MINUTES
BIBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MAY 2, 2000

The regular meeting of the Bibb County Board of Commissioners was held in the Commission Board room on Tuesday, May 2, 2000 at 5:30 p.m.

Members present were: Commission Chairman Larry G. Justice, Commissioner Samuel F. Hart, Sr., Commissioner Dennis R. Dorsey, Commissioner Bert Bivins, III, and Commissioner Joe O. Allen.

Present also were:  Mr. Bob Fountain, County Engineer; Mr. Don Hoch, Director of Lake Tobesofkee; 
Mrs. Gilda P. Scott, Director of Risk Management; Mr. Larry Meadows, Director of Buildings & Properties; Mr. Larry Monroe, Director of Information & Technology Services;  Mr. Virgil L. Adams, County Attorney; Mr. Bill Vaughn, Director of Finance; Mr. Chuck Kelley, Deputy Human Resources Administrator; 
Ms. Ouida Whitfield, Director of Purchasing; Mr. David Price, Public Relations Director and Mrs. Barbara P. Yocum, Clerk of the Board of Commissioners.

Excused were: Mr. Fred Dixon, Director, Custodial Services and Mr. Leo Wright, Human Resources Administrator (Long-Term Disability).

Reverend Billy Oliver, Pastor of Vineville United Methodist Church, read from the Book of Exodus, 14th Chapter and spoke briefly on “Making the right decision with regard to the direction taken in life,”and concluded with a prayer.

On behalf of the Board, Chairman Justice expressed appreciation to Reverend Oliver and requested his return.

ANNOUNCEMENTS  - None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

There being no corrections or additions, the Minutes of the regular meeting of April 4, 2000 were approved as presented.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

Chairman Justice recognized and welcomed Ms. Shanda Galloway (Sell & Melton) Mr. David Lucas (Wachovia Securities) Ms. Hattie Ware Teasley and Ms. Nettie Thomas (Majestic Court and Lane) and Mr. Jake Nelson (Kingston Court).

BOARD AGENDA (Mrs. Barbara P. Yocum, Clerk of the Board of Commissioners)

	REFERRALS:

	The following items were referred to the ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:

1.		Agreement between Bibb County and the Georgia Department of Corrections respecting work for inmates incarcerated at its Western Probation Detention Center facility.  

2.		Letter from Mr. John O’Shaughnessy, 852 Wimbledon Circle, requesting the addition of sidewalks and bicycle trails to the Tucker Road project.  

3.		Petitions from Mr. Scott Thompson for the registration of Gateway Circle, Sheraton Road and Gateway Drive as public roads of Bibb County.  

4.		Proposed condemnation resolution for RIP Project STP 3214(3) Northside Drive, Parcel No. 01, Piggy Wiggly Southern, Inc.  

5.	Proposal from Mr. Armand A. Vari, Jr., Jacoby Development, Inc., for acquisition of 0.177 acres of land from Bibb County, representing a 12 ft. easement on the southerly portion of the parcel known as Parcel 1R on Plat recorded at Deed Book 89, Page 235, in the Bibb Superior Court Clerk’s Office.  

6.	Correspondence from Ms. Linda Meeks, 104 Embassy Court, respecting a drainage problem on her property.  

7.	Letter from Mr. Clifford Eddy, 1964 Crooms Drive, requesting that the difference in the height of Ocmulgee East Boulevard and Crooms Drive be corrected so that vehicles can cross without trouble.  

	The following items were referred to the HUMAN RESOURCES & INFORMATION SERVICES COMMITTEE:

1.		Correspondence from Mr. Ken North, Planning & Zoning Commission, requesting the County’s aid in finding replacements for the vacant positions on the Citizens Advisory Committee. 

2.		Letter from Mr. Charles Weston, District Attorney, requesting that he be allowed to fill a vacant narcotics division prosecutor position with an investigator as soon as possible.  

