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Tuesday, June 24, 2025 – 6:30 p.m.
Courthouse, Main Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street, Zebulon, Georgia
Courthouse Doors on East/South Sides open at 6:00 p.m.
Town Hall Meeting at 6:15 p.m.
ZEBULON - The Pike County Board of Commissioners will meet in the upper courtroom of the courthouse on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. for a regularly scheduled meeting. There will be a Town Hall Meeting at 6:15 p.m. for anyone who would like to speak to the commissioners about any issues that you may have. The meeting is open to the public will be broadcast live on Pike County Times' Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/pikecountytimes.
[Note from the Editor: It will be nice when our county joins so many of the surrounding cities and counties to record and broadcast its meetings in a central place so citizens who cannot attend the meetings can watch at their convenience and the sound will be a better quality than what I can produce in the courtroom.]
Click here to see the documents that have been uploaded with the agenda on the Pike County government page.
Commissioners James Jenkins, Tim Daniel, and Tim Guy were present along with Chairman Briar Johnson, County Clerk Angela Blount, and County Attorney / County Manager Rob Morton. Commissioner Ken Pullin was not able to attend this meeting.
1. CALL TO ORDER ...... Chairman J. Briar Johnson
2. INVOCATION ...... Kyle Garner
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ...... Chairman J. Briar Johnson
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. § 50-14-1 (e) (1))
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - (O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(e) (2))
a. Minutes of the June 11, 2025, Regular Monthly Meeting.
b. Minutes of the June 11, 2025, Executive Session.
6. INVITED GUEST - NONE
[Note from the Editor: I came in late at this meeting. The agenda was amended to move the discussion of the solar farm to the front of the meeting.]
Here is a link to the proposed modifications: pikecountytimes.com/secondary/solarfarmmodifications6.12.25.pdf.
Here is a link to the post agenda for the Planning and Zoning meeting: https://pike.novusagenda.com/AgendaPublic/meetingsresponsive.aspx.
h. PUBLIC HEARING: To receive public input regarding MOD-25-01 – USC Timber Holdings, LLC, owner and Flat Shoals Energy Center, LLC, applicant, request a modification to zoning conditions placed on the Modified Special Exception (MOD-SE-17-03) granted on November 19, 2020, for a Solar Farm located on GA Highway 18, North Madden Bridge Road and Nixon Road in Land Lots 166, 167, 168,185,186,187, 198, 199 and 200 of the 9th Land District, further identified as Parcel ID 032 012. The property consists of 1,371 +/- Acres and the request is to modify or remove several conditions. Commission District 2, Commissioner Tim Guy.
Action: Discuss/Approve/Deny
SUPPORT
Speakers for the project. Resource that will be 20, 25, or 30 years in length. Modifications to the language that we hope is mostly cleanup. Thinks that it will be better and safer than current use of the property or even future use.
Owns projects across the US. About a year in the making. Did not know about the Madden Project when they started. Have made connections with the community through this project. The request for proposal is them putting in a bid for this to go before Georgia Power. It’s a competitive process. Could break ground in 2027 if this goes well. Local entities would help with logging, etc. A lot of people will be in here spending money in the county during construction too.
South of Hwy 18 only this time. Land use approval is a vital part of this. Located between Molena and Concord. 870 of the acres proposed for this project. In CUVA because in timber since the 1940’s. Limited use of herbicides and limited use of the road. Agree with extra 50 feet on the stream buffers. Decommissioning by state law they agree with as well. Agree to the batteries and training for the fire department, Access on North Madden Road shall be limited.
Annual water testing. We know that these projects are safe. Panels are not foreign materials and are developed in a way to withstand conditions without leaching contaminants. Understand the community’s concern but this is a safer use than it would be residential development or any other use.
Land owner also spoke. Kyle Gable with USC Timber. Will still be land owners even if this project goes through.
Kyle Fletcher with the Development Authority. Have learned a lot through this project. This is one of many steps in a fluid project. There are many others competing for this. They have been willing to make changes and invest more. Looking to invest $130 million. They have invested in water testing for the community. No stress on the infrastructure or the school system. They want to be good community stewards. Thank you for the extra time you’ve taken on this project.
