Commissioners concur with multiple annexations, reflect on life of past Chairman

WARNER ROBINS — The Houston County Commissioners made multiple annexations and reflected on the life of former Chairman Ned Sanders in the most recent meeting. 

The Commissioners heard from Reverend Andrew Howe of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church. Howe said the church has been in Warner Robins since 1980 and started in a funeral home off Houston Road. 

“We have a mission of connecting people to Jesus here in the community,” he said. 

Howe mentioned one of the ways of connection is a partnership with Shirley Hills Elementary School. 

“Every Tuesday during the school year, we have an after-school program,” he said. “We go and bus the kids over and work with them for a few hours in academics and also share the love of Christ with them.” 

Even though Mount Calvary does not have a food pantry of their own, Howe said they partner with other churches. The church also works with Family Promise and other ministries throughout the community. 

Howe shared that several of the men in the congregation at Mount Calvary are Gideons, an organization that, according to its website, has a rich history of “associating together.”

“We’ve always viewed ourselves as rather than starting something new to partner in,  ways that we can partner with our friends and allies in the county, and we love this place and it’s a joy to be here,” he said. 

Commissioners then shared their thanks to Reverend Howe. 

“I appreciate everything you do. I love the partnerships between church, school and the Gideons is a powerful ministry,” Commissioner Shane Gottwals said. 

“I admire your spirit in engagement and engaging with things that are already going on in our community, not trying to reinvent the wheel, and I think that is the same thing that Jesus did when He was here,” Chairman Dan Perdue said. 

On to new business as the Commissioners concurred with four annexations, two from the City of Perry and two from the City of Warner Robins.  The annexations in Perry will be located off of South Highway 341, covering 42.89 acres, and located off Main Street covering 22.5 acres. The annexations in Warner Robins are located at 1279 S. Houston Lake Road covering 1.1 acres and 120 Kennel Drive covering 22.97 acres.

One citizen from Perry voiced his concerns about both of the annexations in Perry.  

The citizen said Main Street and Highway 341 accesses a two lane road and mentioned there will be heavy traffic in result to the concurrence of both annexation requests. 

The citizen also said the upcoming Veteran Affairs Clinic located on Main Street will also be affected by these annexations. 

“Traffic, safety concerns and no sidewalks in that area for the kids to transit to Rozer Park,” the citizen said. 

Chairman Dan Perdue said they stand ready and willing to help both the City of Perry and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) with improvements that may need to be implemented in that area. 

A Warner Robins resident who lives near the annexed property at 120 Kennel Drive shared his concerns. He said the purchaser of the land intends to build 182 units on half of the 22 acres and will be three stories high. 

“Should the county concur to the annexation, we’re looking at an overpopulation in a small area with dangerous congestive traffic, schools that are already overcrowded, more artificial light and noise,” he said. 

Overall, the citizen was not against the annexation, but was concerned what the landowner might do with it. 

Towards the end of the meeting, Commissioners and members of the Board expressed their thoughts on former Chairman Ned Sanders who passed away recently. 

“I could go on all day about what [Sanders] has done for this county. He is a great man and leader; no doubt in my mind this county wouldn’t be where it is today without his leadership so I’m very thankful for him and what he has done,” Commissioner Tal Talton said. 

“I also want to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Sanders family on the loss of former Chairman Ned Sanders,” Commissioner Mark Byrd said. “While he may have been small in stature, his presence was large from the football field, at the Citadel to Houston County, Georgia, and we are better off because of him.” 

“It was an honor and a privilege to serve with him as he was a terrific Chairman of Houston County and a terrific person,” Commissioner Gail Robinson said. “We are very much going to miss Ned Sanders and we wish his family well. 

Director of Administration Robbie Dunbar also shared a few words about Ned Sanders. 

“He is a man with integrity and character. He meant what he said and said what he meant. He had a big heart and served his county well,” he said. 

County Attorney Tom Hall then shared his words on Ned Sanders. 

“He was very meticulous about details and that usually makes an attorney pretty happy,” he said. “I really enjoy his friendship and his leadership, and it was excellent.” 

The next Houston County Commissioners meeting will be held October 1, at 9 am. At the Houston County Courthouse on 201 Perry Parkway. 

To view the meeting agenda, go to houstoncountyga.gov/commissioner/meeting-minutes.cms