City of Statesboro honors autism, child abuse prevention, and sexual assault awareness in April meeting

The Statesboro City Council gathered on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, for a regular meeting filled with community recognitions, public updates, and forward momentum on housing and infrastructure planning. With spring around the corner, the council also spotlighted a slate of upcoming community events and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to long-standing challenges like housing instability.

Council Recognizes Key Awareness Months

Mayor Jonathan McCollar opened the meeting by issuing proclamations designating April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Dr. Michelle Zeanah, representing the Behavioral Pediatric Resource Center, spoke about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for greater public understanding. She introduced the local “Occupant with Autism” decal program, created in partnership with Davis Marketing, the Statesboro Police Department, and the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office. These decals help first responders identify when someone with autism may be in a home or vehicle, encouraging safer and more informed interactions.

Lora Cooper, Executive Director of Positive Childhood Alliance Bulloch, emphasized that child abuse prevention is not a once-a-year cause. “This is work that needs to be done 365 days a year,” she said. Cooper also introduced the organization’s rebranding and highlighted ongoing initiatives like the First Steps program, which provides early support to families with young children. She warned that as Statesboro grows, so will the need for family-focused services.

Lily Gray, speaking on behalf of The Teal House: Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault Center, reminded council members that every 68 seconds someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. She thanked the city for its continued support of survivors and credited Statesboro law enforcement and city leadership with being active allies in prevention and recovery work.

Consent Agenda and Action Items

Council unanimously approved:

March 18, 2025 meeting minutes
Surplus and disposition of equipment in the Public Works and Engineering Department

Three alcohol license applications from Nouria Energy Retail, Inc. for stores located on Fair Road, Northside Drive West, and Highway 67 were also approved. Councilmember Ginny Hendley recused herself from these votes.

The council also approved:

Termination of a corporate guaranty with Aspen Aerogels

Aspen Aerogels backed out of completing its planned $325 million factory in Bulloch County, leaving behind unfinished infrastructure. As a result, Statesboro City Council terminated its role as guarantor for a $750,000 state grant used to extend water and sewer lines to the site. Aspen is now repaying the city $741,000, which will be sent back to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to maintain the city’s grant eligibility. The infrastructure remains in place, potentially benefiting future businesses at Bruce Yawn Commerce Park.

An updated Municipal Court contract with Justice One, raising the rate to $11 per paid citation or $2,000/month, up from $9 or $1,500/month
A right-of-way purchase agreement for the West Main Street/Johnson Street/MLK Drive intersection project (ENG-123c), funded by 2018 TSPLOST
A $74,030.25 contract with Tidwell Traffic Solutions for pavement marking replacement, also TSPLOST-funded

Community Events and Housing Committee Formation

Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr highlighted several upcoming events, including:

Taste of Downtown – April 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Statesboro Farmers Market Opening – April 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Longest Table – April 5 at 4:00 p.m. in Innovation Alley
Downtown Live! – April 10 with food trucks at 6:00 p.m. and music starting at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor McCollar then announced the formation of a new ad hoc committee to study housing instability and homelessness in Statesboro and greater Bulloch County. The committee was formed after a multi-agency discussion held the previous week.

Initially planned for 60 days, the timeline was extended to 120 days to allow for deeper research and planning. The committee will be chaired by Councilmember Paulette Chavers, with Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr also serving.

Additional members include:

Peggy Brown
Yvonne Pryor
Keith Wilkey
Corey Kemp
Monifa Johnson
Chad Reinbold
Delia Mobley

Olympia Gaines will serve as the committee's staff liaison.

“This won’t be solved overnight,” said McCollar. “But this represents our commitment to begin the process—and that’s how lasting change begins.”

City Manager’s Comments

City Manager Charles Penny began his remarks by honoring the recent passing of Freedom, Georgia Southern University’s iconic bald eagle. “When we saw Freedom, we saw Steve,” Penny said, referencing longtime caretaker Steve Hein. “This is a big loss for our community.”

