Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange (LAKE), 3338 Country Club Road Ste. L PMB 336, Valdosta, GA (2025)

02/07/2025

Packet: Tax Assessor and Land Bank appointments, Assessment rate, VAWA, alcohol @ LCC 2025-01-27

Finally received on February 6, 2025, the board packet materials are on the LAKE website for the January 27 and 28, 2025, Lowndes County Commission meetings.

[Packet: Collage @ LCC 2025-01-27]

See also the agenda and the LAKE videos of the Work Session; Regular Session up soon.

Lowndes County included this note with the board materials:

The January 27-28, 2025 meeting packet is attached. We did not receive the email on January 25th. Thank you for resending it.

As I mentioned in response:

One way to avoid any issue of not getting mail would be to publish the board packet on lowndescounty.com along with the agenda, under the pulldown that says Packet.

Or put the packet on bluesky, make it public, and publish the link.

The bluesky I mean here is bluesky.lowndescounty.com, where they put the January 27, 2025, board packet at this URL:
https://bluesky.lowndescounty.com/index.php/s/3a6dJHrFQCRL6n9

Which you can’t read, because the county password protected it.

It has been mysterious for many years why Lowndes County does not simply publish their board packet materials on their own website for the tax-paying and voting public to see.

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24761

02/04/2025

Packet: Perma-Fix and other permits and rezonings, bids, funding, board appointements @ VCC 2025-02-06

Perma-Fix, which squeaked through the Planning Commission on a split vote, will be decided by the Valdosta City Mayor and Council Thursday evening at 5:30 PM.

[Collage @ VCC 2025-02-06]

The agenda is still not on the city’s website:
https://www.valdostacity.com/city-council/agendas-minutes

But you can read it below.

The board packet, received in response to a LAKE open records request, is on the LAKE website.

See also the preceding Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC) packet materials and the LAKE videos of the Planning Commission meeting.

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

Agenda:

[Public Hearings]

[Bids, etc., Local Fundings and Requests, Boards, etc.]

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24759

02/04/2025

Videos: 4 county rezonings, 5 Valdosta, 2 Hahira @ GLPC 2025-01-27

The most contentious item at the recent GLPC meeting, at almost half an hour, was 8. CU-2025-02 Perma-Fix of South Georgia 1612 James P Rodgers Circle. Several people spoke against it, including Gretchen Quarterman at 14 minutes. The Planning Commissioners voted 4:5 to recommend denying that Conditional Use application, but then they voted 5:4 to recommend approving.

[Collage @ LCC 27 January 2025]

The Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC) merely advises. The actual decision will be at the Thursday, February 6, Valdosta City Council (VCC) meeting. Valdosta has no agenda posted yet for that meeting:
https://www.valdostacity.com/city-council/agendas-minutes

LAKE has sent in an open records request for the VCC board packet.

Another long Valdosta City case was 9. VA-2025-01 James Warren (202 Denmark Street) Rezone 0.73 acres from R-6 to C-C. The Commissioners unanimously recommended approval.

The two parts of the Hahira case took a while due to being complicated: 12. /13 Lemaka Holdings.

Two county cases also took a long time: 3. REZ-2025-01 Hurtado Property, Bethany Drive ~6.4 acres R-A to R-1, where there were already flooding concerns from previous development. Only the property owner spoke for. Several citizens spoke against. Eight Planning Commissioners voted to recommend denial; Franklin Bailey voted against the motion.

And 6. REZ-2025-04: River Run Farm, 6490 River Run, Naylor, Ga ,27.12 ac. C-C to R-21, near the Alapaha River, which got a recommendation to approva with a condition of only 9 lots, on a split vote which may have been 7:2; it was difficult to see or hear.

The county cases will be decided by the Lowndes County Commission on Tuesday, February 11.

All the other cases got unanimous recommendations of approval from GLPC.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the agenda and the board packet materials for the Valdosta and Hahira cases.

LAKE is still waiting for Lowndes County to send the board packet materials for those county cases, after LAKE sent the request on January 27.

1. Call to Order, Pledge, Invocation
Video:
https://youtu.be/mYlSlnJ_HNE

Steve Miller is now the chair of the GLPC.

