FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – County Commissioners put a long-standing issue between the county, Toll Brothers and the Forsyth Water and Sewer Authority behind them by unanimous approval of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Thursday.

County Attorney Ken Jarrard said the agreement is a win-win-win for all parties. Actually, it could be considered a winX4 since the agreement not only pleases the signatories, but the residents of the nearby subdivision who will get a new park in the bargain.

The county purchased Parkstone Water Reclamation Facility and the 18.2 acres it sits on for $2.5 million — $546,000 for the acreage — and held it in a trust for the Water and Sewer Authority. Toll Brothers held a first right of refusal. Under the MOU, however, Toll Brothers agrees to give up its right so long as the county builds a park and recreation facility on the property. Also, since the facility was held in trust for the Authority, the county agrees to reimburse the Authority for the amount of the land, $546,000.

In other business, the Board elected District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills as Chairman for 2021. District 1 Commissioner Molly Cooper will serve as vice chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John will serve as secretary.

Commissioners unanimously approved an extension of the Family First Coronavirus Relief Act that expired Dec. 31 until March 2021.

EMA Director Chris Grimes provided an update of the COVID-19 situation. Gov. Brian Kemp extended his executive regarding who may receive the vaccine last week to include those 65 years of age an up as well as firefighters and law enforcement officer.

Grimes said Georgia Public Health Departments began taking appointments but they filled up fast. The problem Gaines added is there are not enough people to administer the vaccine.

“That’s been holding us back,” he said. “We’re looking to help DPH expand their capabilities and we have received approval for our paramedics and fire department to assist in dispensing the vaccine.”

The Board unanimously approved a Finance Department request to make an application to the U.S. Department of Treasury to participate in the federal government’s Rental Assistance Program. If the application is accepted the issue will come back to the Board of Commissioners for final approval.

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, commissioners approved a county-Initiated request to conduct around the clock business hours in warehouses/offices totaling 279,562 sq. ft. in Corporate Court and an amendment to zoning conditions requested ty Eagle Land Group Inc. that a 50 foot buffer be reduced to 40 feet to allow for a backyard pool.

They also held a first public hearing on proposed changes to the alcohol ordinance regarding server permits. Staff recommended an increase in the permit fee from $25 to $50 but, if approved following a second public hearing, servers will only have to renew the permit every two years. In the past anyone convicted of a felony would not be eligible to receive a permit. If the change is adopted, the felony conviction would have to have occurred in the last five years.