Commissioner's Honor Joey Sanders Heroic Action at Tuesday's Meeting

Chairman Roy Thompson, began the Bulloch County Commissioners bi-monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 with a first in a song by Deacon Andrew Pelt. They then recognized Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Director Eddie Canon for his induction into the GRPA Hall of Fame and Athletic Manager Dadrian Cosby for his election as Vice Chariman of GRPA.

The last recognition of the morning was for Bulloch County Animal Control Supervisor Joey Sanders for is heroic action in pulling a Bulloch County woman from her burning on Monday morning as reported by Grice Connect.

Ted Wynn, Bulloch County Public Safety Director recounted Sander's actions on Monday morning. "He saw smoke coming from the home and called 911 for help. He then realized there was still a female in the home. As he arrive the windows blew out of the house and the smoke was filling the home. He crawled on his hands and needs down a hallway to a back bedroom to find the woman. He then drug her to safety. He was met by Bulloch County Sheriff's Captain Ben Linehart in the garage area of the home to help Sanders get her to safety."

Sanders gave credit to the firefighters and reminded the Commissioners of the dangerous and important work they do every day to protect life and property in our county. Sanders is a 20 plus year Bulloch County Employee and leads the Animal Control Division.

Brad Deal, County Engineer gave an update on the Brannen Pond Road which has been closed since it was damaged by Hurricane Adalia. He reported that the road will be closed well into 2024 as they work through the process with FEMA to fund the improvements and repairs. Read all about this and other County business covered in the story.

RECOGNITION

1. Musical Selection by Deacon Andrew Pelt

112123-andrw-pelt — Decon Andrew Pelt. DeWayne Grice

2. Recreation & Parks Department: Director Eddie Canon - Inducted into the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Hall of Fame

112123-eddie-canon — Eddie Canon, Bulloch Recreation & Parks Director. DeWayne Grice

Canon told the board that Lonice Barrett and Honey Bowen were the first two inductees into the GPRA Hall of Fame. Bulloch has one of the largest numbers of Hall of Fame members in the State.

3. Recreation & Parks Department: Athletics Manager, Dadrian Cosby Elected Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association

112123-dadrian-cosby — Dadrian Cosby, Bulloch Recreation & Parks Athletics Manager. DeWayne Grice

4. Public Safety Director Ted Wynn - Animal Control Supervisor, Joey Sanders

112123-joey-sanders — Lisa Sanders, Joey Sanders and Ted Wynn with Commissioners. DeWayne Grice

Public Hearing

1. Initial Public Hearing to begin the process of updating the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Bulloch County.

James Pope, Bulloch County Planning Director said they are working toward having an updated plan by June of 2024 that will be approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. They are required by law to form a steering committee and have public input. They have had two meetings one on November 13th and one in Brooklet on November 16th. Today is the third public input meeting. Click here for a public survey link to provide input and for more information on the plan and the plan process. A little over 250 citizens have responded. This will be open for another month. He encouraged citizens to share on their social media and with friends. They will have a proposed plan to present in March of 2024 that will be presented to the Commissioners. The plan will provide a guide for future growth.

Tim Powell was the only speaker during public comments. He was studying the yellow zone created in the Southern part of the county where they are proposing future growth. Some of the most productive farm land in the county is in this area. He noticed the committee was woefully short of ag members on the committee. He thinks future committees should be one third or half of the committee made up of the ag community. Open farm land makes for ugly subdivisions. More effort should be made to place them in woodland tracts versus open and productive farmland.

He asked if at this moment in time exist any binding agreement or legal agreements that requires Bulloch to supply water to the Hyundai plant or any other development in Bryan County? Since this was a public hearing, it is a listening session and there was no response from the Commissioners.

CONSENT AGENDA - ALL APPROVED

1. Approve a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Roads in Belmont Estates Subdivision

The developer has requested that the County accept dedication of and title to the roads in Belmont Estates 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.

2. Approve a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Roads in Bridgewater Subdivision

The developer has requested that the County accept dedication of and title to the roads in Bridgewater Subdivision. 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.

3. Approve a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Roads in Farmington West Subdivision

The developer has requested that the County accept dedication of and title to the roads in Farmington West 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 bealf of the County.

4. Approve a Resolution for RiverSource Life Insurance Company

The Parks and Recreation Department was notified recently by RiverSource Life Insurance Company that Ms. Virginia Trapnell had passed away and named the Statesboro Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Department (along with a number of other organizations) as a beneficiary of her deferred annuity account. Bulloch County should receive approximately $22,116.00 from this bequest for use by the Parks and Recreation Department. There are several forms to complete in order to receive these funds, and one of the forms that must be completed is the attached resolution. County Manager Tom Couch and Chief Financial Officer Kristie King will act as authorized signers, meaning they have the authority to sign any other forms or documents necessary to complete this transaction. Approval is recommended.

