CATOOSA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 800 LA FAYETTE ROAD
January 16, 2007, 6:00 p.m.
AMENDMENT TO SOIL ERISON AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL ORDINANCE Chairman Clark called the public hearing to order and asked Attorney Chad Young to present the proposed amendment. Mr. Young said the amendment was recommended by EPD and by Mr. Ridley, the County Codes’ Enforcement Officer. Mr. Young said the amendment added a provision in the enforcement section that would make the owners of the land and any other responsible party liable for violations. There were no public comments and the public hearing adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners was held Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the Catoosa County Administrative Building, 800 LaFayette Street, Ringgold, Georgia.
Commissioner Hill gave the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Clark called the meeting to order. The following commissioners were present: William H. H. Clark, Chairman; Ken Marks, Commissioner District One; Robert Winters, Commissioner, District Two; James F. Emberson, Commissioner, District Three; Dewayne Hill, Commissioner, District Four.
Additions: DOT Contract for Road Striping.
Deletions: Rent to Purchase Option for Development Authority Selling Property.
Changes: Move 2-Year Budget Plan – Colonnade and 2-Year Budget Plan – Learning Center to follow Executive Session for Legal Advice. By unanimous consent the agenda was approved as amended.
MINUTES
Chairman Clark called for approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 4, 2007. There were no corrections and the minutes were unanimously approved as presented.
CONSIDER CHANGE IN MEETING DATE FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2007 REGULAR BOARD MEETING The Board agreed by unanimous consent changed the first regular board meeting in February from Tuesday, February 6 to Thursday, February 8.
SECOND ANNUAL BOYNTON TECH TREK, BOYNTON ELEMENTARY Paula Collier from the Boynton PTO and Race Director of the Tech Trek requested permission to use County roads for the school’s annual race to raise money for its technology fund. Ms. Collier said she had been granted authority from the State to use Highway 2. County Attorney Patty said the Board needed to authorize use of the County roads for the 2007 Tech Run on March 10, 2007, and for Mrs. Collier and her group to coordinate with the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department. Chairman Clark called for all in favor of the request as stated by Mr. Patty to indicate by saying aye. There was no opposition and the authorization was unanimously granted.
COUNTY MANAGER REPORT County Manager Brown presented the following:
· Staff working to complete NPDS Permit with EPD with a deadline by the end of the month.
· Staff working on the Land Comprehensive Use Plan and Solid Waste for completion by year end.
· Working on recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and Solid Waste Authority regarding the Landfill methane gas situation.
· Asked for status from DOT regarding federal funding portion of the Colbert Hollow Road.
· Asked for date commitment from DOT on Cloud Springs Road project.
APPOINTMENT TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY County Attorney Patty said the Law relating to the Hospital Authority required the County to submit three names for each vacancy, which would be a total of six names, for the two positions available for Catoosa County on the Hospital Authority Board of Trustees. Mr. Patty said after the Board of Commissioners had advertised for candidates, the County had only received requests from the two incumbents for reappointment. Mr. Patty said the Board could either send the two names submitted or re-advertise and ask for additional candidates. Chairman Clark made the motion that the County Attorney notify the Hospital Authority it was the Board of Commissioners’ recommendation to reappoint Dr. Weldon and Ms. Tobias as its representatives. Commissioner Winters seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
DOT CONTRACT FOR ROAD STRIPING County Manager Brown said the County had received a contract from DOT for additional money for road striping. Mr. Brown said the roads in Catoosa County scheduled for striping were: Burning Bush Road, Graysville Road, W. Nick‑A-Jack Road, Lakeview Drive, Swanson Road, Baggett Road, Reeds Bridge Road, Mt. Pisgah Road, and Pine Grove Road. Mr. Brown said this would be at no cost to the County. Chairman Clark called for all in favor of approving the contract to indicate by saying aye. There was no opposition and the contract was unanimously approved. [Copy of Contract on File in Commission Office]
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mr. Donald Brown presented the following rezoning recommendations:
Case No. 989-06, Harry Patel, Mack Smith Road, R-1 to PUD. The Planning Commission approved 5-0-1 abstain, 1 absent. Mr. Brown said the property consisted of approximately 24 acres. Mr. Brown said the Planning Commission approved the rezoning contingent upon: (1) a written opinion from the traffic engineer regarding the existing traffic volume and capacity of Mack Smith Road and its ability to carry additional traffic burden caused by the development; (2) a revised site plan drawing showing a 6-foot vinyl fence on the north property line starting from the end of the commercial building and running to the back of the property line; (3) provide a typical residential unit plan and elevation drawing; and (4) roads that would become public roads were indicated to have a 50-foot right-of-way. Chairman Clark asked if anyone was present speaking in favor of the development.
