Jackson County public meetings in 2023

Planning Commission

The Jackson County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on four land-use applications. These items include requests to rezone acreage for agricultural, residential, and commercial uses, as well as a request for an event venue.

• Rezone 22.15 acres at 5917 Brockton Loop from PCFD to A-2 to subdivide into 2 tracts
• Rezone 25 acres at 44 Groaning Rock Road from PCFD to AR to subdivide into 13 tracts
• Rezone 9.26 acres at 7094 Highway 124 from A-2 to HRC for 4 commercial use tracts
• Special Use permit request for an event venue on 36.11 acres at 368 Sandy Creek Road

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review numerous board appointments for several county authorities and commissions. The meeting also includes discussions on tax exemptions, attorney pay increases, and multiple rezoning requests.

• Appointments to various boards including Airport Authority, Planning Commission, and Library Board
• Resolution regarding a proposed increase in Homestead Exemption related to County M&O tax levy
• Request to raise hourly rates for Court Appointed Attorneys in Juvenile Court
• Rezoning request for 478 Doster Road from A-2 to AR to subdivide into two tracts
• Amendment to the Lease Agreement for West Jackson Park with the City of Hoschton

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review an amendment for inmate medical services and consider a request to raise hourly rates for Juvenile Court appointed attorneys. The meeting also includes discussions on lighting agreements with GDOT and homestead exemption changes.

• Amendment to CorrectHealth Jackson, LLC agreement for 2024 inmate medical services
• Resolution for Intergovernmental Lighting Agreement with Georgia DOT
• Request to raise hourly rate for Court Appointed Attorneys in Juvenile Court
• Resolution regarding proposed increase in Homestead Exemption for County M&O tax levy
• Withdrawal of Special Use request SU-23-0054 for event venue at 1104 B Wilson Road

Board of Commissioners

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will discuss rezoning requests, award road striping project bids, and approve transit contracts.

• Approve SFY24 GDOT Transit Trust Fund Contract for $101,966.00
• Award bid for 2023 LMIG County Road Striping Project
• Rezone Matt Sullins property from A-2 to CRC on Highway 124
• Special Use request by Barry Lord for event venue in Commerce
• Create Street Light Special Tax Districts for Steeplechase and Fields of Walnut Creek

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on multiple land use applications, including rezoning for residential subdivision and commercial use. The meeting also includes requests to change character area and future land use maps for properties in Maysville.

• Rezoning 5 acres at 478 Doster Road from A-2 to AR to subdivide into two tracts
• Rezoning 1.5 acres at 402 Thaxton Road from AR to PCFD
• Special Use request for a landscaping company at 1248 Whites Bottom Road
• Map amendments for 62.59 acres at 7871 Maysville Road and 34.72 acres at 619 Wheeler Creek Road
• Special Use request for tilt/architectural pre-cast concrete at 91 Henry Braselton Drive

Board of Commissioners

The board will discuss and vote on approving a $101,966 GDOT transit contract and a Guaranteed Maximum Price for the Jackson County Transfer Station expansion.

• Approval of SFY24 GDOT Transit Trust Fund Contract ($101,966)
• Approve Guaranteed Maximum Price with Reeves Young for Transfer Station
• Revise Solid Waste Transfer Station Tipping Fee Schedule

Board of Adjustments

The Jackson County Board of Adjustments will hold public hearings on three specific requests. The items include a stream buffer reduction, an appeal regarding beekeeping in a residential zone, and an appeal concerning a cell tower in a floodplain.

• Request to reduce stream buffer from 75 feet to 33 feet at 735 Brassie Falls Lane
• Appeal of denial for beekeeping at 44 Ryans Run
• Appeal of denial for a cell tower in a floodplain at 1537 Old Carnesville Road

Planning Commission

The Jackson County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two land-use applications. The commission will review a request to rezone 2.42 acres for commercial storage and a request for an event venue.

• Rezoning RZ-23-0190: Change 2.42 acres at 2932 Highway 124 from A-2 to CRC for commercial storage
• Special Use SU-23-0054: Request to operate an event venue on 14.09 acres at 1104 B Wilson Road

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review two rezoning requests in Commerce and Hoschton and consider awarding three-year contracts to on-call engineering firms. The agenda also includes several proclamations and a resolution regarding mental health services.