5. Reject a portion of the bid received from Friendship Ford and approve the purchase of a vehicle for Buildings and Facilities from the State of Georgia vehicle purchasing contract.

There is a clause in the vehicle bid that allows the County to accept the bid in whole or in part. It is recommended to reject item #4 on the bid and order the F150 with the V8 engine off the State of Georgia Vehicle Bid Contract. The pricing sheet from the state indicates that options requested on item #4 are still available and the bid indicated they were not available therefore the bid does not meet the specs issued in the bid document.

The dealership that has the state contract, Allan Vigil Ford, confirmed that the 2024 Ford F150 is still available with the 5.0L V8 Flex Fuel Engine and the trailer tow package. The bid indicated to get the trailer tow package we would have to accept a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Engine. The Building and Facilities Director stated the V8 was necessary to pull heavy trailers when needed.

6. Accept a portion of the bid received from Friendship Ford for vehicles by various County Departments.

The State of Georgia contract prices were not yet available when the bid was issued. At the time of the vehicle bid opening the State of Georgia’s purchasing window has opened for some vehicles. A comparison has been made between the available vehicles through the state contract and the vehicles submitted on the bid. There is a clause in the vehicle bid that allows the County to accept the bid in whole or in part. It is recommended to accept the bid offer on item 3, item 5, item 6, item 7, item 11, and item 13. There will be savings of $35,755 to the County by accepting the bid offer on these vehicles.

7. A motion to approve the purchase of Rescue 42 TeleCrib Strut from MES

The Bulloch County Fire Department was budgeted $225,000.00 to purchase new equipment for three new fire apparatus that are on order. Part of this equipment includes set of Rescue 42 TeleCrib struts, for the amount of $17,087.88. This purchase will help our Department equip our engines with life saving rescue tools and maintain standardized equipment across the fleet of apparatus to better serve our citizens.

8. Motion to approve Hurst Rescue Tools from MES

The Bulloch County Fire Department was budgeted $225,000.00 to purchase new equipment for three new fire apparatus that are on order. Part of this equipment includes set of Hurst eDraulic rescue tools, for the amount of $48,047.96. The set will include; a cutter, spreaders, ram, batteries, chargers, as well as air bags and controls. This purchase will help our Department equip our engines with life saving rescue tools to better serve our citizens.

9. A motion to approve equipment for new Apparatus

The Bulloch County Fire Department was budgeted to purchase new equipment for three fire apparatus that are currently on order. This equipment includes; fire hose, nozzles, hand tools, and other rescue equipment that are essential to day to day operations. The purchase price of this order is $101,074.00 of the $225,000.00 budgeted. This purchase will help our Department equip our engines with life saving tools and equipment and help create a standardized uniformed fleet to better serve our citizens.

10. Reject a portion of the bid received from Friendship Ford and approve the purchase of vehicles for the Parks and Grounds Department from the State of Georgia vehicle purchasing contract.

A bid for 18 vehicles was issued on September 28, 2023. The bid opening was held on October 26, 2023. Only one bid was received from Friendship Ford out of Bristol, Tennessee. A bid was emailed to two dealerships located in Statesboro, Georgia, and one dealership did not respond with contact information. A bid ad was posted in the Statesboro Hearld on September 28, 2023, and posted to the County’s website and on the Georgia Procurement Registry for the duration of the bid cycle. The State of Georgia contract prices were not yet available when the bid was issued. At the time of the vehicle bid opening the State of Georgia’s purchasing window has opened for some vehicles. A comparison has been made between the available vehicles through the state contract and the vehicles submitted on the bid. Other vehicle comparisons will be made as time allows. There is a clause in the vehicle bid that allows the County to accept the bid in whole or in part. It is recommended to reject items #9 and #10 on the bid and order the F150 and F250 for Parks and Grounds off the State of Georgia Vehicle Bid Contract. The pricing sheet from the state indicates that options requested on item #9 are still available and the bid indicated they were not available therefore the bid does not meet the specs issued in the bid document. The dealership suggested upgrading to a Super Cab which would make the vehicle cost $1,737.00 more than the truck purchased from the state. Purchasing the F250 with the 8-foot Knapheide service body from the state will save $3,725.00. By purchasing both vehicles from the state contract there is still a savings of $242.00.

11. Stryker Service Contract

This is a sole source request for approval of a Stryker service contract for preventive maintenance and repairs to our Stryker medical equipment. The service agreement covers a yearly preventive maintenance service and repairs as needed to 9 stretchers, 8 stair chairs and 4 power load systems. The cost of the agreement is $19,703.20. We request approval by the Board.

