10:43 AM. Houston County Commission Regular Meeting

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
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Date: Sep 26 2022 10:45 AM

HOUSTON COUNTY:     The Houston County Commission met in their regular scheduled meeting. This is a meeting where the commission can vote on regular issues and items that were discussed last Thursday.

Chairman Culver announced the next meeting of the Houston County Commission will be on Columbus Day. All county offices will be closed.

Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management Director informed the Houston County Commissioners and the public of Hurricane Ian. Director Judah said that National Weather Service has said this has been one of the most unpredictable storms they have dealt with. As of right now, 10:09 AM, September 26, it is expected that on Wednesday and Thursday with light winds. The Panama City area should sustain winds around 40-50 miles per hour but are predicted by National Weather Service to die out as it approaches I-10.

Director Judah said the Tampa Florida and Appalachicola area are going to be hit hard. Director Judah said he asks the public to show Southern Hospitality to travelers. This area should see a lot of people having to leave their homes and comfort and will be in our area. The restaurants and hotels will probably be filled.

Chairman Judah said when he began as Emergency Management Director the Emergency Operations Center was always full for briefings. As th five years have progressed people have apps on their phones and make their own conclusions. Director Judah said he takes the information from the experts from National Weather Service to everyone who can draw their conclusions.

Chairman Culver asked all citizens to remain aware because this is a unpredictable storm.

Chairman Culver expressed the condolences to the Jerry Miller family. Miller was a long time manager of the Houston County Farm Center and passed away.

REGULAR COMMISSION AGENDA. 

1. APPROVED A 2022 Emergency Management Prepardness Grant and accompanying budget amendment. This is a pass through grant.

2. APPROVED to award bid for janitorial services to lower bidder meeting specifications.

3. The commission had agenda item to approval of 010 Lounge Retail Liquor - Class 1 Lounge - JBC Good Times, d/b/a Horizon Bar and Grill located at 14634 W. U.S. Highway 84 in Newton.

This business is in Houston County and is known as the old Teaser’s. D4 Commissioner  Brandon Shoupe voted against and D3 Commissioner Ricky Herring second the motion. Once the motions were made the item was for discussion.

Wicksburg resident Kenneth Hardy spoke in opposition of the establishment. Hardy owner’s Hardy‘s family Restaurant. He said the land was sold in the 1950’s but the owner said he would never have sold it because he was lied to. In fact Hardy said when it was the Oasis that there were so many problems that Ft. Rucker would not let the solders attend the Oasis. Hardy said from January 2019 to September 1,, 2022 there were 117 Sheriff Department responses and 113 were directly related to medical, shootings, or other events.

Wicksburg Resident Ronnie Driskell spoke in opposition of the license. Driskell said no one in the community supported this establishment and was opposed to it. Driskell said that Wicksburg has become a bedroom community to Dothan.

Retired 20th Judicial Circuit Judge Denny Holloway who is a private practicing attorney and represents the owner of the business. The business is changed from what Teaser’s was and is a restaurant, business, pool tables, pizza and food. Holloway said the applicant did not own Teaser’s when it operated and the owner’s son was killed in 2010. But this will in no way be like Teaser’s but will have a dance floor.

The new owner spoke and said no one under 21 will be allowed to enter. But this business will not be like Teaser’s at all. This will be a restaurant but will sell alcohol. D1 Commissioner Curtis Harvey asked if businesses and pizza restaurants allow children to go with their parents why his would not. The owner said he dos not want the children exposed to the alcohol.

The application was denied, unanimously.

4. 5. Approved changes to the Brownfield Tax Abatement Project.

6. Request to adopt resolution regarding special tax for public hospital purposes as petitioned by the Houston County Healthcare Authority. This item passed on 3 to 1 vote with D3 Commissioner Ricky Herring voting against the issue without a legal opinion.

7. APPROVED a resolution to conditionally allocate ARPA funds in the amount of one million dollars for an investment in green space. 

8. APPROVED resolution authorizing public hearing to address subdivision regulations.

9. APPRoved request from City of Ashford to perform site work for new volunteer fire station.

Bethel and Rodney Road are closed for cross drain replacement.

Doug Sinquefield said October 15 at Landmark Park is Farm Day.

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