Statesboro City Council met for their regular meeting on Tuesday evening, January 16, 2024. Mayor Jonathan McCollar opened the meeting recognizing Don Poe, President of Feed the Boro and recognizing Charles Penny, City manager.
Recognitions/Public Presentations
a) Presentation and update from Don Poe with Feed the Boro.
On February 3, 2024 Feed the Boro will surpass giving away over 2 million meals to Bulloch County citizens. Poe thanked the City for their financial support of Feed the Boro.
"What you do is not an easy feat. Your organization has done a great job and Feed the Boro and I know it is a true labor of love. Thank you for your service," said Mayor Jonathan McCollar.
b) Recognition of Charles Penny, City Manager for 40 years of service to the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA)
Charles Penny, City Manager was recognition of 40 years of service to the ICMA at the meeting.
"Mr. Penny you have been a true blessing to our city. You have applied your skills, knowledge and experience to help guide us. We have had tremendous growth under your leadership. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. We know this work is not easy, but it must be done in order to serve. Those of you who know the history of Statesboro know we were churning through city managers. Mr. Penny has brought much needed stabilization to the city. Along with his wife Edith, these two individuals came into our community and went to work. Citizens know them because they are out there working," said Mayor Jonathan McCollar.
"We appreciate you. You are patient and helpful, said Council member Shari Barr.
"Thank you Mrs. Edith for allowing Mr. Penny to come to our community," said Council member John Riggs.
"You are nothing but a class act, said Council member Ginny Hendley.
I echo the sentiment of the others today. Your professionalism and ability to work across the isles. I render to you my gratitude and thank you for choosing us," said Council member Paulette Chavers.
"Thank you. You have known me for five years so you know I don't accept recognition well. I appreciate my wife Edith being here. I missed the ICMA presentation because I had a council meeting. I have enjoyed these five years. This has been a great experience. Thank you for allowing me to serve," said Charles Penny, City Manager.
Continue reading for a full report on all city business covered.
Public Comments:
No public comments
APPROVED - Consent Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes
a) 01-02-2024 Council Minutes
B) Consideration of a motion to approve the surplus of equipment and vehicles in the Statesboro Fire Department.
• 2004 Ford Expedition SN: 1FMPU16585LA65059 TAG # GV7563F (Inspections Replaced)
• 2003 Ford F 150 SN: 1FTRX17WX3NA49961 TAG# 140484 ( Inspections Replaced)
• 2005 Sentry Generator SN: BC5-500 (Old Station 2 Replaced)
• Onan Generator SN: B960598473 COS GEN 01107 (Old S1 Replaced)
• Sentry Pro Gillette SN: BC4-504
Background: The listed equipment and vehicles no longer meet Fire Department needs. These items have exceeded their useful life, have been replaced and/or are in disrepair.
Public Hearings
APPROVED - 6. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve:
(a) APPLICATION AN 23-11-05: Four Guys development, LLC requests annexation of approximately 26.94 acres of property in order to construct a single-family detached subdivision on Burkhalter Road (Tax Parcel #108 000001 000).
(b) APPLICATION RZ 23-11-06: Four Guys Development, LLC requests a Zoning Map Amendment from the R-40 (Single-Family Residential) zoning district to the R4 (High-Density Residential) zoning district on approximately 26.94 acres of property in order to develop a single-family detached subdivision on Burkhalter Road (Tax Parcel# 108 00001 000).
Attorney Steve Rushing spoke on behalf of the project.
APPROVED - 7. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve:
(a) APPLICATION AN 23-09-06: Five Guys Development requests Annexation of approximately 113.4 acres of property located at 6922 Burkhalter Road in order to construct a mixed single-family detached and townhouse subdivision (Tax Parcel # 108 000002 000).
(b) APPLICATION RZ 23-09-07: Five Guys Development requests a Zoning Map Amendment from the R-40 (Single-Family Residential) zoning district to the R-2 (Townhouse Residential) zoning district of approximately 113.4 acres of property in order to construct a 335 unit mixed single-family detached and townhouse subdivision at 6922 Burkhalter Road (Tax Parcel # 108 000002 000).
Attorney Steve Rushing spoke on behalf of this project.
Cindy Ross lives in Chatham Place spoke with concern regarding traffic. Asked them to hold on this until they can get the roads expanded.
Dr. Latasha Powell lives in Chatham Place and also has concerned about these additional residents living in the area.
Mandy Pierce lives in Chatham Place has concerns with traffic as well. There are lots of issues and this will be a big issue. The water is a an issue because they are on a well system. These should be addressed before the building gets approved. She was concerned that this would impact their water issues. However, these additional units will be on city water and sewer.
APPROVED - 8. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve: APPLICATION RZ 23-12- 01: Christina Gipson requests a Zoning Map Amendment from the LI (Light Industrial) zoning district to the MX (Mixed Used) zoning district in order to establish a recreational/fitness facility at 202 West Main Street (Tax Parcel # S18 000173 000).
