County considers Historic Preservation Ordinance
By Deborah Bennett

The opportunity to participate in the preservation of historic buildings and districts throughout the county was proposed to the Jenkins County Commissioners during the Friday, Feb. 9, meeting of the group.

Art Johnson of Millen Better Hometown told the commissioners that the City of Millen had recently enacted a Historic Preservation Ordinance and established a Historic Preservation Commission comprised of three members.

Commission members had met and expressed a desire to include the entire county in the program. If the commissioners decide to participate, two to four additional commission members may be added to those presently serving.

Johnson explained that enacting a Historic Preservation Ordinance and appointing a Historic Preservation Commission was one of the steps required for a local governing authority to receive the designation of "Certified Local Government." She then presented a sample ordinance for consideration.

The commissioners agreed to review the sample ordinance and consider the request.

Roger Douglas and Cecil Joyner, residents of Johnson Road, appeared before the group to request that the county maintain Johnson Road as has been the custom in the past.

Chairman James Henry responded that there was some confusion as to whether or not the road was public or private and produced several documents with conflicting information.

"If we are obligated to do it, we want to do it," he said.

The commissioners agreed to ask the county attorney to investigate the matter.

Field Superintendent Grady Lane was instructed to contact the developer of the Holloway Subdivision and request that he inform property owners that they are not to make any improvements to lots he has sold them until the subdivision is found to be in compliance with the county's Subdivision Ordinance. Lane reported that he had previously informed the developer that he should cease the sale of lots until this had occurred.

Other actions taken by the commissioners included the following:

+ approved the employment of Freddy Woods as full time EMT, effective March 1;

+ approved the low bid of $33,200 from Sharkey Construction of Millen for repairs to Jenco facilities;

+ considered two bids for the purchase of a service truck and granted approval to the lowest bid, pending further investigation;

+ approved a bid of $25,500 from Wall Asphalt for crack and seal work needed at the Jenkins County Airport;

+ requested assistance from the county attorney in collection of garbage disposal fees from the Waynesboro/Millen Housing Authority;

+ tabled consideration of bylaws for the Jenkins County Airport Advisory Board until a future workshop session;

+ tabled appointment of representatives on two regional committees until such time as applications and interviews could be considered;

+ approved a contract with the Rural Development Center increasing the reimbursement amount the county would receive for senior citizens meals by $2,000;

+ approved the publication of a press release from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia; and

+ approved a motion to offer for bids repair work at the Jenkins County Health Department.