Autumn Friday, MAP Engineers, representing the client. Spoke on behalf of the client addressing the traffic study, buffers, fencing, and setbacks. She also provided drawings for the unit floor plan and sample elevation of the buildings.
Bobby Riddle, Resident. Spoke in opposition to the rezoning stating his property adjoined this property and he and his neighbors were opposed to the rezoning to PUD because of traffic, impact on schools, and sewers. In addition, Mr. Riddle said he understood down past his residence, there would be a new business that would employ 200 to 250 people, adding he was not opposed to new jobs, but it would also have an impact on traffic. Mr. Riddle said there should be an updated traffic study, rather than estimates.
Cherise Miller, Resident. Spoke in opposition to the rezoning stating she did not live near this particular project; however, she opposed the additional subdivision in general because of the impact to the sewers, water, and finances.
Chairman Clark made the motion to deny the rezoning. Commissioner Winters seconded the motion. Chairman Clark said those in favor of denying the rezoning to indicate by saying aye and those in favor of approving the rezoning to say nay. The vote was taken by roll call and the rezoning was denied by 3-2; Clark, Winters, and Hill voted to deny; Marks and Emberson voted to approve.
Ms. Friday said much of the concern related to traffic and asked the Board to grant a deferment to the next meeting, if the Board was requiring additional traffic information that had not been provided. County Attorney Patty indicated in order to do what was being requested, the Board would have to have a motion to rescind the previous decision and then table the issue for a period of time. Mr. Patty said by the Board denying the rezoning a re-application could not be made for a period of one year. There was no motion to rescind the original motion and the denial stood.
Case No. 990-06, Michael Schmitt, 112 Kinsey Street, R-1 to C-1. The Planning Commission approved 6-0, 1 absent. Mr. Brown said the property was currently zoned residential, but was grandfathered for the use of the outdoor advertising signs in the County. Mr. Brown said the State of Georgia was requiring the property be rezoned for continued use. Chairman Clark called for all in favor of approving the rezoning to indicate by saying aye. There was no opposition, and the rezoning was unanimously approved.
AMENDMENT TO SOIL ERISION AND SEDIMENTATION ORDINANCE Attorney Young presented the amendment per the public hearing. Chairman Clark called for all in favor of the amendment to indicate by saying aye. There was no opposition, and the amendment was unanimously approved. The amendment is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CATOOSA COUNTY SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL ORDINANCE; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE AMENDMENT; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES
The Catoosa County Board of Commissioners (the “Board of Commissioners”) has previously adopted an ordinance known as the Catoosa County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance (the “Soil Erosion Ordinance”). The Soil Erosion Ordinance contains regulations governing various land disturbing activities, provides a permitting process for land disturbing activities and incorporates and requires the implementation of certain Best Management Practices (“BMPs”) in connection with land disturbance, and provides for other items.
Section 34-37 of the Soil Erosion Ordinance provides certain methods of enforcement for violations of said Ordinance and promulgates certain penalties for violations of said Ordinance.
Based upon the recommendations provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, and after receiving public input and comment as required by law, the Board of Commissioners finds that it is necessary to amend the existing provisions of the Soil Erosion Ordinance to expand the enforcement capabilities for violations of said Ordinance to impose liability upon the owner of any property upon which a violation of the Soil Erosion Ordinance takes place. The Board of Commissioners finds that the additional regulations promulgated by this Amendment both protect and further the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Catoosa County and protect the waters and other natural resources of Catoosa County.
