Sheriff Cecil Nobles addressed Long County commissioners during their May meeting asking for support in cracking down on problems with four-wheelers and ATVs in the county.
“We have a real problem with people riding these four-wheelers (illegally), and I’m asking you to look into establishing a county ordinance to help deal with this,” he said.
Nobles was asked if a county ordinance would help with the problem since state laws were already in effect.
The sheriff noted Wayne and Effingham counties have adopted ordinances regarding ATVs, and by establishing one, it would give more credence to the enforcement of the laws. He also said the ordinance could cover areas the other law fails to address.
Commissioners requested that Nobles see if he could obtain a copy of the ordinances from Effingham or Wayne counties, or possibly both, for review during the June meeting.
Both commissioners and the sheriff were in agreement that parents needed to assume more responsibility in supervising minors who ride ATV’s.
“If we need one (ordinance), we need to look into it and we’ll do all we can to support it,” Commissioner Mike McGowan said.
MACE budget
The commission also heard a report from Krista Pilon, of the Multi Agency Crack Enforcement (MACE) Drug Task Force. In her presentation, she discussed the total budget for MACE and the percentage Long County would be covering in the upcoming year.
According to Pilon, Long County’s portion last year was $57,386, with $3,636 refunded to the county. This year the amount would be $63,643, with the possibility of some of it being refunded. The increase was attributed to the rent of the MACE building rising and salaries.
A report given by Pilon showed Long County had 67 arrests in FY 2005-06 and 95 pending cases as of June 31, 2006. There also were two school safety searches in the county.
“These costs are important, but the most important thing is to get these drugs off the street,” Commissioner Charles Reddish said.
Commissioners also heard a presentation from Russ Toal, director of Diversity Health Center in regards to establishing a clinic in Long County.
According to Toal, it would be a primary-care facility that also focuses on prevention. Fees would be based on income, and would serve all clients regardless of age and the ability to pay.
Information given to commissioners noted the center would initially be funded through a state grant. Toal requested a letter of support from the county commissioners to pursue the initial grant.
Recreation
Under old business, Reddish brought up further discussion on the possibility of a recreation park in the Sand Hill area. He said he had met with residents in the area on April 23, and he needed to know, where the other commissioners stood on the idea.
Reddish was the lone supporter of a recreation park.
Commissioners Cliff Deloach and Mike McGowan said they could not support the idea at this time.
Commissioner Tony Fowler also said he could not support a recreation park, but was open to the possibility of a public park.
Chairman Randy Wilson abstained from the issue, and said the board would take no action without further review.
Code enforcement
Code Enforcement Officer John Bradley gave his report for April and said 13 building permits had been sold, 18 final inspections made, and 9 homes had been sold. He noted the total number of homes sold through April 2007 was 42.
Wilson also asked the commissioners about the status of the moratorium on approving subdivisions.
Commissioners decided to extend it out an additional month until the June meeting.
Appointments
The commissioners also appointed Bobby Ray Shaw and Gary Swindell to the Long County Development Authority, replacing Miriam Murray and Charlie Smith, who both recently resigned.
“We have a real problem with people riding these four-wheelers (illegally), and I’m asking you to look into establishing a county ordinance to help deal with this,” he said.
Nobles was asked if a county ordinance would help with the problem since state laws were already in effect.
The sheriff noted Wayne and Effingham counties have adopted ordinances regarding ATVs, and by establishing one, it would give more credence to the enforcement of the laws. He also said the ordinance could cover areas the other law fails to address.
Commissioners requested that Nobles see if he could obtain a copy of the ordinances from Effingham or Wayne counties, or possibly both, for review during the June meeting.
Both commissioners and the sheriff were in agreement that parents needed to assume more responsibility in supervising minors who ride ATV’s.
“If we need one (ordinance), we need to look into it and we’ll do all we can to support it,” Commissioner Mike McGowan said.
MACE budget
The commission also heard a report from Krista Pilon, of the Multi Agency Crack Enforcement (MACE) Drug Task Force. In her presentation, she discussed the total budget for MACE and the percentage Long County would be covering in the upcoming year.
According to Pilon, Long County’s portion last year was $57,386, with $3,636 refunded to the county. This year the amount would be $63,643, with the possibility of some of it being refunded. The increase was attributed to the rent of the MACE building rising and salaries.
A report given by Pilon showed Long County had 67 arrests in FY 2005-06 and 95 pending cases as of June 31, 2006. There also were two school safety searches in the county.
“These costs are important, but the most important thing is to get these drugs off the street,” Commissioner Charles Reddish said.
Commissioners also heard a presentation from Russ Toal, director of Diversity Health Center in regards to establishing a clinic in Long County.
According to Toal, it would be a primary-care facility that also focuses on prevention. Fees would be based on income, and would serve all clients regardless of age and the ability to pay.
Information given to commissioners noted the center would initially be funded through a state grant. Toal requested a letter of support from the county commissioners to pursue the initial grant.
Recreation
Under old business, Reddish brought up further discussion on the possibility of a recreation park in the Sand Hill area. He said he had met with residents in the area on April 23, and he needed to know, where the other commissioners stood on the idea.
Reddish was the lone supporter of a recreation park.
Commissioners Cliff Deloach and Mike McGowan said they could not support the idea at this time.
Commissioner Tony Fowler also said he could not support a recreation park, but was open to the possibility of a public park.
Chairman Randy Wilson abstained from the issue, and said the board would take no action without further review.
Code enforcement
Code Enforcement Officer John Bradley gave his report for April and said 13 building permits had been sold, 18 final inspections made, and 9 homes had been sold. He noted the total number of homes sold through April 2007 was 42.
Wilson also asked the commissioners about the status of the moratorium on approving subdivisions.
Commissioners decided to extend it out an additional month until the June meeting.
Appointments
The commissioners also appointed Bobby Ray Shaw and Gary Swindell to the Long County Development Authority, replacing Miriam Murray and Charlie Smith, who both recently resigned.
