Walker County public meetings in 2024

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority held a called meeting on December 27, 2024, and approved two substantive actions: renewing Robert Wardlaw's contract for six months at $1,000 per month, and engaging Jarrard & Davis Law Firm for real estate acquisition. Both motions passed unanimously (5-0). The board also entered and exited executive session to discuss real estate and personnel, and acknowledged the departure of Attorney David Gottlieb and the incoming commission chair.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Entered executive session for real estate and personnel (5-0)
• Exited executive session (5-0)
• Renewed Robert Wardlaw contract for 6 months at $1,000/month (5-0)
• Engaged Jarrard & Davis Law Firm for real estate acquisition (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved amendments to the Land Use Code regarding poultry and solar, and approved several rezones including Hawks Ridge Holdings (C-1 to PUD) and R.L. Wooten (A-1 to C-1). The animal code ordinance was tabled until April 2025. Multiple resolutions and contracts were also approved.

• Approved Land Use Code amendments (sections 12-14) with modifications (4-0)
• Approved Hawks Ridge Holdings rezone to PUD (4-0)
• Approved R.L. Wooten rezone to C-1 (3-0, Blakemore recused)
• Tabled See Rock City rezone until February 2025 (4-0)
• Approved Kelly Lee Griffin & Paige Griffin rezone to C-1 (4-0)
• Approved Randal Dalton variance for Dollar General (4-0)
• Tabled animal code ordinance until April 2025 (4-0)
• Approved $52,862 purchase order for F250 command vehicle (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission will read and approve the October 17, 2024 minutes before opening a public hearing. New business includes rezoning requests for three properties to C-1 commercial zoning and a variance request for a property on Stone Creek Road. Old business will address amendments to the land development regulations. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Rezone 6560 Hwy 151, LaFayette, GA 30728 from Agricultural to C-1 (Commercial) – R.L. Wooten
• Rezone O Hwy 157, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 from Residential to C-1 (Commercial) – See Rock City c/o Doug Chapin
• Rezone 3404 N. Hwy 27, LaFayette, GA 30728 from R-2 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial) – Kelly Lee & Paige
• Variance request for 131 Stone Creek Road, Rising Fawn, GA 30738 – Randal Dalton
• Amendments to Land Development Regulations (old business)

The Walker County Planning Commission approved a rezone request by R.L. Wooten on a 4-3 vote, tabled the See Rock City request until the next meeting, and approved rezone requests from Kelly and Paige and a variance for Randal Dalton by unanimous votes. The commission also unanimously approved amendments to the Land Development Regulations for poultry operations (Sec. 22-156) and solar energy systems (Sec. 22-334) with recommendations made during the meeting. Earlier, the commission approved revised minutes from its October 17, 2024 meeting on an 8-0 vote with one abstention.

• Approved revised October 17, 2024 minutes (8-0, Will Ingram abstained)
• Approved R.L. Wooten rezone request (4-3)
• Tabled See Rock City request until next meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Kelly and Paige rezone request (unanimous)
• Approved Randal Dalton parking variance (unanimous)
• Approved poultry operation regulation amendments with recommendations (unanimous)
• Approved solar energy system special use permit amendments with recommendations (unanimous)

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority approved a water line easement needed for a new water line to the top of Lookout Mountain, serving that community. The board also approved the agenda, prior meeting minutes, and the financial report for September and October 2024. The item to reconvey property to Labrie Enviroquip was removed from the agenda, with action deferred to 2025. The December meeting was canceled, with the next meeting set for January 14, 2025.

• Approved water line easement for Lookout Mountain water line project (4-0)
• Approved agenda after removing reconveyance item (4-0)
• Approved minutes of September 30, 2024 special called meeting (4-0)
• Approved financial report for September and October 2024 (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners approved the Land Use Code amendment (O-01-24) with exceptions for items 12-15, approved the alcoholic beverage code amendment (O-02-24), and enacted a temporary moratorium on solar energy system permits (R-042-24). All votes were unanimous (4-0). The board also approved several resolutions and agreements, including a right-of-way memorandum with GDOT (3-0, Commissioner Hart recused) and a purchase order for courthouse security equipment.

