City of Statesboro

The City Council meeting agenda included a public hearing and consideration for an alcohol license application for Blue Mile Catering. Key considerations involved approving Resolution 2026-09 authorizing the submission of an application to the Georgia Department of Transportation for Locally Administered Projects recertification. The council also planned to consider a Development Agreement with Walnut & Vine, LLC, utilizing Tax Allocation District (TAD) funds for private infrastructure installation at Hop Atomica. Other items included approving an Amendment 2 to an Environmental Protection Division Grant for stream restoration, rejecting bids for the Bruce Yawn Commerce Park Well project, and approving a change order to Southeast Pipe Survey, Inc. for water-related CIP projects.

The address, presented by the Mayor, marked an opportunity to reflect on the city's status and future direction. Key achievements highlighted included being named a 2025 All-American City finalist for civic innovation and collaboration, and the city being ranked among the top 25 small cities to start a business nationally in 2025. Economic growth was noted with over $100 million invested, alongside a significant measurable reduction in city poverty from 53% to 36% since the administration took office through investments in housing, workforce pipelines, and neighborhood revitalization. The presentation also recognized the contributions of elected officials, city staff, and especially the youth council members who will represent the city at a national conference.

The agenda for the City Council meeting and Public Hearing included several significant items. The meeting was set to begin with call to order, invocation, and pledge of allegiance, followed by a Life Saving Award presentation. Key considerations involved approving the consent agenda, holding a public hearing and decision on Variance Application V 26-01-01 regarding establishing a hair salon at 57 Granade Street, and conducting a public hearing for four new alcohol license applications (Annie's Nail Salon LLC, Azul on Gentilly LLC, and two for B&T Food Fresh). Further items included approving a resolution to convey a segment of city right-of-way along West Vine Street, approving a Memorandum of Understanding with RISEUP Addiction Recovery Support Center for placing a harm reduction box, and approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Bulloch County for roadway improvements and maintenance on Burkhalter and Cawana Roads. The agenda also listed consideration for a contract amendment with Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC for design and permitting services.

The meeting included several public hearings and consideration of motions. Key actions included granting a variance for a hair salon at 57 Granade Street (APPLICATION V 26-01-01). Several alcohol license applications were considered, with one involving a recusal by Councilmember Hendley, and three license types (Low Volume by the drink, Restaurant by the drink, and Package Sales) being approved. The Council also approved a resolution to convey a segment of city right-of-way along West Vine Street, an MOU with RISEUP Addiction Recovery Support Center regarding a harm reduction box, an Intergovernmental Agreement with Bulloch County for roadway improvements on Burkhalter and Cawana Roads, and a contract amendment with Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC for Lake Sal Design and Permitting. Finally, two individuals were appointed to the Keep Statesboro Bulloch Beautiful Advisory board during the Executive Session agenda items.

Key discussion topics included a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day and the City's participation in the Tree City USA program. The Council considered and approved several resolutions, including awarding contracts to Gilbert & Associates and Parker Engineering, LLC for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) services. Further actions involved accepting street rights-of-way for Lakeview Pines Way, Shortleaf Way, Corral Court, Longhorn Court, Cowbell Circle, Timber Road, Pasture Lane, and Haystack Hollow as public streets. The Council also adopted the first amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Fines, and approved a joint resolution with Bulloch County to seek funding for water and sewer system extension to the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport. Additionally, approvals were granted for the purchase of three bus stop shelters and a contract amendment with TR Long Engineering for the Blue Mile Phase 2 design. Contracts were awarded for a Grit Screw Conveyor and a new Autocar Yard Spotter Truck. The agenda concluded with provisions for general public comments, other business, city manager comments, and a motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters, real estate, or potential litigation.