The Commission had been asked by representatives of the Sons of Confederate Veterans to fly the flag – which is not the familiar Stars and Bars Confederate battle flag – on June 3, Confederate Memorial Day.

County Attorney Barrett Painter has researched the matter and spoke to the Commission at its meeting Thursday.

Painter told commissioners he has submitted a written report on the issue but said “he believes granting the request would pass a constitutional challenge in court if the resolution were worded correctly.”

He said the motion should read that the flag would be flown in memory of Meigs County Confederate soldiers who served during the Civil War and should indicate the flag is to fly only on June 3, Confederate Memorial Day, as recognized as a state holiday.

The Commission has not yet taken action to approve a motion for the request. Following the meeting, County Executive Ken Jones announced it has been mutually agreed that Painter will cease to represent Meigs County as its county attorney, effective July 31.

“This was the will of the Commission to change attorneys and was a mutual agreement between myself, the board and Mr. Painter. A new county attorney will be in place by Aug. 1,” Jones said.

Said Chairman Brad McKenzie, “This is not a reflection on Mr. Painter as a professional, but we have come to think there are others available who would be a better fit (for our needs).” In other action, the Commission:

•Approved a motion 9-1 to approve a zoning change from FAR (Forestry, Agriculture, Residential) to WF (Water Front) on approximately 5.2 acres belonging to Fred Edgemon. The property is located on Craig Lane off Armstrong Road and the zoning change was recommended by the Planning Commission. The change will allow Edgemon to sell camping sites but the property will not be used for permanent structures, such as homes.

Commissioner Janet McKenzie voted against the motion and Commissioners Danny Smith and Carter Nelson were absent.

•Approved unanimously notary/surety bonds for Donna Gray, Robert Greene and Mary Evelyn Perkinson.

•Approved a motion to allow the Board of Planning and Zoning Appeals to charge a $45 fee to individuals who file a zoning appeal that requires newspaper advertisement. Previously, the county has paid this expense.

The motion was passed 7-2 with Commissioners Betty Davis and Janet McKenzie voting against it.

•Unanimously approved a motion by Davis that requires the Commission to be notified of monthly meetings by mail.

•Approved the annual Trustee’s report from July 2002 through June 2003 as submitted by Trustee Carolyn Wattenbarger.

•Agreed to take into budget hearings a request from the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) for $5,000 to help it retain its therapist.

• Email: jhroyster@xtn.net

© July 18, 2003, The Daily Post-Athenian