Penny then provided updates on:

The third phase of the Bryant Landing housing project, which received endorsement from the GICH Committee. A letter of support will be submitted to the DCA to help secure Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
The CDBG application, which will be postponed until next year due to low community participation at a recent public hearing. Penny stressed the need for more education so residents understand the benefits of federally funded home improvements.

He also acknowledged public concerns about the city’s massage parlor ordinance, which was written in the 1990s. Penny said city staff and legal counsel have already begun reviewing model ordinances and will return to the council with recommendations in a future work session. Stakeholders in the profession will also be invited to review proposed changes.

Public Comments

Kameron Mitchell, Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration, reminded the public that the deadline for SBA physical disaster loans has been extended to April 27, with economic injury loan applications due by June 30.

Marshall Webster criticized the council’s internal investigation into a past vote involving Councilmember Paulette Chavers, calling the process a “cover-up” and questioning the transparency of the proceedings. He alleged open meetings laws were sidestepped by splitting the investigating group into pairs.

Don Devine, a licensed massage therapist and owner of Devine Hands Therapeutic Bodywork LLC , urged the council to revise or remove outdated ordinances regulating massage businesses. He noted that Georgia now has a state licensing board for massage therapy, and that the city’s current rules have prevented him and others from opening or expanding downtown. Devine submitted information from the American Massage Therapy Association for council review.

Marcus Toole, speaking on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, announced that the organization’s flag program will soon expand to neighborhoods along Josh Deal Road. The program helps fund affordable housing while allowing residents to display flags on patriotic holidays.

Meeting Adjournment

The meeting concluded without an executive session and was officially adjourned after public comments.

Here is the meeting agenda packet

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

3. Recognitions / Public Presentations

A) Proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Autism Awareness Month

As part of the city’s recognition of April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, Dr. Michelle Zeanah from the Behavioral Pediatric Resource Center spoke to the council about the growing need for education and support around autism. She shared that autism now affects approximately one in 36 children, with diagnoses increasing in recent years largely due to improved recognition and understanding.

Dr. Zeanah explained that children with autism are often misunderstood. They may be incorrectly labeled as difficult or defiant, and many of their behaviors are mistakenly attributed to conditions like ADHD. She clarified that all individuals with autism experience challenges with back-and-forth communication, reading and using body language, and developing relationships. They may also exhibit sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviors, rigid thinking, and narrow interests. These traits can vary greatly between individuals—and even within the same person over time—meaning someone may need a lot of assistance in one area of life while being completely independent in another.

She shared an example of someone who, as a child, may have run away from confrontation, refused to answer questions from strangers, or had a high pain tolerance. As an adult, that same person could function very successfully as an aircraft mechanic—rigidly following FAA rules, hyper-focused on safety, and only comfortable discussing aviation topics.

To help first responders better interact with individuals on the spectrum, Dr. Zeanah introduced the “Occupant with Autism” decal program. These reflective decals were locally designed in partnership with David’s Marketing, the Statesboro Police Department, and the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office. The decals are placed on the rear driver-side window of a vehicle or the front door of a home to alert law enforcement that someone with autism may be present. This helps officers know to approach with added care and understanding.

The Resource Center has already provided autism awareness training to both the Statesboro Police Department and the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office earlier this year. Thanks to a grant from the Bulloch County Hospital Authority, similar training will be provided to EMS and Statesboro Fire Department personnel later in 2025.

Families interested in receiving a decal can visit the police department or sheriff’s office during business hours. Proof of diagnosis is requested, but no personal information is collected unless the family chooses to share it. Those who wish to provide more details can fill out an optional form that includes helpful information such as communication style, sensory sensitivities, and specific risks like elopement or water attraction. This data can be integrated into local emergency responder databases to support more effective and compassionate responses during traffic stops or emergency calls.

Dr. Zeanah concluded by noting that autism doesn’t have a specific look, and understanding the condition is key to helping individuals live safer, more supported lives. She welcomed anyone with questions about the program to reach out. They also gave out Autism Awareness ribbons to wear for the month of April.

B) Proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month

Following the proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Lora Cooper, Executive Director of Positive Childhood Alliance Bulloch, addressed the council with a passionate call to action for year-round engagement.

“Thank you all so very much for always recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month,” she began, “but I’m sure everyone here knows this is work that needs to be done 365 days a year.”

Cooper shared that Georgia consistently ranks near the bottom in national reports on child and family well-being—typically around 37th or 38th, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. With Statesboro’s recent and ongoing growth, particularly due to the Hyundai Metaplant, she emphasized that the city must proactively invest in its families to keep up with rising needs.

She spoke about the First Steps program, which focuses on supporting families with children from birth to age five. The initiative connects families with community resources, screens for health and developmental concerns, and ensures children have health insurance, stable housing, and other basic needs.

“As our population grows, the number of families who need these services will only increase,” she said. “We’re going to see that demand not only in early childhood but throughout the elementary, middle, and high school years.”

Cooper also announced that the organization formerly known as Prevent Child Abuse Bulloch is now Positive Childhood Alliance Bulloch, reflecting a statewide change in identity and mission. The shift toward the word “alliance,” she said, is intentional.

“We’re not going to improve our state’s ranking if we don’t work together,” she said. “This is about all of us coming together to strengthen families.”

She stressed that child well-being is directly linked to the economic success of the community. Without strong family support systems, individuals may not be able to bring their best to the workforce. Educational outcomes are also impacted, with high absenteeism among children being another growing concern.

Wrapping up, Cooper thanked the council again for its continued recognition and reminded them that signs of awareness—such as blue ribbons and pinwheels—will be seen around the community throughout April. But, she emphasized, "this work isn’t just for the month of April—it’s every single day.”

C) Proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

Lily Gray, representing The Teal House: Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault Center, addressed the council following the proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. She thanked the city and Mayor Jonathan McCollar for recognizing April as a time to focus on this critical issue.

“Every 68 seconds, someone becomes a victim of sexual assault,” Gray said, underscoring the urgency of raising awareness and making sure local services are known and accessible.

She emphasized how vital the city and law enforcement are to the mission of supporting survivors and preventing sexual violence. “We couldn’t do this without you,” she added. Gray closed by thanking the council for their continued support of The Teal House and for providing the opportunity to speak during the meeting.

4. Public Comments (Agenda Items)

None

APPROVED 5. Consent Agenda

A) Approval of Minutes

March 18, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes

B) Public Works and Engineering

Approval of surplus and disposition of equipment

APPROVED 6. Public Hearing & Alcohol License Approvals

Ginny Hendley recused herself from these.

A. Nouria Energy Retail, Inc.
d/b/a Nouria 1609 Fair Road
Address: 1609 Fair Rd.
License Type: Package Sales (Beer & Wine only)

B. Nouria Energy Retail, Inc.
d/b/a Nouria 2298 Northside Drive West
Address: 2298 Northside Dr. West
License Type: Package Sales (Beer & Wine only)

C. Nouria Energy Retail, Inc.
d/b/a Nouria 17874 Highway 67
Address: 17874 Hwy 67
License Type: Package Sales (Beer & Wine only)

APPROVED 7. Termination of Corporate Guaranty

Consideration of motion to approve the termination of a corporate guaranty with Aspen Aerogels, Bulloch County, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)

APPROVED 8. Municipal Court Software Contract Update

Motion to approve updated contract with Justice One
New contract: $11 per paid citation or $2,000/month (whichever is greater)
Previous contract: $9 per paid citation or $1,500/month

APPROVED 9. Right-of-Way Purchase Agreement

For West Main Street/Johnson Street/MLK Drive intersection project (ENG-123c)
Funded through 2018 TSPLOST

APPROVED 10. Pavement Marking Replacement Contract

Contract with Tidwell Traffic Solutions for $74,030.25
Funded through 2018 TSPLOST

11. Other Business from City Council

During council comments, Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr highlighted a number of upcoming community events happening across Statesboro as spring gets into full swing.

She reminded the public that on Friday, April 4, Downtown Statesboro will host a Taste of Downtown event organized by Downtown Development and community partners. While not part of the former First Friday series, the event follows a similar model. Attendees can purchase a ticket for $10 cash and enjoy sampling local dishes from participating downtown restaurants starting at 5:30 p.m..

Barr also noted several activities taking place on Saturday, April 5. The Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market will reopen for the season that morning, offering fresh produce, artisan goods, and crafts from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Later that afternoon, One Boro will host its signature Longest Table event in Innovation Alley. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., the event offers a free community meal where residents are encouraged to sit, eat, and connect with neighbors.

Looking ahead, she reminded everyone that the next Downtown Live is scheduled for April 10, with food trucks arriving at 6:00 p.m. and music and festivities beginning around 7:00 p.m. “Come early, find a good spot in the shade, and enjoy the music and the fun,” she said.

Shifting from events to long-term planning, Mayor McCollar emphasized that housing has been at the forefront of the city’s work since 2018, noting that the 2007–2008 housing crash contributed to a nationwide shortage that continues to affect Statesboro today. He cited a national shortfall of approximately 4 million homes, which has driven up costs and put many families in vulnerable positions.

“Unfortunately, Statesboro is not exempt from these challenges,” McCollar said. “We want to be a city that doesn’t sit on its laurels, so we’re taking proactive steps.”

The mayor then announced the creation of a temporary ad hoc committee, which will study homelessness and housing instability in both the city and surrounding Bulloch County. The committee was formed following a collaborative discussion held the previous Thursday, which included Councilmembers Paulette Chavers and Shari Barr, along with city staff and community representatives.

The committee’s goal is to begin crafting a framework of services and solutions to better support vulnerable individuals and families. While the initial plan was for the committee to operate for 60 days, Mayor McCollar extended the timeline to 120 days, with Charles Penny noting that a councilmember may have wedding plans.

Councilmember Paulette Chavers will chair the committee, with Councilmember Shari Barr also serving on it.

City staff member Olympia Gaines will serve as the committee’s support coordinator.

“This issue won’t be solved overnight,” said McCollar. “But this represents our commitment to begin the process, and that’s how lasting change begins.”

12. City Manager’s Comments

City Manager Charles Penny began his comments with a somber reflection on the recent death of Freedom, the beloved bald eagle who had long served as Georgia Southern University’s mascot. Penny acknowledged the emotional impact of the loss on the community and especially on Steve Hein, who had been Freedom’s primary caretaker at the Center for Wildlife Education.

“When we saw Freedom, we saw Steve,” Penny said. “This is a big loss for our community.”

He then moved into updates on ongoing housing efforts. Penny shared that the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) Committee has endorsed the third phase of the Bryant Landing project, a local Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) development. The first 50 units are complete, and the second phase of 51 units is set to begin this summer. The city will submit a letter of endorsement, signed by the mayor, to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in support of the third phase.

Penny also addressed the status of two grant initiatives. The city’s CHIP (Community Home Investment Program) grant remains in progress, but efforts to submit a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) application have been paused. A public hearing for a targeted neighborhood saw low attendance and hesitation from residents, preventing the city from moving forward this year. However, Penny explained that Statesboro’s GICH status means its priority position will carry over to next year, giving the city more time to educate residents about the benefits of federally funded home improvements.

“We’re not trying to take anyone’s home,” he said. “We’re trying to help—by replacing HVAC systems, fixing roofs, installing new flooring—so people can live in safer, more modern conditions.”

Penny also responded to public concerns raised at the previous council meeting about the city’s massage parlor ordinance. He explained that the city staff and legal team had already begun reviewing the outdated ordinance and will begin evaluating model ordinances from other municipalities. He acknowledged the outdated language currently used in city code and the need to respect licensed massage therapists, whom he described as members of an “honorable profession.”