• Rezoning 4.44 acres at 6574 Jefferson Road from Commercial/Residential to Residential
• Rezoning 9.26 acres at Highway 124 West & Highway 60 from Suburban/Residential to Urban/Commercial
• Awarding three-year contracts for on-call professional engineering and consulting services
• Awarding bid for Solid Waste Department Debris Grinding Services
• Approval of the Annual Airport Capital Improvement Plan

Board of Adjustments

The Board of Adjustment will review a request regarding a property on Staghorn Trail. The application seeks to reduce the side building setback for an accessory structure.

• VA-23-0219: Request to reduce side building setback from 40 feet to 18 feet at 147 Staghorn Trail, Nicholson

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss several items during a work session, including an airport capital improvement plan and debris grinding services for the Solid Waste Department. The meeting also includes a proposed resolution regarding state mental health services.

• Award bid for Solid Waste Department Tree and Debris Grinding Service
• Approval of Annual Airport Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution urging reform of Georgia Mental Health Services
• Proclamation for Georgia Military Veterans' Hall of Fame, Inc. Day

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding two rezoning requests. The commission will consider changing future land use designations for properties in Commerce and Highway 124 West & Highway 60.

• MA-23-0123: Request to change 4.44 acres at 6574 Jefferson Road from Commercial/Residential to Residential
• MA-23-0124: Request to change 9.26 acres at Highway 124 West & Highway 60 from Suburban/Residential to Urban/Commercial

Board of Commissioners

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will decide on the adoption of the 2023 tax levy resolution, the fiscal year 2024 budget resolution, and a special tax district for Southwind Subdivision street lights. Other items include grant applications, contracts, construction bids, zoning changes, and administrative updates.

• Adopt 2023 Tax Levy Resolution
• Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Resolution
• Create Street Light Special Tax District for Southwind Subdivision
• MA-23-0122: Change Character Area Map from 'Rural' to 'Suburban'
• RZ-23-0189: Rezone from A-2 (Agricultural Rural Farm District) to AR

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to review the proposed preliminary budget for fiscal year 2024. The agenda also includes a review of the 2023 Tax Levy Resolution to adopt the ad valorem tax rate.

• Presentation and review of Proposed FY 2024 Preliminary Budget
• Review of 2023 Tax Levy Resolution for the 2023/2024 fiscal year
• Review of Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Resolution

Board of Adjustments

The Board of Adjustments will hold public hearings regarding two property requests in Jefferson. The items include a request to reduce a stream buffer and a request for a metal accessory building.

• VA-23-0214: Request to reduce stream buffer from 75 feet to 50 feet at 731 Brassie Falls Lane
• VA-23-0217: Request for a metal accessory building over 500 square feet at 188 Rambler Inn Road

Board of Commissioners

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting to present and review the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2024. No other business was listed on the agenda.

• Presentation and review of proposed FY 2024 Preliminary Budget

The Board of Commissioners reviewed the proposed FY 2024 preliminary budget, which includes a balanced General Fund with a $2.8 million surplus. The meeting consisted of presentations and recommendations; no formal votes on the budget or expenditures were recorded.

Planning Commission

The commission will hold public hearings regarding changes to character area maps, future land use maps, and rezoning for subdivision in Commerce and Pendergrass. Following these hearings, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners will review recommendations on September 18, 2023.

• Change Character Area Map from 'Rural' to 'Suburban' for 13.96 acres on Woods Bridge Road
• Change Future Land Use Map from 'Commercial' and 'Residential' to 'Residential' at 6574 Jefferson Road
• Rezone 9.29 acres at 5183 Holly Springs Road from A-2 to AR for subdivision into 3 tracts

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several rezoning requests and potential rate adjustments for ambulance services. The meeting also includes discussions on establishing a street light tax district and selecting an engineer for an airport sewer project.

