Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
7 November 2023
Chair Connie Howell asked County Executive (CE) to address the provided handout which included an index for Putnam County’s 68-page subdivision development rules and also included Putnam’s Ten Easy Steps to Subdivision Development. The CE indicated the full 68 pages were available on line, included such items as drawings, road composition, tower regulations among others, and covered other areas such as utilities not just highway.
The Chair asked Malcolm Moore to offer a prayer and lead the pledge. The minutes of 3 October 2023 were moved for approval by Scott Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Erin Curry, and were approved unanimously.
New Business – The CE stated that both he and the Chair are receiving considerable number of calls with interest in development in this area. Additionally, Putman County is also a growing county and using other county benchmarks should be helpful. Putman, like Giles, has no zoning, but does have a Planning Director, and had a professional firm help with defining the subdivision rules for the county. The CE noted that all plats as well as other requests on subdivisions come to that Planning Director. The CE then stated that without having a Planning Director for Giles should that then be himself to field the questions, and/or the Chair for the Planning Commission. The Chair noted that she s no expertise in this area and relies heavily on the Road Superintendent Barry Hyatt. Commissioner Erin Curry commented that she too had received questions and for tonight had invited Robert Brindley, Jr., to come to the meeting for some needed answers. The CE noted that he would be adding a Regional Planning Commission page when the County Website is upgraded. Scott Stewart suggested that if we do a checklist for subdividing then the title might start with defining a subdivision since the state says 5 acres and the county’s subdivision addresses the subdivision’s road requirement meeting the county’s road specifications. The Chair asked that each member review the Putnam County on-line rules and provide comments at the next planning meeting. Mr. Brindley described some on-going development for a “live off the grid” development where all the lots have been sold, and Mr. Stewart said unless a county road is involved, and with no zoning in the county, they will not have to submit a subdivision plat.
Old Business – No December meeting. Next meeting 2 January 2024. Mr. Brindley asked about getting on future agendas and CE said one week’s notice is necessary to ensure adequate public notice of Regional Planning Commission agenda.
Motion to adjourn was made by Scott Stewart, seconded by John Haislip, and was approved unanimously.
ATTENDEES: Members of the Commission – Chair Connie Howell, Malcolm Moore, Kristen Pfeiffer, Scott Stewart, John Haislip, (absent Tamieka Russell, Bill Myers and Tommy Pope) Commissioner Members –Erin Curry, Annelle Guthrie, (absent Terry Jones,) Other Commissioners attending: David Adams, Other: County Executive Graham Stowe Public: Robert Brindley Jr., Pat Byrd
