The Columbia County Development and Planning Services Committee will discuss a memorandum of understanding with Fort Gordon for military compatibility during its meeting on Tuesday, June 13.
According to the agenda document, the purpose of the MOU is to establish a process for timely and consistent procedures for reviewing development applications that are within the state mandated 3,000 feet from the Fort Gordon boundary and a two-mile compatible use study area.
“County staff have participated in numerous meetings since 2017 with representatives of the Fort, Augusta—Richmond County, Grovetown, Harlem, Blythe, Burke County, Wrens, Jefferson County, McDuffie County and other organizations,” according to the agenda document. “A Compatible Use Study (CUS) was completed in 2019 for Fort Gordon. This proposed MOU would provide a more clearly defined path for communication between the Fort and County officials related to development activities near the installation.”
The staff recommendation is to accept the MOU and send the recommendation to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners.
During the Columbia County Management and Internal Services Committee, committee members will discuss the appointment of the chairperson for the Board of Elections.
According to the agenda document, the newly signed House Bill 730 states the board of commissioners must appoint the chairperson. The committee is recommending Vivian Cushman, the current Board of Elections chairperson, to stay in the position. If appointed, she will serve another four years.
The MIS committee will also consider resolution 23-20, which will appoint the initial board of directors for the Hospital Authority of Columbia County, according to the agenda document.
According to the resolution, the proposed board of directors are Dewey Galeas, countywide, Dr. Rick Richards, District 1, James Allen, III, District 2, Walter Massingale, District 3, and Ronnie Kurtz, District 4. If approved, the term shall start upon the adoption of the resolution. For Galeas, Richards and Kurtz, their terms shall be through Dec. 31, 2026 and for Allen and Massingale their terms shall go through Dec. 31, 2024.
The MIS and DPS committees will meet on Tuesday, June 13 at 8:30 a.m. in the Evans Government Center auditorium.
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
