Bulloch County Chairman Roy Thompson opened the bi-monthly meeting of the Bulloch County Commission on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 with a proclamation honoring Freedom Through Recovery and National Recovery month. He presented the proclamation after Commissioner Curt Deal led the Commission in prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
Catherine Tootle, Syndey Hardee and Julia Curiel from Freedom Through Recovery were on hand to accept the proclamation.
Commissioners approved the controversial re-zoning of of 60 acres of property located at Shuman Road and Old River Road at the meeting. Over 80 citizens signed up to speak against the rezone from Ag-5 to R-40.
Commissioner Toby Conner made a motion initially to deny the approval. Commissioner Jappy Stringer seconded the motion. The motioned failed by a vote of 4 to 2 with only Commissioners Conner and Stringer voting for denial.
Commissioner Anthony Simmons made a second motion to approve the re-zoning. Commissioner Ray Mosley seconded the motion. The motion passed with four in favor and Commissioners Conner and Stringer voting against approval.
Continue reading for an report on all the business covered at the meeting.
ZONING
APPROVED - 1) R&H Development Co., Inc. has submitted an application to rezone 60.2 acres from AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres) to R-40 (Residential 40,000 sq ft) for the purpose of a single-family residential subdivision. The property is located on Shuman Road and Old River Road.
Attorney Steve Rushing spoke in favor of the rezone. He said the new subdivision ordinance would cover many of the citizens concerns.
80 citizens signed up to oppose this zoning request. With the 10 minute time limit only three were able to speak.
Elenor Ellis owner of Evermore Farms which is adjacent to this development spoke against. She represents a group of over 600 citizens which over 50 are here tonight. The Bulloch 2040 plan the intent is to direct the likely growth into a defined area while protecting as much agriculture land as possible. This is placing an out of place neighborhood in the middle of a rural area. Please stick with your plan.
Amy Taylor spoke against. She moved here five years ago to pursue her dream of country living. There are over 600 signatures that oppose this rezoning. She envisioned her forever home where she is living now. A place to keep her horses on her land. Large fields and farm crops as far as you can see. What we have in AG 5 is what we wanted and we want to continue. Please do not open the flood gates of development invade our quiet space.
Dr. Tamas Havar moved here about nine months ago spoke against. He made a slide presentation outlining his reasons to deny this request.
DENIIED - 2) Mark Cann has submitted a text amendment application requesting to introduce text to the Bulloch County Code of Ordinance Appendix C to include definition and performance standards for customer sited solar electric power generation and modification to Article 8 Section 802 allowing for customer sited solar electric power generation and modification as a conditional use in Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial zones.
DENIED - 3) Tillman & Deal Ag Services, LLC has submitted a Conditional Use application requesting a customer cited solar electric power generation facility. Property is located at 239 Gold Kist Road.
APPROVED - 4) JFSS Properties, LLC has submitted an application requesting a variance to Section 13.7 (effective date of ordinance) of Appendix B-Subdivision Regulations. The variance will allow the development to be developed under Appendix B-1. Property is located on Alford Road.
Jim Anderson spoke in favor of the variance.
DEFERRED - 5) Julie Miller has submitted an application for the conditional use of her dwelling and accessory building as a Home Occupation Conducted in an Accessory building, excluding automotive repair. The specific use would be for the operation of Bigdog Snow Cones Food Truck involving the production of ice blocks, storage of supplies, and food prep for the operation. The property is located 141 Windmill Plantation Drive.
Julie Miller spoke in favor of conditional use variance.
Lindsay Martin spoke against the conditional use variance.
APPROVED - 6) Robert K. Bell, Jr. Investments, INC. has submitted a conditional use application requesting a manufactured home to be placed on a single lot zoned R-40 (Residential 40,000 sq. ft.). The property is located at 7749 Buie Driggers Road.
Shelby Morrell spoke in favor of the conditional use variance.
Michael Bailey spoke against the conditional use variance.
DEFERRED - 7) Paul B. Smith has submitted an application to rezone 30.62 acres from R-80 (Residential 80,000 sq ft) to AG-5 (Agriculture 5 acres). The property is located at 339 Ball Park Road.
APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
1) Minutes Approval: Monday August 7th, 2023 06:30 PM
2) Minutes Approval: Monday August 14th, 2023 06:30 PM
3) Approve a Resolution to Establish a Special Streetlight District for Phase 4 of River Bluff Subdivison
The developer of River Bluff Subdivision has submitted an application to establish a streetlight district for Phase 4 of the subdivision. As required by the streetlight district ordinance for new developments, the Planning and Zoning Commission heard the application and has recommended approval. Adoption of the attached resolution will establish a streetlight district for Phase 4 of River Bluff Subdivision. Approval is recommended.
4) Approve a Resolution to Approve the Location of Paving Project for Josh Smith Road
O.C.G.A. Sections 21-2-109 and 32-3-5 require a condemning authority to approve the location of a road project and advertise it in the newspaper once a week for four weeks within 30 days of the location approval. The purpose of the attached resolution is to satisfy this requirement. Approval is recommended.