• Approved Land Use Code amendment O-01-24 with exceptions 12-15 (4-0)
• Approved Alcoholic Beverage Code amendment O-02-24 (4-0)
• Enacted temporary moratorium on solar energy system permits R-042-24 (4-0)
• Repealed moratorium on retail package sales of distilled spirits licenses R-043-24 (4-0)
• Approved GDOT right-of-way memorandum (3-0, Hart recused)
• Ratified purchase order for courthouse security equipment $34,658.24 (4-0)
• Approved purchase order for air compressor cascade system $45,000 (4-0)
• Approved access agreement with EPD for hazardous materials (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved over $82,000 for landfill transfer station repairs and granted one residential rezoning request. Several ordinances regarding alcohol and animal codes were held for further public hearings, and a shooting range request was removed from the agenda.

• Approved $67,123 for landfill transfer column repairs and wall (4-0)
• Approved $15,562.58 for landfill transfer station wall sheets (4-0)
• Approved rezoning of 657 Cannon Road from A-1 to R-2 (4-0)
• Denied variance request for 14491 Hwy 151 (4-0)
• Approved local match for Historic Preservation Commission Grant (4-0)
• Appointed Jamie Bennett to the Board of Assessors (4-0)
• Approved 2025 County Holiday Schedule (4-0)
• Tabled Resolution R-034-24 regarding solar energy moratorium (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider several zoning and variance requests, including a shooting range permit and amendments to land development regulations.

• Teresa Huddleston variance request at 131 Stone Creek Road
• Travis Pozzobon variance request at 14491 Hwy 151
• Genelle Harris rezone from A-1 to R-2 at 657 Cannon Road
• Hawks Ridge Holdings partial rezone from C-1 to PUD at 180 Hutcheson Drive
• McLemore Club LLC Special Use Permit Class 3 for shooting range at 23145 Hwy 157

The Walker County Planning Commission denied a special use permit for McLemore Club LLC's outdoor shooting range due to insufficient buffer plans, and denied Hawks Ridge Holdings LLC's request to rezone six acres to PUD and add 32 lots. The board also denied a variance for Travis Pozzobon, approved a rezone for Genelle Harris, and tabled amendments to land development regulations for further review.

• Denied McLemore Club LLC special use permit for outdoor shooting range (unanimous)
• Denied Hawks Ridge Holdings LLC rezone to PUD with 32 additional lots (unanimous)
• Denied Travis Pozzobon variance to divide one acre (unanimous)
• Approved Genelle Harris rezone to R-2 (6-3)
• Tabled amendments to land development regulations (unanimous)

Alcoholic Beverage Board

The Alcoholic Beverage Board will meet to approve minutes from August 22, 2024, and review new applications. The meeting also includes a period for open discussion.

• Review of new alcoholic beverage applications

The Walker County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board approved two applications: a new owner license for Pie Slingers (doing business as The Grindstone Tavern) and a sample license for Uncorked Wine & Spirits. Both approvals were unanimous. The board also discussed a campground's request for a retail license but took no action, noting the current ordinance requires such stores to be visible from the road.

• Approved new owner license for Pie Slingers/The Grindstone Tavern (unanimous)
• Approved sample license for Uncorked Wine & Spirits (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from August 22, 2024 (unanimous)

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority approved the FY 2025 budget and an inducement resolution for the Gateway at Sunset housing project in Rossville. The board also extended a consultant contract for Robert Wardlaw through the end of the year. Additionally, the board canceled the October meeting and rescheduled the November meeting to November 19th.

• Approved August 2024 financial report (5-0)
• Approved Gateway at Sunset inducement resolution (4-1)
• Approved FY 2025 budget (5-0)
• Approved extension of Robert Wardlaw contract through Dec 31, 2024 (5-0)
• Canceled October regular meeting
• Postponed November 12 meeting to November 19

Alcoholic Beverage Board

The Walker County Alcoholic Beverage Board will approve the August 22, 2024 meeting minutes, review any new license applications, and hold an open discussion before adjourning.

• Reading and approval of minutes for August 22, 2024
• Review of new alcoholic beverage license applications
• Open discussion on board matters

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the FY2025 General Fund and Special Revenue/Enterprise Fund budgets, appointed David Gilleland as Chief of Police, and approved the Chickamauga Battlefield Connector Trail agreement. They also approved the Cloudland at McLemore development agreement and a tourism promotion agreement, despite public opposition to the 30-year term and concerns about transparency.