1. Call to Order (continued)
Video:
https://youtu.be/PjxU5Z2K-Y8

2. Approval of the Meeting Minutes from November 2024
Video:
https://youtu.be/_0z6MC713WI

3. REZ-2025-01 Hurtado Property, Bethany Drive ~6.4 acres R-A to R-1
Video:
https://youtu.be/zgRJ2DOdj5E

3. REZ-2025-01 Hurtado Property, Bethany Drive, a portion of 0070 063, ~6.4 acres
Current Zoning: R-A (Residential Agricultural)
Proposed Zoning: R-1 (Low Density Residential)

Recommend denial by vote 8-1. Franklin Bailey voted against denial.

4. REZ-2025-02: Hamilton Green Phase II, 4618 Bemiss Road, ~1.12 acres, C-G to P-D
Video:
https://youtu.be/uQnGfCFIeVc

4. REZ-2025-02: Hamilton Green, Phase II, 4618 Bemiss Road, 0145D 007A, ~1.12 acres
Current Zoning: C-G (General Commercial)
Proposed Zoning: P-D (Planned Development)

5. REZ-2025-03: Thomas Linville, 4888 Break Thru Road, , ~16.3 acres, R-1TO E-A
Video:
https://youtu.be/eT5nhRMI0uw

5. REZ-2025-03: Thomas Linville, 4888 Break Thru Road, 0218 021A, 019, 020B, and 020A, ~16.3 acres
Current Zoning: R-1 (Low Density Residential)
Proposed Zoning: E-A (Estate Agricultural)

6. REZ-2025-04: River Run Farm, 6490 River Run, Naylor, Ga ,27.12 ac. C-C to R-21
Video:
https://youtu.be/eSU-TPnPSUo

REZ-2025-04: River Run Farm, 6490 River Run, Naylor, Ga, Map/Parcel # 0259-029C, 27.12 acres
Current Zoning: C-C (Crossroads Commercial)
Proposed Zoning: R-21 (Medium Density Residential)

This item had a lot of comments.

Motion to approve with condition of only 9 lots It passed 7-2 (I think, someone was blocking the camera and it was impossible to hear).

7. CU-2025-01 Marian Leonard 112 W Moore Street CUP for Art Studio in R-P zoning
Video:
https://youtu.be/oX2THhsnalE

8. CU-2025-02 Perma-Fix of South Georgia 1612 James P Rodgers Circle
Video:
https://youtu.be/agcRdDCB8Sg

8. CU-2025-02 Perma-Fix of South Georgia (1612 James P Rodgers Circle) CUP for a Solid Waste Transfer Station in M-2 zoning

Motion to deny vote was 4-5.
Motion to approve was 5-4.

9. VA-2025-01 James Warren (202 Denmark Street) Rezone 0.73 acres from R-6 to C-C
Video:
https://youtu.be/lcocbKuntVg

This had a lot of commission discussion about a commercial property at the end of a residential street

Approved unanimously.

10. VA-2025-02 Courlley LLC (1021 West Gordon Street)Rezone 2.06 acres R-6 to R-M
Video:
https://youtu.be/AZVMlN7DXPU

At the location of the old nursery on Gordon Street.
The building that was there was ruined in Hurricane Helene

Approved unanimously.

11. VA-2025-03 Alexander Wynn, 112 Springhill Street, 0.33 acres from R-10 to R-6
Video:
https://youtu.be/pFXz1d0mQdE

Approved unanimously.

12. /13 Lemaka Holdings - presentation of cases (votes in following videos)
Video:
https://youtu.be/2EzcsXrsXWg

12. HA-2025-01 Lemaka Holdings LLC (106 & 108 North Church Street)
Rezone 0.28 acres from R-10 to R-P

13. HA-2025-02 Lemaka Holdings LLC (106 & 108 North Church Street)
Variances to Section 6-1 of the Hahira Zoning Ordinance

12. HA-2025-01 Lemaka Holdings LLC (106 - 108 North Church Street) R-10 to R-P
Video:
https://youtu.be/iptPXTOpMec

HA-2025-01 Lemaka Holdings LLC (106 & 108 North Church Street)
Rezone 0.28 acres from R-10 to R-P

This is the actual vote on the item – vote was unanimous.

13. HA-2025-02 Lemaka Holdings LLC (106 - 108 North Church Street) Variances
Video:
https://youtu.be/42gHwAZxlBw

13. HA-2025-02 Lemaka Holdings LLC (106 & 108 North Church Street)
Variances to Section 6-1 of the Hahira Zoning Ordinance

Again, this is the vote only – recommended unanimously.