OPPOSITION
Patsy Hill. Lived there for decades. Came to a beautiful county and children followed. Madden Bridge Road is not well maintained. It’s not wide enough to pass. One part of the road has been washed out for years. They fix it, and it washes out again. We don’t need big trucks coming out there. Tractor trailers, flatbed trucks have all come through there. Adding more traffic to this is not good. Being on Nixon would not interfere with most of the neighbors. The road is so bad that parents meet the school bus at the top of the road. This has been the happiest time of my life here. It’s not fair to put this kind of traffic on this road. And we all have wells down hill from this project. You can’t assure me that it won’t affect our water. They seem very nice, but do you want this in your yard? And I want my well to be as good as it is now in 10 years.
Michelle Gravitt. Lives on Flat Shoals Road. 225 residents oppose this project with 100 more who have joined this past week. This shows overwhelming concern. Encouraged the commissioners to put a moratorium on solar farms. Ground water contamination, failed storm water controls, road maintenance are concerns. Asking for 3rd party well water testing for all residents for 1 mile to screen for contaminants before and throughout the life of the project.
[Note from the Editor: These are Michelle's words verbatim and a list of considerations given to commissioners.]
"FULL LIST OF CONSIDERATIONS FOR ADDITION TO SOLAR ORDINANCE
Water Protection and Testing
• Developer shall retain a qualified third-party environmental firm to conduct water testing for surrounding residential wells within a 1-mile radius.
• Baseline testing must be completed prior to any site disturbance.
• Contaminants to be monitored include:
o Nitrates
o Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
o pH
o Heavy Metals
o Glyphosate
o VOCs
o Pesticides and Herbicides
o PFAS (forever chemicals)
o Radiological contaminants (if applicable)
• Testing shall occur:
o Bi-annually during construction
o Annually after construction until full site decommissioning and restoration
• Test results must be submitted to the County and made available to impacted residents.
• In the event of detected contamination, the developer must provide emergency water supply and remediation services at their own expense.
• Herbicides are strictly prohibited. Only organic pesticides are permitted.
• Developer must submit a Groundwater Recharge Area Protection Plan, prepared by a qualified hydrogeologist, specific to the site's location in the Flint River Basin recharge area.
Noise Control
• Project-related noise, including from inverters and substations, shall not exceed 40 decibels (dB) at the property line at any time over the life of the project.
Battery Storage and Substation Restrictions
• The use of lithium battery ESS (Energy Storage Systems) is prohibited unless a separate Special Exception Modification is approved by both the Planning & Zoning Board and Board of Commissioners (BOC). State Fire Marshall approval will also be required.
• Construction of any additional substation shall also require separate review and approval by both boards.
Fire and Life Safety
• Developer shall submit a Fire Hazard and Risk Assessment prepared by a licensed fire safety engineer.
• Panels must be equipped with auto shut-off systems or integrated fire suppression systems.
• Class C and Class D fire suppression equipment must be provided on-site.
• If fire suppression is not quipped at the panel level, Developer will be required to provide funding for up to two (2) full-time firefighters stationed at the Concord fire station to ensure public safety.
• Site must include:
o Clearly marked fire lanes
o Lockable but emergency-accessible gates
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o On-site contact information posted a/t all entry points
• Developer must coordinate with local officials to develop and maintain an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) including:
o Communication protocols
o Evacuation plans
o Regular emergency drills at the development site
Decommissioning Bond and Maintenance
• A decommissioning bond of no less than $7,500 per acre shall be required prior to issuance of any development permits—exceeding the current Pike County requirement of $5,000 per acre to ensure adequate financial coverage for future removal and restoration.
• The bond shall be re-evaluated and adjusted every five (5) years based on inflation, material cost changes, and decommissioning technology, as certified by a licensed engineer approved by the County.
• Decommissioning must be completed within six (6) months of permanent cessation of operations or the termination of the Power Purchase Agreement, in accordance with Pike County Ordinance Section 166.16. One six-month extension may be granted if substantial progress has been made, subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator.