• Proposed increase in rates for Ambulance Services
• Creation of a Street Light Special Tax District for Lake Preserve at Jackson Trail
• Rezoning request for 18.77 acres at 1090 Blacks Creek Church Road to expand a wedding venue
• Rezoning request for 3.07 acres at 6602 Jackson Trail Road from Agricultural to Manufactured Housing
• Rezoning request for 7.9 acres at 831 U.S. Highway 441 South for a self-service storage facility

The Board of Commissioners approved a new annual contract for indigent defense services and authorized an appeal of the 2022 Sales Ratio Study. They also approved a street light tax district and selected an engineering firm for an airport sewer project. Four zoning and special use requests were approved.

• Approved $727,871 Georgia Public Defender Council contract (6-0)
• Approved appeal of 2022 Sales Ratio Study (6-0)
• Approved Street Light Special Tax District for Lake Preserve at Jackson Trail (6-0)
• Selected Goodwin Mills Kaywood for airport sewer extension engineering (6-0)
• Approved special use permit for event/wedding venue expansion at 1090 Blacks Creek Church Road (6-0)
• Approved rezoning to Manufactured Housing at 6602 Jackson Trail Road (6-0)
• Approved rezoning to Community Retail Commercial at 2277 Brock Road (6-0)
• Approved rezoning to Community Retail Commercial for self-service storage at 831 U.S. Highway 441 South (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review the 2022 financial audit and consider a resolution to appoint County Attorneys. A work session is scheduled to discuss awarding a bid for reroofing the Commerce Service Center, adjusting ambulance service rates, and an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Commerce regarding inmate detail.

• Presentation of 2022 Financial Audit by Josh Carroll
• Resolution appointing County Attorneys
• Bid award for reroofing the Commerce Service Center
• Consideration of rate increases for Ambulance Services
• Intergovernmental Agreement with City of Commerce for inmate detail

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to hire Atkinson Ferguson, LLC for general legal representation. The board also approved the meeting minutes from July 17 and July 25, 2023. Other items including a roofing bid, ambulance rates, and an inmate detail agreement were discussed during a work session where no formal action was taken.

• Approved resolution appointing Atkinson Ferguson, LLC as County Attorneys (6-0)
• Approved minutes for July 17, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved minutes for July 25, 2023 (6-0)

Board of Adjustments

The Board of Adjustments will review three requests regarding accessory structures in Pendergrass and Talmo. The items include requests for buildings exceeding specific square footage limits and a reduction in side building setbacks.

• VA-23-0211: Request for an accessory building over 1,000 square feet at 751 Primrose Lane, Pendergrass
• VA-23-0212: Request for a metal accessory building over 500 square feet at 751 Primrose Lane, Pendergrass
• VA-23-0213: Request to reduce side building setback from 40 feet to 15 feet at 3533 Old State Road, Talmo

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several land-use applications, including rezoning requests for residential and commercial uses. These items will move to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners for a final hearing on August 21, 2023.

• Special Use request to expand an event/wedding venue at 1090 Blacks Creek Church Road
• Rezoning from A-2 to MH at 6602 Jackson Trail Road to subdivide into two tracts
• Rezoning from A-2 to CRC at 2277 Brock Road to combine with an adjacent parcel
• Rezoning from A-2 to CRC at 831 U.S. Highway 441 South for a self-service storage facility

Board of Commissioners

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting to address a specific land use matter. The primary item on the agenda was to agree to an Annexation Dispute Joint Final Order regarding property involving Shannon Sell, Paul and Brenda Cheek, and the Providence Group.

• Agreement to an Annexation Dispute Joint Final Order for property owned by Shannon Sell, Paul and Brenda Cheek, and the Providence Group

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a Settlement Agreement and Joint Final Order regarding an annexation dispute. The agreement involves property owned by Shannon Sell, Paul and Brenda Cheek, and the Providence Group, allowing for 2 units per acre. This settlement reduces the total number of units from 389 to 334.

• Approved Settlement Agreement and Joint Final Order for annexation dispute (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider proposals to allocate Opioid Settlement Funds, discuss street light special tax districts, and review zoning requests for personal care homes and industrial use.

• $100,000 allocation to Advantage Behavioral Health System
• $35,000 allocation to Reboot Jackson
• Street Light Special Tax District for Traditions of Braselton Pods
• Zoning change request for personal care home in Hoschton
• Light Industrial zoning request for timber business

The Board of Commissioners approved a mid-year pay adjustment for county employees and allocated $135,000 in opioid settlement funds. The board also established two street light special tax districts and denied a rezoning request for a personal care home.

