Commission hears rec department spectator problems

Things have begun to get a little rowdy at recreation department football games.
The problem, of course, is not with the children enjoying themselves as they play football and cheer. Rather, it is with parents and fans watching the games at the recreation department fields — adults who can’t behave as adults should
And the children are watching. And learning.
At last week’s meeting of the Jeff Davis County Commission, Recreation Department Director Josh Horton informed the commissioners of the Recreation Board’s adopting a public safety policy in hopes of preventing such incidents and to keep the children safe. The policy calls for the adults at the games to sit in the stands and move away from the fences enclosing the playing fields.
Despite that policy, another incident developed this week but, thankfully, there were Sheriff’s Deputies at the games to handle the problem. The off-duty deputies were present because the county had asked Sheriff Preston Bohannon to provide increased security. The off-duty deputies at the games are paid for by the County Commission, i.e. county taxpayers.
Horton explained to the commissioners that the fall football program has been successful with the number of children participating this year up by some 45 children over last year’s numbers.
He also said the pool building, destroyed by Hurricane Helene, has been rebuilt and there are some housekeeping items that need to be completed before a ribbon cutting can be held.
Horton also asked that the number of members of the Recreation Department Board be reduced from 7 to 5 because there has been a problem lately with the board getting a quorum together for meetings.
The commissioners approved the request.
In other action, the commissioners …
… tabled action on a request from Dr. Claud Cobb that the commissioners turn over the operation of the Jeff Davis Youth Center to the Youth Center Board of Directors rather than the Community League which has been overseeing the center’s operation since its inception.
… heard updates from County Administrator Jayme Crosby who mentioned the lease at the James Carter Building. After the legal team reviewed the lease, she asked the board to sign it and have it completed. She also discussed the road closure process approved in the previous meeting to close Scout Pond Road and Preston Crawford Road. Objections to the road closings had been received and the commissioners agreed not to move forward on the closures. Crosby brought to the board’s attention that next month’s meeting on Nov. 11 is on Veterans Day and asked that the meeting be moved to Nov. 13. She also addressed about Christmas holiday. The courthouse will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 and open half day on the 24. She asked the board if the courthouse could close all day on the 24th and let employees use PTO for that half day. She also gave an update on the project at Towns Bluff Park. The building will be completed in the first week of November. The commissioners agreed to sign the James Carter Building lease, to move the November meeting to Nov. 13 and to approve to close Christmas Holiday on Dec. 24, 25 and 26 and for employees to use PTO on the 24th half day.
… listened as Eddie Bush said the Road Department is building up roads and fixing the sand beds. Clay hills are also getting repaired.
… heard from EMS Director Andrew Waldron who said they are operating two trucks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He said all five students have passed the schooling, and one has passed the Georgia state license. This one employee is now a full-time paramedic. Waldron said an ambulance was in a car accident on the 1st of September. The ambulance was sent to insurance and is now located in North Caroline for 4-6 weeks. He wanted to thank the board for the new paving on the parking lots.
… listened as EMA/Fire Department Director Charles Wasdin addressed the board, saying the county and the city are hiring new people. Firefighter class is completed. Fire Prevention Week was held at the new agriculture building and over 2,000 children attended.
… heard from Joe LoBianco of ER Assist who said the debris operation stopped on September 30. They are still waiting for a decision by FEMA whether or not they will extend the work. He spoke with the debris hauler who said he got most of the debris out of the waterways.
… heard from Brittany Feller with the Road Department who provided the amount the county has spent on installing driveway pipes. The commissioners approved 3-1 a motion to discontinue the county installing driveway pipes for new residents. Commissioners Ricky Crosby, James Tate and James Benjamin approved the motion and Commissioner Vann Wooten opposed.
… heard from Commissioner James Emory Tate who discussed court reporter bonuses. County administrator Crosby said she spoke with Clerk of Court Julie Wilkinson who will provide further information.
… met in closed session for 30 minutes to discuss personnel. After re-opening the meeting, the commissioners voted to delegate authority to County Administrator Crosby and County Road Superintendent Chris Horton to follow guidance in executive session.
… approved a motion to start negotiation with Ryland trash team.