• Approved FY2025 General Fund budget (4-0)
• Approved FY2025 Special Revenue and Enterprise Funds budget (4-0)
• Appointed David Gilleland as Walker County Chief of Police (4-0)
• Approved Chickamauga Battlefield Connector Trail agreement (4-0)
• Approved Cloudland at McLemore development agreement (4-0)
• Approved Tourism Product Promotion and Development Agreement (4-0)
• Approved $40,000 purchase order to Topo Industries for brush grinding at landfill (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the FY2025 millage rate (5.328 mills unincorporated, 7.027 mills incorporated) and accepted a state grant for Walker Rocks Park Phase 3. They also approved all three zoning requests: ten variances for Robert Carter, a variance for Timothy Moore, and a rezone for J&E Pichardo LLC. Several resolutions were passed, including a temporary moratorium on new liquor license applications and a declaration of fire rescue property as surplus. Public comment raised concerns about the police chief's dual role and other issues, but no decisions were made on those topics.

• Adopted millage rate 5.328 mills unincorporated, 7.027 mills incorporated (4-0)
• Accepted DNR Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for Walker Rocks Park Phase 3 (4-0)
• Authorized Deputy Robert W. Bowman to retain service weapon upon retirement (4-0)
• Enacted temporary moratorium on new retail package sales of distilled spirits licenses (4-0)
• Declared fire rescue property as surplus and removed from county inventory (4-0)
• Approved memorandum of agreement with Georgia Department of Community Affairs (4-0)
• Approved rural fire defense lease agreement with Georgia Forestry Commission (4-0)
• Approved criminal justice coordinating council subgrant for drug court (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider a commercial rezone request and two property variance requests. The body will also review minutes from the July 18, 2024 meeting.

• J&E Pichardo LLC: Request to rezone 0 S. Hwy 341 from A-1 (Agricultural) to CN (Commercial Neighborhood)
• Robert Carter: Request for ten variances at 217 Claire Street to create ten lots with eight dwellings
• Timothy Moore: Request for a front setback variance at 0 Old LaFayette Road for a double wide manufactured home

The Walker County Planning Commission approved all three applications before it: variances for Robert Carter and Timothy Moore, and a rezone for J&E Pichardo LLC. The minutes record no denials or tabling; all motions carried, with the Carter variance passing 6-1.

• Approved Robert Carter's variance for four additional quadplex units (6-1)
• Approved Timothy Moore's variance for reduced road setback on Old LaFayette Road (unanimous)
• Approved J&E Pichardo LLC rezone for a tax office (unanimous)
• Approved July 18, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority met on August 13, 2024, and approved the agenda, the June 11 meeting minutes, and the financial reports for June and July 2024. The board noted receipt of the PILOT from Nissin/Hitachi in June and no expenditures in July, with a total balance of $2,134,121.49 as of July 31. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 10:10 a.m.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved June 11, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved financial reports for June and July 2024 (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners received Chairman Whitfield's FY2025 general fund and enterprise/special revenue budget drafts; no vote was taken, and the Chairman said a full rollback of the millage rate means no millage hearings this year. The Board approved three items: a $48,389 one-time retention supplement for the District Attorney's Office, a juvenile justice incentive subgrant, and a $38,777 roofing purchase order for Shaffner Hall. Millage adoption is scheduled for August 22, with budget hearings September 12 and possible adoption the same day. Public comment covered road conditions on Foster Mill Drive, community center policies and wifi, the ag center and county agent funding, and questions about document shredding and out-of-service fire equipment.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved minutes of July 25, 2024 regular meeting (4-0)
• Approved $48,389 one-time retention supplement for District Attorney's Office from FY24 surplus (4-0)
• Approved juvenile justice incentive grant subgrant Y25-8-023, federally funded, no match (4-0)
• Approved purchase order 2024-00002433 for $38,777 to Winters Roofing, Inc. for Shaffner Hall roofing, funded from 2020 SPLOST (4-0)
• Received FY2025 general fund and enterprise/special revenue budget drafts; no vote taken
• Adjourned at 8:20 PM

Alcoholic Beverage Board

The Walker County Alcoholic Beverage Board approved a new alcohol license application for Silver Jalapeno 2 LLC at 18381 Hwy 193, Chickamauga, GA. The vote was unanimous. The board also approved the minutes from the February 13, 2024 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved new alcohol license for Silver Jalapeno 2 LLC at 18381 Hwy 193, Chickamauga, GA (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from February 13, 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission will open a public hearing to consider two requests for zoning variances. After the hearing, the commission may take action on the variances before adjourning.

• Variance request by Melissa Houser for 5194 Hwy 151, LaFayette, GA 30728
• Variance request by Albert Siegel for 1713 Yankee Road, Menlo, GA 30731

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a resolution to revise the Planning Department fee schedule by breaking inspections into specific categories. They also authorized a $38,600.00 contract for exterior painting of the Marsh House. An agreement with the City of Rossville regarding recreational services was tabled until the next meeting.

• Resolution R-024-24 to revise Planning Department fees
• $38,600.00 contract for Marsh House exterior painting
• Intergovernmental Agreement with City of Rossville (tabled)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved subgrant awards for an Adult Felony Drug Court and a Mental Health Court. Members also approved a conditional use variance for property at 8264 Highway 157 in Rising Fawn. An intergovernmental agreement with the City of Rossville regarding recreational services was tabled for further review.

• Approval of Adult Felony Drug Court subgrant award ($401,545 total)
• Approval of Mental Health Court subgrant award
• Conditional use variance for 8264 Highway 157, Rising Fawn
• Tabled intergovernmental agreement with the City of Rossville for recreational services

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use variance request for property located at 8264 Hwy 157 in Rising Fawn. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from the May 16, 2024 meeting.

• Conditional use variance request for 8264 Hwy 157, Rising Fawn
• Approval of May 16, 2024 meeting minutes

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Commission approved the May 20, 2024, meeting minutes and the current agenda. Members discussed several ongoing preservation projects and grants, including a $20,000 approved grant for a historic resources survey. The Commission also initiated a social media campaign to locate a cornerstone from 1824.

• Approved May 20, 2024, meeting minutes
• Accepted meeting agenda
• Appointed Secretary Griffin to lead social media search for 1824 cornerstone

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved a budget amendment to settle outstanding economic development bonds, which is expected to reduce interest by up to $1.9 million. The board also authorized building repairs for the new elections building and made several committee appointments. Public comments addressed county management structure and local athletic association finances.

• Budget amendment to settle Walker County Development economic development bonds
• $58,950.00 purchase order to JBM Repairs LLC for building improvements
• Appointment of Teresa Guffey to the Chickamauga Public Library Board
• Appointment of Susan Tankersley to the Rossville Public Library Board
• Appointment of Debra Parrish to the DFACS Local Advisory Board

Development Authority

The Authority approved a resolution to defease the Economic Development Taxable Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2019, and execute an escrow deposit agreement. The board also approved the May 2024 financial report and the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved defeasance of Economic Development Taxable Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2019 (4-0)
• Approved execution and delivery of an Escrow Deposit Agreement (4-0)
• Approved May 2024 financial report (4-0)
• Approved May 14, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved agenda with added bond resolution (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners heard budget requests from various county departments for the 2025 fiscal year. Presentations focused on salary increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and requests for additional personnel and equipment.

• Coroner requesting salary increase from $34,000 to $60,000
• Landfill requesting 14% budget increase and projecting a 6% MSW rate increase to $56.50
• Public Works requesting 24% increase to cover five additional employees and snow/ice equipment
• EMA/911 requesting $80,000 for interior center improvements
• Public Defender's Office requesting a budget increase of approximately $23,000

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners awarded a contract for courthouse renovations and approved three property rezone requests. The body also granted a variance for a land division in LaFayette and tabled previous meeting minutes for revisions.

• Awarded courthouse renovation contract to Masonry Specialist Corporation
• Approved rezone from R-2 to C-1 for 7001 N. Hwy 27, Rock Spring
• Approved rezone from I to C-1 for 0 Happy Valley Road, Rossville
• Approved rezone from C-1 to R-2 for 3450 N. Hwy 27, LaFayette
• Approved variance to divide less than five acres at 255 Windy Meadow Drive, LaFayette

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission accepted its agenda and April 15 and May 6 minutes, and heard a financial report showing a $1,993.00 balance with no change from the previous month. Chairman Culpepper reported Walker County was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for an updated Historic Resources Survey, with Walker County to provide $13,200.00 in in-kind services. He also reported a $434,141.00 Appalachian Regional Commission grant, with other funding bringing the total to $464,141.00, for the Chickamauga Battlefield Connector Trail. Three bids were opened May 17 for Walker County Courthouse renovations — Buckeye Construction at $1,473,588, Mitchell Waterproofing at $955,510, and Masonry Specialists at $763,969 — and the County Attorney will evaluate them and recommend an award to the Board of Commissioners. Brochures and keepsake tokens for tourists were tabled until the full scope is developed.

