The meeting also addressed the contentious rezone application for Hog Island, which proposed the transformation into a private luxury residential community with 22 waterfront lots. A commissioner raised concerns about the burden of providing county services like fire suppression and trash collection to the island. The applicant’s representative, Mr. Kennedy, assured that discussions with staff had begun to address these complexities. The Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning application, and the staff also favored the request.

Additionally, the council tackled the issue of fee waivers for ambulance services during the Southern Outlaw Drag Boat Association event. Mitch Atwell, representing the organization, appealed for financial assistance, highlighting the event’s potential to draw hundreds of visitors to the county. A council member suggested that Atwell return with cost details for further discussion, while another offered to help find additional sponsors.

The appointment to the Value Adjustment Board was another topic of discussion. The council voted in favor of appointing Julie Masters to the board and reaffirmed the practice of having the chairman and vice chairman serve post-chair change in November.

The council approved the termination of the St. John’s Avenue multi-use trail project, a decision made by the Public Works department. Further discussions included a correction to a payment amount for Georgia Pacific’s plant expansion incentive and the approval of procurement for the Crescent City Library roof repair.

Public comments varied, with Alan Creel and Elliot Kane supporting the Memorial Bridge lighting project, while Dan Steel raised road condition concerns. The council also heard updates on the countywide cleanup from Nicole Grace of Keep Putnam Beautiful and received no additional updates from Clerk Matt Reynolds and County Attorney Rich Commando.

Lastly, the council recognized various proclamations and presentations, including the designation of May 2024 as both Mental Health Awareness and Historic Preservation Month. A presentation by Sam Car highlighted the Barttram Trail and the upcoming Barttram Frolic event, while Amanda Hayes was introduced as the new District Aid for Representative Pay. The council also acknowledged Colonel Joe Wells as Man of the Year with the American Boy Scouts and received an update from Nancy Russo of SMA Healthcare.