The first matter to be addressed by the Board of Commissioners at its meeting this past Tuesday night was delayed due to the late arrival of the individual listed on the agenda. However, when he ultimately showed up, Barry Havior unknowingly proved to be the highlight of the evening.
Havior was present after presentations by two other speakers and was asked to step up to the podium. The veteran recreation coach of more than 30 years, primarily in track and field, surveyed the packed audience as he walked up.
“Good evening,” he began. “I’m a little shocked. I didn’t know this many people were going to be here. I’m here as a representative of the Baldwin County Recreation Department. Most everybody knows what I do and what I have been doing for the past 33 years at the Baldwin County Recreation Department.”
Havior immediately began lobbying for a bus.
“We need transportation at the recreation department,” he said, reminding everyone that in years past a previous recreation official, Bill McNair, had secured a bus and “was driving the kids to the different tracks, meets and stuff.”
McNair, though, left approximately seven years ago, according to Havior.
“When Bill left, the bus vanished away," Havior added.
Havior offered the example of all-star baseball and basketball going out of town next week and the difficult position it puts parents in to ensure their children make it to the event. He also highlighted how some parents don’t have the financial funds to “fend for themselves.”
According to Havior, the last bus had “ragged seats” and “three colors” but met the need and assisted many.
“It’s no secret what I’m doing with the kids,” said Havior. “We have other programs that need transportation.”
Tobar interrupted Havior and Commissioner Kendrick Butts addressed the veteran coach stating that the bus is something the commissioners will work on. Then, Butts presented the proclamation to Havior.
“The community certainly appreciates your 30-plus years of service to the county,” he said, adding that members of the board’s recreation committee had been approached about recognizing him.
Butts read the proclamation as follows: “The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 20, 2024, extends its gratitude to Track and Field Coach and Baldwin County native Barry Havior for his time and talents toward coaching and mentoring not only his track athletes, but also underserved and underprivileged youth and their families in the community.”
Havior was given a standing ovation, and pictures of the commissioners and the honoree were taken, after which he had a question.
“I appreciate this,” he said with a smile. “Now, what about the bus?”
While Havior received no direct response as most of the crowd left, the ceremony may have opened the door for possible future action.
“Coach Havior’s comments were emotional and struck me in a major way,” Commissioner Henry Craig said. “I would like to know how much a bus costs, how big it should be, and what kind of a program we need for a driver. And, recognizing that this bus could be used for other recreation activities also.”
The only other action items on the agenda were the approval of a beer and wine license for Eric Adams on Irwinton Road and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Baldwin County and the Kimi Clements Team, a realty company. That agreement establishes a public-private partnership for the promotion of the county at the Baldwin County Regional Airport.
The agreement recognizes the county has no viable funding for economic development promotional efforts at the airport. It was approved with no discussion on a 4-1 vote, with Hall opposing the proposal.
The purpose of the MOU is to facilitate the installation and utilization of a web-based promotional system in the lobby of the airport. A monitor will be set up for visitors to view the various opportunities featured.
The parties will share in the responsibility for installation, management, and repair costs.
Sixty percent of the content shall focus on Baldwin County's economic development features, including the Development Authority, recreational and retirement opportunities, the Central State Redevelopment Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, Visit Milledgeville, and local history.
The remaining 40 percent will be focused on real estate services provided by the Clements Team, including current listings, and Clements will donate funds and/or support valued at $100 for any real estate sale that can be directly attributed to the promotional initiative.