• Approved $100,000 in Opioid Settlement Funds for AdvantageBehavioralHealthSystem (5-0)
• Approved $35,000 in Opioid Settlement Funds for Reboot Jackson (5-0)
• Approved Street Light Special Tax District for Traditions of Braselton, Pods 4V and 1W (5-0)
• Approved Street Light Special Tax District for West Jackson Commons, Phase 3 (5-0)
• Approved mid-year pay adjustment: 2.5% for public safety and 1.5% for other employees (5-0)
• Approved additional Facilities Maintenance Technician position for Parks & Recreation (5-0)
• Approved transfer of Tax parcel # 067 054A3 to Jackson County Industrial Development Authority (5-0)
• Denied rezoning request RZ-23-0184 for a personal care home at 799 Marshall Clark Road (6-0)

General

The Board of Commissioners will hold a planning session to discuss various county matters. Topics include the FY2022 audit report, millage rate discussions, and updates on capital projects.

• FY2022 Audit Report presentation
• Unified Development Code (UDC) text amendments discussion
• Impact Fee Update
• 2023 Millage Rate Discussion
• Review of proposed projects including Sam Freeman Road Upgrade and a new Fleet Maintenance Facility

The Board reached a consensus to proceed with several Unified Development Code amendments and prioritized specific economic development bond projects. The session included reviews of the FY2022 audit, capital project updates, and discussions on millage rate rollbacks and employee pay adjustments.

• Consensus to proceed with UDC amendments regarding combination plats, communication towers, MH district living, and manufactured home storage
• Consensus for staff to review mandatory generator requirements for assisted living and nursing homes
• Consensus to proceed with UDC requirements for Green Infrastructure/Low Impact Development
• Consensus to prioritize Airport Sewer Line Project and Ridgeway Church Road for bond funding
• Consensus to move forward with planning for a $6 million fleet maintenance facility
• Consensus to explore options for increasing the local standard home exemption
• Consensus to obtain price estimates for a covered training shelter and LP Gas tower at the Fire Training Center

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a rezoning request at 610 Galilee Church Road. The proposal seeks to change the land use from Agricultural Fringe to Light Industrial for a timber business's truck and trailer parking.

• RZ-23-0185: Rezoning 26.74 acres at 610 Galilee Church Road from A-3 to LI

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider accepting state grants for the Drug Court and Veterans Court. The meeting also includes several nominations for various county boards and committees.

• Acceptance of FY2024 CJCC grant awards for Drug Court and Veterans Court
• New lease agreement with The Tree House, Inc.
• Purchase of computer networking equipment from MDSI
• Design services proposal for North Oconee Heritage Stone Mounds Park off Cabin Creek Road
• Nominations for several boards including Library Trustees and Water & Sewerage Authority

The Board of Commissioners approved several infrastructure and service contracts, including networking upgrades and park design services. They also accepted state grants for drug and veterans courts and filled multiple board appointments.

• Approved $669,715 purchase of computer networking equipment from MDSI (6-0)
• Approved design services contract with Red Rock Design for North Oconee Heritage Stone Mounds Park not to exceed $193,000 (6-0)
• Approved 10-year lease with The Tree House, Inc. with rent increasing to $200/month (6-0)
• Approved FY2024 state grants for Jackson County Drug Court and Piedmont Circuit Veterans Court (6-0)
• Reappointed Tommy Benton to Jackson County Water & Sewerage Authority (5-1)
• Reappointed Andy Goodman to Dept. of Family & Children Services (6-0)
• Appointed Jim Souland to Gainesville-Hall MPO Citizen Advisory Committee (6-0)
• Reappointed Dr. Douglas Cleveland to Board of Library Trustees (6-0)

Board of Adjustments

The Board of Adjustments will discuss and decide on a request for an accessory building larger than 1,000 square feet at 471 Meadow Lake Terrace in Hoschton.