The Board of Commissioners desires, by this Ordinance, to amend and revise the regulations of the Soil Erosion Ordinance to carry out the purposes set forth herein and further desires to repeal all other ordinances of Catoosa County which conflict with this Ordinance.
BE IT ORDAINED AND RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Amendments to § 34-37: The existing Section 34-37 is hereby amended by adding the following sub-paragraph:
“(e) Responsible Parties. The record owner of any lands, property, or parts thereof, where any activity which violates this Ordinance takes place, is placed, is permitted or exists, and each and every other individual or entity who is directly or indirectly responsible for said activity, shall each be guilty of a separate offense and violation of this Ordinance.”
2. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances: Except as specifically amended herein, all current provisions of the Soil Erosion Ordinance, including the remaining provisions of § 34-37 which are not affected by this Amendment, shall remain in full force and effect. Any and all ordinances which conflict in any way with the provisions of this Amendment are hereby expressly repealed.
3. Effective Date: This Amendment shall be effective from the date of its adoption and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as it is repealed by the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners.
$500 CONTRIBUTION FOR NEW FLAGS FOR CITY OF RINGGOLD Chairman Clark said the City of Ringgold placed over 600 flags and crosses throughout the year to honor the service of veterans who were no longer with us. He said many of the flags were deteriorating, and the City of Ringgold, along with Hardee’s, had committed to purchasing new flags. Chairman Clark said Mayor Barger of the City of Ringgold had asked if the County would like to make a contribution toward the purchase of replacement flags. Commissioner Marks made the motion to donate $500 toward the purchase of new flags for the City of Ringgold and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Emberson. Chairman Clark called for all in favor of the motion to indicate by saying aye. There was no opposition, and the $500 was unanimously approved.
VIDEO-CONFERENCING EQUIPMENT County Attorney Patty presented a contract with Ringgold Telephone Company for Board approval for video-conferencing equipment relating to the courthouse security. He said on December 19, 2006, the Board approved a Change Order to the Catoosa County Security Contract to provide for video‑conferencing equipment and associated costs. When RTC was notified of the method by which the equipment had been approved, they requested a separate contract to provide for the same thing that had been approved as a Change Order. Mr. Patty said the motion would be for the Board of Commissioners to approve the contract between the County and RTC for the video-conferencing equipment. Chairman Clark called for all in favor of approving the contract as presented by Mr. Patty to indicate by saying aye. There was no opposition, and the contract was unanimously approved. [Contract on File in County Commission Office]
There were no citizens appearing before the Board.
EXECUTIVE SESSION Chairman Clark said the Board would go into executive session for the purpose of legal advice. The vote was taken by roll call and the Board unanimously voted to go into executive session for legal advice at 6:40 p.m. The Board voted unanimously to come out of executive session at 6:55 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
2-YEAR BUDGET PLAN – COLONNADE Chairman Clark said there were three resolutions to consider. He said the first was whether to put the Colonnade on a 24-month budget schedule; the second resolution was whether or not to offer them the management of the offices in the Colonnade and use those monies to help with their finances; and the third resolution would be to give the Chamber of Commerce notice that the Board would rescind their lease after the 12 month period in the agreement, so they could work out an agreement with the Colonnade.