• If a new Power Purchase Agreement is pursued, the developer must undergo a full review and approval process with the Planning & Zoning Board and Board of Commissioners to assess any necessary equipment replacements or revised conditions.
• If no agreement is in place, the developer remains responsible for maintaining the site in a secure and environmentally compliant state until full decommissioning is completed.
Remediation and Mitigation Plan
• Developer shall submit a comprehensive Remediation and Mitigation Plan detailing the steps to be taken in the event of noncompliance or failure of any of the above conditions.
• This plan must include corrective actions, timelines, and responsible parties for each condition listed herein.
• The plan is subject to review and approval by the Planning & Zoning Board and shall be updated as needed to remain effective throughout the life of the project.
Oversight and Accountability
• Developer shall submit an annual compliance report summarizing:
o Water test results
o Noise monitoring data
o Fire safety inspections
o Any complaints and resolutions
• The County retains the right to conduct site inspections, with reasonable notice, to verify compliance.
• Repeated or unresolved violations of these conditions may result in revocation of the Special Exception and mandatory site decommissioning.
Traffic and Road Use
• Developer shall enter into a Road Use and Maintenance Agreement with the County, covering all construction and operations-related traffic.
• Any road damage caused by project activity must be repaired at the developer’s expense.
Community Communication
• Developer must establish a local point of contact for community concerns and maintain a public-facing phone number and email.
• A written complaint resolution process must be approved by the County, with a required 10-day response window for all complaints.
Change in Ownership
• Developer must notify the County within 30 days of any transfer of ownership or controlling interest in the project.
• All approved conditions remain binding on any successor or assignee.
___________________
"Good evening, Commissioners-
My name is Michelle Gravitt, and I live on Flat Shoals Road in Concord. I am here tonight to request two actions: first, that the zoning and planning board’s conditions from June 12th be approved with clarified language to ensure adequate protection, and second, that you strongly consider their request to place a moratorium on solar projects so our ordinance can be updated to better protect our community.Tonight, I speak for 225 residents who opposed this project in 2020 and over 100 more who’ve joined a new petition just this past week. With the town of Concord’s population at only 425, this shows overwhelming concern.
Presented to you are two documents: the first contains revised language to clarify the Board’s proposed conditions, and the second outlines a more comprehensive set of proposed protections for residents, intended for consideration should a moratorium be enacted.
As Georgia continues to adapt to the growing presence of utility-scale solar, state-level regulations are evolving, and many counties are placing moratoriums or strengthening ordinances to safeguard their communities.
In May 2024, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources published a 34-page document updating recommended practices for siting utility-scale solar. On page 6, the DNR advises counties and developers to “avoid conversion of forested and sandhill habitats that provide important ecosystem services such as flood and stormwater mitigation, groundwater recharge, erosion and sedimentation controls, carbon sequestration, [and] nutrient management.” Approximately 46% of Pike County is classified as forested habitat, with this site specifically located within a groundwater recharge area and water protection zone—underscoring the need for careful planning and protection.
Multiple Georgia counties have recently enacted moratoriums or stricter solar regulations in response to environmental damage and community concerns. Franklin, Jeff Davis, Thomas, Walker, Lee, and Oglethorpe counties paused or revised solar projects due to issues like groundwater contamination, inadequate buffers, road damage, and failed stormwater controls. These real-world setbacks show why stronger safeguards are necessary.
Precise wording of these conditions is essential to ensure they provide the full protection intended. With that in mind I will draw your attention to the first sheet with three key areas that more specifically detail the zoning board conditions-
First, on Water Protection and Testing:
• We’re asking the developer to provide third-party well water testing for all residents within a one-mile radius.
• Testing must begin before any land disturbance to establish a baseline, then continue twice a year during construction, and once a year afterward until the site is fully decommissioned.
• The tests should screen for serious contaminants—like nitrates, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, herbicides, PFAS, and others known to harm human health.
• If any contamination is found, the developer must pay for emergency water supply and full cleanup.
• We are also calling for a complete ban on glyphosate herbicides and request only organic pesticides be used.
• Finally, because this site lies within a critical groundwater recharge area, the developer must submit a Groundwater Protection Plan prepared by a qualified hydrogeologist.
