LEE COUNTY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 13, 2012
FAMILY COURT ROOM – SECOND FLOOR OF THE COURTHOUSE

Members present were Charles A. Beasley, Chairman; David Addison, member; Gordon Eckley, member; Travis Windham, member; Sam McCutchen, member; Ron Fountain, member.  Staff present were Alan Watkins, Administrator; Julie Atkinson, Assistant Administrator/Clerk to Council; Arlene Samuel, Jeff Burgess, Thaddeus Dickey, Michael Farver. Others present were Carrie Gass, Bob Starks, Ruby Gibbs Williams, Jerry and Pat Sykes, Dr. Richardson, Bobbi Adams.  Media present was Ray Alexander, of The Observer.

FOIA 

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, all individuals requesting notifications were so notified.

OPEN MEETING AND INVOCATION

Chairman Beasley opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.  Councilman Addison gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC HEARING

A. APPROVAL OF TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE LEE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE TO PERMIT AN INDOOR PISTOL RANGE IN THE RURAL (RU) ZONING DISTRICT AS A SPECIAL EXCEPTION

The public hearing was opened at 9:33 a.m. on a motion made by Councilman Eckley, seconded by Councilman Addison. Chairman Beasley called for the vote, and motion carried.

Mr. Watkins said that the Planning Commission had recommended a special exception in a rural district and that the person would have to appear before the Board of Zoning Appeals to determine the guidelines and building codes.

Carrie Gass asked about the location of this pistol range.  Mr. Watkins said that this just puts the zoning in place and this was not a specific request.  He said the person would have to appear before Board of Zoning Appeals.

Page 2, Lee County Council Minutes, November 13, 2012

Councilman Addison asked if it would address the noise reduction.  Ms. Arlene Samuel said that the noise would be confined to the inside of the building.

Pat Sykes asked if it was an enclosed facility and would it be totally indoor pistol range and not a shooting range.  She also asked if limitations would be placed on it so they will be able to add things or if someone would need to go before the Planning Commission again.

Bob Starks said that it would be a truck stop with a pistol range.  He said there was going to be a restaurant 50 feet away.  He said safety is very important because of the insurance coverage.

He said he hopes to work with Police Department to hold classes.

Carrie Gass asked about the location of the pistol range.  Mr. Starks said that it would be located on Exit 123.

Mr. Starks said that this was going to be open to the public.  He also said that he would be working with Rooks to rent pistols and they would be offering van rides to fish at Lee State Park.  Mr. Starks said they would not be selling alcohol.

The public hearing was closed at 9:55 a.m. on a motion made by Councilman McCutchen, seconded by Councilman Fountain.  Chairman Beasley called for the vote, and motion carried.

REQUEST FOR MOTION ON ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED AGENDA

The agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Windham, seconded by Councilman Eckley.

REQUEST FOR MOTION ON ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 9, 2012 MEETING

Councilman McCutchen made the motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of October 9, 2012.  Councilman Eckley seconded the motion.  Chairman Beasley called for the vote, and motion carried.

REQUEST FOR MOTION ON FIRST READING APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE

1. LEASE PURCHASE OF A PHONE SYSTEM FOR THE COUNTY

Mr. Watkins said the funds had been approved for replacing phone system.  He said that he and Dwayne met with Telcom and Farmers Telephone to get quotes.  Mr. Watkins said that the current phone system is over a decade old and the replacement parts are not available for the phone system.

Page 3, Lee County Council Minutes, November 13, 2012

Mr. Watkins said both companies did sealed bids.  He said that FTC bid was $51,124 and TelCom bid was $39,260 plus they would buy back the old equipment.  He said TelCom did not have maintenance cost for the first five years and had a low interest rate.  Mr. Watkins said that FTC had an interest rate of 8.5%.  He said there was a $20,000 difference in bids.  Mr. Watkins did want to emphasize that FTC would remain as the telephone provider for Lee County.