	The following items were referred to the FINANCE COMMITTEE:

	1.	Correspondence from Sheriff Robbie Johnson advising that the lighting system on the radio tower at Lake Arrowhead needs replacing and he has received a quote  from Communications Systems Services, Inc., in the amount of $5,175.00.

2.	Correspondence from Mr. David Ratley, advising that the Third Judicial Administrative District of Georgia hereby exercises its lease renewal option under  its rental agreement with Bibb County dated July 1, 1999 and extending through June 30, 2004. 

	3.	Correspondence from Ms. Brenda Burnette, The Trust for Public Land, respecting  proposed Regional Assistance Program (RAP) Grant for the Community Greenspace Program.  

	The following items were referred to the PROPERTIES COMMITTEE:

1.		Correspondence from Ms. Luvenia Bason, Macon Water Authority, advising that 
meter program accounts are past due for vacant County properties located at 
		4377 Pinson Street, 1180 College Street, 1752 Second Street, 738 Bright Street, 
		233 Lilly Avenue and 4018 Brookdale Avenue. 

2.		Correspondence from Mr. Sid Cherry, Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority, requesting a meeting with the County to discuss the Downtown Parking Management Study.  

3.		Letter from Mr. Sid Cherry, Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority, advising of receipt of a bona fide offer from a local investor who proposes to purchase and develop the former Palmer Tire warehouse at 440 Martin Luther King Boulevard. 

	The following item was referred to the TOBESOFKEE COMMITTEE:

1.	Correspondence from Mr. John Zelius, Chairperson, Water’s Edge Plantation Homeowners Association, requesting a meeting with the Tobesofkee Committee to discuss the Association’s present lease agreement with the County. 

	

RECORD & INFORMATION:

1.		Correspondence from Mr. Charles Schmidt, Middle Georgia Regional Library, advising that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has provided two (2) grants to the library to provide funds for the expansion of public access to computers and the Internet and a regional training lab in the amount of $166,149.00 and $36,684.65 respectively.  

2.		Monthly departmental reports and agency activities received for record: Coroner; Clerk of State Court; Probate Court.

3.		Correspondence from the EPD Public Advisory (Air Protection) advising that Georgia Healthcare Linen Services, Inc., has made application to install a 600 horse-power dual fuel boiler at their commercial hospital laundry facility.  The facility is located at 4269 Interstate Parkway, Macon.

	ACTION:

1.	Resolution of the Board of Commissioners expressing the intent of the County to work with NewTown Macon and the City of Macon to prepare a redevelopment plan for downtown Macon and to consent to inclusion of County taxes in computation of the tax allocation increment for the tax allocation district created by the City to provide part of the financing needed to accomplish the redevelopment plan; and for other purposes.
		Mr. Connie Mac Darnell, made reference to the joint City County work session that
		recently took place at City Hall with regard to a redevelopment plan for downtown
		and the tax allocation district.  He stated that it was well attended and the consultant,
		Bossel, Bowman and Prouse, that modeled the tax allocation districts and some of
		the major anchors that it is hoped will be attracted to fund this tax allocation district.
		He added that this is not an additional tax levy but basically anticipating future growth
		in the tax digest and the city and the county would  commit future growth in the tax
		digest to pay for improvements.  Along with downtown development comes 
		growth in the digest, jobs, sales taxes, etc. Mr. Darnell stated that the resolution before 
		the Commissioners today is self explanatory and the purpose of which is to get formal 
		support from this body for this initiative.  It will the responsibility of New Town to 
		create the redevelopment plan and sell the projects to private development.  He 
		concluded by stating that this does not pledge the County or the City for financing.  
		The bonds would be supported by private investment, modeled after the feasibility and 
		market studies on several major anchors downtown that they hope to secure.  It is a 
		creative plan that has been used in other cities all over the country, two of which 
		are in Atlanta.  If the Board adopts the resolution before them,  New Town will begin 
		trying to recruit private investment on the anchors and continue their private campaign.
 
On motion of Commissioner Allen, second of Commissioner Hart and carried, the 
		before mentioned Resolution was adopted.

