This is a summary of actions taken by the Statesboro City Council during their regularly scheduled meeting on February 7, 2023. The full meeting agenda may be found here.
Call to Order by Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr –– Mayor Jonathan McCollar & Councilman John Riggs were not present.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Venus Mack
Recognitions/Public Presentations
Presentation of a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day in the City of Statesboro and recognizing the 30th anniversary of the City’s participation in the Tree City USA program.
Public Comments (Agenda Item):
Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 01-17-2023 Work Session Minutes
b) 01-17-2023 Council Minutes
c) 01-17-2023 Executive Session Minutes
Second Reading and Consideration of a motion to approve Ordinance 2023-01: An Ordinance amending Section 2-85 of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances regarding membership of the Statesboro Business Commission.
This increases the membership option from 7 members to 9 and simultaneously removes the nomination of a person by the Chamber of Commerce.
The motion passed 4-0.
Public Hearing & Consideration of a Motion to approve a Package Distilled Spirits Location Reservation
GATA Package, LLC DBA GATA Package
Tormenta Way
Statesboro, Ga 30458
There was no one present to speak for or against the reservation.
City Manager Charles Penny said the council previously approved this application for reservation but it expired after 6 months, per the ordinance. This second approval was to give an additional six months under a new reservation that is identical to the previous one. Penny also said they had to pay the fee again.
Councilwoman Paulette Chavers said she was concerned about the number of extensions people were given. Councilman Phil Boyum said it’s not a renewal, it’s a new application and said it’s similar to a building permit process. Councilwoman Venus Mack asked if the owner was present, but the owner was not.
Councilman Phil Boyum made a motion to approve, it was seconded by Mack, and passed 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2023-03: A Resolution pledging to practice and promote civility in the City of Statesboro.
This resolution is brought forward under the Georgia Municipal Association’s Embrace Civility initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to counteract the growing polarization and challenges caused by incivility in society by setting a positive example through the actions of elected officials at public meetings.
The motion passed 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2023-04: A Resolution requesting approval to apply for Assistant to Firefighters Grant for the City of Statesboro, Georgia.
The motion passed 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2023-05: A resolution approving acceptance of proceeds of the 2023 Georgia Power Company volunteer group Citizens of Georgia Power chapter grant.
Staff request the Consideration of a Motion for approval to accept proceeds from Georgia Power Company volunteer group Citizens of Georgia Power chapter for the Statesboro Community Garden. The grant award is for $7,600 with a no match by the City.
The Georgia Power Company volunteer group Citizens of Georgia Power chapter Grant is a grant sponsored by the Georgia Power Company to help communities with various projects in their community to provide support for those in need. This grant would allow Keep Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful (KSBB), City of Statesboro, and City Staff to construct twelve additional raised planting beds in the garden. KSBB seeks volunteers to support and maintain the garden. The grant also provides for 300 hours of volunteers to construct the raised beds with assistance from the Public Works Department.
The motion passed 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2023-06: A resolution approving acceptance of grants from the Georgia Department of Transportation for the Creek on the Blue Mile project.
Staff recommended approval of acceptance of award of construction funds from the Georgia Department of Transportation through to Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget for Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionally Impacted Communities Program for funding support for the Creek on the Blue Mile project (COTBM).
FROM THE COUNCIL PACKET: Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget accepted applications for grant funding to support Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionally Impacted Communities by providing an opportunity for local governments to invest in neighborhood features, including parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and healthy food ac cess, that can work to improve physical and mental health outcomes. Allowing people access to nature, including parks, has been connected to decreased levels of mortality and illness and increased well-being. Grant awards may be made up to up to $ 2,000,000 per project. Development of or improvements/maintenance to parks or recreational facilities are eligible in Qualified Census Tracts (QCT) in Georgia which a majority of the COTBM project is within the Statesboro QCT. The goal of the Project is the development of a linear park along the creek and tributary to provide pedestrian connectivity, create economic development opportunities, and promote recreation. This award is for construction funds only in the amount of $2,650,000 (80% federal: $2,120,000 & 20% local match: $530,000). Local match will be provided by the existing GEFA loan for the project.
Councilman Phil Boyum made a motion to approve the fund reservations. The motion passed 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2023-07: A Resolution establishing the Statesboro Youth Council
On November 28, 2022, LaSara Mitchell was hired in the Program Coordinator position for the Village Builders Program. LaSara has connected with youth advocates and organizations serving youth to gain an understanding of current resources in our community. As she moves forward to plan and implement youth programming, staff says “it is vital for the voices of local youth to be heard.” Staff says Youth councils have been successfully implemented in cities such as Dublin, Hinesville, Savannah, and Valdosta. Also, youth councils are recommended and supported by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA).