Councilman Eckley asked if funds were accounted for in moving the phone system to the new EOC building.  Mr. Watkins said the phone systems were not being moved right now, so this was not an issue at this time.

REQUEST FOR MOTION ON SECOND READING APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE

1. APPRPOVAL OF TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE LEE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE TO PERMIT AN INDOOR PISTOL RANGE IN THE RURAL (RU) ZONING DISTRICT AS A SPECIAL EXCEPTION

Councilman Fountain made the motion to approve for second reading of ordinance.  Councilman McCutchen seconded the motion.  Chairman Beasley called for the vote, and motion carried.

RESOLUTION DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE 2012 CAPITAL PROJECTS SALES AND USE TAX REFERENDUM

Councilman Windham read the resolution regarding the 2012 capital projects sales and use tax referendum.  He said that the vote for the referendum was 64.75% and the votes against the referendum was 35.43%.

Councilman Windham made the motion to approve the resolution declaring the results of the 2012 Capital Projects Sales and Use Tax Referendum.  Councilman Eckley seconded the motion.  Chairman Beasley called for the vote, and motion carried.

Councilman Windham said that this was a very good move for the county and would be very beneficial for the county.

Bobbi Adams asked what the plan was now to get a new fire truck for station 11 and new ambulance.

Mr. Watkins responded that the bond attorney said this was the starting process and there was a certain percentage of the bond to start making some purchases.  He said that three or four fire trucks would be purchased and additional equipment will be purchased in the order on the specified list.

Page 4, Lee County Council Minutes, November 13, 2012

 RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING NOVEMBER 10-18, 2012 AS NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK IN LEE COUNTY

Councilman Eckley read the resolution and made the motion to approve.  Councilman Windham seconded the motion.  Chairman Beasley called for the vote, and motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELFARE

Vice-Chairman Logan was not present because he was in a meeting.

Dr. Richardson said they do have the state report cards coming out today and Lee County did move up a notch.

He also referenced the called school board meeting in regards to the bypass and said the school was not taking a stand either way but they were concerned about the safety of the students.

1. PLANNING, TAXES & PERSONNEL

Councilman Windham thanked the Administrator for taking the lead on this project and heading up the several meetings that were held in the community.

1. BUILDINGS, LAND & PROPERTY

Councilman Eckley reported that the courthouse roof is 98% complete.  He said bids go out today on the EMS building.

Jeff Burgess reported that he had three active prospects, which would entail 200 jobs. He said he had 17 inquiries to date.

He did mention that he may be going out to Texas to make a call on a company.

1. PUBLIC SAFETY

Tim and Mike were involved in the meetings in regards to the sales tax referendum.  Dwayne has been working on the radios.

Councilman McCutchen thanked Mike Bedenbaugh, Brandon Holloman, Tim DuBose, Dwayne Huggins and Danny Simon for the great job they did on the meetings in reference to the penny sales tax.

1. RECREATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Councilman Addison said that he was very pleased that the penny sales tax was passed in reference to transportation.

Page 5, Lee County Council Meeting Minutes, November 13, 2012

Thaddeus Dickey introduced Michael Farver as the assistant director of Parks and Rec.

1. WAYS & MEANS

Councilman Fountain said that the department heads were doing a good job as far as staying within their budgets.

Administrator’s Report – County hosted a number of meetings in reference to the penny sales tax.

He will be meeting with bond attorney and will be doing first reading on the Bond in the December meeting.

Mr. Watkins said the penny collection will go into effect in May, 2013.

Mr. Watkins also said that DOT has scheduled a public hearing on the truck bypass for tonight from 5-7 p.m. at the Lee Central High School.

Councilman Addison commented that DOT hasn’t done final design of the road.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jerry Sykes asked if an alternate route would take business away from downtown.  He asked if a bypass is approved, will business improve?  He asked why do we need a bypass?  How does building a bypass help Lee County?

