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The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by Chairman E.H.
Culpepper who provided a brief welcome and call for self-introductions.
The list of meeting attendees (RAC members, staff and guests)
is located at the end of these minutes.
Following introductions, Chairman Culpepper called for ratification
of the minutes from the April 17, 2001 meeting held that the Classic
Center in Athens. Iola Stone moved, seconded by Rope Roberts,
that the minutes be approved. Chairman Culpepper then called for
ratification of the minutes from the June 28, 2001 meeting held
at the Bogart Community Center. Rope Roberts moved, seconded by
Chris Ramsay, that the minutes be approved. Without further discussion
or corrections, the motion carried and minutes of both meetings
were approved.
Chairman Culpepper then introduced meeting program speaker Lucy
Jenkins of Jenkins Planning, Ltd., who was engaged by the Region
1 RAC to develop a regional growth management strategy specific
to that area. Jenkins explained that rapid rates of growth realized
by the region had raised awareness of both positive and negative
growth outcomes. So as to better position the region to effect
growth while maintaining a positive quality of life, growth management
was identified as one of the RAC's primary objectives.
Jenkins' research revealed five (5) growth trends: population,
traffic, infrastructure, natural resources, and development. Advising
that the region should think regionally while acting locally,
public and private involvement was solicited in the development
of an impact management course of action. The following objectives
were subsequently established by the RAC: manage development patterns,
protect natural resources, protect rural and scenic assets, and
address infrastructure needs. With an established course of action,
Region 1 now stands ready to implement its action plan.
Following Jenkins' presentation, the group engaged in a discussion
regarding growth issues. Lam Hardman questioned how growth could
be effectively managed considering that the population, in general,
wants growth but doesn't want the often-associated negative side-effects?
Hardman also noted a general indifference towards growth that
isn't thwarted until negative impacts are realized on an individual
level. Bob Sosebee commented, as well, that the value of land-use
maps, a primary tool of local governments to manage growth, is
closely tied to their match with local growth patterns, but further
acknowledged that a match between the two doesn't always exist.
Jim Hunt suggested that one means to promote the effective management
of growth lies with the education/training of local government
officials.
Following this period of discussion, DCA Regional Representative
Winfred Owens announced that a DCA Regional Assistance Program
(RAP) grant was recently awarded to Regions 1, 2, 4 and 5 for
the development/implementation of a growth management strategy
(similar implementation of the strategy modeled/developed in Region
1 for transferability and further development of a strategy for
Regions 2, 4 and 5). Owens further explained that a $400 per county
local match requirement is associated with acceptance of the grant,
and suggested that local Chambers of Commerce be requested to
"assemble" the funding on behalf of each county in the region.
A draft letter, which would be signed by RAC Chairman E.H. Culpepper
and the respective RAC representative from each county, was distributed
for review and consideration.
The next matter of discussion was that of the regional marketing
presentation [which was] recently developed by Rope Roberts and
regional staff for presentation to statewide developers. Roberts
requested that the information contained in the presentation be
kept current, and asked that Susie Haggard, DITT Marketing Manager,
maintain this responsibility. Roberts additionally requested that
the RAC members assist in the process by reviewing their respective
community information at least annually.
Dr. Joe Whorton then advised that in an effort to foster partnerships
with RACs across the state, as well as to provide the Georgia
Rural Development Council (GRDC) with a better awareness of regional
issues, RACs are planned to be included within each of the GRDC
program agendas for the upcoming year. The Region 5 RAC will be
invited to the GRDC meeting to be held in November 2001.
Bob Sosebee announced that the GRDC will be meeting on September
9-11, 2001, at Rock Eagle (Putnam County) to hold a joint GRDC/leadership
summit with middle and high school students, where 1,000 students
will be in attendance. The Region 5 RAC was invited to attend.
Chairman Culpepper offered to host a dinner following the leadership
meeting, and asked that Sosebee consider and advise as to the
acceptability of this offer.
