Fayette County Commissioner Steve Brown got his wish Thursday night.
County Commission Chairman Herb Frady appointed Brown to serve in his place on a committee that meets once a month with county staff about SPLOST-funded transportation projects.
The other committee member is Commissioner Lee Hearn, the county’s former director of public works.
Brown asked to either be appointed to the committee, or for the county to advertise it as a commission meeting since he wanted to attend. Had Brown attended a committee meeting with two commissioners present, it would’ve met the legal requirements for a full commission meeting with three voting members present.
County Manager Jack Krakeel said that the committee discusses updates on various SPLOST transportation projects and their progress. Hearn explained that much of the discussion involves design issues, such as whether or not to use a roundabout or a traffic signal at a given intersection.
Brown argued that he wanted to attend the meetings to represent the best interests of himself and Commissioner Allen McCarty, both of whom have vigorously opposed construction of the West Fayetteville Bypass with SPLOST funds.
“I just would like to attend so I can get updates on what’s going on,” Brown said.
In appointing Brown, Frady noted that he has been unable to attend the committee meetings anyway. In fact, he questioned the need for such a committee, since it put commissioners in a position to influence staff’s position on a variety of issues.
“We have a committee set up to make recommendations, and they don’t need to be influenced by me or anyone else,” Frady said.
Brown said he didn’t plan to influence anyone in his role on the committee.
As Frady clarified the unofficial appointment of Brown to the post, he reminded Brown that he was “not to run the meeting.”
“I will definitely try not to run the meeting,” Brown said.
“I will remember that promise,” Frady replied.
Generally present at the monthly SPLOST meetings are the county’s consulting engineer, transportation engineer, public works director, finance director, county manager and other support staff as necessary, Krakeel said.
