Richmond Hill City Manager Mike Melton has been elected vice chair of the growth management organization being established in connection with the expected influx of military personnel and related people.
Additionally, Pembroke City Planner Wynn Carney will serve as a representative on the team.
Liberty County Commission Chairman John McIver chairs the group. The temporary steering committee, led by McIver, includes Melton as vice chairman, Faye Hussey (Tattnall County) as secretary and Mike Riddle (Long County) as treasurer.
This committee will be responsible for composing the bylaws and budget and organizing the daily operational details.
"We’ve got to get everyone on the same sheet of music. There is no time to waste," McIver said.
Michael Wilson of the Defense Department’s Office of Economic Adjustment said the application process for federal funding can be done in phases. Commitment documents from all the jurisdictions affected by Fort Stewart need to be included with application. Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission chief Sonny Timmerman will draft the resolutions and memoranda of understanding to be signed by participants at their council meetings and have them back by the end of August.
One major item of discussion was the cost to each participant, which was discussed at 10 percent matching funds, and an estimated budget has been presented.
There is not yet a director for the operation and the first meeting included discussion of the potential salary, duties, and hiring method for that position. A full time assistant to the director will also be needed. The consultant’s role was discussed to help insure there are no overlaps in work already completed.
In addition, they will be responsible for completing tasks as directed according to the scope of work set forth by the committee.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 29, at 9 a.m. in the LCPC conference room with the temporary steering committee.
- special to the Bryan County News