Winfred Owens provided an update on the RAC's initiative to develop
a "How Government Works in Georgia" video. Owens advised that
Mary Stakes of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government staff has
requested to meet with the leadership subcommittee to discuss
specific expectations. Jim Hunt noted that he will be unavailable
for a limited period in the near future and thus, requested that
such a meeting occur prior to that time. Owens advised that he
will contact each of the subcommittee members, and will attempt
to schedule a meeting with those limitations in mind.
Chairman Culpepper then introduced the discussion of the joint
Region 5/7 Biotechnology Corridor project. Culpepper asked for
the RAC's consideration of a proposed change in scope from the
original proposal, which was to determine the viability of the
development of a biotechnology corridor along U.S. Highway 78.
Culpepper explained that the new proposal would involve the development
of a business incubator to be located in the City of Washington.
The new proposal would, in effect, be phase one of the original
proposal, and would involve attaining funding for the renovation
of an existing building to house the business incubator which
would spin off "graduated" businesses along the corridor between
the Cities of Athens and Augusta. It was explained further by
Susie Haggard that the new proposal provided a more refined focus,
lending to enhanced implementation potential, as well as grant
funding potential.
The next matter of discussion was that of an amendment to the
RAC bylaws. As proposed, the amended bylaws would extend current
member terms to December 31, 2001. With this change, membership
terms would be aligned to the calendar year, rather than with
mid-year fiscal terms. Upon Culpepper's call for approval of the
amendments, Danny Stone moved, while Rope Roberts seconded, the
bylaws amendments. The motion carried and the changes were approved.
Bob Sosebee provided the nominating committee report, nominating
E.H. Culpepper to remain as RAC Chair, and Rope Roberts to remain
as Vice Chair for the upcoming year ending December 31, 2002.
Upon call for approval of the nominations, the motion carried,
nominations approved.
Following officer appointments, Chairman Culpepper called upon
Wendell Dawson to provide an update on water issues impacting
the region. Dawson advised that a statewide meeting is scheduled
to be held in Atlanta August 14-15, 2001, to discuss water quality,
land use planning, and water protection issues. Dawson further
advised that in view of his local government experience and involvement
with the development of the Bear Creek Reservoir, he is scheduled
to moderate discussions related to the latter two subjects.
Charles Crawford was then called upon to provide an update regarding
the Technical Career Academy of Northeast Georgia. Crawford explained
that the Academy is designed to reduce dropout rates among students
within the multi- county region. With classes scheduled to begin
within 30-60 days, the program will provide instruction in information
technology, consumer services (healthcare and hospitality) and
manufacturing. As has been discussed during previous meetings,
funding issues remain.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00
noon. RAC members and guests were then treated to a meal prepared
by Chairman Culpepper, as well as a tour of the park.
Advisory Council members in attendance included: Jim Burgess,
Paul Chambers, Charles Crawford, E.H. Culpepper, Wendell Dawson,
Art Dunning, Lam Hardman, Jim Hunt, David Maynard, Christina Ramsay,
Rope Roberts, Bob Sosebee, Danny Stone, Iola Stone, and Joe Whorton.
Not in attendance were: Kenneth Easom, Susan Holmes, Cardee Kilpatrick,
Roy Lambert, William Lewis, Davis Morgan, and Howard "Sonny" Turner.
Regional guests included (some organizational affiliations not
indicated): Beth Caldwell of the Barrow County Commission, Leamon
Scott of DCA (Region 1), Trey Ragsdale of the Office of Senator
Max Cleland, Charles Perry of the Barrow County Industrial Development
Authority, Karen Fite of Georgia Tech Economic Development Institute,
Paul Miller of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, LeAnne Turner
of the Barrow County News, Sam Dunaway of the Soil Conservation
Service, and Tonia Hardin.
Cynthia Easley represented the central office of the Department
of Community Affairs (DCA). Regional staff included DITT Regional
Marketing Manager Susie Haggard, DITT Regional Project Manager
Mac Brown, DCA Regional Representative Winfred Owens, and DCA
Resource Coordinator Jennifer Normanly.
 
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