The Statesboro City Council approved funding under the Security Enhancement Incentive Program in the amount of $20,000 each, for three residential complexes including Cambridge at Southern - The Palms, Cambridge at Southern - The Pines and Copper Beach Townhome Communities, to be used to improve security monitoring and crime deterrence.
Council member Phil Boyum declared his official resignation form the District 1 seat after a 12 year tenure in the position. However, he did not present his official letter of resignation, but said he would do so resigning on August 1, 2024. Additionally, lengthy debates between city development planners, concerned citizens, and representatives of Hussey Gay Bell, whose rezoning request and preliminary PLAT were on the agenda, led to both items being tabled. The proposed developments on these subject properties totals more than 330 units.
Alcohol licensing was approved for four Statesboro businesses: Raisin A Toast, LLC dba Eggs Up Grill, Sugar Magnolia Coffeehouse, Inc., Antoinette Café Kitchen LLC and Jay Food Mart.
Continue reading for more details about these agenda items, and additional approvals made at tonight's meeting.
Mayor Pro-Tem Shari Barr filled in for Mayor Jonathan McCollar as he was 'well but unavailable' for the July 16, 2024 Statesboro City Council meeting. Also absent but tuned in via video conference, was council woman Paulette Chavers.
As the council previously adopted a pledge of civility, Mayor Pro-Tem Barr read some highlights of the pledge as apart of the meeting invocation, and shared words of encouragement, compassion and justice before the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
APPROVED - Consent Agenda
1, Approval of Minutes
a) 06-18-2024 Council Minutes
b) 06-18-2024 Executive Session Minutes
B) Consideration of a motion to approve the surplus of two 2014 Dodge Chargers that are no longer serviceable in the Statesboro Police Department.
The Police Department is requesting that the City Council approve removing the following two (2) listed vehicles from the city inventory through “surplus” action. These two vehicles were submerged in water during a rain event on March 9, 2024 due to a drainage issue in the PD parking lot and are not salvageable.
- 2014 Dodge Charger VIN #2C3CDXAT9EH367666 (81,440 miles)
- 2014 Dodge Charger VIN #2C3CDXAT1EH367712 (57,532)
C) Consideration of a motion to approve the surplus and disposition of multiple items in the Public Works and Engineering Department.
The Items below have exceeded their useful life and need to declare surplus and approved for disposition:
Solid Waste Division
- 1. 2019 Ford F150 V8 CNG-Fuel Mileage: 63,897 VIN: 1FTMF1C51KKE40703
- 2. 2009 Ford F150 V6 Regular Fuel Mileage: 57,213 VIN: 1FTRF12W99KA73186
- 3. 2014 Exmark Lazor Z 60” Cut 23HP Kawasaki Engine Hours: 1,367 VIN: 314633846 Stormwater Division
- 4. Husqvarna K760 Chop Saw S#151701957
- 5. Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw S#3800741
- 6. Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw S#3800743
- 7. Husqvarna 55 Chainsaw S#3601133
- 8. Echo 266T Weedeater S#T47714027623
- 9. Stihl BG53C Blower S#505876002
- 10. 2007 Woods Rotary Mower S#1092408
- 11. 2015 Diamond Mower Side Arm S#MF13130
Consideration of motions and Public Hearings
APPROVED - 5. Public hearing and consideration of a motion to approve: APPLICATION RZ 24-06-01: Joe Buckles requests a Zoning Map Amendment from the LI (Light Industrial) zoning district to the HOC (Highway Oriented Commercial) zoning district to allow for use of a commercial property at 2735 Northside Drive West (Tax Parcel # S08 000072 000).
Director of Planning and Development Kathy Fields described the parcel that is occupied by an unused commercial building on 2.04 acres. It was historically rezoned for a light scale fabrication shop and the LI zoning later became more restrictive.
TABLED - 6. Public hearing and consideration of a motion to approve: APPLICATION RZ 24-06-02: Horizon Homebuilders requests a Zoning Map Amendment from the R-2 (Townhouse Residential) zoning district to the R-4(High-Density Residential) zoning district on a portion of a 39.97 acre property located on Abbey Road & East Main Street (Tax Parcel # MS82000035 000).
Fields described the subject property as the potential site of 213 townhouse units, with rezoning application being applied to a small corner of the property where the developers want to add seven cottage style units (cottage court development),
New sketches of the property bring the plan into accordance with the unified development code after it was previously turned down by the committee.
Fields and committee recommend denial due to lack of unity within the surrounding development area.
Haydon Rollins, on behalf of developers, described how the plans for the development have changed from an original 245 units, now to 213 townhome units, with the additional seven cottages.
In response to concerns that the development is an outlier in the characteristics of the development around it, such as the Enmarket gas station and car wash that will be built, he says that potential homeowners will ot be mislead in their investment because they will have knowledge of the developments.