APPROVED - 9. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve: APPLICATION SUB 23-12- 02: Robbie Bell requests a Preliminary Subdivision PLAT on 54.17 acres of property to develop 52 additional lots in the existing Northbridge Subdivision located on South Bridgeport Drive (Tax Parcel MS80000013 000).
Wes Sherrod with Parker Engineering spoke in favor of the request.
APPROVED - 10. Consideration of a motion to approve corrected Resolution 2023-52: A Resolution authorizing the opening of a separate bank account for the 2023 TSPLOST.
APPROVED - 11. Public Hearing and consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2024-01: A Resolution approving application for FY 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
In 2022, the City was granted control of the Whitesville Park adjacent to Whitesville Full Gospel Church. As a City Park, staff recommends the application of a multi-activity grant to improve the park, adjacent roadway, and under guidance from the Department of Community Affairs consider a phased development for housing in a future grant.
APPROVED - 12. Public Hearing & 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) Dixie Food Mart 1495 Northside Dr East Statesboro, Ga 30458 License Type: Package Sales – Beer and Wine only
(b) Jim N Nicks BBQ #4054 24106 Hwy 80 East Statesboro, Ga 30461 License Type: Restaurant
(c) Stoners Pizza Joint 701 Piedmont Loop Ste 200 Statesboro, Ga 30458 License Type: Restaurant
APPROVED - 13. Motion to award the purchase of a new 2022 or later Ram 1500 (or equivalent) crew cab 4x4 truck not to exceed $50,000.00 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant division of the Public Utilities Department. If approved, this vehicle will be funded using operating income from the Water and Sewer Fund.
The Purchasing Division is assisting the Wastewater Treatment Division to search for a vehicle that match the requirements of their current fleet. This vehicle will replace a 2005 Ford F-350 Super Duty which has exceeded its life cycle and will be used for multiple functions and day to day operations as required. This will be used as a spare until a decision is made to surplus. The specific requests were based on the division’s need and use of the vehicle.
APPROVED - 14. Consideration of a motion to award a contract to Tim Lanier Construction, LLC in the amount of $242,950.00 for the East Grady Street Sidewalk Improvements Project. This project will be funded from the 2018 TSPLOST Fund.
The work in this contract includes installing a 5’ ADA compliant sidewalk along E. Grady Street from the Library at S. Main to South Mulberry Street. Due to an increase in unit pricing for construction materials, all of the submitted bids were over the budgeted amount for ENG-122n East Grady Street Sidewalk. The project includes sidewalk construction but is not limited to the following: installation of sidewalk along this corridor will require the demolition and reconstruction of existing driveways, the relocation of various incidental items such as trees on the ROW, street signs, and fiber optic utility infrastructure (guy wires, and subgrade utility boxes).
APPROVED - 15. Consideration of a motion to award a professional services contract to WSP USA, Inc in the amount of $149,000.00 to perform a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, Site Suitability Study, and develop a Design & Operations Plan for expansion of the inert landfill. Funding is to be provided by Operating Income in the Solid Waste Disposal Fund.
WSP USA, Inc. (formerly Golder Associates, Inc.) has been working with the City of Statesboro since 1993 at the Lakeview Road landfill under a master services agreement. WSP has supported City staff through the construction and permitting of the existing transfer station and the inert landfill at the Lakeview Road Landfill. The existing inert landfill at has an estimated remaining capacity of approximately 1 to 2 years based on calculations by the Landfill Operator, Jeff McCarty.
The Lakeview Road Landfill site is experiencing disposal increases of inert debris daily. Adjacent properties present an apparent opportunity for expansion. The Phase 1 ESA will ascertain if any environmental issues exist on such a site and will have to be mitigated prior to full use of the property to be acquired. The Design and Operations plan establishes the basis for geotechnical basis for expansion and daily operations of an inert landfill. These documents are fundamental to seek expansion permitting.
16. Other Business from City Council
Council member Barr reminded citizens of the Village Builders resource family fun day from 10 am to 3 pm this Saturday in the STEAM Academy parking lot.
Warming shelters are open on Tuesday and Wednesday at Pittman Park UMC and Friday and Saturday night at First Presbyterian Church.
Evan Taromina, Troop 935 and Rick Newell are Boy Scouts attended City council as part of their requirements in completing their requirements for Eagle Scouts and we were recognized by Council member John Riggs.
17. City Managers Comments
Staff has responded to the bike lane request.
Exciting that they have issued a building permit for the food bank. Hopefully before this summer the building will be up and operational.
18. Public Comments (General)
Sue Palmer would like to see the city put in a truck route especially for log trucks to make the city safer.
Len Fatica to ask for consideration to expand public comments to at least four minutes. The county gives five minutes.
Michael Rack with Tag Team Ice Cream. He was instructed to re-apply there is now a license process.
Scarlet with the Statesboro Youth Council was part of SEB HOSA has seen an increase in heart disease increases as part of her research. Wanted to know if there was a way to encourage more healthy food choices.
19. Executive Session
After a brief executive session the Council returned and appointed these member to the Business Commission:
- A.J. Jetwani
- Larry Clark
- Venus Mack
- Brandon Blair
CLICK HERE to view the agenda and supporting documents
Live stream of meeting
