County hears first reading of new taxicab amendment

Paving the way for the future, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners heard the first reading of an amendment to the county code that addresses "vehicles for hire" or taxicabs.

According to Britt Hammond, county attorney, "The operation of any vehicle for hire presents unique issues related to the safety of the citizens utilizing such a service. The amendment addresses issues such as the mechanical condition of the actual vehicle, prior notice of fees charged, the character and suitability of persons operating such vehicles, interior and exterior signage, insurance coverage limits, the receipt and discharge of passengers, and smoking in the vehicle."

The amendment, which will be up for adoption at the March commission meeting, is posted on the county's website at .

In other business, the commission:

.. Heard Chairman Walker Norman ask the residents of the county to remember Congressman Charlie Norwood in their prayers during his time of illness.

.. Heard the Department of Public Safety Report given by Director Ernie Doss, who indicated that the ambulance service responded to 103 calls for emergency assistance during the month of January.

As for the E-911 center, dispatchers handled 619 emergency calls last month and monitored 6,789 radio transmissions.

Doss went on to say, "Governor Sonny Perdue has proclaimed February 19-23 as 'Severe Weather Week' to increase the public's awareness of the types of severe weather we have in our area. A variety of activities have been planned, including a statewide tornado drill on Friday, February 23."

.. Heard the Public Works Department Report given by Director Roby Seymour who noted that the county billed 1,267 customers for a total of $35,604.18 in January.

In a related item of business, the commission held the first reading of County Code 70-126 which deals with water service availability. A vote on the amendment, which may be viewed on the county's website, will be taken at the commission's regular March meeting.

The commissioners also voted to accept a warranty deed for well sites in the Pointe Shores subdivision off of Graball Road.

.. Heard the Recreation Department Report given by Director Kathie Davis who indicated that basketball season will begin February 13 and end the first week in March with a championship game between the top two teams. Fiftyone children - 43 players and 8 cheerleaders - are participating in the program.

In other comments, Davis stated that Little League registration is currently underway. Opening day is scheduled for Saturday, March 17.

In conclusion, she reported that the lights on the junior league field should be replaced within the next couple of weeks, weather permitting.

.. Heard the Finance Department Report given by Director Traci Bussey.

.. Reviewed the Planning and Zoning Department Report submitted by Director Meg Burg who indicated that her office issued 95 business licenses last month for a total of $5,750.

Concerning code enforcement activities, 28 building permits were issued in January for a total of $1,630.04 and 88 building inspections were conducted.

In addition, the office had a total of 52 property maintenance complaints on file as of February 1.

In further items of information, Burg pointed out that her office collected $51,288.65 in manufactured housing ad valorem tax and $22,676 in associated fines during the 2006 calendar year.

A building and construction report comparing 2006 to 2005 was also distributed to the commissioners.

.. Voted to approve the final plat determination for Phase A of the Scarlett Oaks subdivision. Located at the intersection of the Augusta Highway and Ashmore-Barden Road, Phase A will feature 16 lots situated on 47 acres. The new subdivision is being developed by Cooper Cliatt of Cliatt Crossing, Inc.

.. Voted to release the electrical bonds for Phase B of the Providence Ferry subdivision.

.. Voted to adopt a resolution adding a $25 sprinkler/irrigation permit fee to the fee schedule included in the county's Building and Construction Policies for 2007.

.. Voted to change the name of Murray Creek Road off of Highway 79 to Walter M. Remsen, Sr. Drive.

.. Agreed to enter into a contract that calls for the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office to provide law enforcement services for the United States Army Corps of Engineers during 2007 at a cost not to exceed $16,913.

.. Voted to enter into a contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) to obtain a new transit van. Federal and state funds will cover $35,910 of the cost, with the county kicking in $1,890.

.. Re-appointed Barney Aycock to serve as the District 2 representative on the Planning Commission.

.. Re-appointed Cooper Cliatt to serve as an at-large representative on the Board of Tax Assessors.

.. Re-appointed Dr. Norman Pursley and Larry Pinson to serve as at-large representatives on the Development Authority.

.. Re-appointed Stan Tankersley to serve as the District 4 representative on the Recreation Authority.

.. Re-appointed Tab Reed to serve as an at-large representative on the Recreation Authority.

The next regular meeting of the commissioners will be held Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m. in courtroom at the Lincoln County Courthouse.