The regular bi-monthly meeting of the Statesboro City Council on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 began with Marcus Toole delivering the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a presentation on an important proclamation. This year’s Latinx Heritage Month, set to run from September 15th to October 15th, took center stage as Mayor Jonathan McCollar read the proclamation aloud.
The history behind this celebration traces back to 1968, with President Lyndon B. Johnson marking the week of September 15th as National Hispanic Heritage Week. Fast forward to 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended it to a full month, recognizing the importance of the contributions made by Latino Americans. The proclamation highlighted the more than one million Latin Americans who call Georgia home, emphasizing their contributions to the state's vibrant culture and economic success. Mayor McCollar urged Statesboro residents to observe Latinx Heritage Month by celebrating the rich Latino heritage that continues to shape the city and the nation.
After the proclamation, the council approved the consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes from the August 20th work session and the disposition of surplus vehicles from the Public Works and Engineering Department.
Next up was a resolution calling for the temporary relocation of the Statesboro Ward 1 precinct for the upcoming special election on November 5, 2024. The election will fill the unexpired term of a vacant District 1 council seat, and to make voting easier, the council approved the move to Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church. This aligns the City precinct with the County precinct so citizens do not have to travel to two different precincts to vote in the municipal and presidential election.
The council also approved a grant for the Statesboro Fire Department, which will use the $8,095.23 to purchase an inflatable fire safety house. This portable teaching tool will be used for educating children on fire safety. It looks a bit like a bouncy house, but don’t expect firefighters to bounce around in it. It’s all about safety and education, not fun and games for the firefighters.
Additionally, the council approved several resolutions and contracts, including sidewalk repairs throughout the city, the purchase of portable radios and equipment for the fire department, and the construction of the new fire training building. They also acquired a new asphalt patch truck or a "pothole patcher."
In other business, Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr expressed disappointment that the popular First Friday events won’t be happening through the end of the year, but she encouraged everyone to support the upcoming downtown live concert on September 12th.
City Manager Charles Penny shared updates on various projects, including the unfortunate news that the city didn’t receive a CDBG grant for the Whitesville Community Park Project. However, the council remains committed to finding funding solutions for infrastructure improvements. He also announced an upcoming public information session on September 9th regarding the Burkhalter Village proposed development, a 700-acre project that promises to reshape the area.
And finally, Penny addressed concerns about the city’s water system, noting the need for better public understanding and communication. He plans to organize an informational session for residents to clarify how the water and wastewater systems work, helping to dispel some of the misinformation that’s been circulating regarding the proposed Hyundai wells.
Recognitions/Public Presentations:
A) Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing September 15th – October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month.
APPROVED: Consent Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes
a) 08-20-2024 Work Session Minutes
b) 08-20-2024 Council Minutes
c) 08-20-2024 Executive Session Minutes
Consideration of a motion to approve the surplus and disposition of vehicles and equipment in the Public Works and Engineering Department.
The Items below have exceeded their useful life and need to declare surplus and approved for disposition:
Streets and Parks Division
1. 2012 Ford F-450 6.8L V-10 vin# 1FDUF4GY0CEB08852 (Asphalt Truck)
2. 2006 Ford F-450 6.8L V-10 vin# 1FDXF46YX6ED70347 (Landscape Truck)
3. 2003 Ford F-350 5.4L vin# 1FDSW34LX3EB29833 (Landscape Truck)
Motor Pool Division
1. 2005 Chevrolet Impala 3.8 V6 vin# 2G1WF52K259256618
Stormwater Division
1. 2015 Gradall 3100 vin# 3140000375
2. 1996 Ford Dump Truck L-9000 L-10 vin# 1FDZU90L1VVA12495
New Business
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2024-22: A Resolution calling for a temporary relocation of Statesboro 1 Precinct from Luetta Moore Park to the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church for the City Special Election held on November 5, 2024 to fill the unexpired term of the vacant District 1 Council seat.
Councilman Boyum tendered his resignation as District 1 representative at regular Council meeting on July 16, 2024, with an effective date of August 1, 2024. Council called for a special election on August 6, 2024. This resolution would allow for temporary relocation of Statesboro Precinct 1 for the special election to fill the District 1 vacancy on November 5, 2024.
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2024-23: A Resolution to accept the 2023 Fire Prevention & Safety Grant for the City of Statesboro, Georgia in the amount of $8,095.23 with a 5% match in the amount of $404.77. These funds will be used to purchase an inflatable fire safety house.
In March 2024 the Statesboro Fire Department submitted an application for the 2023 FP&S Grant. The total amount requested was $8,500 for the purchase of an Inflatable Fire Safety House. The Statesboro Fire Department will utilize grant funding to purchase an inflatable fire safety house to aid in teaching young children about fire safety. This will provide the Fire Department with opportunities to delivery important fire and life safety lesson to children in an interactive and fun environment.
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2024-24: A Resolution to adopt the First Amendment to the City of Statesboro Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Fines for Fiscal Year 2025.