	2.	Ratification of Board Resolutions respecting the following:

		Bloomfield Little League (26th Anniversary)
		DFCS’ Annual Easter Egg Hunt (April 21, 2000)
		Crime Victims Week (April 9 - 15, 2000)
		National Drug Court Month (May, 2000)
		Mr. Asa Philip Randolph Day (April 22, 2000)
		Law Day in Bibb County (May 1, 2000)
		Reverend Donald George Kenneth Ming Day (May 1, 2000)

On motion of Commissioner Bivins, second of Commissioner Hart and carried, the 
		before mentioned Resolutions were ratified.
	
	CALL FOR VOTE TO DISCUSS:

		On motion of Commissioner Hart, second of Commissioner Allen and carried, the 
		 following was allowed for discussion:

	3.	Resolution of Bibb County, Georgia with respect to funding certain improvements to the Airport South Industrial Park and Contract between Bibb County and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority respecting same.  (Sell & Melton firm to address)

		Mr. David Lucas, Wachovia Securities, advised that the resolution before the Board is
		to authorize the County to enter into a contract with the Industrial Authority to provide
		a contract for the payment of one million dollars in Industrial Revenue Bonds for 
		Industrial Park improvements and the funds will be used for the Airport South project.
		The project is roughly 378 acres on Avondale Mill Road, some of which has already
		been sold and there is required road improvements, access and utilities to make the
		rest of the land marketable.  There are prospects for this property. The repayment will
		be over a 20 year period with prepayment allowed at any time.  Should the land sell
		fast, the debt can be paid off early.  The financing will be at a floating rate, tax exempt
		secured by the contract with the County.  Today’s rate is 4 3/8 to 4 ½ percent on a 
		floating rate and gives the flexibility to pay off at any time.  The Industrial Authority
		approved the contract at their meeting yesterday and the Water Authority is scheduled
		to approve the contract this coming Thursday and their regular meeting.  It is hoped
		that closing will be sometime around May 22, 2000.  

		Mr. Lucas stated that this is one combined issue between the County and the Water
		Authority although the County will not be guaranteeing the Water Authority’s
		part and the Water Authority will not be guaranteeing the County’s part.  Both of the 
		guarantees are of like quality and it saves additional funds

Mr. Adams, County Attorney, advised that he had reviewed all of the documents, made changes where necessary and the documents before the Board reflect the changes that he made.  

On motion of Commissioner Hart, second of Commissioner Allen and carried, the before mentioned Resolution was adopted.

MIDDLE GEORGIA RDC - No Report.

INDUSTRIAL AUTHORITY - Chairman Justice advised that the Authority met yesterday.  A 
replacement for Mrs.Keene has not yet been found.  Mrs. Keene has agreed to stay on, on a limited 
basis, until such time as a replacement is found.
		
KEEP MACON-BIBB BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION - Chairman Justice reported that the Commission along with the Roads Program had planted trees on Anthony Road and they are beautiful.

BOARD OF HEALTH - No Report.

MATS POLICY COMMITTEE - Chairman Justice stated that they have completed the 20/25 Plan, 
a Public Hearing has been scheduled and it is anticipated that they will approve the Plan before the end 
of the year.

MH/MR/SA COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD - No Report.

BIBB COUNTY RECORDS CENTER - No Report.

FINANCE, TAX AND REVENUE COMMITTEE - Commissioner Dorsey reminded the members
that Budget Hearings will begin, Monday, May 9, 2000, at 9:00 a.m.

RISK MANAGEMENT - Commissioner Dorsey, Chairman, reported the following:

2.	Subject to funding approval of the Finance Committee, the Risk Management committee recommends replacement of BSO Vehicle No.20082 which was totaled in an accident on March 19, 2000.  The County employee was not at fault in this accident and the County will subrogate the claim.

On motion of Commissioner Dorsey, second of Commissioner Bivins and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS -   Commissioner Dorsey stated that he has not received any correspondence from the Chamber since last January and he asked that Mr. Cox assist in rectifying this matter.  Mr. Cox apologized and advised that he would take care of the matter.

