Christopher Neal

The meeting addressed Old Business, including the second reading and approval of an ordinance concerning timber harvesting notification and bonding procedures designed to protect city roads and property. New Business items included the appointment of John Newberry as City Attorney and Judge Lewis Patterson as the Municipal Court Judge. The council also voted to reschedule the January All Committees Meeting, approve alcohol licenses, approve a resolution supplementing the general appropriations for fiscal year 2025 (specifically concerning a PD Contribution), authorize the Mayor to sign the 2026 LMIG application for resurfacing North Street & Ross Street, and authorize the Mayor to sign a contract termination for the well maintenance agreement with USG Water. Additionally, a beer and wine pouring and liquor pouring license was approved for Gray Crossing, LLC DBA Giganti On Main.

The primary event of this meeting was the swearing-in ceremony for the Mayor and City Council for the City of Gray, Georgia. Jones County Magistrate Court Judge Lewis Patterson administered the oath of office to the newly elected/appointed officials, including the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Council Members for Districts 1 through 4.

The meeting covered updates across various committees. The Finance/Tax Committee reported on tax collection status for 2025. The Water/Sewer Committee discussed delays with the test well project, the need for training/employment agreements for employees seeking CDL certification (costing $4200 per employee), the potential lease-to-own acquisition of necessary equipment like a CAT excavator to reduce outsourcing, and the imminent completion of the Dolly Street storm drainage project. The Main Street/DDA committee announced the upcoming Galentine's event and the need to plan the rest of the year's schedule, noting a receptionist vacancy and the submission of accreditation information. The Plan Committee noted upcoming winter training classes. The Personnel Committee announced Ivan Jordon as Employee of the Month and reviewed proposed committee assignments, which will be added to the February agenda. The Streets/Sanitation Committee discussed applying for a GDOT Safety Equipment Grant for crosswalk devices and the process for handling nuisance complaints. The City Property segment noted that quotes are being sought for the City Hall roof replacement. In Public Safety, the Police Department received approval for a GOHS grant and will declare surplus vehicles. The meeting concluded with an executive session.

The meeting covered financial updates, noting that 38.26% of 2025 property taxes have been collected. Discussions included progress on Test Well #119 and the status of the Allen Green Drive property purchase, which requires a $1500.00 Earnest Check. The Hometown Christmas Market and the ice-skating rink event were reported as successes. Planning committee discussions focused on the swearing in of a new council member in January and scheduling new headshots for the mayor and council. The Personnel Committee announced Josh Josey and Eric Maynard as Employees of the Month for December for their assistance in searching for a missing autistic child, and the council agreed to close offices on the Friday following Christmas. Street matters included a report on an applied OSS Grant for infrastructure improvements and prioritizing North Street and Ross Street for 2026 LMIG projects. Additionally, the potential hazard from leaning trees on City owned property on Tanglewood Drive will be investigated, and the Police Chief will present surplus vehicles in January.

The Special Called Council Meeting included a discussion regarding Real Estate, which was addressed during an Executive Session before the open meeting resumed. There was no other business discussed.