• Public hearing on VA-23-0207 oversized accessory building permit

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a property at 799 Marshall Clark Road. The request involves rezoning 3.59 acres from Agricultural Rural Farm District to Medium Density Residential and seeking a special use permit for a personal care home serving 15 or fewer persons.

• Rezoning RZ-23-0184: 799 Marshall Clark Road, Hoschton (A-2 to R-2)
• Special Use SU-23-0052: 799 Marshall Clark Road, Hoschton
• Proposal for a personal care home serving 15 or less persons

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several land use requests and infrastructure projects. Items include a new street light tax district for Maddox Landing and various rezoning applications across the county.

• Establishment of a Street Light Special Tax District for Maddox Landing Subdivision
• Transit Trust Fund contract approval for $66,749
• Selection of Construction Manager at Risk for Transfer Station expansion project
• Guaranteed Maximum Price approval with Reeves Young for the new Administration Building
• Rezoning requests for 2277 Brock Road, 7540 Highway 53, 6602 Jackson Trail Road, and 61 Galilee Church Road

The Board of Commissioners approved a guaranteed maximum price for a new administration building and a joint-use agreement with the Board of Education for athletic facilities. Other actions included appointing a representative to a regional development authority and approving several land-use and funding requests.

• Approved $14,283,931 Guaranteed Maximum Price for new Administration Building (6-0)
• Approved Intergovernmental Agreement with Board of Education for joint use of facilities (5-1)
• Approved selection of Reeves Young as Construction Manager at Risk for Transfer Station expansion (6-0)
• Approved $66,749 Transit Trust Fund Contract with Georgia Department of Transportation (6-0)
• Approved FY2024 Capacity Agreement with Georgia Department of Corrections (6-0)
• Approved creation of Street Light Special Tax District for Maddox Landing (6-0)
• Approved map amendment MA-23-0121 for 2277 Brock Road to Commercial (6-0)
• Appointed John Scott to the Joint Development Authority of Northeast Georgia (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting to address formal objections regarding two specific Hoschton annexation and rezoning requests. The items involve references Z-23-02 and Z-23-03 following notices issued on April 10, 2023.

• Objection to Hoschton Annexation/Rezoning Z-23-02
• Objection to Hoschton Annexation/Rezoning Z-23-03

The Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 to object to two annexation and rezoning requests from the City of Hoschton (Z-23-02 and Z-23-03), citing procedural deficiencies and increased county burden. The chair was authorized to send the objection letters.

• Objected to Hoschton annexation/rezoning Z-23-02 (6-0)
• Objected to Hoschton annexation/rezoning Z-23-03 (6-0)

Board of Adjustments

The Jackson County Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings regarding three requests for variances. These items involve adjustments to stream buffer requirements and building size restrictions in Jefferson and Pendergrass.

• VA-23-0194: Request to reduce stream buffer from 75 feet to 25 feet at 2241 North Pear Grove Court, Jefferson
• VA-23-0197: Request for a metal accessory building over 500 square feet at 215 Murphys Junction, Pendergrass
• VA-23-0200: Request to reduce stream buffer from 75 feet to 50 feet at 5660 Meadow View Drive, Jefferson

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review several special use and map amendment requests during a public hearing. These items include proposals for an inert landfill, an event venue, and various changes to character area and future land use maps.

• Special Use for an inert landfill at 273 Elliot Smith Road, Jefferson
• Map amendment for 2277 Brock Road, Athens to change from Agricultural/Intensive Agriculture to Suburban/Commercial
• Special Use for an event venue at 7540 Highway 53, Braselton
• Map amendment for 6602 Jackson Trail Road, Hoschton to change from Suburban to Rural
• Map amendment for 610 Galilee Church Road, Jefferson to change from Rural/Residential/Commercial to Urban/Industrial

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review multiple zoning changes, including requests for a truck stop in Jefferson and commercial uses in Commerce and Hoschton. The agenda also includes considerations for architectural services for a new airport terminal and an asphalt paving contract.

