County discusses DeltAlert, EPD investigation

Pike County commissioners discussed the county’s new emergency notification system that will go into effect this month and an upcoming inspection from the Environmental Protection Division of county fuel tanks that were found to be in violation earlier this year.Emergency Management Agency director Jimmy Totten said funding for DeltAlert should arrive soon and the first call out from the notification system was made Feb. 23. He encouraged everyone to update their contact information at http://pikeemergencyservices.com/updateyoure911information.html and through the DeltAlert link at http://pikeemergencyservices.comCounty manager Bill Sawyer said he met with public works director Todd Goolsby and EPD employees to discuss the gas tanks at public works and the county should receive a written report in the next 30 days.Board members also heard from Agribusiness Authority director Chris Curry about improvement opportunities at Chestnut Oak off Highway 19 South.She said the authority received a $3,000 grant from Southern Rivers Energy and a $2,000 grant from Upson EMC to provide lighting at Chestnut Oak.She asked commissioners to help install the lights by providing $1,500 for light poles and a ditch witch to dig the lines for wiring.So far everything that has been done at the facility ‘“ including grading and building an arena and restroom facility ‘“ has been done through volunteer work and the facility is an important resource for Pike.Commissioners also heard from planning and development director David Allen that a comparison from December 2010 to 2011 shows permits are up 30% and revenue is up 27%. He said signs of economic improvement include construction of several new homes, the Dollar General in Williamson and the expansion of Johnson Battery in Zebulon. THE COUNTY ALSO: ’¢ Heard SPLOST committee members, the project manager and Sawyer and architects met to discuss courthouse renovations which will begin March 1.’¢ Heard bids for paving the J. Joel Edwards Library parking lot should be opened by commissioners March 20.’¢ Heard the county’s financial team is working with departments on a proposed budget for the fiscal year to start July 1.’¢ Approved a new alcohol license for retail sales for beer and wine for Pratik D. Raval at Jake and Gianella’s Food Mart. The store was recently purchased by new owners.