Gordon County Board of Commissioners
Work Session Minutes
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Judicial Building Assembly Room – 5:00 PM
PRESENT: Commissioners: M.L. “Bud” Owens, Chair, Kevin Cunningham,Vice-Chair, Chad Steward, Bruce Potts, Kurt Sutherland, County Administrator and Attorney Jim Ledbetter, County Clerk Hollis Barton; Judge Lorie Moss, Ursula Richardson, Doug Ralston; Grant Waldrop, Joe Schulman, Sgt. Shawn Elmore, Paige Nipper, Brandi Owczarz, Gordon Gazette
- Discussion of Regular Session Agenda Items
- Mr. Ledbetter gave an overview of the regular agenda items.
- For Board Consideration
- Departmental Report by Juvenile Court Judge Lorie Moss: Judge Moss thanked the Commission for giving her the opportunity for the update. Stated their building is now at full capacity on Christmas day, the building flooded from the ceiling which caused a lot of damage, building opened last week and are now fully operational. Stated they like the Newtown Road location as it meets their needs. Judge Moss then went over their day to day operations throughout the week and court schedules. For statistics, stated they had 102 children currently in Foster Care, with an additional five (5) entering care today on an emergency basis; seventy-four (74) youth on probation, and one (1) Probation Officer at the Juvenile Court; twelve (12) family preservation at the department with Judicial oversight. Judge Moss then went over the Hearing process and procedures.
Chair Owens stated he had recently met with local law enforcement and they were highly complementary to the Juvenile Court and asked Judge Moss if there was anything the Commission could do. Judge Moss stated if she had a wish list the only thing on it would be full-time security. Stated they currently have security provided by the Sheriff’s Office, but only when they are holding court. - Discussion with DNR: Sgt. Shawn Elmore with the Department of Natural Resources addressed the Commission regarding concerns of commercial fishing at Salacoa Park and the harmful effects on the habitat and resource depletion.
- Comcast Update: Paige Nipper with Comcast provided an update on broadband expansion in Gordon County. Stated they have signed an agreement with the State and are currently in the RFP process. Stated drawings and plans are completed, and awaiting the RFP to move forward. Stated a safe estimate on moving forward would be June of this year, but cannot confirm that as the official start date. Ms. Nipper then gave an overview of community partners and opportunities for citizens.
- GDOT Projects Update: Grant Waldrop and Joe Schulman with GDOT provided updates on Region 6 current projects Bridge Rehabilitation: SR 136 over Conasauga River, Old SR 53 Resurfacing from SR 53 Spur to I-75, and I-75 Resurfacing from US 411 in Bartow County to Dews Pond Road in Gordon County; and upcoming projects Bridge Replacement SR 136 over Coosawattee River, Intersection Improvement US 41 at SR 156, SR 156 Replacement over Salacoa Creek, US 411 Bridge Replacement over CSX, Intersection Improvement SR 225 at Newtown Church Road, Intersection Improvement SR 53 at Brownlee Mountain Road / Plainville Road, and SR 136 Railroad Crossing Improvement.
- Departmental Report by Juvenile Court Judge Lorie Moss: Judge Moss thanked the Commission for giving her the opportunity for the update. Stated their building is now at full capacity on Christmas day, the building flooded from the ceiling which caused a lot of damage, building opened last week and are now fully operational. Stated they like the Newtown Road location as it meets their needs. Judge Moss then went over their day to day operations throughout the week and court schedules. For statistics, stated they had 102 children currently in Foster Care, with an additional five (5) entering care today on an emergency basis; seventy-four (74) youth on probation, and one (1) Probation Officer at the Juvenile Court; twelve (12) family preservation at the department with Judicial oversight. Judge Moss then went over the Hearing process and procedures.
- Reminders and Information
- Next Commission Meeting: May 2, 2023
- Board Appointments
- Cash and Investments Report
- Departmental Written Reports
- ACCG Annual Training Calendar
- Executive Session to discuss litigation, property acquisition, and personnel