The Georgia State Legislature passed a law effective July 1, 2024, regarding the calculation of building permit fees. Therefore, an amendment to the FY2025 Rates, Fees and Fines Schedule needs to be amended to reflect the change. Also included is the 5% Plan Review Fee. The Plan Review Fee is not a new fee, but has not been included in the Schedule of Rates, Fees and Fines. The changes are highlighted in yellow.
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve the purchase of twenty-five (25) APX6000 portable radios, fifteen (15) spare batteries and five (5) shoulder microphones for the Statesboro Fire Department in the amount of $156,047.70 from Motorola Solutions utilizing 2019 SPLOST funds.
The Fire Department utilizes portable radios to communicate during emergency incidents and are a critical tool in ensuring effective, efficient and safe service delivery. The Fire Department has budgeted for the replacement of outdated and/or damaged portable radios. Additionally, the portable radios currently being used in the Fire Department are obsolete, meaning repairs are becoming increasingly difficult sue to replacement parts no longer being available. Motorola Solutions is the service provider for the radio system the Statesboro Fire Department utilizes as well as has a Sourcewell contract for equipment proposed to be purchased. All applicable documentation and/or processes associated with this purchase has been acquired in accordance with the City’s Purchasing Policy. The total price for the radios and accessory equipment is $156,047.70
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve an award of contract to Hawk Construction in the amount of $203,910.00 for the construction of a Fire Training Building. This project will be funded out of 2019 SPLOST funds.
The Fire Department training building will be located at the multi-departmental training facility located out highway 301 near the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport. This building will be used as a classroom and for apparatus/equipment training. The request for proposal (RFP) method was utilized in order to allow the contractors to provide their best approach to this project thereby saving funds on engineering and architectural costs since these elements will be provided by the contractor. The RFP did require certain features such as square footage, facilities and functionality. These firms were evaluated on cost. experience and other criteria. Given these elements, Hawk Construction was selected as the most responsive and reliable option to successfully provide the training facility. Numerous RFQs were sent to potential contractors with seven (7) attending a mandatory pre-bid for this project. This project will be funded out of the 2019 SPLOST.
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve an award of contract in the amount of $70,500.00 to Tim Lanier Construction, LLC for sidewalk repairs in various locations identified throughout the City. This project, STS-31, will be paid by 2018 TSPLOST funds.
The City has existing sidewalks that are aged and in need of repairs. This is due to gaps, cracks, severe surface deterioration, and/or grade displacement (settlement). These conditions can cause a pedestrian’s footing to become unbalanced resulting in a slip, trip or fall.
The work in this contract includes demolition and reconstruction of existing sidewalks and driveways adjacent to sidewalks at various locations identified throughout the City in need of repair.
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve an award of contract for sidewalk installations and culvert improvements to HD Construction in the amount of $1,766,456.50. The three (3) CIP projects included in this bid award are ENG-122c (Funded by 2018 TSPLOST and GDOT LMIG), ENG-122k (Funded by 2018 TSPLOST and Stormwater Operating Funds) and STM-39 (Funded by Stormwater Operating Funds).
This sealed bid opportunity combined three (3) separate capital improvement projects (CIPs). These CIP projects included: STM-39 Donnie Simmons Culvert Improvements, ENG-122c: East Main Street Sidewalk and Eng-122k: West Main Street Sidewalk. Initially, all three (3) projects were bid separately with no responses, so it was decided to package all three (3) into one bid in order to potentially draw more interest from contractors. Eng-122c will provide a sidewalk on East Main Street from Northside Drive to Packinghouse Road (Funded by 2018 TSPLOST and GDOT LMIG), Eng-122k will provide a sidewalk on West Main Street from Ivory Street to Foss Street (funded by 2018 TSPLOST and STM Operating Funds), and STM-39 will provide culvert improvements for Donnie Simmons (Funded by STM Operating Funds). The totals listed above represent the final tabulations of all three (3) projects accounting for line item unit totals and any corrections needed.
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve the purchase of a Falcon Asphalt 4-Ton Patch Truck from Reynolds-Warren Equipment Co. per the Purchasing Cooperative of America (PCA) Contract #PCA OD-362-22, in the amount of $234,950.00. This item will be purchased with 2023 TSPLOST funds.
The Asphalt Patch Truck is to be utilized in the Streets Division of Public Works & Engineering. The Asphalt Patch Truck is funded in the amount of $234,950.00 in the FY2025 budget and is listed under CIP STS-124. This truck will be outfitted with other safety equipment and decals with available funds budgeted. The Asphalt Patch Truck will be purchased to replace unit #8852 asphalt truck and the hot patch trailer both that are at the end of their life cycle and reduction in Fleet maintenance costs.
The Purchasing Cooperative of America Contract #PCA OD-362-22 (Road Paving, Materials, Signage, Heavy Equipment and Related Items) meets all requirements, specifications and warranty needed. Reynolds-Warren Equipment Co. is an authorized Falcon reseller and is located in Bryan County, Georgia.
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve the purchase of an Aries Mobile Pathfinder UC3410, including camera, tractor, and controller from Aries Industry Inc., per the HGACBuy Contract #SC06-24, in the amount of $126,119.00. This purchase, STM-31 will be paid from Stormwater Utility Fees.
