10/13/2015 BOC Work Session Minutes
GORDON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 13, 2015
The Gordon County Board of Commissioners held a Work Session Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. in the conference room of the Administration Building
Chairman Hood called the meeting to order.
Fire Chief Doug Ralston called on Training Officer Nathan Saylors to introduce the 12 new Registered Volunteers and present them their certificate for completion of the Gordon County Fire Rescue Registered Volunteers (see attached list). Chief Ralston then gave an update of his department to the Board.
Mr. Allan Poole, Chairman of the Haralson County Board of Commissioners and Tallatoona Community Action Board Member, came before the Board and introduced other members, and Mr. Scott Gray, the Executive Director of Tallatoona. Mr. Gray spoke about the Tallatoona organization and their wish to partnership with Gordon County. He explained the many services provided by Tallatoona and informed the Board that he did not know the history between the Board and Tallatoona, but their Board and staff wish to start a fresh and new relationship with Gordon County.
The Board discussed each item on the agenda for the Regular Meeting and made no changes or additions. During the discussion on the agenda item for the Letter of Fee Proposal from Pieper O’Brien for several upcoming projects, County Administrator King asked Martin Vaughn with the Purchasing Department to speak to the Board and explain the fee schedule. Also, Administrator King advised that staff has been working with Pieper O’Brien for several week negotiating the fee rates. These are based on good faith intent for Gordon County to continue to maintain a relationship with Pieper O’Brien on future projects; this does not lock us in. This is personal services and does not require bid competition. A representative from Pieper O’Brien was invited to be here but apparently has been held up in traffic. Administrator King advised that this is a Work Session item to let the Board know what we are doing and to make sure that no Board Member has any concerns about it before we proceed. Commissioner Sexton asked about one of the percentage rates that was about 14%, why is it quite a bit higher than the other ones. Administrator King explained that because the overall dollar amount of the project would be much less, and so the total amount for architectural services would be lower. On the courthouse project of $12 million the overall fee would be greater, even though the percentage is lower.
Commissioner Sexton requested that the Board consider a change to the ordinance concerning farm animals in residential areas. County Attorney Ledbetter read the current ordinance and the Board discussed potential boundary numbers for backyard animals. The courts have found the current ordinance hard to work with in regard to a small bird operation. Commissioner Sexton stated that he thinks the ordinance needs to be changed in order to help the new Ordinance officer. The Board asked Attorney Ledbetter to investigate, and to talk with Greg Bowman and look at other counties’ ordinances regarding backyard animals and put together a draft proposal.
Commissioner Sexton spoke to the other Board members regarding asking the County Attorney to develop some ordinance guidelines for businesses such as indoor firing ranges.
Chairman Hood called on Mr. Scott Workman to present his comments regarding his problems with the indoor firing range on Lovers Lane. Mr. Workman presented a written copy of his concerns to the Board (attached) and spoke to the Board about his concerns. Mr. Workman say the establishment and permitting through the county for the indoor firing range was not handled in an appropriate manner. All of this was done without notification to surrounding neighbors; it was all done under the radar. The hours listed as Monday through Saturday 7:00 to 7:00, are not being done, it is not happing, shooting is happening 7 days a week all hours of the day. If the sound was controlled, the operation of the firing range wouldn’t be a problem.
Chairman Hood asked Mr. Marty Carroll, owner of the indoor firing range, who was in attendance, if he would like to say anything to the Board. Mr. Carroll said that he was given permission to build a retail store and an indoor shooting range. He said he did his homework for about three years using the Naval Engineer recommendations. Mr. Carroll said that there is not an ordinance on the sound of detonation of firearms in the County. Also, there are no set hours for his business to be open. He did say that there is some training going on a couple times a month after hours because it’s hard to do training when other people are shooting at the same time.
Chairman Hood announced that the time now was after 6:00 p.m. and the Board should start their Regular Meeting, so she suggested that the Executive Session be postponed until the next meeting which will take place in one week. There was agreement to go ahead and close the Work Session and go into the Regular Meeting.
Commissioner Cunningham made a motion to close the Work Session. Commissioner Gazaway seconded the motion and all voted aye. There being no further business the Work Session adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
