Dominic Ford

This document outlines the City of Thomasville's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan to ensure compliance with Title II of the ADA. The plan focuses on identifying and removing barriers to accessibility in all City programs, services, and activities. Key components include ongoing self-evaluation of facilities and policies, establishing clear procedures for addressing discrimination complaints, encouraging public involvement, and committing to annual reviews and updates to achieve and maintain full accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

The discussion centered on the 30th anniversary of the Wildlife Arts Festival, noting that over $5 million has been raised for arts education and outreach over the past 30 years. The festival will feature 48 wildlife artists, including painters, sculptors, jewelers, scratchboard artists, and carvers, with free admission for the public on Saturday and Sunday. The event will also include an artisan market, live music, demonstrations, youth walkabout stations, food trucks, and a junior art competition for students. Additionally, a free speaker series featuring authors, photographers, and gallerists will take place, including discussions on starting an art collection and land and lore topics. The involvement of Senovas as the premier sponsor was highlighted for supporting the economic impact and promoting Thomasville.

The meeting addressed amendments to public utility rates based on the Consumer Price Index, acceptance of real property for Remington Avenue Improvements, and ratification of a Public Service Apprenticeship Program Award. Also discussed were the approval of the first amendment to the Remington Park Exterior Landscape Maintenance Agreement, acceptance of contributions to the Thomasville Police Department and the City's Water and Wastewater Departments, and the awarding of a bid for the 2025 Stormwater Improvement Project. The council considered resolutions for the adoption of the City of Thomasville FY2026 Proposed Budget, including departmental fee schedules and utility rates, and formally supported the preservation, renewal, and/or expansion of the Georgia State Income Tax Credit Program for Rehabilitated Historic Property Program.

The meeting included second readings of ordinances related to the Bellamy Planned Unit Development, establishing a new overlay district and rezoning properties on East Jackson Street. There was a first reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 13 regarding adjustments to rates and charges based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The council also addressed citizen appointments to various boards, committees, commissions, councils, and local authorities, updated voting delegates for Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG), ratified the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program, and authorized the Mayor to sign an amended Recreation Programming Agreement with Thomasville YMCA.

The public hearing was held to discuss the proposed property millage rate adjustment. The presentation included the process and schedule for the hearings, background information on the millage rate, and financial reports including long-term financial planning, governmental funds, and enterprise funds. The city's current financial position, credit rating, general fund revenues, and expenditures were also discussed.