Other business, I thought they were done but they weren't
Video:
https://youtu.be/M-prmr7zM_M

Meeting Adjournment
Video:
https://youtu.be/aC-32FDquMY

Franklin Bailey wonders, at the end of a nearly 3 hour meeting that started at 5:30pm, “Where are the snacks at?”. I wondered the same. It was a LONG meeting.

Here is the LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiFlb3wdms2MJznQ2zzMn1ew&si=f0C5409_UPtqYnPz

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24754

01/27/2025

Videos: Tax Assessor and Land Bank appointments, Assessment rate, VAWA, alcohol @ LCC Work

Update 2025-01-28: Added back the inadvertently omitted video of the 8.c. Approval of the Solicitor General’s FY2025 VAWA Grant Application.

At this morning’s Lowndes County Commission Work Session, Commissioner Demarcus Marshall said he wants to ask questions of the applications for 6.a. Appointment to the Board of Tax Assessors. Chairman Bill Slaughter said they weren’t doing that in the Work Session because both applications were not there, but they can do it in the Regular Session Tuesday evening.

[Collage @ LCC 27 January 2025]

The Chairman asked to add an agenda item: Consideration for discussion of opting out of new homestead exemption law. Deadline to decide and paperwork to Department of Revenue is March 1, 2025. He noted he voted for this law, but he isn’t sure he completely understood it. For the county consider opting out, they first need to announce that possibility and ask the public for input. They discussed this for almost eight minutes.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few comments by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the agenda.

1. Call to Order 4. Minutes for Approval
Video:
https://youtu.be/bsm9YpS-ZTQ

5.a. GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Video:
https://youtu.be/SVxfjaDFIjM

19th year for this award.

6.a. Appointment to the Board of Tax Assessors
Video:
https://youtu.be/zLy2p5_OyFs

6.b. Valdosta-Lowndes County Land Bank Authority
Video:
https://youtu.be/fNqwEJ8EjBw

7.a. Beer Wine - Liquor License, Lisa's Billiards - Sports Bar, 5129 Mill Store
Video:
https://youtu.be/aYnP94m7S-4

8.a. Special Assessment Rate for 2025
Video:
https://youtu.be/vhhisGCE_C8

Rate set at prime plus 2% so the rate is: 7.5 + 2 = 9.5%

8.b. Approval of Elected Officials Using County Issued Purchase - Credit Cards
Video:
https://youtu.be/ukQuz2bz53Q

8.c. Approval of the Solicitor General’s FY2025 VAWA Grant Application
Video:
https://youtu.be/Vra0y4aW0Nc

9. Reports - County Manager (none)
Video:
https://youtu.be/7A_CzM_o-vE

Chairman Comments - addition of agenda item
Video:
https://youtu.be/hEza-ZTh6uw

Consideration for discussion of opting out of new homestead exemption law. Deadline to decide and paperwork to Department of Revenue is March 1, 2025.

11. Adjournment
Video:
https://youtu.be/HnOG_1Egv4s

Here is the LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiGGMmo35GqQK5eWDTO-Ey8K&si=0Ky_LX3YkKh4_eIb

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24746

01/27/2025

Packet: Valdosta and Hahira Cases @ GLPC 2025-01-27

Thanks to Matt Martin, City Planner for Valdosta and Hahira, for sending their board packet materials for tonight’s Greater Lowndes Planning Commission (GLPC) meeting at 5:30 PM.

[Valdosta and Hahira Cases, Packet @ GLPC 2025-01-27, Perma-Fix approved by, GA-EPD to resume operations]

This Valdosta case, 8. CU-2025-02 Perma-Fix of South Georgia (1612 James P Rodgers Circle) CUP for a Solid Waste Transfer Station in M-2 zoning, is for Perma-Fix to resume processing hazardous waste like it was doing seven years ago when it burned. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA-EPD) has already approved it.

And is there a rare case for which staff recommends denial: 9. VA-2025-01 James Warren (202 Denmark Street) Rezone 0.73 acres from R-6 to C-C.

These board packet materials, received in response to a LAKE open records request, are on the LAKE website. Images of each page are below.

See also the agenda.

