All three rezonings breezed through, except slightly the longest was the tabling of the proposed 300′ communications tower off of US 84 East. The tower had the most people: those sitting in the back.

Surprisingly, one of the two Authority appointments was not the incumbent. None of the candidates were introduced, and none spoke.

One Citizen spoke, me, on behalf of WWALS, thanking them and inviting them.

Commissioner Clay Griner was not present. The other four voting Commissioners unanimously approved everything, including the one tabling. At least two staff speakers were not introduced, one not named except by last name, and one never named at all.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with some notes, followed by a LAKE video playlist. See also the agenda, the LAKE videos of the previous morning’s Work Session, and the LAKE videos of the preceding Planning Commission meeting.

• Audience

  Video.

• Before

  Video.

• 1. Call to Order

  Video.

• 2. Invocation 3. Pledge

  Video.

• 4. Minutes for Approval

  Video.

• 5.a. Appointments: Hospital Authority

  Video. In a surprise move, the incumbent was not appointed. Instead, Commissioner Joyce Evans nominated Shirley Garland, who was appointed. The appointee did not speak and was not introduced.

• 5.b. Appointments: Airport Authority

  Video. Anthony Payton nominated by Commissioner Demarcus Marshall and reappointed. The appointee did not speak and was not introduced.

• 6.a. REZ-2019-06 Glenn Gregory, Stallings Road

  Video. Planning Technician Molly Stevenson said one parcel was to reconcile with zoning; the other to subdivide. GLPC, TRC, and staff have no objections.

  Nobody spoke against.

  Nobody spoke for.

  Commissioners had no questions.

  Commissioner Mark Wisenbaker moved to approve. Commissioner Scottie Orenstein seconded. All voted aye.

• 6.b. REZ-2019-07 Lake Park CFA, Lakes Blvd

  Video. Planning Technician Molly Stevenson said it was to rezone 4/10 of an acre to develop part of an existing hotel, and remove the split zoning. GLPC, TRC, and staff like it.

  Nobody spoke against.

  Bill Nijem, 1007 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, spoke for by saying he was ready to answer questions.

  Commissioners had no questions.

  Commissioner Demarcus Marshall moved to approve. Commissioner Scottie Orenstein (I think) seconded. All voted aye.

• 6.c. TWR-2019-01 Value Concepts, Inc., US Hwy 84 E. E-A, New 300′ Telecom. Tower

  Video. Planning Technician Molly Stevenson said the proposed 300′ tower would be about 800 feet south of an existing 300′ tower. Colocation was studied but deemed infeasible. Moody AFB said the tower would not be a big problem for their helicopter training path. Still waiting on Moody AFB TERP resport and a response from the FAA.

  Chairman Bill Slaughter recommended tabling.

  Commissioner Demarcus Marshall moved to table. Commissioner Joyce Evans seconded. All aye.

• 7.a. Purchase of Computer Server Blades and Software

  Video. IT Director Aaron Kostyu said the existing hardware had reached end of life.

  Commissioner Scottie Orenstein asked if there was any value in the old blades.

  Answer: There is some. They will be put on govdeals. The issue with the old ones is they don’t have maintenance.

  Commissioner Scottie Orenstein moved to approve. Commissioner Mark Wisenbaker seconded. All aye.

• 7.b. Backup Appliance

  Video. IT Director Aaron Kostyu said, like for the previous item, the existing hardware had reached end of life.

  Commissioner Demarcus Marshall moved to approve. Commissioner Scottie Orenstein seconded. All aye.

• 7.c. Professional Services for Coleman Road Lift Station Force Main Replacement

  Video. Utility Director Steve Stalvey said this is the beginning of “our main trunk line that transports wastewater from the northern end of the county down to the LAS. Fees will be 9% of construction.

  Commissioner Scottie Orenstein moved to approve. Commissioner Mark Wisenbaker seconded. All aye.

• 7.d. Professional Engineering and Surveying Services for TIA Projects

  Video. County Engineer Mike Fletcher said staff had met with local engineering firms. A fee schedule has been devleoped, with 4% for engineering, 2% for surveying, 2% environmental, and 1% right of way deed acquisition. Staff will distribute to firms. Not all fees will apply to all projects.

  Commissioner Joyce Evans moved to approve. Commissioner Scottie Orenstein seconded. All aye.

• 7.e. GDOT TIA Agreement, Hightower Rd/Cooper Rd NE Paving, Drainage Improvements

  Video. County Engineer Mike Fletcher said it’s an administration contract between GDOT and Lowndes County.

  Commissioner Demarcus Marshall moved to approve. Commissioner Mark Wisenbaker seconded. All aye.

• 7.f. Amendment Lowndes County Fire Rescue Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

  Video. The presenter never said his name, nor did the Commissioners say who he was. Whowever he was said the hospital recently changed their medical director, which made existing protocols invalid.

  After some joking, Commissioners had no actual questions.

  Commissioner Mark Wisenbaker moved to approve. Commissioner Scottie Orenstein moved to approve. All aye.

• 7.g. 2020 Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant Program Request for Proposals (RFP)

  Video. Mr. Green (they never said who he was) said it’s annual. A little under $461,000 will benefit 92 youth.

  Commissioner Demarcus Marshall moved to approve. Commissioner Mark Wisenbaker seconded. All aye.

• 8.a. Bid for Two New-Year Model Commercial Rotary Brush Mowers

  Video. Finance Director Stephanie Black recapped yesterday morning’s discussion, basically that the low bidders equipment did not meet the county’s needs.

  Commissioner Scottie Orenstein wanted to know if additional mobility equipment would be required.

  Public Works Director Robin Cumbus said they’re low-profile mowers that fit on standard trailers, so no new equipment would be needed.

  Commissioner Demarcus Marshall moved to buy the Ridge Runners at $45,000 each. Commissioner Mark Wisenbaker seconded. All aye.

• 9. Reports: No Report

  Video.

• 10. CTBH: John S. Quarterman, Boat Ramp, WWALS Water Trails, Paddle Georgia, etc.

  Video. I thanked them for for fixing a force main before it breaks, for soon being finished with the Naylor Boat Ramp, and inviting the to pass Water Trails resolutions, as well as to Paddle Georgia and the Suwannee Riverkeeper Songwriting Contest. For details, see separate WWALS blog post.

Here’s a LAKE video playlist:

Videos: Tower, appointments, sewer main, boat ramp, water trails, Paddle Georgia
Regular Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Video by John S. Quarterman for Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 2019-05-14.

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!

Short Link: