The three rezonings back the agenda after being tabled were approved, tabled again, and denied. They meet again this morning at 8:30 AM to consider that tabled rezoning and other matters.

See also the LAKE videos of the previous morning’s Work Session, the LAKE videos of when they were tabled last month, and the LAKE videos of last November’s Planning Commission meeting for those three rezonings.

Below are links to LAKE videos from each item, with a few notes, followed by a video playlist.

• 1. Call to Order 2. Invocation 3. Pledge

  Video.

• Recognition of Elected Officials

  Video.

• 4. Minutes for Approval

  Video.

• 5a. REZ-2016-19 Turnberry at Thompson,

  Video. GLPC Recommendation (R-21 Zoning): Denial

  TRC Recommendations: Pending 01/03 TRC Meeting turned into recommending R-A.

  Developers originally asked for R21 (half acre lots) , changed to R-1 (one acre lots) and commissioners approved RA (2.5 acre lots)

  Dr. Betsy Perry-Dacker spoke against for neighbors from far around. This was historically the Wilkins farm, and many of the neighbors are still agricultural, the rezoning does not match the Comprehensive Plan, and Thomson Road could not support the traffic density at the original R-21 zoning. However, the neighbors can support R-A zoning.

  Nobody spoke in favor. Demarcus Marshall moved to approve R-A zoning. Second I think by Mark Wisenbaker. Approved 4:1; I couldn’t tell who voted against.

• 5b. REZ-2016-21 Seago, 4678 US Hwy 41 S

  Video. Tabled again still waiting for 1.5 acre deal with neighbors.

• 5c.REZ-2016-23 Branham Project, 2480 Copeland Rd

  Video. TRC Recommendations: Approval and Approval with Condition(s)
  GLPC Recommendation: Approval
  Opposition had turned in a petition and applicant a traffic study.

  Rick Hiss asked if the six petition signatures were in addition to the 39 from before (yes). He said he and the neighbors were opposed to it because it would be too dense for the area, close to a day care center, and it’s already zoned for 1-acre lots.

  Ruger Budd spoke against, saying he could hardly get out of his driveway, and naming more local facilities that didn’t want the traffic.

  Noted local attorney Roy W. Copeland spoke for applicant Bill Branham, saying the traffic increase wouldn’t be that much; it would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; and he had spoken with Colquitt EMC about the neighborhood being intended to be net-zero energy. He quoted Bruce Bailey, formerly with CEMC, in favor of it as the wave of the future.

  Commissioner Joyce Evans questioned the applicant about the federal grant he mentioned. No, he doesn’t have it approved.

  Commissioner Scottie Orenstein asked County Planner Jason Davenport if there were any changes to the site plan. Nothing other than the affordable housing is not actually going to be in there.

  Commissioner Demarcus Marshall recused himself (on a previous vote on this he said because he had relatives who owned land nearby). Denied 4:0 with one abstention. Why? Both Staff and GLPC recommended approval. Apparently who you are matters.

• 5d. Actually – let’s let the room clear (because we only come for our one item).

  Video.

• 5d. Beer, Wine &Liquor License El Cazador Express, Inc. – 4920 Old US41S

  Video.

• 6a. Beer, Wine & Liquor License Fine Liquor & Libations-3954 Old Hwy 41

  Video.

• 6b. Wine License -Naylors Pantry – 87777 Hwy. 135, Naylor, GA

  Video.

• 6c. Adoption of the 2017-2018 Budget Calendar

  Video.

• 6 d. Approval of Elected Officials Using County Issued Cards

  Video.

• 6e. Declaration of Surplus Heavy Equipment and Authorization of Sale

  Video.

• 6f. Special Assessment Rate for 2017

  Video.

• 6g. Workers’ Compensation Insurance Renewal

  Video.

• 6 h. Timber Ridge Consultants, LLC Consulting Agreement

  Video.

• 6 i. Engineering Services for Sanitary Sewer System Improvements

  Video.

• 6 j. Crossing Closures – Dasher Johnson Road and Kinderlou Road

  Video.

• 6 k. Quit Claim Deeds for Abandoned ROW off Pikes Pond Road

  Video.

• 6l. Engineering Agreement with CSX for the Old Quitman RD Bridge

  Video.

• 6 m. Georgia Department of Transportation LMIG Grant

  Video.

• 7 a. CDBG – Children’s Advocacy Center – Construction Bids

  Video.

• 8. Reports – County Manager (none)

  Video.

• 9. CWTBH (none) 10. Adjournment

  Video.

Here’s a LAKE video playlist:

Videos: Turnberry, Seago, and Branham back again, 3 alcohol, and budget
Regular Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Video by Gretchen Quarterman for Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, January 10, 2017.

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