12. Motion to approve the purchase of Bullard Thermal Imaging Cameras from Georgia Fire & Rescue Supply

The Bulloch County Fire Department was budgeted $225,000.00 to purchase new equipment for three new fire apparatus that are on order. Part of this equipment includes Thermal imaging Cameras, for the amount of $25,462.77. This purchase will help our Department equip our engines with life saving rescue equipment and maintain standardized equipment across the fleet of apparatus to better serve our citizens

13. Motion to grant a 2024 alcoholic beverage renewal license for package retail beer and wine sales to certain establishments with a current 2023 license.

OFF-PREMISES:

JKMD 7, Inc. – Vinod Jetwani
OM EVA Inc. - Vinod Jetwani
Buzzway, LLC - Guninder Singh, Guranchal Singh
PSM14 Inc. – Kushal Patel
Moose Lodge – Shalah Hendrix
Eldora Penny Saver – Edward Maddox
Shiv Ganger Food Mart Inc. – Anitaben Patel, Jayeshkumar Patel Kishabapa
Trading, Inc (Zip N Food #16) – Pallavi Patel
Suloni Investments, LLC (Zip N Food #8) – Keyuriben Patel
Shivala, LLC – Naynaben Chaudhari
Jay Hari, Inc. – Naynaben Chaudhari
Sumner Brothers LLC (Pojo’s #2, Pojo’s Gas n-Go, Pojo’s Country Store #5)- Connine Sumner, Jerry Sumners, Beverly Sunmer, Philip Sunmer

14. Motion to amend the Tower Lease Agreement with Verizon Wireless to allow modifications to tower equipment located at 115 North Main Street

Bulloch County entered into a lease agreement with Verizon Wireless in 2017 to erect a tower on Bulloch County premises located at 115 North Main Street. Verizon is proposing to update and modify the equipment located on the tower. No negative impacts are anticipated. Approval is recommended.

15. Motion to Approve Purchase Order for Dobbs Equipment Southeast, LLC for Repair Cost of John Deer Motor Grader

This PO request is a follow up to the briefing that we gave several weeks ago referencing the extensive repairs cost for a John Deer Motor Grader.

The grader repairs have been completed and the machine is back in operation.

We are requesting approval of the PO request for the repair costs in the amount of $47,833.58.

NEW BUSINESS

APPROVED - 1. Resolution to Approve Updated Personnel Policy Manual

In FY2019, the Board of Commissioners adopted a new, comprehensive Personnel Policy Manual for employees and supervisors. Periodic review of the Personnel Policy Manual is prudent to ensure it remains up-to-date and relevant. As a result, county staff has committed to an annual review and, if appropriate, recommendation to update the policy manual. The Board of Commissioners most recently approved updates in late 2022. As a result of the 2023 review, the project team (HR Director, County Attorney, and Assistant County Manager) has recommended additional updates and edits which will clarify areas of confusion and expand upon topics already covered by the manual.

APPROVED - 2. Staff recommends and request the Consideration of a Motion for Bulloch County to enter into a contract for Equipment and Software from Verizon Connect Services that will be used to monitor workforce and fleet management. Award of this contract with Verizon Connect Services for the next 12 months will be $26,646.60 this contract is through Sourcewell contract number 020221-NWF.

In an effort to improve the overall management of the Bulloch County Public Works fleet usage and workforce we are requesting to outfit all of the Vehicles and Heavy Equipment with in our Public Works fleet with integrated devices that operate with near real time software provided and maintained by Verizon Connect Services.

APPROVED - 3. Motion to enter into negotiations with the most qualified and suitable firm for engineering design services for repairs and drainage improvements to Brannen Pond Road.

Brad Deal, County Engineer said that 5,000 acres drain into this point from Brooklet. They felt it was time to do a hydrology study. This consultant will do the hydrology study and design improved drainage capacity. The process with FEMA is very slow, that is why it has taken so long. It could take into the summer to get approval for this. With cost expected be between $400 to $500,000 to make drainage upgrades and improvements. Due to the high cost they made the decision to keep the road closed while they pursue funding. The other issue is if they need any permits from the CORE of Engineers which could slow the project down even more.

The guardrail had been replaced three years ago at the cost of nearly $200,000. It was completely washed away. Due to this they know they need to improve the drainage.

Following state and federal guidelines for procurement of engineering design services, Bulloch County advertised and received Statements of Qualifications from four firms on October 19, 2023. Bulloch County and the City of Statesboro received 4 proposals from consultants. All four firms were then asked to send a Technical Approach to the project, which was received by the County on November 9, 2023. The four firms that sent submissions for the project are shown on the attached memo from the Purchasing Manager.