Chairman Clark made personal remarks stating that in his opinion the two most controversial programs in Catoosa County Government were the Colonnade and the Learning Center. He said in summary he believed these programs should not be funded by tax dollars, but rather by volunteer contributions from the people and businesses that benefited from them. He said it was not his desire to close the Colonnade, and he was in sympathy with the attempt to bring good cultural entertainment to the County. Because he believed that one could not make a losing operation break even overnight, he proposed they reduce the tax input over a period of 24 months outlining that the current provision of approximately $9,000 per month would continue to the Colonnade through October 2007. He went on to state the next fiscal year the amount would be reduced by one-half, and the following fiscal year would be reduced by one-half again for the first three months. Mr. Clark said the Colonnade had office space with a rental value of somewhere between $20 and $30 thousand per year and in order to help the Colonnade financially, he proposed the Colonnade manage this space and lease it out for their own benefit, if they so desired, and they could make whatever arrangements with the Chamber that was mutually agreeable. Mr. Clark said the County would be responsible for taking care of the grounds only. Mr. Clark called on County Attorney Patty to read the resolution, which is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF CATOOSA COUNTY, GEORGIA MODIFYING THE TERMS OF THE OCTOBER 3, 2006 AGREEMENT BETWEEN CATOOSA COUNTY AND THE CATOOSA COUNTY FOUNDATION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, INC.; TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF PROPOSED BUDGET REVISIONS TO THE CATOOSA COUNTY FOUNDATION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, INC. AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
On October 3, 2006, the Board of Commissioners approved an agreement between the County and The Catoosa Foundation for the Performing Arts, Inc. (hereinafter the “Foundation”) providing for the management of the Catoosa County Civic Center and Performing Arts Theatre (hereinafter the “Colonnade”). Under the agreement, the Foundation was authorized to manage the Colonnade for a period of three years from October 1, 2006 until September 30, 2009. The agreement further provided for cancellation by either party upon written notice of intention to cancel 30 days prior to the effective date of cancellation or termination. The Board of Commissioners desires to provide the Foundation with notice of its intentions with respect to the County funded budget of the Foundation and of its intention to modify certain terms of the agreement.
BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
(1) The budget for the Foundation for the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007 has been adopted by the Board of Commissioners as a line item of the budget resolution. The budget for the Foundation for fiscal year 2006-2007 shall remain as provided in the budget resolution. The provisions of the agreement with respect to maintenance and utilities shall remain in full force and effect during the 2006-2007 fiscal year.
(2) The budget for the Foundation for the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2007 and ending on September 30, 2008 shall be an amount equal to one-half of the 2006-2007 budget for the Foundation. The County shall provide utilities to the Colonnade until the lease agreement between the County and the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has been terminated. Thereafter, the Foundation shall pay utilities and shall reimburse the County for building maintenance. The provisions of this paragraph shall be subject to the adoption of a budget resolution as provided by law after holding the public hearings as required by law. This paragraph is intended to provide the Foundation with advance notice of the Board of Commissioners’ intentions with respect to the operation of the Colonnade by the Foundation and the anticipated budget constraints.
(3) The budget for the Foundation for the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2008 and ending on September 30, 2009 shall be determined as follows: 2007-2008 budget for the Foundation shall be divided by one-half. The amount thus determined shall be divided by 12 to determine the monthly amount to be paid to the Foundation. The monthly amount shall be paid on the first day of each month for the first three months of the 2008-2009 fiscal year only. The Foundation shall pay for the utilities and shall reimburse the County for building maintenance. The provisions of this paragraph shall be subject to the adoption of a budget resolution as provided by law after holding the public hearings as required by law. This paragraph is intended to provide the Foundation with advance notice of the Board of Commissioners’ intentions with respect to the operation of the Colonnade by the Foundation and the anticipated budget constraints.
(4) The County shall not provide funds for the operation of the Colonnade after the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The Foundation shall reimburse the County for maintenance and pay the utility accounts. The County shall continue to maintain the grounds at the Benton Place Campus. The provisions of this paragraph shall be subject to the adoption of a budget resolution as provided by law after holding the public hearings as required by law. This paragraph is intended to provide the Foundation with advance notice of the Board of Commissioners’ intentions with respect to the operation of the Colonnade by the Foundation and the anticipated budget constraints.
(5) The Foundation is hereby notified of the intention of the Board of Commissioners to modify the agreement to conform to the provisions of this resolution and if the provisions contained in this resolution are not satisfactory to the Foundation, the Foundation is notified in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 11.b. of the intention of the County to terminate the agreement.
(6) The provisions of this resolution shall also apply to the amphitheatre on the Benton Place Campus.
Public Comments on Colonnade Resolution
Raymond Clark, Board of Catoosa Foundation for Performing Arts. Spoke in favor of continued funding at the current level for the Colonnade, pointing out the private investment at the Colonnade had exceeded the County portion. He said it cost taxpayers approximately $2.00 to support the Colonnade.
Jason Crawford. Did not mind the taxpayer dollars, but felt the fees to use the Colonnade were too high.
