Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners opened its Tuesday, Feb. 4, meeting with the invocation, led by District 4 Commissioner Travis Erixton, followed by the pledge. From there, the business of the county began.
John Beall with Thomas Howell Ferguson, P.A. provided the commissioners with an update on the invoices for Windstream and the mobile health unit planned to be placed in Hamilton County. He shared that the grants associated with these projects will be expended well within the time frame. He also reminded the board that the annual report will be provided on April 30.
Next, Randy Ogburn with PCS Phosphate came forward to request a waiver of facility application fees for pipe installation under Eight Mile Still Road. After discussing the matter briefly, Commissioner Erixton motioned, with District 2 Commissioner Robby Roberson seconding. The motion passed unanimously.
Following the vote, Spencer Nabors with In Touch Consulting Group provided a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and State Housing Initiatives Project (SHIP) update. Some of the updates Nabors provided included three jobs that were completed in Jennings, and added that walkthroughs were done in White Springs.
Following Nabors’s presentation, White Springs resident Jorrie Mathis came forward to propose closing Northwest 41st Lane, Northwest 55th Place and Northwest 39th Lane. Mathis shared that the roads were rarely used and that he would prefer traffic to no longer go through there, as it goes through his yard. Mathis noted that there was minor opposition from a neighbor, and shared that he was willing to work constructively with this individual on the issue. The board requested Mathis to revise the application due to some incorrect information on it and return it to the board at the next meeting so they can consider options. Mathis also noted that he would meet with his neighbor to discuss options.
After Mathis left the podium, Kellan Bailey with North Florida Professional Services provided an update on county road projects, noting they are waiting on a few contracts to be completed. Bailey also noted that at the end of the week, survey work will begin on Southeast 142nd Avenue. He also said that they had not received a review of the plans for Gibson Park from the consultants, who are holding up their plans to continue work there.
Also discussed was emergency housing, which Attorney Andrew Decker plans to get more information on, and a lock that is intended to be placed at the football field. County Coordinator Gary Godwin noted that people had been going to the field, turning the light on and not turning it back off after finishing. He stated that neighbors had complained about lights being on all night.
The next Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Hamilton County Courthouse, located at 207 NE 1st St., in Jasper.