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January 5, 2012/Cumming, GA—Forsyth County Board of Commissioners began the New Year by voting District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff as its new chairman, formerly held by District 2 Commissioner Brian Tam, while retaining District 4 Commissioner Patrick Bell as Vice Chairman. The 3-2 votes set the stage for efforts to equalize the authority by which the Chairman of the BOC operates. The BOC also voted unanimously to draft new language of Rules and Procedures for 2012 restricting any unique authority given or extended by the chairman concerning BOC business.

How commissioners use their authority was a common theme throughout the evening’s agenda. “Congratulations on a peaceful transition,” former Commissioner David Richard addressed the board. “Remember to listen to one another before the meetings and allow everyone to have a say. I hope this is a ‘watch word’ in Forsyth County.”

 The evening’s focus may have begun with Commissioner Bell reading a Resolution of Commendation to Cindy J. Mills, recognizing her 11 years of service at Forsyth Parks and Recreation. Although later, Mills stood before the board to express dismay over what she deemed ‘unnecessary use of tax payers’ money for lawyers to review the Parks and Recreation department.’

“I think it’s a bunch of to-do about nothing. It’s a hypocrisy that some big discovery of savings to the public,” Mills admonished the board. “There was not one complaint. You created all this by yourself. Report to the public how much you spent on this issue.” Outside the board meeting, Mills said she believed the review was a way to ‘find a loop hole’ so they can change management for the Parks and Recreation to the county manager.

Mills left the meeting before District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent reported that the review dating back to 1995 is “not to change but to see why things were done.” Whether the BOC was considering shifting management of facilities--as part of modifications of rules and regulations-- drew further comments from the floor.

Bill Moats spoke on behalf of six youth sports associations: Midway, Central, Bennett, Coal Mountain, Sharon Springs, and Sawnee Mountain. “I represent six parks and about eight thousand participants and we ‘oppose the BOC getting involved in the day to day decisions,” Moats continued. “Field space is limited; written agreements with outside groups are in place; and BOC involvement would ‘minimize value of those connections. “

Commissioner Bell explained later that confusion over who would manage the field stemmed from the December 6^th work session but that the discussion was modified after another meeting held December 27^th during the holidays. Bell assured that no formal action had occurred and that the board would serve only to review and ratify the P & R recommendations.

“This BOC will not be able to make its own decisions (regarding P & R operations). Put power back to the P & R with only ratification duties,” Bell explained.  A second public hearing was then set for February to unveil a newly structured ordinance concerning this issue.

Among other business, the BOC approved the appointment of Forsyth resident, Kimberly Brown, to the Parks and Recreation Board, District 3 position left vacant. Brown has been active in the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Boosters as well as a Forsyth Chamber of Commerce member.