The item was tabled until the second meeting of August so that further discussion could be had between the city and the developers.
TABLED - 7. Public hearing and consideration of a motion to approve: APPLICATION SUB 24-06-03: Lotts Creek Capital, LLC requests a Preliminary Subdivision PLAT on 16.54 acres of property in order to develop a townhouse subdivision of approximately 111 units on Cypress Lake Road (Tax Parcel MS40000074A000).
Fields said the property was recently annexed for this purpose.
Rollins says that layout changes, including the alteration of the site to have one access point and the addition 5 units to total 111, keep the development within the requirements of the Unified Development Code. Two acres of amenity space, landscaping, buffers and preserved wetlands and woodlands are included in the PLAT. He says that a traffic study will be completed pending approval.
Rob Brannen spoke during the public hearing portion, telling an anecdote about the dangers of the traffic on curved road. He says that approval of zoning does not ensure site plan approval and that traffic circles and turning lanes would be necessary but might not be possible.
He also voiced concern about this development’s retention pond flooding the neighborhood with minimal greenspace around the units. He suggests less units and more green space emphasizing that, “There's a way to do this the right way.”
Glenera Martin spoke to the council representing her neighbors and constituents that are concerned about the developments affect on traffic. One neighbor said her house has been run into by rogue vehicles twice. They also asked for additional safety/emergency services to be considered in the matter.
Other neighbors from the Sugar Hill neighborhood worried that increased population density will increase issues like crime, and this is bothersome as they invested in the Sugar Hill area properties years before this was a consideration.
Dr. Dan Weathers, a retired emergency physician, has lived south of the proposed development for 20 years, and is concerned about housing density. He supports development but thinks the density is excessive, and he supports Brannen’s proposal of around 70 units instead, that would allow for green space, sidewalks and buffers.
Darren Van Tassel owns a property next to the proposed development, and says his experience of developing large commercial properties tells him that a traffic study would likely reveal the impediments of the slim road that needs more turning lanes.
Becky Livingston, attorney for Bethany assisted living property, is concerned about the development of fire truck access, being that it is now a one access proposal.
Susan Radovich, says the addition of 200 more cars to the daily traffic is “”ridiculous” and increases the danger to Bethany residents, and she has secondary concerns of flooding.
Rollins respects and understands these concerns, but says with the current property zoning, the developers believe they are within their rights clarified by the UDC.
Additionally, Rollins says he drives this street daily, and he argues that this access point will have less traffic than all other neighborhood access points, especially with the introduction deceleration lanes.
Mayor Pro-Tem Barr says a meeting should be called to ease the neighbors concerns.
Council member Phil Boyum argues that the developers are well within their rights, but he also always values citizen input. He says the city must treat all property owners the same and the city should not overstep the UDC.
The item was tabled for the second meeting of August.
APPROVED - 8. Public hearing and consideration of a motion to approve application for an alcohol license in accordance with the City of Statesboro alcohol ordinance Sec. 6-13(a):
APPROVED a) Raisin A Toast, LLC dba Eggs Up Grill
137 Tormenta Way
Owner(s): Ashley & Nate Pennington
License Type: Restaurant
APPROVED b) Sugar Magnolia Coffeehouse, Inc.
100 Brampton Ave., Suite 1-I
Owner: Caroline Joyner
License Type: Low Volume
APPROVED c) Antoinette Café Kitchen LLC
193 West Main Street
Owner(s): Samere Bay, Nikira Boggs
License Type: Restaurant
“We are committed to being a positive force in our community,” said Samere Bay who introduced herself and her sister to the council.
She says they are planning to create job opportunities and work with organizations that service the neighborhood. They pledge to implement safety measures, monitoring and following all legal responsibilities that apply to alcohol sales.
APPROVED 9. Public hearing and consideration of a motion to approve application for an alcohol license in accordance with the City of Statesboro alcohol ordinance Sec. 6-13(a):
a) Jay Food Mart
500 East Main Street
Owner: Vinod Kumar Chaudhari
License Type: Package Sales – Beer and Wine only
DEFERRED - 10. Consideration of a motion to approve an amendment of Interlocal Agreement with Bulloch County to authorize the Statesboro Bulloch County Land bank Authority to exercise powers granted under Article 4 of OCGA Title 48.
The Land Bank was established a decade prior to the State expanding Land Bank powers in 2012. This resolution would allow them to operate in accordance with these expanded powers.
APPROVED 11. Consideration of a motion to approve a joint Resolution with Bulloch County to appoint John Robinson as the fifth member of the Statesboro Bulloch County Land Bank Authority.
on July 11, 2023, in accordance with section 48-4-104(j) of the Land Bank Act, the Board of Directors of the Land Bank unanimously resolved to continue in existence according to the provisions of the Land Bank Act contingent upon the appointment of at least one additional board member so that there are an odd number of board members.
