Morgan County public meetings in 2023

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Board of Commissioners approved new regulations for shipping containers and housing design standards. They also authorized the expansion of transit services into Social Circle, Jasper, and Oconee counties.

• Approved shipping containers as accessory buildings in AG, AR, C2, and C3 districts with 5+ acres
• Adopted form-based design standards for residential subdivisions with five or more houses
• Approved a $31,586.00 tax refund request for Fred Turner
• Approved 2024 alcoholic beverage licenses for nine businesses
• Approved transit service expansion into Social Circle/Monroe, Jasper, and Oconee counties

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider a text amendment to add shipping containers and associated regulations to the zoning ordinance, proposed design standards for housing in common developments, a tax refund request, approval of nine alcoholic beverage licenses, and a transit expansion item. The board will also accept the November 2023 payables and financials as information.

• Text amendment to Table 4.1 to add shipping containers and associated regulations to the Morgan County Zoning Ordinance
• Proposed Design Standards for housing in Common Developments
• Fred Turner Tax Refund Request
• Approval of Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for 9 businesses including Fairplay Express, Rainbow Food Mart, Golden Pond Valero, Apalachee Mart, The Pit Stop, Sandhu Food Mart, The General Store, The River Store, Blue Springs Marina
• Transit Expansion

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider proposals for a Cost of Community Services (COCS) study and a Critical Mass study, totaling $40,000, and may vote on a SPLOST VIII resolution. The board will also hear public comments on agenda items and hold an executive session for potential litigation and personnel matters.

• Proposal for COCS and Critical Mass studies, $40,000 total
• SPLOST VIII Resolution
• Public comments on agenda items
• Executive session for potential litigation and personnel

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Board of Commissioners meeting originally scheduled for November 21, 2023, has been moved. The meeting will now take place on November 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

• Rescheduling of the November 21, 2023, Board of Commissioners meeting

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider zoning map amendments, a conditional use for a church, a fire truck purchase, a grant acceptance, and a mental health resolution. The agenda also includes presentations, consent agenda items, and an executive session on potential litigation.

• Zoning map amendment for 3.39 acres at 4821 Seven Islands Road from AG/C1 to C3 (Georgia Investment Group, LLC)
• Conditional use approval for a church on 24.42 acres at 1091 Confederate Road (Madison Methodist Church)
• Purchase of E-One Pumper/Freightliner Commercial Cab and Chassis
• Acceptance of SWTF Grant
• 2023-RES-007 Mental Health Resolution

Planning Commission

The Morgan County Planning Commission will consider two land use requests. These include a zoning map amendment for a property on Seven Islands Road and a conditional use request for a church on Confederate Road.

• Zoning map amendment from AG/C1 to C3 for 3.39 acres at 4821 Seven Islands Road (Georgia Investment Group, LLC)
• Conditional use approval for a church on 24.42 acres at 1091 Confederate Road (Madison Methodist Church)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission will review a conditional use request for a zoo facility on 436.5 acres and a variance for a family burial plot. The meeting also includes discussions on retirement plan changes and various county contracts.

• Conditional use approval for Georgia Safari & Conservation Park at 1761 Monticello Highway
• Variance request for a family burial plot at 1121 Guinn Road
• FY24 Aging Services Contract with NEGRC
• GA Food Services Contract for SFY24
• Budget Amendment for Animal Services

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for October 3, 2023, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for October 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. No other business is listed on this agenda.

• Meeting cancelled for October 3, 2023
• Next meeting: October 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors is holding its monthly meeting to approve minutes, review the production/activity report, and discuss new business. Key items include results from the last round of 2023 appeal hearings, a real property ACO report briefing, and an upcoming education briefing for board and appraisal staff. The board will also discuss a voluntary CUVA breach for property 064-013 (White) and CUVA policy regarding horse boarding and riding lessons.

• Action on August 2023 minutes
• Board of Equalization results for last round of 2023 appeal hearings
• Real Property ACO report briefing
• Upcoming education briefing for Board of Assessors & Appraisal Staff
• Discussion of voluntary CUVA breach for 064-013 (White) and CUVA policy on horse boarding/riding lessons

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors is meeting to review the August minutes, receive production and activity reports, and discuss new business. This includes the level of assessment, digest submission, Board of Equalization results, a real property ACO report, and an upcoming education briefing. They will also discuss a voluntary CUVA breach for a specific property and a policy regarding horse boarding and riding lessons.

