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JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CALLED MEETING AUGUST 4, 2020 9:30 A.M. This was a called meeting, held to interview the prospective candidates for county administrator. It was held at the Jefferson County Multipurpose Complex (Old Armory). Those present were as follows: Mitchell McGraw, Chairman; Gonice C. Davis, Member; Tommy New, Member; Johnny Davis, Member: Wayne Davis, Member; Chris Hutchings, Interim County Administrator; Dalton Dowdy, County Attorney, and Bonnie Wells, County Clerk. Chairman McGraw called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Gonice Davis gave the invocation. Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to adopt the agenda. Commissioner New seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Executive Session Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel. Commissioner Johnny Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. No action taken. Commissioner New made a motion to emerge from the executive session and return to the regular meeting. Commissioner Johnny Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Johnny Davis made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner New seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Attest: County Clerk Mitchell McGraw, Chairman Gonice C. Davis, Vice Chairman H. G. Thomas New, Member Johnny Davis, Member Charles W. Davis, Member JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 11, 2020 7:00 P.M.` This was the regular meeting for the month of August. It was held at the Jefferson County Multipurpose Complex (Old Armory). Those present were as follows: Mitchell McGraw, Chairman; Gonice C. Davis, Member; Johnny Davis, Member; Wayne Davis, Member; Chris Hutchings, Interim County Administrator; Dalton Dowdy, County Attorney: and Bonnie Wells, County Clerk. Commissioner New was in attendance via teleconference. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chairman McGraw called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Wayne Davis gave the invocation. Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to amend the agenda by adding as agenda items Video and Audio in Courtroom, Old Forestry Building-Drug Court, and Senior Center Relocation Recommendation. These are items I, j, and k respectively. Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to adopt the agenda. Commissioner Johnny Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Reports The chairman and the interim county administrator gave their respective reports. CONSENT AGENDA There were no Consent Agenda items. NEW BUSINESS Lease of Louisville Middle School Gym Chairman McGraw welcomed Levenski and Lamar Brown, Jr. to the meeting. The Browns were interested in acquiring the gym at Louisville Middle School to implement a youth program as outlined in their letter to the board of commissioners reflected here. The board viewed reviewed the letter and listened to the request but did not render a decision at this time. Pictometry Contract The interim county administrator reviewed the contract below with Pictometry International Corp and Jefferson County. The tax assessor’s office utilizes this company to provide an aerial survey of the county, the contract can be seen in its entirety at the tax assessor’s office. The contract is a two-year commitment at a cost of $157,366. ---PAGE BREAK--- Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Assessor Board and approve the contract with Pictometry and Jefferson County, Georgia (Tax Assessor’s Office). Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. Discussion: Commissioner New asked if the map was available via smartphones. The county attorney said it was for the tax assessor only and they did not share the information obtained with anyone else. The motion was unanimously approved. Tax Assessor Contract with Traylor Business Services The county attorney reviewed the tax assessor’s contract with Traylor Business Services, a company who provides support and audit services for the assessor’s office. The board of assessors approved the contract the previous week. The county attorney said he reviewed the contract and it would be his recommendation the board of commissioners approve the contract as well. The contract is reflected here. Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to approve the contract with Traylor Business Services. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. CARES Act Agreement The interim county administrator reviewed the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act agreement. The agreement is explained below, the entire document is on file at the county clerk’s office. The interim county administrator’s recommendation to the board was for them to approve the CARES Act Agreement. ---PAGE BREAK--- This agreement will allow the county reimbursement of funds utilized because of the coronavirus. Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to approve the CARES Act Agreement. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Purchase Order Template The interim county administrator said we did not have a document ready for the board to vote on but was just looking at the purchase order system and reviewing the language to make sure we are covered legally, therefore he, along with the county attorney and the purchasing agent will be working on a purchase order template. IGA Wrens Fire Department The county attorney stated the Wrens Fire Department IGA was not ready for approval. He said there was an issue with one of the paragraphs they had to work out before he could recommend the board’s approval. Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to table the IGA. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Multi-Purpose Room Public Address System The Emergency Services Director, Jim Anderson, reviewed two quotes, one from Williams Sound out of Augusta, Georgia and Southern Audio Design from Waycross, Georgia. The aforementioned quotes are reflected below. Mr. Anderson explained the difference in the two bids which was the system from Williams Sound provided an option to upgrade if the board ever wanted to add live streaming and Southern Audio Design was strictly a public address system. Commissioner Johnny Davis made a motion to purchase the public address system from Williams Sound for $10,885 with the authority to spend up to $15,000, with the potential to be reimbursed via the CARES Act. ---PAGE BREAK--- Commissioner Wayne Davis seconded the motion. Discussion: Commissioner Johnny Davis said he opted for the system from Williams Sound because it has the option to upgrade to a camera system which would allow meetings via an internet-based platform. The motion was unanimously approved. Trailer for Asphalt Roller The chairman presented the following information to the board regarding the purchase of a trailer for a recently purchased asphalt roller. The chairman indicated he mistakenly thought the decision to purchase the trailer was made in an open meeting, however it had come to his attention the item had not been voted on and a decision had not been rendered. Bills from Sasser Steel Products and Avera Industrial Supply totaling $8,640.32 were submitted to the commissioner’s office for a purchase order and payment. The bills exhibited here are from Sasser Steel Products and Avera Industrial Supply which reflects the cost of the trailer and the pulling winch. Chairman McGraw said the asphalt roller had to be transported via a trailer, which is why he thought it was discussed in a meeting. Commissioner Wayne Davis asked the interim county administrator if the trailer could be purchased with funds from TSPLOST, he said it could. Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to purchase the trailer from Sasser Steel Products and a winch from Avera Industrial Supply at a total cost of $8,640.32 for the asphalt roller. Commissioner New seconded the motion. Discussion: Commissioner Wayne Davis said from now on before a purchase like this was made, they need to make sure it is discussed in an open meeting. Commissioner Gonice Davis reiterated what Commissioner Wayne Davis said regarding the discussion of purchases in an open meeting. Commissioner Johnny Davis had questions regarding the purchase order assigned to the trailer. The motion was unanimously approved. Video and Audio in Court Room The board discussed Judge Reeves’ request to upgrade the video/audio conferencing for the courtroom. The projected cost of the upgrades is $25,000. The upgrades and the cost for each line item is reflected below. ---PAGE BREAK--- Commissioner Johnny Davis made a motion to approve for purchase the VTC upgrades from S & L Integrated at a cost of $25,000. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. Discussion: Commissioner Wayne Davis asked if they could not use the same company for both the multipurpose complex and the courtroom. Because they were both asking for video and audio and they could maybe get a reduced rate. Commissioner Johnny Davis amended his motion to include Commissioner Wayne Davis’ suggestion of ascertaining if S & L Integrated would provide a quote for the multipurpose complex. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded. The motion was unanimously approved. Old Forestry Building-Drug Court The board discussed Judge Reeves’ request for the old forestry building to be converted for use with the drug court. The drug court typically meets at the multipurpose complex, but with the board of commissioners meeting at the complex the drug court would need to find another location per Judge Reeves. This item was tabled until someone could go out and take a look at the building. Senior Center Relocation Recommendation Senior Center Director, Tammie Bennett and Assistant Director, Yolanda Walden made a request for the senior center to move to the Louisville Middle School citing a larger venue, etc. Ms. Bennett stated if they were allowed to move the senior center to the old middle school it would provide the seniors with more room in the cafeteria and additional classrooms for some of their programs and activities. There was not a vote on this item. Scheduled Public Comments There were no public comments. Public Comments on Agenda Items Ms. Vernetta Loyd, Mrs. Wells, Ms. Diane Flournoy, and Mrs. Michelle Reaves had comments regarding the Louisville Middle School building. Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to go into executive session to discuss personnel. Commissioner Johnny Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Executive Session Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to leave executive session and reconvene the regular meeting. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to appoint/hire Jerry Coalson as the county administrator for Jefferson County. Commissioner New seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of three to two. Chairman McGraw, Commissioners New and Wayne Davis voted yes. Commissioners Gonice Davis and Johnny Davis voted no. Adjournment Commissioner Gonice Davis made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Johnny Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Attest: County Clerk Mitchell McGraw, Chairman Gonice C. Davis, Vice Chairman H. G. Thomas New, Member Johnny Davis, Member Charles W. Davis, Member ---PAGE BREAK--- JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CALLED MEETING AUGUST 13, 2020 7:00 P.M. This was a called meeting, held to set the millage rate. It was held at the Jefferson County Multipurpose Complex (Old Armory). Those present were as follows: Mitchell McGraw, Chairman; Gonice C. Davis, Member; Tommy New, Member; Johnny Davis, Member: Chris Hutchings, Interim County Administrator; Dalton Dowdy, County Attorney; and Bonnie Wells, County Clerk. Commissioner Wayne Davis was in attendance via telephone. Chairman McGraw called the meeting to order, led the pledge, and gave the invocation. Commissioner Gonice Davis made a motion to adopt the agenda. Commissioner New seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS Engineering GOSP (Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program) Contract The interim county administrator reviewed the, G. Ben Turnipseed contract for engineering services with the board, he explained this is one of many contracts that will be implemented for the Ogeechee Crossing Park. The contract can be reviewed in its entirety at the county clerk’s office. Commissioner Johnny Davis made a motion to approve the GOSP (Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program) Engineering contract. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Set Millage Rate The interim county administrator reviewed the millage rate for the county. The previous millage rate was 17.5890, the administrator explained the millage rate could be reduced via a rollback to 16.9908. Commissioner New made a motion to roll the county’s millage rate back to 16.9908. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was approved with a vote of four. Chairman McGraw, Commissioners Gonice Davis, Wayne Davis, and New voted yes. Commissioner Johnny Davis abstained. Adjournment Commissioner New made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner New made a motion to reconvene the regular meeting. Commissioner Johnny Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner New made a motion to accept the school board’s recommendation and their (roll back rate) millage rate of 15.788. Commissioner Wayne Davis seconded the motion. The motion was approved with a vote of four. Chairman McGraw, Commissioners Gonice Davis, Wayne Davis, and New voted yes. Commissioner Johnny Davis abstained. Adjournment Commissioner Johnny Davis made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Wayne Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Attest: County Clerk Mitchell McGraw, Chairman Gonice C. Davis, Vice Chairman H. G. Thomas New, Member ---PAGE BREAK--- Johnny Davis, Member Charles W. Davis, Member JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CALLED MEETING AUGUST 25, 2020 9:15 A.M. This was a called meeting, held to discuss the purchase of a dump truck, roads, and the old forestry building. It was held at the Jefferson County Multipurpose Complex (Old Armory). Those present were as follows: Mitchell McGraw, Chairman; Gonice C. Davis, Member; Tommy New, Member; Johnny Davis, Member; Chris Hutchings, Interim County Administrator; and Bonnie Wells, County Clerk. Commissioner Wayne Davis and County Attorney, Dalton Dowdy were absent. Chairman McGraw called the meeting to order and led the pledge. Commissioner New gave the invocation. Commissioner New made a motion to adopt the agenda. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Dump Truck The interim county administrator presented pictures of an International dump truck, the truck is currently in Indiana and has spots on it. The salesperson provided pictures of the truck; some of those pictures are exhibited here. The cost of the dump truck is $147,738 and the projected delivery date is in October 15, 2020. The interim county administrator stated the issue was the spots…did the board still want to purchase the trucks with the spots on it. The truck has to be brought to Augusta and the body put on the truck. ---PAGE BREAK--- Commissioner New made a motion to purchase the International truck from Indiana at a cost of $147,738. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Roads The interim county administrator discussed repairing the following roads: Friendship Church Road, Clarks Mill Road, Zebina Road and Zebina Road to be added to LMIG. The total cost for repairing the roads is $30,625 with funds from TIA. Commissioner New made a motion to repair Friendship Church Road, Clarks Mill Road, Zebina Road and Zebina Road at a cost of $30,625 with funds from TIA. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. Old Forestry Building The chairman said Judge Reeves wanted the drug court moved to the old forestry building, but the building needed electrical work and the power restored. The building would also need a window unit and the water checked by the health department. Commissioner Johnny Davis made a motion to approve the repairs at the old forestry building. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner New said he wanted it on the record that the board was not purchasing another truck, they had already voted to purchase this truck, they were just deciding whether or not to purchase because of the spots on the vehicle. Commissioner Johnny Davis made a motion to amend the agenda by adding bullet proof vests. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Johnny Davis made a motion to approve the purchase of two bullet proof vests for the code enforcement department with funds from the general fund account. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Adjournment Commissioner New made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Johnny Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Attest: County Clerk Mitchell McGraw, Chairman Gonice C. Davis, Vice Chairman H. G. Thomas New, Member Johnny Davis, Member JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CALLED MEETING AUGUST 31, 2020 ---PAGE BREAK--- 6:00 P.M. This was a called meeting, held to discuss resurfacing roads. It was held at the Jefferson County Multipurpose Complex (Old Armory). Those present were as follows: Mitchell McGraw, Chairman; Gonice C. Davis, Member; Tommy New, Member; Johnny Davis, Member: Wayne Davis, Member; Chris Hutchings, Interim County Administrator; Dalton Dowdy, County Attorney, and Bonnie Wells, County Clerk. Chairman McGraw called the meeting to order, led the pledge of allegiance and gave the invocation. Commissioner Wayne Davis made a motion to adopt the agenda. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Resurfacing Roads The interim county administrator reviewed the previously approved road list below. There was an error with St. Clair Road, the length of the road was erroneously added to the contract; it should have been resurfaced from Middleground Road to the Burke County line, but the mileage was given as 1.62 and it should have been more. Commissioner Johnny Davis made a motion to complete the road all the way up to the Burke County line. Commissioner Wayne Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Adjournment Commissioner Johnny Davis made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Gonice Davis seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Attest: County Clerk Mitchell McGraw, Chairman Gonice C. Davis, Vice Chairman H. G. Thomas New, Member Johnny Davis, Member Charles W. Davis, Member