The Statesboro City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday morning, November 5, 2024, with Mayor Pro-Tem Shari Barr presiding. Councilmembers John Riggs and Paulette Chavers joined with Marcus Toole in leading the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Key agenda items included approving amendments to the city’s fee schedule and the FY2025 Street Resurfacing Program in partnership with GDOT, supported by 2018 TSPLOST funds.
City Manager Charles Penny presented on the acceptance of White Pine Avenue and Virginia Pine Avenue as public streets in Whispering Pines Subdivision, ensuring city maintenance moving forward.
Attorney Chris Gohagan, representing GPB Development, discussed the 1803 East project, for which the council approved $197,000 in TAD funding to support affordable housing development downtown.
Additionally, the council approved the purchase of several new police vehicles, including a hybrid model, funded by the 2019 SPLOST, along with a new backhoe, which Penny noted came in under budget.
During the meeting, Mayor Pro-Tem Barr reminded residents to vote and called for a respectful, community-minded approach as Election Day concluded. Penny updated the council on ongoing debris removal efforts by Southern Disaster Recovery (SDR), who faced workforce shortages due to higher pay opportunities in neighboring states, yet continues to clear Hurricane Helene debris. He highlighted that alternative contractors may be sought if necessary to maintain cleanup progress. Penny also reviewed the city’s use of ARPA funds, reporting that of the $12.3 million received, $8.1 million is already committed, with the rest expected to go toward local projects by the December 31 deadline. Barr thanked staff for their diligent efforts, underscoring the council’s commitment to effective federal fund usage.
Penny announced a public meeting scheduled for November 14 at the Averitt Center for the Arts to discuss potential improvements to West Main Street, inviting public input. He also alerted the council about preparations for a new SPLOST referendum, potentially slated for March. With an intergovernmental agreement needed in advance, Penny noted that a special meeting might be required if an agreement draft isn’t ready by the next council session. Barr emphasized the importance of finalizing these steps to avoid a funding gap for essential city projects.
In public comments, resident Johnny Dorceus addressed water quality concerns, the need for additional bus stops, and safety issues with bike lanes. Penny directed Dorceus to city staff for further assistance and mentioned the city’s efforts to improve transit service. Annie Bellinger raised concerns about incomplete street cleaning on Morris Street, suggesting that the city adopt a more thorough approach to avoid potential drainage issues.
Following these discussions, the council entered an Executive Session to discuss personnel, real estate, and potential litigation, adjourning shortly afterward. Read on for more detail.
1. Call to Order by Mayor Pro-Tem Shari Barr
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Marcus Toole
3. Public Comments (Agenda Item): None
APPROVED 4. Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda A) Approval of Minutes a) 10-15-2024 Work Session Minutes b) 10-15-2024 Council Minutes c) 10-15-2024 Executive Session Minutes
APPROVED 5. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2024-29: A Resolution to adopt the Second Amendment to the City of Statesboro Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Fines for Fiscal Year 2025.
City Manager Charles Penny addressed the council regarding a needed adjustment to the city’s fee schedule. Earlier in the year, the council had removed water tap fees for developer-installed systems but had unintentionally left in a line item for sewer tap fees under similar circumstances. Penny clarified, “All this does is eliminate that line that says sewer tap fees, line item installed by developers.” He recommended the amendment to ensure consistency across utility fees.
APPROVED 6. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2024-30: A Resolution approving the City of Statesboro’s proposed FY2025 Street Resurfacing Program with GDOT, and authorizing the Mayor to execute the GDOT Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) Application. Grant matching funds will be provided from 2018 TSPLOST Funds.
Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG), is an annual program in which GDOT allocates transportation funds to local governments. The City uses these funds to supplement the Street Resurfacing Budget. The Engineering Department evaluates City streets annually to prioritize and select streets for the yearly LMIG resurfacing list that is submitted to GDOT. The list compiled considers streets from all council districts and is specific to the available funding for this GDOT LMIG program. Additional streets (long list) will be added to this list to be resurfaced with TSPLOST funds prior to project bidding.
City Manager Penny outlined the approval for the FY2025 Street Resurfacing Program, which the city plans to carry out in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The program will be supported with matching funds from the 2018 Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST), aiming to enhance road quality and safety across Statesboro. Penny recommended the council’s approval to proceed with this partnership and to authorize the mayor to sign the necessary GDOT grant application.
APPROVED 7. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2024-31: A Resolution accepting road right of way of White Pine Avenue and Virginia Pine Avenue within the Whispering Pines Subdivision as public streets to be owned and maintained by the City of Statesboro.
