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The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 9:00 am.  Members present were Brandon Braddy, Mark Burns, Clarence Thomas, Charles Truett, and Ronnie Smith.

Chairman Truett called the meeting to order.  The invocation was led by Commissioner Braddy, followed by the pledge to the flag.

The agenda was amended to include Heath Pitman under appearances; set a redistricting planning date under old business; and a request for speed limit signs under new business on a motion by Commissioner Burns, seconded by Commissioner Smith.  Motion carried.

The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as written on a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Braddy.  Motion carried.

Terry McCormick from McCormick Consulting reported to the Board on the Re-Val.
Mr. McCormick told the Board that over 600 appeals have been filed, which is over 10% of the 5,700 parcels of property in the county.  The state will not accept the digest if the number of appeals is over 5%.  Mr. McCormick stated that they are working hard to resolve these appeals.  The deadline for the digest to be submitted is August 1st with a provision for an extension because the county is in a re-val.

Doris Smith appeared before the Board requesting the Sheriff’s Department and the City Police work together in emergencies.  This will be discussed in Executive Session.

Heath Pitman did not attend the meeting.

Johnny Clifton, Economic Development Director reported that Zig’s Chicken Grill will be opening in Mt. Vernon today.  Mr. Clifton is continuing to work with an alternative energy company.  Mr. Clifton also reported on meetings he attended.

Bill Mitchell, Director of Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce reported on the Chamber’s activities.  Mr. Mitchell introduced Tres Herin from this year’s Leadership Class.  Mr. Herin informed the Board of this years Leadership project which is to do repair work on some homes of low income families and the disabled. The Board was asked to help get the word out to homeowners, volunteer groups, civic clubs and church groups.

Administrator Curry informed the Board that 326 hours had been put on the machines in May, all roads had been graded, and the Road Departments would like to thank the Board for the new flatbed truck.

In old business, Chief Registrar Jo Hamilton appeared before the Board to ask for the Registrar’s Office to be relocated from upstairs to downstairs in the Courthouse.  On a motion by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Smith the Board agreed for the Registrar’s Office to move downstairs to the office that was previously the Tax Appraiser’s Office.  Motion carried.

The Board agreed to discuss the redistricting issue after the July meeting.

On a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Thomas the Board agreed to change the July 3rd meeting to July 10th.

After reviewing, discussing, and making a few adjustments to a revised Animal Control Ordinance submitted by Robert Wheeler, on a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Burns the Board agreed to adopt this ordinance for 90 days and if they can not come up with a permanent ordinance to replace it with, this one will lapse.  Motion carried.  Commissioner Thomas abstained from voting.

Mr. Wheeler informed the Board that the web-site is up and running and can be accessed at montgomerycountyga.com.

On a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Thomas the Board agreed to post 25 mph seed limit signs on Cartrette Road and Easy Street.  Motion carried.

In new business, the Board agreed to participate in the Wildlife Forestry Program on a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Burns.  Motion carried.

The Board agreed to participate in the Haz-Mat program on a motion by Commissioner Burns, seconded by Commissioner Thomas.  Motion carried

On a motion by Commissioner Burns, seconded by Commissioner Smith the Board agreed to purchase a book titled ‘History of Montgomery County to 1819’ for the A.C.C.G.’s Archives.  The cost of this book is $50.00.  Motion carried.

Chairman Truett reminded the Board of the STIP meeting at 1:00 this afternoon and of the meeting with the Development Authority and City Officials on June 14th at 7:00.

On a motion by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Burns the Board went into Executive Session to discuss personnel.  Motion carried.

On a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Braddy the Board came out of Executive Session.  Motion carried.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Braddy.  Motion carried.

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting on June 13, 2007 at 12:00 noon.  The purpose of the meeting was to discuss personnel.

Members present were Brandon Braddy, Mark Burns, Clarence Thomas, Charles Truett, and Ronnie Smith.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Truett.

On a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Burns the Board went into Executive Session.  Motion carried.

On a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Thomas the Board came out of Executive Session.  Motion carried.

On a motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Thomas the Board agreed to hire National Fire Service Organization to write the S.O.P.’s (Standard Operating Procedures) and S.O.G.’s (Standard Operating Guide) for the Volunteer Firefighters and First Responders.  Motion carried.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Braddy, seconded by Commissioner Burns.  Motion carried.

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners met with the Development Authority and Elected Official from the cities on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 7:00 pm at the Mt. Vernon Community Center.  The purpose of the meeting was to discuss economic development in the county.

Members present were Brandon Braddy, Mark Burns, Clarence Thomas, Charles Truett, and Ronnie Smith.

Also attending the meeting was Senator Tommie Williams.

Martin Moses, Chairman of the Development Authority opened the meeting with an explanation of the Development Authority and what businesses look for in a community.  Mr. Moses stated that business know about Montgomery County before they get here.

Senator Williams told those in attendance that he is interested in creating a Chartered School / Career Academy in the area.  This school would serve Montgomery, Tattnall, Toombs and the City of Vidalia.  Senator Williams stated that there is 3 million dollars available to start this school if they can get the application in.

Commission Chairman Truett talked to the group about the need for more sales tax revenues.  Sales tax and property tax are the only revenue the county has.  Chairman Truett told the group that if they know of anyone who is interested in opening a business and needs any kind of information and help, to get in touch with Johnny Clifton, Director of Economic Development or any Development Authority member.

With no further comments or questions the meeting ended.