Douglas County Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary

00:00:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, there is a light-hearted exchange between members where they are getting comfortable and joking around. Director Miller is thanked for his input, and the meeting begins with a polite exchange of greetings.
00:05:00 In this section of the meeting, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners holds their July 6, 2023, session. The county clerk takes the roll call, and all three commissioners are present.
00:10:00 In this section of the meeting, the commissioners discuss a change to the agenda and motion to adopt it. They also have a pastor lead them in an invocation, praying for guidance and leadership. The meeting proceeds with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then the commissioners allow public comments, with one individual, Miss Ingrid Landis Davis, signing up to speak.
00:15:00 In this section, a speaker addresses the accountability court coordinator position in Douglas County and raises concerns about the lack of representation and effectiveness in the program. They note that the majority of participants in the program are white males, despite the county being predominantly black. The speaker suggests that hiring someone who can effectively address the black community is necessary. They also question the reported success rate and cost savings of the program, as well as the workload of the newly hired coordinator. Overall, they support the idea of accountability courts but express concerns about the current administration and who is benefiting from it.
00:20:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, the speaker presents an overview of the draft plan that has been developed over the past year. They highlight the extensive public engagement process and address all the required elements in the plan. The plan includes a comprehensive update, as well as small area plans for Lithia Springs and Winston. The speaker emphasizes that the plan is rooted in the Douglas County strategic plan and incorporates feedback from the community. They also discuss various aspects of the plan, such as environmental analysis, character area map, future land use map update, green space, and trail network. The speaker requests a second hearing for community feedback and asks for approval to send the plan to the Regional Commission for review.
00:25:00 In this section of the video, the public hearing is open for comments from the public. One resident expresses gratitude for the support of the commissioners, stating that the plan being discussed is a game changer for the County. Another resident raises concerns about the comprehensive plan not addressing certain zoning regulations for smaller lots, such as the ability to add accessory dwelling units. The commissioners then discuss the existing provisions for accessory dwellings and clarify that there is still a path forward for smaller acreage lots, although additional review is required. They also mention that accessory dwelling units are seen as a good option for future support in the County. Overall, the discussion revolves around the concerns and support expressed by residents regarding zoning regulations in the comprehensive plan.
00:30:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the efforts made to address community feedback in shaping the character area of District Two. They mention creating a character area map and defining different land uses to better balance industrial and residential areas. They also highlight the focus on economic development, specifically in the Veterans Memorial Highway Corridor, and zoning work in West Fork. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the preservation of single-family neighborhoods and the importance of maintaining quality of life for residents. They mention the opportunities for arts, creative placemaking, and implementing a trail network to connect existing green spaces. The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the plan, with a deadline of late August or early September for final adoption. Contact information is provided for those who wish to give input or have questions.
00:35:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, the speaker emphasizes that they are open to receiving communication and feedback from the community regarding the comprehensive plan. They mention that the plan is a living document and will be on the books for a certain period, but can be amended going forward. They also discuss the different character areas and future land use designations that have been defined, as well as the consideration for multi-family housing and accessory dwelling units. The speaker highlights the need for creative options, such as cottage courts, and mentions ongoing conversations about policy changes at the residential subcommittee level. They express gratitude for the trails in the county and the importance of being outside and enjoying the beauty of Douglas County. Finally, the motion to authorize the chairman to sign the letter to transmit the comprehensive plan is discussed and voted upon.
00:40:00 In this section of the meeting, the Board of Commissioners approves a construction management contract with Buford Golf and Associates for the electronic security monitoring project at the Douglas County Law Enforcement and Detention Center. The estimated cost of the project is between 3.5 to 4 million dollars, and the contract will be funded through the fund balance and reimbursed by the 2022 splost funds. There is a discussion about the possibility of the cost exceeding four million dollars, but it is clarified that the board can approve or disapprove any additional expenses based on the contract. The question of capping the cost is raised, and the County Administrator mentions that adjustments can be made in the review of the contract. Overall, the motion to approve the construction management contract carries.
