Lisa Ferguson

The Council Workshop featured a presentation on the city's 2025 audit, which resulted in an unmodified, clean opinion with no findings. The Council also discussed the designation of 'Arts in Black' as a festival and reviewed a proposal to expand the city's enterprise zone. The expansion aims to include three specific contiguous parcels in the downtown area to encourage redevelopment, historic preservation, and economic investment by qualifying for property tax abatements and other incentives.

The meeting encompassed several key items, including the selection of Malden and Jenkins to continue providing auditing services for the next five years. The Council discussed a request from the Tift County Board of Education regarding the potential vacation of a portion of Sunny Brook Avenue, noting the requirement for a professional survey. A presentation was provided concerning the Renaissance Project redevelopment plan, with an emphasis on encouraging public input through upcoming focus groups and open meetings. Additionally, the Council approved a resolution authorizing Sunday alcohol sales for an upcoming event.

The Council Workshop included the swearing-in of two council members, followed by a public hearing on proposed amendments to the land development code concerning car wash setbacks. The workshop included an update on the selection of a vice mayor, the review of bids for the 2025 resurfacing project and water main improvements, the approval of enterprise zone incentives for a local business, and the designation of a festival. Additionally, the Council discussed upcoming community input sessions regarding the redevelopment of a local property.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of a new Tiffan Tree Board member, Shannon Kadambo. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Kathy Trembley from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) regarding the Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (HRRP), which assists low to moderate-income households damaged by recent hurricanes. Discussions covered program specifics, funding allocations, and how constituents can apply, including replacement of manufactured housing units. Key actions taken included the approval of the agenda, approval of minutes from the December 15th meeting and the January 13th workshop meeting, and approval of a consent agenda covering a resurfacing project, water main improvements, enterprise zone incentives for PAL Holdings, and designating Rhythm and Ribs as a festival. New business included the election of Councilman MJ Hall as the new Vice Mayor for a two-year term and the approval of an ordinance amending supplemental standards for car washes in the land development code. The 2026 meeting calendar was also presented and approved.

The meeting commenced with prayer and the pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda and previous minutes. Discussions included the status of two injured officers who were recuperating and attended a city luncheon, and community support for their return. New business involved the approval of all agenda items collectively. Board reports addressed the resignation from the tree board, the recommendation and approval of a replacement, and noting several open vacancies on the ethics board, Q and beautiful board, and DVA board. The financial report covered revenue and expenditures through five months of the fiscal year for the general fund, noting a temporary deficit expected to correct with property tax receipts, as well as positive net revenues for the water, sewer, gas, and solid waste enterprise funds. The City Manager's report highlighted the return of the two officers, property matters being explored for storage needs (including a potential donation offer), and progress on an RFP for a wage and salary study, utilizing comparable data from the city of Cordial. Staffing updates included the economic development director position being in the final selection stages and the hiring of a new planning and zoning administrator starting on the 22nd. Council comments included appreciation for first responders and noting upcoming community events, such as a Christmas event at Pucket Park and a K-pop live show at the Tip Theater.