Walker County public meetings in 2021

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners approved a six-month extension of a moratorium on new large-scale commercial poultry operations, along with several appointments, contracts, and equipment purchases. The board also removed a variance appeal and two retirement plan items from the agenda for further review.

• Approved Resolution R-065-21 extending a temporary moratorium on new large-scale commercial poultry house operations for six months.
• Approved purchase orders totaling $558,331.46 for police radios, two Ford F-150 pickup trucks, and a 2021 Gradall XL4100 V.
• Approved a 12-month inmate medical services contract with Correct Med LLC.
• Approved a personal services agreement with Robert Wardlaw for as-needed work after his retirement.
• Appointed Michael Haney to the Planning Commission and Water & Sewerage Authority, and Cecilia Westbrook to the Animal Control Board.

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority approved an Inducement Resolution for Project Yesterday, a proposed expansion of an existing manufacturing facility at 1507 Broomtown Road in LaFayette. The project is expected to bring $118 million in capital investment and 646 new jobs, with a 10-year ad valorem tax abatement via a PILOT payment schedule starting at $1,278,000 in 2023 and rising to $2,211,700 by 2027. The resolution also extends the prior PILOT arrangement until the new one takes effect in 2023. The vote was 6-0.

• Approved Inducement Resolution for Project Yesterday (6-0)
• Authorized 10-year ad valorem tax abatement for Project Yesterday
• Extended prior PILOT arrangement until new PILOT takes effect in 2023

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners held a work session to discuss the county's employee defined benefit plan. They heard a presentation from ACCG Retirement Services about moving the plan from Lincoln to ACCG, which would increase the employer contribution rate from 4% to 7%. The board decided to wait for cost comparisons before making a decision.

• Presentation from ACCG Retirement Services on switching pension plan
• Discussion on employee defined benefit plan; rate would increase from 4% to 7%
• Commissioners to request cost information from both Lincoln and ACCG
• Trustees (Chairman Whitfield, Kristy Anderson, Greg McConnell) to review costs
• Decision postponed until cost information is obtained

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority accepted Executive Director Robert Wardlaw's resignation for retirement and appointed Stephanie Watkins as his successor, effective December 31, 2021. The board also authorized the chair to sign documents related to Project Yesterday and approved the financial report for September through November 2021.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved minutes of September 14, 2021 meeting (6-0)
• Approved financial report for September, October, November 2021 (6-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing chair to sign documents for Project Yesterday (6-0)
• Accepted Executive Director Robert Wardlaw's resignation for retirement (6-0)
• Appointed Stephanie Watkins as new Executive Director, effective December 31, 2021 (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on December 9, 2021, deciding on a variance appeal, bond compliance resolution, and several appointments. The variance appeal by Sharon Reneau for property at 41 Lee School Road was tabled pending further inspection. The board approved a resolution ensuring compliance with Georgia law for ESPLOST bonds issued by the school district, and made appointments to the Planning Commission and Animal Control Board. Two contracts with ACCG regarding employee benefit plans were tabled to the next meeting.

• Variance appeal by Sharon Reneau for 41 Lee School Road, LaFayette, GA 30728 — tabled for more information
• Resolution R-055-21: ESPLOST bond compliance for Walker County School District — approved
• Appointments to Planning Commission: William Zachary Chapman, Robert Allen Carter, John Moorehouse, John Hentz — approved
• Appointments to Animal Control Board: Mike Nowlin, John Conely — approved
• Contracts with ACCG for employee benefit plan amendment and defined plan — tabled

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM, but after roll call, a quorum was not present. Vice Chairman Terry Newberry informed the audience that the commission could not hold the public meeting. No substantive decisions were made.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners approved resolutions appointing a Historic Preservation Commission member, authorizing a transit grant application, setting the coroner's salary, and proclaiming Hunger Free Month. They also approved a memorandum of understanding and a master services agreement with Terracon for a $500,000 EPA brownfield grant application, contingent on grant award, with no matching funds. The board entered executive session for personnel, real estate, and litigation but took no action.

• Resolution R-052-21: Appointed Theresa Dorsey to the Walker County Historic Preservation Commission, term ending Dec 31, 2024
• Resolution R-053-21: Authorized filing for a federal/state public transportation grant under Title 49 U.S.C. Section 5311
• Resolution R-054-21: Set coroner's annual salary at $30,146.40, retroactive to Nov 1, 2021
• Approved MOU with Chickamauga, LaFayette, and Rossville for EPA Brownfield Grant Application ($500,000 grant)
• Approved Master Services Agreement with Terracon for brownfield property inventory, assessment, and planning

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Walker County Historic Preservation Commission met Nov. 15, 2021, and approved the agenda and October minutes. It heard updates on the African Masonic Lodge roof replacement, the District Hill Cemetery restoration, and the county's Certified Local Government application. The commission voted to skip December and reconvene Jan. 17, 2022, at the Walker County African American History Museum.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Approved October 18, 2021 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Skipped December meeting, next meeting Jan. 17, 2022 (motion carried)
• Adjourned at 7:27 pm (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners approved a $1.3 million purchase of three fire trucks, a $788,898 purchase of three quick response vehicles, a conditional use variance for a tiny home/RV park, and a resolution authorizing ARPA fund documents. The board also approved a $29,997 extended warranty for voting machines, a dump truck purchase, and a professional services agreement with Retail Strategies, LLC.

• Approved $1,049,256 purchase of three Class pumpers from Peach State Truck Centers, paid from 2020 SPLOST fund
• Approved $788,898 purchase of three quick response vehicles from Ten-8 Fire and Safety Equipment
• Approved conditional use variance for tiny homes and RVs at 1949 Round Pond Road, LaFayette
• Approved resolution authorizing documents for ARPA Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund
• Approved $29,997 for extended warranties on voting machines from Dominion Voting Systems

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for the Gateway at Rossville development (6-1) and approved a conditional use variance for Clay Tracy to convert a mobile home park into an RV and tiny home campsite, with a 14-day stay limit. The commission denied Sharon Reneau's variance request to keep a mobile home on her property. The meeting also included unanimous approval of the August and September minutes.

• Approved Gateway at Rossville preliminary plat (6-1)
• Approved Clay Tracy conditional use variance with 14-day stay limit (unanimous)
• Denied Sharon Reneau variance request (6-1)
• Approved minutes for August 19 and September 16, 2021 (unanimous)

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Walker County Historic Preservation Commission approved a letter supporting the Marsh House Board of Trustees and Walker County Historical Society's request for Walker County to purchase the half-acre lot north of the Marsh House. They also approved using an interim letterhead design, authorized the chair to request name badges, name plates, and a recording device from the county, and discussed community engagement plans.

• Approved letter of support for county purchase of lot north of Marsh House
• Approved interim letterhead design (motion by Pat Cook, seconded by Alan Slaven)
• Authorized chair to request name badges, name plates, and recording device from county
• Appointed members to develop holiday season community engagement plan
• Approved agenda and September 27, 2021 minutes

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and voted on an ordinance amending Chapter 22 of the county code regarding land development, including new rules for tiny homes and private drives. The board also approved a rezoning request from the Estate of Marion H. Hutcheson II for property at 2563 Happy Valley Road, Rossville, from agricultural to R-2 residential. The board approved the 2022 holiday calendar and a temporary fee for the landfill material list. The meeting included public comment on the rezoning and other county matters.

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Walker County Historic Preservation Commission voted to support a request by the Marsh House Board and the Walker County Historical Society for the county to purchase the lot north of the Marsh House for preservation. The commission also discussed the proposed Civil War Wayside at Villanow Community Center and the Oak Grove School project, with the chairman taking follow-up actions. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved motion to support purchase of lot north of Marsh House for preservation (motion carried)
• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of August 23, 2021 meeting (motion carried)
• Chairman to write letter to county board requesting permission for Civil War Wayside at Villanow Community Center
• Chairman to seek property access for Oak Grove School site
• Decided to rotate future meetings around county for accessibility
• Commissioners Cobb and Dorsey to host October 18, 2021 meeting at Chattanooga Academy or Marsh House

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on September 23, 2021. They held a public hearing and voted to deny a request to rezone property at 16 Blue Bird Lane, Rossville, from R-2 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial), following a unanimous recommendation from the Planning Commission to deny. The board also approved a grant award for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Enhancement project, with no cost to the county, and received an informational update from the mental health coordinator.