• Action on August 2023 minutes
• Digest submission/collection report
• Board of Equalization results for last 2023 appeal hearings
• Briefing of voluntary CUVA breach for 064-013 (White)
• Discussion of CUVA policy regarding horse boarding & riding lessons

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider several new business items, including a retirement benefit plan proposal, a 5311 grant application, a tax refund request for Porter, an alcoholic beverage license for the General Store at 4420 Buckhead Road, and declaring property surplus. The board will also hold an executive session on potential litigation.

• Retirement Benefit Plan Proposal
• 5311 Grant Application
• Porter Tax Refund Request
• Alcoholic Beverage License for the General Store at 4420 Buckhead Road
• Property to Declare Surplus

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider several zoning text amendments, including changes to regulations for churches, family burial plots, and accessory dwellings, as well as a request to add shipping containers to the zoning ordinance. The board will also vote on budget amendments, a contract with Flock Safety, vehicle purchases for the fire department, and other administrative items. The agenda includes both new business and unfinished business items, with public comments and commissioner comments scheduled.

• Text amendment to Article 7 Section 7.19 related to churches
• Text amendment to Article 7 Section 7.8 related to family burial plots
• Text amendment to Article 7 Section 7.2 and Article 3 Definitions related to accessory dwellings
• Request to add shipping containers to Table 4.1 of the Zoning Ordinance
• Flock Safety Contract and Fire Department vehicle purchases

The Board approved several zoning text amendments regarding churches, burial plots, and accessory dwellings. Financial actions included transferring $11 million to capital projects and approving a digital sign agreement at Bill Wood Park. The Board also authorized new vehicle purchases for the Fire Department and a contract for Flock cameras.

• Approved text amendment allowing accessory buildings at stand-alone churches by right (Unanimous)
• Approved text amendment allowing family burial plots as a permitted use (Unanimous)
• Approved text amendment increasing minimum accessory dwelling size to 600 sq ft and banning tiny homes (Unanimous)
• Tabled text amendment regarding shipping containers (Unanimous)
• Approved transfer of $11M from general fund to capital projects funds (Unanimous)
• Approved operating agreement with Civic Group Media for digital sign (3-2)
• Approved 5-year contract with Flock Safety for cameras (Unanimous)
• Approved $50,290 rescue truck purchase and up to $60,000 for Fire Chief vehicle (Unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors is holding its monthly meeting to discuss property assessment reports, tax updates, and legal matters. The agenda includes briefings on real and personal property reports, a CUVA renewal update, mileage rate update, and results from the state ratio study. Public comments are scheduled, and an executive session may be requested.

• Action on July 2023 minutes
• Real and personal property ACO report briefings
• CUVA renewal update
• Mileage rate update
• Exemption removal for parcel 008B-009

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Board of Commissioners approved a tax refund for a trust regarding CUVA excess taxes and accepted GDOT offers for right-of-way purchases and stormwater infrastructure upgrades. Several facility maintenance contracts and a revised purchasing policy were also approved.

• Approved tax refund request for The C.A. (Gus) Pounds, Jr. Irrevocable Trust (3-1)
• Approved revised purchasing policy with updated spending thresholds (Unanimous)
• Approved $19,134 contract with Bartlett Pair for fire station sign replacements (Unanimous)
• Approved $32,000 contract with DC Pools for pool deck repairs (Unanimous)
• Approved $10,069.40 contract with JNR & Associates, LLC for Aquatic Center painting (Unanimous)
• Approved $55,000 FY2023 audit engagement with Mauldin & Jenkins (Unanimous)
• Approved $14,534.85 purchase of 15 computers from Sterling (Unanimous)
• Accepted GDOT offers for right-of-way purchase of parcels 035-068 and 026-079 and stormwater infrastructure upgrades (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will vote on the FY2024 millage rate, approve several purchases (body cameras, kennel gates, trucks), amend a recreation construction contract, and discuss a purchasing policy revision. They will also consider an alcohol license and a road right-of-way transfer to GDOT. The agenda includes consent items for June financials and payables.

• Resolution adopting millage rate for FY2024/Tax Year 2023
• Amendment 1 to Recreation Construction Manager at Risk Contract for Phase 1 Site Civil GMP
• Alcoholic beverage license for package sales at 1010 Apalachee River Road, Madison
• Purchase of in-car and body cameras
• Purchase of replacement kennel gates and trucks

The Board of Commissioners approved a guaranteed maximum price for Phase 1 site civil work on a recreation project and adopted the FY2024 millage rate. Several equipment purchases for the Sheriff's Office, Animal Shelter, and Solid Waste were approved. The Board also granted an alcohol license for package sales.

