RUNDOWN: Statesboro City Council Meeting – 05/04/21

The Statesboro City Council convened for the first meting of the month on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. at City Hall.

You can review the complete council packet here, which includes supporting documents.

1. Call to Order by Mayor McCollar at 9:00 A.M. with all council members present.
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Paulette Chavers
3. Recognitions and Public Presentations
   1. Proclamation for International Firefighters Day
      1. Mayor Jonathan McCollar presented Statesboro Fire Chief Tim Grams with a proclamation.
      2. A surprise proclamation was also presented for Professional Municipal Clerk’s Week, for which City Clerk Leah Harden was recognized.
4. Public Comments for matters on the agenda
   1. No one from the public was present to speak on an agenda item.
5. Consideration of Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda
   4/20/21 Council Work Session Minutes
   4/20/21 Council Meeting Minutes 
   This agenda item passed unanimously.
6. Public Hearing and Consideration of Motion to Approve: 
   
   APPLICATION RZ 21-03-05: Stockyard Housing LLPThe application requests a Zoning Map Amendment from the R-15 (Single-Family Residential) zoning district to the R-4 (High-Density Residential) zoning district on 4.51 +/- acres of property in order to redevelop and construct a multi-tenant senior housing development at Stockyard & Donnie Simmons Road (Tax Parcel #MS38 000056 000).
   
   APPLICATION V 21-03-06: Stockyard Housing LLPThis application requests a variance from Article XVI: Section 1600 of the Statesboro Zoning Ordinance regarding off-street parking for multiple-family use buildings for a proposed senior housing development at Stockyard & Donnie Simmons Road (Tax Parcel # MS38 000056 000)
   
   The City Planner told council that staff recommended approval of both applications following a 4-0 vote by the Planning Commission. The City’s ordinance requires one parking space per bedroom and one additional parking space for every 10 bedrooms, which would mean the facility would need 82 spaces. Based on prior developments of a similar type, the development only anticipates needing 68 parking spaces or 1.3 spaces per unit to accommodate residents and guests. 
   
   No one from the public was present to speak in favor or against the application.
   
   Councilman Phil Boyum asked if there was a concern about the additional traffic on Donnie Simmons Road. Councilwoman Chavers said it may be a small challenge, but the challenge is worth it because the housing for seniors is being provided, which is a bigger challenge in the current housing market. He also asked if the other portion of the property was expected to be developed as well, to which City Manager Charles Penny said ‘yes.’ 
   
   Councilwoman Sheri Barr said she agreed with Chavers but that they need to stay aware of any issues that will arise. 
   
   A motion was made by Mack, seconded by Chavers, and it was approved unanimously. 
   
   
7. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 2021-02
   This ordinance amends the Statesboro Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 Sections 6-5 (o) and 6-7 (e) extending eligibility for distances waivers to pubs and low volume licensees
   
   City Attorney Cain Smith said this was a result of the council work session on April 20 stemming from a business owner issue in Councilmember Chavers’ district because of its close proximity to a drug treatment center. Currently, the city allows proximity waivers for restaurants but they must meet the same requirements for alcoholic beverages. The change is not a change to the ordinance requirements, but instead would give the city council the discretion to consider facts and circumstances surrounding a request for a waiver by a business. 
   
   One individual, who did not identify himself, spoke based on his interest in the revitalization development of downtown Statesboro. The gentleman said, ‘Given all the Georgia Southern buildings that are in downtown Statesboro and there may yet be more, I would recommend that you pass this. Otherwise you foreclose on opportunities for development, especially in downtown.’
   
   No one was present to speak against the proposed ordinance.
   
   Councilwoman Shari Barr asked for clarification on public notification of the matter. Cain Smith explained that it would not be a Planning & Zoning matter and there would not be any public posting of the process, only brought before the mayor and council after investigation by city staff. 
   
   Councilman Phil Boyum said he felt like the proposed change was ‘good for both sides.’ 
   
   A motion was made by Boyum to move forward to a second reading, which was seconded by Chavers. The motion passed unanimously.
   
8. Consideration of a Motion to set the date for a Public Hearing for the proposed City of Statesboro Fiscal Year 2022 Budget for May 18, 2021, during the regular scheduled Council Meeting.
   
   City Manager Charles Penny said this is a procedural process to adhere to state law. It was approved unanimously.
   
9. Consideration of a motion to award a contract to SAK Construction LLC in the amount of $788,770.00 to rehabilitate sanitary sewer mains.
   
   This project is funded as part of the 2021 CIP Budget Item #WWD14-L with funds from the 2013 SPLOST.
   There was no discussion by council and it was approved unanimously.
   
10. Consideration of a motion to award a contract to McLendon Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $975,150.90 for the 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) infrastructure and drainage improvement project.
    
    The project is funded from CDBG (grant) funds, 2013 SPLOST funds, and utility enterprise funds.
    There was no discussion by council and it was approved unanimously.
    
11. Other Business from City Council
    
    Councilwoman Chavers shared that it has come to her attention that back in September, a nondiscrimination ordinance was passed by council, and a number of individuals are unsure of how to even file a complaint. “At this point, I would like to put out some information for individuals who feel as if they’ve been discriminated against know the actual process of how to file a complaint.” Chavers shared a link – www.StatesboroGA.gov/boards-commissions, scroll down to non-discrimination complaint form, which is a PDF, and print it out. The form must be turned in to the City by mail or in-person at city hall.
    
    Councilman John Riggs shared he decided not to run for 4th term for district 4 in Statesboro. “It has been my privilege and honor to serve,” he said.
    Mayor McCollar commended Riggs for his service, calling him a gentle heart and soul and praised him for everything he has done for the People of Statesboro in wanting to always do the right thing. “Know that you always have a friend,” he said.
    
12. City Managers Comments
    
    Penny introduced to Council the name Mr. Bill Gross, who is the developer for the senior housing project from earlier. Gross is a Brunswick resident but opted not to be present at Tuesday’s meeting.
    
13. Public Comments (General)
    
    There were no additional comments from the public.
    
14. At 9:41 a.m., Council adjourned the regular session to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters. Upon returning to regular session, the council voted to appoint Sam Derocco to Assistant Solicitor of Statesboro Municipal Court. The appointment follows the recent resignation of Solicitor Duff Ayers, effective April 30, 2021.

You can watch the council meeting below: