Statesboro City Council introduced Dr. LaSara Mitchell as the new director of the Statesboro Village Builder program. Dr. Mitchell has spent the last 16 years working for GS Department of Community Health. She brings years of experience in youth advocacy and development to her new role.
Statesboro Village Builders Initiative is a new initiative conceived by the City of Statesboro’s Youth Commission and Mayor McCollar in collaboration with community stakeholders. The Statesboro Village Builders aims to be a community-wide youth development program that offers a comprehensive approach to ensure that all youth in Statesboro and their families have support in becoming the best version of themselves.
Tammy Rushing retires
The city honored also honored one of their own, Tammy Rushing. Tammy is retiring from the City on January 1, 2023 after 30 years of service. Mr. Bobby Colson who is also a retired city employee was in the audience. Mr. Colson hired Tammy.
Consent Agenda
APPROVED: Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 11-15-2022 Council Minutes
Public Hearing
APPROVED: Public Hearing and consideration of a motion to approve an alcohol license in accordance with the City of Statesboro alcohol ordinance Sec. 6-13 (a):
Patel 3190 LLC d/b/a OK Food Mart
3190 Northside Drive West
Statesboro, Ga 30458
License Type: Package Sales – Beer and Wine only
Other Business
APPROVED: Consideration of a Motion to Adopt Resolution 2022-40: A Resolution accepting the right of way of "Quail Run Drive" as a public street to be owned and maintained by the City of Statesboro.
APPROVED: Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2022-41: A Resolution approving the submission of a Community Home Investment Program (CHIP) grant application to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and commitment of matching funds.
TABLED: Consideration of a motion to approve a lease agreement to provide office space to U.S. Representative Rick Allen for an additional two years with no rent assessed. Council members asked to table this motion in order for city staff to determined if all office space across the district was being donated or if this is something only Statesboro is doing.
APPROVED: Consideration of a motion to award a contract to Y-Delta Inc. in the amount of $1,632,370.04 for the installation of water and sewer mains at the Bruce Yawn Commerce Park to serve Aspen Aerogels. To be paid for with funds approved in the FY2023 CIP Budget item #WWD-154, using system revenue and grant proceeds.
Council Comments
Councilman Phil Boyum asked the city staff about getting them information on what ti would take to put up signage coming into the city recognizing Tormenta FC's national championships wins.
Councilman Boyum also raised the possibility of raising the hotel motel tax. This is a tax that is almost exclusively paid for by visitors. He said that literally dozens of cities across the state have raised theirs to 8%. Statesboro's tax rate remains at 6%. The funds generated by this tax goes to support the Averitt Center, Visit Statesboro and the Downtown Development Authority. This has to go to our local Georgia legislation delegation so it was a timely issue. He asked for Visit Statesboro to be invited to the cities next work session on December 20th to make presentation regarding the benefits of this increase.
He also said that city workers are making progress on the new Art Park beside the railroad tracks in downtown Statesboro. They will give an update at the next meeting.
Councilman Boyum invited everyone to heck out the Big blue chair at the beginning of the Willie McTell Trail downtown. This is made possible through a partnership with GS Business Innovation Group and the city.
City Toy Drive
Charles Penny, City Manager reminded the council and the community that they had kicked off their third annual toy drive at City Hall. They are accepting donations of toys and cash contributions in the lobby of city hall through December 15th. They will distribute the toys on Sunday, December 18 at the Boys and Girls Club.
Parents or guardians can also request to receive toy donations. To make a request, contact Bulloch County NAACP President Delinda Gaskins at (912) 682-4917.
