The Statesboro City Council tackled a full agenda during its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, with two key decisions standing out: the approval of a new fire station and the reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support housing rehabilitation and the completion of the Statesboro Food Bank.
In a move aimed at improving emergency response times and addressing overcrowding in existing fire facilities, the council unanimously approved the purchase of 1.301 acres of land for $588,000 to construct Fire Station #3. The property, located near Lowe’s, will be funded through the 2019 SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax). City Manager Charles Penny called the decision “an exciting day for Statesboro,” emphasizing the station’s role in enhancing emergency services and accommodating the city’s growing population. Penny explained the importance of the project, highlighting the addition of 21 new fire personnel in recent years and the strain it has placed on the city’s two existing fire stations.
The council also approved an extra $180,000 in ARPA funds to complete the construction of the food bank facility. The funding comes after collaboration with the county, which contributed $252,000 earlier that day. City Manager Penny underscored the importance the food bank, calling it “a vital resource for so many residents.” He assured the council that every ARPA dollar would be used efficiently, saying, “We received $12.3 million in ARPA funds, and we are committed to ensuring not a single penny is sent back to the federal government.”
In other business, the council approved a setback variance to accommodate a new coffee shop with a drive-through near Wild Wing Café on Highway 67. Council members also addressed storm water flooding concerns by approving a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application to fund studies and improvements at Bird’s Pond, an area that experienced significant flooding from Hurricanes Debby and Helene. Additionally, the council rejected a previous bid for the Whitesville Park design-build project due to a missing bid bond and authorized staff to negotiate with Lavender & Associates for a new contract valued at $1.2 million.
The meeting concluded on a reflective note as Mayor Jonathan McCollar and Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr recognized the retirement of County Commissioners Chairman Roy Thompson, Curt Deal, and Jappy Stringer. The mayor also announced that $42,000 of additional funds had been allocated for the city’s Youth Department to take 30 local students on a trip to Washington, D.C., where they will visit landmarks such as the White House and Capitol Hill.
City Manager Charles Penny ended with updates on the city’s festive decorations at City Hall, thanking staff for their efforts to bring holiday cheer to residents. He also reminded the public of the upcoming toy giveaway at the Boys & Girls Club, encouraging donations of bicycles and other toys to help families in need.
Keep reading for all business covered by the city.
1. Call to Order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3. Public Comments (Agenda Items)
Sam Jones spoke in support of the Whitesville Park project. He also asked about the $180,000 to the Food Bank. He asked if the County was providing any funding to the Food Bank. City Manager Penny shared with Mr. Jones that the County also voted to invest an addional $250k today to ensure the completion of the food bank.
APPROVED: 4. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes:
a) 12-03-2024 Council Minutes
Differed 5. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve:
APPLICATION RZ 24-11-01: Luis Gonzalez requests a Zoning Map Amendment from R-15 (Single-Family Residential) to R-3 (Medium Density Residential) for a 0.87-acre property at 509 East Main Street (Tax Parcel #MS57000008 000).
Luis Gonzalez requests a Zoning Map Amendment from the R-15 (Single-Family Residential) zoning district to the R-3 (Medium Density Residential) zoning district in order to develop additional units on a 0.87-acre property located at 509 East Main Street (Tax Parcel# MS57000008 000).
The Statesboro City Council decided to defer a zoning request for a property at 509 East Main Street during their December 17, 2024, meeting. The applicant, Luis Gonzalez, sought to rezone the 0.87-acre property from R-15 (Single-Family Residential) to R-3 (Medium Density Residential) to add multifamily housing units while retaining the existing home. However, concerns about compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood and potential traffic issues led to the council’s decision to postpone the matter.
Kathy Field, representing the city’s planning and zoning staff, provided an overview of the request. She explained that the property is currently zoned for single-family homes, with surrounding lots averaging 15,000 square feet and containing one home each. Field emphasized that the proposed development, featuring five multifamily units and a central parking lot, would be out of character with the established neighborhood. She recommended denial, citing incompatibility with the area’s development pattern. “The Planning Commission also recommended denial in a 6-0 vote during their December 3 meeting,” Field noted.
Jacob Crowley voiced concerns about increased traffic in an area already strained during peak hours. “There’s only one way in and out of the neighborhood, and traffic is already a problem. Adding more units would make it worse,” Crowley stated, urging the council to protect the neighborhood’s character.
Councilmembers acknowledged that the lot’s larger size might support additional development but expressed reservations about the proposed density and its impact on the community. Shari Barr suggested a scaled-down approach, such as a duplex, might be more appropriate. "It’s a big lot, and I understand the owner wants to generate income, but five units with a parking lot in the middle feels like too much," Barr commented.
Mayor McCollar, though unable to vote, agreed with the concerns raised by both staff and residents. He described the area as a well-established, older neighborhood that would be disrupted by the proposed development. “This is not the right fit for this neighborhood,” McCollar said.
Ultimately, the council opted for deferral, allowing time for further discussions between the applicant, staff, and planning commission. The decision gives Gonzalez an opportunity to revise the proposal and bring back a plan that aligns better with the neighborhood’s character. The deferral also avoids a six-month waiting period that would follow a formal denial.
APPROVED 6. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve:
APPLICATION V 24-11-02: Cody Rogers requests a variance from Table 2.2.9-B of the Unified Development Code to increase the setback allowance for a commercial development on 0.5 acres at Highway 67 & Independence Way (Tax Parcel #MS88000026 004).
Cody Rogers requests a Variance from Table 2.2.9-B of the Unified Development Code in order to increase the setback allowance for a commercial development on approximately 0.5 acres located on Highway 67 & Independence Way (Tax Parcel MS88000026 004).
City Council approved a variance request for a future land use for a drive-through business at Highway 67 and Independence Way, addressing setback flexibility for the 0.5-acre property. The approval allows the project to proceed, reflecting the council's focus on supporting development while planning updates to zoning regulations for mixed-use districts.
APPROVED 7. Consideration of a Motion to Approve:
APPLICATION SUB 24-11-03: Burbank Point LLC requests a Preliminary Subdivision Plat for 0.95 acres at 227 & 231 East Main Street (Tax Parcels #S39 000054 000).
Burbank Point LLC requests a Preliminary Subdivision PLAT on approximately 0.95 acres of property located at 227 & 231 East Main Street (Tax Parcels # S39 000054 000).
City Council approved a preliminary subdivision plat for a property located at the corner of East Main Street and Gordon Street during its December 17, 2024, meeting. The property, which includes a dilapidated farmer's stand and surrounding vacant land, will be subdivided into five traditional single-family lots. Kathy Field from planning and zoning explained that the original proposal for a cottage court was revised due to density challenges, leading to the current plan that aligns with the R-6 zoning district requirements.
The subdivision meets all necessary setback and lot size standards, and both city staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. The decision allows the property to move forward in the redevelopment process while adhering to the Unified Development Code.
APPROVED 8. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Resolution 2024-39
Amending the Affordable Housing Resolution for Habitat for Humanity.
An open ended resolution was passed June 16, 1998 giving incentives for Habitat for Humanity development through waiving of certain development fees. Attached resolution would amend the incentives and have a three-year sunset period.
APPROVED 9. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Resolution 2024-40:
Pre-application for the 2024-25 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) through Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA). Grant match to be paid from Stormwater Fund revenues.
