if Texas gonna get in. [laughter] I hope if Texas get in, they going to win it. [laughter] If Texas get in, they gonna win it. I'm telling you now. cuz I I heard Auburn Arch Auburn's not going to make it. They they Auburn fans back there. [laughter] Okay. Okay. Go ahead. Arch Manning. Just just one two words. Okay. Um Mr. Mosley, administrative reports.

Yes, sir. Uh couple things. Uh Mr. Chair, members of the board, our fire on the fire and rescue. Uh the recruit class number seven graduation will be held on December 19th at 6:30. Uh right now they're trying to secure the location and we'll be staff will be making sure you all you all get an invitation. Uh recruit class number eight will start on January the 7th. So they continue to move forward and then the annual fire department awards be held on January 16th at 6 p.m. at the Samuel Harris gym. Uh also the chief will be bringing y'all mutual aid agreements uh I think at the 19th meeting for y'all's consideration. under solid waste. I am happy to report that the city of Walterville has paid up all fees completely. Congratulations.

Tickets. [clears throat and laughter]

Uh also reminder that the Christmas parade be held on Friday, December the 5th, starting at 6 p.m. Um and I believe they want everyone to be at the site, the starting area uh at 5:00 pm. under our human resources. Uh staff is kicking off our performance review process. Uh we'll be utilizing the new pay velocity payroll system. Uh and uh Laura and staff will be providing two workshops to help people u understand how to work. Uh and all uh performance reviews will be due on January the 15th. Uh the reminder, our appeal hearing on the personnel matter will be tomorrow at 4 pm. And also want to make sure you guys uh attend our uh annual employee service awards program on Friday, December the 12th at 12 o' I mean at at um 12:00 p.m. And then on the parks and reccks, Commissioner Stevens was uh sharing with us our the three playground equipments will be here on Friday. Uh and they will those parks as a reminder will be Bribe Bay, Jesse Stevens, and then we will use uh Susan King Taylor as the last one.

And we want to allow them to remove this playground equipment. Uh I believe that uh Mr. Gross is getting with Mr. um Clint to remove the uh playground equipment from the other parks, but you will see some beautiful playground equipment that will be installed in the in the three parks. And that ends my report, Mr. Chair. Okay. Got two things that Go ahead, Jess. I'm looking at the time. I very very well tonight.

Real quickly, uh just [clears throat] to for those who are still listening, be advised that Bacontown Road is not completed, but it is it is open. Uh and also the bridge on Lewis Frasier is still closed. We're waiting on DOT to come cut the safety grooves in the side of the road.

Good to hear, Mr. Uh Moses, I mentioned to you yesterday groundbreaking. We we talked about it a while back and I know the chairman uh chairman love is not here, but we can discuss it. I think there's five of us here and you know just you know something that we're interested in or not, but we did talk a couple of months ago about maybe um considering a um an incentive program for the for CDL drivers. And you know, if if that's not nothing that we want to entertain, then um you know, I promise I'll never bring it up again. But I I do need to know if if that's something that we want to entertain and if not then you know we just move on to the next you know to fight another day.

Well I have not spoken to the chairman but we did uh Laura reached out to our payroll consult I mean our our uh personnel consult consultants and they were very complimentary. They thought it'd be something positive for us to do. Okay. So she she reached out today and they responded. But we just have further discussions on we could uh talk to chairman and then get with you guys work session something. Yes sir. All right. Okay. Um and that's all you have. Yes sir. Mr. Mosley. Um that's all good for the order of the business. Anybody else got anything they want to add? Mr. Chair, listen now. This you don't have anything else you want to say? No man. No. Wait. You know I always go home and summarize everything.

At least take a picture there. Somebody I I don't know. I don't know if I if I could stand to summarize my own meeting. So, so it probably probably won't happen tonight. Yeah, I definitely want to see that email. I want to read that email. Chairman, you've did it for a long time. Don't break your record. Do it tonight. Okay. I don't know what time you do it, but do it tonight. But the the thing about it, um you know, this is my last term. I got three years after after this um after this month, three full years. And this is I'm serving as chairman because we rotated And if I didn't get it tonight or on the 18th, you would have never got it. That was it. So I I don't I don't uh Thank you, Chair. Love it. Uh [laughter]

and I'll be here tomorrow to oversee the um the employee hearing. And guess what? What department is that? EMS. EMS. Okay. Guess what? 4:00. He's moving down to district one. [clears throat] [laughter] Oh yeah. And I won't bug him. And I won't be coming out. I just I'm going to get down in that hole and that's where I'll be. Um, if that's all just good. Um, I entertain a motion to adjurnn. So move, Mr. Second. Second. All right, let's go home. Thank you.