• Accepted the meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of the April 15, 2024 meeting and May 6, 2024 work session as revised (motion carried)
• Tabled printing of brochures and keepsake tokens for tourists until the full scope is developed
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:05 pm (motion carried)
• No vote recorded on courthouse bids; County Attorney to evaluate and recommend award to the Board of Commissioners

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss three requests to change the zoning designations of specific properties. The commission will determine if these parcels should be transitioned between residential, commercial, and industrial uses.

• Rezone request from R-2 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial) for 7001 N. Hwy 27 Rock Spring
• Rezone request from I (Industrial) to C-1 (Commercial) for 0 Happy Valley Road Rossville
• Rezone request from C-1 (Commercial) to Residential for 3450 N. Hwy 27 LaFayette

The Walker County Planning Commission approved a variance for Roy & Kimberly Ballard to deed out two acres for a home, passing 6-1. The Commission also unanimously approved three rezoning requests: Wendell Allan Barnes (with buffer conditions), Happy Valley B.C. LLC, and Daniel Beyer & Ralph Paul Leming.

• Approved variance for Roy & Kimberly Ballard at 255 Windy Meadow Drive (6-1)
• Approved rezone for Wendell Allan Barnes with vegetative buffer condition (Unanimous)
• Approved rezone for Happy Valley B.C. LLC (Unanimous)
• Approved rezone for Daniel Beyer & Ralph Paul Leming (Unanimous)
• Amended agenda to include old business variance request (Unanimous)
• Approved April 18, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Development Authority

The Board approved the April 2024 financial report and authorized a specific investment of funds. Executive Director Stephanie Watkins provided updates on business park RFIs and grant opportunities for a first responders facility.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved April 9, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved April 2024 financial report (5-0)
• Approved deposit of $1 million into a 6-month CD at 5.1% interest at Bank of LaFayette (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved a temporary moratorium on solar farms and several other agreements. The board also tabled a land variance request for property on Windy Meadow Drive pending a Planning Commission recommendation.

• Resolution R-018-24: 180-day moratorium on solar farms
• Agreement between Walker County and Healthy MD Clinical, LLC
• Purchase Order 2024-00001593: $63,240.29 to Southern Emergency Products LLC for vehicle equipment
• Variance request: 255 Windy Meadow Drive (tabled for Planning Commission review)

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Commission reviewed and approved the text and photos for markers on the Estelle and Durham Mining Communities for printing. They also reviewed drafts for Wright’s Mineral Springs and Dewberry Rosenwald School markers, requesting specific edits and photo selections. A possible donation of a Cherokee cabin and land was discussed but deferred to the next monthly meeting.

• Approved Estelle Mining Community marker text and photos for printing
• Approved Durham Mining Community marker text and photos for printing
• Requested edits to Wright’s Mineral Springs marker text and selection of six photos
• Requested addition of 'Marker Provided by...' line to Dewberry Rosenwald School marker
• Deferred discussion of Cherokee cabin and land donation to May 20 meeting

Alcoholic Beverage Board

The board approved a new alcoholic beverage license application for a resort in Rising Fawn. The board also approved the minutes from the January 25, 2024 meeting.

• Approved license application for Cloudland at McLemore Resort at 243 Cloudland Drive, Rising Fawn GA 30738 (Unanimous)
• Approved January 25, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a variance request from Roy and Kimberly Ballard regarding property at 255 Windy Meadow Drive in LaFayette. The request involves dividing off less than the required acreage in an A-l zone.

• Variance request: 255 Windy Meadow Drive, LaFayette, GA (Tax map & parcel number 0-515-1-020C)

The Planning Commission tabled a variance request from Roy and Kimberly Ballard to place an additional home on their property. The motion to table was unanimous because the staff reported inadequate information, including the lack of a land survey. No other substantive decisions were made during the meeting.