• Denied rezoning request for 16 Blue Bird Lane, Rossville, GA (Tax Map & Parcel 0-124-009) from R-2 to C-1
• Approved DOJ OJP Grant Award 2020-DC-BX-O109 for Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Enhancement, fully funded with no county cost
• Public hearing included opposition from neighbor Wendell Cornett citing road width and drainage issues
• Commissioner comments noted Dougherty Gap Road closed due to landslide
• Vaccination rate in county reported at 29%

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission denied a rezone request for the Marion Hutcheson Estate (R-2 to C-1) and a rezone for Jerry Johnson (R-2 to C-1), both unanimously. It approved a variance for Randall Morgan to place a modular home for medical reasons, and approved a plat for Hawks Ridge Holdings LLC (7-0, with one recusal). The board also voted to keep the private drive limit at four homes on 3 acres each, and discussed but did not finalize amendments to the Land Development Regulations.

• Denied Marion Hutcheson Estate rezone (unanimous)
• Denied Jerry Johnson rezone from R-2 to C-1 (unanimous)
• Approved Randall Morgan variance for modular home (unanimous)
• Approved Hawks Ridge Holdings LLC plat (7-0, Jack Mullinax recused)
• Voted to keep private drive limit at four homes on 3 acres each (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to move Land Development Regulations item earlier (approved)

Development Authority

The Development Authority heard a presentation from MGT Capital about purchasing two acres at the industrial park for a crypto-mining operation, with a proposed price of $25,000 per acre and a claw-back provision. No formal action was taken on the proposal. The board approved the agenda, prior meeting minutes, and the financial report, all unanimously.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved minutes of Dec 8, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of Apr 13, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved minutes of Jul 8, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved financial report for April-August 2021 (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and approved the FY2022 general fund and enterprise funds budgets, along with a resolution to amend the FY2021 budget. They also approved a rezone request, two purchase orders, and a consulting agreement. The meeting included proclamations and an executive session with no action taken.

• Adopted FY2022 General Fund Budget and Enterprise Funds & Special Revenue Budget
• Approved rezone of 0 Happy Valley Road, Rossville from Industrial (I) to Residential (R-3)
• Approved purchase order for 2021 Dodge Durango totaling $37,988.50
• Approved purchase order for fire suppression system replacement at courthouse totaling $33,523.00
• Approved consultant master services agreement with U.S. Services Inc. for planning and design

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners held public hearings and voted on the FY2022 budget, millage rates, and several road and fire equipment purchases. They also approved conditional use variances and a rezoning request, and heard public comments on various issues.

• Adopted millage rate of 8.313 mills for unincorporated areas and 11.963 for incorporated areas
• Approved FY2022 General Fund and Enterprise Funds & Special Revenue budgets
• Approved purchase order for 6 SCBA units and 18 cylinders for Fire and Rescue totaling $48,346.02
• Approved multiple road culvert repair contracts on West Cove Road and Overbrook Drive totaling over $497,000
• Approved conditional use variance for Michael Odom's auto repair business at 0 McFarland Avenue, Rossville

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Walker County Historic Preservation Commission met on August 23, 2021, and made several decisions. It appointed Nan Slaven as Vice Chair and Renee Griffin as recording secretary. The commission also voted to support the Georgia Civil War Commission's request to place a Civil War Wayside interpretive sign at the Willow Creek Civic Center. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reviews and discussions of historic properties and bridge projects.

