Charles W. Davis

This document outlines the City of Douglas Revitalization Area Strategy, which includes a location map classifying properties by standard, substandard, or dilapidated status across categories such as commercial, institutional, manufactured homes, and residential units. It identifies the CDBG 2024 Target Area and the Revitalization Area Strategy Boundary. The strategy involves detailed mapping and planning, with administration and preparation handled by the Southern Georgia Regional Commission.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of the order of the agenda and the meeting minutes. The session featured a presentation from guest speaker Michelle Fields regarding Heart Awareness Month, emphasizing nutrition, portion control, hydration, exercise, stress management, and adequate rest as critical components for heart health. Following this, Mr. Nanno Simpson was highlighted during the community spotlight for his commitment as a school social worker in Coffee County schools. Finally, Mayor Tony Pul presented on Practical Living Finances, stressing that the application of knowledge is power and provided statistics on poverty, financial stability, and the low probability of achieving millionaire status, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing money over just earning it.

The meeting covered both a work session and a regular meeting. Key discussions included the review and approval of the January 27, 2026 meeting minutes under the consent agenda. A significant item involved seeking approval for the asbestos abatement and demolition of the property at 118 North Coffee (Parcel D01220), where the low bid was $37,000. The commission also addressed the sublease agreement for an airport hangar to allow Twin Aviation to operate there, charging $1,500 per month in rent. Furthermore, approval was sought for an ESG Infomark task order to conduct an Inflow and Infiltration (INI) study on the north side of town, estimated to potentially save up to a million dollars annually by reducing flow to the plant. Separately, the commission decided to advertise for two vacancies on the Airport Commission and approved blocking portions of Alonza, June, and Pearl Avenues for the Sims Park dedication ceremony on March 17th.

The proceedings involved a work session followed by a regular meeting. Key discussions included the ratification of the purchase of a 2026 F-150 for the police department, costing slightly over budget. Appointments to the airport commission were considered, and permission was sought to advertise a vacancy on the Keep Douglas Beautiful Board. A major topic was the recommended award of the East Side Park Rehabilitation Project bid to Harper and Company for $974,000; however, this decision was not unanimous, requiring it to be carried forward to the regular meeting for a final vote. A change order for the East Side Park project, totaling $20,400 for engineering modifications related to expanding a T-ball field to a regulation play field, was also discussed. Additionally, a public hearing was held regarding an alcoholic beverage license for Capstone Hotel Group (Hampton Inn) due to new ownership.

The session addressed multiple key items including the review of the January 12, 2026 meeting minutes. A significant discussion involved the appointment of the Mayor Pro Tempore for the 2026 season, which was determined to be Commissioner Bailey. The commission discussed and approved the annual list of street closures for 2026 for various events, including festivals and church activities, along with provisions for High Tower Memorial Temple funeral street closures. Approvals were sought for 25-year airport hanger leases for several tenants, with specific monthly land lease amounts detailed. Furthermore, the body discussed the approval for submitting COG grant applications: one for perimeter fencing at the air base ($24,2518 grant with a city match) and another for the Heritage Station Museum Master Plan ($50,000 grant with a 20% city match). Approval was also sought for a CHIF 2026 Georgia grant application, potentially for $1,000,000 focused on the Jamestown area revitalization strategy. An emergency purchase for an $18,000 used replacement localizer shelter at the airport was discussed due to the deteriorated condition of the existing structure. Finally, the commission considered the acceptance of ownership for Dream Maker Way Sims Park, which was constructed to city standards.