Call to Order
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Paulette Chavers
Public Comments (Agenda Item) – None
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 04-19-2022 Work Session Minutes
b) 04-19-2022 Council Minutes
Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
Public Hearing and Consideration of a motion to approve a Package Distilled Spirits
Location Reservation in accordance with City of Statesboro Alcohol Ordinance Chapter 6-12(a) and 6-23(h):
Jeffrey Lee Dawson & Julie Norman Dawson DBA Whiskey Business
1410 Northside Dr E
Statesboro, Ga 30458
Attorney Chris Gohagan represented the applicants who are Liberty County residents, own four other business (since 2016, they’ve had a liquor store – Bootleggers in Hinesville, which is the largest liquor store from Waycross to Savannah), and have ties to the community through Julie Dawson, who is a Georgia Southern graduate. Jeffrey Dawson is former law enforcement officer. Proposed location is the former ‘Bright Ideas’ building.
Approved unanimously.
Public Hearing and Consideration of a motion to approve a Package Distilled Spirits
Location Reservation in accordance with City of Statesboro Alcohol Ordinance Chapter 6-12(a) and 6-23(h):
Shree Dhan Laxmi, LLC DBA EZ Liquors
1525 Fair Rd Ste 106
Statesboro, Ga 30458
Attorney Chris Gohagan represented the applicants, who he said are City of Statesboro residents. They have a similar business in Tattnall County.
Approved unanimously.
Public Hearing and Consideration of a motion to approve a Package Distilled Spirits
Location Reservation in accordance with City of Statesboro Alcohol Ordinance Chapter 6-12(a) and 6-23(h):
Downside Investment Group DBA Patriot Liquors
834 Northside Dr E
Statesboro, Ga 30458
Andrew LaVoie represented the applicant Danny Merritt (owner of Nine Line Apparel and another liquor store in Hinesville) and his business partner.
Location is Pestmasters building on Northside Drive.
Lavoie argued this application ‘shines above the competition’ because they already have a location that is operating well and within the confines of the law.
Raymond Driggers DBA Whiskey Warehouse
647 Northside Dr E
Statesboro, Ga 30458
Location is a dry cleaning location that has been vacant for quite some time.
City manager Charles Penny recommended denying both applications and telling the applications to find another location with more distance between the location and the high school and substance abuse treatment centers. Council approved Penny’s recommendation unanimously, adding 60 days for the two applicants to resubmit the applications without a new fee if they so choose.
Public Hearing and Consideration of a motion to approve a Package Distilled Spirits
Location Reservation in accordance with City of Statesboro Alcohol Ordinance Chapter 6-12(a) and 6-23(h):
A. 815 S Main, LLC
815 S Main St
Statesboro, Ga 30458
Robbie Bell & Nick Propps
B. The County Line Too, LLC DBA The County Line
814 S Main St
Statesboro, Ga 30458
Pam Hodges
C. Timothy Allen Hunt DBA House of Booze
801 S Main St
Statesboro, Ga 30458
City Manager Charles Penny recommended Council approve ‘House of Booze’ with the condition of a name change. Councilwoman Venus Mack said she was concerned about the apartment buildings behind the locations and that was simply too close to college students. Bubba Hunt was present and said he would be willing to change the name. Councilwoman Paulette Chavers said she was against all of the locations, but if he had to choose, she would choose 815 South Main Street.
Councilman Phil Boyum brought up the walkability issue. ‘It seems to me that putting a liquor store in the footpath of college students doesn’t seem like a good idea…. A liquor store at the gateway of the city is a disservice to the community and the university.’
Council ultimately voted to deny the location of all three and instruct all individuals to return with a different location within 60 days. Phil Boyum was the only dissenting vote.
Consideration of a motion to approve a second amendment to the lease agreement with TMobile for City water tower access located on Hill Street.
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to approve a 50 year ground lease agreement with Bryant’s Landing Statesboro LP of the former Julia P Bryant Elementary School for a Senior Housing Facility Development.
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to award a contract for Grant Administration Services for the Employment Incentive Program grant at Southern Gateway Industrial Park to Allen Smith Consulting, subject to award of grant. Funding will be provided by water-sewer enterprise funds and grant funds.
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to award a contract for Professional Engineering Services for the Employment Incentive Program grant at Southern Gateway Industrial Park to Hussey Gay Bell subject to award of grant. Funding will be provided by water-sewer enterprise funds and grant funds.
Approved unanimously.
Other Business from City Council – None
City Managers Comments
Public Comments (General) – None.
Consideration of a Motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss “Personnel
Matters” “Real Estate” and/or “Potential Litigation” in accordance with O.C.G.A 50-14-3(b)
Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn – Meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