• Approved $8,238,442 Site Civil GMP contract amendment with Parrish Construction Group (Unanimous)
• Approved 9.990 millage rate for FY2024/Tax Year 2023 via resolution 2023-RES-003 (Unanimous)
• Approved alcoholic beverage license for Virginia Stewart/Apalachee Mart, Inc. (Unanimous)
• Approved $15,260.40 purchase of two in-car and two body cameras (Unanimous)
• Approved $43,256.00 purchase of kennel gates from Gator Kennels (Unanimous)
• Approved $69,250.00 purchase of two F150 trucks from Hardy Ford (Unanimous)
• Approved June 2023 payables and financials (Unanimous)
• Agreed to allow GDOT to survey property and prepare quitclaim deed for Crawford Road ROW

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors is holding its monthly meeting to review the June minutes, receive the chief appraiser's activity report, and discuss continuing education, a conservation brochure revision, and property appraisal matters. The board will also address homestead approval signing procedures, a personal property briefing, and real property appeals status, with appeal hearing dates to be set by the Superior Court clerk. Public comment is limited to agenda items, and an executive session is scheduled.

• Chief appraiser monthly activity report
• Conservation brochure revision in process
• Homestead approval signing procedure
• Personal property briefing by Julie McCart
• Real property appeals status; BOE appeal hearing dates to be determined by Superior Court clerk

The Board approved the minutes from the June 28, 2023, meeting and the June executive session. The Board reviewed a production report and the status of real and personal property appeals.

• Approved June 28, 2023, meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved June Executive Session minutes (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to apply for the 2023 Georgia Initiative for Community Housing Program, which would require a three-year commitment and citizen committee. They will also vote on purchasing Sheriff's Office vehicles and a heavy-duty truck, declaring property surplus, amending probation service agreements, and filling a DFACS board vacancy. Public comment is scheduled.

• Resolution to apply for 2023 Georgia Initiative for Community Housing Program
• Purchase of Sheriff's Office vehicles
• Purchase of heavy-duty truck
• Property to be declared surplus
• Amendment to probation service agreements

The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of several law enforcement and public works vehicles. They also authorized a resolution to apply for a state housing program and updated probation service fees.

• Approved resolution 2023-RES-002 to apply for the 2023 Georgia Initiative for Community Housing Program (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of three Sheriff's Office vehicles from Brannen Motors for $139,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of three trucks from Hardy Chevrolet for $184,014.96 (Unanimous)
• Approved declaring specific items as surplus for sale or disposal (Unanimous)
• Approved fee schedule amendment for Judicial Alternatives of Georgia probation services (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Velde Hardy to the DFACS Board for a term ending June 30, 2028 (Unanimous)
• Approved July 05, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Board of Commissioners reviewed a request to rezone 5 acres at 2950 Eatonton Highway from AG to C2 for a proposed antique mall. Following discussion and a Planning Commission recommendation to deny, the applicant's attorney withdrew the application to seek an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan instead.

• Approved agenda as presented (Unanimous)
• Approved June 20, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Zoning map amendment for 2950 Eatonton Highway withdrawn by applicant

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors is holding its monthly meeting to discuss routine administrative matters, including the chief appraiser's activity report, appeals for personal and real property, and several tax exemption requests. The board will also consider travel pay, a non-disclosure letter, and updates to the policy manual. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Tax exemption request for parcel 036E-009A
• Homestead exemption for parcel 012-002
• CUVA voluntary breach for parcels 009-0076 and 009-007GD
• Personal property and real property appeals
• Travel pay for board members

The Board approved a 100% Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption for one property parcel. The Board also approved the status of several real property appeals, including those resolved, withdrawn, and expired.

• Approved May 17, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved 100% Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption for Parcel # 012-002 (Unanimous)
• Approved real property appeals status for resolved, withdrawn, and expired parcels (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morgan County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider two items: a zoning map amendment request from Buckingham Farm, LLC to rezone 5 acres at 2950 Eatonton Highway from AG to C2, and a variance request from Phillip P and Regina D Chappelear for an accessory dwelling on 45.49 acres on Weaver Jones Road. The agenda also includes acceptance of minutes from the May 25, 2023 meeting and a staff report on past zoning decisions. No unfinished business is listed.

• Zoning map amendment: AG to C2 for 5 acres at 2950 Eatonton Highway (Tax Parcel 046-013B)
• Variance request for accessory dwelling on 45.49 acres on Weaver Jones Road (Tax Parcel 031-109)
• Acceptance of minutes from May 25, 2023 regular meeting
• Staff report of past zoning decisions

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will vote on the FY2024 budget resolution, a Tyler Technologies software agreement, a change in security software, and transfer station fee increases. The agenda also includes filling several board vacancies and a public comment period. The meeting includes an executive session on personnel.