• Approved March 21, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous with 1 abstention)
• Opened public hearing (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing (unanimous)
• Tabled Ballard variance request due to inadequate information (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Commission voted to purchase four wayside markers from Pannier Graphics. It also decided to create photo folders for the county's three libraries. Members discussed the Oak Hill Log Cabin School stabilization and a proposed haunted history tour.

• Approved $4,850 purchase of wayside markers from Pannier Graphics
• Approved creation of wayside marker photo folders for all three county libraries
• Approved March 25, 2024, meeting minutes as revised

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved a 2024 road paving contract and a grant application to renovate the walking trail at the Civic Center. The board also authorized several equipment purchases for the 911 center and roadside maintenance.

• Resolution R-013-24 to award a road paving contract for 2024
• Grant application for Georgia Recreational Trails Program ($200,000 grant / $60,000 match)
• Purchase order for $78,583.00 to StowersCAT for a 911 center diesel generator
• Purchase order for $51,530.25 to Loughridge Equipment for mowing equipment
• Purchase order for $41,765.00 to Jake Marshall Service for a heat pump at Rossville Community Center

Development Authority

The Board approved bids for hay cutting at the Walker County Business Park and approved the March 2024 financial report. Members discussed moving $1 million from a checking account to a CD to earn higher interest.

• Approved hay cutting bid from Kimelan Millican for $13,100 (Location #1) and $4,900 (Location #2)
• Approved March 12, 2024 meeting minutes
• Approved March 2024 financial report
• Approved the meeting agenda

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors met to review and approve multiple appeal waiver and release forms. The board also decided on a conservation request and approved forwarding appeal letters to the Board of Equalization (BOE).

• Approval of appeal waiver and release forms for 15 identified parcels
• Approval of conservation request for parcel 0243 022D
• Approval of letters to forward appeals to the BOE
• Executive session held to discuss server and computer systems

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting to review and vote on several land-use requests. The body approved six rezoning requests and two variances for parking and building setbacks.

• Approved rezones to R-1 (Residential) for 430 Old LaFayette Road, 88 Glass Mill Road, and 454 Old LaFayette Road
• Approved rezone to A-1 (Agricultural) for 1640 Hwy 95
• Approved rezone from C-1 (Commercial) to R-2 (Residential) for 3464 N. Hwy 27
• Approved rezone from R-2 (Residential) to RA (Residential Agricultural) for 348 Middle Road
• Approved parking space variance for a new Dollar General Store at 126 Black Circle Spur

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the February 26, 2024, meeting. Members discussed updates on wayside markers and the Oak Hill Log Cabin School, though no new funding or contracts were approved.

• Approved February 26, 2024, meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss land use changes and zoning variances. The body will consider requests to change property designations between agricultural, residential, and commercial zones. Two variance requests regarding parking and setbacks are also on the agenda.

• Rezone request for 430 Old LaFayette Road from Agricultural to Residential
• Rezone request for 88 Glass Mill Road from Agricultural to Residential
• Rezone request for 454 Old LaFayette Road from Agricultural to Residential
• Rezone request for 1640 Hwy 95 from Residential to Agricultural
• Parking space variance for a new Dollar General Store at 126 Black Circle Spur

The Planning Commission unanimously approved six rezoning requests and two variance requests. The rezones included properties for the Carpenters, Lawsons, Rios Renovations LLC, Kim Champion, Cody Jeffcoat, and Lori and Camilla Carter. The variances approved were for Eugene Hester and Larry Bang.

• Approved rezone for William & Anna Carpenter (unanimous)
• Approved rezone for Kenneth & Judy Lawson (unanimous)
• Approved rezone for Rios Renovations LLC (unanimous)
• Approved rezone for Kim Champion (unanimous)
• Approved rezone for Cody Jeffcoat (unanimous)
• Approved rezone for Lori & Camilla Carter (unanimous)
• Approved parking space variance for Eugene Hester (unanimous)
• Approved building setback variance for Larry Bang (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors reviewed and approved several conservation requests for parcels under 10 acres and a contract with Harris for 2024 printing and mailing. The board also approved a list of homestead applicants and an appeal waiver for parcel 1031 082.