Jeff Crawford. Spoke in favor of Colonnade, but agreed the fees were too high.
Pat Page. Spoke in favor of Colonnade funding.
Dee Bridges, Manager of Colonnade. Spoke about the pricing and structure referring to a pricing schedule in the commissioners’ packet. She said this year they increased the pricing due to rising costs and prior to this increase their fee schedule was from 2004.
Destiny Stewart. Spoke in favor of the Colonnade funding.
Ron Gracy. Spoke in favor of Colonnade funding.
Beth Kellerhals. Spoke in favor of Colonnade funding and inquired if it was the intent of the County to turn the Colonnade over to a private entity. She said the Colonnade was built with SPLOST dollars and should be supported by the County.
Spencer Slatten. Spoke in favor of the Colonnade funding, adding the Teen Challenge used the Colonnade to assist in Health Fairs to teach teens.
Richard Arp. Spoke as a volunteer in support of the Colonnade funding. He said it was a public/private venture.
Greg Bentley. Was a member of the Board of Commissioners that had proposed the Colonnade. He said they were aware when they proposed the Colonnade, it would not be self‑supporting.
Cherise Miller. Spoke in favor of Chairman Clark’s proposal, stating most SPLOST projects were an albatross to the County, because there had not been any planning for operational costs.
Chairman Clark made the motion to approve the resolution as read by Mr. Patty and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Winters.
During discussion, Commissioner Emberson said he learned of the resolution late Friday afternoon, and he had not really had an opportunity to prepare any remarks. He said this was an embarrassing situation and disgraceful that these things were even on the agenda. He said the prices charged might seem high because the County was only paying a small portion to the Colonnade. He said the Colonnade provided a service to the community and it was not necessary that it show a profit. He said one could not equate a government situation with private enterprise, because they were two entirely different things. Mr. Emberson said if the criterion to be used for cutting funding to facilities was those programs that were not used by the majority of the community, as Chairman Clark had stated regarding the Colonnade, then he would assume there would be future resolutions to cut out other things funded by the County that were not used by a majority of the community, citing the Senior Center as one such program.
Commissioner Marks - Urged his fellow commissioners to vote against the resolutions. He said he was on the City of Fort Oglethorpe Council for four years and on the Board of Commissioners for two years, adding he had not ever attended a meeting on County business, but what other elected officials of other cities and counties had commented how much they would love to have this type of campus. Mr. Marks said when Dalton and Northwestern Technical Colleges came to the Campus it would enhance the Campus even more. He asked if the Board was going to cut the funding for recreation or other projects. He said it was his belief these resolutions should be voted down.
Chairman Clark called for the vote by roll call, stating those in favor of the resolution should indicate by aye and those opposed no. The vote was taken by roll call and the resolution passed by 3-2. Commissioners Winters, Clark, and Hill voted for the resolution and Commissioners Marks and Emberson opposed.
Chairman Clark said along with this resolution, there was a secondary resolution which was for the management of the Colonnade and management of the offices in order to use the funds for their own finances. County Attorney Patty read the resolution as follows:
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF CATOOSA COUNTY, GEORGIA TO TERMINATE LEASE CONTRACT BETWEEN CATOOSA COUNTY, GEORGIA AND THE CATOOSA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC.; TO TRANSFER CONTROL OF THE OFFICE SPACES AT THE COLONNADE TO THE CATOOSA FOUNDATION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, INC.: TO PROVIDE FOR THE CATOOSA FOUNDATION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, INC. TO UTILIZE THE FUNDS DERIVED FROM THE RENTAL OF THE OFFICE SPACE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
On July 19, 2005, Catoosa County, acting through its duly elected Board of Commissioners entered into a lease contract with the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (hereinafter the “Chamber”). Under the lease contract, the County leased to the Chamber five offices located in the Catoosa County Civic Center (hereinafter the “Colonnade”). The lease contract provided that either party could terminate the lease by providing not less than one year’s notice of intent to terminate to the other party. The Board of Commissioners desires to terminate the lease contract and to provide for the office spaces in the Colonnade to be leased or rented by The Catoosa Foundation for the Performing Arts, Inc. (hereinafter the “Foundation”). The Board of Commissioners desires to allow the Foundation to use the money collected as rent on the offices to offset its expenses.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED as follows:
(1) The County Attorney of Catoosa County, Georgia is hereby directed to notify the Chamber, in the manner provided in the lease contract dated July 19, 2005, of its intent to terminate the lease contract as provided in Paragraph 9(a) of the lease contract. The notice shall be given as soon as practical following the adoption of this resolution. The notice shall direct the Chamber to vacate the offices and to deliver possession of the offices to the Foundation or to work out a suitable rental agreement with the Foundation for the office space.