The purpose of HMGP is to provide funds to State agencies and local governments in the aftermath of a disaster for projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from the effects of natural hazards. The program enables mitigation measures identified in State and local mitigation plans to be implemented during the recovery from a disaster. Hurricanes Debby and Helene were declared as federal disasters. This project proposes to address stormwater management needs at Bird’s Pond from flooding from tropical storms and hurricanes. The recent flooding has overtopped the dam at Bird’s Pond and bypassed the limits of the structure in the last two events. The current understanding of the existing dam’s purpose and flood control is not fully known at this time. This project is to study the hydrology of the basin, the existing concrete and earthen dam, the existing pond volume, impacts to flooding upstream in the City’s existing stormwater collection system, downstream analysis and adjacent wetlands. The masterplan will include field data collection, project management, design and preparation of a report with recommendations for improvements to the dam and basin. The work will be performed by an engineering firm through a qualifications selection process (QBS). This is needed for future major storm events to mitigate flooding in the upstream and downstream areas. The estimated amount of the study can range from $200,000 to $450, 000 with 75% federal grant and 25% City match needed.
APPROVED 10. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Resolution 2024-41:
Submission of an application for the T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program.
The T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program provides funding opportunities to communities with populations less than 50,000, to fund projects to build, rebuild, or reform community spaces that foster local connections. The projects include but are not limited to improvements to outdoors parks and trails. The Statesboro Art Park is an example of the type of project that could benefit from this grant opportunity. The City of Statesboro desires to apply for the grant to ensure that public art remains a vibrant and integral part of our community.
APPROVED 11. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Resolution 2024-42:
Rejecting a previously awarded contract to Great Southern Recreation due to a missing bid bond. Staff authorized to negotiate with Lavender & Associates for Whitesville Park design-build, not exceeding $1,200,000.
Great Southern Recreation was awarded the contract on December 6, 2024. Upon further evaluation it was discovered that a bid bond was not included as required under OCGA 13-10-20. Lavender & Associates was lowest responsive bidder. $1,200,000 in ARPA funds must be committed by end of year
APPROVED 12. Consideration of a Motion to Terminate the Contract with Freese & Nichols, Inc.
For design and permitting services for the Creek on the Blue Mile project.
On February 15, 2022 city council approved a $2,650,000 contract with Freese & Nichols, Inc. (FNI) to perform design and permitting services for the Creek on the Blue Mile project. In mid-2023 the Blue Mile Foundation secured funding for engineering and construction of the project bridges from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). However, this funding added a significant amount of time and procedural complexity of GDOT’s Plan Development Process (PDP) to the engineering and permitting phase of work for FNI. As a result, FNI submitted a change order for an additional $4,167,000. After an extended period of time to attempt to negotiate the change order, Staff and FNI leadership mutually agreed it would be best for the City to re-evaluate the scope of work and contract structure(s) for the design of the project and to solicit a new proposal. This recommendation provides the City with the opportunity to include in the scope of work GDOT’s PDP requirements for bridges and the conditions of all the grants received. FNI has acknowledged that all work performed under the current contract is property of the City and will be provided to the City to allow the project to continue forward progress. A balance of approximately $900,000 remains under the current contract FNI will not invoice the City further, unless additional tasks are requested by the City. Staff is working through this information and will investigate any opportunities to retain FNI for completion of specific elements of the project that are financially favorable to the City (including but not limited to flood plain studies, etc.).
APPROVED 13. Consideration of a Motion to Approve $950,000 in ARPA Funds:
$700,000 for housing rehab and $250,000 for the Statesboro Food Bank.
All ARPA money received has to be obligated by December 31, 2024. In previous meetings, Council had approved for the City to use $250,000 for the Statesboro Foodbank and $700,000 for housing rehab out of interest earned on ARPA Funds. In order to meet the obligation deadline, we are asking for Council to approve these projects to be funded by the original ARPA funds instead of the interest.
APPROVED 14. Consideration of a Motion to Approve $180,000 in ARPA Funds:
To the Statesboro Food Bank for building completion.
The Statesboro Food bank needs $180,000 in order to complete the building. It is our recommendation to use $180,000 of ARPA Funds for the completion of the Statesboro Foodbank.
APPROVED 15. Consideration of a Motion to Extend the City’s Cyber Insurance Contract:
With BCS Insurance for 18 months, $40,509.00 (contract ends June 30, 2026).
