Berrien County

The meeting addressed several significant items, including proposals for historical indexing and imaging of Real Estate Deeds, with consideration of using ARPA Funds. A resolution concerning 11 properties partially located in Lanier County was tabled pending further legal counsel review, and a discussion took place regarding the necessity of surveying and platting roads for Mr. Tommy Baber. New business involved the approval to purchase a vehicle for $1.00 for the District Attorney's Office, approval of an Avigation Easement for Matthew B. Morris, and approval of the Solid Waste Collection Site Agreement with Golden Environmental. The Board also approved the activation documents for a $50,000.00 VAWA Grant for the District Attorney's Office and the purchase of 10 AED units for Fire Departments/EMS. Several ratification items related to road work and culverts were approved. Department reports included a successful grant application update from the Sheriff's Office and instructions regarding a donated military truck. Commissioners brought up an award for the Animal Control Officer, maintenance issues at the Saddle Club, and the feasibility of setting up a 501C3 for Law Enforcement. Public comments focused on a drainage issue requiring a beaver mitigation effort on private property. During executive session, the resolution on opioids presented by Litigation Counsel was approved.

The meeting included a presentation from an invited guest regarding the development of Holy Land Farms into a biblical retreat center. New business involved the approval of equipment acquisition for Poll Pad Printers for the Elections department, repair of UPS systems in the Administration Building server room, and exterior maintenance painting for the Health Department. The Board approved quotes for tree removal and stump grinding at the Airport, updating the SPCC Plan and Worker Training for the Airport, and awarded the Solid Waste Collection Site contract to Golden Environmental. Key resolutions and agreements concerning the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), including a Notice of Election and Intergovernmental Agreement, were approved. Other approvals included swapping a forestry knocker truck, purchasing Drug Court testing supplies, and advertising a Beer, Wine, Liquor & Catering application for Horse Creek Winery. The Board also authorized repairs for the Jail skylight, ordered pipe for the Road Department, and approved the repair of the Road Department's ice machine. Furthermore, several operational expenses were ratified. Department reports included the transfer of a vehicle from the Sheriff's Department to the Magistrate's office and approval for water damage flooring repair in the jail lobby. Under County Administrator Comments, the Board moved to write off aged EMS accounts, declared an old maintenance truck as surplus for sale, approved recreation uniform and equipment purchases, and approved the Cancellation of Debt for an old RLF Loan.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to address litigation, followed by the unanimous approval of documentation related to the National Distributor and Johnson & Johnson Opioid Settlements. During invited guest presentations, concerns were raised regarding ambulance equipment failure, the placement of a permanent structure in a driveway right-of-way, and the structure of the solid waste tonnage fee. The public hearing addressed four items: the Mason Family Subdivision request, a Special Care Giver Application for Patricia Robinson (requesting placement of an RV), a Special Exception request for the Guthrie Amusement or Recreational Activities Wedding & Event Barn (which was ultimately sent back to the Planning Commission due to opposition), and a Special Exception request for the Obester Greenhouse/Plant Nursery. Under unfinished business, the discussion regarding IT Support proposals was tabled. New business included the approval of the Mason Family Subdivision, the approval of the Special Care Giver Application for Patricia Robinson, the approval of the Special Exception for the Obester Greenhouse/Plant Nursery, granting the Chairman authority to issue 2022 Beer, Wine, Liquor & Catering Licenses, approval of most 2022 Solid Waste License renewals, approval of a Hardware Warranty Agreement renewal for voting systems, approval to purchase a new gas dryer for the jail, awarding the Airport Crack Seal, Rejuvenate & Re-mark Contract, authorizing the Chairman to sign the construction contract for the airport, approving the Chairman to sign Terms and Conditions for the First Responders Grant, approving the purchase of turnout gear for Fire Departments, approving the purchase of a new ambulance using ARPA Funds, approving the purchase of Drug Court testing supplies, and ratifying several expenditures across Road, Jail, and Recreation departments. Committee reports included the Sheriff's Toy for Tots collection effort. Commissioner Gaskins moved forward with the bid process for paving Bird Dog Lane using TSPLOST Funds. County Administrator comments included deferred decision on NACO membership, setting a date for LMIG road rating, approving the surplus of a 2010 Dodge Charger, and approving the purchase of filing cabinets for the Clerk of Court. The subsequent executive session addressed personnel and litigation matters, resulting in the approval of an employee merit increase in the Tax Assessor Office and changing a part-time position in the Probate Office to full-time.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the District Attorney's request to sign a recently executed resolution updating a prior one without substantive changes. The Board approved a Special Care Giver Application allowing a temporary mobile home placement to assist a resident with medical needs. Equipment repair for a Public Works truck hood was authorized, and the purchase of Drug Court testing supplies was approved. Significant contract agreements were awarded for the FY 2021 LMIG Roadway Resurfacing and the FY 2020 TIA Project to Reames and Son Construction Co. The Board voted against providing a Letter of Support or contributing to lighting costs for a proposed DOT Roundabout Project on SR 122 & SR 125. Additionally, the Board ratified several outstanding expense items. During administrative reports, approval was given for three emergency Purchase Order requests from the Road Department, and the exterior doors of the Administration Building were approved for rekeying for safety reasons. The Board also discussed the need to address high piles visible at Halls Salvage.

Key discussions during the meeting included a request from local veterans to name a state road bridge in West Berrien after the West Berrien Vietnam Vets, which requires further action for legislative approval. New business involved approving appointments to the Development Authority Board and the Airport Board. The Board also approved the repair of a jail dryer through a contractor quote, reappointed a commissioner to the Southern GA Regional Commission Council, and held a discussion regarding the renewal of the solid waste transfer site contract, including bidding terms and landfill tonnage fee collection. Approvals were also granted for purchasing Drug Court testing supplies, taking over building inspections and zoning services for the City of Nashville (with an amendment to reassign pipe order fund collection to the Road Department), and ordering shirts for the Champs Program to be paid from the DATE Fund. Ratification occurred for several outstanding purchase orders. Commissioners discussed potential quoting for general liability insurance and a requested donation for a cow show. The County Administrator reported on progress for a CDBG Project, including a proposal to make Jones Road a one-way road to resolve right-of-way issues, and approval for purchasing new tire recaps for the Road Department.