This item is part of a planned replacement of an existing 1998 Ford Van with Ques camera system that has been in service for many years and it is past its useful life. It is our plan surplus this vehicle and existing camera system. The new unit is compact and portable without the need for a dedicated vehicle, but will still meet the needs for Stormwater Division.
We are proposing to purchase this unit using an HGAC Buy Contract #SC06-24 as approved by City purchasing policy. Sale and service will be through Aries Industries Inc. They are the dealer in our area for this type of equipment.
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve a sole source purchase for an updated software platform from CUES GraniteNet for the Water/Sewer Department to replace the obsolete, existing software from CUES, Inc. in the amount of $36,955.00 to be purchased with operating income.
The Water/Sewer Department currently uses inspection and video equipment furnished by CUES to assist in locating and videoing the condition of the City’s sewer collection system. The current software platform and data management is outdated and obsolete, offering no updates to continue reliable function. The Water/Sewer department relies heavily on accurate inspection data to locate the many areas of infiltration, inflow and sewer failures. As the camera operators find major sources of I&I, we are better able to address serious areas of concern before causing sewage spills and costly repairs.
We are requesting to purchase these items Sole Source from CUES because this is the only software compatible with our CUES hardware and supporting equipment. This contract will cover all needed software, installation, startup and field training of the system.
CUES has been the City of Statesboro’s sole provider of equipment and support for our Inflow and Infiltration team for many years and has provided good service and reliability.
APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve an award of contract to Cartee Construction and Utilities, LLC in the amount of $1,483,574.26 for the installation of sanitary sewer infrastructure in Ramblewood Subdivision on Ramble Road to be paid for with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds approved in the FY2024 CIP Budget item # WWD-32-C.
As part of our program to extend utilities into unserved areas within the City, we have started the process to design, bid and construct a sanitary sewer system in the Ramblewood subdivision. Ramblewood consists of 32 residential lots of which 31 lots currently contain single family homes and one lot vacant.
Work to be included under this contract will include:
- Installation of approximately 2,670 LF of PVC gravity sewer
- Construction of 14 sewer manholes
- Installation of a 24-inch steel casing using jack and bore to cross GDOT right-of-way without disrupting traffic
- Demolition of two existing sewage pump stations
- Removal and replacement of existing pavement sections impacted
- Installation of a new asphaltic concrete overlay along Ramble Road
- Installation of three (3) grinder pump systems
- Installation of approximately 400 LF of 2-inch low pressure force main
- Installation of 4” PVC lateral services with connections
- Demolition of existing septic tanks
- Installation and removal of erosion and sediment control, and grading as necessary for completion of work described in the construction plans.
It is the recommendation of staff and of our consulting engineers, Hussey Gay Bell, to award the contract to Cartee Construction and Utilities, LLC. In our opinion, Cartee has the resources to successfully complete the project in the amount of $1,483,574.26 and is within the approved budget limit of $2,500,000.00.
Other Business from City Council
Mayor Pro-Tem Shari Barr expressed her disappointment that the Downtown Live series will end after the September 12th show. She urges everyone to come out and support.
City Managers Comments
City Manager Charles Penny discussed several key points:
CDBG Grant and Whitesville Project: The city did not receive the CDBG grant for the Whitesville project. Penny indicated that the inclusion of a park in the proposal created an obstacle, as the state’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA) preferred a focus solely on infrastructure or housing. The city will revise the application by excluding the park and resubmit it by the end of the year.
Public Information Session: A public information session will be held on September 9 at 6 p.m. to discuss the Burkhalter Village development, including rezoning and annexation. Property owners and developers will be invited to provide input and learn more about the project.
Millage Rate Hearing and Budget Presentation: On September 10, there will be a millage rate hearing at noon and a budget presentation at 6 p.m. The proposed millage rate increase to 9.125% and the new $2.3 million pay plan will be discussed.
Water System Communication: Penny plans to address misinformation about the city’s water system. He proposed an informational session to clarify how the water and wastewater systems work, aiming to improve public understanding and counteract negative misconceptions. This will be scheduled after the next work session.
Public Comments (General)
Marshall Webster expressed concerns about Mayor McCollar’s new role with the New Georgia Project. He raised questions about whether the mayor’s new job could present a conflict of interest, given his previous involvement with related initiatives. Webster suggested that the city council should look into the matter to ensure transparency and address any potential concerns.
Mayor McCollar responded by noting that he had already announced his new role with the New Georgia Project on social media on August 3, and over 600 people had seen that update. He apologized if Webster was only now learning about it but emphasized that the community had been aware for over a month. McCollar highlighted his transparency as mayor, pointing out that he regularly shares updates on social media and has held numerous town hall meetings. He expressed frustration that any job he takes seems to become a controversy and reassured that he is simply working to support his family, just like anyone else. McCollar invited Webster and others to follow his social media for more information and updates.
Consideration of a Motion to Enter into Executive Session
No action was made during the executive session.