(2) The Foundation shall have the right to lease or rent all of the office space located at the Colonnade on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate. Any such lease or rent contract shall provide for termination upon the termination of the management agreement between the Foundation and the County. The term of said rental agreements shall not extend beyond the time that the Foundation manages the Colonnade.
(3) The funds received by the Foundation for the rental of the office space may be used by the Foundation to offset its expenses in the management of the Colonnade or as otherwise directed by the Foundation.
Chairman Clark made the motion to approve the resolution as read by County Attorney Patty and Commissioner Winters seconded the motion. The vote was taken by roll call and the motion carried 3-2 with Commissioners Hill, Clark, and Winters voting for the resolution and Commissioners Marks and Emberson voting against the resolution.
Chairman Clark said the County was not attempting to kick the Chamber of Commerce our of the Colonnade, but essentially were giving them a new landlord in that they would deal directly with the Colonnade rather than the County. Mr. Clark recognized Martha Eaker, President of the Chamber of Commerce. She said prior to the budget session this past year, the Chamber gave $45,000 back to the County, which had been allotted to the Chamber in the budget. She said the County had not supported the Chamber of Commerce in any way, except with office space and now the County was not supporting them with that. Ms. Eaker said the Chamber was the visionary business voice of the County and when the County chose not to support the visionary voice of business in the County, she had issues about that. She said she had serious issues about the commissioners voting and after the vote was taken questioning about what the resolution said or what they voted on.
Bill Guinn, Resident. Spoke about a planned PUD coming before the Planning Commission in the area of Childers Lane off Lovinggood Road. He expressed concern about the narrow road, the general condition of the road, and the safety issues associated with the addition of this new housing development.
Terry Crawford, Resident. He said he was under the impression in looking at the agenda that there was an item for action by the board regarding the 2-year budget plan for the Learning Center. Chairman Clark acknowledged Mr. Crawford was correct and the Board would address the Learning Center matter. Mr. Crawford went ahead and addressed the Board with his comments in total support of the Learning Center funding. He said education was the basis for all improvements whether it was individual, county, state, or national.
2-YEAR BUDGET PLAN – LEARNING CENTER Chairman Clark said his issue with the Learning Center was the same as that of the Colonnade—a matter of individual freedom versus government force. He said he believed the Learning Center should be financed by fees and donations by individuals and businesses interested in their program or it should be a part of the government school system. He said some thought the County should be more charitable, but the County only had the money it forcibly seized through taxes from its citizens and one could not be charitable with someone else’s money. He said our people were some of the most charitable in the world, but they were quite capable of choosing their own charities. County Attorney Patty read the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF CATOOSA COUNTY, GEORGIA TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF PROPOSED BUDGET REVISIONS TO THE CATOOSA CITIZENS FOR LITERACY, INC. AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
On July 1, 2006, the Board of Commissioners approved an agreement between the County and The Catoosa Citizens for Literacy, Inc. (hereinafter the “Citizens for Literacy”) providing for the management of the Catoosa County Learning Center (hereinafter the “Learning Center”). Under the agreement, the Citizens for Literacy was authorized to manage the Learning Center for a period of one year from July 1, 2006 until July 1, 2007. The Board of Commissioners desires to provide the Citizens for Literacy with notice of its intentions with respect to the County funded budget of the Learning Center and of its intention to modify the budget for the Learning Center.
BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
(1) The budget for the Learning Center for the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007 has been adopted by the Board of Commissioners as a line item of the budget resolution. The budget for the Learning Center for fiscal year 2006-2007 shall remain as provided in the budget resolution. The County shall provide maintenance and utilities in the 2006-2007 fiscal year.