• Appointed Nan Slaven as Vice Chair (motion carried)
• Appointed Renee Griffin as recording secretary (motion carried)
• Supported Georgia Civil War Commission's request for a Civil War Wayside sign at Willow Creek Civic Center (motion carried)

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission approved an extension for the Gateway at Rossville preliminary plat until October 21, 2021, per the developer's attorney's request. They also denied a variance for Jeff Myers' property, approved variances for Patten Smith and Michael & Stacey Wooten, and approved a conditional use variance for Meagan Stone while denying one for Michael Odom. A rezone for Catherine Kasch was approved on a tie-breaking vote by the vice chairman.

• Approved extension for Gateway preliminary plat until Oct. 21, 2021 (unanimous)
• Denied variance for Jeff Myers' property division (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Patten Smith's duplex lot sale (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Michael & Stacey Wooten with stipulation lots be joined (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use variance for Meagan Stone's therapy business (6-2)
• Denied conditional use variance for Michael Odom's garage (7-1)
• Approved rezone for Catherine Kasch's 75 luxury cottages (5-4, tie broken by vice chairman)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved a new county code and updated the county fee schedule. The board also authorized a grant application for outdoor stewardship and submitted the proposed FY 2022 General Fund and Enterprise Funds budgets.

• Ordinance No. 0-01-21 adopting and enacting a new code for Walker County
• Resolution R-034-21 adding existing miscellaneous fees to the County Fee Schedule
• Resolution R-036-21 supporting a Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Grant application totaling $750,000.00
• Purchase order for Marion Environmental for concrete removal from Coats American Property for $51,040.00
• Purchase order 2021-00001877 for a used 2015 Mack CXU613 Class 8 Truck for $55,200.00

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss the adoption of millage rates for unincorporated and incorporated areas. This was the first of three scheduled hearings before the rates are set on August 26, 2021.

• Proposed millage rate of 8.313 mills in unincorporated areas
• Proposed millage rate of 11.963 mills in incorporated areas
• Proposed property tax increase of 3.26% in unincorporated areas
• Proposed property tax increase of 0.54% in incorporated areas

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on August 12, 2021, to discuss the adoption of a millage rate of 8.313 mills in unincorporated areas and 11.963 mills in incorporated areas. Chairman Whitfield noted this would be the lowest rate in four years, but due to increased revenues from sales taxes, it is advertised as a tax increase. No public comments were made. A third hearing is scheduled for August 26, 2021.

• Proposed millage rate: 8.313 mills (unincorporated), 11.963 mills (incorporated)
• Tax increase of 3.26% in unincorporated areas and 0.54% in incorporated areas
• Increase of 0.259 mills (unincorporated) and 0.065 mills (incorporated) over rollback rate
• Proposed tax increase for a $125,000 home: $12.43 (unincorporated), $3.12 (incorporated)
• Third public hearing scheduled for August 26, 2021 at 7:00 pm

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners held a final public hearing on August 12, 2021, to receive citizen input on the proposed expansion of the Walker County Site 2 Construction and Demolition (C&D) Landfill at 5120 N. Marble Top Road, Chickamauga, GA. No public comments or questions were offered, and the hearing was adjourned after about six minutes. The hearing is part of the permitting process for a Solid Waste Handling Permit from the Georgia EPD.

• Final public hearing for Walker County Site 2 C&D Landfill expansion at 5120 N. Marble Top Road, Chickamauga
• No public comments or questions were made during the hearing
• Expansion will be inside the existing fenced area of the landfill
• Permit application submitted to Georgia EPD on October 7, 2016; Notice of Site Suitability received November 6, 2017
• Fourth public meeting held for this project since 2015

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a new county code update and several zoning changes for properties in Lafayette and Rossville. Additionally, the board is considering multiple purchase orders for office technology and law enforcement equipment.