The City of Statesboro desires to extend all our insurance contracts for a period of eighteen (18) months to have all contracts end on June 30, 2026. This will be beneficial in several ways as it will produce an overall product of all insurance coverage areas to market at one time producing an extremely attractive package for brokers and carriers to bid on. Secondly, it will provide an easier and more accurate method for Finance to produce a yearly budget since our fiscal year is on a July 1 to June 30 format. Please be advised the 2025 yearly premiums and the 18 month premiums are projections and may change as the City adds employees, equipment etc. The 18 month projection was selected over a 6 month extension due to it is easier to obtain a better premium when marketing a longer term with our carriers. In addition, this time frame will allow Human Resources to have more time to work with our employee health clinic and the most recent clinic healthcare provider (Everside). If approved, we will put all areas out to bid with a contract to begin July 1, 2026.
APPROVED 16. Consideration of a Motion to Extend the City’s Drone Insurance Contract:
With Global Insurance for 18 months, $5,235.00 (contract ends June 30, 2026).
APPROVED 17. Consideration of a Motion to Extend the City’s Health Insurance Contract:
With Anthem Insurance for 18 months, $9,600,186.00 (contract ends June 30, 2026).
APPROVED 18. Consideration of a Motion to Extend the Fire Department Property Insurance:
With VFIS for 18 months, $137,698.00 (contract ends June 30, 2026).
APPROVED 19. Consideration of a Motion to Extend the City’s General Liability P&C Insurance:
With Travelers for 18 months, $1,920,000.00 (contract ends June 30, 2026).
APPROVED 20 Consideration of a Motion to Extend the City’s Workers Compensation Insurance:
With Bitco for 18 months, $742,000.00 (contract ends June 30, 2026).
APPROVED 21. Consideration of a Motion to Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):
Between the City and Pineland Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities for transit vouchers.
Pineland BHDD will create and distribute transit vouchers for qualified families up to the amount of $4,000. Each voucher will be worth a $5 one-way trip, which will total up to the amount of 800 vouchers to be distributed. Any unused funding will rollover to the next fiscal year.
APPROVED 22. Consideration of a Motion to Approve a Purchase Sale Agreement:
With Robbie Franklin Real Estate LLC for $588,000.00 for 1.301 acres to develop a new fire station (funded by 2019 SPLOST).
APPROVED 23. Consideration of a Motion to Purchase a 2024 Caterpillar 926m Wheel Loader:
Using Sourcewell CAT Contract #011723 for $221,770.00 (Solid Waste Disposal funds).
This item is part of a planned replacement of an existing 2012 CASE 621F that has been in service for many years and it is past its useful life. It is our plan to offer the CASE 621F wheel loader to other to City Department or surplus it. The primary use for this tractor will be used in inert landfill operations. We are proposing to purchase this unit using a Sourcewell CAT Contract #011723 as approved by City purchasing policy. Sale and Service will be through Yancy Brother Company in Statesboro, GA. They are the dealer for in our area for commercial construction equipment.
APPROVED 24. Consideration of a Motion to Authorize Payment to Y-Delta Inc.:
$87,279.47 for repairs to collapsed sewer mains on Lanier Drive and Tillman Road (funded by system revenues).
On August the 12th shortly after Hurricane Debbie passed through, the Water Sewer Department received a call of a backed up sewer on Lanier Drive at the entrance to Park Place. It was discovered that a manhole had collapsed and blocked a main sewer line. The sewer line was deep and required that a bypass pump be set up to avoid flooding nearby homes, so a contractor was called in to complete the repairs. The second repair on Tillman Rd was similar to the first. A section of sewer adjacent to the Del Sur restaurant had collapsed and was in danger of flooding nearby homes. This line was also deep, beyond
25. Other Business from City Council
26. City Manager’s Comments
27. Public Comments (General)
None
28. Executive Session:
Len Fatica and Jim Thibodeau were reappointed to the planning commission for a second term.
Maria Proctor, Eisha Oglesby, and Maurice Hill, Nikira Boggs, and Mark Carpenter, Sr. were appointed to the business commission.
29. Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn
