EXCLUSIONS … Tony Zartman, from the Land & Liberty Coalition, was present to speak to Commissioners regarding Senate Bill 52, exclusions zones and solar/wind projects. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
The Fulton County Commissioners held their first meeting of the week on Tuesday, April 5th. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. and was followed by the observation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
Commissioners then moved to approve the previous meetings minutes from March 31st as well as the current agenda as presented.
Approval of the bills followed next before moving on to monthly reviews. Reviewed first was the month end financial report for March 2022.
The sales tax report for March 2022 was also reviewed followed by the Department of Ag acceptance of Apiary Appointment.
The following agenda items were then approved.
-Resolution 2022-227 Increase & Transfer Appropriations for Various Departments.
-Resolution 2022-228 Approve Fulton County Housing Semi Annual Program Income Report and Authorize Board President to Sign.
-Resolution 2022-229 Approve Fulton County Economic Development RLF Semi
Annual Report and Authorize Board President to Sign.
-Resolution 2022-230 Enter into Technical Assistance Agreement 2022-41 with MVPO for Nature Fresh Farms Grant B-E-21-1AX-1.
-Resolution 2022-231 Enter into Contract 2022-42 with New Ear Technologies forSupport Services on Behalf of IT Department.
-Resolution 2022-232 Enter into Contract 2022-43 with CCAO for Workers Compensation Group Retrospective Rating Plan.
-Resolution 2022-233 Approve Purchase Orders and Travel Requests.
The meeting then went into recess at 9:07 a.m. before reconvening at 9:30 a.m. The 1st hearing for Ditch 2144-Krasula began at this time.
Following the hearing, Commissioners moved to approve Resolution 2022-234 finding for improvement, and scheduling the filing of plans (for the ditch). The meeting was then adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
The Commissioners held their second meeting of the week on Thursday, April 7th. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. followed by the observance of the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
Commissioners first moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting that took place on April 5th as well as the current agenda. The review of the following items then took place.
The microfilm expense report for 2021, the amended certificate for estimated resources, a certificate of non-compliance, the treasurer to auditor balancing report and the weekly dog warden reports for periods ending March 19th, 2022, and March 26th, 2022.
The following agenda items were then approved.
-Resolution 2022-237 Increase & Transfer Appropriations for Various Departments.
-Resolution 2022-238 Adopt Updates to the Fulton County Human Resources Policy Manual.
-Resolution 2022-239 Accept Resignation of JFS Employee and Authorize Ad for Employment Opportunity.
-Resolution 2022-240 Approve Purchase Orders and Travel Requests.
The session then entered into recess at 9:06 a.m. before reconvening at 9:14 a.m. Tony Zartman from the Land & Liberty Coalition then addressed the Commissioners.
Mr. Zartman first spoke about how Senate Bill 52 made changes to the states wind and solar sitting requirements.
He continued to discuss the changes made by the bill and asked questions about the new solar farm coming in by Fayette.
Mr. Zartman also touched on the topic of community exclusion zones and support being given to schools from alternative energy projects.
“My coalition and myself would ask you to respect the rights of the land-owning individuals for their projects,” stated Mr. Zartman.
Commissioners then stated that they agreed with him and that they respect the rights land-owning citizens have for their land.
Commissioner Jon Rupp also explained that he sees not having an exclusion zone as better, in order to look at applications as they come in and judge them on their merits.
Mr. Zartman stated that this was good but that he has been to other counties throughout the state that has Commissioners that have been putting in exclusions zones throughout the county and many people are not happy about it.
He also explained that many developers are interested in properties across Fulton, and other counties. Following the discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 9:26 a.m.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com
