A proposed resolution amending Henry County code regarding the sales of alcoholic beverages at county parks failed to pass at the February 4 regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
Beer and wine sales are already allowed in certain situations with no permit fee at Nash Farm Park, Heritage Park, the Locust Grove Event Center and Village Park. The proposal would have changed the wording from “beer and wine” to “beer, wine and spirits.” County officials suggested that this could bring more events to these facilities and allow the county to collect fees when applicable. The vote to approve was 3-3, which meant the motion failed.
In other business, the board voted to direct county staff to prepare recommendations for distance requirements and other regulations regarding the establishment of small-box stores or discount retailers. During the discussion it was suggested that some elements of the existing pawn shop ordinance, which is based on a maximum number of establishments according to population size, be considered. Some commissioners also suggested that limitations on other types of businesses like nail salons and vape shops be considered.
By approving this resolution, the commissioners are allowing staff to come back with recommendations without going through the Zoning Advisory Board and taking a few months longer than necessary.
The commissioners approved the purchase of 27 new radios and installation of 50 existing radios from Loudoun Communications at a total cost of $153,477, along with the purchase of 77 mountable laptop computers from ProLogic ITS for $198,854.81. This action is in conjunction with last September’s vote to purchase 77 new vehicles for the county’s Police Department, Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department.
Also approved was a $62,461 expenditure for the emergency repair of a Henry County Fire Department vehicle involved in what officials called a “not-at-fault incident.”
The board voted to approve a resolution officially accepting the results of last November’s referendum which will continue the county’s special-purpose local-option sales tax. The voters approved the measure by a margin of 8,601 to 7,696 and the results were made official by the county’s elections and registration supervisor.. Board action is required by law to allow the county to assume general obligation debt in the form of bonds issued against future SPLOST revenues, which will begin in April upon expiration of the current sales tax period.
New streetlight districts were approved for four subdivisions: Clark Estates West on Bond Road; Elliott Grove (phase 2) on Kelleytown Road; Farris Park (phase 1B) on Farris Road; and Traditions @ Crystal Lake (phase 1) on Jonesboro Road. The costs will be broken down by lot, with each property owner paying $35-70 per year depending upon the subdivision.
The vote to approve the streetlight districts was part of the meeting’s consent agenda. In a separate action, the commissioners approved the appointment of Cletonya Stidom to the board of Henry First, Inc. She succeeds Gordon Calloway.