APPROVED 12. Consideration of a motion to approve the restatement of the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System Defined Benefit Retirement Plan.
The Elected Body previously adopted the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System (GMEBS) Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, which is comprised of the Basic Plan Document, Adoption Agreement, and General Addendum. The Defined Benefit Retirement Plan is considered a qualified plan under the Internal Revenue Code, which is important to ensure the tax-exempt status of the trust fund. GMEBS has recently received a favorable determination letter from the IRS for the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan. Each employer using the GMEBS Retirement Plan is required to adopt the restated Adoption Agreement and General Addendum as part of the restatement process.
APPROVED 13. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2024-19: A Resolution to accept a grant from Georgia City Solutions for $500.00 to implement a placemaking project designed by the Statesboro Youth Council.
Georgia City Solutions and the Georgia Cities Foundation selected the Statesboro Youth Council as a recipient of the Youth Placemaking Grant. The $500.00 grant will be used towards repairs and upgrades at McTell Trail. The grant does not require matching funds; however, the project will need additional funds.
APPROVED 14. Consideration of a motion to award a contract to NEOGOV in the amount of $37,554.67 to provide an HRIS (human resources information system) platform to assist with recruiting, orienting, and evaluating employees.
CivicPlus is discontinuing the CivicHR platform as of September 30, 2024. Currently, CivicHR is utilized for applicant tracking, new employee orientation, and performance management functions. After receiving notification, staff met with the following companies:
- Criterion – CivicPlus collaborated with Criterion to offer existing customers an opportunity to move to Criterion for the cost of the customer’s last renewal invoice with CivicPlus. When staff met with Criterion, we learned the HRIS platform would only include the functionality currently existing in CivicHR, and a roadmap had not been established to address functionality concerns.
- BambooHR – Private sector companies primarily utilize BambooHR’s HRIS platform. When staff met with BambooHR, we learned the HRIS platform did not possess the desired functionality for recruiting and evaluating public sector employees.
- NEOGOV – NEOGOV has provided technology solutions to the public sector for nearly 25 years. NEOGOV partners with over 7,000 public sector customers, including 36 organizations from the state of Georgia. Staff discussed NEOGOV with HR representatives from three Georgia cities and received positive feedback. Representatives from NEOGOV met with staff multiple times and answered all technical/functionality questions.
APPROVED 15. Consideration of a motion to approve an application submitted by UP Statesboro, LLC dba Cambridge @ Southern – the Pines and the Scion Group for funding under the Security Enhancement incentive Program in the amount of $20,000.00.
City manager Penny said that last year, council approved $80,000 in ARPA funds to try to incentivise property owners to utilize technology to help monitor and solve crime. Items 15-17 are applications for the safety enhancement program.
An additional $17,840 will need to be approved to fund an additional application.
Barr comments that these complexes are shelling out $60-80,000 of their own money to improve safety, and that this is a reimbursement under the safety program.
The council gave special thanks to Olympia Gaines for her work in improving safety.
APPROVED 16. Consideration of a motion to approve an application submitted by UP Statesboro, LLC dba Cambridge @ Southern – the Palms and the Scion Group for funding under the Security Enhancement incentive Program in the amount of $20,000.00.
APPROVED 17. Consideration of a motion to approve an application submitted by Copper Beech Townhome Communities Twenty One, LLC dba Copper Beech Statesboro and Scion Group for funding under the Security Enhancement incentive Program in the amount of $20,000.00.
APPROVED 18. Consideration of a motion to approve a Development Agreement with 202 West Main Street, LLC to use $50,000 in TAD funds for funding assistance for The Garage project within Statesboro TAD 1 (aka, Downtown TAD, South Main TAD).
All parties have reviewed the pending application and have determined that it meets the criteria set out in the TAD Financing Policies and Procedures as well as the approved City’s Redevelopment Plan. The project includes converting the current use from an automotive garage and vehicle storage. The proposed project will convert the building into a fitness center and include a real estate purchase, renovations, and improvements totaling over $500,000. Financing will be provided by Morris Bank. The TAD funds are dedicated to the exterior of the building and construction is slated to take approximately five months.
APPROVED 19. Consideration of a motion to authorize the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia to transact with Southern Natural Gas on behalf of the City of Statesboro to permanently acquire firm capacity through the South System 4 project in the amount of 350 Dekatherm/day to be effective in 2028 after the South System 4 is complete.
Due to the rapid growth in Statesboro and the surrounding area it has been determined that additional firm gas supply will be needed in the coming years. Southern Natural Gas is currently planning a system upgrade to supply more gas in this area of the state. The projected completion date for the expansion is sometime in 2028, a more accurate date will be supplied as work progresses. We are requesting an increase of 350 Dth/day, which represents approximately a ten percent increase in capacity.