• FY2024 Budget Resolution adoption
• Tyler Technologies Software Agreement
• Change of Security Software
• Transfer Station Fee Increases
• Board vacancies: Advantage Behavioral Health, Ag Board, Hospital Board, NEGA Regional Commission, NEGA Regional 10 EMS Advisory Board

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the FY2024 budget and resolution. The board also authorized new software agreements for county operations and IT security, and approved fee increases for the Transfer Station.

• Approved FY2024 Budget and 2023-RES-001 budget resolution (Unanimous)
• Adopted Tyler Technologies software agreement for $73,490 one-time and $41,559 annual fee (Unanimous)
• Approved three-year Fortinet IT Security agreement for $36,865.11 and transferred $19,800 from contingency to IT (Unanimous)
• Approved Transfer Station fee increases effective August 1, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Frusanna Hayes to Advantage Behavioral Health Board through Dec 31, 2025 (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Weyman Hunt and Lorrie Lavengood to Ag Board and appointed Heather Rhoades (Unanimous)
• Reappointed John Moore, Sherry Terrell, and Huey Atkins to Hospital Board through June 30, 2026 (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Wendell McNeal to NEGA Regional Commission and Adam Bedgood to NEGA Regional 10 EMS Advisory Board (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Board of Commissioners convened for a public budget hearing where County Manager Adam Mestres presented the proposed FY 24 Budget. Two residents provided public comments. No formal votes or decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider a text amendment to the zoning ordinance to regulate shipping containers, and an alcohol license for a store on Buckhead Road. They will also review May 2023 payables and financials, a cloud proposal, and recreation board openings.

• Text amendment to Table 4.1 to add shipping containers and regulations to zoning ordinance
• Alcohol license for package sales at Country Store, 4420 Buckhead Road
• May 2023 payables: General Fund $655,378.93, TSPLOST $194,039.77, SPLOST $391,627.99
• Watchguard Cloud Proposal
• Recreation Board Openings

The Board of Commissioners approved a two-year cloud migration contract for the Sheriff's Office and an alcohol license for a store on Buckhead Road. The Board also reappointed two members to the Recreation Board and tabled a request to allow shipping containers as accessory buildings.

• Approved Watchguard Cloud proposal for FY2024 ($64,795) and FY2025 ($45,295) (Unanimous)
• Approved alcohol license for package sales at 4420 Buckhead Road (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Glenda Ross and Aaron Wadley to the Recreation Board through April 30, 2028 (Unanimous)
• Tabled text amendment to zoning ordinance regarding shipping containers (Unanimous)
• Approved May 2023 payables for General Fund ($655,378.93), TSPLOST ($194,039.77), and SPLOST ($391,627.99) (Unanimous)
• Approved May 16, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morgan County Planning Commission is meeting to consider a conditional use request for a helipad and a series of text amendments to zoning ordinances in Bostwick, Buckhead, and Rutledge. The amendments relate to conditional uses, variances, amendments, and public hearing procedures. The commission will also accept minutes from the previous meeting and hear a staff report on past zoning decisions.

• Conditional use request by Vrunda Patel for a helipad on 21 acres at 1650 Crawley Road (Tax Parcel 027-021A)
• Text amendment to Article XI of the Bostwick Zoning Ordinance on Conditional Uses and Variances
• Text amendment to Article XIII of the Bostwick Zoning Ordinance on Amendments
• Text amendment to Article XIV of the Buckhead Zoning Ordinance on Planning Commission and Zoning Actions
• Text amendments to Articles 20-23 of the Rutledge Zoning Ordinance on amendment, variance, conditional use, and public hearing procedures

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors held its monthly meeting, approving minutes, training schedules, and multiple CUVA (conservation use valuation) continuations. The board discussed the April activity report, assessment notices mailed May 15 with an appeal deadline of June 29, and reports on homestead exemptions, mobile homes, and Freeport exemptions. The meeting included an executive session on personnel and adjourned at 11:05 AM.

• Assessment notices mailed May 15, 2023; appeal deadline June 29, 2023
• Level of assessment set at 36.36%
• Consolidation reports: $1.3 billion value, 1.4 million acreage, 42 non-renewals
• Pre-bill mobile homes: 288 total, 26 outstanding for unpaid taxes
• Approved multiple CUVA continuations and denied CUVA 008A-065 (commercial storage)

The Board approved several lists of Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) continuations and a training schedule for office staff. The Board also approved the April meeting and executive session minutes.