Carrie Gass thanked Council and Alan Watkins for their job on the penny sales tax meetings.

She also said that council members should be present at the public hearing on the bypass.

Pat Sykes asked if she could get the hard numbers on the referendum.  She asked if the cost of the getting the money would fall back on the taxpayers or would it be included in the $8 million bond?  She asked, as a taxpayer, what benefits does she get from the county?  She said she wants to know how the tax dollars are being spent.

Ms. Sykes referenced the resolution that Councilman Eckley read regarding National Hunger and asked what the county is doing to curtail hunger and homelessness in Lee County?

Councilman Windham congratulated Councilman Ron Fountain on being re-elected to County Council and said it was very obvious by the vote that people support him.

Councilman Addison thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and their comments.

Page 6, Lee County Council Minutes, November 13, 2012

Bobbi Adams said that an article was done on the James House in Bishopville in a national publication through the Camellia Society.

Chairman Beasley congratulated Ms. Adams on the article.

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m. on a motion made by Councilman Eckley, seconded by Councilman Addison.

LEE COUNTY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 9, 2012
MAIN COURT ROOM – SECOND FLOOR OF THE COURTHOUSE

Members present were Charles A. Beasley, Chairman; David Addison, member; Gordon Eckley, member; Travis Windham, member; Larry Logan, Vice-Chairman; Sam McCutchen, member; Ron Fountain, member.  Staff present were Alan Watkins, Administrator; Julie Atkinson, Assistant Administrator/Clerk to Council; Tim DuBose, Arlene Samuel, Jeff Burgess, Mike Bedenbaugh, Thaddeus Dickey, Paul Fata.  Others present were Carrie Gass, Hannah Hickman, Barbara Hancock, Alexander Boyd, Willie Blyther, Ruby Gibbs, Joy Edgerton, Ann Addy, Steve Beasley, Herman Felix.  Media present was Ray Alexander, of The Observer.

FOIA

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, all individuals requesting notifications were so notified.

OPEN MEETING AND INVOCATION

Chairman Beasley opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.  Councilman Eckley gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

REQUEST FOR MOTION ON ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED AGENDA

Vice-Chairman Logan made the motion to approve the agenda as mailed.  Councilman McCutchen seconded the motion.  Chairman Beasley called for the vote, and motion carried.

REQUEST FOR MOTION ON ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 MEETING

Councilman Fountain made the motion to approve the minutes from Septemeber 11, 2012 meeting. Councilman Eckley seconded the motion. Chairman Beasley called for the vote, and motion carried.

Page 2, Lee County Council Meeting Minutes, October 9, 2012

REQUEST FOR MOTION ON ADOPTION OF FIRST READING APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE

A. APPROVAL OF TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE LEE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE TO PERMIT AN INDOOR PISTOL RANGE IN THE RURAL (RU) ZONING DISTRICT AS A SPECIAL EXCEPTION

Mr. Watkins said this was a recommendation from the Planning Commission to approve a zoning text amendment to permit indoor pistol range in the rural zoning district as a special exception.

Ms. Arlene Samuel said that SLED does not have any regulations for indoor pistol range.  She said they would have to go through building codes guidelines.

Councilman Eckley asked about the sound proof of the building.

Vice-Chairman Logan made the motion to approve for first reading.  Councilman McCutchen seconded the motion.  Chairman Beasley called for the vote, and motion carried.  All in favor with no opposition.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELFARE

Vice-Chairman Logan gave an update on the water situation in Lynchburg.

1. PLANNING, TAXES & PERSONNEL

Councilman Windham mentioned the penny sales tax would be on the ballot in the November 6 election.  He said the County was having different community meetings and mentioned that roughly 80% of the penny sales tax would go for public safety.

1. BUILDINGS, LAND & PROPERTY

Councilman Eckley said the county has completed first half of the roof and hope to finished in about three weeks.

He said the concrete has been poured for the public works building, and electricity should be done next week.  He said the complete project should be complete in about three weeks.