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24742

01/27/2025

Agenda: 4 county rezonings, 5 Valdosta, 2 Hahira @ GLPC 2025-01-27

Lowndes County posted this agenda on lowndescounty.com/AgendaCenter at 8:23 AM this morning, after Gretchen asked the County Planner when it would be posted.

The meeting is this evening at

[Agenda: 4 county rezonings, 5 Valdosta, 2 Hahira, Posted 8:23 AM the meeting day @ GLPC 2025-01-27]

One of the county cases is for a subdivision by the Alapaha River: REZ-2025-04: River Run Farm, 6490 River Run, Naylor, Ga, Map/Parcel # 0259-029C, 27.12 acres.

Here is the agenda:

[Lowndes County Cases]

Greater Lowndes Planning Commission
~ Lowndes County ~ City of Valdosta ~ City of Dasher ~
~ City of Hahira ~ City of Lake Park ~ City of Remerton ~
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 5:30 P.M. Work Session
Monday, January 27, 2025 5:30 P.M. Regular Session
Lowndes County South Health District Administrative Office
325 West Savannah Avenue, Valdosta, Georgia
1. Call to Order, Pledge and Invocation
2. Approval of the Meeting Minutes: November 25, 2024

Lowndes County Cases:
FINAL ACTION by the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners,
327 N. Ashley Street, Valdosta, Georgia,
Lowndes County Judicial and Administrative Complex
Commission Chambers, 2nd Floor, Tuesday, February 11^th, 2025, 5:30
pm
Point of Contact: JD Dillard, County Planner, (229) 671-2430
3. KREZ-2025-01 Hurtado Property, Bethany Drive, a portion of 0070
063, ~6.4 acres
Current Zoning: R-A (Residential Agricultural)
Proposed Zoning: R-1 (Low Density Residential)
4. REZ-2025-02: Hamilton Green, Phase II, 4618 Bemiss Road, 0145D
007A, ~1.12 acres
Current Zoning: C-G (General Commercial)
Proposed Zoning: P-D (Planned Development)
5. REZ-2025-03: Thomas Linville, 4888 Break Thru Road, 0218 021A,
019, 020B, and 020A, ~16.3 acres
Current Zoning: R-1 (Low Density Residential)
Proposed Zoning: E-A (Estate Agricultural)
6. REZ-2025-04: River Run Farm, 6490 River Run, Naylor, Ga,
Map/Parcel # 0259-029C, 27.12 acres
Current Zoning: C-C (Crossroads Commercial)
Proposed Zoning: R-21 (Medium Density Residential)

[Valdosta and Hahira Cases]

City of Valdosta Cases:
FINAL ACTION by the City of Valdosta Mayor-Council, 216 E. Central
Avenue,
Valdosta, Georgia, Valdosta City Hall, Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
Thursday, February 6^th, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Point of Contact: Matt Martin - Planning Director (229) 259-3529
7. CU-2025-01 Marian Leonard (112 W Moore Street)
CUP for an Art Studio in R-P zoning
8. CU-2025-02 Perma-Fix of South Georgia (1612 James P Rodgers
Circle)
CUP for a Solid Waste Transfer Station in M-2 zoning
9. VA-2025-01 James Warren (202 Denmark Street)
Rezone 0.73 acres from R-6 to C-C
10. VA-2025-02 Courlley LLC (1021 West Gordon Street)
Rezone 2.06 acres from R-6 to R-M
11. VA-2025-03 Alexander Wynn (212 Springhill Street)
Rezone 0.33 acres from R-10 to R-6

City of Hahira Cases:
FINAL ACTION by the City of Hahira Mayor-Council,
301 W. Main St., Hahira, Georgia Hahira Courthouse,
Thursday, February 6^th, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Point of Contact: Matt Martin - Planning Director (229) 259-3529
12. HA-2025-01 Lemaka Holdings LLC (106 & 108 North Church Street)
Rezone 0.28 acres from R-10 to R-P
13. HA-2025-02 Lemaka Holdings LLC (106 & 108 North Church Street)
Variances to Section 6-1 of the Hahira Zoning Ordinance

OTHER BUSINESS

ADJOURNMENT

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24739

01/25/2025

Agenda: Tax Assessor and Land Bank appointments, Assessment rate, VAWA, alcohol @ LCC 2025-01-27

For discussion Monday morning and for voting Tuesday evening, the Lowndes County Commission will consider appointments to two boards: Tax Assessors (reappoint Gretchen Quarterman or appoint James Michael Tanner) and Land Bank Authority (reappoint Commissioner Joyce Evans).

