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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The previous member of the
Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases Regional Planning Board retired from the board after a term that expired in July.
Previously they appointed Mrs. Henderson, I think at the meeting
a month ago,
but for some reason she could not serve.
Another person is applying.
She has not yet supplied a resume; they hope to see that by tomorrow.
Appointment – DBHDD Regional Planning Board @ 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.
Council Carroll made a motion to put the referendum on the ballot
and Council White seconded.
Yost, White, Norton, and Carroll voted for.
Wright and Vickers voted against.
The mayor then pointed out voters will have had to be registered for six months
to vote on this referendum in November, so if someone registered
tomorrow, they couldn’t vote in November.
(It’s not clear that this is actually true, but it is what he said.)
They all had more to say later in Council Comments.
5.a. Vote to put school consolidation referendum on ballot —Tim Carroll @ VCC 25 August 2011
petition, education, referendum,
Regular Session, Valdosta City Council (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 25 August 2011.
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
Then they voted on the motion to deny.
Council White agonized over whether they were doing anything illegal.
They
split evenly 3 to 3:
Wright, White, and Vickers for denying, and
Yost, Norton, and Carroll against.
Since it was a tie, the Mayor got to vote.
First he made a statement, which included:
It started out in the least inclusive manner.
…
This seems forced to people who don’t want the city school system
and to a city school system which doesn’t want to cope with these
people right now.
And that’s unfair.
He suggested the legislature should handle it.
After all that, he voted against the motion to deny,
so the motion failed.
5.a. This seems forced —Mayor John Fretti @ VCC 25 August 2011
petition, education, referendum,
Regular Session, Valdosta City Council (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 25 August 2011.
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.