Gary Solomon spoke during the public input portion of the Appling County Commissioners monthly meeting held on Tuesday, June 2. Solomon stated that his personal agenda was to be an advocate for the youth of the community. He stated that in 1998 the City of Baxley applied for and was granted a Community Development Block Grant to renovate the Baxley City Gym. According to Solomon, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs states that the facility must be used for its intended purposes. When the city received the grant it was based upon the belief that the facility would be used as a youth facility.

Solomon encouraged board members to work to complete the facility and use it for its intended purposes. He has been running a volunteer program where at risk youth can come to the gym to participate in basketball, various games, etc. Solomon stated that from October 2007 through 2008 over 1,300 kids signed in during the volunteer program and he added that this shows there is a need in the community.

Solomon also stated that he has tried to address some of these issues with the Appling County Recreation Board, but reported that this board has not been meeting on a regular basis. He also stated that he would like to start a summer food program and would like to get permission to do it at the gym.

After he finished discussing the city gym, Solomon expressed some concern about the Ernest J. Parker Park and the way SPLOST funds had been used to renovate the park. Specifically, Solomon stated that original plans called for an exterior restroom was to be added at the park. He stated that the county had decided to renovate the old bathroom facility at the ball field, which in his opinion was not the right thing to do. He stated that the restroom facilities are away from the rest of the park and are not handicap accessible.

“We exhausted the funds (for the park) the wrong way,” said Solomon.

Commissioner Theodore Wilkerson asked what ways Solomon he could have done any better and asked if there was anything he liked about the park.

Solomon replied that he liked the new playground equipment.

Wilkerson added that Solomon complains about the projects in the park, and added that most people he has talked to about the park are happy with it.

Other business

County Manager Lee Lewis updated board members on the status of the FY2010 Budget. Lewis stated that the county would file for an extension this year. He reported that revenues are inline with FY2008. Lewis was granted approval from board members to seek out ways to diversify some county funds by placing funds into short-term securities and/or interest bearing accounts. The manager also suggested that the commissioners consider look at leasing equipment in the future.

Manager Lewis also reported an issue at Lake Mayers with leeches. He stated that several citizens had reported having small leeches on them after coming out the water. It was suggested to the manager to add grass carp to help the problem.