• Approved April 26, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved April Executive Session minutes (unanimous)
• Approved staff training schedule for Justin Brandt, Heather Gardner, Ashley McCormick, Julie McCart, and Eddie Tolbert (unanimous)
• Approved CUVA continuations for parcels 039-033B, 026-075, 035-190, 055-014A, 061-026A, 025-057, 006-012, 040-007, 045-038, 024-035B, 054-071, 021-102D (unanimous)
• Approved Ruark Renewals CUVA continuations (unanimous)
• Approved Bostwick Family Trust CUVA continuations (unanimous)
• Approved additional CUVA continuations for 35 listed parcels (unanimous)
• Tabled CUVA Book due to corrections

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on May 16, 2023, to consider several items. They will receive a presentation on the FY2024 budget, review a hardship request for a tiny home, consider a contract renewal with Traylor Business Services, and discuss the purchase of a fire engine. The board will also approve minutes from the May 2 meeting and hear public comments.

• FY2024 Budget Presentation
• Tiny Home Hardship Request
• Traylor Business Services Contract Renewal
• Fire Engine Purchase
• Approval of May 2, 2023 minutes

The Board approved a 12-month contract renewal for personal property audits with Traylor Business Services. A decision on purchasing a new fire engine was tabled until a new Fire Chief is hired. The FY2024 proposed budget was presented, with a public hearing scheduled for June 6, 2023.

• Approved contract renewal with Traylor Business Services starting July 1, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Tabled fire engine purchase until a new Fire Chief is hired (Unanimous)
• Approved May 2, 2023 meeting minutes with modifications (Unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda with Tiny Home Hardship Request removed (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will review April financials and vote on new business items, including a construction management contract for recreation projects. The agenda features Planning Commission requests for zoning amendments and conditional use permits for a dairy farm event facility and a concrete plant. The body will also address public appeals regarding property subdivision ordinances.

• Motion to accept April 2023 payables: General Fund $896,940.24, TSPLOST $179,058.30, SPLOST $682,443.60
• Request for text amendment to add shipping containers to the Zoning Ordinance (Gerald and Summer Wood)
• Conditional Use approval request for an event facility on 217.78 acres at 4540 and 4541 Bostwick Highway (Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm)
• Conditional Use approval and setback variance request for a concrete plant on 8.25 acres at 1140 Woodkraft Road (Southern Readymix, LLC)
• Recreation Construction Manager at Risk Contract for Construction Management Services

The Board of Commissioners approved a conditional use for a concrete plant at 1140 Woodkraft Road and a variance to setbacks for the same plant, both unanimously. They also unanimously approved a conditional use for an event facility at Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm. A text amendment to allow shipping containers as accessory buildings was tabled for further discussion. The consent agenda, including April 2023 payables totaling $1,758,442.14, was approved unanimously.

• Approved conditional use for concrete plant at 1140 Woodkraft Road (unanimous)
• Approved variance to setbacks for concrete plant with landscaping condition (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use for event facility at Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm (unanimous)
• Tabled text amendment for shipping container regulations (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including $1,758,442.14 in payables (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from April 18, 2023 meeting (unanimous)
• Awarded construction manager at risk contract to Parrish Construction Group (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission recommended approval for both a conditional use application and a setback variance for a concrete plant. The commission also reviewed a request to add shipping container regulations to the zoning ordinance, though no vote was recorded for that item.

• Approved March 23, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recommended approval of conditional use application for concrete plant at 1140 Woodkraft Road (6-0)
• Recommended approval of variance application for setbacks for concrete plant at 1140 Woodkraft Road (6-0)

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors is meeting to discuss routine administrative items, including the chief appraiser's monthly activity report, assessment notices for May, next year's budget, and CUVA (likely a tax exemption program) renewals, denials, and a new application. The agenda is mostly procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed. Public comments on agenda items are allowed, and an executive session may be held if needed.

• Chief appraiser monthly activity report
• Assessment notices for May 10
• Next year's budget discussion
• CUVA renewals, denials, and new application for Eddie Tolbert
• PBMH decals and CUVA brochure

The Board of Assessors approved a series of new, renewal, and continuation applications for Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) and Family Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA). The board also accepted the resignation of the Board Secretary and appointed a replacement.

• Approved March meeting minutes
• Approved CUVA application 008-021
• Approved 21 new CUVA applications
• Approved 64 CUVA renewal applications
• Approved 18 CUVA continuation applications
• Approved 3 FLPA continuation applications
• Approved denials for CUVA applications 051-048, 051-048Z, 046-020, 046-026, and 046-025
• Accepted resignation of Barbara A. Fortin and appointed Heather Gardner as Board Secretary

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on April 18, 2023, to consider several items including subdivision ordinance appeals, a FY23 ARPA contract, road resurfacing, declaring property surplus, and purchasing a Sheriff's Office vehicle. The board will also fill a vacancy on the Board of Assessors.

