The June 21, 2023 BOC Commission Meeting started with the usual protocol, including attendance and agenda approval. The highlights of the meeting include a financial report, a National HIV testing day proclamation, and a construction management contract with Buford Golf and Associates. The bid evaluation was discussed, with the recommendation to split the bids into two separate parts due to concerns about the unknown 10 percent. Additionally, various authorizations and approvals were granted, including the renewal of an agreement with Civic Plus and the approval of MOUs and funding for community service providers. EMS service fees increase was authorized, and the consent agenda was approved. Lastly, upcoming events were announced, including a community event hosted by District 2 Commissioner Kelly Robinson and July 4th courthouse closure. The meeting adjourned without the need to go into an executive session.
- 00:05:00 In this section, the June 21, 2023 commission meeting of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners begins with the usual protocol including checking attendance and approving the agenda. A senior pastor is also present to lead the board in invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The pastor draws inspiration from Psalm 119 verse 105, which states that the word of God is a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. He also mentions the summer solstice and how it marks the beginning of a new season with longer daylight, implying that embracing the word of God can also provide light and guidance in our lives.
- 00:10:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting on June 21, 2023, the commissioners had a financial report approved and a National HIV testing day proclamation was read by Miss Carrie Reed from Cobb Douglas Public Health. The proclamation highlighted the importance of HIV testing in early diagnosis and link people to care and treatment services. The commissioners approved the proclamation, invited Reed up for a photo, and proceeded to the business items on the agenda.
- 00:15:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, the board approves to enter into a construction management contract with Buford Golf and Associates amounting to $70,000 plus 10% of the estimated construction cost for the electronic security monitoring project at the Douglas County Law Enforcement and Detention Center. The estimated cost for the project is $3.5 to $4 million and will be funded through fund balance and reimbursed by the 2022 SPLASH funds. The commission also tabled the item to the next meeting on July 5th to clarify some concerns regarding fees, timing, and procurement.
- 00:20:00 In this section, the discussion centers around a bid for a contract, with one vendor offering a flat fee and another offering $70,000 plus 10% of all upcoming projects. The board discusses the subjective nature of comparing bids without having a project list and associated costs. While one commissioner expresses their approval of the $70,000 offer for phase one, the director recommends canceling the current solicitation and dividing it into two parts for a competitive assessment process and project management bid after the list is determined. However, the board notes that Cobb County took a similar approach, which could hurt their competitive advantage.
- 00:25:00 In this section, the commission discusses the evaluation of the detention center and judicial building with a recommendation to split the bids into two separate parts due to concerns about the unknown 10 percent. The motion to table the discussion until July passes, and the commission moves on to discuss authorizing grants and contracts for various programs and initiatives, such as the adult felony drug court, veterans treatment court, and adult mental health court. The commission also approves tax write-downs for uncollectible and delinquent taxes and awards a contract for road improvements, funded by the GDOT 2023 lmig Grant and the annual Emergency Management performance Grant.
- 00:30:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, various authorizations and approvals were granted, including the renewal of an agreement with Civic Plus and the approval of MOUs and funding for community service providers. Additionally, increased fees for EMS services were authorized to align with increased costs, and the adoption of new software modules for scheduling and credentialing of fire and EMS personnel was approved. The consent agenda was also approved unanimously. Finally, announcements were made regarding the Douglas County Transit Master Plan and upcoming events.
- 00:35:00 In this section, we learn about several upcoming events in Douglas County, including a community event on August 19th hosted by District 2 Commissioner Kelly Robinson, which will cover topics such as code enforcement, crime prevention, and community conflict resolution. We also learn about the closure of Douglas County Courthouse on July 4th for Independence Day, with emergency services still open. Finally, we hear that there is no need to go into an executive session, and the meeting is adjourned.