New firm capacity is difficult to acquire in this region of the state and it has been made more difficult by the huge growth of industrial customers in our area.
APPROVED 20. Consideration of a motion to approve Change Order #1 of the Candler County Industrial Park Project with Southern Utility Group in the amount of $57,800.00 to extend unit prices for installation of a 4" natural gas main on Akins Boulevard. To be paid for with Operating Income funds from CIP Project NGD-11.
In April of this year Council approved a contract with Southern Utility Group to install natural gas mains in the Candler County Industrial Park. The pricing received was extremely competitive, and they have agreed to extend those prices to cover a small gas main extension on the Georgia Southern University South Campus. The extension will consist of approximately 2600’ of 4- inch polyethylene natural gas main along the Akins Boulevard Extension.
APPROVED 21. Consideration of a motion to approve Change Order #2, in the amount of $78,455.00, to Southern Civil for the Blower and Pump Upgrades Project at the Waste Water Treatment Plant to be paid for with Operating and ATC funds included in the project budget #WTP-24, that was approved by council on 8-9-23.
In August of 2023, Council approved CIP project WTP-24 for upgrades to Blowers and Pumps at the WWTP, as part of our efforts to modernize and maintain equipment at the plant. During the construction process, questions arose from City staff and the contractor concerning the routing of the proposed electrical supply for the pumps and blowers given that a great deal of current infrastructure obstructed installation.
An electrical engineer was asked to come to the WWTP and make recommendations to remedy the problem. His recommendations included additional power supply, conduits, pull boxes, and a concrete duct bank to protect the power supply from damage in the future. He also recommended changing the locations of the proposed power panels and transformer.
APPROVED 22. Consideration of a motion to award a contract to Mark Turner Grading, Inc. in the amount of $275.00 per hour (not to exceed a total cost of $120,000) to complete a water service line inventory by excavation and verification of approximately 636 existing water services. This project will be funded by Operating Revenues.
New EPA requirements under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) state that all community water systems must develop an initial inventory of water service lines in an effort to strengthen actions to protect communities from lead in drinking water. Establishing an inventory of service line materials and identifying the location of lead service lines are key steps in getting them replaced. All community water systems must submit an initial inventory to their state agency (Georgia Environmental Protection Division) by October 16, 2024.
APPROVED 23. Consideration of a motion to award a contract to Hussey Gay Bell Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $79,100 to provide survey, design, permit, bid and contract administration services for the extension of sanitary sewer services to the Quail Run subdivision. If approved, this project will be funded using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as approved in FY2025 CIP Project WWD-32-H.
As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to extend utility services to current unserved areas, the decision was made to initiate the process to install sewer services in the Quail Run Subdivision. This subdivision is currently served by City water. However, sewer services have not been available. This sewer extension project has been in the CIP for many years and was to be funded originally from system revenues until the recent availability of ARPA funding.
APPROVED 24. Consideration of a motion to accept Councilman Boyum's resignation as District 1 representative.
Councilman Phil Boyum announced he will submit his resignation letter soon with an effective date of August 1st.
“For real this time,” he said jokingly before recounting his 12 years as a member of city council. He thanked the staff for putting in the work that enabled the council to make so many positive changes on the community.
Council members John Higgins, Ginny Hendley, Paullete Chavers and mayor Pro-Tem Barr extended appreciation to Boyum for the wealth of knowledge that he has brought to the seat on city council district 1.
Boyum will be leaving Statesboro to be closer to his parents and says that his resignation comes at this specific time, as it leaves the district 1 seat vacant for as short of a time as possible.
TABLED 25. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2024-20: A Resolution calling for a Special Election to fill the unexpired term of the vacant District One Council Seat, fixing the qualification fee for candidates, and authorizing publication.
When Boyum's vacancy becomes official on August 1, the council will vote to hold a special election on November 5, 2024.
Other Business from City Council
Mayor Pro-Tem Barr reminds the community to look forward to the Food bank ribbon cutting on July 23 at 8 am, as well as the community garden event on the same day.
She also thanked Olympia Gaines and Public works staff for the continued success at the Downtown live series, and especially for the partnership with the Averitt enter that allowed the show to go on during the storm. The next Downtown live event is August 8, 2024
City Managers Comments
City Manager Charles Penny extended appreciation to Council member Boyum, saying that he has challenged the city manager in a positive way, “Iron sharpens Iron.”
City Manager Penny says that art should be installed in the next two weeks at the art park and the ribbon cutting will potentially be held in late September.
He reminds the council that the security enhancement programs additional funds of $17,840, to be pulled from ARPA interest earnings, needs to be approved, to which the council voted to approve.
He also asks that applications for the housing rehabilitation program reopen for another two weeks. The council approved and the notice will be effective this Monday, and applications will run for two weeks. Potentially 25 more homes can be rehabilitated.
No Public Comments (General)
No Executive Session
The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 pm.
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