At the regular county commission for May, commissioners recognized Lisa Gillis, Clerk of Court, who was chosen by her peers as the First District Clerk of the Year.
Gillis was appointed Clerk of Court in 2019 and faced numerous challenges upon taking over the position. “She has done an outstanding job for us and the community. This is very deserved,” said county administrator Wesley Vickers.
“This is an honor to serve the citizens of Coffee County. Thank y’all,” said Gillis.
“I appreciate Ms. Lisa. She is more than a clerk to me. She’s one of my dearest friends. She does an excellent job. She’s a prayer partner to me. I know the citizens of Coffee County are proud of you. This is well deserved,” said Commissioner Johnny Wayne Jowers.
“We’ve had a long relationship – from court to clerk. From the beginning of this venture that you began – folks don’t know the work you’ve had to put in to modernize that office and bring it to where it is currently. You have been on the forefront of those changes. The victories have been substantial but not well recognized. I’m going to tell you – job well done. Thank you very much,” said county attorney Tony Rowell.
Commissioners also approved a resolution instituting a one-year moratorium on high energy operations that may want to locate in Coffee County – data centers, cryptocurrency and block chain mines, and the like. These facilities have been controversial in other communities. While Coffee County hasn’t had a data center proposed, the city has had one crypto mine and another attempted to come into the county without proper approval. “The moratorium is designed to give staff an opportunity to research and try to get a better understanding of the impact that these types of facilities could have on community. There are ample cases presently where these have had negative impacts on communities. You have to have the structure in place and the ability to receive them if it’s going to be a suitable match for a particular community. So the moratorium’s for one year, the resolution addresses all the issues and the property explains the reason for the moratorium,” said Rowell.
Commissioners unanimously approved the moratorium.
Among the other items the commission approved were:
- A one-year certificate of deposit with Colony Bank at 4.08 percent;
- The purchase of a new 4-H van from Fitzgerald Ford for $58,548;
- The engineering contract for the LRA resurfacing projects for $45,809 with Statewide;
- An alcohol license for Kalpesh Patel at 1790 Ramblewood Road;
- A rezoning application for Caitlyn O’Steen for three acres at 2435 Douglas-Broxton Highway from R2, Residential to C, Commercial, for a bungee fitness gym. Commissioner Ted O’Steen abstained from voting on this item.
- Putting two vehicles – a 2010 Dodge Durango and a 2008 Ford Escape – on Govdeals.com.
Commissioners rejected a rezoning application from Johnny Day for 5.32 acres located at 5407 Highway 32 West from AG, Agriculture and C, Commercial to W LI, Warehouse Light Industrial. The purpose of the rezoning would be to build storage buildings on the property. The Planning Commission had approved the request but county staff disagreed and recommended rejecting the request. No one spoke either in favor or against the rezoning. Commissioners unanimously rejected the request.
