Michael M. Custer

The event marked the 7th Annual Awards & Recognition Ceremony for the Albany Fire Department, focusing on celebrating accomplishments, promotions, and recognizing award winners for the year. Key themes included acknowledging the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters and the critical role of 911 communication center personnel. Discussions highlighted the ongoing development in Albany, including infrastructure improvements utilizing a Georgia Department of Transportation TE grant secured in 2019, the adoption of the downtown master plan, and ongoing restoration efforts in the historic Harlem District, such as the Ritz Culture Theater. Furthermore, initiatives to enhance public safety through technology integration, such as license plate readers, and training firefighters as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were emphasized. Remarks were also made regarding the importance of honoring service members while they are able to appreciate it, and addressing facility needs like replacing Fire Station 2.

The meeting addressed several Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) requests under New Business. Approvals were granted for the reconstruction of the Church's Chicken located at 401 W Oglethorpe Blvd, the construction of a two-story tri-plex at 508 1st Ave (with a staff recommendation for a raised foundation), the replacement of windows at 509 Park Ln, and the placement of a new mounted sign and vinyl signage at 202 W Broad Ave. Under Old Business, it was noted that Commissioners Guin, Trice, and Mendez intend to join the Ordinance and By-law Review Subcommittee. Discussions in the general section included rescheduling the Ritz Cultural Center progress presentation to the February meeting, updates on a permit application for repairs at 626 Highland Ave to address Code Enforcement violations, status updates on properties 607 S Monroe St and 509 N Jackson St regarding potential demolition/Code Enforcement actions, and a proposal to host community listening sessions and enhance the website with historic district information links.

The meeting addressed New Business concerning the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA #25-058H) for the renovation and rehabilitation of the Belk Building to transition it into the Albany Museum of Art. The approval included specific modifications to the windows on the west façade. Under Old Business, it was discussed that a committee would be formed in January to review the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Commission By-Laws. Discussions also included updates on two Administrative Historic Review reports, including signed agreements for a demolition and ongoing efforts regarding code violations at specific properties. Additionally, an update was provided on the Ritz Cultural Center's progress toward placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

The meeting included discussions and a vote on a COA request for the replacement of an architectural shingle roof with a metal roof at 1206 N Madison St. There was also discussion regarding the review and revision of the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Commission By-Laws, which was postponed. Updates and renovations at the Carver Gym and Driscoll Park were presented, along with an update on Administrative Historic Reviews. Commissioners received an updated code report list and were updated on specific cases by the City Attorney. Commissioners shared takeaways from the Georgia Statewide Historic Preservation Conference. The commission was notified about an additional monument at Veteran's Park and an idea for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting included discussions on the Historic Preservation Ordinance, specifically focusing on clarifying or removing Section VII regarding the Maintenance of Historic Properties and Building and Zoning Code Provisions. There were updates on the renovation progress of a previous applicant's property at 1107 N. Davis St, and the City Attorney provided an update on the open code case at 1108 N. Madison Street, which was destroyed by fire, with a deadline for the owner to decide on rehabilitation or demolition. The chair reported on the City of Albany's vote to designate the Harris Home as a local landmark and the upcoming County Commission action item for adoption of the resolution.