[Tax Assessor appointment, Land Bank Appointment, Special assessment rate, VAWA, alcohol @ LCC 2025-01-27]

They will also hear a change-of-ownership beer, wine, and liquor license application, set the special assessment rate to 9.5%, and probably approve purchasing cards for Tax Commission Clay Guess and Probate Judge H. Burke Sherwood.

Plus they will consider $26,371.00 in cash match while the Solicitor-General’s Office applies for $79,112.00 in federal funding related to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Here is the agenda.

LOWNDES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROPOSED AGENDA
WORK SESSION, MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025, 8:30 a.m.
REGULAR SESSION, TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
327 N. Ashley Street - 2nd Floor

1. Call to Order
2. Invocation
3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
4. Minutes for Approval
1. Work Session - January 13, 2025 & Regular Session - January
14, 2025
5. Presentations
1. GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Documents:GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
2025.pdf
6. Appointments
1. Appointment to the Board of Tax Assessors
Documents:Appointment to the Board of Tax Assessors -.pdf
2. Valdosta-Lowndes County Land Bank Authority
Documents:Valdosta-Lowndes County Land Bank
Authority-..pdf
7. Public Hearing
1. Beer, Wine & Liquor License - Lisa Ash of Lisa's Billiards
and Sports Bar, 5129 Mill Store Road, Lake Park, Georgia
Documents:Beer, Wine and Liquor License - Lisa Ash of Lisa
Billiards and Sports Bar, 5129 Mill Store Road, Lake Park,
Georgia.pdf
8. For Consideration
1. Special Assessment Rate for 2025
Documents:Special Assessment Rate for 2025.pdf
2. Approval of Elected Officials Using County Issued Purchase
Cards and Credit Cards
Documents:Approval of Elected Officials Using County
Issued Purchase Cards and Credit Cards.pdf
3. Approval of the Solicitor General’s FY2025 VAWA
Continuance Grant Application
Documents:Approval of the Solicitor General FY2025 VAWA
Continuance Grant Application.pdf
9. Reports - County Manager
10. Citizens Wishing to be Heard-Please State Your Name and Address
11. Adjournment

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24736

01/16/2025

Videos: Development Authority appointment, VOCA grants, Coleman Road paving, LMIG, Water projects, Windstream @ LCC Regular 2025-01-15

Ms. Terri Lupo was reappointed to the 5.a. Valdosta Lowndes Development Authority.

The Lowndes County Commission at their Regular Session of January 14, 2025, also passed everything else unanimously, with little or no discussion.

[Collage @ LCC 14 January 2025]

Commissioner Demarcus Marshall did have a question about 7.k. GEFA Loan DWLSL2023097 for Lead Service Line Inventory. He also had a special thanks for Samaritan’s Purse in Commission Comments.

Former Valdosta City Council Alvin Payton, Jr., sat front and center the entire meeting.

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few comments by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the agenda, the board packet, received in response to a LAKE open records request, and the LAKE videos of Monday morning’s Work Session.

1. Call to Order 2. Invocation 3. Pledge
Video:
https://youtu.be/waC2HrJKllQ

4. Minutes for Approval
Video:
https://youtu.be/WP9_vuhWdJ8

5.a. Valdosta Lowndes Development Authority
Video:
https://youtu.be/lSpcV65HTrg

Ms. Terri Lupo was reappointed.

6.a. Beer, Wine - Liquor License - Rum Runner, 3988 N. Valdosta Rd.
Video:
https://youtu.be/asqG50Lx5Zg

7.a. Budget Calendar for FY 2026 Operating Budget
Video:
https://youtu.be/3GgtU4I8NxE

7.b. Beer and Wine License - Speedway Store 42348, 2165 Old Clyattville Rd.
Video:
https://youtu.be/poj1HhDv2e8

7.c. Approval of DA’s Federal VOCA Grant Application Renewal
Video:
https://youtu.be/oKTT-OfmhGw

7.d. Approval of the Solicitor General's FY25 VOCA Grant Award
Video:
https://youtu.be/_MzvTnUE2iI

7.e. Coleman Road NW Paving and Drainage Improvements, P.I.0016279
Video:
https://youtu.be/RhO6pq69iq0

7.f. Emergency Repair - Lowndes County Fire Station #5
Video:
https://youtu.be/Eq3IWszUIpg