• Ordinance No. O-01-21: Adopting a new code for Walker County
• Rezone request: 7001 N. Hwy 27, Rock Spring, GA (Kenneth Kibler)
• Rezone request: 100 Park City Road, Rossville, GA (Larry Bang)
• Partial rezone request: 778 Mission Ridge Road, Rossville, GA (Lashon F. Kelley)
• Conditional use variance: 2664 E. Hwy 136, LaFayette, GA (Andrea White)

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission denied a rezone and variance for a proposed Dollar General on N. Longhollow Road after public opposition, and approved a rezone for a 40-50 unit apartment development off Hwy 27. It also denied a rezone for Larry Bang's property, approved a conditional use variance transfer for Andrea White, and approved the June 2021 minutes with amendments.

• Denied Lashon A. Kelley rezone for Dollar General (8-1)
• Denied Lashon A. Kelley variance (8-1)
• Approved Kenneth Kibler rezone for apartments (unanimous, Daryl Brooks recused)
• Denied Larry Bang rezone from CBOD to C-1 (unanimous, Jack Mullinax recused)
• Approved Andrea White conditional use variance transfer (unanimous)
• Approved June 2021 minutes with amendments (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss resolutions regarding surplus property, mobile home decals, and the use of the Wardlaw Building. The agenda includes appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission and a report from the Planning Commission on zoning changes.

• Resolution R-029-21: Appoint a Chairperson to the Walker County Historic Preservation Commission
• Resolution R-030-21: Declare property from various departments as unserviceable surplus
• Resolution to not require the issuance of mobile home decals
• Resolution R-032-21: Approve use of the Wardlaw Building by the Walker County African American Historical and Alumni Association
• Surplus of vehicles

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority approved a bond resolution for the McLemore Resort, LLC project, not to exceed $100 million, to support the construction of a hotel resort. The authority also approved a $19 million bond for the Gateway at Rossville, LP project, a 156-apartment complex on Happy Valley Road in Rossville. Both motions passed unanimously with all members present voting in favor, and officials stated the county would not assume liability from either bond.

• Approved bond resolution for McLemore Resort, LLC project, not to exceed $100 million (unanimous)
• Approved bond resolution for Gateway at Rossville, LP project, $19 million (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss a temporary emergency moratorium on zoning and building permits for new or expanding large-scale commercial agriculture operations. The board is also reviewing a rezoning request for a property on Happy Valley Road.

• Resolution R-028-21: Temporary emergency moratorium on permits for large scale commercial agriculture operations
• Rezone request for 0 Happy Valley Road, Rossville, GA (Tax Map 0-136-017) from Industrial to R-3 Residential
• Purchase Order 2021-00001465: $36,329.84 for a 2021 Ford F150 for Walker County Fire and Rescue
• Fire Services Agreement between Walker County and the City of Rossville for automatic aid
• Subgrant awards from the Governor's Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for Adult Felony Drug Courts and Mental Health Court

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission approved a conditional use variance for Meagan Stone to operate a massage therapy practice from her home, with specified hours and no signs. The commission also approved a plat for Dollar General to enlarge its store and reduce parking spaces, tabled a rezone request due to incorrect information, and denied a variance for Jason Hill to divide a property tract.

• Approved conditional use variance for Meagan Stone's home massage therapy with listed hours and no signs (motion by Susan Tankersley, seconded by Elliott Pierce; carried with two against).
• Approved plat for Ten Foot Properties LLC (Dollar General) to change store square footage and reduce parking spaces at Lula Lake Road and Hwy 157 (motion by Elliott Pierce, seconded by Todd Holt; unanimous).
• Tabled rezone request for Catherine A. Kasch to build 75 units with park and pool due to incorrect information submitted (motion by Jack Mullinax, seconded by Daryl Brooks; unanimous).
• Denied variance for Jason Hill to divide a property tract with less than the required acreage (motion by Jack Mullinax, seconded by Daryl Brooks; unanimous).

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to appoint members to regional councils and the community services board. The body is also considering resolutions to declare surplus property and adopt a price guide for the county landfill.

