Macon-Bibb County commissioners discussed the need to fine tune some recent policy changes governing alcohol licenses and streetlight applications at their Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday morning.

The Sunoco Food Mart at Shurling Drive was denied its alcohol license because the building owner is behind in paying taxes. Commissioner Al Tillman expressed concern about holding the business accountable for the deeds of the landlord.

Mayor Lester Miller also relayed complaints he had heard about the owner of the new Cotton Ranch restaurant downtown, which resulted in that license application being tabled.

When approving a contract for renovations to State Court of Bibb County, commissioners also expressed a desire to learn more about how plans have evolved to address safety and space issues at the Bibb County Courthouse.

Mayor Lester Miller said the county has been addressing concerns through various ongoing projects, but building a new courthouse would be too expensive with the increased cost of building materials since the 2018 SPLOST. The county is awaiting the master plan for the courthouse to be finalized, which is expected to include more space for the Office of the District Attorney and a new entrance.

The proposed denial of a streetlight on Candlewick Court prompted a lengthy debate over the county’s new streamlined application process that is overwhelming the Facilities Management Department staff.

Commissioner Elaine Lucas said that in the interest of enhancing pedestrian safety, streets should be evaluated at night to determine if lighting is adequate before denying an application based solely on the distance from existing streetlights.

The Commission also learned about an evidence-based, functional family therapy program to assist troubled youth in Macon-Bibb County Juvenile Court. The program will be funded through a $326K grant from the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

Here’s a summation of agenda items captured through tweets sent during the meeting.