• Subdivision of Property Ordinance Appeals by Helen Cox and Kay Halbert
• FY23 ARPA Contract with Northeast Georgia Regional Commission
• 2023 County Road Resurfacing project
• Property to be Declared Surplus
• Purchase of Sheriff's Office Vehicle and Auto Fryer

The Board of Commissioners approved road resurfacing contracts and an ARPA contract for elderly services. The Board denied two property subdivision appeals and appointed a new member to the Board of Assessors.

• Awarded road resurfacing contracts to Pittman Construction and The Scruggs Company for a combined amount not to exceed $3,193,053 (Unanimous)
• Appointed Bill Malone to the Board of Assessors for the term ending December 31, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Denied 90-day extension for Helen Cox subdivision appeal (3-2)
• Denied variance request for Kay Halbert subdivision appeal (Unanimous)
• Approved FY2023 ARPA Contract for elderly meals and support services (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Chevrolet 1500 for Sheriff's Office from Hardy Chevrolet for $48,500 (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of self-contained fryer from Motion Technology, Inc. for $10,875 and budget transfer (Unanimous)
• Approved declaring old dispatch consoles surplus for donation to Clark Atlanta University or City of Atlanta (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider several planning text amendments, a recreation design consultant contract, a 2022 TSPLOST intergovernmental agreement, and a cloud storage purchase. They will also receive updates on the library and EMS, and discuss a Board of Assessors vacancy.

• Text amendments to Articles 2, 19, 20, 21, and 23 of the Planning Commission (appeals, zoning amendments, variances, conditional uses, public hearings)
• Revisions to Chapter 17 - Signs
• Recreation Design Consultant Professional Services Agreement
• 2022 TSPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement
• WatchGuard Cloud Storage

The Board of Commissioners approved several text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to comply with House Bill 1405 and updated the sign ordinance. The Board also adopted the 2022 TSPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement and awarded a design contract for a new recreation complex.

• Approved text amendments to Zoning Ordinance Articles 2, 19, 20, 21, and 23 (Unanimous)
• Approved text amendment to Article 17 regarding Signs (Unanimous)
• Awarded recreation complex design consulting services to TSW Corporation (Unanimous)
• Adopted 2022 TSPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement (Unanimous)
• Approved Watchguard cloud storage for Sheriff's Office not to exceed $49,595 for five years (Unanimous)
• Approved Master Lease Agreement with State Properties Commission for DFACS (Unanimous)
• Approved March 2023 payables for General Fund ($613,086.19), TSPLOST ($330,110.52), and SPLOST ($536,342.45) (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morgan County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider five text amendments to the zoning ordinance, covering procedures for zoning amendments, variances, conditional uses, public hearings, and appeals. The agenda also includes acceptance of minutes and a staff report on past zoning decisions. No unfinished business is listed.

• Text amendment to Article 19 (Zoning Amendment Procedures)
• Text amendment to Article 20 (Variance Procedures)
• Text amendment to Article 21 (Conditional Use Procedures)
• Text amendment to Article 23 (Public Hearings)
• Text amendment to Article 2 (Appeals)

The Planning Commission recommended approval for text amendments to Article 19 and Article 23. These changes relate to appeals and updates to the Zoning Procedures Law. The commission also approved the minutes from the February 23, 2023 meeting.

• Approved February 23, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Recommended approval of text amendment to Article 19 with suggestions (6-0)
• Recommended approval of text amendment to Article 23 (6-0)

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors is meeting to discuss routine administrative matters, including a budget reduction from $115,200 to $80,400, the chief appraiser's monthly activity report, and updates on property values. The agenda includes items on boat values, urban land assessments, and CUVA (likely a property valuation program) changes, but no public hearings or major policy decisions are listed.

• Budget reduced from $115,200 to $80,400
• Chief Appraiser monthly activity report
• Boat values update (Julie)
• Urban land assessment March 6-10 (Eddie)
• CUVA values up 3% (John Artz)

The Board of Assessors approved several groups of Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) applications, including new, renewal, and continuation requests. The board also approved specific CUVA denials. A budget report was presented showing a decrease from $115,200 to $86,400.

• Approved February 22, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved CUVA denials for 057-002A, 008A-060, 059-030E, 044-037, and 008b-021 (Unanimous)
• Approved new CUVA applications for 11 parcels including 021-081 and 031-032 (Unanimous)
• Approved CUVA renewal applications for 66 parcels including 057-013 and 040-012 (Unanimous)
• Approved CUVA continuation applications for 17 parcels including 051-090Z and 051-090 (Unanimous)
• Approved FLPA continuation applications for 044-059, 016-033, and 022-040 (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Board of Commissioners denied a request to subdivide a 5-acre tract on Godfrey Road. The Board approved several equipment purchases and a postage meter lease renewal, while tabling a proposed amendment to sign regulations.

