BUTTS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 2, 2017
Present:
Joe Brown, District 3, Vice Chairman
Russ Crumbley, District 5
Keith Douglas, District 4
Robert Henderson, District 2, Chairman
Ken Rivers, District 1

Staff:
Chiquita Barkley, Controller & County Clerk
Michael Brewer, Government Relations Director
Mike O’Quinn, County Attorney

MINUTES

Chairman Robert Henderson called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM and welcomed all present. He then asked Commissioner Rivers to give the invocation, followed by the pledge of allegiance.

Item 2017-10-159: Approval of Docket
Upon a motion by Commissioner Rivers, seconded by Commissioner Crumbley, the docket was approved with unanimous consent and no additions or changes.

Item 2017-10-160: Approval of September 2017 Minutes
Upon a motion by Commissioner Rivers, seconded by Commissioner Crumbley, the board voted to approve the minutes of September 7th and 14th with unanimous consent.

Item 2017-10-161: Recognition of Public Safety and Public Works Agencies on TS Irma Response
Mr. Brewer read a statement of support and thanks from the County and the Board of Commissioners recognizing all Butts County Public Safety Agencies and the Butts County Public Works Department for their exceptional work during Tropical Storm Irma, which occurred in September. The Board and audience gave all employees present a standing ovation.

Item 2017-10-162: Proclamations recognizing City Pharmacy and Jackson Drug Co.
Mr. Brewer presented two proclamations to the Board of Commissioners recognizing and honoring City Pharmacy and Jackson Drug Co. for their outstanding contributions to the community, to local youth recreational programs, and outstanding citizenship. Upon a motion by Commissioner Rivers and seconded by Commissioner Crumbley, the proclamations passed with unanimous consent. Both companies will be closing their doors in the month of October due to a merger with CVS pharmacy. The board and audience gave them a standing ovation.

Item 2017-09-154: Presentation of Service Delivery Strategy Documents (OLD BUSINESS)
Mr. O’Quinn notified the board present and the public that the Service Delivery Strategy was still under review but that there were a few points that needed to be ironed out before the documents could be approved. He requested that the Board file the necessary paperwork to request an additional extension from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in order to allow these details to be ironed out. He also notify the board that he had received additional documents that day from the attorney representing the City of Jackson that had not been vetted by his office or the board of commissioners and that this would need to be done as well. Upon a motion by Commissioner Rivers and seconded by Commissioner Brown, it was approved unanimously to file for an extension.

Item 2017-10-163: Presentation on Firearms Ordinance
Sheriff Gary Long requested that the Board and County Attorney look into an ordinance to regulate the discharging of firearms in residential neighborhoods and other areas that posed a risk to others. Upon a motion by Commissioner Rivers and seconded by Commissioner Brown, the board voted unanimously to authorize the county attorney to work on coming up with an ordinance.

Item 2017-10-164: Appointment of Interim County Administrator
Upon a motion by Commissioner Rivers and seconded by Commissioner Crumbley, the board voted with unanimous consent to appoint Steve Layson as the Interim County Administrator, effective October 17th.

Item 2017-10-165: Contract for Provision of Indigent Defense
Following a presentation and explanation by Controller Chiquita Barkley, the board voted to approve the contract unanimously and authorize the Chairman to sign it, upon a motion by Commissioner Rivers and a second by Commissioner Douglas.

Item 2017-10-166: Approval to Proceed with Enterprise Leasing Contract for Fleet Services
Mr. Brewer presented this item to the board of commissioners and notified them of the timeline that had begun in March and had led up to this meeting. He stated at this time he needed for the commissioners to make a determination as to whether they wished to proceed forward with this project. Mr. Rivers then made a motion to defer action on the contract until the new Interim Administrator could be on board and could weigh in on whether to proceed, seconded by Commissioner Crumbley. Discussion ensued and then the chairman called for a vote. The motion failed 2-3 with Commissioner Rivers and Crumbley voting in the affirmative and Commissioner Henderson, Brown and Douglas voting against. Commissioner Brown then made a motion not to continue with the project, citing concerns about the current financial position of the County and the lack of more than one qualified respondent to the bid process. This was seconded by Commissioner Crumbley and after more discussion, the Chairman called for a vote and the motion passed, 4 to 1, with Commissioner Brown, Crumbley Henderson and Douglas in favor and Commissioner Rivers voting against.

Item 2017-10-167: Approval of MCCI (LaserFiche) Software
Ms. Barkley gave an overview of the software, citing that it would save the county money and enhance the capabilities within Community Development. Upon a motion by Commissioner Rivers and seconded by Commissioner Douglas, the board voted to approve with unanimous consent.

Item 2017-10-168: Executive Session, Personnel and Litigation
Upon a motion by Commissioner Douglas and seconded by Commissioner Brown, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the purposes of personnel and litigation discussion. The meeting then resumed upon a motion by Commissioner Douglas and seconded by Commissioner Crumbley with unanimous consent.Mr. O’Quinn notified the public that they had discussed a personnel matter and potential litigation items.

Item 2017-10-169: Public Comments
Mr. Brewer notified the board that no one had turned in a request for public comment within the period of time prescribed under the county code of ordinances in advance of the commission meeting.

Item 2017-10-170: Adjournment Motion
Upon a motion by Commissioner Douglas and seconded by Commissioner Rivers, the board adjourned the meeting with unanimous consent.