Contract with Clerici’s company renewed for one year

Thursday, November 10. 2011

The county’s contract with Don Clerici’s engineering firm, BM&K, will be renewed for one year after a motion by commissioner Dwain Smith to renew the contract for only three months failed Monday night.

The contract also calls for a four percent increase in the fees charged by the company. There is an “opt-out” clause that would allow the county or the company to end its relationship with 30 days notice.

Smith had made a motion, that was seconded by Tom Crow, that a three-month extension of the contract be approved in order to give the new county manager time to review it. This motion also included the provision that there be no four percent fee increase. Chairman Hunter Bicknell and commissioners Chas Hardy and Bruce Yates voted against the motion.

Smith said is “not right” for company to get four percent increase when regular county employees are not getting a salary increase and have furlough days.
“I don’t see getting a four percent increase in salary for a consultant or contractor when our county employees haven’t had a salary increase in four or five years,” Smith said. “It’s just not right…It’s not right for one group to get a raise and another group not to.”

Chairman Bicknell said the four percent increase would not necessarily go towards salaries. He said it could go toward other expenses.

Hardy asked if the county had compared the costs of other engineering firms in the area. Leonard said this has been done and BMK is lower on every item for comparable services.

Smith questioned some of the specific charges from the company, including $17,000 in engineering fees for a concrete pad and fence.

“We need to take a good, hard look at this,” he said.

Yates asked if the BOC could move forward on the agenda.

“Chairman, can we move on,” he asked Bicknell.

Smith responded, “This is pretty important.”

Bicknell said, “The motion (for a three month extension) failed.”

Smith added that he will continue to bring up costs from the company and other information in future meetings.

“I will be having discussions and figures at upcoming meetings as to how much we have spent,” he said.

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#1 Unbelievable on 11/10/11 at 09:38 PM [Reply]

This is unbelievable!!! Bicknell should resign IMMEDIATELY and go away! He is trying to act like the 4% is not a raise, but for other expenses. PLEASE!!! The employees of this county should all be OUTRAGED that there is even a MENTION of giving someone who made a million dollars last year a frigging raise when the county employees are losing a day's pay every frigging month and haven't had a raise for several years! And the employees cost for insurance has gone UP!!!!
I promise you this, when you frigging people are on the ballot again running for ANYTHING, you will not get votes from employees of this county. I hope Bicknell loses whatever he is running for,and goes and hide his head in the sand and takes the rest of the commissioners with him!!!!! Remember this... Employees of this county are voters too and they have family and friends that vote and those family and friends have family and friends that vote.It trickles down. Just remember that!! So you idiots go ahead and have your fun, because it won't be long till you are GONE!!!

#1.1 joe roy on 11/12/11 at 08:14 AM [Reply]

Go away Bicknell, We dont want you to keep messing up our county. And please, take the rest with you. BYE

#1.2 JustPlainOldBob on 11/13/11 at 10:25 AM [Reply]

The common theme is no one really cares anymore about how our government is ran. We complain about it but do nothing. Just complain.

Join me at the polls to exercise our one way of speaking that would be voting.

I also think it is high time Jackson County citizens formed a watch dog group over the monies spent. The good old boy days needs to end.

I am sick of paying such over priced taxes and getting nothing in return but waste and to see the cronies do the good old boy slaps on the back. Affectionately speaking we are getting the Screws put to us.

#2 your joking right? on 11/10/11 at 10:15 PM [Reply]

If these county employees are feed-up with not getting their annual pay raise every year, maybe they should go look for a new job. Is it not enough for these people to be thankful that they have job when a lot of people don't. If Smith and Crow are the champions of your cause, just sit tight. They will get around to scewing you too.