Next, Battery Storage and Fire Safety:
• Lithium-ion battery systems should not be allowed unless the developer obtains a special exception—and even then, only with State Fire Marshal approval.
• A Fire Hazard and Risk Assessment must be completed and reviewed by the State as part of that process.
• All solar systems must have automatic shutoff or integrated fire suppression systems in place.
• The site must also be equipped with Class C and Class D fire suppression equipment for emergencies.
• If suppression systems aren't built into the panels, the developer should be required to fund up to two full-time firefighters stationed locally to protect the public.
• In addition, the site must have:
o Marked fire lanes,
o Lockable but emergency-accessible gates, and
o Emergency contact information posted at every entry point.
• And finally, the developer must coordinate with local fire and EMS in our county and mutual aid counties to develop an Emergency Response Plan, including communication procedures, evacuation routes, and regular emergency drills.
Finally, Oversight and Accountability:
• Each year, the developer must submit a compliance report that includes water and noise testing results, fire safety checks, and a summary of any complaints and how they were resolved.
• The County must reserve the right to inspect the site with reasonable notice.
• If conditions are violated repeatedly or left unresolved, the County should have the power to revoke the Special Exception and require immediate decommissioning of the site.
• And lastly, if ownership of the project ever changes hands, the County must be notified within 30 days, and all approved conditions must remain fully binding on the new owner.
Gentlemen, I have read over 37 different studies on hydrology concerns, metal leaching, and runoff pollution related to Utility Scale Solar. Many from the National Institute of Health, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and multiple peer reviewed studies. All of which indicate that photovoltaic (PV) panels can leach toxic metals over time, especially as they degrade under prolonged sun, rain, and wind exposure. While early-year leaching is typically below legal limits, studies urge “long-term ongoing monitoring” of metals like lead, cadmium, copper, arsenic, nickel, and selenium, depending on the panels used and soil type. Even encapsulated panels are not risk-free. The World Health Organization and National Institute of Health warn that toxic leaching can still occur, particularly during replacement, inactive, or decommissioning phases. As PV systems age or are replaced, monitoring becomes essential—not optional—for groundwater and soil protection. Per several NIH studies-“Deploying PV systems in sensitive environments necessitates careful consideration of potential environmental and soil impacts over time.” This mimics the same language used in the GA DNR’s report.
Herbicides including glyphosate should be categorically prohibited in water recharge zones. Though EPA-registered, glyphosate’s presence in “U.S. soils, groundwater, and precipitation” is well-documented by the agency. One EPA study found glyphosate in groundwater at 1.1 micrograms per liter confirming its leaching potential above legal limits. “Spot treatment” on 871 acres can still threaten private wells and aquifers. Runoff alone has already exceeded legal thresholds in surface water areas per the EPA. Legal battles all over the country speak to the destruction this chemical has caused on human life.
Regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and fire safety: Georgia Power’s 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) explicitly states that “battery energy storage systems are expected to be included in all new solar projects to support grid stability and renewable integration.” This makes it highly likely that lithium-ion battery storage will be incorporated, introducing fire risks beyond those of traditional infrastructure.
Lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable due to thermal runaway, a chain reaction that leads to intense heat and combustion. Given our community’s reliance on a volunteer fire department, early detection and suppression capabilities are absolutely critical. The January 2025 Moss Landing fire—a lithium battery storage facility blaze in California—highlighted how even well-equipped, full-time fire departments struggled for days to contain the fire. Without the proper specialized suppression systems, firefighters were forced to let the fire burn. Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church called it “a disaster… a wake-up call for this industry,” underscoring the severe risks these fires pose to communities. With nearly 575 utility-scale battery storage facilities in the U.S. and about 30% of these facilities experiencing fires or significant safety incidents since 2011, the threat is real and growing—especially for rural areas like ours with limited emergency resources.
Even without batteries, PV systems pose fire risks. According to Firetrace International, ground-mounted PV fire incidents have surged—Australia saw a 47% increase in the past decade. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns: “Overheated PV system components are a leading contributor to electrical fires,” citing causes like poor installation, degraded equipment, and extreme heat. Georgia’s recent 100°F+ temperatures elevate these risks due to thermal stress on aging systems.
