Fayette County now has a transportation committee – but there are no members yet.
The body was created by the Board of Commissioners at its Dec. 10 regular meeting. The ordinance creating the committee identified the following items among its multi-fold purpose:
• Identify traffic problems in the county.
• Provide recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for short-and long-term priorities.
• Provide input on project alignments and alternatives.
• Assist with identification of funding sources, solicitation of federal funds, grants, etc.
• Assist with coordination of projects between the county and municipalities.
• Provide appropriate focus on projects to ensure accountability of staff and consultants.
• Provide recommendations for long-term goals.
• Identify and support safety initiatives.
• Assemble information and facilitate communication of the county’s views and concerns to the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Atlanta Regional Commission.
“It is the intent of the Board of Commissioners that the Fayette County Transportation Committee fully explore traffic issues and provide information and recommendations to staff and the elected officials,” according to a county staff report.
Commissioner Randy Ognio said he presented the idea because he has been concerned about “a lack of planning for the future,” adding that he didn’t consider it a transportation committee as much as a traffic committee.
“I think we as a county and the municipalities need to work together on some of these things. We grow together and we should plan together for the future,” he said.
“We should take a common message from Fayette County to the ARC, state and federal agencies when we ask for funding for projects. This is just my way of getting some kind of unification. This is very much needed and I hope it will help Fayette County move forward.”
Commissioner Steve Brown had also reviewed Ognio’s plan beforehand and made some minor changes which Ognio said were good ones.
The final ordinance calls for 12 members on the committee, down from the 18 that were previously suggested. The county’s other municipalities can make their designated appointments as they see fit, whether they be elected officials or private citizens.
Brown moved to adopt the ordinance and it passed 5-0. County Attorney Dennis Davenport pointed out during the discussion phase that the resolution could become effective immediately but separate action would still be required to populate the committee. Brown’s motion reflected a 60-day window for that to take place.
Later in the meeting, county administrator Steve Rapson advised the board to go ahead and name a two-member selection committee for its appointments to this new body, just as the commissioners typically do for other appointments. Brown said he would not be serving on the selection committee because he would be applying to be a transportation committee member.