The motion passed 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to award the purchase of eleven (11) vehicles to J.C. Lewis Ford of Statesboro, GA at a total not to exceed price of $463,878.00 with approval to purchase from alternate vendor(s) based on J.C. Lewis Ford unit pricing in the event J.C. Lewis Ford cannot fill all of these vehicle purchases due to lack of available inventory.
Two attempts were made to bid these vehicles out and we received a response from only one dealer both times which was from J.C. Lewis Ford of Statesboro,
GA. Several other dealers were contacted, even the two state contract holders on these types of vehicles and it was indicated that state contract vehicles were a year away as to availability. In addition, no other dealers offered bids of “on lot” vehicles as well. These proposed prices are higher than the typical state contract prices, but due to the need of departmental vehicle replacements and the shortage of vehicle availability, these represent the best available opportunity.
- 2022 Ford Explorer $39,793.00
- 2022 Ford Explorer $38,998.00
- 2022 Ford F150 $50,183.00
- 2022 Ford F-150 $50,038.00
- 2023 Ford F-150 $48,348.00
- 2022 Ford F-150 $49,223.00
- 2022 Ford F-150 $35,013.00
- 2022 Ford F-150 $34,713.00
- 2022 Ford F-150 $34,713.00
- 2022 Ford F-250 $41,573.00
- 2022 Ford F-250 $41,283.00
It is understood that, upon potential approval by Council, some of these vehicles may not still be available. We are recommending a not to exceed pricing on these vehicle purchases with the initial opportunity being given to J.C. Lewis Ford. In the event J.C. Lewis cannot fill each vehicle purchase, we will reserve the right to purchase those vehicles from other sources if they can be located at a price not to exceed the quote from J.C. Lewis Ford.
The motion passed 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to award a contract to D. Lance Souther, Inc. in the amount of $297,651.65 for the installation of 8000’ of 4” and 2” gas main on North Main St. (Lakeview Road) to serve Fernhill Farms Subdivision. To be paid for with Natural Gas Fund Operating Revenue funds.
Consideration of a motion to award a contract to D. Lance Souther, Inc. in the amount of $297,651.65 for the installation of 8000’ of 4” and 2” gas main on North Main St. (Lakeview Road) to serve Fernhill Farms Subdivision. To be paid for wit funds approved in the FY2023 CIP Budget, item #NGD-88.
As part of the City’s Subdivision Incentive Program the city agreed to install natural gas infrastructure to serve the new Fernhill Farms development on Lakeview Road.
The project was properly advertised and bid, but only one proposal was submitted. It was decided and approved in advance to accept one bid if that was all that was received. Staff were concerned that would be the case due to the heavy demand for contractors. The price received was $47,651.65, approximately 15% over our original budge estimate. However, most of the city’s recently bid projects have come in fifteen to twenty percent over estimates. Staff has reviewed the bid and have determined that the price is justified given the current economic conditions. City consultants at Sapp Engineering have also reviewed the bid and have provided a written recommendation to award the contract to D. Lance Souther, Inc.
The motion passed 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve a contract in the amount of $906,898.70 with McLendon Enterprises for West Main Street stormwater drainage improvements. This project will be paid by 2018 TSPLOST funds.
Staff recommends award of the West Main Street Drainage contract to McLendon Enterprises in the amount of $906,898.70. The bid received from McLendon meets the requirements of the bid package and an acceptable bid bond was submitted.
The City of Statesboro issued requests for proposals for construction services for the subject project for the replacement and upgrade of the stormwater system on West Main Street from South College Street to Johnson Street. This project proposes to replace and existing undersized pipe with a larger pipe that has been designed to accommodate for growth and higher volumes of stormwater. This project was properly advertised and staff contacted several qualified contractors serving our region. However, only one sealed bid was received as shown above. The proposals response was evaluated and based on the criteria of cost, experience of staff, and experience of firm and project approach.
This project is to be paid from the 2018 TSPLOST fund. The estimated amount for construction exceeds the budgeted amount of $725,000. This project was released for bid in 2020 and rejected due to cost exceeding budget. The decision was made to proceed to accept the bid due to continuing supply chain issues and anticipated cost increases if the project schedule is extended any further. The overage will be covered by the 2018 TSPLOST fund balance.
The motion passed 4-0.
Other Business from City Council
Councilwoman Shari Barr again asked people to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID and to wear their masks in crowded places.
City Managers Comments
Penny had no other comments.
Public Comments (General)
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)
The City of Statesboro went into executive session for ‘personnel matters.’
