Douglas County Board of Commissioners Meeting Summary – September 19th, 2023

In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, various topics were discussed, including the Douglas County Museum, the Youth Commission program, Hispanic Heritage Month, Constitution Week, and concerns about warehouse development in the Parkside Community. Citizens expressed their support for revitalizing the museum and expanding its offerings. The Youth Commission program was praised for its success in providing students with real-world experiences and opportunities. The commission also recognized Hispanic Heritage Month and emphasized the contributions of Hispanic Americans. Constitution Week was proclaimed, highlighting the need to protect the freedoms granted by the Constitution. Concerns were raised about warehouse development, including air pollution, traffic, and the impact on the community. Citizens urged the commission to consider long-term effects and prioritize thoughtful development.

• 00:00:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, held on September 19, 2023, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners welcomed the citizens of Douglas County. The commissioners, including Ricky Dobbs, Kelly Robinson, Terenia Carter, and Mark Alcarez, were all present. The meeting began on an optimistic note, with hopes of being in good hands moving forward.
• 00:05:00 In this section of the BOC Commission meeting, Chairman Phil Miller opens the meeting and confirms there are no changes to the agenda. After a moment of confusion about who will lead the invocation, Rick Martin steps in to deliver the prayer. Commissioners are reminded of the three-minute time limit for remarks. The first citizen, Ingrid Landis Davis, addresses item number 4 regarding the Douglas County Museum. She expresses agreement with the recommendations of the analytical report from Kennesaw State University and criticizes the county for not adequately supporting the museum. She points out that the museum receives tax money without paying rent and suggests it should be more than just a storage space for family mementos.
• 00:10:00 In this section, a discussion is held about the Douglas County Museum and its potential for growth and revitalization. It is mentioned that a valuable collection of Chinese historical literature and artifacts could have been acquired, but the county did not have the means to properly catalog and maintain it. Instead, Rice University has taken possession of the collection, stating that it is the gold standard for Chinese history. The speaker urges the commission to reinvigorate the museum, arguing that it could be a wonderful attraction for the community. Another individual agrees, stating that the current structure of the museum is inadequate for the needs of the growing and diverse community, and a vision for future growth and leadership is necessary.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the meeting, the report highlights both the areas of opportunities and deficiencies in Douglas County. The speaker emphasizes the need to strive for the highest potential in all areas that interact with the public and contribute to the county’s history. The Douglas County Youth Commission is then recognized, with the superintendent and school system workers acknowledged and applauded. The Youth Commission program is described as an enrichment program where high school students learn about government and public administration. The program has been successful in providing real-world problem-solving opportunities and serving as a launch pad for student success, with students receiving scholarships and participating in educational trips. A video showcasing this year’s class of Youth Commissioners is then played.
• 00:20:00 In this section, students from various grades and high schools in Douglas County introduce themselves to the Board of Commissioners at a meeting. They express their gratitude for the support they have received through the Youth Commission program, which has provided them with valuable experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The students also congratulate the new class of Youth Commissioners and express their excitement about working together in the future. The chairman of the Douglas County Commission acknowledges the support from the Board of Commissioners and other individuals involved in running the program and then proceeds to swear in the new class of Youth Commissioners.
• 00:25:00 In this section of the meeting, there was an announcement made about ensuring that participants use the microphone properly in order to be heard. The speaker emphasized the importance of speaking directly into the microphone, even when turning their face.
• 00:30:00 In this section of the video, the County Commission clears the room to proceed with their meeting. They then approve the minutes of previous meetings and the financial report for the month of August. Following that, a proclamation is read to declare September 15th to October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month in Douglas County, acknowledging the history, cultures, and contributions of American citizens with Hispanic ancestry. The proclamation mentions how this observation originated in 1968 and was expanded to cover a 30-day period in 1988.
• 00:35:00 In this section, the transcript excerpt discusses the significance of September 15th as the anniversary of independence for several countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. The speaker emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity and Hispanic Heritage Month, acknowledging the remarkable accomplishments of Hispanic Americans in various fields such as business, government, science, athletics, and the arts. The Douglas County Board of Commission proclaims September 15th to October 15th as National Hispanic Heritage Month and expresses gratitude for the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and Douglas County.
• 00:40:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, a proclamation motion is approved unanimously to designate September 17th through the 23rd as Constitution week in Douglas County. The proclamation highlights the significance of the Constitution in safeguarding liberty and emphasizes the need to commemorate and protect the freedoms granted by the Constitution. The chairman expresses gratitude and pride for his heritage, and the board urges citizens to honor the framers of the Constitution by actively preserving freedom.
• 00:45:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, a member comments on the importance of actively living and understanding the words of the Constitution beyond just proclaiming and celebrating it. They emphasize the need to exercise our rights and liberties and recognize the significance of the document, despite any dysfunction. The motion is carried, and the meeting moves on to a public hearing on a Plan update.
• 00:50:00 In this section of the video, a member of the public expresses their concerns about the development of warehouses near the Parkside Community. The individual raises issues such as increased air pollution, high traffic, trash, and negative impacts on the community’s infrastructure and services. They also question the incentives given to these companies, including tax breaks, and express discontent with the temporary nature of the jobs created. The speaker emphasizes the need to address these concerns and urges the commission to reconsider the development of more warehouses in the area.
• 00:55:00 In this section of the meeting, a concerned citizen raises issues with their area being zoned as an opportunity zone, expressing concerns about the impact on their community. They mention the lack of nearby amenities like fire departments and restaurants, as well as the safety issues of warehouses and the increase in young drivers. The citizen also criticizes developers who show no respect for the community and only care about financial gains. Another speaker piggybacks on these concerns, discussing the overall development in Douglas County and the negative effects it has on traffic, schools, infrastructure, and the environment. They urge the commissioners to consider the long-term effects of development and suggest utilizing existing retail and industrial spaces instead of constantly clearing green spaces. The speaker also mentions the teacher shortage and the diminishing habitats for wildlife due to development. They emphasize the need for thoughtful and deliberate development rather than unfettered growth.

In the second hour, various topics were discussed including concerns about excessive development and transportation in Douglas County, the importance of community engagement in local government decisions, the extension of a contract for the Museum of Arts and Sciences, the debate surrounding a non-profit organization renting a county building for free, authorizations and resolutions being discussed, the need for a balancing act between residential and economic development, and various announcements about upcoming events and services in the county.

• 01:00:00 In this section, a citizen named Karen MacDill speaks at the commission meeting to address concerns about excessive development and transportation in Douglas County. She mentions that mortgage rates, inflation, and consumer credit card debt are at record highs, and highlights the issue of living paycheck to paycheck. MacDill expresses concerns about the impact of the proposed development on the county’s infrastructure, particularly on major roads that already experience heavy traffic. She also brings up the issue of future transportation needs, as gas-powered cars are being phased out and electric vehicles may become more costly for residents. MacDill points out that the low ridership of fixed routes indicates that it may not be the most effective transportation solution, and suggests that the county should consider inclusive plans that meet the different needs of all citizens.
• 01:05:00 In this section, a commissioner addresses the comprehensive planning process and emphasizes the importance of being intentional about zoning and housing decisions. They acknowledge the work done by the Planning and Zoning department and urge citizens to hold the board accountable for following the recommendations in the comprehensive plan. The commissioner also highlights the need to consider the next generation and to approach infields and shaping the county thoughtfully. They thank citizens for their input and express gratitude to the staff involved in the planning process. Finally, another commissioner echoes these sentiments and encourages more citizen engagement in shaping the county’s future.
• 01:10:00 In this section, the commissioner acknowledges the importance of community engagement and encourages people to participate in local government decisions. She urges residents to voice their opinions on development projects and emphasizes the impact these decisions have on the community. She also thanks those who have shown up and participated in the past, highlighting that the commission generally sides with homeowners when they show up in force. The commission then moves on to discuss other agenda items, including granting an easement and extending a museum proposal for six months. The commissioner questions whether contracts should all end at the end of the year and discusses the possibility of renewing them with options.
• 01:15:00 In this section of the BOC Commission Meeting, there is a discussion about the extension of a contract for the Museum of Arts and Sciences. The current memorandum of understanding covers a six-month period with a cash infusion of $50,000. However, there is a desire expressed by the board for a longer period of time and potentially more funding in the future. The specific recommendations from Kennesaw State University regarding the museum are not addressed in the current agreement. One commissioner suggests taking the museum contract out of the consent agenda and discussing it individually to properly address all comments and concerns. Another commissioner raises concerns about the legality of using a building for the museum and calls for further investigation.
• 01:20:00 In this section of the video, the speaker expresses concerns about a non-profit organization renting a county building for free. They argue that the organization should start paying rent for the building, especially considering the prime real estate it occupies. The speaker also questions the arrangement and wants more information about how the building was given to the organization. Another person defends the non-profit, highlighting their volunteer work and the fact that they only pay part-time employees minimum wage. The debate revolves around the importance of preserving cultural artifacts and the need for better accountability and transparency in the decision-making process. The issue is left unresolved for now, but it will be discussed further during a budget retreat. The video then transitions to discussions about accepting grants for weather radios and funds for the Sheriff’s Office.
• 01:25:00 In this section, there are several authorizations and resolutions being discussed at the BOC Commission Meeting. One of the authorizations is to accept a grant for the COVID-19 and influenza vaccine initiative, another is to file an encroachment permit, and there is also an approval for a contract with ADT Security for the Lithia Springs Senior Center. Additionally, there is an authorization to enter into agreements for part-time employment and facility usage, as well as an agreement with iWork Systems Inc for facility management software. The chairman is also given authorization to sign all related documents pending final legal review for each of these items.
• 01:30:00 In this section of the video, the speaker addresses the need for a balancing act between residential and economic development in society. They provide data on the number of businesses in Douglas County and emphasize that only 15 out of 7,000 companies qualify for tax incentives. The speaker acknowledges the importance of good debates and being informed about the history and context of decisions. They also appreciate the work of Kris Humphrey in Economic Development and express support for consistency and knowing how everything fits together. The speaker then yields to the chair’s motion, which carries unanimously. Following this discussion, the speaker moves on to announce upcoming events related to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Cape Douglas County beautiful initiative, and the Annual Festival in the county.
• 01:35:00 In this section of the video, various announcements are made including upcoming events and services. The first announcement promotes a website and contact information for more information about an event in Douglasville. The next announcement is about an art exhibit in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The exhibit features vibrant paintings by multiple Hispanic artists and will be on display until October 15th. An artist chat is also scheduled for October 6th. The probate office will be open on October 7th for all probate services. Another event mentioned is the annual Trek or Treat 5K Justice Run hosted by the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office on October 28th. The event will include a race, music, fellowship, and a costume contest, with all proceeds benefiting local domestic violence awareness programs. No executive session is needed.