(The Pierce County Board of Commissioners discussed and/or voted on the following during their regular meeting Tuesday, April 1. ) Tiger Field Renovations: Commissioners selected Statewide Engineering of Douglas as the engineer for the Tiger Field project. (See related story in the April 9 edition.)
Right of way mowing and litter pick up: Commissioners awarded Tri Scape of Cumming the contract for right of way mowing and litter pick up for county roadways. Tri Scape will be paid $97,436.22 (See related story.) Rec Desk app: Commissioners approved the purchase of the Rec Deck app for the recreation department at a cost of $5,700 per year.
(See related story in the April 9 edition.)
New ambulance: Commissioners approved advertising for bids on a new ambulance. EMS director Daniel Royal said the bid is for a new ambulance on a Dodge chassis. Expected delivery date is mid-2026.
Old Southside Volunteer Fire Dept.: Commissioners approved seeking bids for the demolition of the old Southside Volunteer Fire Department on St. Johns Road. The old fire department was replaced by a new fire station next door. Fourth district commissioner David Lowman asked that the concrete slab be saved. Commissioners approved the item. The demolition project will now be put out for bids.
Golf Course Road project: Commissioners approved a time extension for work on Golf Course Road. The work to be completed includes shoulder work, drainage, grassing shoulders and a final layer of asphalt and stripping. The project is part of the Transportation Investment Act (TIA).
Program coordinator for Rec. Department: Commissioners approved converting a position in the recreation department to full-time for a program coordinator. The new coordinator will earn between $32,488 and $42,182 depending on experience and training. Recreation Director Maureen Brown said the position is needed. She pointed out the department serves over 1,000 kids in different programs and sports throughout the year.
Rezoning requests: Commissioners voted to approve three rezoning requests. They include a rezoning request by Fox Run Investments Company LLC to rezone 23.66 acres on Fox Run Circle in Blackshear from agriculture/forestry to single-family for a subdivision. The commission, however, tabled phase two of the Fox Run Estates Subdivision pending the completion of a drainage plan for the development. The commission also approved a request by Allen and Griffis Construction to rezone a 50 acre parcel on Georgia Highway 121, Blackshear, from agriculture/ forestry to single-family for residential purposes. Public hearings were held prior to the commission meeting. There was no public opposition to any of the rezoning requests.
Alcohol license change: The commission approved approval of an alcohol license change of ownership for the Stop N Save #22, located at 2034 U.S. Highway 84 (Lairsey’s Crossing), Blackshear. Rajesh Kumar Patel is the new owner.
Public participation: Several citizens were on the agenda to discuss issues. Don and Barbara Cox came to commissioners to discuss problems with Red Oak Loop. The Coxes asked that the road be paved. County chairman Neal Bennett said the road does not appear to be a county road, but said he will check on the item. Felton Batten was on the agenda to discuss roads, drainage and budgets and Jesse Beasley was on the agenda to discuss drainage problems on Deerwood Lane. Neither were present at the meeting and both items were struck from the agenda.
County Manager update: County Manager Raphel Maddox is on medical leave and was not present for the meeting. Public works superintendent Bruce Carter sat in the manager's position for the meeting but did not give a report.
Pledge leader: EMS Director and Navy Hospital Corpsman Daniel Royal led the pledge of allegiance. (See related photo).
Invocation leader: The Rev. Jason Long, pastor of Alabaha Free Will Baptist Church and co-pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, led the meeting’s opening prayer. (See related photo in the April 9 edition).
Next meeting: The next regular commission meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center in Blackshear.
