Shawn M. Boatright

The proceedings involved opening ceremonies, roll call, and agenda adoption. Key discussions and actions during the regular meeting included the recognition of the Retirement of Chief Financial Officer Nancy Gonzalez and a presentation on 2026 Legislative Priorities. The agenda also addressed the approval of the 2026 Capital Improvement Element (CIE) Draft, consideration of an amendment to the Unified Development Code concerning Boat & Recreational Vehicle (RV) Storage, and a request for Special Use approval for a Telecommunications Tower. Furthermore, the Board considered the approval of the Remounting of an AEV Type 1 Ambulance, an amendment to the Agenda Setting Policy, approval of grant awards for the ACCG Georgia County Internship Program and the FM Fire Service Grant, the purchase of Weather Stations, and the approval of the Charlton County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Clinical Agreement. Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2026 were also approved. Additionally, several large equipment purchases for the Department of Public Works were approved, including zero turn mowers and a Kubota UTV Package, along with a 2026 Chevrolet Work Truck Package. The meeting included a Public Hearing section to receive comments on the CIE Draft adoption, the UDC amendment, and zoning/special use requests, followed by an Executive Session to discuss Real Estate, Litigation, and Personnel matters.

The agenda for the Regular Board Meeting included the adoption of the agenda, review of the December 2025 month-end Financial Report, and an update from the Elections Supervisor. Old Business involved the discussion and vote on approving the amended version (#3) of the Board of Elections & Registration Bylaws. New Business featured the resignation of Chair Robin Mainor-Knight from the Chair position. A Public Hearing was convened to address an Elector Challenge Hearing concerning multiple individuals whose registration addresses were determined to be invalid or business addresses, resulting in the removal of several challenged electors from the list, while others were set aside for further staff investigation, and one challenge was specifically overturned.

The session focused on the proposal for a five-stand shotgun range at the Two Rivers Gun Range. Discussion included the definition and features of a five-stand, noting that the proposed structure would be a two-level design to accommodate larger tournaments. Detailed information was provided regarding the necessity of ballistic netting to capture lead shot and protect nearby wetlands, and the associated financial implications, including the potential recovery of net costs through lead recovery. The presentation also covered the economic benefits, such as generating repetitive use through leagues and events, and community benefits like youth programs. Operational advantages, such as all-weather scheduling, were highlighted. The commission reviewed the grant funding details: a grant amount of $434,400 with a required $43,440 match, and a completion deadline of August 31, 2027. Commissioners inquired about operational staffing needs, the process for environmental assessment (including sound testing conducted by the DNR, dating back to 2017), the origin of the berm material from on-site borrow pits, and the history of the site selection. Further discussion involved concerns about noise pollution, including the cost of conducting a new sound study (estimated at over $75,000) and the potential expense of adding sound barriers, which was noted to be in the six figures. There was also a query regarding the requirement that funds generated by the range must be reinvested into the facility, ensuring no profit is made.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included the amendment of the agenda, which involved removing items seven and five. The board then approved the minutes from the previous public hearing, special call meeting, and two special call meetings. The session featured an employee recognition for Heather Bruce Medi, Senior Revenue Service Representative, as the Employee of the Third Quarter for 2022. A proclamation was read recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, followed by a presentation from Amy Peoples regarding Camden House operations. The presentation detailed the high volume of services provided despite challenges such as tornado recovery, COVID-19 impacts, and significant federal funding cuts, alongside an unfortunate report of a fatality among a participant. Finally, the North Camden Action Association presented a proposal to rehabilitate and expand the Maple Ford Park pavilion into a multi-purpose Community Center to better serve the growing North Camden communities.

The meeting commenced with discussions regarding agenda amendments, followed by the formal adoption of the agenda. Key discussions during the presentations section included two proclamations: one recognizing Veterans Day in Camden County and another supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans. Public comments heavily focused on opposing the continuation of spending on an airport project, citing concerns over taxpayer cost, the absence of a required FAA cost-benefit analysis, and comparing it negatively to other local amenities. Item number one on the agenda involved consideration of an intergovernmental agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the construction and maintenance of the Honey Creek boat ramp, which addresses a significant gap in water access along the Intracoastal Waterway.