Jones County Commissioners once again showed support for the City of Gray at their recent board meeting, agreeing with the need to keep large trucks from traveling through the city.
The city amended its ordinance in May to stop the big trucks from traveling on former state roads running through Gray that now have to be maintained by the city.
The ordinance allows the big trucks that are making deliveries or picking up loads from a city business but not trucks just traveling through for a shorter route.
Commission Chairman Chris Weidner called the July 15 meeting to order. The opening prayer and pledge were led by Ronnie Hinson with Sonrise Ministries.
The first item of new business was brought by the Executive Director of the Jones County Development Authority, Haley Watson. Her request was an amendment to the county’s Comprehensive Land Development Resolution to allow data centers as a conditional use in C-1 zoning districts in Jones County.
Commissioner Daylon Martin made the motion to start the process to amend the county’s CLDR, and the vote to approve was unanimous.
Commissioner Wendy Vaughn was not in attendance at the meeting.
Weidner had the truck routes added to the agenda and addressed the topic at the meeting. He reported getting a call from a city representative requesting the county’s help. He said the county was asked to abide by the truck route ordinance.
“We are no different than anyone and want to work with the city,” he said.
The chairman said he spoke to Public Works Director Jerry Arnold. At the county drivers’ weekly meeting, they were asked to stay off the city streets when possible.
Commissioner John Wood agreed the city and county were one community, but he said the problem for drivers is, if they miss a turn, they can be stuck.
Martin said he thought it was a nuisance for trucks to be stopped to ask their destination. He said it was a detriment to businesses not to allow the trucks.
Commissioner Sam Kitchens said the county knows that the reason the Gray Bypass was built was to keep big trucks out of downtown Gray.
“The big problem is the maintenance of the roads. I don’t think the intent was to hurt businesses,” he said. “The truck route needs to be enforced, but it does need to be clear what that looks like.”
Weidner stated that the truck route was a city issue. Gray Mayor Ed Barbee was in the audience and was asked to come forward to help with the discussion.
Barbee emphasized that trucks have always been allowed to come into the city to make deliveries to local businesses. He said that has not been the problem, and the truck traffic was already down.
“Keep in mind that it was the state that took away the routes. All the city is doing is trying to protect our roads,” he said.
The mayor invited the commissioners to attend a meeting with the Georgia Department of Transportation July 21.
“That’s the people you need to talk to. Our state representatives will be there, and I hope we can reach an amicable solution,” he said.
Martin responded that enforcement was optional and stated he thought county trucks should be exempt. He gave the example that he drives 80 mph on highways and state troopers do not usually stop him, although he is aware they could.
“County vehicles should be allowed to pass,” he said.
Weidner did not agree and reiterated that the county would support the city’s truck ordinance.
“The city has been nice about it,” he added.
County employee Chuck Lloyd suggested the city come up with a sticker to cut down the confusion.
“Public works is trying to comply,” he added.
Old Business
Hinson brought a request to the commissioners to allow a pavilion to be placed at the Highway 49 Recreation Center to assist with monthly food distributions there. He said the food is from the Middle Georgia Food Bank, and it is usually 14-16,000 lbs. of food.
Hinson said the food has to be sorted and placed in boxes. He said there are usually 20-25 volunteers helping with the distribution, and many are not young.
“Our older volunteers need shelter. I’m asking you to approve the ministry putting up an awning-type shelter, at no cost to the county,” he said.
The speaker estimated the shelter would be 16 x 50 and big enough to cover the pallets of food and shelter the volunteers.
“This would also benefit the community. We couldn’t do any of this without the county’s support,” he said.
Martin made the motion to allow the shelter, and the motion was unanimously approved.
Kitchens thanked Hinson for his ministry.
“This is a perfect example of community partnership and a servant’s heart,” he said.
During commissioners’ comments, Martin talked about attending the NACO Conference. He said part of the discussion was about different ways to use public land, including for affordable housing for teachers, law enforcement and fire personnel.
The meeting was adjourned to enter closed session at 6:50 p.m. and reopened at 7:14 p.m. The meeting was reopened and adjourned again with no action taken.