#2.1 Jack Martin on 11/11/11 at 07:36 AM [Reply]

I can assure you that all the county employees are thankful to have a job, what they are not thankful for is people like you who support misuse of county funds. Maybe you should look into the tax dollars that BM&K was paid each year! Why should BM&K and his employees reap benefits that Jackson County employees don't! Everyone who has a job this day and time should be and most are thankful for the job but it does not mean that they like everything their employer does. Maybe you work for BM&K and that is why you defend them reaping those benefits. What benefit do you as a tax payer receive from the services of BM&K? Does he protect you or your family? Does he or his employees issue you permits, certificates, tags or do any type of service for you and your family? NO, the only people who benefit from his services are those who don't want to do the job themselves. If his company is so important to Jackson County then why is it not a "county" office. He has a building, IT support and other benefits provided by the county but he and his employees don't suffer the "downs" of being a county employee.

#3 Do Not Forget on 11/11/11 at 07:30 AM [Reply]

I find it odd that now Mr. Clerici and his company are getting Millions of $$$$ for doIng the EXACT same job he was originally doing and hired for as a regular Jackson County employee (County Engineer) at less than $80K a year. Just plain weird. Wonder why no one even cares or is otherwise concerned.

#4 WT&F consulting on 11/11/11 at 01:32 PM [Reply]

Maybe employees need to play the game better. How about instead of asking for a cost of living raise, they ask for an increase in pay for overhead expenses (mortgage) and subcontracting services (daycare). That way it won't be a raise. Totally different right?

#4.1 HA! on 11/11/11 at 03:41 PM [Reply]

Well played sir, well played.

#5 good ole boy on 11/11/11 at 09:20 PM [Reply]

County employees really don't need a raise or better benefits.These employees are not special they just take of the business of the county , make sure roads are clear from the ice storms, what ever else might hold up trtaffic,heck some of these ungrateful employees even save a life or two.Let some employee say something to or about one of these famous gonna take care of yall commission members wow just think what happens.So tonight when your in your bed think about what if a medical emergency or bad guy breaking in who is coming to help you. answer Jackson County Employee the ungrateful but dedicated to the tax payers of Jackson county.They just put their life on the line for you.

#6 JustPlainOldBob on 11/12/11 at 07:44 AM [Reply]

Waste of money? Not sure?
So why is it on Jackson Trail the county pours a beautiful square concrete ditch, at the horse farm, then tears it up, adds a culvert, and brings a truck load of cement blocks?

We the highest paid tax payers for real estate around should question why they do a job then 6 months later rip it all out.

Waste of money? Not sure.

#7 JustPlainOldBob on 11/12/11 at 08:57 AM [Reply]

You see none of us hold the elected officials in Jackson County accountable for the way they spend OUR money.

I am sick and tired of the media trying to portray government workers as over paid and lazy. At the local level they are not paid enough for the rank in file. Higher up well bet they get the money and perks.

My opinion is the leadership is corrupt at the local, state and federal level. Wait a minute let me get off the floor laughing we all Washington is corrupt.

#7.1 REALLY???? on 11/12/11 at 12:15 PM [Reply]

you better look once at the punie checks in private sector people get not to mention our cost for benifits that lot of Govt workers get plus all the paid holidays Govt workers get that real workers dont!!!!!

so before you cry you are under paid overworked, look around at the non Govt employees who do the same thing you do for less money and less benifits and less time with pay Off!!!

then count how fortunate you are before you cry you dont get paid what your worth!!!!

#7.1.1 feadup on 11/15/11 at 06:37 PM [Reply]

really???? you employee of the mounth where you work? Somthing you sure fired up. Did they let you work the drive through?

#8 Think About It on 11/12/11 at 11:01 AM [Reply]

You sheep run to vote in SPLOST every time but then when the fallout comes you whine like 4 year old... THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE,BMK uses that $ for there pet projects.

As for the constant county employee whining it's getting old. Frankly I speak for a ton of folks that are tired of you people coming on blogs and talking about raises or complaining because someone else got a cost of living increase etc. Did it ever occur to you the BOC members and mangers read your comments ?

Stop complaining and please stop with the we are voters too garbage. Don't like your job quit because there is a long line of people who would love to have it.

The real problem county employees is all the debt Fletcher, Sammie T and Beshera and Tony Beatty and that BOC voted in.... it is still haunting us today.

#9 JustPlainOldBob on 11/14/11 at 04:16 PM [Reply]

Kinda wondering why so much work is being done on Jackson Trail Road in front of the horse farm near the Baptist Church?

