Commissioners address water concerns at Tuesday's meeting

Bulloch County Board of Commissioners met for their regular bi-monthly meeting on Tuesday morning, January 16, 2024. Twelve citizens spoke during the public comments regarding a 2022 draft document of a proposed water agreement between Bryan and Bulloch County that has been circulated on social media.

CLICK HERE to review the draft water agreement discussed at the meeting.

No Water agreement has been signed

The draft agreement discussed at the meeting included proposed numbers that Bryan County would pay for water from Bulloch and the amount Bryan would then sell the water to Hyundai. Jeff Akins, Bulloch County Attorney explained that the numbers in the document were not a direct comparison. The Bryan resell amount included waste treatment fees. It was not a direct mark up of the water cost.

Chairman Roy Thompson asked Akins how many commissioners had signed the water agreement. Akins responded by saying none.

During Commissioner and staff comments Commissioner Toby Conner held the draft document up and stated that the Commissioners have not signed the water agreement because they understand it is not the best deal for Bulloch County. That is why it has not been signed.

Chair Thompson said that the Commissioners, like everyone in the audience, are waiting for the EPD report. Once they get that information, they will then make a decision of how to move forward.

Commissioner Timmy Rushing went on to say that they hear the concerns of citizens who have wells that may be impacted by the water draw for the Hyundai plant. He said they are working on options to establish a fund to ensure if a citizens well is impacted they will have a way to get this resolved. He said the commissioners understand the citizens concerns with their wells and agrees that this is a legitimate concern and they are working on options.

I-16 comparison

Commissioner Rushing again brought up how the Federal Government and State Government have the power to override decisions of local governments. He shared the story of how local farmers and community members were against I-16 coming through Bulloch County in the 70's. They fought it and lost. He described instances where they used eminent domain to take land to build the interstate. He also reminded the audience that the State and Federal Government owns the land adjacent to ther interstate and can possibly use this land to access the water without an agreement from Bulloch County.

"Bulloch County does not own the water. If the state wants to access their water then they will find a way. It seems like Bulloch County citizens should receive some compensation for this water access. We need to see what that looks like and take that in consideration as well. They can possible dig a well on state owned property and take the water and not compensate Bulloch at all or we can work out an agreement that benefits the citizens of Bulloch. Those are options that must be taken into consideration as well," said Commissioner Rushing.

Continue reading for all business covered at the meeting.

Ted Wynn recognized

052523-ted — Ted Wynn, Public Safety Director. DeWayne Grice

Chairman Roy Thompson opened the meeting recognizing the retirement of Public Safety Director Ted Wynn on January 31, 2024.

Ted Wynn, addressed the Commissioners first briefing them on very cold temperatures coming this week. He said they are monitoring this and will be providing community assistance where needed.

"Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. This has truly been a very wonderful experience. We have made positive changes together. I am very confident about the future of public safety in Bulloch County. I love this county and love the citizens. I also pray for this board. There will continue to be difficult decisions to make in the future. However, I am very confident in what you have done especially from a public safety perspective. You have helped position us for what may come," said Ted Wynn.

"I have served about seven Bulloch County Chairmen and numerous Commissioners. The population of the county was 60K when I began heading now toward a population exceeding 100k. I was the first public safety director for the county and it has been a pleasure. Mr. Couch decided when he became County Manger 20 years ago to keep me on. With that I have only served two County managers in 30 years. When you find stable leadership you stick with it and I am personally grateful for that. I just want to say Thank You and let you know I plan to continue to make Bulloch County my home."

Grateful board of commissioners

"Thank you as well Mr. Wynn. You have been fabulous in providing advice in public safety especially in the leanest of times. I am grateful for all you have done. I am forever grateful for your service," said Tom Couch, County Manager.

"You have done a fabulous job. It is also good to know we have a strong backup coming in behind you. It is also wonderful to know your not moving away from Bulloch because we need your expertise," said Chairman Roy Thompson.

