Bulloch County Commissioners met on Tuesday morning, September 17, 2024 for their regular bi-monthly meeting. Chairman Roy Thompson opened the meeting and asked Commissioner Ray Mosley to open with prayer. Commissioner Mosley then asked Reverend Larry Cone, who was in the audience, to open the meeting with prayer.
In the meeting, several citizens came forward to praise the Commission and staff's work. Chair Thompson pointed out that there is a good bit of concern regarding the change of elected officials and how this may impact employees jobs. He then asked all the employees in the room to stand and asked the Commissioners to join him in giving all the employees a standing ovation for their commitment and dedication to the county.
He went on to say that their leadership and work for our community was very evident during their remarkable work during their response during and after Hurricane Debby. All of the commissioners stood in solidarity to give all County employees their vote of confidence and a commitment that as long as they were in office, their support for them would be unwavering.
Dink Butler, Public Works Director reported that only five roads remain impassable due to Hurricane Debby. Two are paved including Brannen Pond Road and Nevills Denmark Road. The other three are dirt. The dirt roads should be re-opened by the end of next week.
Nevil-Denmark is going to be a much more difficult repair requiring a culvert replacement. County Engineers estimate August of 2025 before Nevils Denmark will be repaired and safe to re-open.
Three new Bulloch County Fire Battalion Chiefs were introduced including:
- Jason Gammon
- Ben Allen
- Marq Roberts
These positions were funded through the most recent budget.
Continue reading for all business covered at the meeting.
APPROVED - Consent Agenda
1. Minutes Approval: Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 5:30 PM
2. Approve the purchase of a Laerdal SimMan Manikin from Bound Tree Medical
Bulloch EMS was approved to purchase an ALS manikin to enhance our training program. This is to be a quarter 1 purchase for this fiscal year. Training Officer Ryan Jones did extensive research into which manikin would work best for Bulloch EMS. It was determined that the Laerdal SimMan ALS manikin would be best suited for our service. Three bids were obtained and BoundTree Medical was the low bid coming in at $28,428.97. We request approval by the Board
3. Approve a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Roads in The Oaks Subdivision
The developer has requested that the County accept dedication of and title to the roads in The Oaks Subdivision. As indicated by the attached memo, County Engineer Brad Deal has inspected these roads and determined that they comply with all County requirements. Approval of the attached resolution will implement acceptance of these roads and authorize Chairman Thompson to accept a deed for these roads on behalf of the County
4. Approve a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Roads in Chatham Place - Section 2 Subdivision
The developer has requested that the County accept dedication of and title to the roads in Chatham Place - Section 2 Subdivision. As indicated by the attached memo, County Engineer Brad Deal has inspected these roads and determined that they comply with all County requirements. Approval of the attached resolution will implement acceptance of these roads and authorize Chairman Thompson to accept a deed for these roads on behalf of the County
5. Approve a Correctional Medical Services Agreement between the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners and Teresa Buckles
The attached Correctional Medical Services Agreement is a medical contract to enable Teresa Buckles, a Licensed Family Nurse Practitioner to provide medical services at the BCCI. The previous physician that provided these services suddenly passed away in May. Replacement by Teresa Buckles is being submitted for approval via the attached agreement
6. Approve the purchase of a CAT 336 Excavator
As part of Public Works budget plan for FY25 we are purchasing a CAT 336 Excavator from a Sourcewell vendor, Yancey, using TSPLOST funds in the amount of $382,531
7. Approve the purchase of two 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Explorers from Alan Jay Fleet Sales through a cooperative purchasing contract with Sourcewell in the amount of $57,260.00 each for a total of $114,520.00
The Bulloch County Correctional Institute was approved for the purchase of two vehicles in the FY25 CIP Budget. The purchase of these vehicles will come from SPLOST funds. The vehicles are being requested to be purchased from Alan Jay Fleet Sales through a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract. Approval is recommended
8. Approve the purchase of SonicWall Firewall upgrade
The SonicWall (the firewall used by the County) is up for renewal and the model we are using is nearing end of life. We have the choice to either renew for one year, or replace the hardware. SonicWall provided a proposal to upgrade the hardware and provide 3 years of security services for $27,900. The firewall is a critical component of the County's information technology infrastructure, as it is the gateway to and from the internet
9. Approve the purchase of equipment for a new Ladder Truck from NAFECO
The Bulloch County Fire Department was budgeted $1,000,000.00 to purchase a used Ladder truck and equipment. This equipment includes; fire hose, nozzles, hand tools, and rescue equipment that are essential to day to day operations. The purchase price of this order from NAFECO is $27,761.00. This purchase will help our Department equip our Ladder truck with life saving tools and equipment and help create a standardized uniformed fleet to better serve our citizens
10. Approve the purchase of equipment for a new Ladder Truck from Municipal Emergency Services Agenda
The Bulloch County Fire Department was budgeted $1,000,000.00 to purchase a used Ladder truck and equipment. This equipment includes; fire hose, nozzles, hand tools, and rescue equipment that are essential to day to day operations. The purchase price of this order is $215,186.72. This purchase will help our Department equip our Ladder truck with life saving tools and equipment and help create a standardized uniformed fleet to better serve our citizens.