7.g. 2025 Georgia D0T Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG)
Video:
https://youtu.be/9geX6E_H94c

7.h. Local Bridge Replacement at Jumping Gully Rd at Bevel Creek (0019937)
Video:
https://youtu.be/g5qW3xgn0wY

7.i. Union Road Lift Station Pump Replacement
Video:
https://youtu.be/s-kc7OHW0W0

7.j. GEFA Loan Modification
Video:
https://youtu.be/7mdsRuaOJ4U

7.k. GEFA Loan DWLSL2023097 for Lead Service Line Inventory
Video:
https://youtu.be/Phl0YuUEagY

7.l. Amendment #1 to Windstream Build Agreement
Video:
https://youtu.be/a0v-WjjX6bQ

8.a. Bid for Six Compact SUV Vehicles for Multiple Departments
Video:
https://youtu.be/etZRwuZiULY

9. Reports - County Manager
Video:
https://youtu.be/NubVeti3Yto

10. CWTBH - none
Video:
https://youtu.be/CdGxzqql5kw

Commission Comments
Video:
https://youtu.be/VY6ff04kXKo

11. Meeting Adjournment
Video:
https://youtu.be/kvEBkhsfjyU

Here is the LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiGlNJ_v8R0DwTcI2Q4xcUc8

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24730

01/14/2025

Packet: Development Authority appointment, VOCA grants, Coleman Road paving, LMIG, Water projects, Windstream @ LCC 2025-01-13

Yesterday morning Commissioner Mark Wisenbarker wanted to know whether the staff had a list of roads needing striping for 7.g. 2025 Georgia DoT Local Maintenance – Improvement Grant (LMIG) Application. Here’s the project list:

[Road paving list and Broadband map @ LCC Packet 2025-01-13]

The map appears to be where Windstream thinks Lowndes County already had broadband in 2021.

[Map: Lowndes GA 2021 Locations with Existing Fiber marked]

Bonus: maps for the two alcohol permit applications.

[Map: 3988 N Valdosta Road]

[Map: Speedway, 2165 Old Clyattville Road]

The board packet, received in response to a LAKE open records request, is on the LAKE website. The county could put on the county’s own website and nobody would have to file and open records request, and no county staff would have to answer one.

See also the agenda and the LAKE videos of yesterday morning’s Work Session.

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24726

01/14/2025

Videos: Development Authority appointment, VOCA grants, Coleman Road paving, LMIG, Water projects, Windstream @ LCC Work Session 2025-10-13

The Lowndes County Commission started the Work Session yesterday morning by welcoming new Commissioner Michael Smith. He will vote for the first time at the Regular Session this evening at 5:30 PM.

[Collage @ LCC 13 January 2025]

Chairman Bill Slaughter praised Terri Lupo, long-time baord member of the 5.a. Valdosta Lowndes Development Authority, although he noted there were two other applicants for her expired term.

There was some discussion on 7.f. Emergency Repair – Lowndes County Fire Station #5. Fire Station #5 is the one on Bemiss Road. Apparently after the November rain, there was a sewage back up in the fire station that was 3″ deep and everything from the floor to 2′ up the wall had to be replaced, including furniture. Insurance covered some of the cost.

Commissioner Mark Wisenbarker wanted to know whether the staff had a list of roads needing striping for 7.g. 2025 Georgia DoT Local Maintenance – Improvement Grant (LMIG) Application. Answer: yes.

They do not yet have a disgn for the 7.h. Local Bridge Replacement at Jumping Gully Road at Bevel Creek (0019937).

There was Commissioner discussion about the prices for the 7.i. Union Road Lift Station Pump Replacement.

There were two alcohol items. This one is due to change of ownership: 6.a. Beer, Wine – Liquor License – Rum Runner, 3988 N. Valdosta Rd.,

This one is a new establishment: 7.b. Beer and Wine License – Speedway Store, 2165 Old Clyattville Rd.,

Below are links to each LAKE video of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist.

See also the agenda.

We have not posted the board packet yet, because I forgot to send the open records request until Monday. Of course, the county could put the packet on their own website and save everybody the trouble of doing open records requests. However, they just sent it within the hour, so LAKE will post it shortly.