"You have been my boss in public safety for many years and that role reversed when I was elected to the Commission. In both capacities it has been a pleasure to serve beside you. You can now put in an application to join our breakfast club," said Commissioner Jappy Stringer.

"I have known you my entire life, and we appreciate all you have done," said Commissioner Timmy Rushing.

"Thank you from our family and the rest of the county," said Commissioner Curt Deal.

"I Echo what the other Commissioners have said, God speed as you move forward and hope you are blessed and enjoy your retirement," said Commissioner Ray Mosley.

ALL APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA

1. Minutes Approval: Tuesday December 19th, 2023 08:30 AM

2. Minutes Approval: Tuesday January 2nd, 2024 05:30 PM

3. Motion to Approve Sole Source Purchase of Cool Deck Concrete Sealer and Supplies

It is the recommendation of Alex Estrada, Aquatics Division Manager to purchase Cool Deck Concrete Sealer and Supplies to paint the decks at Splash in the Boro. This is the same type of sealer/paint that has been used to paint annually, but we have had a problem in getting since 2020. This product is available from our local Sherwin Williams with a quoted price of $24,908.88.

4. Motion to Approve a Microsoft License Upgrade for the Recorder AIS System

We are currently in the middle of a required, radio system wide software upgrade. For the new software to work with our login recorder, we must upgrade the recorders' Microsoft license. The software upgrade was a planned and budgeted expense. The license upgrade for the recorder was not. We were not made aware of the need for this license upgrade ahead of time or it would have budgeted.

5. Motion to approve the purchase of Firestone Tires for fleet maintenance.

As you may be aware, NFPA 1911 recommends that all apparatus tires shall be in service no longer than 7 years before replacement. As such, we are requesting a bulk purchase of Firestone tires from Mosley Tire to replace tires for 9 apparatus. We are replacing apparatus with 16 ply rating tires of appropriate size for each apparatus. We are requesting the purchase of qty. 12 - 11R22.5 Firestone FS561 steer tires ($4,318.80) and qty. 6 - 12R22.5 FS561 steer tires ($2,399.94) , as well as qty. 36 - FD663 drive tires ($14,399.64) for a total amount of $21,172.38. They will be delivered to the Bulloch County Shop and tires will be installed locally.

6. Motion to Approve the Purchase of a Gas Convection Oven for BCCI

Staff are requesting the approval of the purchase of a new gas convection oven for the Bulloch County Correctional Institute facility. The replacement is needed due to portions of the current oven being inoperable and aged. The current oven is 15 years old and in constant need of repairs. BCCI would like to replace the tilt skillet due to currently operating on one tilt skillet and needing two to provide for the jail and prison population. Three quotes were received. We request approval of purchase of the lowest quote from StaffordSmith totaling $38,610.93. Staff recommends approval of purchase.

7. Motion to Approve the Purchase of a 2023 Ford F-450 4X4 Ambulance from Ten-8 Fire and Safety LLC

EMS request Board approval for the purchase of a 2023 Ford F-450 4x4 ambulance chassis with Braun remount in the amount of two hundred forty five thousand dollars and zero cents ($245,000). The ambulance will be paid for by SPLOST funds already set aside for ambulance procurement. This is sole source request.

8. Motion to grant a 2024 alcoholic beverage renewal license for package retail beer and wine sales to certain establishments with a current 2023 license.

OFF-PREMISES: Neel 2022, LLC – Amrutbhai P. Patel

ON-PREMISES: La Casita Café, LLC - Maria Elizabeth Gonzalez Torres

9. Motion to Grant Approval of a Special Event Permit submitted by Zach VanOtteren of Kennedy Pond Conservancy for February 3, 2024.

The event will be held on February 3, 2024 during the hours of 10 AM- 10:30 PM. All required documents have been provided. Approval is recommended

NEW BUSINESS

Delayed action until future information is obtained - 1. Discussion of Langston Chapel Road at Lanier Drive Intersection

Discussion of Langston Chapel Road at Lanier Drive Intersection to address current and upcoming traffic issues. Installation of round-about and detoured traffic merits discussion and possible future action to accommodate traffic temporarily during construction.