• Resolution R-023-21: Authorize Chairperson to spend up to $250,000 on fire hydrants
• Resolution R-024-21: Adopt a material list and price guide for the Walker County Landfill
• Resolution R-022-21: Declare property from various departments as unserviceable surplus
• Resolution R-019-21: Appoint Chief Blake Hodge to the Northwest Georgia Region 1 EMS Council
• Resolution R-020-21: Appoint Dr. Neal Florence to the Lookout Mountain Community Services Board

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is considering an intergovernmental agreement to convey a surplus motor vehicle to Chattooga County. The vehicle is intended for use by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement and mutual aid purposes.

• Transfer of one 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV (VIN 1GNMCAE03AR209351) to Chattooga County

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review requests for a conditional use variance and two property rezonings. The meeting also includes approvals for electrical and water infrastructure projects.

• Purchase Order 2021-00001114 for a transformer at Rossville Athletic Center ($18,003.06)
• Purchase Order 2021-00001149 for a water project at East Armuchee Community Center on Hwy 136 ($57,550.00)
• Conditional Use Variance request for 0 Stanfield Road at Hwy 27
• Rezone request from A-1 to R-3 for 958 Kendrick’s Switch Road
• Rezone request from C-1 to R-2 for 1 Reece Street

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission approved a conditional use variance for Franks Trucking to relocate, denied a rezoning request for a property on Switch Road, approved a rezoning with conditions for a property on McFarland Ave, and tabled a variance request because the applicant was absent. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved conditional use variance for Franks Trucking relocation (unanimous)
• Denied rezoning of property on Switch Road (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning for Brady Bush property on McFarland Ave with condition to start remodel within 18 months (unanimous)
• Tabled variance request for Jason Hill due to applicant absence (unanimous)

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority postponed a proposal from H&R Sanitation and heard a request from Rossville DDA to market the Coats American building. Members elected new officers after Evitte Parrish resigned as chair, with Andy Arnold becoming chair, Max Morrison vice chair, and Jim Cole secretary/treasurer. All votes were unanimous.

• Postponed H&R Sanitation proposal (unanimous)
• Accepted Jim Cole as Secretary/Treasurer (unanimous)
• Accepted Andy Arnold as Chair (unanimous)
• Accepted Max Morrison as Vice Chair (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider a property rezoning request in Rossville and the issuance of revenue bonds. Additional business includes grant applications, animal shelter policies, and several large purchase orders for fire gear and vehicles.

• Rezoning of 0 Happy Valley Road at Highway 2 in Rossville from R-2/A-1 to C-1
• Issuance of Revenue Bonds by the Development Authority of Walker County
• Application for a USDA Rural Business Development Grant
• Purchase of 13 sets of Lion V Force Stock Pant/Coat Turnout Gear for $28,808.00
• Purchase of three 2022 Ford Super Duty F-250 vehicles totaling $171,523.98

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners addressed multiple items including rezoning requests, staff appointments, and several vehicle and equipment purchase orders. The meeting also included a public hearing regarding revenue bonds and discussions on agricultural zoning.

• Rezoning request for 0 Happy Valley Road in Rossville from R-2/A-1 to C-1
• Resolution to authorize application for a USDA Rural Business Development Grant
• Appointment of Whitney Summey to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission
• Approval of $2,500.00 for the Tax Commissioner to waive certain penalties or interest
• Purchase of extrication equipment for Fire Station 7 in Fairview

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission unanimously approved a rezone request from the Estate of Marion Hutcheson, allowing the remaining portion of the property to be marketed as commercial. The applicant, John Beard, stated the property is currently zoned A-1 and the buyer plans to develop one to three lots for uses like a bank. The approval includes the wooded tract on the north side of Highway 2, as it is part of the same deed. The commission also unanimously approved the February 2021 meeting minutes, with a note about a voting amendment.

• Approved the rezone of the Estate of Marion Hutcheson property to commercial, including the wooded tract north of Highway 2.
• Approved the February 2021 meeting minutes, with a note that Resolution No. 2021-02-18 was amended to include a voting restriction unless otherwise allowed by Georgia State Law.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the issuance of revenue bonds for a senior rental housing community. The board is also considering several vehicle and equipment purchases for county departments.

