Resident urges denial of cell-tower permit; commissioners discuss chickens and a mobile behavioral-health clinic

Three members of the public spoke during the Nov. 4 Ben Hill County commissioners meeting, raising concerns about a cell-tower site, county rules for backyard chickens and the arrival of a mobile behavioral-health clinic.

Robbie Ash of 267 Nora Morris Road said he submitted a personal petition asking the board to deny any permit application to place another tower on the site where one was recently demolished on his property. "The agreement is solely between me and the Tower Company; I have lived with Tower for 30 years," Ash said, and he offered to help the company find an alternative location. Chairman Hal Wiley later told the board that commissioners have been speaking with Mr. Ash and that staff are "on top of the situation." The minutes record no formal action on the tower permit at the meeting.

Larry Carelock of 1319 River Road asked what the county planned to do about chickens, saying owners need clearer information and that his concern applies to residents who live outside city limits. Chairman Wiley said the county did not previously allow chickens in residential county zones and that Planning and Zoning recommended adopting the city's rule to make allowances equal for county residents; Wiley described the measure as proactive.

Ashley Praine, Community Partnership Coordinator for Behavioral Health, said the local Community Service Board is launching a mobile clinic and is "just looking for location to park during the day." Praine said the clinic will provide free hygiene supplies, therapy sessions and nursing assessments; Vice-Chair Hope Harmon referenced the mobile clinic in commissioner remarks but the minutes do not record a formal authorization or assigned parking location.

The meeting record shows these were public-comment items; the board provided brief responses but took no formal votes related to the concerns raised.