• Approved Harris contract for 2024 printing and mailing
• Approved conservation requests for parcels 0262 037, 0271 001, 0345 033, 0348 029, 0348 029A, 0385 007A, and 0385 011
• Approved list of homestead applications
• Approved appeal waiver and release form for parcel 1031 082
• Tabled conservation request for parcel 0243 022D

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners accepted the Fiscal 2023 audit and approved budget amendments to ensure state law compliance. The body also authorized several purchase orders for Sheriff's Office equipment funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

• Approved purchase orders for Sheriff's Office equipment: $211,890.00, $141,564.00, $39,399.57, $38,970.20, and $16,028.88
• Accepted the Fiscal 2023 audit presented by Rushton LLC
• Approved Resolution R-011-24 granting authority to execute automatic aid agreements for fire services
• Approved Resolution R-012-24 to declare Walker County Fire Rescue property as surplus
• Authorized a quitclaim deed for 1977 Johnson Road, Chickamauga, GA to allow a right of way shift

Development Authority

The Board approved financial reports for January and February 2024. Following an executive session regarding real estate, the Board decided to modify and publish a Request for Proposal (RFP) for hay cutting at the Walker County Business Park.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved February 13, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved January and February 2024 financial reports (5-0)
• Approved motion to enter executive session to discuss real estate (5-0)
• Approved changes to and publication of the Walker County Business Park hay cutting RFP (5-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors reviewed a hearing officer's decision regarding a property valuation and approved several appeal waiver and release forms. The board also discussed ongoing technical issues with their computer servers.

• Hearing officer decision for 0224 040 set at $664,136
• Approval of appeal waiver and release form for 0562 002
• Approval of appeal waiver and release form for 0562 003
• Approval of appeal waiver and release form for 3022 080

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Commission approved the January 20 meeting minutes and reviewed the status of several historic markers and stabilization projects. A grant application for $19,800 was filed to conduct an updated historic resource survey for the county.

• Approved January 20, 2024 meeting minutes
• Accepted meeting agenda
• Tabled Wreaths across Walker County until later in the year

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved a list of roads for resurfacing in 2024 and a rental agreement with a purchase option for a tractor. The board also recognized FFA Week 2024 and reviewed January departmental statistics.

• Approved 2024 Road Resurfacing List including roads in Chickamauga, Fairview, High Point, LaFayette, Lookout Mt., Rock Spring, and Villanow
• Approved rental agreement with purchase option from Yancey Bros. Co. for a D4 track-type tractor for the Walker County Landfill
• D4 tractor base option purchase price listed as $280,647
• Proclamation designating FFA Week 2024
• Discussion of automatic aid agreements between Fire Chief Blake Hodge, the City of LaFayette, and Chattooga County

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors met to review tax-related applications and appeals. The board approved a list of homestead applicants and authorized the forwarding of appeal letters to the Board of Equalization (BOE).

• Approval of appeal waiver and release forms for 0259 074, 2016 054, and 0290 008
• Approval of the list of homestead applicants
• Decision to forward appeal letters to the BOE
• Report on server issues including 5 terabytes of space and intermittent system downtime

Development Authority

The Board approved a 12-month contract extension for Robert Wardlaw. The meeting also included an executive session to discuss personnel and real estate.

• Approved 12-month contract extension for Robert Wardlaw at $1,000 per month retroactive to January 1, 2024
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved January 9, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss real estate and personnel (4-0)

Alcoholic Beverage Board

The Walker County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board met on February 13, 2024, but the supplied minutes are largely an agenda with no recorded actions. The only substantive decisions in the record come from the attached January 25, 2024 minutes: the Board unanimously elected Tobey Hill as Vice Chairman for 2024, unanimously approved the November 30, 2023 minutes, and unanimously approved a new application for 118 Kay Conley Road in Rock Spring, Georgia, proposed to be named Liquor. The Board also reviewed correspondence from the County Attorney about when the 90-day and 365-day periods begin on a new license and said it would discuss the matter further at the next meeting.

• Elected Tobey Hill Vice Chairman for 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved November 30, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved new liquor application for 118 Kay Conley Road, Rock Spring, GA, proposed name Liquor (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion of County Attorney correspondence on license 90-day/365-day start dates to next meeting

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners approved a purchase for a new landfill truck and a conditional use variance for RV rentals. The board also authorized a grant agent for courtroom audio-visual updates and approved an environmental services contract.