Brad Deal, County Engineer said the project is getting underway. They are moving utilities now. They will be installing a detour at some point. The detur is limited to 90 days. Hopefully that will take place during the summer which will help.

Bulloch County Engineering is also considering making improvements at the Lanier and Langston including a possible four way stop. Deal asked for time for his staff to do a study and come back with temporary recommendations. Eventually a round about or traffic signal is the optimal solution long term.

APPROVED - 2. Motion to Award Workforce Development Study Project to MGT of America Consulting, LLC

On November 9, 2023, Bulloch County issued an RFP seeking proposals for a Workforce Development Study. Seven proposals were received and opened on December 7, 2023.

Responding vendors provided information about their experience, qualifications, and approach to the project, along with proposed pricing for both a Basic Scope of Work and for potential additional project activities. Prices for the Basic Scope of Work ranged from $34,000 to $867,900.

After considering all available information, the staff review team recommends that the project be awarded to MGT of America Consulting, LLC ("MGT"). MGT has extensive experience performing organizational assessments, succession plans, operational reviews, performance audits, strategic planning, and project implementation. In addition, MGT has significant public sector expertise.

The project cost will be $243,970, which is within the FY2024 budget set for this project, and will consist of all items in the Basic Scope of Work as listed in the RFP. This will include a current workforce analysis, future workforce needs forecast, and establishment of workforce performance metrics.

Staff respectfully requests and recommends your award of the project to MGT for the price of $243,970. Following your approval, a written agreement (subject to review by and approval of the County Attorney) will be executed.

APPROVED - 3. Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Pond and Company for a Master Facilities Plan

Description: On November 9, 2023, Bulloch County issued an RFP seeking proposals for a Master Facilities Plan. Six proposals were received on December 7, 2023. Three were disqualified due to a combination of late receipt or missing mandatory forms. Responding vendors provided information about their experience, qualifications, and approach to the project, along with proposed pricing for both a Basic Scope of Work and for potential additional project activities. Prices for the Basic Scope of Work ranged from $287,950 to $816,179.

All proposals were evaluated in terms of responsiveness, qualifications, approach to the project, and cost. Two finalists were selected and asked to complete oral presentations to further demonstrate their capabilities of performing the contract and their understanding of the County's project goals. After considering all available information, the staff review team recommends that the project be awarded to Pond and Company. Pond and Company has extensive experience performing facilities plans and has significant public sector expertise. They also have a branch office in Savannah This will include a comprehensive analysis of 67 existing buildings consisting of over 500,000 square feet (except for the Public Safety and Public Works Complex on US 301N which is under review with another firm).

The plan will also consider future space needs. A 10-year plan and priority list will be developed for existing and future facilities. Staff respectfully requests and recommends your award of the project to Pond for the price of $287,950. Following your approval, a written agreement (subject to review by and approval of the County Attorney) will be executed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

These are a summary the public comments regarding concerns from a draft water agreement document referenced in the beginning of this report. The full meeting live stream is included below.

Lucuious Hurst spoke against the industrial development in our area. She cited research she has done on the concerns of the EV industry. She brought up concerns about water that have been widely discussed. She said that Bryan County planned to pay pennies per thousand gallons of water and sell it to Hyundai for $12 per thousand gallons. Asked they dissolve the contracts and stop the growth.

Jeff Akins, Bulloch County Attorney asked to clarify the record. Byran county is not selling weather for $12 per thousand gallons. There should be no separate monthly charge for waster water. It shall not be metered separate. The $12 rate includes sewer and water.

Jennifer Stone, lives on Kennedy Pond Road ask them to stop the wells from being dug. She is concerned that she will have to dig a new well. It is a 20 ft shallow well so she will have to lower her well.

Justin Anthony, lives on Emit Deal Road. Concerned about the wells. What happens over time especially during dry seasons. Fish may die if they pump out that kind of water. Also concerned about the waste water being dumped into the rivers and oceans. How does this benefit me as a citizen?

