The Statesboro City Council met for their first meeting of 2024 on Tuesday morning, January 2, 2024. Mayor Jonothan McCollar opened the meeting and asked Pastor Donald Chavers to open with prayer.
He then asked Bulloch County Probate Judge Lorna Deloach to administer the Oath of Office for Council members Paulette Chavers, Ginny Hendley and Shari Barr.
With the election of Ginny Hendley, Statesboro's City Council continues their history making female majority. The first female majority came about four years ago with the election of Paulette Chavers, Venus Mack and Shari Barr.
Oath of Office Administrated by Bulloch County Probate Judge Lorna Deloach for:
a) District 2 Council Member Paulette Chavers
After receiving the Oath Council Member Chavers said, "I am looking forward to continuing the progress that has been made thus far in the City of Statesboro, with public safety, affordable housing, homelessness and youth incentives being at the top of my list."
b) District 3 Council Member Ginny Hendley
After receiving the Oath Council Member Ginny Hendley said, " I am extremely honored and delighted to serve the City that I grew up in and love with all my heart. I look forward to honoring traditions while bringing new opportunities and innovative ideas to both business and community outreach. I will continue to honor Jesus and my fellow man. We are stronger together."
c) District 5 Council Member Shari Barr
After receiving the Oath Council Member Shari Barr said, "This second term is another opportunity to better manage our growth. I am hopeful about working with the County leadership and other partners to preserve our healthy environment for all of us here now, as well as for the newcomers we expect."
Consideration of a Motion to appoint a Mayor Pro Tem for the next two years, per the Statesboro Municipal Code, Section 2-4 of the City Charter.
Council member John Riggs nominated Council member Phil Boyum for Mayor Pro Tem. Riggs said that he believes the position should be rotated around the council and that Boyum had never received an opportunity to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. Unable to get a second, Council member Boyum seconded Riggs motion to make him Mayor Pro Tem. It was voted down by a three to two vote.
Council member Paulette Chavers then made a motion to nominate Council member Barr allowing her to continue in this role. Council member Ginny Hendley seconded the motion and it passed with a four member vote. Council member Boyum did not vote.
Public Comments (Agenda Item):
No public comments
APPROVED - Consent Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes
a) 12-19-2023 Council Minutes
Other Business from City Council
Council member Shari Barr wished everyone a Happy New Year.
City Managers Comments
City Manager Charles Penny announced the name change ceremony for Broad Street.
The City of Statesboro will host a street renaming ceremony on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. to commemorate the renaming of Brown Street to Loretta’s Way. The ceremony will take place at 23 W Grady Street Extension with parking on Brown Street. Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar, District 2 City Council member Paulette Chavers and friends of Loretta Johnson Williams will offer remarks before the official unveiling of the new street sign.
Loretta J. Williams, Statesboro native and long-time community advocate, died in June of 2022 at the age of 84. Statesboro’s City Council voted to approve the renaming of Brown Street in the city’s West Side to honor the life and memory of Williams at the November 7, 2023, council meeting.
Public Comments (General)
Johnny Dorceus an avid bicyclist asked the city to consider adding bike lanes to the City's major streets at a very minium. He was involved in a bike accident because there was no bike lane.
Marshall Webster took the opportunity to address the new council about his concerns regarding what he defined as the City's woke Marxist agenda including requesting the repealing of a lynching marker.
Executive Session
No executive session.
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Live Stream of Meeting