• Public hearing on revenue bonds up to $19,000,000 for Gateway at Rossville, LP senior housing at 2478 Happy Valley Road
• Purchase Order 2021-00000871 for Fire Station 7 extrication equipment ($32,873.99)
• Purchase Order for two Ford Explorers for Emergency Management/911 and IT ($58,865.76)
• Purchase Order 2021-00000914 for two Ford F-150 trucks for Animal Control and Public Works ($53,901.52)
• Resolution to authorize the Tax Commissioner to waive penalties or interest on unpaid ad valorem taxes

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is deciding on several purchase orders for vehicles and heavy equipment funded by 2020 SPLOST. The body is also considering a resolution to allow the Tax Commissioner to accept non-cash payments for taxes.

• Purchase of one Dodge Ram Pick-up Truck from GA Dept of Public Safety for $26,912.70
• Purchase of 11 Dodge Vehicles from Jenkins Inc
• Purchase of two Bobcat Compact Tract Loaders and a trailer from Bobcat of Chattanooga
• Purchase of four New Holland T56.110 Tractors and associated mowers from Franklin Tractors
• Resolution to authorize the Walker County Tax Commissioner to accept non-cash payment for taxes

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2021-02-18, establishing new meeting guidelines and procedures for planning and zoning meetings, with an added requirement that board members be present when participating and voting. The commission also voted unanimously to table a variance request from Robert & Tammy Carter to build four additional duplexes on Claire Street, citing insufficient information. A separate variance for Ben Barton regarding a storage building at 3406 Hwy 95 was approved unanimously.

• Approved Resolution 2021-02-18 establishing meeting guidelines and procedures (unanimous)
• Tabled Robert & Tammy Carter variance for four duplexes on Claire Street (unanimous)
• Approved Ben Barton variance for storage building at 3406 Hwy 95 (unanimous)
• Approved January 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is considering Resolution R-007-21 regarding rules of decorum for public participation at meetings. The provided document is currently a placeholder.

• Resolution R-007-21: Rules of decorum for public participation

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and consider decisions on four rezoning requests. The meeting also includes appointments to the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority and an agreement for election conduct.

• Rezone request from R-2 to I (Industrial) for 0 Salem Road, Rossville
• Rezone request from R-2 to A-1 for 0 Dry Creek Road, LaFayette
• Rezone request from R-2 to A-1 for 0 Corinth Road, LaFayette
• Rezone request from R-2 to A-1 for 0 E. Hwy 136, LaFayette
• Intergovernmental Agreement for the Conduct Of Elections between Walker County and the City Of Chickamauga

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission elected Michael Haney as chairman and Terry Newberry as vice chairman for 2021. They approved a rezone for H.J. Blakemore & Sons to operate a concrete grinding business, and approved three rezones for the Ridley poultry farm. Two variances were denied (McCole and Pryor), while one variance for Premier Property Development was approved.

• Elected Michael Haney as Chairman (ballot vote)
• Elected Terry Newberry as Vice Chairman (unanimous)
• Approved rezone for H.J. Blakemore & Sons concrete grinding (unanimous)
• Approved three rezones for Allen Eugene, Lorri & Brody Ridley poultry farm (unanimous)
• Denied variance for Andrew & Jessica McCole (unanimous)
• Denied variance for Janet L. Pryor (7-3)
• Approved variance for Premier Property Development (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss appointing a county attorney and standby counsel. The body is also considering appointments to the Limestone Valley Resource Conservation & Development Council and the establishment of a part-time board clerk.

• Resolution to appoint members to the Limestone Valley Resource Conservation & Development Council
• Resolution R-005-21 to appoint a County Attorney and Standby Counsel
• Discussion on establishing a part-time board clerk
• Review of December 2020 departmental statistics

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a special called meeting to conduct organizational business for the new year. The body will vote on the election of a Vice Chairperson and establish the regular meeting schedule for 2021.

• RESOLUTION R-001-21: Election of a Vice Chairperson from board members
• RESOLUTION R-002-021: Establishment of the 2021 regular meeting calendar