The VDT picked up that I referred to Ashley Paulk’s
personal attention of the day before
as flattery.
Sorry, elected officials who can’t even get recognized by the Chairman:
bring a camera next time; then he’ll notice you!
First I pointed out that the Mayor of Hahira was in the room.
The Chairman had recognized the
new Mayor of Valdosta,
his replacement on the Valdosta City Council, and
the
Chair of the Lake Park Chamber of Commerce, but not the Mayor of Hahira.
I didn’t want anyone to think the County Commission
doesn’t care about Hahira!
Then I commended the voting Commissioners for their comments
Continue reading →
Dr. Noll made the case for the cost-effectiveness of solar energy
through, among other things, an analogy to finaninc buying a car.
First Dr. Noll thanked people who had supported
WACE’s anti-biomass work,
and hoped people had had time to read his recent LTE in the VDT,
Waste Not, Want Not.
Then he addressed Commissioner Raines’
comments of the previous day.
Dr. Noll pointed out that solar is
fast becoming less expensive
and with financing costs little more than a car or truck.
Solar is cost-effective —Dr. Noll @ LCC 13 September 2011
Regular Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 13 September 2011.
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
Dan Bremer of the
Lake Park Chamber of Commerce talked about their
Exit Strategy, which encourages drives to exit I-75 and spend money
in Lowndes County.
He thanked two Lowndes County employees.
And he asked for some use of a prison detail for cleanup before
events in south Lowndes.
The Exit Strategy —Dan Bremer @ LCC 13 September 2011
Regular Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 13 September 2011.
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
This is what the Lowndes County Commission wasted tax dollars on
yesterday evening: an ordinance not on the agenda, not read to the public,
still not
on the county’s online list of ordinances, and for no stated purpose.
We can guess from Commissioner Raines’ remarks that it has something
to do with videoing and photographing.
Maybe it has something to do with the previous day’s
outburst by Ashley Paulk aimed at a specific individual.
Who knows?
None of the public who came to that meeting know.
That’s what passes for transparent government in Lowndes County, Georgia.
Ordinance for no reason, not on the agenda, and not read to the public @ LCC 13 September 2011
Regular Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 13 September 2011.
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
William Branham talked about solar initiatives he’s involved in
and a variety of public officials he’s talked to who are positive
on solar and renewable energy for generating jobs.
He pointed out that solar grew faster than any other energy source.
He mentioned the Chamber’s
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Network
(of which I am also a member).
After Branham spoke, Commissioner Raines cited one solar company that
had failed together with financing concerns and indicated he didn’t
think it was time for solar here.
I don’t agree with Commissioner Raines. What do you think?
Solar for Georgia —Bill Branham @ LCC 12 September 2011
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
No, not every intemperate outburst!
We can’t be everywhere.
Just the outstanding ones from the podium as chairman in
County Commission meetings.
Ashley Paulk is code enforcement
Citizens were opposing a rezoning on Old Pine Road,
8 June 2010.
A Mr. Mulligan of Bemiss Road
wanted to know who does code enforcement.
Chairman Paulk responded:
You’re looking at him. Me.
I locked up some of my best friends!
While he was interrogating Dr. Noll
12 January 2011
who had the temerity to come to invite the Commission to a meeting,
Ashley Paulk remarked:
“I was the sheriff sixteen years; I locked up some of my best friends;
that’s the way I operate.”
Three prison work details, one will be assigned to
School board or runoff; the other two to road maintenance and public parks,
for $39,500 per detail.
Commissioner Powell wondered about the start date, total hours per year,
etc., and those questions were clarified by staff (about 200 days per year
depending on weather).
It seems like a great opportunity and a great deal for us.
Is three crews enough to do what we need to accomplish,
or is there an additional need for an additional crew.
Answer by Chairman and staff:
no more are available.
Nobody questioned whether using prisoners for cheap was a good idea
when there are many people out of work around town.
8. For Consideration – 2011-2012 Prison Detail Contract @ LCC 12 Sep 2011
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
Commissioner Powell wanted to know if County Planner Jason Davenport
had sent these changes out to any engineers or developers to see
if they had any concerns.
County Planner said some of them had been on the mass email
that he had sent, in addition to the notice in the newspaper,
plus he had called surveyors’ offices.
Commissioner Powell seemed satisfied.
TXT-2011-01 Combination Plats, Administrative/Clerical Changes, Zoning Map, & Other Amendments
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
7.b. REZ-2011-12 Cardwell, 5415 Railroad Ave @ LCC 12 Sep 2011
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
Commissioners and staff concerned with ironing out issues about
rezoning before voting on it!
County Planner Jason Davenport
said he wanted to talk one more time to the two parties
before it comes to the Commission tomorrow.
7.a. REZ-2011-11 West-Fuller, 5303 Tucker Road, 137-25 & 25A, ~1.31 ac, E-A & R-1 to R-1 and R-21, well/septic
Commissioner Powell wondered whether it would be best to send it
back to the Planning Commission first.
Commissioner Evans said it was her understanding that the
Planning Commission wanted it to come back to them.
The County Planner said he thought they would enjoy seeing it again,
but they might understand not making the applicant waiting another
30 days, so he wanted to talk to the applicant one more time first.
Commissioner Powell wanted to be sure there would be documentation
in the file so if something came up ten years down the road
they’d know what went on.
7.a. REZ-2011-11 West-Fuller, 5303 Tucker Road @ LCC 12 Sep 2011
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.