Jeff Burgess said that the County has four active projects, ranging from lathing operations to sheet metal fabrication.

He said that most of the prospects were looking at Ahlstrom building.

Page 3, Lee County Council Minutes, October 9, 2012

Jeff also mentioned that a Boeing supplier was looking at the spec building.  He said that brings his prospect total to 16 .

1. D.  PUBLIC SAFETY

Vice-Chairman Logan stressed the importance of the penny sales tax to the Fire Department and EMS.

Tim DuBose said EMS ran 240 calls for September and brought in $64,000 in revenue.  Lee County EMS website is up and running and the address is Leecountyems.net

Councilman Windham inquired about the staffing at EMS and asked about the number of full time and part time positions.

Tim DuBose responded with EMS was fully staffed with 21 full time positions, including ten paramedics, and three EMT basics.

Mike Bedenbaugh said they responded to 67 calls for the month of September.  He said that October is Fire Prevention Month, and they would be visiting county schools.

Mike Bedenbaugh said that Red Cross is having a fundraiser on October 20 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Pearl Fryar’s Gardens.  Mr. Bedenbaugh said they money raised will stay in Lee County, and the goal for this year is $15,000.

Mr. Bedenbaugh said that four firemen have been hired, as a result of fire department grant.  Chief said that all were Lee County residents.

1. RECREATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Councilman Addison said that he hoped that transportation would be a reality for Lee County.  He also encouraged everyone to support the penny tax.

He also thanked the concerned citizens for hosting the meeting in District 3.

1. WAYS & MEANS

Councilman Fountain said the departments are staying within their budget.  He reported that expenditures are 24% and projected revenue is 16%.  He said that is typical for this time of year.  He said that the county should not have to use TAN this year.

Page 4, Lee County Council Minutes, October 9, 2012

Alan Watkins gave a report and said that there scheduled meetings for the penny sales tax for October 4, October 8, October 11, October 18, October 25 and October 30.

Mr. Watkins said that they were bidding EMS building, the old KOJO building.  He said they were getting ready to bid in two to three weeks.  Alan said this building would house EOC and E911 call centers.

Red Hill Fire Station should be completed in a couple of weeks.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Steve Beasley  – said that EMS and Fire made a good presentation in reference to the penny sales tax.

He said one disturbing thing that bothers him is the public safety and equipment that is not in service.  He also wanted to know why has the county not utilized and maintained the fire apparatus?

Mr. Beasley handed Mr. Watkins a copy of a statute regarding the penny sales tax.  He said that less than 900,000 or 50% of tax can be used to purchase or repair of equipment.

Mr. Beasley also said that committee reports are given, so when do these committees meet?

Carrie Gass asked about the date for the public hearing on the bypass.  Alan said that he had talked to Kenneth Johnson and the public hearing date had been scheduled for November 13 at Lee Central High School from 5 – 7.

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m. on a motion made by Councilman Eckley, seconded  by Councilman Addison.

LEE COUNTY COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
MAIN COUNCIL CHAMBERS – FIRST FLOOR OF THE COURTHOUSE

Members present were Larry Logan, Vice-Chairman; David Addison, member; Travis Windham, member; Sam McCutchen, member; Ron Fountain, member.  Staff present were Alan Watkins, Administrator; Julie Atkinson, Assistant Administrator/Clerk to Council; Mike Bedenbaugh; Jeff Burgess; Paul Fata.  Others present were Willie Blyther, Deb Tindal, Julie Tice-Atkinson, Frank Millican; Dr. Cleo Richardson; Carrie Gass, Patricia Sykes, Betty Thomas.

FOIA

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, all individuals requesting notifications were so notified.

OPEN MEETING AND INVOCATION

Vice-Chairman Logan opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.  Councilman Addison gave the invocation.

