Commission Minutes

OFFICIAL MINUTES
September 27, 2010, 33rd DAY OF
THE JULY ADJOURN TERM

The County Commission met in The Commissioner’s Hearing Room at 9:00 AM with
Chuck Pennel and Danny Strahan present, and Jim Strafuss absent. The following
proceedings were had and made a matter of record:

PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Commissioner Strahan led the Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

Commissioner Strahan moved to approve the minutes of 9/17 & 9/20/2010.
Commissioner Pennel seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Pennel (aye),
Strahan (aye), and Strafuss (absent).

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, JOURNAL ENTRIES/TRANSFERS

Commissioner Strahan moved to approve accounts payable with journal entries/transfers
as follows:

DATE 9/27/2010

CHECKS WARRANTS
321624 321678 5268

Commissioner Pennel seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Pennel (aye),
Strahan (aye), and Strafuss (absent).

RECESS
9:05 AM

RECONVENED
9:08 AM

BID OPENING – AUCTIONEERING SERVICES

Linda Gifford opened bids from the following three responders: Rick Findley, Nathan
Easley and GovDeals.com.
 PUBLIC COMMENT

Richard Jones came as a representative from the Red Cross and spoke to the Commission
about a local woman who lost family members in a fire, and who needs assistance in the
tear-down of the burned building. He requested that the Commission waive the fees for
the Transfer Station so that the Christian Fellowship who is assisting the citizen could
dump the waste without charge.

Commissioner Strahan informed Mr. Jones that Oct. 28th and 29th are already free dump
days at the Transfer Station. Mr. Jones said he would inform the group he is working
with and attempt to coordinate dumping on those days.

Kathy Keithly-Johnston requested her topic be postponed for ten minutes.

NEW/OLD BUSINESS

INTRODUCTION OF TOXIC DISCOVERY (NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION)

Kathy Keithly-Johnston, Executive Director of Toxic Discovery presented information on
her organization and offered their services to the County.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Commissioner Strahan informed the other Commissioners that an individual would be
discussing his environmental concerns with the Commission on an individual basis.

PLANNING & ZONING

Commissioner Pennel stated his desire to have a public hearing, his concerns with recent
press coverage of the process, and the current passing of a petition amongst voters which
asks if Planning and Zoning should be retained.

Commissioner Pennel moved to direct Nikki Lawrence to find two dates when public
hearings could be held, with one being in the afternoon and one being in the evening.
Commissioner Strahan seconded the motion.

Assessor James Strahan expressed his opinions on whether or not a public hearing should
be held.

Bob Schanz discussed issues he has with Planning & Zoning in the County.

Sherrie Veltkamp expressed her support for Public Hearings.

Don Ehrhardt expressed his support for the petition being circulated and his concern with
the County’s adoption of State codes which do not apply to County citizens.
Commissioner Pennel discussed the importance of getting information out to the voters
on what will happen if Planning & Zoning is retained and what will happen if it is not.

Assessor Strahan presented a notice sent out to taxpayers in 2009 which stated that before
construction could begin on any structure over 100 sq. ft. the taxpayer must contact the
Planning Department for a permit.

Pat Dooley, citizen of Kissee Mills, expressed her support for a Public Hearing and
agreed that an afternoon meeting would work better for senior citizens.

Commissioner Strahan expressed a desire for there to be one meeting that would prevent
any information or comments from being heard by all. He further discussed whether or
not the hearings were premature.

Assessor Strahan questioned whether or not the Commission could legally call a Public
Hearing. Commissioner Pennel expressed that the Commission had done so in the past,
and that in doing they would not be expressing their support or non-support of the
petition or issue.

The motion passed by vote: Pennel (aye), Strahan (aye), and Strafuss (absent).

PUBLIC COMMENT

Commissioner Pennel moved to table Public Comment until 11:00 AM. Commissioner
Strahan seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Pennel (aye), Strahan (aye),
and Strafuss (absent).

RECESS
10:14 AM

RECONVENED
10:19 AM

ADMINISTRATIVE & DEPARTMENTAL FUNCTIONS

NIKKI LAWRENCE – WORK SESSION W/ COMMISSION

The Commission reviewed and approved the agenda.

LIGHTING RETROFIT LABOR CONTRACT

Commissioner Pennel moved to approve the Lighting Retrofit Labor Contract with GM
Electric. Commissioner Strahan seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote:
Pennel (aye), Strahan (aye), and Strafuss (absent).

2010 BENEFITS FAIR
Nikki Lawrence requested permission to set up a table at the Benefits Fair for the
Wellness Center.

Commissioner Strahan moved to approve a table being setup for the Wellness Center.
Commissioner Pennel seconded the motion. The motion passed by vote: Pennel (aye),
Strahan (aye), and Strafuss (absent).

K DOCK & BULL SHOALS LAKE ACCESS

Commissioner Strahan asked that the issue be postponed until Commissioner Strafuss
could be present.

RECESS
10:33 AM

RECONVENED
10:38 AM

K DOCK & BULL SHOALS LAKE ACCESS

Frank Preston, Road & Bridge, updated the Commission on the current progress of the K
Dock project.

STAFF DEPARTMENTAL MEETING – ROAD & BRIDGE

Frank Preston relayed that the City of Forsyth had requested the use of the crack-seal
machine. Commissioner Strahan stated that there would have to be an Intergovernmental
Agreement written up to justify the use.

Mr. Preston and County Clerk Donna Neeley updated the Commission on the continuing
search for information requested through a Public Service Request in relation to the 76
Quarry.

Mr. Preston presented the road petition for Park Lane, which had been approved in 2004
contingent upon a turnaround. He pointed out that the homeowners had not in 2004 been
willing to grant a turnaround, but had now changed their minds. Commissioner Strahan
requested that a letter be sent to homeowners giving them notice that the petition would
be kept open until the beginning of the year, due to current budgetary constraints.

The Commission discussed with Frank whether or not their presence at TCTAB meetings
would be a hindrance or an advantage to the Board. Mr. Preston welcomed the
attendance of the Commission, but stated that their attendance was not required.

Commissioner Strahan complimented the work of the Board, and their efforts to speak
with citizens and attain feedback on the County’s needs.
The Commission postponed the Public Comment of Kathy Keithly-Johnston.

Presiding Commissioner Pennel declared a recess.

RECESS
11:00 AM

The minutes were taken and typed by Cristy Smith, Deputy Clerk.