• Approved purchase order 2024-00000989 for $136,670.00 to LiftOne LLC for a Kalmar Ottawa T2 landfill truck
• Approved conditional use variance for three RV slips at 40 Blessed Way, Rock Spring, GA
• Approved Resolution R-007-24 to serve as fiduciary agent for a Judicial Council of Georgia ARPA grant for courtroom audio-visual updates
• Approved contract with Atlantic Coast Consultants, Inc. (ACC) for environmental services
• Discussed 2020 SPLOST allocation of approximately $1.2 million for agriculture

Alcoholic Beverage Board

The Board approved a location application for Sips & Shots on N. Hwy 27 in LaFayette after reviewing a survey of the site. The Board also approved the meeting minutes from October 26, 2023.

• Approved location application for Sips & Shots N. Hwy 27 LaFayette (Unanimous)
• Approved October 26, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Walker County Historic Preservation Commission approved a motion authorizing Commissioner Pittman to work with Wreaths Across Chattanooga to build a similar program in Walker County. The commission also accepted its agenda and approved the November 20, 2023 minutes as amended, and heard updates on a grant application for an updated historic resource survey, the Oak Hill Log Cabin School, and a Wright's Mineral Springs marker. The county Board of Commissioners renewed the appointments of Commissioners Upshaw, Pittman, and Cobb through 2026.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved November 20, 2023 minutes as amended (motion carried)
• Authorized Commissioner Pittman to work with Wreaths Across Chattanooga to build a similar program in Walker County (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:45pm (motion carried)

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider five variance and conditional use requests. The commission will also elect its 2024 officers.

• Variance request for 2164 Corinth Road (Billy & Sheila West)
• Variance request for 102 Pinson Lane (Susan W. Bertroch)
• Variance request for 24595 Hwy 193 (John Watson)
• Variance request for 216 Browhaven Lane (Will Garrett)
• Conditional use variance request for 40 Blessed Way (Jennifer Testa)

The Walker County Planning Commission voted on four variance requests. They approved a variance for Billy & Sheila West (6-2) and a conditional approval for John Watson. They denied a variance for Susan Bertroch due to driveway access issues. The request for Jennifer Testa failed to pass because no motion received a second, resulting in a no-recommendation status for the Board of Commissioners.

• Michael Hicks elected Vice Chairman (unanimous)
• November 16, 2023 minutes approved (unanimous)
• Variance for Billy & Sheila West approved (6-2)
• Variance for Susan Bertroch denied (unanimous)
• Variance for John Watson approved with conditions (unanimous)
• Will Garrett variance withdrawn by owner
• Jennifer Testa conditional use variance: no recommendation to Commissioners

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors reviewed and approved specific appeal waiver and release forms. The board also approved a list of homestead applicants and discussed technical issues with their server and Wi-Fi.

• Approval of appeal waiver and release forms for 0358 046, 0486 029, and 1038 095
• Approval of the list for homestead applicants
• Discussion of server updates and connectivity issues involving MBH/Arknet and Dell

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 meeting calendar and elected Commissioner Askew as Vice Chair. The body also approved election qualifying fees and legal agreements regarding indigent defense and judicial circuits.

• Resolution R-003-24 to set qualifying fees for 2024 elections
• Approval of Georgia Indigent Defense Services Agreement
• Memorandum of Understanding between Walker, Chattooga, Catoosa, and Dade Counties and the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit
• Establishment of 2024 meeting calendar: second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm
• Discussion of $300,000 SPLOST allotment for Hinkle fire station renovations

Development Authority

The Development Authority approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from December 12, 2023. The board approved the December 2023 financial report, which showed a total account balance of 2,027,042.48 as of December 31, 2023.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved December 12, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved December 2023 financial report (4-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors met to approve the 2024 prebill values and the corresponding data file for the Tax Commissioner. The board also updated policies regarding conservation acreage exclusions and personal property audits.

• Approval of 2024 prebill values and data file for the Tax Commissioner
• Approval of a one-acre across-the-board conservation acreage exclusion policy
• Approval of conservation requests for parcels 0023 005 and 0039 011
• Approval of policies, procedures, and letters for the Personal Property Audits Program
• Approval of an open records request to the City of Lafayette for the Lafayette Airport