Hamilton County

The meeting addressed several key items, starting with a status report on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Program (American Rescue Plan), focusing on final documentation for the Broadband/Windstream project. The Board received presentations from McCoy Land Services regarding their business services and from Enterprise Fleet Management concerning potential savings for the county's vehicle fleet, agreeing to vet references before a decision. Status reports were provided for the SHIP Grant, CDBG Grant, and CDBG-CV Grant programs. Economic development discussions included an update on current projects and reminders about upcoming groundbreaking and partnership meetings. The Board also addressed road paving projects and requested a cost estimate for paving NW 44th Street, while deciding to handle the removal of items from the Hatley Building internally. The consent agenda was approved, which included discussions regarding the Heritage Village Appraisal (with follow-up required from the City of Jasper) and the amendment of the Code Enforcement Ordinance, which was approved as presented. The Sandlin building flooring proposals and the Class III/C&D Landfill Closure were tabled for the next meeting. Bills were approved with one addition. Announcements included setting up workshops with the Town of Jennings and the Town of White Springs regarding Fire/EMS and Code Enforcement, agreeing to inspect the Hatley Building contents prior to demolition, and recognizing the introduction of the new Emergency Management Director.

The Board meeting included several key actions and discussions. Initial consideration for flooring quotes at the Sandlin Building was tabled pending clarification. The Board unanimously approved a commercial lease agreement with Berry Roberson for the property formerly known as the Huston Veterinary Clinic (Parcel 6175-000). The Board conducted three public hearings concerning Special Exceptions (SE 25-06 and SE 25-07) and a Zoning Map Change (LDR 25-03). The Special Exception for a commercial kennel facility (SE 25-06) was approved as recommended, while the Special Exception for a campground facility (SE 25-07) was denied based on concerns regarding traffic and road issues. The request to change zoning from Commercial to Agriculture (LDR 25-03) was approved. Key actions also involved approving a change order for the Watson Healthcare construction project to add the civil scope of work, and approving a Resolution for Project Vision. Discussions also took place regarding dirt removal from the Watson Healthcare project, leading to a scheduled follow-up meeting. Furthermore, the Board approved the consent agenda, established discretionary insurance requirements for contractors, tabled the Heritage Village Appraisal Report pending a revised appraisal, approved outstanding bills, and approved a Certificate of Public Convenance and Necessity for Emergency Medical Services.

The Board meeting addressed the invoice from McCoy Land Services for emergency cleanup following Hurricane Helene, approving the payment with the stipulation that a written debris removal policy be established before the next storm. The Board also approved setting December 30th as a holiday for the Road Department. Discussions took place regarding roads for submittal to the FDOT SCRAP and SCOP grant programs, resulting in the approval of CR 6 East, CR 751, and NW 86th Blvd. for submittal. Furthermore, the Board authorized legal staff to draft an Ordinance to allow the Code Enforcement Officer to monitor recreational vehicles/camper trailers and to amend the County Land Development Regulations to address related issues.

The Board received a status report on the American Rescue Plan, including updates on the Broadband/Windstream project and potential grant opportunities. A public hearing was held regarding a petition for a road closure on SW 34th Loop, which was ultimately denied. The Board discussed the Code Enforcement process with the Town of Jennings and agreed to hold a workshop to discuss potential changes to the Code Enforcement Ordinance. Updates were provided on long-term recovery plans for Hamilton County and economic development projects, including an infrastructure plan for available properties. The SHIP grant program and CDBG grant programs were reviewed, and a contract for CDBG Administration services was approved. Status reports were given on road paving projects, and the Board discussed the possible closure of the Class III/C&D Landfill. Erosion issues at the SR 6 Logistics Park were addressed, and an invoice for emergency storm cleanup was tabled. The Board approved bills and the purchase of a self-loading switch for Emergency Medical Services. Finally, upcoming meetings and events were announced.

The Board convened to discuss erosion repairs for the Alapaha Commerce Center. Discussions involved soil samples, the erosion plan, and grassing of the roadside and lots. The Board agreed to allow Curt's Construction to provide a quote for the erosion control plan and perform the grassing per the contract. Locklear and Associates will monitor the contractor to ensure compliance with the contract.