What is this expense to us the taxpayer? Wonder if if it is a favor to someone?

County employees been there over a week.

#9.1 feadup on 11/15/11 at 06:29 PM [Reply]

CALL CROW BET HE WILL KNOW.SHE SAYS JUMP HE ASK HOW HIGH.THE FARMER THAT IS!!

#10 Me on 11/15/11 at 06:54 PM [Reply]

Don clerici can pay his employees $40.00 a hour and county employees get to take furlough days so commissioners think about when it snows this winter and no road dept. Employees show up for work hell call clerici maybe he will come in and earn his money for once. This good ole boy bullshit needs to stop and as for Jackson trail rd. Job ask Crowe he will know trust me.

#10.1 feadup! on 11/15/11 at 08:21 PM [Reply]

Hope it snowes knee deep to a crowes tail.Hope that bird can fly.Maybe admid could plow some snow.They get paid hear or not.Bet they cant but everybody wants to ride! Call the road dept.Ther just may be no answer this year maybe you could call REALLY!!!!IF he aint in the drive through ha ha ha!!Or clerici.Call Hardy he is soo smart see how well he can plow snow.Maybe Yates hell he dont evean know where the county lines are.Bet Smith does bet he could at least stop before he plowed in to anouther county.We work to get you to work!Us underworked county employes.

#11 concerned taxpayer on 11/16/11 at 12:35 PM [Reply]

does make one wonder what leverage Foxwood has to hold over the BOC. seems she gets anything they ask for ASAP

#12 Me on 11/16/11 at 09:19 PM [Reply]

The tax payers have paid well over 10 thousand dollars on the ditch on Jackson trail rd. And dumb Crowe oops I meant Tom Crowe said if that don't work the county will do something else. Somebody needs to grow a set of balls and say enuff on the stupid spending. Tax payers could also save a lot money if the county would kick Don Clericies ass to the curb pay him over 1 million dollars a year the hell with the buddy system take care of the employees that bust their ass every day to keep this county in great shape.

#12.1 Better yet on 11/17/11 at 07:40 AM [Reply]

Let's kick Tom "good ole boy" Crowe to the curb. The man cost us millions on a public safety training center that was to cost $700,00.

He wants to run Jackson like it is 1965 and has cost every tax payer in the county $. If you want to know why clerici is still around look no further then his good buddy Tom Crowe.

We need a whole new BOC until the currant group is removed nothing will change.

#13 JustPlainOldBob on 11/17/11 at 12:31 AM [Reply]

Foxwood:
This is a bunch of crap 10K for a freakin ditch for the good ole boy I mean girl network?

I want a rebate on my taxes.

#14 anybody hear this on 11/17/11 at 08:42 PM [Reply]

All this sounding off is good but does anyone listen or read these comments.Jackson Hearld do you read these comments? Think the Jackson Hearld would interested in looking into this spending and who is playing golf with who.What about this lowest bid system the county has
? Oh thats right you don't have to be lowest bid just be a friend to a commissioner.Bid on a piece of equipment change the specks to cheaper but get full price, thats how to make more. Of course the department head has to sign off on it , in the best interest of the commissioner THE FRIEND.

#15 JustPlainOldBob on 11/17/11 at 11:34 PM [Reply]

Challenge: Write your district commish. and the almighty one and wait till heck freezes over for a response.

Also wrote to this newspaper about the work at the Foxwood Horse farm and no response.

Hello newspaper anyone home?

#15.1 joe roy on 11/18/11 at 07:11 AM [Reply]

No response to any news but sport's. Do they not know enough is enough.Have they not anything to do but the latest sports. who cares,

#15.1.1 JH on 11/18/11 at 08:50 PM [Reply]

Wow

#16 JH on 11/18/11 at 09:00 PM [Reply]

The misinformed led by the lesser informed. Smith is a disgrace to JC; spoon fed by the “croniest” of cronies, he can't remember what he votes on. His junk on 441 is an eyesore. Yall need to go on up to DC & help Obama finish the socialist takeover of America. Once it was ok to better yourself through education & hard work. Obviously you've never put in 18-20 hrs a day to start a business or paid errors and omissions, liability & workmen’s comp insurance;self-employment taxes & employee benefits.I guess making a better life for your kids is bad now. How many years did any of you spend studying, passing exams, paying licensure fees just for the pleasure of being attacked in a newspaper blog by those that can't even spell correctly.

#16.1 JH on 11/18/11 at 09:02 PM [Reply]

Do any of you do what you do for free? It used to be American to work hard, sweat out a profit & support others through employment while providing a needed service. How dare anyone try such in Jackson County? You think a guy who can crank a tractor can manage a multi-million dollar roadway project with all the government rules, environmental laws, right of way acquisitions- the EPA, EPD and DOT. BM&K has no pet projects- they have no projects at all! Their clients have projects that require the services of professionals. JC has projects that require more expertise than someone who has a cousin who has a brother who used to know somebody that once poured a chicken house slab. BM&K is an (big word alert) Engineering Firm. They provide professional services for less money than anybody else probably because they don't build in "Idiot Tolerance Fees" for having to put up with the misinformed led by the lesser informed who lives & tries to lead from 50 years ago! If you're not happy in JC- run for office (you probably don't even vote) go find out how "easy" it is. When you climb back on your side of the fence do us a favor-go back home, turn on Jerry Springer and be quiet or go live somewhere else – like Camelot.

#16.1.1 JH on 11/18/11 at 09:04 PM [Reply]

. It would serve JC right if Mr. Clerici threw his hands up, walked away and left this county to its own devices; paying more for less to those far less committed to the success of JC. There is no telling how much money BM&K has saved Jackson County. I'm sorry Mr. Clerici. You have chosen to provide services through your courage, professional training and experience while daring to be a small business owner in 21st century America in JC, where some no longer believe in the American Dream. God bless you for trying. God help us in our ignorance.

#17 JustPlainOldBob on 11/19/11 at 07:18 PM [Reply]

WOW really an honest to goodness engineering firm WOW. Now let me spit out my tobaccy and cipher on this while I drink some shine.

Your posts are silly. You say we are all ignorant and not schooled? Let me know and I will be happy to throw down my degrees, license, resumes, and experience.

The theme on the posts are correct let the bidding system work in an honest and fair manner. Do you not think there is more than '1' such firm in Georgia?

The commissioner in my district will not even answer an email. Pure arrogance does not think he is accountable.

#17.1 JH on 11/19/11 at 09:53 PM [Reply]

Oh Bob, I know there are many Engineering Firms in Georgia - I see them all lined up everyday from the County Administration building all the way out to I85 just dying to work for JC! I assure you there isn't a silly bone in me - especially when the woods are full of those that threaten free enterprise and a man's right to work hard and reap the fruit of his labor. And I am very familiar with those in government, the private sector, professional sports, college sports, colleges, churches, medical professionals, plumbers and mechanics who seem to believe they are above accountability. But when I need services or want to enjoy the services of any of these providers - I go to the ones I have done with business with before - the ones most familiar with me, my car or my county. I go to who and what I trust and until that trust is violated, I'm there and so are you. If you are the only one that your commisiioner ignores, there may be a reason for that. If he ignores most everyone, you and they can handle that. But BM&K has done nothing to violate the trust of anyone. If it's all the same to you - I think JC should keep running the old car by BM&K - let them kick the tires and check under the hood - they've done a pretty good job on it so far. But I may take the "shine" outa the trunk before I drop it off.

#18 JustPlainOldBob on 11/19/11 at 11:04 PM [Reply]

JH-
So I can only assume you are one of them. The fact that elected officials will not answer a question about the work at Foxwood is inexcusable. After all on a small scale me and my family paid for the work and materials.

My personal opinion is JC is as corrupt as the federal officials.

In my 5+ years of living here one thing is clear if you are not one of them then you are outsider and not of the good old boys.

You may be an expert in whatever but the law should be followed.

There are NO checks and balances in this county which is the main reason our country is in trouble.

And the ones who might not have the degrees and so called education know right from wrong.

End of rant.

