At a called meeting of the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, October 10, 2024, several important topics were discussed, ranging from storm recovery efforts to zoning issues.
The agenda was swiftly approved without any modifications, and the board moved into the consent agenda, covering 10 items. These included the approval of minutes from the September 17 meeting, acceptance of roads in the Sunfield Station subdivision, reappointment and appointments to the Board of Tax Assessors, and the ratification of emergency orders related to Tropical Storm Debbie. Notably, Commissioner Timmy Rushing was appointed to the Bulloch County Development Authority Board of Directors to fill a vacated term. All consent agenda items were approved unanimously.
One notable piece of business included ratifying emergency repair orders for storm damage. Cherokee Culvert Company and Sand Creek Land Construction were contracted to assist with repairs and hauling services for Tropical Storm Debbie, with expenditures totaling over $100,000. Additionally, agreements with the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and Troutman Pepper Strategies for government affairs services were also approved.
The board then moved to new business, discussing contracts related to Hurricane Helene debris removal. Southern Disposal Recovery, Inc. was awarded a contract not to exceed $3 million for debris removal, to be reimbursed by FEMA. Thompson Consulting, Inc. was also contracted for debris removal monitoring services. Both contracts were approved without much debate, with the commissioners stressing the importance of swift action to meet FEMA’s 90-day reimbursement deadline.
During public comment, Len Factica, a candidate for County Commission, expressed his gratitude to public safety, EMS, and local churches for their collaborative efforts during Hurricane Helene. He also renewed a request to rename the Emergency Operations Center in honor of Ted Wynn, Jr., a proposal that has been under consideration by the board.
Ted Redmond raised questions about the contracts for debris removal, asking why there was no bidding process. County officials explained that due to the emergency nature of the situation, standard bidding requirements were waived to expedite recovery efforts.
During staff comments, it was noted that storm debris collection would begin immediately, with the goal of collecting 250,000 cubic yards of debris in the county. Residents were reminded to place debris in the right of way for pickup and were encouraged to do so by December 1.
The meeting wrapped up with a discussion of zoning items that had been delayed due to recent storms. Several meetings were rescheduled, and a proposal was made to handle zoning discussions over the course of three meetings in November to ensure that each case received adequate attention.
In closing, the commissioners praised county employees, private contractors, and citizens for their efforts in helping clear roads and address the storm damage. The meeting adjourned with the commissioners moving into an executive session to discuss personnel matters.
APPROVED: GENERAL AGENDA
APPROVED: CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes Approval: Tuesday September 17th, 2024 08:30 AM
- Approve a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Roads in Sunfield Station Subdivision
The developer has requested that the County accept dedication of and title to the roads in Sunfield StationSubdivision. 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.
- Approve the reappointment of Raymond Waters to the Bulloch County Board of Tax Assessors
Raymond Waters' 6-year term on the Bulloch County Board of Tax Assessors expires on December 31, 2024. Mr. Waters has agreed to continue serving on the Board of Tax Assessors. Bulloch County Chief Appraiser Ronny Newton has asked the Board of Commissioners to approve Raymond Waters to serve another 6-year term beginning Janury 1, 2025.
- Approve the appointment of Harry Starling to the Bulloch County Board of Tax Assessors
Kathy Newton has tendered her resignation for her position on the Board of Tax Assessors as of October 31, 2024. Her term expires December 31, 2028. Harry Starling has been recommended and selected by the Board of Commissioners to replace Ms. Newton's unexpired term.
- Approve the appointment of Commissioner Timmy Rushing to the Development Authority of Bulloch County Board of Directors
- Approve and ratify an emergency order of culvert pipe from Cherokee Culvert Company, Inc. for Tropical Storm Debby repairs
Public Works emergency ordered culvert pipe from Cherokee Culvert to use in road repairs after Debby. Cherokee Culvert is our regular supplier and they were able to provide us what we needed quickly at a cost of $84.777.47.
- Approve and ratify use of Sand Creek Land Construction, LLC for hauling services for Tropical Storm Debby repairs
Public Works used Sand Creek Land Construction to haul rock and dirt to road repair sites from Debby. For the week of 9/9 - 9/13 their rate was $15,041.25.
- Approve the GCIC policy requirements for criminal justice information/criminal history record information
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) requires any non-criminal justice agency receiving access to criminal justice information/criminal history record information to implement organizational policy and procedures to ensure protection of the criminal justice information, to ensure established guidelines are in place in the event of a man-made and natural disaster, and to ensure established guidelines for disciplinary actions in regards to misuse or violations concerning the GCIC CJIS Network, materials, records, and information. The attached policies include the following: Man-Made or Natural Disaster Policy, Media Protection Policy, Applicants Privacy Rights Notification Policy, and GCIC Disciplinary Policy. As part of the application process for alcohol licenses and special event permits, applicants are required to provide criminal history information; as a non-criminal justice agency we are responsible for the implementation of these policies. The attached policies have been updated and are required to be adopted every two years or otherwise as determined by the agency. Approval is recommended.
- Approve the User Agreement with GCIC for licensing purposes (alcohol licenses and special event permits)
- Approve the annual renewal of the Service Agreement with Troutman Pepper Strategies for Federal and State Government Affairs Services
This is an annual renewal of the service agreement for federal and state government affairs services which has yielded $4 million in Congressionally Directed Spending funds to Bulloch County. Financial Impact: $144,000.00 authorized in the FY 2025 General Appropriations Budget.
NEW BUSINESS
Approved: 1. Motion to approve a change order in the amount of $33,915.50 with Sikes Brothers, Inc. for necessary changes to the roadway design, as part of the Public Works Entrance Road project, funded by TSPLOST.
This change order is due to a design change in the profile and grade elevations on the Public Works Entrance. The design of the entrance, where it ties into US 301, was designed and approved as part of a GDOT Encroachment Permit. GDOT required that the Public Works Entrance have a low point to catch drainage from the new entrance road so that stormwater does not drain into US 301. The County's design consultant, Parker Engineering, designed the profile of the Public Works Entrance so that the slope coming from US 301 would be similar to the existing cross-slope on US 301 to catch drainage, and then tie in to existing elevations inside the Bulloch County Public Works Property. This design created a low point where a 3% negative grade met a 3% positive grade. This design works for most design vehicles, however, the Public Works Department's low- boy trailer only has a ground clearance of approximately six inches. After the graded aggregate base (GAB) and curb and gutter had been installed, county staff recognized that the low point may cause the low-boy trailer to scrape the pavement when traversing it. Staff asked Parker Engineering to analyze the issue more closely, and they confirmed that this would be an issue. Parker then revised the roadway plans using the dimensions of the low-boy trailer, so that it would not scrape the pavement once the road is paved.
The revised design will still meet GDOT drainage requirements, although the profile of the road will be different. The changes in grades require the removal and replacement of 84 linear feet of curb and gutter, raising the elevation on two curb inlets, and an additional 385 Tons of GAB. The road has not been paved yet, so there are no other demolition costs or changes to asphalt associated with this change order. The County Engineer recommends approval of this change order in the amount of $33,915.50 with Sikes Brothers, Inc.
Approved: 2. Motion to approve a contract in the amount not to exceed $3,000,000.00 with Southern Disposal Recovery, Inc. for debris removal for Hurricane Helene to be reimbursed by FEMA.
Approved: 3. Motion to approve a contract based on the rate schedule with Thompson Consulting, Inc. for debris removal monitoring for Hurricane Helene to be reimbursed by FEMA.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Len Fatica, a candidate for County Commission, expressed his gratitude to the county’s public safety teams, EMS, public works staff, and local churches for their hard work during Hurricane Helene. He humorously mentioned how his volunteer work had taken him to various churches, calling himself a "Catholic Presbyterian Baptist Methodist." Fatika also renewed a request to rename the county’s Emergency Operations Center after Ted Wynn, Jr., in honor of his contributions to the community.
Ted Redman raised concerns about the debris removal contracts, particularly asking whether other companies were considered for the contracts awarded to Southern Disposal Recovery and Thompson Consulting. Tom Couch, County Manager, explained that due to the emergency nature of the storm recovery, the usual bidding process was waived, and only these companies were responsive under the current high demand.
8. COMMISSION AND STAFF COMMENTS
Dink Bulter, Public Works Director provided updates on the ongoing storm recovery efforts, emphasizing the goal of completing debris removal within 90 days to ensure full FEMA reimbursement. He mentioned that 10-11 trucks would be working in the county over the weekend, and that it was difficult to set a specific schedule due to the speed at which crews are operating. Butler addressed public questions about where to place debris, advising residents to put it in the right of way by the road for collection. He stressed the magnitude of the storm’s impact, calling it a "catastrophic event," and explained that meeting the 90-day timeline was critical for financial reimbursement. He also clarified the meaning of "right of way" to help residents understand where to properly place debris.
Robert Seamans, Assistant Public Works Director, provided specific guidelines for debris removal after Hurricane Helene. He emphasized that the county is picking up leaf, limb, and vegetative materials, which must be cut to lengths of six feet or less. Residents should place the debris in the right of way next to the road, but not in the road itself, to allow easy access for grapple trucks. The county will service both paved and dirt roads, while the state will handle debris on state routes. For those in private neighborhoods, debris should be moved to the county right of way. Another option is to bring debris to the convenience centers, but Seamans warned that these centers fill up quickly. He urged residents to avoid placing debris in areas that could impact roads. The deadline for placing debris for collection is December 1, after which the county will reevaluate the situation.
James Pope, the Planning and Development Director, discussed rescheduling Planning and Zoning (P&Z) meetings that had been postponed due to recent hurricanes. The board had originally planned meetings for October 1 and October 3, but these were delayed. Pope proposed spreading the rescheduled zoning cases across three meetings: November 4, November 6, and November 7. He noted that each meeting would handle a balanced number of cases, including five rezoning items and one appeal, to avoid overwhelming any single session.
The commissioners approved the plan, agreeing that handling the items over three days would allow sufficient time for thorough discussion and public input. They also decided to start the November 7 meeting earlier, at 5:00 PM, to address other county business before moving into the zoning agenda. The rescheduling ensured that all cases, including those delayed since August, would receive proper attention without overburdening the meetings. The board confirmed that the meetings would be advertised accordingly.
Commissioner Timmy Rushing expressed his deep gratitude to the county employees, contractors, farmers, and private citizens who played a crucial role in the recovery efforts following the recent storms. He highlighted how countless individuals worked tirelessly, many starting at dawn, to clear roads for emergency services such as EMS, fire trucks, and law enforcement. Rushing emphasized that while some may not want public recognition, their contributions were invaluable, saving the county thousands, if not millions, of dollars by quickly opening roads. He made it clear that their efforts did not go unnoticed and expressed his sincere thanks to everyone involved in the recovery. Both Commissioner Anthony Simmons and Ray Mosley echoed his statement.
9. EXECUTIVE SESSION (PERSONNEL)
No action taken
10. ADJOURN