1. Call to Order ; Chairman welcome Commissioner Michael Smith
Video:
https://youtu.be/MIjyzVVhTXA

4. Minutes for Approval
Video:
https://youtu.be/CX3jgfOhyGE

5.a. Valdosta Lowndes Development Authority
Video:
https://youtu.be/933fc4fbyls

6.a. Beer, Wine - Liquor License - Rum Runner, 3988 N. Valdosta Rd.,
Video:
https://youtu.be/WqQRW1uxIAs

Change of ownership.

7.a. Budget Calendar for FY 2026 Operating Budget
Video:
https://youtu.be/VlPwyiaVueo

7.b. Beer and Wine License - Speedway Store, 2165 Old Clyattville Rd.,
Video:
https://youtu.be/_XRxyn-FD4s

7.c. Approval of DA’s Federal VOCA Grant Application Renewal
Video:
https://youtu.be/g5-svtD5Wg0

7.d. Approval of the Solicitor General's FY25 VOCA Grant Award
Video:
https://youtu.be/A0j17_r7WKc

7.e. Coleman Road NW Paving and Drainage P.I.0016279 Supplemental Agreement #1
Video:
https://youtu.be/grpT8KpyvBI

7.f. Emergency Repair - Lowndes County Fire Station #5
Video:
https://youtu.be/mVu1-BW_dHQ

Fire Station #5 is the one on Bemiss Road. Apparently after the November rain, there was a sewage back up in the fire station that was 3″ deep and everything from the floor to 2′ up the wall had to be replaced, including furniture. Insurance covered some of the cost.

7.g. 2025 Georgia DoT Local Maintenance - Improvement Grant (LMIG) Application
Video:
https://youtu.be/Boky2H2fu7I

7.h. Local Bridge Replacement at Jumping Gully Road at Bevel Creek (0019937)
Video:
https://youtu.be/c-sXnABgZzU

7.i. Union Road Lift Station Pump Replacement
Video:
https://youtu.be/VN8Z1pAbwLE

7.j. GEFA Loan Modification
Video:
https://youtu.be/osL_CN7bSuA

7.k. GEFA Loan DWLSL2023097 for Lead Service Line Inventory
Video:
https://youtu.be/FbEZ3ce-fn8

7.l. Amendment #1 to Windstream Build Agreement
Video:
https://youtu.be/m846j3Scpno

8.a. Bid for Six Compact SUV Vehicles for Multiple Departments
Video:
https://youtu.be/vbhw9f8ZrMg

9. Reports - County Manager - Welcome Commissioner Michael Smith
Video:
https://youtu.be/FHBufFg4AUk

Rest of reports reserved for regular session tomorrow.

11. Adjournment
Video:
https://youtu.be/Ln5HQ2d1b94

Here is the LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiHp0rbt15j3EOfhSBDo9wVx&si=X6Fn0mMWVNTsQ9HB

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24722

01/14/2025

Videos: Tourism Authority appointments, rezonings, water repairs, hurricane damage @ LCC Regular 2024-12-10

At their December 10, 2024, Regular Session, the Lowndes County Commission reappointed Rick Williams to the 5.a. Valdosta Lowndes County Conference Center and Tourism Authority, and appointed Amanda Peacock to replace Michael Smith (who was recently elected to join the Lowndes County Commission in 2025)

[Collage @ LCC 10 December 2024]

There was quite a bit of opposition to 6.a. REZ-2024-18 LSO Invest, 3910 Old US 41 N, ~0.93ac, R-21 to C-C. Previously, GLPC recommended Denial 7:1. Lowndes County Commissioner Scottie Orenstein recused himself. The other County Commissioners unanimously approved this rezoning. Disgruntled citizens filed out, with grumbling and finger pointing at a certain Commissioner.

The applicant withdrew 6.c. REZ-2024-20 Wilson Estate, 5917 Thunder Bowl Rd., ~1.7ac, E-A to R-1.

The Lowndes County Commissioners unanimously approved everything else.

Not on the agenda:

7. added . Special MAFB agenda item addition.
Clay Griner farewell.
Links to LAKE videos of each agenda item, with a few notes by Gretchen Quarterman, followed by a LAKE video playlist, are below.

The board packet for the Lowndes County Commission meetings of December 9 and 10, 2024, received in response to a LAKE open records request, is on the LAKE website.

See also the agenda and the LAKE videos of the December 9 Work Session.

Plus the packet and LAKE videos of the preceding Planning Commission Meeting.

