A full agenda met commissioners for their regular August meeting at the Emanuel County Courthouse on Monday evening. Chairman Jim Sherrod opened the meeting followed by an invocation given by County Attorney Richard McNeely and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Chairman Timmy Oliver.
In Public Comments, District Attorney Tripp Fitzner addressed the board regarding grant funds in the amount of $88,000 slated to benefit Emanuel County. The grant was comprised of fines derived from various criminal cases and judicial process. The board advised District Attorney Fitzner of its intent to accept the funds.
In a continuation of interest regarding Data Centers, Jessie Meadows spoke to commissioners concerning the development and legal control and monitoring of any high-tech industrial scale computing installations. Meadows has formerly suggested that a citizens advisory group be formed to assist the commissioners in the creation of ordinances that would be helpful in controlling the impact of this type of business on the environment of the county.
Following this, the minutes of the previous board meetings were presented and approved.
Under new business, the board discussed action regarding the possible road closure of Rheney Road. Following discussion, the board unanimously agreed to advertise a public meeting to hear further discussion regarding closure.
Continuing with new business, the board discussed action needed regarding the FLOST Resolution for the town of Summertown. A motion to sign a joint resolution with Summertown to provide for its inclusion in the FLOST measure was adopted unanimously.
The next item under new business concerned establishment of an agreement for architectural services for design work on the planned EMS Twin City Substation. Following discussion, the board voted unanimous agreement on the motion.
Next under new business was the consideration of purchase of a new tractor for county operations. Bids for the tractor were examined, and a selection was made for the purchase of two Massey Ferguson tractors at a unit price of $96,572 each.
Additionally, commissioners also discussed the need for replacement or repairs of a sidearm machine for clearing roads and road right of ways. Following reports indicating the need for replacement, the board voted to purchase a new Caterpillar for $280,534.
In the final issue of new business, the board made a motion to enter into a contract for repairs to Old Kenfield Road in the amount of $35,337.
This completed the agenda and County Administrator Guy Singletary then provided an update on county projects currently under construction. The Coleman County Office Building is now moving vigorously along at a full clip and promises to be the gem of the county upon completion. Singletary commented that the Recreation projects are also seeing great progress at a good rate, including the first ever county swimming pool and the finishing touches are now being applied on the extensive gymnasium project renovations.
Following the progress report, the August meeting was adjourned.