(2) The budget for the Learning Center for the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2007 and ending on September 30, 2008 shall be an amount equal to one-half of the 2006-2007 budget for the Learning Center. The Citizens for Literacy shall reimburse the County for building maintenance and transfer the utility accounts to the Citizens for Literacy. The County shall continue to maintain the grounds. The provisions of this paragraph shall be subject to the adoption of a budget resolution as provided by law after holding the public hearings as required by law. This paragraph is intended to provide the Citizens for Literacy with advance notice of the Board of Commissioners’ intentions with respect to the operation of the Learning Center by the Citizens for Literacy and the anticipated budget constraints.
(3) The budget for the Learning Center for the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2008 and ending on September 30, 2009 shall be determined as follows: 2007-2008 budget for the Learning Center shall be divided by one-half. The amount thus determined shall be divided by 12 to determine the monthly amount to be paid to the Learning Center. The monthly amount shall be paid on the first day of each month for the first three months of the 2008-2009 fiscal year only. The Citizens for Literacy shall reimburse the County for building maintenance and pay the utility accounts. The County shall continue to maintain the grounds. The provisions of this paragraph shall be subject to the adoption of a budget resolution as provided by law after holding the public hearings as required by law. This paragraph is intended to provide the Citizens for Literacy with advance notice of the Board of Commissioners’ intentions with respect to the operation of the Learning Center by the Citizens for Literacy and the anticipated budget constraints.
(4) The County shall not provide funds for the operation of the Learning Center after the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The Citizens for Literacy shall reimburse the County for maintenance and pay the utility accounts. The County shall continue to maintain the grounds. The provisions of this paragraph shall be subject to the adoption of a budget resolution as provided by law after holding the public hearings as required by law. This paragraph is intended to provide the Citizens for Literacy with advance notice of the Board of Commissioners’ intentions with respect to the operation of the Learning Center by the Citizens for Literacy and the anticipated budget constraints.
The following citizens spoke in favor of continued funding for the Literacy Center citing such benefits as the contribution of the GED Program to the betterment of individuals, as well as the community and the tax base; the need of this program for the non-traditional students who had for one reason or another fallen through the traditional system, the need for financial assistance for students of all ages in this program, and the contribution made by Northwest Georgia Tech and other business partners to the Literacy Center: Jeff Crawford, Shirley Smith, Jane Boone, Tammy Cole, David Austin, Ron Gracy, Vance Boone, Jason Crawford, Pat Page, Shirley Gibson, Robert Pare, Wesley Smith, Becky Nelms, Randall Franks, Bill Guinn, and Beth Kellerhals.
Commissioner comments during discussion:
Commissioner Emberson – Pointed out he did not know about this resolution either until last Friday. He said all of the resolutions were embarrassing and disgraceful. He said they were positioning themselves to withdraw from their social responsibilities, stating after WWII some people were against the GI Bill, and it was obvious that it had paid its way many times over. He said, “shame on us!”
Commissioner Marks - Shared personal comments about the effect that a GED program had made in the lives of his family members. He said he agreed with all that everyone had said and when we cut education, we were cutting the lifeline of our community and the future of our community.
Commissioner Winters – Said the people had spoken, and he thought the Board should put the matter to vote and then move forward. He said he had received negative comments on the Colonnade, but he had not received any negative calls on the Learning Center.
Commissioner Hill - Said he agreed with Commissioner Winters’ comments.
Chairman Clark made the motion to adopt the resolution as read by County Attorney Patty. Commissioner Emberson said he would second the motion for the purpose of getting everybody on record. The vote was taken by roll call and the motion failed 4-1. Commissioners Hill, Emberson, Winters, and Marks voted against the resolution and Chairman Clark voted for the resolution.
There were no other comments by the Commissioners.
ADJOURNMENT There was no further business, and the Board unanimously agreed to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
CATOOSA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
William H. H. Clark, Chairman
Ken Marks, Commissioner, District One
Robert R. Winters, Commissioner, District Two
James F. Emberson, Commissioner, District Three
Dewayne Hill, Commissioner, District Four