Penny recommended that the city bring proposed revisions back to the council for discussion during a work session, possibly in May or June. After council review, the city would also invite stakeholders to offer feedback before any changes are finalized.

“Our goal isn’t to enforce old laws that stigmatize a profession,” Penny said, “but to make sure our ordinance is current, appropriate, and fair.”

13. Public Comments (General)

Kameron Mitchell, Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, provided a brief update on SBA disaster loan deadlines and thanked the city and its partners for their ongoing support.

“Good morning, and thank you for having me—and for welcoming not only the Small Business Administration but also FEMA and all of our local, state, and federal resource partners,” Mitchell said, referring to the recent community outreach event held at the Honey Bowen Building.

Mitchell announced that the filing deadline for SBA physical disaster loans has been extended to April 27, 2025, offering residents and business owners additional time to apply. The original deadline had been February 7. He also reminded the public that the deadline for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) remains June 30, 2025.

“There’s still time to apply for disaster loans if you need assistance,” he said.

Marshall Webster addressed the council with strong criticism regarding a past incident involving Councilmember Paulette Chavers. Webster referenced the awarding of a city contract to a firm where Chavers’ brother served as CEO and questioned the legitimacy of the internal investigation that followed.

Webster stated that after public concern arose, Mayor Jonathan McCollar convened an investigative committee of three councilmembers to review the matter. He criticized the committee’s conclusion that the vote was ultimately withdrawn and would have passed regardless, and that Councilmember Chavers was unaware the vote was unlawful due to legal advice from the city attorney.

He further alleged that the committee deliberately avoided transparency by meeting two members at a time, circumventing open meeting laws, and questioned the involvement of City Manager Charles Penny and City Attorney Cain Smith in those discussions.

Webster accused those involved of covering up the issue and stated that their actions amounted to complicity. He closed by questioning whether other instances of misconduct may have occurred behind closed doors.

Don Devine, a licensed massage therapist and owner of Mind Hands Therapeutic Bodywork, addressed the council to advocate for the removal or revision of outdated city ordinances regulating massage establishments. Devine has been practicing massage therapy since 1999, working in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas before relocating to Statesboro in 2018. Since then, he has treated more than 1,000 clients, including individuals from across the region and those with a variety of needs—including people on the autism spectrum and survivors of abuse.

“Massage is a noble profession,” Devine said. “We help people redefine touch, move past trauma, and find healing.”

He explained that current city ordinances regulating massage businesses were originally passed in 1995, before the State of Georgia established the State Board of Massage Therapy and its licensing laws. Today, licensed massage therapists in Georgia are already held to professional and ethical standards, insurance requirements, and continuing education obligations by the state board.

Devine shared that the city’s outdated ordinances have discouraged him and other therapists from opening storefronts downtown or expanding their practices within city limits.

“I’ve walked up and down Main Street and seen empty businesses,” he said. “I’ve wanted to open my practice downtown, but I won’t because of these ordinances.”

He added that the current local rules also deter national massage franchises from considering Statesboro, limiting potential economic development.

Devine proposed that the council consider striking the outdated ordinances altogether, allowing the state licensing board to serve as the primary enforcement body, and saving city staff time and resources. He concluded by submitting a handout from the American Massage Therapy Association containing statistics about the profession and its benefits, asking that it be entered into the official record for the council’s review.

Marcus Toole, representing Habitat for Humanity, shared an update on the organization’s flag program, which is entering a new phase of expansion. Toole announced that neighborhoods along Josh Deal Road, located just outside the city limits, will soon begin receiving written solicitations to participate in the program.

The flag program not only allows residents to display patriotic spirit by sponsoring flags on national holidays, but also directly supports affordable housing efforts in Statesboro and Bulloch County.

“We’d love to have you all join the program,” Toole said, “You’ll help fund affordable housing and show your patriotism to the community.”