1. Call to Order 2. Invocation 3. Pledge
Video:
https://youtu.be/cZsHuxLYakY

4. Minutes for approval
Video:
https://youtu.be/PuwBTJ6QdvA

5.a. Valdosta Lowndes County Conference Center and Tourism Authority
Video:
https://youtu.be/4iavE8n9QxI

6.a. REZ-2024-18 LSO Invest, 3910 Old US 41 N, ~0.93ac, R-21 to C-C
Video:
https://youtu.be/eMJwj3IPqMQ

Lots of opposition. Was approved.

6.b. REZ-2024-19 U-Haul, 3871 Inner Perimeter Rd, ~5.0ac, R-10 to C-G
Video:
https://youtu.be/1O3sU8231So

6.c. REZ-2024-20 Wilson Estate, 5917 Thunder Bowl Rd., ~1.7ac, E-A to R-1
Video:
https://youtu.be/qTt6JD6gCVw

Applicant withdrew the application.

7.a. Acceptance of Infrastructure for Val Del Estates Phase 5
Video:
https://youtu.be/ae3Y9s3fEUU

7.b. Lease Amendment #5 for the Georgia County USDA Service Center
Video:
https://youtu.be/Lohzlzak_Tg

7b. Georgia Services Administration Public Buildings Service, Lease Amendment #5 for the Georgia County USDA Service Center.

$72,000 per year, $6,000 per month.

7.c. 2025 Public Defender Contracts
Video:
https://youtu.be/2md_Tr-JNNU

7.d. Tower Replacement and Repair
Video:
https://youtu.be/jYul_kBrRCI

7.e. Fiber Install to Elections
Video:
https://youtu.be/n6_Ugmy__8E

7.f. Acceptance of FY 2025 Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Grant
Video:
https://youtu.be/6RoP1WEbrW4

7.g. 2025 Holiday Schedule
Video:
https://youtu.be/dqCCp5d56mg

7.h. Section 125 Plan Document Renewal for 2025
Video:
https://youtu.be/dPHIVyBhzec

7.i. 2025 ACCG Workers' Compensation Insurance Renewal
Video:
https://youtu.be/pEgMOm_41qQ

7.j. 2025 Stop Loss Insurance Coverage Renewal
Video:
https://youtu.be/i6qG_j6k4P0

7.k. ACCG-IRMA Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Insurance Program
Video:
https://youtu.be/_QEj6CZqBkI

7.l. 2025 Commission Meeting Calendar
Video:
https://youtu.be/U6PCivqRacE

7.m. Bevel Creek Pump Repair
Video:
https://youtu.be/PqhwHLjazA4

7.n. Accountability Court Lowndes County DUI Court - State Court
Video:
https://youtu.be/5GKGdAwogFY

7. added . Special MAFB agenda item addition.
Video:
https://youtu.be/PJKUb25Ik_c

8.a. PI # 0016279 TIA-07 Coleman Road NW Paving, Drainage Improvements Bids
Video:
https://youtu.be/4jQE8XJZwOE

8.b. Emergency Repair Bid - Lowndes County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division
Video:
https://youtu.be/rsiGwkBaTr4

8.c. Lease-Purchase Two New Motor Graders for Public Works
Video:
https://youtu.be/bcGScYxY61g

8.d. Emergency Discharge Manhole Replacement
Video:
https://youtu.be/WaEaRA0crpc

8.e. Hammock Trail Drainage Repair
Video:
https://youtu.be/ef6KI5M8xl8

9. Reports - County Manager
Video:
https://youtu.be/97o5fpMFleM

Clay Griner farewell
Video:
https://youtu.be/x1VHeoB_tWY

Clay Griner Farewell - part 2
Video:
https://youtu.be/a5UFRPiRvzI

10. CWTBH – Mr. Rozier – not present
Video:
https://youtu.be/0-_WEVHMons

11. Meeting Adjournment
Video:
https://youtu.be/MmZchJrurYA

Here is the LAKE video playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLshUv86fYkiGCh7-zZUQhMPk9fvXeKLz5&si=lZJpf72ugKNPZRxu

-jsq

Investigative reporting costs money, for open records requests, copying, web hosting, gasoline, and cameras, and with sufficient funds we can pay students to do further research. You can donate to LAKE today!
http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/donate

http://www.l-a-k-e.org/blog/?p=24715

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