VALDOSTA —
Concerned citizens packed the pews in anticipation of a decision on a proposal to rezone Moody Air Force Base's activity zoning district, but the issue was tabled indefinitely during Tuesday's regular work session of the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners.
The proposed amendment to the county’s Unified Land Development Code (UDLC) would lower the minimum parcel acreage from 2.5 acres to 1. The proposal would allow for greater density between lots and residential structures that fall into the third district of MAFB’s activity zones, which are designated as either clear or accident potential zones.
During a previous meeting, a MAFB representative spoke against the proposal to allow more residential development beneath the base’s neighboring airspace. At least two MAFB representatives attended Tuesday’s meeting, but left once the proposal had been tabled.
The board of commissioners worked through over 20 agenda items during their final meeting of the year before taking some time to gush over its 911 center and the agency’s recent award. For the fourth time, according to Director Danny Weeks, the Lowndes County 911 Center’s has received a designation of “accreditation with excellence” from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
“This team recently traveled to Jacksonville and endured questions for about two days,” said Weeks. “Thank you for your support in allowing us to continue this program. This accreditation makes us better and it solidifies our practices. I’m proud to be a part of this organization.”
Lowndes County’s 911 center has been recognized by CALEA since 2003 and faces re-accreditation every three years. The 911 center is one of only a few communications center in the U.S. to received CALEA’s recognition.
In other county business, the board of commissioners approved the following agenda items:
•Commissioners appointed Mac McCall to the Valdosta/Lowndes County zoning board of appeals, replacing Maryland-bound David Kirk.
•Commissioners approved a revision to the Lowndes County Alcoholic Beverages Ordinance to incorporate “brownbag” restrictions, Sunday package sales, guardian accountability for underage parties, an additional $250 for Sunday sales and requirements for affidavits aimed at immigration control.
•A solid waste ordinance was adopted.
• Rezoning of property under Moody Airforce Base’s activity zone districts I and II have been postpone, after commissioners tabled REZ- 2012-17.
•A portion of Lakes Boulevard will be converted into “highway commercial” to make way for the use of billboards on the stretch, after commissioners approved rezoning case, REZ-2012-18.
• Property near on US Highway 84, near Naylor, has been approved for general commercial after the approval of REZ-2012-19.
•Commissioners approved request for inclusion of more lots into four of the county’s decorative special tax lighting district.
•Commissioners approved a correction to charges billed to River North Subdivision for the community’s participation in the county’s Special Tax Lighting District.
•Commissioners approved an exclusive franchise agreement for residential solid waste collection services with Advanced Disposal Services of Central Alabama, Inc., parent company of Veolia.
•Commissioners approved the county’s budget calendar for 2013-14 fiscal year.
•An application to fund a matching Georgia Department of Transportation grant received board approval.
•Commissioners agreed accept Ivy Gate subdivision’s roads for county maintenance.
•The board approved funding for purchase of a new netclock, which syncs to a national clock, and a modernized 911 phone system.
•Cauthen Construction Company was awarded the “at risk” bid for the new, currently unfunded, main library. The company will only plan the project until the funds become available.
•The county will refund revenue bonds to its Public Facilities Authority and the Central Valdosta Development Authority.
•Commissioners reviewed bids for the demolition of the courthouse annex. Tuesday afternoon’s discovery of asbestos has pushed each of the three contractors’ bids up by $6,000, in order to address the hazardous material.
Tuesday night was also the last official meeting for Chairman Ashley Paulk. Incoming Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter and Commissioners John Page and Demarcus Marshall will be sworn in at the end of the year.
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The proposed amendment to the county’s Unified Land Development Code (UDLC) would lower the minimum parcel acreage from 2.5 acres to 1. Metro Creative Graphics
Discussion
County tables action on Moody activity zone
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