00:45:00 In this section, the discussion revolves around the contract and funding for a project. It is mentioned that the assessment portion has been approved, but the funds for the entire project will need to be accessed separately. The overall cost of the project is still to be determined, taking into account different vendors and platforms. There is a mention of staying within budget but obtaining the best options available. Once the assessment is completed, a better understanding of the costs will be obtained, and any additional funds needed will require further approval from the board. Additionally, there is a suggestion to work with in-house personnel to keep costs down, but it is acknowledged that there may be specialized expertise needed for certain aspects of the project.
00:50:00 In this section of the meeting, the speaker discusses the urgency of getting an assessment done for a project that has been delayed and is running on outdated software. They mention the complexity of the project, which involves cameras, intercom systems, televisions, and door access, and emphasizes the need for a non-proprietary system. The speaker also mentions a cost saving of $255,000 compared to another company’s bid. There is a discussion about the budget and the possibility of negotiating the percentage rate if the project exceeds the initial estimate.
00:55:00 In this section of the video transcript, the speaker discusses the conditions for approving the contract. They note that if the funds exceed the cap, the remedy will be focused on the exceeding amount rather than the total funds paid. The speaker suggests the possibility of incorporating a graduated percentage system if the amount goes over the cap. The motion to approve the contract is made with the condition that the incumbent vendor is subjected to the overall project manager of Splost 2022. The motion is seconded, and a discussion ensues about whether the bid and contract can be changed. The clarification is made that the program management fee for Splost 2022 will be fixed at 7%. The overall project management for the current project will also be under the program management for Splost.
01:00:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, the commissioners discuss two conditions related to the overall management fee for the Splash project. The first condition is that the current vendor under the contract must be subject to the overall project manager for certain conditions. The second condition is that the fee for the overall project management must be fixed at seven percent. The board has the option to approve the motion with these conditions or not, and if not, they can propose other conditions or no conditions. Commissioner Robertson seeks clarification on how these conditions apply to the current contract and its voting process. The chairman explains that the first condition applies to the contract and requires it to be subject to the overall project manager for accounting and reporting. The second condition sets a fixed fee of seven percent for the overall program manager for 2022 Splash projects, but individual projects within Splash may have their own costs in addition to the program management fee.
01:05:00 In this section, there is a discussion regarding the conditions and oversight of the Beaufort golf spots. The commissioners confirm that the intended condition does not affect the overall Splash program management. Chief Adam expresses that the proposed adjustments are acceptable to him, as it does not impact his area of concern. However, there is a concern raised about the increase in percentage from four and a half percent to seven percent for program management, which would result in additional funds being taken out of the Splash budget. Commissioner Robinson explains that this is the expectation, but there should be caution in managing the amount of money being spent. There is further discussion about the funding and the need for careful oversight.
01:10:00 In this section of the video, the speaker expresses frustration with the lack of oversight in their role and emphasizes the need for proper direction from the administration. They mention the importance of ensuring that certain tasks are completed, such as locking something up and providing direction to the director of procurement. The speaker questions whether the administration is bridging the gap between the commission and themselves. The motion is eventually passed with a vote of three to two. The video then transitions to the consent agenda, featuring various authorizations and agreements related to projects and funding.
01:15:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, various topics were discussed and approved, including a turn lane project at the Douglas Boulevard intersection, the acceptance of right-of-way dedication, and the appointment of individuals to the Cemetery Commission and Animal Control Advisory Board. However, Commissioner Robinson expressed frustration about a prior decision regarding a contract for the jail project, emphasizing the importance of paying attention and utilizing the power of the board to make necessary amendments. Following these discussions, Yvette Jones, the Chief Communications Officer, made several announcements regarding upcoming events and initiatives in Douglas County.
01:20:00 In this section, the speaker informs the audience about various services and resources available, including Second Chance employers resume review services and other community resources. They provide contact information for more information and also announce the County’s biggest Annual Festival, September Saturdays, which will take place at the Douglas County Courthouse on September 23rd and 30th. The speaker concludes by stating that there is no need for an executive session and adjourns the meeting.

Douglas County Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary – July 6th, 2023

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