• Architectural Services contract with Goodwyn Mills Cawood for a new Airport Terminal
• ARPA Contract with Northeast Georgia Regional Commission for senior center services
• Deannexation ordinance for Tax ID 092/003 1 from the City of Jefferson
• Award of FY 2023-2024 Asphalt Paving contract
• Rezoning requests for truck stops at Holly Springs Road & Bill Wright Road

The Board of Commissioners awarded a $5.5 million asphalt resurfacing contract to Pittman Construction. They also approved several rezoning and special use requests for a truck stop, a landscaping company, and commercial shopping strips. Additionally, the Board authorized the deannexation of a property from the City of Jefferson.

• Approved $5.5M asphalt paving contract awarded to Pittman Construction (6-0)
• Approved deannexation of tax parcel ID 092/003 1 from the City of Jefferson (6-0)
• Approved special use for landscaping company at 6134 Highway 82 Spur with 2 conditions (6-0)
• Approved rezoning and special use for truck stop at Holly Springs Road & Bill Wright Road with 3 conditions (6-0)
• Approved rezoning for multi-tenant commercial use at Highway 124 West, Hoschton (6-0)
• Approved rezoning from A-2 to AR for 3-lot subdivision at 818 Cabin Creek Drive with 1 condition (6-0)
• Approved architectural services for new airport terminal via Consent Agenda (6-0)
• Approved SFY 2023 ARPA contract for senior center services via Consent Agenda (6-0)

Board of Adjustments

The Board of Adjustments will hold public hearings regarding three specific variance requests in Pendergrass and Hoschton. The items involve requests to reduce side building setbacks and stream buffers for residential properties.

• VA-23-0189: Reduce side building setback from 40 feet to 5 feet at 622 Lipscomb Lake Road, Pendergrass
• VA-23-0191: Reduce overall stream buffer from 75 feet to 50 feet at 233 Rouse Road, Hoschton
• VA-23-0192: Reduce overall stream buffer from 75 feet to 50 feet at 785 Lena Drive, Hoschton

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution related to the National Opioid Settlement and renaming a portion of Steve Reynolds Industrial Boulevard. A work session is scheduled to discuss architectural services for a new airport terminal and ARPA contract details for senior center services.

• Resolution related to the National Opioid Settlement
• Renaming a portion of Steve Reynolds Industrial Boulevard
• Architectural services contract with Goodwyn Mills Cawood for a new Airport Terminal
• SFY 2023 ARPA contract with Northeast Georgia Regional Commission for senior center services
• Amending the list of projects funded by Economic Development Bond funds

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution regarding the National Opioid Settlement and renamed a portion of Steve Reynolds Industrial Boulevard to SK Boulevard. Two proclamations for the month of April were also adopted. Several infrastructure and service contracts were discussed during a work session but no formal action was taken.

• Approved minutes for March 20, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved proclamation naming April as Safe Digging Month (6-0)
• Approved renaming portion of Steve Reynolds Industrial Boulevard to SK Boulevard (6-0)
• Approved Opioid Settlement Resolution and appointed Kevin Poe as county representative (6-0)
• Approved proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month (6-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review several land-use requests during a public hearing. These include proposals for a truck stop near Holly Springs Road, multi-tenant commercial uses in Hoschton, and residential subdivisions in Nicholson and Jefferson.

• Special use request for a landscaping company at 6134 Highway 82 Spur, Commerce
• Rezoning and special use requests for a truck stop at Holly Springs Road & Bill Wright Road, Jefferson
• Rezoning for multi-tenant commercial use at Highway 124 West, Hoschton
• Rezoning for multi-tenant commercial use at 5784 Highway 124 West, Hoschton
• Rezoning to subdivide into 3 lots at 818 Cabin Creek Drive, Nicholson

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider requests to accept roads and right-of-way within the Morris Creek subdivision and a portion of Warbler Drive. The board will also review a contract for professional engineering services regarding the Skelton Road roundabout.

• Acceptance of roads and right-of-way in Morris Creek subdivision
• Acceptance of the cul-de-sac for Warbler Drive (083/015A)
• Contract for Professional Engineering Services for Skelton Road Roundabout
• FY2022 end-of-year Annual Operating and Capital Budget amendments

The Board of Commissioners approved a contract for engineering services to change a proposed intersection to a roundabout on Skelton Road. The board also accepted road dedications for Morris Creek subdivision and Warbler Drive, and approved FY2022 budget amendments.