• Approved purchase of replacement pump from Rome Electric for $12,340 (Unanimous)
• Approved 36-month lease with Pitney Bowes at $190.02 monthly (Unanimous)
• Approved purchase of loader tires from Southern Tire Mart and rental from Hertz, transferring $33,500 from contingency to Solid Waste fund (Unanimous)
• Denied text amendment request for Billy Campbell to subdivide property on Godfrey Road (Unanimous)
• Tabled text amendment to Article 17 regarding sign regulations until April 4, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved February 21, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved February 2023 payables and financials (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morgan County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider zoning text amendments. The main item is a request by Gerald and Summer Wood to add shipping containers and related regulations to the county zoning ordinance. Several proposed amendments to sign, zoning, variance, conditional use, public hearing, and appeals procedures have been withdrawn and will not be discussed.

• Text amendment to Table 4.1 to add shipping containers and associated regulations to the Morgan County Zoning Ordinance
• Text amendment to Article 17 related to Signs
• Withdrawn: text amendments to Articles 19, 20, 21, 23, and 2 related to zoning amendment, variance, conditional use, public hearing, and appeals procedures

The Planning Commission recommended approval of a text amendment to Article 17 regarding signs. A request to add shipping containers to the zoning ordinance was tabled until April. Five other requested text amendments were withdrawn.

• Approved January 26, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Recommended approval of text amendment to Article 17 regarding Signs with corrections (7-0)
• Tabled shipping container text amendment application until April meeting (7-0)
• Withdrew text amendment to Article 19 (Zoning Amendment Procedures)
• Withdrew text amendment to Article 20 (Variance Procedures)
• Withdrew text amendment to Article 21 (Conditional Use Procedures)
• Withdrew text amendment to Article 23 (Public Hearings)
• Withdrew text amendment to Article 2 (Appeals)

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors is meeting to discuss routine administrative matters, including the chief appraiser's monthly activity report, a proposed revision to the CUVA policy, and new CUVA applications. The agenda also notes a timber value increase of 3% and a current level of assessment of 39.09. No public hearings or major decisions are listed; the meeting is largely procedural.

• Chief Appraiser monthly activity report
• Timber value up 3% (as of March 2)
• Revision to CUVA policy
• Level of assessment at 39.09
• CUVA new applications

The Board approved several new, renewal, and continuation conservation applications. It also established new requirements for CUV applications on tracts under 10 acres and updated the process for public attendance at meetings.

• Approved January 25, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved January Monthly Activity Report
• Required Schedule F for CUV applications on tracts under 10 acres
• Approved public requests for agenda items via form filed 5 business days prior to meetings
• Approved new conservation applicants (12 parcels)
• Approved conservation renewal applications (71 parcels)
• Approved conservation continuation applications (26 parcels)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider several facility upgrades, including access control upgrades, compactor refurbishment, catwalk replacement, and a new oven for the detention center. They will also hear commissioner liaison reports and take public comments on agenda items.

• Access Control Upgrades
• Compactor Refurbish
• Replacement of Catwalk
• Replacement Oven for Detention Center
• Commissioner Liaison Reports

The Board of Commissioners approved several facility maintenance projects, including security upgrades and equipment replacements. A proposed budget transfer for a maintenance position was discussed but not voted upon.

• Approved $17,800 for keycard access doors at Senior Center and Aquatic Center (Unanimous)
• Approved $13,200 for Container Repair Service to refurbish and install compactor at 278 site (Unanimous)
• Approved $22,754 for Madison Welding and Fabrication to construct a catwalk and transferred funds from general fund contingency to solid waste fund (Unanimous)
• Approved $14,565 purchase of a replacement oven for the Detention Center from Restaurant Equipment Market (Unanimous)
• Decided not to vote on transferring the Public Safety Complex maintenance position to the Sheriff's Department budget

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on February 7, 2023, to consider several items including a conditional use request for a family cemetery, a zoning map amendment, replacement of backstops at Wood Park, a budget amendment, and a settlement agreement. The board will also approve minutes, consent agenda, and hear public comments.