Staff has been reviewing and scoring the submittals based on the weighted scoring criteria in accordance with state and federal guidelines. The selection of a firm to begin negotiations with should be complete by the time of the Commission meeting. Scoring criteria includes Experience and Qualifications for Project Manager and Key Team Members (30%), Resources and Workload Capacity (20%), Technical Approach (40%), and Past Performance (10%). This process is a Qualification Based Selection Process being used so that the County will be eligible to receive funding from FEMA for the work. It is anticipated that the project will be eligible for 85% federal funding from FEMA with a 15% match from the County.

Brannen Pond Road was damaged by flooding caused by Hurricane Idalia. Stormwater ran over the road, destroyed the shoulder, washed away guardrail, and undermined the pavement. The County Engineer has determined that the capacity of the existing drainage culverts as well as the cross section and design of the road need to be evaluated and improved to prevent future damage at this location, build a more resilient road and drainage structure for future storms, and provide a safer roadway for the traveling public

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

COMMISSION AND STAFF COMMENTS

Commissioner Timmy Rushing said that Commissioner Toby Conner's grandmother had a fall on Sunday and is not doing well. He is with her and his family at the hospital in Savannah. That is the reason he was not in attendance.

WORK SESSION

1. Elections Update: Elections Supervisor, Shontay Jones

Jones spoke about upcoming 2024 election cycle concerns. Bulloch could have up to five elections next year. Heavy advance voting creates issues especially with parking at the Bulloch County Annex are a concern. High numbers of absentee ballots also create staffing issues. Security concerns are also an issue that feel may increase the need for additional security. One of the largest complaints they receive is parking. They may need an absentee ballot mail team which will require more staff. Many of the poll workers have volunteered their time for over 20 years. She would like to provide them an annual appreciation dinner. With anticipated growth we need to look at relocating the elections office to a larger and more adequate facility with more space and parking.

2. Fire Department Update: Fire Chief, Ben Tapley

Tapley gave the Commissioners and update on the departments improvement and needs. He said Bulloch Fire has 18 career firefighters, responsible for covering 686 square miles, 12 part time firefighters, along with administrative staff including a new fire inspector, a volunteer coordinator and 55 volunteers.

Their call frequency is increasing dramatically. One reason for this is having fire engines respond as first responders to medical calls.
In 2023 they have responded to 1,349 calls year to date and estimate over 2,000 calls of service.
They now have 3 staffed stations in Brooklet, Portal and Register and 11 volunteer stations.
Their mission to serve and take care of family and visitors of Bulloch
The 2020 CPSM study showed that they need to establish more career firefighter and begin assisting EMS. Bulloch Fire now responds with EMS. They assist them in responding and in critical patient calls they often drive the ambulance into the hospital. Citizens who falls and can't get up are also calls they run to assist EMS.
The increased millage rate allowed them to increase staff by 6 firefighters and promoted 9 firefighters to Lieutenants. They are a young career department and needed the oversight on the engine companies. The infrastructure improvements to the stations have helped with livability for firefighters and EMS.
Brooklet, Portal and Register are manned stations and will soon house EMS as well. Most main stations were built in the 80's and 90's and were not built to house firefighters.
ISO moved the department from a 5x to a 4y which will provide a cost savings to citizens on home insurance. It also revealed more department needs like more equipment, personnel and stations staffed. They have been applying for a lot of grants. One example is the SAFER grant will allow them to add more volunteers.
With AFG grants and SPLOST funding almost all apparatuses have new SCBA devices.
They have three new engines ordered. The first will be delivered in August of 2024 and two are to be delivered in August of 2025.
Firefighters have an increased risk of Cancer. They have implemented Cancer training to help remind firefighters ways to help reduce and prevent Cancer in firefighters.

3. Public Works: Solid Waste Update, Public Works Director, Dink Butler

Butler introduced Robert Seamons, Assistant Director of Public Works who gave the presentation on a consultant recommendations for solid waste improvements. He reviewed the consultants recommendations to include:

Consolidate from 22 down to 12 convenience centers - under review.
Limit hours of availability at convenience centers - they tried this but since opening 24 hours complaints are way down.
Staffing the centers - less complaints since staff reduced.
Recycling - no markets for paper, plastic or glass at this time. It would be very costly to convert these centers and there is no market. They agree recycling is good and they will continue to review these options. They do accept tires and metals are recycling - no car batteries are taken.Several parts stores will accept automotive fluids. Private recycling through Green Rock is available at this time.