Gordon County
Historic Preservation Commission
October 4, 2021
Members Present
Kenny Padgett, Chairman
Jeff Henderson
Jim Weaver
David Mitchell
Staff Present
Ursula Richardson, Planning & Development
Sandy Padgett, Secretary
Guests Present
Al Stone Jr., Environmental Defense of Georgia volunteer
Kathy Johnson, President/CEO Gordon County Chamber of Commerce
Regular meeting
Chairman Padgett called the meeting to order at approximately 5:10 p.m.; welcoming all in attendance. Minutes from August 2, 2021 meeting were presented for review and approval. Jeff Henderson made motion to approve minutes; seconded by David Mitchell. All voted aye.
Commission Reports
Jeff Henderson informed commission of ongoing renovations at Gordon County Historical Society House. Jim Weaver stated Austin Brown is a donor to the work at the Historical Society House. Mr. Brown’s parents owned this home where he grew up.
David Mitchell questioned HPC if anyone was aware of missing historical marker on Highway 41 South. Chairman Padgett suggested contacting Georgia Historical Society and have them check on the marker.
Unfinished Business
Chairman Padgett said Gordon County Civil War Parks are experiencing deteriorating conditions and will meet with County Administrator Jim Ledbetter to discuss this.
City HPC is not currently meeting but when they reconvene they will contact County HPC to arrange a joint meeting.
Chairman Padgett spoke with Jim Lay regarding getting plans in place to celebrate Gordon County’s 175th Anniversary in 2025.
Town of Resaca has been experiencing a staff shortage which has caused Civil War museum inventory to be put on hold for now.
Chairman Padgett would like HPC to meet with County Administrator Ledbetter to discuss historical issues update.
New Business
Chairman Padgett gave brief update on roadside marker program. Old green markers with gold lettering were original markers put into place in 1950’s and 1960’s. Since 1999 the marker program was turned over to the Georgia Historical Society. New signs are black with silver lettering with aluminum poles. There are currently approximately 131 markers missing throughout the state. State of Georgia has no allocated funds to replace/restore signs.
Chairman Padgett introduced Al Stone, Jr. to HPC members. Al Stone Jr. is a volunteer member with Environmental Defense of Georgia. Mr. Stone spoke with HPC members regarding zoning request application #Z21-13 regarding placement of mega chicken houses on Evergreen Road (Audubon area). Mr. Stone is the property owner of a portion of the property that was considered the Audubon community. Attached to HPC minutes is a detailed statement that Mr. Stone read to HPC members. Mr. Stone showed HPC a large photo display depicting overhead view of Audubon area in question.
Chairman Padgett gave HPC members a few minutes to ask Mr. Stone any questions.
Jeff Henderson stated he raised chickens for 33 years and served on the board of directors of a poultry company, Gold Kist, which is now a part of Pilgrim’s. Jeff Henderson stated a small farm helps a farmer keep his land. From an historic point of view there is Indian Mounds in the Audubon area that would be affected by a large mega chicken farm and he is opposed to the mega farm in this area.
Chairman Padgett expressed to HPC members that Mr. Stone and the EDOG members are not against the average chicken house operation, to which Mr. Stone agreed.
David Mitchell mentioned cemetery in the area of Audubon; Mr. Stone showed cemetery locations on map he had with him.
Chairman Padgett expressed his appreciation to Mr. Stone and his efforts.
Chairman Padgett introduced Kathy Johnson, President & CEO of Gordon County Chamber of Commerce. Kathy spoke briefly on previous historic areas she has helped to preserve.
Adjournment
Next HPC meeting will be tentative, depending on business that needs to be conducted. Jeff Henderson made motion to adjourn; seconded by Jim Weaver. All voted aye. Meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:02 p.m.