#19 good old boy rule on 11/20/11 at 04:36 AM [Reply]

If Clerici had done the job correct the first time JC would not be doing it again for the third time.He has no incentive to do it correct, gets paid and a raise everytime he does it. Could not do the job as a county employ, quits, get hided as a consult? Nice use of tax money

#19.1 Good ole Girl on 11/20/11 at 07:35 AM [Reply]

If anybody is a "good ole boy" its Clerici, he did the same job for the county when he was hired originally, BUT because of his inability to keep his hands out of the pockets of the developers he was allowed to be "consultant" so he could stay at the county, the thanks for this deal goes to Ma Bell, she took care of her "boys" so they would take care of her. Now Clerici can have his cake and eat it too. Foxwood is just one of his many mistakes the county has to come back and fix.

#19.1.1 JH on 11/20/11 at 11:06 AM [Reply]

Bob - who is them? If you mean a resident of JC- yes; a taxpayer- yes; someone who works 6-7 days a week- yes; concerned about where our country/state/county is headed- yes; knows the potential for corruption exists at any level- yes; but most of all believes the truth is always more important than outright lies or self-serving, grandiose versions of truth mixed with error just to get a headline, exert control over others or feed an ego. Ignorance is not defined by lack of education or degrees - both can be highly overrated- just ask half of those standing in unemployment lines with degree in hand. Ignorance shines brightest when the misinformed led by the lesser informed repeat what they have accepted as truth just because those that would manipulate others for their personal gain tell others what they want them to hear. Then again, some just hear what they want to hear and the rest falls neatly into some conspiracy theory that seems to serve more people than McDonalds every day. Speaking of McDonalds- so the kid who starts out running a register, moves up to cook, goes to school, then assistant manager, manager, gets his own franchise store- that’s a bad thing, right? He’s still serving people, still serving burgers, still paid by McDonalds but now he has a say in his own destiny and that of his family. But in your eyes, somehow the kid is a crook. How does that work Bob, GOB, GOG? When the kid figures out he can do even better for himself, serve more people and live out his chosen passion by opening his own restaurant then he’s really gone too far. It’s a good thing Steve Jobs never met you guys when he was getting started- yall would have nothing at all to do but ask, “What’s a blog?”

#19.1.1.1 feadup!! on 11/24/11 at 07:36 PM [Reply]

Foxwood had nothing to do with BM&K. But how about the suite filed on BM&K at East Jackson park? The county paid fines for E.P.A violations. Why was BM&K hired just to overlay the parking lot at the admid bulding? Why were they hired to oversee the remodeling of the senior center? Don't we have department heads that are supposed to know how to do these simple projects which require no engineering firm? And if BM&K is so efficient why is ever job they do require atleast 6 sets of plans and how could it cost $17,000 to engineer a concrete pad and a canopy over a propane pump.

#19.1.1.2 anno on 11/24/11 at 08:18 PM [Reply]

One of them is a BM&K employe how much clerici paying you? You said somthing about getting in a ditch working. Or working hard to get out of one? Working four what you get. Well JH. Get out of the dam truck take off thoes goff shoes an lets see some AHOLES AN ELBOWS! ITs the least we could expect four 1mill an all this big talk.

#19.1.2 feadup!! on 11/24/11 at 07:49 PM [Reply]

This was all Crow! Just because she didnt like the way it was. So call crow I live on Jackson Trail I want my ditch piped to. Think I will call an ask!! HA HA HA

#19.1.2.1 I'm Just Saying on 11/28/11 at 10:53 AM [Reply]

I will agree the county blew it but before you attack Foxwwod you need to check your facts. The work you see being done on Jackson Trail is the result of a lawsuit filed against the developer and county. What Foxwood was fighting for was the rights of the land owners to not be pushed around by developers who have no problems buying off or at least getting county folks to go along with the money. If the owner of Foxwood had not fought so hard for her place, it would now be completely flooded from the horrible job (yes Clerici) was allowing. Your rants against JC are well placed, but your anger over the settlement of a lawsuit is greatly misplaced. If anything the work you see being done should be seen as a sure sign that the little guy can win against the government.

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