It should also be noted that comparing this development to solar panels installed on commercial buildings, like schools, is misleading. Commercial rooftop systems are subject to entirely different fire codes and NFPA standards. These include automatic fire suppression systems, enhanced access for emergency response, and structural separation requirements that do not apply to ground-mounted utility-scale installations. As a result, utility-scale sites—especially in rural areas with volunteer fire departments—carry a far higher level of fire risk without the regulatory safeguards that protect occupants in a built environment.
Our concerns are based on well-documented incidents and credible research from respected authorities. These concerns are not hypothetical—they are informed by real problems that have emerged from similar projects across the country. But what makes this especially urgent and has been documented in every study is what we don’t know. This industry is still evolving, and long-term environmental and health impacts—especially from large-scale solar installations—are not yet fully understood. Many of the available studies only cover the first few years after installation, leaving critical gaps in data on degradation, contamination, and long-term risk. That uncertainty is exactly why strong, responsible safeguards must be in place from the start. Our community should not be treated as a test case.
I speak not just as a resident, but as a professional with over 15 years in hotel design and construction—a field where health, safety, and welfare are paramount. In my experience, no project goes exactly as planned. Weather, materials, contractor decisions, and human error all play a role. We follow best practices, not foolproof methods. Unforeseen conditions always arise. Always. That’s why we have codes and regulations—because even if the risk is low, the cost of failure can be devastating. These codes, regulations, and standards have and will continue to evolve as we learn more about long-term impacts of man-made developments—often after real world harm or loss of life has occurred. The solar industry is no exception. Just as I work to ensure public safety in my profession, I know all of you feel the same responsibility to our community.
The safeguards we include tonight may never be needed, and I will continue to pray they aren’t. If I am wrong, we’ve simply added a proactive layer of protection for this community. If I am right—and these protections are not in place—the consequences could be devastating.
The God I serve above all asks two things of me: to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to love my neighbor as myself. If the risks of this development, from water contamination to fire, were posed to your own family, you wouldn’t accept them. By human nature, you would protect what matters most.
Tonight, I am asking you to love your neighbor. Please include these expanded conditions, postpone this decision until a thorough review is complete, or grant a moratorium. Please protect our community. We are counting on you. "
Discussion.
Commissioner Jenkins. Georgia Power is pushing batteries. We are requesting a solar only project. We would have to come back and ask for that. 850 acres. What revenue does Georgia Power get from this? However much it costs, they will determine the amount for the cost of power. That isn’t decided yet. Jenkins. Georgia Power is averaging between 17 and 34 million dollars annually. On a 30 year project, if we take an average of 20 million dollars over 30 years. $600 million. I have a hard time looking at that and seeing what the county is going to get from this. This project sells power to the utility who resells it to the community. I don’t know what they are making off of this. Jenkins. Haven’t heard what Georgia Power is going to be making. Newton Galloway. Georgia Power doesn’t make money off of this project. They are entering an agreement to buy everything that this project generates because they don’t own it. Georgia Power and Revenue are not related to this. They pay for this. They don’t make money from this.
Guy. Testing question. Ground water well testing for the site and provide that data. Marcus spoke. Identify locations around the site for ground water wells that will be monitored. Baseline before construction and then come back once a year for 5 years and then do 5 years sampling after that. There is not a lot of documented leaching of solar panels. We understand community concern about this though. Want to be sure that oils, etc from the roads currently, herbicides from surrounding properties, etc. are not attributed to this company.
Morton. At the Planning and Zoning meeting, North Madden Road was discussed. We inspected the road and found it to be one of the best gravel roads in the county. Very little complaints have come to Public Works on that road. Not looking to make them pave 7/10 of a mile on this road, but they will be paying for repairs and dust control during the project. We are recommending not paving that small section and allow the daily maintenance of the road to be used for repairs and road improvements. Jenkins. Water monitoring. When does the monitoring stop on this project? Morton. Follow up testing and 5 year tests after that which are tied to the bond on the property. Bonding requirements will be made according to state law. Those were discussed at Planning and Zoning.
