Jennifer Jordan

The Planning Commission meeting involved discussion and decisions on two rezoning cases. Case 1 involved a proposal to rezone approximately 8.1 acres from Agricultural (AG) to Highway Business (HB) to develop a secure parking facility for semi/truck tankers. After staff recommendation for approval and conflicting public comments regarding traffic, noise, and property values, the motion to approve the rezoning was denied. Case 2 concerned the rezoning of 6.02 acres from Rural Residential (RR) to Rural Business (RB) to relocate a photography business, specifically for Santa Claus sessions, to the applicant's home property. The motion to approve this rezoning passed, as the business was deemed a low-intensity home occupation.

The meeting addressed the reading and approval of previous minutes, with minor amendments noted regarding motions and seconds. The main focus was on zoning and subdivision applications, specifically RZ-191101, submitted by Roco LLC for a 145.98-acre property on Pettit Road. The request sought rezoning from Agricultural (AG) to Estate Residential (ER) and Rural Residential (RR) to accommodate low-density housing and small-scale agricultural practices, supporting a major subdivision of 28 proposed lots. Staff detailed that the subdivision requires a separate special use permit review under the updated ordinance (Section 67-373). Department heads (Fire Marshall, Water, Roads) provided feedback during a pre-meeting roundtable, confirming compliance on initial requirements, although the Roads department noted a need to discuss right-of-way adjustments. A public commenter raised significant concerns regarding environmental impact, specifically potential increased flooding risk downstream due to high water tables and the capacity of existing culverts, urging careful consideration of stormwater planning. The applicant discussed lot distribution, water utility plans (County Water), and road access points.

The meeting commenced with announcements regarding an upcoming weather event and information about the FAA approving a location to relocate the AWAS tower at the airport to bring it back online. Following the invocation and pledge of allegiance, two agenda items were removed: a rezoning item being sent to the planning commission and an item concerning hangar B3 paperwork not being finalized. Key discussions included employee recognitions, honoring Amy Brandon for 12 years of service as the Toys for Tots coordinator, and recognizing Lisa H. and Kelly Wells as Employees of the Quarter. Service awards were presented to Ray Jackson for 10 years of service with the Sheriff's Office and to Jason Tanner for 20 years of service in public works. Proclamations were read regarding Lucille McMullen, who turned 105, and declaring February 14th as Marty Gro the Mountains Day to support Georgia Hospice fundraising. Under public hearing, the board considered a request to reszone parcel DC 191095 from RR (Rural Residential) to AG (Agricultural) to facilitate combining 11.07 acres for a family farm, which staff recommended for approval. New business involved consideration and approval of various contracts, starting with a long-term tie-down contract at the Pickens County Airport.

The primary discussion centered on zoning case RZ 191082, an application to rezone approximately 8.1 acres from Agricultural (AG) to Highway Business (HB) to establish a secure parking facility for semi and tanker trucks, intended to support local businesses like Emmeris and Huber. Staff recommended approval, citing the industrial character of the surrounding area. Several residents spoke in opposition, expressing significant concerns regarding the impact on residential quality of life, property values, safety due to truck ingress/egress on a blind curve on Highway 53, noise pollution, and diesel fumes. Opponents suggested alternative, already graded sites county-owned sites or a nearby vacant commercial property. Requests for enhanced buffers, lighting controls, and restricted hours of operation were made should the rezoning be approved. Other business included the reading and approval of previous minutes.

The meeting, characterized as a hybrid work session and called meeting due to voting items and a public hearing, focused heavily on the proposed 2026 budget. Discussions included a high-level overview of the budget structure, personnel costs (noting that 66.7% of the general fund is allocated to personnel services and benefits), and a breakdown of revenues and expenditures across various funds (General, Enterprise for water and airport, E911 special fund, and judicial grants). Key financial points included a projected 4.33% increase in the total general fund budget, a uniform cost of living increase of $0.75 per hour for full-time employees, and continuation of no Tax Anticipation Note usage. The progress of the Talking Rock Fire Station construction was detailed, including a phased plan for staffing nine new employees over three years, with initial personnel costs budgeted in contingency. The board also conducted the second public hearing on the 2026 budget, which will be up for final approval on December 15th. Furthermore, approvals were sought for the Q UVA pharmacy agreement for fire and rescue services starting in 2026, and for two judicial grants: one for medically assisted treatment and housing totaling $49,685.40, and another ARPA grant award of $156,659 funding various court positions and expenses. Finally, the board addressed the need to replace the previous Code Red mass notification system, which suffered a cyberattack, recommending and approving a contract with a company named Regroup.