The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners convened for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, November 21, at 6:00 p.m., at the John C. Coleman Hotel in Downtown Swainsboro. Alongside Chairman Jim Sherrod, Commissioners present for the meeting were, Vice Chairman Hugh Foskey, Desse Davis, and James Canady. Absent and unable to attend the session was Commissioner Keith Thompson. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Sherrod who welcomed guests and media. Commissioner Desse Davis presented the invocation and Vice Chairman Commissioner Hugh Foskey led the pledge of allegiance. Minutes from the regular Commissioners meeting that was held on October 17 were presented for review as well as the minutes from the workshop meeting that was held on November 10. Commissioner Foskey motioned for the approval of minutes as presented and was seconded by Commissioner Davis with all remaining Commissioners voting accordingly.
New Business
· Discussion was held on the Airport MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) agreement between the county and the city to change how the airport is currently being operated. The MOU is an agreement between the County and City to carry out the issues that have been outlined including how it will be financially operated and the certain responsibilities that the board will be tasked with, et cetera. In addition to this, County Administrator Guy Singletary explained that a discussion was previously held between Commissioners to consider establishing an authoritative figure over the Airport so rather than it being overseen by a local board, it could be overseen at a state level. However, this could only be done by adopting a resolution that would ask certain state representatives such as Max Burns and Butch Parrish to introduce legislation and create this authority. Commissioner Davis motioned to approve the action of adopting the MOU plan in discussion and Commissioner Canady seconded with all other Commissioners passing unanimously. Following the first action, Commissioner Canady motioned to adopt the MOU resolution and Commissioner Foskey seconded with all other votes passing unanimously.
· Discussion was held on the Health Department’s Board of Appointee’s whose term will be expiring at the end of this calendar year. Terms run from January 1 through December 31. In cases where the Board is satisfied with the services of a particular person, they have in recent years reappointed them to the Board of Appointee’s. County Administrator Guy Singletary explained to the Commissioners that the Health Department has one expiring term, Stephanie Fagler, who asked to be considered for reappointment, however there is always the option to advertise for the position and consider others who may also qualify and would be interested in taking it. A motion was made by James Canady to reappoint Stephanie Fagler to the Health Departments Board with Commissioner Davis seconding and all other votes passing unanimously.
· Discussion was held on the three vacancies of the Library’s Board of Appointee’s who wish to be reappointed for the 2023-year term. Those who asked to be reappointed were Betsy Johnson, Gloria Mason, and Sandra Rountree. Commissioner Foskey motioned to reappoint these individuals with Commissioner Canady seconding and all other votes passing unanimously.
· Discussion was held on reappointing the two vacancies of the Development Authority’s Board of Appointee’s whose terms will be expiring at the end of the calendar year. Those two appointees are Will Donaldson and Kenny Griffin. Commissioner Canady made the first motion to reappoint these individuals with Commissioner Davis seconding and all other votes passing unanimously.
Comments
County Administrator Guy Singletary reminded all those in attendance that next month’s meeting will be the last of this calendar year and that a small banquet and appreciation award ceremony will be held before the beginning of the meeting to honor the County employees who are invited, for their effort over this previous year in making Emanuel County a wonderful place to call home. Food and fellowship will be held in the lobby of the John C. Coleman Hotel for guests at 6:00 p.m. and a service award presentation for honorees will follow at 6:45 p.m. Immediately after, the regularly scheduled business meeting will commence.
With no further discussion to entertain, the meeting was adjourned.
