After revisiting the discussion of an amendment to the Lowndes County Civic Center’s rental agreement to include a ‘no alcohol’ policy on the property for the second time during a Lowndes County Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioners unanimously approved the no alcohol policy for the Civic Center.

Lowndes County has been attempting to reach a solution to the alcohol-related issues at the Civic Center for three years, according to County Manager Joe Pritchard, but a recent, constant string of violence and noise complaints as it relates to alcohol caused the County to take a stricter approach and prohibit alcohol altogether from the premises.

“Upon investigation, most issues have been related to the serving and consumption of alcohol on the civic center grounds. By controlling alcohol consumption, we hope to address the noise problems,” said Pritchard.

Concerned citizen and local business owner Logan Birdsong said the no alcohol policy is a great start and can be even more successfully implemented if promoters holding events at the Civic Center are held responsible for any alcohol brought on the Lowndes County Civic Center’s property.

The request of the Lake Park Church of Christ to be able to connect to County sewer and Lake Park water if the property is annexed into the city limits of Lake Park was met with two motions. The first motion by Commissioner G. Robert Carter, to approve the request, died due to lack of a second. A motion was then made by Commissioner Richard Lee to enter into agreement with the Lake Park Church of Christ if the Church takes Lowndes County water and sewer services; the request was approved 2-1 (Carter).

During appointments, Lu Williams was reappointed to the Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful Board.

The public hearing item for a decorative special lighting district for 89 lots at Quarterman Crossing on Quarterman Road was unanimously approved.

For Consideration

- Beer and Wine License for Smokin’ Pig BBQ at 4228 North Valdosta Road; unanimously approved

- 800 MHz Rebanding - Miller & Van Eaton, Engagement Letter; unanimously approved

- Quitclaim Deed for Ezelle Road; unanimously approved

- Design Contract for Interconnection of Water Systems Kinderlou and North Lowndes; unanimously approved to Watkins and Associates for $963,612

- Surplus Vehicles from Sheriff’s Office; unanimously approved

- Siemens renewal contract for the Judicial Complex; unanimously approved for a five-year renewal service agreement

- Resolution ratifying award of a contract for Potato Roll Lane road, drainage, water, sewer improvements, and sewer pump station and controls project; unanimously approved