Motion for approval with conditions. Guy. 2nd for discussion from Daniel. Discussion. Asked about the wording including maintaining Madden Bridge Road and annual water testing shall be conducted with wording that was read with prior testing, annual testing, and 5 year after that with conditions 13 and 22. Guy. That is correct. And take care of maintenance for other road improvement projects.
Jenkins. 150 foot buffer from the stream banks. It’s 100 foot from the roads. Additional conditions. Read the buffer requirements. There are buffers in various locations besides just the stream. They will be required to maintain the buffers. Guy. Wanted to be sure that this was monitored. Approved 3-1 with Jenkins opposed.
[Note from the Editor: Something to think about for the future. We need to treat all these businesses the same when it comes to getting a break on proposed charges from the county because we're setting a precedent every time that we allow some to get a break and others not.]
Back to the regular agenda.
7. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS, DEPARTMENTS, COMMITTEES, AUTHORITIES
a. Monthly Reports submitted from County Departments and County Authorities, including a Revenue/Expenditure Statement for all departments and a summary check register. There are no Department reports as they will be provided during the first Board meeting of July. Revenue/Expenditure Statement and Detail Check Register is included.
Discuss/Approve/Deny
Motion to approve the reports. Approved.
b. County Manager Report
Update on County finances for the following funds/accounts:
General Fund ........ $1,507,040.35
Fire Dept. Donations ........ $11,655.91
Cash Reserve Account ........ $167,824.13
Jail Fund ........ $17,003.51
E-911 Fund ........ $3,814.77
DATE Fund ........ $26,201.79
Juvenile Court Fund ........ $13,775.83
Residential Impact Fee ........ $217,076.41
Commercial Impact Fees ........ $39,844.05
C.A.I.P FUND ........ $82,199.98
General Obligation SPLOST 2022-2028 ........ $2,221,942.10
L.M.I.G. Grant (DOT) ........ $368,663.36
c. County Manager Comment
Applied for a separate entity for Chestnut Oak LLC with 501(c)3 status.
Still have some outstanding vacancies with boards and authorities.
Board of Assessors. 84 assessment appeals as of today. Each appeal is being evaluated.
Working on the steps on the courthouse. Waiting on the materials to cover the steps. Should be done in the next couple of weeks. Also working on the library county.
Public Works. Parking area with ingress and egress. Estimate for paving for gravel area is about $20,000 and same for the paved area. Just under $40,000. Need your thoughts for funding.
Public Works fuel system upgrade. Will extend the fuel pad for the new larger tanks.
Road update. Hunter Road. Constantly having to close the road. Remediation for $100,000. Need direction on this so can address the funding for this. We’re spending a lot of money on gravel on this road that is being wasted. Guy. We still have Old Zebulon, and it’s been on there for 2 years. Morton. This will be done in house on Hunter Road. Old Zebulon and Blanton Mill Road should be done by July. It’s a lot of money every time we have to close the road. Motion to move forward with Hunter Road. Approved 4-0.
Atlanta Paving has completed everything but finalizing shoulders on specialized machinery. They will address each road to finalize the process.
Waiting on engineer and McLeRoy to provide documentation for McKinley Road. Want to be finished with this in the next few months.
Received a request for the rest of McKinley.
Scott Road Extension. Randy Davis offering service of an as built for the work done out there.
Please continue to provide a list of roads.
Council on Aging wants to recognize Bobby Blalock for his many years of service. Providing a bench in his honor along the walking trail at the Senior Center. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
Senior Center. Request for a designated outside smoking area from some of the seniors. Question about what we do everywhere else. We are authorizing them if they want to do that. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
Senior Center. Additional parking and another bus. Identified the corners of the property. We are going to have to plan for the funding of those projects.