• Approved FY2022 End-of-Year Budget Amendment Resolution (5-0)
• Approved dedication of roads and right-of-way within Morris Creek Subdivision (5-0)
• Approved dedication of a portion of Warbler Drive (5-0)
• Approved engineering services contract for Skelton Road Roundabout not to exceed $170,000 (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting and a work session. In the work session, they will discuss a resolution to approve FY2022 budget amendments and consider selecting a Construction Manager at Risk for the Transfer Station expansion project. No formal action will be taken on work session items.

• FY2022 end-of-year Annual Operating and Capital Budget amendment resolution
• Selection of a Construction Manager at Risk for the Transfer Station expansion project

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the meeting minutes from February 20 and February 21, 2023. The remainder of the meeting was a work session where no formal actions were taken on budget amendments or the Transfer Station project.

• Approved minutes for February 20, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved minutes for February 21, 2023 (5-0)

Board of Adjustments

The Jackson County Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing on seven variance requests, all seeking exceptions to zoning rules for accessory buildings on residential properties. Items include requests for metal buildings over 500 or 1,000 square feet and reductions in side building setbacks. The board will also consider approval of the February 2, 2023 draft minutes.

• VA-23-0167: metal accessory building over 500 sq ft at 151 Iron Horse Circle
• VA-23-0168: accessory building over 1,000 sq ft at 151 Iron Horse Circle
• VA-23-0169: reduce right side setback from 20 ft to 13 ft at 151 Iron Horse Circle
• VA-23-0166: reduce right side setback from 30 ft to 20 ft at 1153 Old Collins Road
• VA-23-0172: reduce right side setback from 40 ft to 21 ft at 2932 Highway 124 West

Board of Commissioners

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will hold a planning session to receive updates on developments, water and sewer capacity, the new administration building, and year-end finances. They will also discuss use of economic development bond funds and an intergovernmental agreement with the school system for joint athletic facilities.

• Update on water and sewer capacity report
• Update on new administration building by Precision Planning and county staff
• FY 2022 year-end financial update
• Discussion on use of economic development bond funds (IDA members invited)
• Discussion of IGA with Jackson County School System for joint use of athletic facilities and proposal regarding City of Commerce recreation program

The Board of Commissioners received reports on residential development, water and sewer capacity, and capital projects. No formal votes were recorded; the session consisted of updates and discussions regarding county infrastructure and finances.

• Requested staff develop a plan for spending remaining economic development bond funds

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider 16 rezoning and special-use applications, including several to allow convenience stores, self-storage, a gun shop, an event venue, and a mining operation. They will also vote on an encroachment agreement for Traditions of Braselton, approve additional roads for paving in FY2023, and consider a request from the City of Jefferson for Economic Development Bond funding for Gateway Road construction.

• Rezone 3988 and 3984 Highway 124 West from A-2 to R-1 for subdivision into 2 and 11 tracts
• Rezone 163, 157, and Julia Lane parcels from A-2 to CRC for convenience store and self-storage
• Rezone 7957 Highway 53 from A-2 to CRC for a gun shop
• Rezone Valentine Industrial Parkway for HI zoning and mining expansion as part of deannexation from Jefferson
• Approve additional roads to be paved in FY2023

The Board of Commissioners approved several rezoning requests for residential, commercial, and industrial uses, including a mining operation expansion. Two new special tax districts for street lights were established for local subdivisions. A request for Economic Development Bond funding for the City of Jefferson was tabled.

• Appointed Phil Page to the Jackson County Planning Commission (5-0)
• Approved Encroachment and Indemnification Agreement with Traditions of Braselton (5-0)
• Approved additional roads for paving in FY2023 (5-0)
• Tabled City of Jefferson request for Economic Development Bond funding (5-0)
• Awarded equipment trailer bid to Tractor & Trailer Equipment Co. (5-0)
• Established street light special tax districts for The Estates at Brockton Loop and The Oaks at Belmont (5-0)
• Approved RZ-22-0166 and SU-22-0046 for CalMat Co. mining operation expansion with 8 conditions (5-0)
• Approved rezoning for an event venue at 5279 Highway 332 with 3 conditions (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several items including a request to pave additional roads in FY2023 and an agreement with Traditions of Braselton. The meeting also includes discussions on economic development bond funding for the City of Jefferson and potential land condemnation for road improvements.

