Author Archives: admin

Georgia open records law revision

There seems to be disagreement about access to open records in civil suits, regarding changes Attorney General Sam Olens proposes to Georgia’s Open Records Act. There are other issues, as well.

Jim Galloway wrote for the AJC on 1 Sep 2011, Sam Olens, Mike Bowers at odds over change to Open Records Act,

At issue is House Bill 397, which was drafted by Olens and received its first public hearing at the state Capitol this week. One provision in the bill would prohibit those who file lawsuits against state or local governments from using the Open Records Act to obtain records for use in court.
Bowers has successfully used open records to win a lawsuit on behalf of fired librarians. The proposed law would prevent such uses. Olens said:
“What we’re trying to do is incorporate past judicial decisions so we’re all on the same page,” Olens said. “When you’re suing the government, you should have no other advantage that you would when you’re suing a private party.”

The current Georgia sunshine law has two parts: open records and open meetings. Continue reading →

Ordinance for no reason, not on the agenda, and not read to the public @ LCC 13 September 2011

This is what the Lowndes County Commission wasted tax dollars on yesterday evening: an ordinance not on the agenda, not read to the public, still not on the county’s online list of ordinances, and for no stated purpose. We can guess from Commissioner Raines’ remarks that it has something to do with videoing and photographing. Maybe it has something to do with the previous day’s outburst by Ashley Paulk aimed at a specific individual. Who knows? None of the public who came to that meeting know. That’s what passes for transparent government in Lowndes County, Georgia.

Here’s the video:


Ordinance for no reason, not on the agenda, and not read to the public @ LCC 13 September 2011
Regular Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 13 September 2011.
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.

-jsq

Solar for Georgia —Bill Branham @ LCC 12 September 2011

William Branham talked about solar initiatives he’s involved in and a variety of public officials he’s talked to who are positive on solar and renewable energy for generating jobs. He pointed out that solar grew faster than any other energy source. He mentioned the Chamber’s Renewable and Sustainable Energy Network (of which I am also a member).

After Branham spoke, Commissioner Raines cited one solar company that had failed together with financing concerns and indicated he didn’t think it was time for solar here.

I don’t agree with Commissioner Raines. What do you think?

Here’s the video:


Solar for Georgia —Bill Branham @ LCC 12 September 2011
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.

-jsq

Revenue Disbursement Summary —Mary Nell Robertson

At a talk she did last night at the Lowndes County Democratic Party (LCDP) (videos of that will follow later), I asked Mary Nell Robertson, Tax Commissioner for Lowndes County, Georgia, how much taxes went to each organization. She said she didn’t have that with her, but would send it. Here it is:

Click on the link to see the entire table, including the “Disburse Total” column on the right. Continue reading →

Ashley Paulk’s Greatest Hits!

No, not every intemperate outburst! We can’t be everywhere. Just the outstanding ones from the podium as chairman in County Commission meetings.

Ashley Paulk is code enforcement

Citizens were opposing a rezoning on Old Pine Road, 8 June 2010. A Mr. Mulligan of Bemiss Road wanted to know who does code enforcement. Chairman Paulk responded:
You’re looking at him. Me.

I locked up some of my best friends!

While he was interrogating Dr. Noll 12 January 2011 who had the temerity to come to invite the Commission to a meeting, Ashley Paulk remarked:
“I was the sheriff sixteen years; I locked up some of my best friends; that’s the way I operate.”
This was shortly after he said: Continue reading →

8. For Consideration – 2011-2012 Prison Detail Contract @ LCC 12 Sep 2011

Three prison work details, one will be assigned to School board or runoff; the other two to road maintenance and public parks, for $39,500 per detail.

Commissioner Powell wondered about the start date, total hours per year, etc., and those questions were clarified by staff (about 200 days per year depending on weather).

It seems like a great opportunity and a great deal for us. Is three crews enough to do what we need to accomplish, or is there an additional need for an additional crew.
Answer by Chairman and staff: no more are available.

Nobody questioned whether using prisoners for cheap was a good idea when there are many people out of work around town.

Here’s the video:


8. For Consideration – 2011-2012 Prison Detail Contract @ LCC 12 Sep 2011
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.

-jsq

7.c. TXT-2011-01 Combination Plats, Administrative, etc. @ LCC 12 Sep 2011

Another in a long series of periodic updates to the ULDC.
7.c. TXT-2011-01 Combination Plats, Administrative/Clerical Changes, Zoning Map, & Other Amendments
Commissioner Powell wanted to know if County Planner Jason Davenport had sent these changes out to any engineers or developers to see if they had any concerns. County Planner said some of them had been on the mass email that he had sent, in addition to the notice in the newspaper, plus he had called surveyors’ offices. Commissioner Powell seemed satisfied.

Here’s the video:


TXT-2011-01 Combination Plats, Administrative/Clerical Changes, Zoning Map, & Other Amendments
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.

-jsq

7.b. REZ-2011-12 Cardwell, 5415 Railroad Ave @ LCC 12 Sep 2011

Applicant and County Planner Jason Davenport recommend tabling this rezoning case until one more test comes back from the health department.
7.b. REZ-2011-12 Cardwell, 5415 Railroad Ave, 0095 003, 1 lot, 1 acre, R-10 to R-21, well/septic

Here’s the video:


7.b. REZ-2011-12 Cardwell, 5415 Railroad Ave @ LCC 12 Sep 2011
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.

-jsq

7.a. REZ-2011-11 West-Fuller, 5303 Tucker Road @ LCC 12 Sep 2011

Commissioners and staff concerned with ironing out issues about rezoning before voting on it!

County Planner Jason Davenport said he wanted to talk one more time to the two parties before it comes to the Commission tomorrow.

7.a. REZ-2011-11 West-Fuller, 5303 Tucker Road, 137-25 & 25A, ~1.31 ac, E-A & R-1 to R-1 and R-21, well/septic
Commissioner Powell wondered whether it would be best to send it back to the Planning Commission first. Commissioner Evans said it was her understanding that the Planning Commission wanted it to come back to them. The County Planner said he thought they would enjoy seeing it again, but they might understand not making the applicant waiting another 30 days, so he wanted to talk to the applicant one more time first. Commissioner Powell wanted to be sure there would be documentation in the file so if something came up ten years down the road they’d know what went on.

Here’s the video:


7.a. REZ-2011-11 West-Fuller, 5303 Tucker Road @ LCC 12 Sep 2011
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.

-jsq

Photographers to the back of the room —Ashley Paulk @ LCC 12 September 2011

Another quick meeting, when at the end:
Chairman: Mr Quarterman, The County Commission wishes from this day forward that any filming be done from the media area in the back corner of the room.

jsq: Has the Commission taken a vote on that?

Chairman: Yes sir, we uh independently; I will submit the chairman without the Commission … do not question my authority.

jsq: So the Commission has not taken a vote on that.

Chairman: Commission doesn’t have to.

jsq: And you believe that legally you can do that?

Chairman: Yes sir I believe that. I do my research.

jsq: Can I see that legal opinion please?

Chairman: You’re looking at it.

jsq: In writing if you would.

Chairman: Mr Quarterman, I will not argue with you. Do not film except in the media area. Do you understand me? Don’t say you weren’t aware of it. It’s on the web site.

Here’s Camera 1: Continue reading →