Johnson. We discussed moving the fuel tanks at some point. Morton. Moving it to another area and going by state requirements would cost more than we have approved in this project.
d. Commissioner Reports
Guy. Old Zebulon. Preliminary work done in July or August. We met with the engineer 3 or 4 times since August. This will likely include right of way acquisition. Prelim for Blanton Mill and Old Zebulon both by July or August.
e. County Attorney Report to Commissioners
We were served with a federal suit. Will Sanders vs Pike County. Injunctive relief and damages. Denied the ante litem notice prior. Served on the county tonight. [Note from the Editor: Somebody is mad because he is no longer being allowed to reply to Facebook posts from the Pike County Commission. Everything that the county posts these days is posted without a way for people to respond. It hasn't always been that way, but it is now. Personally, I think that our employees have better things to do with their time than respond to people on social media.]
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Discuss request from the City of Zebulon regarding the placement of Bicentennial Celebration banners on the Courthouse grounds and the use of the County parking lot in support of the event.
Use of the grounds and placement of the banners. The Sheriff’s Office has approved the use for the trailer for the musicians. Recommends approval. Motion for approval. Approved 4-0.
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consider one appointment to the Pike County Agribusiness Authority to fill an unexpired three-year term, set to expire December 31, 2025. Applicant has met the criteria.
Bill Cloy. Reappointment. He had submitted a resignation along with another member but then rescinded his resignation in writing. He is the only applicant. The Ag Board is in agreement on this. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
b. Review and discuss the current classification of J. Joel Edwards Library Manager as exempt or non-exempt.
All department heads or directors are considered exempt except for the Library Director. Asked to change her to salaried to be consistent across the county. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
c. Approve/deny RingCentral Phone System proposal presented by Wired Technology.
System is already at the Board of Elections. In need of updating land line phone systems. We are at the end of the contract for phones. Contract shows a savings to the county. Planning to use 2 budget cycles to pay for this. Motion for approval. Approved 4-0.
d. Discussion and direction on proceeding with Building and Grounds vehicle repair.
F250 pickup. Estimates. $8,903.53 for rebuild. 12,000 mile warranty. $12,537.87 new engine. Cost to replace this truck would be much more than the new engine. Motion to go with the new engine with 3 year and 100,000 mile warranty at $12,537.87. Approved 4-0. [Note from the Editor: There is funding in Building and Grounds to cover this expense.]
e. PUBLIC HEARING: To receive public input regarding REZ-25-04 – McLeRoy Rentals, LLC, owner and Dee McLeRoy, applicant, request a rezoning from C-3 (Heavy Commercial) to M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) for property located on the west side of Highway 41 South, Griffin, GA 30224. The property consists of 75.02 +/- acres in Land Lot 136 in the 2nd Land District, further identified as Parcel ID: 086 052. The request is to build a Self-Storage Facility and Future Development Area for additional warehouse/office buildings. Commission District 3, Commissioner Ken Pullin.
Action: Discuss/Approve/Deny
C3 to M2. September of 2021. Same phase 1 from the 6,300 foot office style building with building space behind it. Located within the overlay process. They meet the requirements. Planning and Zoning recommended 3 conditions. Overlay will be required for all 3 phases, buffers, and GDOT permission will be required.
IN FAVOR
Jeremy Buffington. The application was basically market driven with retail space and restaurants with mini storage units but was approached by those needing warehouse space so making changes.
OPPOSITION
None.
Motion to approve. Discussion. The intention right now is to put a well in. Need to clarify. He prefers county water, but 2300 feet from the line matters. They can move forward and when public water is available, they will agree to connect. This is an ARPA project that requires the money being spent before the end of 2026. Proposed project is to proceed. The condition won’t prevent development. Dee McLeRoy. We are not opposed to county water. We just want to be able to proceed. Modify the motion to include hooking onto county water providing that it is available at that time. Approved 4-0.
f. PUBLIC HEARING: To receive public input regarding REZ-25-05 – Timothy Ingram and Dee McLeRoy owners and Eric McLeRoy applicant, request a rezoning from AR (Residential Agricultural) and C-3 (Heavy Commercial) to C-3 (Heavy Commercial) for property located at 9627 US Hwy 19, Zebulon, GA 30295 and part of 516 McKinley Road, Williamson, GA 30292. The property consists of 7.14 +/- acres in Land Lot 225 in the 8th Land District, further identified as Parcel ID: 066 053 and part of Parcel ID: 066 045. The request is to expand the current equipment and storage yard for McLeRoy Inc. Commission District 1, Commissioner Tim Daniel.