REQUEST FOR MOTION ON ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED AGENDA

Councilman McCutchen made the motion to approve the agenda as written.  Councilman Addison seconded the motion.  Vice-Chairman Logan called for the vote, and motion carried.

REQUEST FOR MOTION ON ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 14, 2012 AND CALLED MEETING OF AUGUST 28, 2012

Councilman Fountain made the motion to approve the minutes as mailed.  Councilman Addison seconded the motion.  Vice-Chairman Logan called for the vote, and motion carried.

APPOINTMENT OF MARY CALDWELL TO THE LEE COUNTY DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS BOARD

Councilman Windham made the motion to approve the appointment of Mary Caldwell to the Lee County Disabilities and Special Needs Board.  Councilman Addison seconded the motion.  Vice-Chairman Logan called for the vote, and motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELFARE

Dr. Richardson briefed council on the school district’s progress.  He mentioned that Lower Lee received a high rating on the test scores and said that the one thing that has helped is community involvement.

Julie Tice-Atkinson was recognized at the new director for DSS, and she said that she looked forward to working with Council and thanked them for their support.

Vice-Chairman Logan said that the Red Cross is off to a good start for participation in the county.

1. PLANNING, TAXES & PERSONNEL

Councilman Windham mentioned that the penny sales tax and its importance and reminded everyone that it would be on the November ballot.  He said there would be different community meetings in the districts.  He said there are handouts available and noted that 80% of the penny sales tax would go for public safety in the community.  Councilman Windham also said that the penny tax would not be on any non food items or gasoline.

1. BUILDINGS, LAND & PROPERTY

Councilman Eckley was not present.  Jeff Burgess said that he had two active projects that were looking for Alhstrom buildings.  He said that he had 14 inquiries to date, and most of those inquiries were interested in spec building.

He also mentioned that Martech and Bio Solutions were awarded grant funds for incumbent worker training.   Mr. Burgess said they were eligible for $75,000 from state for economic development.

Page 3, Lee County Council Minutes, September 11, 2012

1. PUBLIC SAFETY

Mike Bedenbaugh had 44 calls for Fire Department for August.  He said they are doing fire prevention awareness in schools for the month of October.  He also mentioned they are doing first responder refresher course .

Councilman McCutchen mentioned the signs being down in the community and said that if anyone knew of any sign being down, they should let know Mr. Watkins know.

1.  RECREATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Thaddeus Dickey was not present because he was attending a state conference.

Councilman Addison said the Parks and Rec department have been busy cutting grass and working hard to make the parks look good.

He also mentioned the importance of the penny sales tax and said he foresees a lot of improvement  with healthcare and transportation and recreation.

1. WAYS & MEANS

Councilman Fountain said that everyone seems to be doing a good job in keeping in line with their budgets.

Alan Watkins reported that we have finished Phase I on the courthouse roofing project.  He said they will start on the main center of the courthouse roof, which will take about four weeks.

He also mentioned that the construction of the new shop at Public Works has begun and should be completed in about two or three weeks and should be operational by January.

Mr. Watkins said that the Sheriff’s office has purchased 12 vehicles with the 2012 bond money.  He also said that EMS has one ambulance on order and should get in about three or four weeks.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Carrie Gass said that she appreciates everything the Council has done in preparing for the penny sales tax.  She said the next meeting for the Concerned Citizens would be October 8 and Alan Watkins would be there to share information on the penny sales tax.

She also mentioned that she had sent a letter to the media regarding the radioactive dirt at Lee County Landfill.  She said she heard from Senator Leventis who agreed to look into the matter.  She also received a letter from Mr. Graham, which said that no radioactive dirt has come into site.

Page 4, Lee County Council Minutes, September 11, 2012

Pat Sykes said that the citizens should be aware of situation concerning radioactive dirt.  She said that it is imperative for the elected officials to know what is going on.

ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m. on a motion made by Councilman Windham, seconded by Councilman Addison.  Vice-Chairman Logan called for the vote, and motion Carried.