• Conditional use request by Joey Brewer for a family cemetery on 4.53 acres at 2551 Kingston Road (Tax Parcel 060-047A)
• Zoning map amendment request by Manjit Kaur from C1 to C2 for 1.2 acres at 4281 Greensboro Highway (Tax Parcel 043-111A)
• Replace backstops at Wood Park
• Budget amendment
• Settlement agreement with Jimmy A. Gay

The Board of Commissioners approved a conditional use request for a family cemetery and a settlement agreement with Jimmy A. Gay. They denied a zoning map amendment for a digital sign and approved funds for park improvements and scale house repairs.

• Approved conditional use for family cemetery at 2551 Kingston Road (Unanimous)
• Denied zoning map amendment from C1 to C2 at 4281 Greensboro Highway (Unanimous)
• Approved $16,945 purchase of backstops from A Better Built Fence for Wood Park (Unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment transferring $9,500 from general fund contingency to solid waste fund (Unanimous)
• Approved settlement agreement with Jimmy A. Gay (Unanimous)
• Approved January 2023 payables and financials (Unanimous)
• Approved January 17, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morgan County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to handle administrative business, including approving minutes and hearing a staff report. They will consider two requests: a conditional use for a family cemetery and a zoning map amendment from C1 to C2.

• Conditional use request by Joey Brewer for a family cemetery on 4.53 acres at 2551 Kingston Road (Tax Parcel 060-047A)
• Zoning map amendment request by Manjit Kaur from C1 to C2 for 1.2 acres at 4281 Greensboro Highway (Tax Parcel 043-111A)
• Approval of minutes from December 15, 2022 regular meeting
• Staff report on past zoning decisions

The Planning Commission recommended approval for a family cemetery on Kingston Road with specific conditions. The Commission also recommended denying a zoning map amendment from C1 to C2 for a property on Greensboro Highway.

• Approved December 15, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recommended approval of conditional use for family cemetery at 2551 Kingston Road with conditions (9-0)
• Recommended denial of zoning map amendment from C1 to C2 at 4281 Greensboro Highway (9-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors approved several new, renewal, and continuation applications for the Conservation Use Program. The board also elected officers and updated its monthly meeting schedule.

• Elected John Artz as Chair, Chris Sides as Vice-Chair, and Barbara Fortin as Secretary
• Approved monthly activity reports for November and December
• Changed monthly meeting date to the fourth Wednesday of every month
• Approved 10 new Conservation Use Program applications
• Denied 7 Conservation Use Program applications
• Approved 56 renewal applications for the Conservation Use Program
• Approved 44 continuation applications for the Conservation Use Program

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider new business, including a proposed purchase of an AED (automated external defibrillator). The board will also receive liaison reports and take public comments on agenda items. The agenda includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• AED Purchase
• Commissioner Liaison Reports
• Public Comments on Agenda Items
• Approval of January 4, 2023 meeting minutes

The Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed to use the Construction Manager at Risk delivery method for the Recreation Expansion Project. Additionally, the Board approved the purchase of six AEDs and a corresponding budget transfer.

• Approved purchase of 6 AEDs from AED Superstore for $10,460.90 (Unanimous)
• Approved budget transfer of $10,460.90 from contingency to general fund for EMA (Unanimous)
• Agreed to use Construction Manager at Risk method for Recreation Expansion Project (Unanimous)
• Approved January 04, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will elect a chairman and vice-chairman for 2023, approve the consent agenda including December payables and financials, and consider a conditional use request for a family cemetery on 73.326 acres at 3511 Bethany Road. They will also review change orders for sprinkler replacement and courthouse repairs, a retirement benefit change proposal, and a PTO policy revision.

• Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman for 2023
• Conditional use request by Joey Brewer for family cemetery on 73.326 acres at 3511 Bethany Road (Tax Parcels 053-051, 053-050 & 053-049A)
• Sprinkler Replacement Change Order
• Courthouse Repairs Change Order
• Retirement Benefit Change Proposal and PTO Policy Revision

The Board of Commissioners approved a $160,000 change order for courthouse repairs and a new Personal Time Off (PTO) policy for employees. They also approved a conditional use request for a family cemetery and updated retirement health benefits.

• Elected Ben Riden, Jr. as Chair and Bill Kurtz as Vice-Chair for 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved conditional use for a family cemetery at 3511 Bethany Road (Unanimous)
• Approved $11,215.13 change order for DFCS Building sprinkler replacement (Unanimous)
• Approved courthouse repair change order not to exceed $160,000 (Unanimous)
• Authorized ACCG to draft retirement plan changes for February 7 meeting (Unanimous)
• Authorized adding retirement health benefits starting July 1, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved new Personal Time Off (PTO) policy and accrual rates (Unanimous)
• Approved December 2022 payables for General Fund, TSPLOST, and SPLOST (Unanimous)