11. Approve painting and refurbishing of the 5-Lane Mat-Racer Slide at Splash In the Boro Waterpark
Splash in the Boro Family Waterpark & Aquatics Center is requesting painting and refurbishing of our 5-Lane Mat-Racer Slide. This paint/refurbish project is listed on the FY25 CIP budget schedule (Project ID SPLA06, $160,000).
The paint that is currently on our mat-racer slide is original to the structure, which was installed and put into use in 2009. The paint job is now 15 years old with a life expectancy of 6-8 years. The slide is now showing fiberglass through the original paint and degrading on the slide surface making it unsafe. The slide is in need of a gel coat paint job, which requires a certified painter to purchase and apply this product.
We received three bids during the bid process. After reviewing the bids, it is the recommendation of Aquatics Division Manager, Alex Estrada, to accept the second lowest bid in the amount of $136,000 from Slide Guys Restoration (low bid was $135,355). Slide Guys Restoration had a clear-cut and definite explanation of their warranty. They also made an in person visit to our location to examine and give their quote
12. Approve the purchase of Lion PPE from NAFECO
The Bulloch County Fire Department was budgeted to purchase PPE, the funding of this purchase is a reimbursement through the SAFER grant that was awarded to the County.. This purchase is for Five sets of gear for new Volunteer Firefighters, It is a Sourcewell purchase on a Government contract that meets the AFG purchasing agrement.
13. Approve the purchase of a 15-ton Carrier Rooftop Unit for Pineland Mental Health
This request is for a replacement unit for an outdated unit that is no longer operable.
New Business
APPROVED - 1. Motion to approve and ratify a Master Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. and approve Individual Project Order No. 1 to perform engineering design services for the Nevils Denmark Road Bridge Culvert Replacement Project, to be funded by TSPLOST.
The existing bridge culvert on Nevils Denmark Road, approximately 700 feet south of SR 46, was damaged by flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Debby on 08.06.24. The culvert is a double barrel box culvert, 21 feet wide and 6 feet tall, and was constructed in 1951. This culvert is listed on the National Bridge Inventory and is inspected by GDOT every two years.
After Tropical Storm Debby, GDOT Bridge Inspections staff inspected the culvert along with County staff. Inspections indicated that flood waters had caused scour underneath the base of the culvert, causing it to sink approximately one foot on one side and rotate slightly. The GDOT Bridge Office recommended closing the road to traffic until the culvert is replaced. Due to the nature of the damage as well as the age of the existing structure, it does not appear that rehabilitation of the structure will be feasible.
Kimley-Horne and Associates designed the new box culvert for Brannen Pond Road. After Tropical Storm Debby, Kimley-Horne contacted County Engineering staff to offer assistance with storm-related damages, and submitted a Master Services Agreement in the event that the County needed assistance. County staff asked for a proposal from Kimley-Horne for replacement of the Nevils Denmark culvert because they have a current contract with the County for a similar type project (Brannen Pond Road), and staff desires to expedite the procurement process to reduce the length of time that the road will be closed. Kimley-Horne possesses the expertise and certifications to provide design services for a project of this type. Kimley-Horne will follow state/federal guidelines as was done for the Brannen Pond Road Project, in case any FEMA or state reimbursement becomes available. However, the project schedule will be expedited, and staff does not anticipate any regulatory agency reviews of significant time duration, because the project will likely replace the existing structure with a similar structure.
The services included in Individual Project Order (IPO) No.1 are project meetings and coordination, topographical survey of the area, hydrology and hydraulic modeling, and final design plans for construction. As of current date (09.12.24) of writing this narrative, County staff is still negotiating the cost of IPO No.1. Staff hopes to have an agreement to present at the Commission Meeting on 09.17.24. This item is being placed on the agenda prior to having the final cost in place so that the project can be expedited so as to reduce the time duration of the road closure. The cost of IPO No.1 will not exceed $192,500. This will be funded from the $5 million of emergency funds already approved.
- The current schedule is on March 31, 2025 for design to be completed. This will take six and half months to fully design.
- After design they will move into a construction schedule which is expected to be 120 days which puts it back to August 2025 to have project completed and safe to open to traffic.
- No way to safely open to traffic - they have exhausted options to find a way temporarily to open.
Public Comments
Marcus Toole, spoke about the closing of the Habitat Restore. The Restore has barely broken even the past few years. The sale will allow funds to impact their mission directly more quickly, which is building homes.
Chair Thompson pointed out that the current average price per square foot in 2018 was $60 per square foot. It is now $110 per square foot to build currently.
Habitat has three houses under construction now. With plans to launch the build of three more houses soon.
Cathy Lee thanked Chair Thompson for his help along with Ron and Brad with an issue she had. She did not say what the issue was. Chair Thompson responded, "That was because of a lot of peoples help. But thank you so much for your praise."
Len Fatica, who is a candidate for Commission, had two items of concern. At the last meeting he referenced a speaker during public comments that said that anyone who had been accosted at the First Friday was a patent liar. Fatica said he took offense to that comment. He then described how he was accosted by a BAC petitioner at a First Friday event. He went on to describe this interaction in detail. Fatica said that the community is ready to put this behind us and to get back to fun family events. He encouraged citizens to focus on returning to family friendly events that were free from politics and divisiveness. Our citizens deserve and want a place where they can come for a few minutes to walk downtown and enjoy our community without having to face this type of interaction.
His second point was in response to citizens criticizing Splash in the Boro. He said that he had met with Christie King, Bulloch County CFO and she confirmed that Splash makes money annually. However, the aquatic pool is the issue because it is open year round is not profitable. However, the criticism he felt does not take into account the full picture including the economic impact the recreation department as a whole has on local hotels, restaurants and other businesses. These businesses are positively impacted from Splash and the recreation department and generate tax revenue for the County. In addition Bulloch Recreation and SPLASH greatly improves the quality of life for our citizens.
Commission and Staff Comments
Dink Butler, Public Works Director, provided an update from Hurricane Debby. He said that 91 roads were closed at one point. Now they are down to five, two paved roads, Brannen Pond and Nevils Denmark, plus three dirt roads. They hope to have all of the dirt roads back by the end of next week. They have been working closely with BOE regarding safe travel by bus. "We have made a big push to get roads repaired. We have not had a lot of interest in external help to get this done. But I am proud of our team for making a lot of headway in a short time frame. Corey Kemp, EMA Director and Dink have received a check from GEMA from tropical Hurricane Idalia for $839,000 to reimburse the county for work done in response to the hurricane. Butler presented this check to the County.
Commissioner Toby Conner asked why we are not getting outside help. Butler responded, "We were using FEMA equivalent rates. We tried to come up with a labor factor using DOT established labor rates. We looked at those rates and local rates and adjusted the DOT rates by 50%. Still no positive feedback. With so much work in the industrial and residential areas they are all busy and don't have to settle for other work. It is difficult to compete with private projects. However, additional rental trucks to bring more rocks into our facilities and to the roads has been great. This was a huge help. We typically run 6 to 7 dump trucks normally. With the rental trucks we have been able to increase to 10 to 12 trucks today."
Commissioner Timmy Rushing said he has received numerous compliments, praise and thanks from citizens for the work of public works to get so many roads repaired so quickly.
Mitch Sikes, Training Officer for Bulloch County Fire introduced three new Battalion Chiefs who were budgeted by the Commissioners in the most recent budget. "We want to thank you Commissioner for what you have done for us in supporting Bulloch County Fire and Public Safety. Thanks to your support we have now hired three new Battalion Chiefs. This will make a big difference in our ability to provide critical emergency services to the citizens of Bulloch County."
The three are:
- Marq Roberts, who came from Douglas Fire
- Ben Allen, who came from Vidalia Fire
- Jason Gammon, who was promoted from within.
Addressing rumors and concerns regarding County staff and employees jobs after the change of elected leadership Chairman Roy Thompson said, "We appreciate the job each and everyone of you have done. Everybody catches a lot of criticism but there is no harder working group of employees anywhere than right here in Bulloch County. Citizens don't understand often what it takes to run the county and the job you do."
The Chair then asked the employees in the room to stand and then asked follow Commissioner to give the employees a standing ovation and applause.
Commissioner Timmy Rushing, "The employees of Bulloch, you will have your job as long as I have anything to say about it."
Commissioner Anthony Simmons, "It is very refreshing to hear form citizens who thank us. Who say publicly you did a good job. Everyone needs to hear that sometime. Instead of every meeting folks pointing out what is wrong. There is more right than wrong in this community and in our county. During the hurricane our employees were out working in dangerous positions when they had family at home. I for one will always stand with the employees of this county. I want to thank the citizens who came this morning. We know they represent the majority of citizens who believe we are working to make this county safe, livable and I don't believe we need to be saved from who knows what. I appreciate what my fellow commissioners do and what each employee does. We will continue to do what we have been elected to do and do what is right for every citizens."
Commissioner Toby Conner, asked Commissioners to keep the Sheriff Noel Brown in mind, and said he is going through some medical conditions but will be fine. Chair Thompson confirmed that Sheriff Brown had heart cath and all is good. He is ready to get back to work again.
Commissioner Ray Mosley, "We have a great staff. Sometimes we don't say it enough. I appreciate all the departments and as we reflect on the storms a few weeks back. I appreciate all their sacrifices taking care of the citizens of Bulloch. I say thank you and we appreciate you."
Executive Session
After a lengthy executive session the Commissioners returned to adjourn the meeting with no action taken after returning from the Executive Session.