Action: Discuss/Approve/Deny
To C3. Current storage yard for McLeRoy Inc’s development division. Looking to add a portion of 516 McKinley Road. This will have no access to McKinley Road. This would be landlocked if they didn’t move forward through this process. This will be required to go through the overlay process. Recommends approval with conditions from P&Z. Applicant shall go through the overlay if it’s big enough to trigger this, buffers must be maintained, and survey must be submitted to combine the new parcel.
IN FAVOR
Jeremy Buffington. We need some more space. We understand the conditions and agree with them.
Tim Ingram. Years ago, Mr. McLeRoy did a favor for him and his boys have continued the favor. I need to downsize and am in favor of them taking care of the property that he doesn’t go onto anymore.
OPPOSITION
None.
Motion to approve with conditions. Approved 4-0.
g. PUBLIC HEARING: To receive public input regarding REZ-25-06 – Jason Pike, LLC owner, and Jason Mask applicant, request a rezoning from AR (Residential Agricultural) to C-3 (Heavy Commercial) for property located at 6834 GA Hwy 362 and part of 260 Kings Bridge Road, Concord, GA 30206. The property consists of 2.355 +/- acres in Land Lots 172 & 181 in the 1st Land District, further identified as Parcel ID: 025 007A and part of Parcel ID: 025 007. The request is to convert the existing house into a Land Management Office and Heating and Air Contractors Office. Commission District 2, Commissioner Tim Guy.
Action: Discuss/Approve/Deny
Rezoning from AR to C3. Cleans up where the other part is a flag lot. An HVAC contractor is allowed there in C3. Also consistent with the other businesses there. AR to C3 around this area. Conditions recommended: buffers and survey shall be submitted to combine the parcels for the new parcel. Submitted a new site plan with 40 foot buffers between the surrounding properties.
IN FAVOR
None.
OPPOSITION
None.
Johnson. Everything that Jason has done in this area has been top notch. We have put stipulations on other properties to screen businesses in the past. Gilbert. Will they be storing dumpsters out there? Applicant said no. You can put a condition on that if you want. He has been improving the Hollonville area, and the applicant said that he is not opposed to this. This is a natural buffer. If this is sold, then the conditions will go with the property regardless of whether this is included or not.
Motion to approve with conditions that have been said and no new conditions. Approved 4-0.
h. PUBLIC HEARING: To receive public input regarding MOD-25-01 – USC Timber Holdings, LLC, owner and Flat Shoals Energy Center, LLC, applicant, request a modification to zoning conditions placed on the Modified Special Exception (MOD-SE-17-03) granted on November 19, 2020, for a Solar Farm located on GA Highway 18, North Madden Bridge Road and Nixon Road in Land Lots 166, 167, 168,185,186,187, 198, 199 and 200 of the 9th Land District, further identified as Parcel ID 032 012. The property consists of 1,371 +/- Acres and the request is to modify or remove several conditions. Commission District 2, Commissioner Tim Guy.
Action: Discuss/Approve/Deny
[Note from the Editor: This was discussed at the beginning of the meeting.]
i. Discussion of a temporary moratorium on Solar Farms (Chapter 166 of the Pike County Code)
Commissioner Pullin asked to wait on this until the July 9 meeting so he can be here and be a part of the discussion. The Planning and Zoning Board asked for this. Johnson wanted to go ahead and move forward on this. Daniel and Jenkins were both contacted by Pullin. Guy said that he would move forward with this. Motion to postpone. Approved 4-0.
[Note from the Editor: This should not have been requested to be postponed until the next meeting. With all of the information that Michelle Gravitt presented, this should have been handled tonight.]
10. PUBLIC COMMENT (Limited to 5 minutes per person) - NONE
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. County Manager Rob Morton requests an Executive Session to discuss the possible acquisition of real property pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-14-3 (b)(1).
Executive Session. 8:28 p.m.
Back in Session. 8:42 p.m.
Motion to transfer 70 Gwyn Street to the Public Facilities Authority. Approved 4-0.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Agenda subject to change.
Motion to adjourn. 8:43 p.m.
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