The Engineering Department was contacted in 2022 by Jeff Farrell, CFO of Franklin Construction, LLC, the developer, in addition to members of the Whispering Pines HOA for consideration of dedicating the streets and common roadway areas for each development. Phase 1 of the subdivision streets were accepted for dedication in 2007. As per the records in the office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Bulloch County, the right-of-ways in Phase IV of Whispering Pines Subdivision were transferred to the City of Statesboro on February 28, 2011 as shown on the certain right-of-way deed recorded in Deed Book 2040, Pages 304-308. The right-of-ways were accepted by the City of Statesboro as per Resolution # 2011-07 on March 01, 2011. The final plat for Phase IV of Whispering Pines Subdivision is recorded in Plat Book 63, Page 134. Engineering Department staff has observed proof rolls of the streets constructed since the acceptance. The remaining sections of White Pine Ave. and Virginia Pine Ave. that were completed in 2022 are being requested for acceptance now.
City Manager Penny explained the process behind accepting White Pine Avenue and Virginia Pine Avenue in the Whispering Pines Subdivision as public streets. Developers initially construct these streets to city standards, and once they meet all requirements, they are submitted for official acceptance as public roads. Penny recommended the council’s approval, stating, “We’re recommending acceptance of these streets,” to ensure they receive city maintenance and services going forward.
APPROVED 8. Consideration of a motion to approve a Development Agreement with GPB Development, LLC to use $197,000 in TAD funds for installation of private infrastructure within the development commonly known as 1803 East located at 19 Gordon Street within the South Main Tax Allocation District.
On October 9 2024, the TAD Advisory Committee recommended that $197,000 in TAD funding be approved by Mayor and Council as redevelopment agency for the South Main TAD.
Attorney Chris Gohagan, representing GPB Development, LLC, presented on the 1803 East project, set on three parcels at 17 Gordon Street and 224 East Main Street, with two parcels eligible for Tax Allocation District (TAD) funding. Eight buildings previously on the site were demolished to make way for new residential units. The development will feature eight buildings, seven of which lie within the TAD, bringing 35 new units and 70 beds to the area. Initial rent for these units is projected at $1,400 for up to 1,350 square feet, which offers greater space for a lower price than the average rental rate in Statesboro.
Gohagan highlighted that the TAD funding request of $197,000 represents only 3.3% of the project’s total cost, covering high-quality materials for durable, aesthetically appealing, and energy-efficient construction. He noted the project’s potential “halo effect,” expected to enhance surrounding property values and inspire further development in the area. The council was asked to approve this TAD funding to support the city’s goal of adding quality, affordable housing downtown.
Mayor Pro-Tem Shari Barr acknowledged the efforts of the developers who helped the families find places to stay where the homes are being demolished.
APPROVED 9. Consideration of a motion to award the purchase of five patrol vehicles from J.C. Lewis in the amount of $225,300.00 ($45,060.00 each) as they submitted the lowest responsive bid per our ordinance. This purchase will be funded out of the 2019 SPLOST.
Staff recommends the City of Statesboro purchase vehicles for the police department from the following dealerships based on the sealed bid results. If approved, these purchases would be funded by the 2019 SPLOST.
Dealership Patrol Hybrid Patrol Truck
- J.C. Lewis Ford: $46,010.08 / $53,032.27 / $40,023.16
- Metter Ford: $45,156.08 / $47,223.16 / $No Bid
- O.C. Welch Ford: $45,060.00 / $47,300.00 / $40,900.00
Note: J.C. Lewis’ bid on the five (5) patrol vehicles is considered the lowest bid due to our 3% in-county advantage.
J.C. Lewis has agreed to match the lowest bid of $45,060.00 per our ordinance.
APPROVED 10. Consideration of a motion to award the purchase of one (1) F-150 police truck from J.C. Lewis Ford in the amount of $40,023.16 as they submitted the lowest responsive bid per our ordinance. This purchase will be funded out of the 2019 SPLOST.
APPROVED 11. Consideration of a motion to award the purchase of one (1) hybrid patrol vehicle from Metter Ford in the amount of $47,223.16 as they submitted the lowest responsive bid per our ordinance. This purchase will be funded out of the 2019 SPLOST.
Police Chief Mike Broadhead says they are going to try out the new hybrid vehicle and see how it performs.
APPROVED 12. Consideration of a motion to award a contract to Shea Tractor & Equipment for the purchase of a Kubota backhoe (Model # V2403-CR-E4) per Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract in the amount of $65,966.04. This item to be purchased with funds approved in the 2025 CIP Budget, item #NGD-57, funded by system revenues.
We are proposing to replace the existing 1998 Caterpillar backhoe (26 years old) with a new unit, utilizing the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract. The existing backhoe is well past its useful life and is no longer reliable for daily use. The budget estimate was $80,000.00 and the unit quote received was $65,966.04.
City Manager Penny provided an update on the purchase of a Kubota backhoe, noting that the city has faced challenges due to high demand and limited product availability in equipment purchasing. In this case, however, the city secured the backhoe at a cost lower than the initial budget estimate.