Mr. Cox advised that the Government Affairs Committee will meet next Tuesday and the topic will be signalization and the Traffic Center.  He also reported that the Military Affairs Committee will meet that same day at 4:00 p.m. and he invited all members to attend.

ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE - Commissioner Allen, Chairman, reported the following:

1.	Regarding the matter with the Pettis Dirt Pit, the Committee recommends condemnation of the 52 acres Pettis tract on Hopewell Road.

		The Committee further recommends that Attorney John Draughon draw up the necessary resolution to be signed by the Chairman authorizing certain proceedings in eminent domain for the 52 acre Pettis tract.

			On motion of Commissioner Allen, second of Commissioner Hart and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.
	
	2.	The Committee recommends ratification of the Chairman’s signature on the correspondence from the Department of Transportation respecting revisions to some of the terms of the original Local Government Project Agreement of the following Road Improvement Program Projects:
		RIP#54	Jeffersonville Road from Walnut Creek to Bristol
		RIP#7		Jeffersonville Road from Recreation Rd to Fall Line Freeway
		RIP #6	Jeffersonville Road from Emery Highway to Walnut Creek Bridge
		RIP#11	CR88/Log Cabin Dr from SR74/Mercer Univ Dr to Hollingsworth
		RIP#12	Log Cabin Dr from Eisenhower Pkwy to Mercer Univ Drive
		RIP#13	Bloomfield Road/Log Cabin Dr from Rocky Creek Rd to Eisenhower Pkwy
		RIP#10	Northwest Pkwy on Hollingsworth & Park from Log Cabin to SR19
		RIP#22	Western Loop from Fulton Mill Road along CR742 to 1-75

		On motion of Commissioner Allen, second of Commissioner Hart and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

3.		With regards to the letter from Mrs. Bernadette Carter, 3816 Log Cabin Drive, inquiring about purchasing property adjacent to her residence, the Committee reports that this property lies within the City Limit of Macon and that the correspondence has been forwarded to the City Attorney for disposition.

		On motion of Commissioner Allen, second of Commissioner Hart and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

4.		The Committee reports that the County Engineer has signed Work Authorizations on the following Road Improvement Program Projects:
*Hofstadter & Associates, Bloomfield Road/Log Cabin Drive, RIP#13 (additional for alignment shift)
*DS Atlantic, Log Cabin Drive, RIP#11 (revisions to plans due to alignment change)
*Moreland Altobelli:	Bibb County Resurfacing (5th year), RIP#59 (construction                                         engineering)
					Clinton Road, RIP#50 (construction engineering)
					Tucker Road, RIP#23 (plan review and project mgmt)
					Bloomfield Road, RIP#13 (plan review and project mgmt)
					Log Cabin Drive, RIP#12 (plan review and project mgmt)
					Forest Hill Road, RIP#8 (plan review and project mgmt)
Forest Avenue Landscaping, RIP#33 (construction engineering)
Douglas Avenue Landscaping, RIP#32 (construction engineering)
	
On motion of Commissioner Allen, second of Commissioner Hart and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

5.	The Committee recommends that the Road Improvement Program Attorney ask for a court order to have Georgia Power relocate their poles on the Bloomfield Drive Project, RIP#43, and that the matter of responsibility for the cost of relocation be litigated as a later date.
	
		On motion of Commissioner Allen, second of Commissioner Hart and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

6.			The Committee recommends ratification of the Chairman’s signature on the Agreement for Consultant Services with Ewing Engineering for work related to road improvements on Wesleyan Drive, RIP#20.

		On motion of Commissioner Allen, second of Commissioner Hart and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

7.	With regards to correspondence from Mr. Chris May, The Sofran Group, requesting permission to pursue a County Contract with regards to a proposed development at Eisenhower Parkway and Log Cabin involving the building of new roads, the Committee recommends approval of the request and asks that the County Attorney or an attorney designated by him contact the attorney for the Sofran Group to come up with an agreement between Bibb County and The Sofran Group whereby the County will act as a conduit for the County Contract monies to be received from the Department of Transportation and passed on to The Sofran Group for the building of these roads.

On motion of Commissioner Allen, second of Commissioner Hart and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

8.	The Committee further recommends that the new Parkway running from Eisenhower Parkway to Log Cabin Drive be named in honor of Denmark Groover.

		On motion of Commissioner Allen, second of Commissioner Hart and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

		Chairman Justice reported that he spoke with David Studstill, DOT, yesterday, regarding
the Fall Line Freeway  consultant’s study (EIS).  He stated that the study was complete and will be forwarded tomorrow to the Federal Highway Administration.  Hopefully, now that
		the Environmental Impact Study is complete, the Feds will shake it lose and go forward
		because it is very important to this community.

TOBESOFKEE COMMITTEE - Commissioner Allen, Chairman, reported the following:

1.		For Information Only - Director Don Hoch has met with the Board of Director’s of abate and they agreed to terms for the organization to return this year to Sandy Beach Park.   The director has written a letter to Senator Robert Brown regrading the meeting and that the abate organization will be back at Sandy Beach park this year. 

HUMAN RESOURCES AND INFORMATION SERVICES COMMITTEE - Commissioner Hart, Chairman, reported the following:

1.		The Committee, upon recommendation of Towers Perrin Actuarial Firm, recommends reinstating the Actuarial Value of Assets to the Market Value of Assets in determining
		Annual Pension Contributions.

		The Committee, upon recommendation of Towers Perrin Actuarial Firm, recommends utilizing Credit Balance to reduce contributions when interest only reduces contribution requirement $.2 million per year.

On motion of Commissioner Hart, second of Commissioner Allen and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

2.		The Committee recommends the request of Southern States Police Benevolence Association, Inc., for payroll deduction of monthly dues, be respectfully denied.  The “Payroll Deduction” policy adopted by the Board of Commissioners September 9, 1997 (copy attached) does not allow the deduction of monthly dues to any association after September 9, 1997.

		On motion of Commissioner Hart, second of Commissioner Bivins and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.	

3.		The Committee recommends the “Waiver of Annual Deductible and Out of Pocket Expense” provision in the Bibb County Insurance plan be deleted effective today May 2, 2000.
	
		This provision allowed for the waiver and reimbursement of the employee’s and/or dependent’s annual $200 deductible and $4,000 out of pocket expense for two years with 100% payment of all claims (in network and out of network) for two years when benefits paid reaches $75,000 in a calendar year. 

On motion of Commissioner Hart, second of Commissioner Allen and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

4.		The Committee recommends the July 4 holiday be observed by county employees on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday July 4, 2000.

		On motion of Commissioner Hart, second of Commissioner Allen and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

5.		The Committee recommends the appointment of Mr. Chuck Kelley, Deputy H.R Administrator, to serve as Secretary of the Civil Service Board during LTD absence of the Human Resources Administrator. 
  
		On motion of Commissioner Hart, second of Commissioner Allen and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

LICENSE & TAX COMMITTEE  - Commissioner Hart, Chairman, reported the following:

1.	Based on the Sheriff’s Department  investigation, the Committee recommends that the request of C & M Lounge, 4108 Jeffersonville Road, for a renewal of their alcoholic beverage license for the year 2000 be denied.

		On motion of Commissioner Hart, second of Commissioner Allen and carried, the before mentioned recommendation was approved as presented.

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU - No Report.

PROPERTIES COMMITTEE - No Report.

ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE - No Report.

MACON WATER AUTHORITY  - No Report

BIBB COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE - No Report.

MACON-BIBB COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY - No Report.

COUNTY ATTORNEY - No Report.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - No Report.

NEW BUSINESS - None.
			 
There being no further business and on motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 
6:50 p.m.

                                                                                                              
Clerk of the Board                           Chairman