5) Motion to approve the replacement of the concrete slab at the Stilson Fire Station
The concrete slab has broken up over time due to weight of fire trucks and will need to be removed and a new slab poured. By replacing the old slab, it will stop the breaking up of the current slab which is causing the truck to have issues backing into the station. Three contractors were contacted for pricing and the lost quote is from Perkins Concrete Finishing, LLC for the amount of $32,350.00. Approval is recommended.
6) Motion to approve the acceptance of Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) BOOST Grant Award for 2023-2024 School Year
Bulloch County Recreation & Parks has been selected to receive the Georgia Recreation & Parks Association (GRPA) BOOST grant for the contract period of August 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 (2023-2024 school year). The grant, in the amount of $200,000, will help us to provide comprehensive out-of-school time services / programming in our community.
7) Motion to approve the purchase of computer replacements through Georgia Technologies in the amount of $28,400
Computers that are outdated and obsolete are replaced each budget year with Georgia Technologies' assistance. This is the second and final set of replacement computers this year. Georgia Technologies has negotiated a discount with Dell on the County's behalf. These computers are within budget and will be paid for with SPLOST funds. A copy of the requisition, proposal, and sole source justification form are attached. Approval is recommended.
8) Motion to approve Zambelli Fireworks bid for annual Firecracker Fest Fireworks Display
Bids were accepted from vendors to provide fireworks display for the annual Firecracker Fest to be held on June 29, 2024. Two vendors submitted bids - Zambelli Fireworks and Freedom Fireworks. Zambelli Fireworks was the only vendor to meet the minimum qualifications required in the bid regarding the shell size and also met the payment for services time frame with a bid of $20,000. Zambelli Fireworks has provided Bulloch County with fireworks display for many years and does an exceptional job. Approval of the bid from Zambelli Fireworks in the amount $20,000 is recommended.
9) Motion to approve the PPE Purchase for the 2023 GFSTC Fireworks Tax Grant for Volunteer Firefighters
The GFSTC Fireworks Tax Grant was awarded earlier this year. The Board has already approved to receive it. The fire department is requesting a Purchase Order for the Personal Protective Gear.
10) Motion to Approve Public Works Spiroplast Pipe Purchase from Cherokee Culvert Company, Inc in the Amount of $18,150.00
Pipe is used for drainage purposes on county maintained roads.
11) Resolution to adopt the amendment to the Bulloch County Official Comprehensive Plan "Smart Bulloch 2040" for the purpose of revising the Future Development Map and the Suburban Corridor and Suburban Neighborhood Character Areas.
NEW BUSINESS
APPROVED - 1) Reappoint Josh Whitfield and Doug Lambert to the Airport Committee for six year terms
APPROVED - 2) Resolution to convey property to the Hospital Authority
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Five citizens signed up for public comments. Four spoke.
1) Len Fatica, Chair of the Democratic Party. Asked to say Thank You on behalf of the party to all the public safety agencies, Grice Connect, Statesboro Herald and local power companies who helped get our community through the storm.
2) William Puchala - lived here 19 years. Served in Afghanistan and gave a lot to this country. None of you listened when we asked you to not vote for the millage rate increase, but you didn't listen. When are you going to stop hiking up our taxes. Hyundai is increasing our property values. All the people selling their land and breaking it up are increasing out property values. This is an unwanted burden on tax payers. Why can't you take from the $15 million in your rainy day fund. Why can't you use this money? None of us asked for Hyundai.
3) Tim Powell - Wearing all black because he is in morning of property taxpayers. He has resolved to get engaged after this recent tax increase. County government has a big technology problem. He listed several meetings where documents are not available on the county's website.
He has had conversations with at least 100 people who are all concerned about the water wells. How many wells planned, what size or the wells, how much water will they provide, how much do they cost and how are they paid for.
4) Lawton Sack - I have lived here my entire life. This is no doubt the most divided I have seen this problem. We have a great problem where citizens are not being heard by their citizens. After actions tonight and even larger group of citizens are upset with elected officials. Had to step down from the elections board to run for City Council. I saw a need for citizens of Statesboro to have a voice. I stood up and I did that. I hope others will do the same in March and have their voices heard. We feel you are not on the same page of your citizens. We want to work together to help come to ideas but we feel our voices have not been heard.
COMMISSION AND STAFF COMMENTS
County Manager Tom Couch told the commissioners that they must meet after the Bulloch County BOE will makes a decision on mileage rate to ratify the mileage rate. Chair Thompson recommended a 3 PM meeting on Friday.
Chair Thompson called Chief Ben Tapley and Public Works Director Dink Butler to the front. Chief Tapley announced that county has just received notification that they are moving down to a class 4 from a 5 for those that are five miles from a fire station. Grice Connect will bring you more on the lower ISO rating in an additional story soon.
Dink Butler introduced Robert Seamans who is retired from the city has come onboard as the Assistant Public Works Director.
Executive Session
After entering into a brief Executive session, Commissioners returned and took no action.
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