13. Other Business from City Council
Mayor Pro-Tem Barr couldn’t pass up the chance to remind folks about the importance of Election Day. She encouraged everyone who hadn’t made it out to vote yet to head over to their polling place, saying, “Vote your conscience and be kind and respectful, and assume everybody else is doing the same.”
Barr pointed out that, no matter the outcome, “we’re all folks who live here together and can get along however the vote comes out” -- a simple but powerful call to keep things civil and neighborly as the ballots roll in.
14. City Manager's Comments
City Manager Penny provided an update on the city's contract with Southern Disaster Recovery (SDR) for Hurricane Helene debris removal. He noted that while SDR has collected over 28,000 cubic yards of debris so far, they anticipate another 50,000 cubic yards still needs to be cleared. Penny explained that SDR had lost some subcontractors who accepted higher-paying jobs in Florida due to additional state funding there, impacting the pace of local debris removal.
To address the delays, Penny shared his intention to keep working closely with SDR to ensure timely progress. He also mentioned the possibility of reaching out to alternative contractors, such as CrowderGulf in Alabama, if SDR cannot meet the city’s needs. Penny encouraged residents to place debris at the street for pickup, reminding them that FEMA reimbursement requires debris to be monitored and handled by contracted services—not city crews.
Additionally, Penny highlighted the need to commit the remaining ARPA funds by December 31, 2024. Of the $12.3 million received, about $8.1 million has been allocated, with projects in Quail Run and Whitfield Park likely to help fulfill the commitment. Penny assured the council that he intends to fully utilize the ARPA funds for city projects rather than returning any portion to the federal government.
Mayor Pro-Tem Barr expressed appreciation for staff diligence in handling the ARPA funds properly, remarking, “We appreciate staff efforts to be sure we do it exactly right... so we don’t have to send it back or risk it being invalid.” Barr thanked the staff for their close attention to these details, underscoring the council’s commitment to ensuring efficient and effective use of federal funds.
Lastly, City Manager Penny announced a public meeting to discuss proposed improvements to West Main Street, scheduled for Thursday, November 14, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Averitt Center for the Arts. He invited the public, especially stakeholders in the area, to attend and provide input on the project.
Penny acknowledged the unique challenges of the West Main Street project due to the street’s topography, which includes elevated sidewalks that need to conform to building structures while ensuring pedestrian safety. He noted that potential design recommendations could include adjustments like reducing parking, though he emphasized the city’s intention to preserve on-street parking due to its value in the downtown area. Penny encouraged attendees to share feedback to help guide the project’s planning and design.
15. Public Comments (General)
Johnny Dorceus raised several concerns during the public comments section. First, he described issues with the water quality in his area, noting that the water appears discolored and might benefit from regular fire hydrant flushing to clear the pipes. He urged the city to investigate, as this affects his drinking water and daily use.
Dorceus also mentioned the need for additional bus stops. Additionally, he pointed out inconsistencies in the bus schedule, which occasionally causes delays for his daughter, who relies on the service to get to college.
Lastly, he expressed concerns about bike lane safety on larger streets, where he sometimes feels forced onto the sidewalk to avoid fast-moving vehicles. He suggested adding bus routes to key locations like Publix and emphasized the need for improved schedule adherence. The council acknowledged his concerns, with staff directing him to speak with the city’s water supervisor about the water issue, and they discussed the potential for future improvements in the transit system as the city works to expand its bus fleet and routes.
Annie Bellinger voiced concerns about inconsistent street cleaning and debris removal. She noted that while city trucks arrived about three weeks ago to pick up trash, they left portions of the street untouched, with limbs and other debris still piled up in ditches. Bellinger highlighted that this partial cleanup could lead to water drainage issues when it rains, causing potential flooding in the area.
She suggested a more efficient approach, advising that city crews clean the entire section in one go rather than leaving areas unfinished. Bellinger argued that this method would reduce the need for return trips and improve service efficiency, ultimately benefiting both residents and city operations.
City Manager Penny informed the council about ongoing discussions with the county and other municipalities regarding a new SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) referendum, tentatively planned for March. He explained that an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the county and neighboring cities would need to be finalized beforehand. Penny noted that if a draft agreement isn’t ready by the next council meeting on November 19, a special called meeting may be required to keep the process on track. He emphasized the importance of resolving the agreement soon so the city can begin engaging with citizens about the upcoming referendum.
Mayor Pro-Tem Shari Barr emphasized the importance of meeting these deadlines, noting that if the SPLOST referendum isn’t on the March ballot, the city could face a gap in funding, potentially losing millions earmarked for vital projects like sidewalks and road maintenance. She thanked Penny for his attention to detail, underscoring the importance of completing each step in order to secure this critical funding.
16. Consideration of a Motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss “Personnel Matters” “Real Estate” and/or “Potential Litigation” in accordance with O.C.G.A 50-14-3(b)
17. Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn