Minutes of Regular Meeting July 5, 2016

The Grady County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 with Chairman Charles Norton, Vice-Chairman Elwyn Childs, Commissioners Thomas David, LaFaye Copeland and Ray Prince in attendance. Also present were County Administrator Carlos Tobar, County Attorney Kevin Cauley and County Clerk Carrie Croy.

Chairman Norton called the Regular meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and offered the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Prince made a motion to adopt the Agenda with Mr. Childs making the second. The Board gave their unanimous approval.

Mr. Peter Wright, Stephens Road, asked the Board to fund the Health Department’s requested Budget. He stated the clientele was down and the Board needed to help the poor people.

Ms. Gloria Smith, Stage Coach Road, asked the Board to fund the Sheriff’s Office Budget Reuqests. She stated the Board needs to ensure they have what they need to protect the citizens.

Attorney Cauley advised he was focusing on the ROW acquisitions on State Park Road and was working with Surveyor Joey Brock to move forward.

Mr. Jeff Clements from Employee Benefits Travel spoke to the Board about a benefit that could be offered to employees at no cost to the County. He has recently signed the City of Cairo and School Board up for this program. It offers a wholesale website for individual travel and County travel. Employee Benefits Travel is a part of the Save on Resorts Technologies Corporation. Chairman Norton asked if Part-Time employees could be included in this benefit. Mr. Clements advised that was a decision for the Board. The Commissioners can receive a monthly recap of usage. The Board will take this under consideration.

Ms. Gloria Smith advised the Board that she felt CAFOs were devastating property with pollution and noise destroying the water causing residents to be fearful of health issues. Ms. Smith is calling for a new evaluation schedule as CAFOs are producing a negative stigma for buyers. Ms. Smith asked how a Certificate of Occupancy could have been issued during a 60 day moratorium. The Board advised that the moratorium applied to new permits being issued.

Mr. David introduced his grandson, John Miller David, who was visiting and observing the meeting today.

The Calendar of Events was reviewed.

Mr. David motioned to approve all of the below listed Consent Items. Mr. Childs seconded with unanimous approval from the Board, 4-0. Mr. Prince abstained from vote due to conflict with one of the items. Consent Items approved were:  Approved minutes from the June 21, 2016 Regular Meeting, the June 21, 2016 Closed Sessions (2) the June 21, 2016 Workshop.

 Approved the Private Subdivision Plat for W.T. Fountain and B.L. Fountain-Azalea Hills.

 Approved the Laura Benz Legal Invoice in the amount of $88,894.68.

 Approved purchase of Rip Rap Rock for Gainous Bridge from CMI in the amount of $14,400.00. Three other bids were solicited with one received; Junction City Mining in the amount of $18,000.00.

Mr. Tobar advised on the following items:

 A new EMS Billing Service will begin on July 8, 2016.

 Stacy Watkins is ready to bid out Cedar Springs and Gainous road work as soon as earthwork is completed.

 Advised that he and Mike would work with Krebs to carry out the Watershed plan which is part of the Master Plan.

 Mr. Tobar advised the sixty day moratorium for new permits for Chicken Houses expires today, July 5, 2016. Mr. Prince made a motion to continue for another sixty days with Mr. David making the second. The Board approved unanimously to extend the moratorium on new permits for another sixty days.

Mr. Childs made a motion to reappoint Mrs. Lanola Dunlap to another term on the DFACS Board. Mr. Prince made the second with the Board unanimously approving the reappointment.

Mr. Childs announced to the Board that the 4-H Archery Team placed 4th in the Nation at Nationals in Nebraska and wanted to invite the team to a Board meeting for recognition.

Mr. Childs spoke regarding how making a living has changed and it appears people are trying to put farmers out of business – they can’t make a living. Mr. Norton and Mr. Prince spoke in support of Mr. Childs comments.

Mr. Prince made a motion to go into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing a Personnel Matter and Pending Litigation. Mr. Childs made the second with the Board unanimously approving to go into Closed Session.

Mr. Prince made a motion to come out of Closed Session with Mrs. Copeland making the second. The Board unanimously approved coming out of Closed Session. No action was taken as a result of this Closed Session. Mr. Prince made a motion to adjourn with Mr. Childs making the second. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.