Frequent county commission critic Lynda Morse went before the board on Tuesday to point out some of the things she sees happening in Bryan County.
Some of them were even good things.
"I came across the county’s purposes for agreements in 1995, to determine how decisions would be made on things like ordinances, rules, regulations, subdivisions, etc.," she said. "And I came across a lot of things that I hope nobody has lost sight of."
She pointed to things like the agreement to protect the natural and scenic resources of Bryan County.
"Unfortunately, some of our developers seem to have lost sight of that sometimes," she said.
She said there has been more recent attention paid to things like the prevention and reduction of traffic hazards and ensuring that drainage systems are constructed in ways that won’t affect the natural drainage system of surrounding properties. While she said this attention might be a little late, it is still an improvement.
Another improvement she noted is the county’s agreement to ensure the timely completion of subdivision improvements.
"I know you are all addressing that with Demeries Lake subdivision right now," she said.
Morse’s main concern was regarding the prevention of development in Bryan County that is unsuitable for residential or commercial uses due to soil, wetland or drainage characteristics.
"You all know we have a horrible time with that," she said. "There seems to be a little bit of halt down on the South end with that issue and I think it’s worse down there because of our water."
Finally, she pointed to preserving the environmental, historical and character of Bryan County. "I’ve been trying to do what I can out in Ellabell … I think that’s kind of a mistalked about area, which is going to be a thoroughfare very soon," she said. "People need to start respecting it more."Commissioner Rick Gardner said the county can learn from its improvements and work to make more of them.
"I’ve learned some things out in my district," he said. "I’ve been trying to work with the residents, and if you listen to them, sometimes against the residents. Sometimes, they just don’t want the change."
Morse finished up her public comments by thanking the commission for what they’re doing. She said she hopes to keep seeing things getting better in Bryan County.
Commission Chairman Jimmy Burnsed said the county is always working to do its best and thanked her for her input.