Commissioners allow metal-detecting at Sunny Meadows, direct committee to pursue lease options

DeKalb County Commissioners on March 30 approved two related actions to advance preservation and reuse of Sunny Meadows.

The board voted 3–0 to allow two individuals to conduct metal-detecting on the county home property, provided they sign a liability waiver and a contractual agreement that assigns liability and requires restoration of disturbed ground. “Make that amended motion,” a commissioner said when the waiver and contractual assignment were added; the board then approved the amended motion.

Separately, the commission heard a presentation from W. Riggs, a member of the Sunny Meadows committee, who summarized demonstrations by preservation organizations and recommended leasing rather than selling or demolishing the property. Riggs told commissioners that presenters showed leases ranging from about 10 to 55 years and that typical agreements require lessees to maintain and improve the buildings. “Leasing was the way to go,” he said, adding that leasing could be structured so lessees make required repairs and the county retains ownership.

Commissioners discussed practical concerns, including ADA compliance, insurance responsibilities and who will drive outreach to potential lessees. The board voted 3–0 to allow the committee to continue pursuing lease options and to prepare an RFI/RFP to solicit interested parties; commissioners emphasized they would review any RFP before final approval.

The motions require the metal-detectors to submit findings to the county and to schedule their fieldwork so the county can be informed and manage any public-safety concerns. Commissioners also asked staff to draft the liability and contractual language and to return the RFI/RFP for review.

The committee said leasing could bring tourism and revenue to the area while protecting the historic asset. Commissioners said they want the work to proceed quickly and to avoid long delays in securing a lessee.