Leisha Nevil, concerned we are loosing America. Concerned the electric car business is flopping. One change of a President in November and we could have no more electric cars. We are putting all of this in a South Korean plant and what if the new President says we are not doing electric vehicles any more. We must stop this growth. It is dividing our county.

Bryan Flumb, last meeting was my first. I took the day off work to speak some more. I am originally from up north. The army brought me to Georgia. I moved from Effingham to Bulloch 2 years ago. He does not want what happened to Bulloch that happened to Effingham. Concerned about selling the water from Bulloch to Bryan to cheap. Ask Hyundia or Bryan to set up a fund to pay for our wells if the water level drops.

Joyce Harbison, lives five miles form one of the well sites. There must be some easier document that explains all of this to the citizens. If contracts are not signed is there an opt out clause to get out of this. She moved from Savannah to Effingham now to Bulloch. It looks like that Bulloch is being taken advantage of over the water rates. Who will protect her if her water drys up.

Marcie Simmons, residents of Bulloch for 10 years. Disappointed in elected officials. Does not feel they have been transparent. Concerned about water resources and feel they have not been good stewards.

David Jackson, lives six miles from the plant. He bought the land 2 years ago. Has a shallow well. He is concerned about the sale of water to Bryan County. Does not feel it is a good deal. Needs to stop supporting a foreign entity. China is now trying to buy property here.

Tim Powell, over 4,000 citizens have signed a petition to stop the wells. He again presented a solution to Commissioners. The state of GA sits on a $16 billion surplus. Get them to spend a few billion and expand Savannah water works to expand drawing capacity from the Savannah River. The water contract selling to Bryan is egregious. We need the exact figure. It should be reversed. We need to charge the most. There is no competition for water. Bulloch should not pay for construction of Bryan's waste treatment facility. Have Bryan County Government to pay for drying up wells. The negotiator who negotiated the Bulloch Bryan Water deal should resign.

Cassandra MIkell, concerned about water agreement. Requested a public hearing before any contracts have been signed regarding water.

Julie Barnes, she has a shallow well. Lived in Bulloch here for 30 years. Her husband was a 6th generation Bulloch Countian. She has an estimate of $10k to drill a deep well. How can a senior adult widow afford this?

Roy Thompson, Chair said the document they keep referring to is a draft. The draft Water agreement was written in 2022 was over two years ago. It is a draft. Not one Commissioner signature is on it. We are not going to sign until we agree to it. We are waiting to EPD just like you. We are signing no agreement until we get answers form EPD. We will not sign any agreement until we have the answers.

Timmy Rushing, Commissioner said we are in negotiation for assistance if there is any damage to anyone's wells. The state and federal government own land called I-16. I think the wells will be drilled regardless of what we want. The water belongs to the State of Georgia. We are going to try to get the best deal we can but I-16 is proof they can do it. Regardless will try to get the best deal we can for Bulloch County.

Ray Mosley, Commissioner said we are working hard to find answers. We are confronted daily as to why have we made these decisions. We have not made any decisions. We will give you the answers when we get to it.

Toby Conner, Commissioner, said this draft is garbage. We know this. We have not released it because it is not acceptable as it is written now. This is a start. It is not signed. We are working on options. We hear you.

Chairman Roy Thompson said you can keep coming meeting after meeting. But nothing will change until we get the answers we need from EPD.

COMMISSION AND STAFF COMMENTS

Tom Couch, Bulloch County Manager alerted the commissioner's that they may be a remote chance of having a special called meeting before the first meeting in February. Tomorrow, Ted Wynn and Randy Tillman and him are meeting with GEMA to discuss the interim transition of the EMA director with Mr. Wynn's retirement. As we have announced we plan to replace Mr. Lee Eckles position with a stand alone EMA director. Currently have the EMA position advertised for a couple of weeks. Hopefully the temporary position will be brief.