• Authorization of condemnation for a portion of Tax Parcel #105 022 for road improvements
• Request to approve additional roads to be paved in FY2023
• Encroachment and Indemnification Agreement with Traditions of Braselton
• City of Jefferson request regarding Economic Development Bond funding for Gateway Road
• Nomination of a District 1 representative for the Board of Assessors

Board of Adjustments

The Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on two variance requests: one to reduce a side building setback from 40 to 25 feet at 9994 Commerce Road, Athens, and another to reduce a side setback from 20 to 7 feet at 45 Hewett Road, Pendergrass. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from January 5, 2023.

• Variance request VA-22-0159: Maria Lopez, 9994 Commerce Road, Athens (Map 017/Parcel 060) – reduce side building setback from 40 to 25 feet.
• Variance request VA-23-0163: Shane Hutchins, 45 Hewett Road, Pendergrass (Map 110B/Parcel 038) – reduce side setback from 20 to 7 feet.

Planning Commission

The Jackson County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on four rezoning applications and one character area map amendment. The rezoning requests include a self-service storage facility, a manufactured housing subdivision, a lot subdivision, and a gun shop. The map amendment seeks to change a 71.9-acre parcel from agricultural to rural designation. The Board of Commissioners will consider the Planning Commission's recommendations on February 20, 2023.

• RZ-22-0169: Rezone 3.9 acres at 6485 Highway 124 W, Hoschton from A-2 to CRC for a self-service storage facility
• RZ-22-0170: Rezone 8.1 acres at 3934 Plainview Road, Maysville from A-2 to MH for a 3-lot manufactured housing subdivision
• RZ-22-0171: Rezone 5.79 acres at 27 Erastus Church Road, Commerce from PCFD to A-2 for lot subdivision
• RZ-22-0172: Rezone 1.4 acres at 7957 Highway 53, Braselton from A-2 to CRC for a gun shop
• MA-22-0118: Change character area map for 71.9 acres at 8384 Holly Springs Road, Maysville from agricultural to rural

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several administrative actions including appointing board members and a Vice-Chairman. Business items include a medical service agreement for the county jail and a request to abandon a portion of Bill Wright Road.

• Medical contract with Southern Health Partners for the Jackson County Jail
• Language Access Plan (LAP) for the CDBG Senior Center Project expansion
• Public hearing request for the abandonment of a portion of Bill Wright Road
• Creation of a Facilities Maintenance Manager position for Parks and Recreation
• Contract with Precision Planning, Inc. for Jackson County Transfer Station expansion design services

The Board of Commissioners approved a new medical services contract for the county jail and authorized design services for the Transfer Station expansion. The board also appointed a Vice Chairman and filled vacancies on the Board of Adjustment and Water & Sewerage Authority.

• Approved $700,980 medical contract with Southern Health Partners for the Jail (6-0)
• Approved $210,020 contract with Precision Planning, Inc. for Transfer Station expansion design (6-0)
• Approved abandonment of a portion of Bill Wright Road (6-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Jim Hix as Vice Chairman for 2023 (6-0)
• Appointed Ross Harvin to the Board of Adjustment (6-0)
• Appointed Tommy Benton to the Water & Sewerage Authority (5-0-1)
• Approved creation of a Facilities Maintenance Manager position for Parks and Recreation (6-0)
• Approved recommendation to Board of Tax Assessors to send CUVA renewal notices via certified mail (5-1-0)

Board of Adjustments

The Jackson County Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing on three variance requests: two for accessory buildings exceeding size limits in residential zones and one to reduce a stream buffer from 75 to 40 feet. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and election of a chair and vice chair.

• VA-22-0145: Request for metal accessory building over 500 sq ft at 193 Berry Hill Lane, Hoschton
• VA-22-0154: Request for accessory building over 1,000 sq ft at 331 Prime Drive, Commerce
• VA-22-0157: Request to reduce stream buffer from 75 to 40 feet at 1242 Hutchins Pittman Road, Pendergrass