Robert Petty

The workshop meeting agenda includes the recognition of the state champion high school football team, the introduction of the City Youth Council, and a review of the upcoming regular council meeting agenda. Additionally, the meeting covers council discussions, reports from staff regarding economic development, and a public comment session.

The council issued proclamations for Mental Health Awareness Month, National Police Week, and National Public Works Week. Key actions included the adoption of the agenda with an added item regarding a lease agreement, the approval of five ordinances to rezone specific properties to the Traditional Neighborhood Infill District, and the first readings of ordinances concerning hotel/motel excise tax and the closure of multiple alleys. Furthermore, the council approved resolutions for a Georgia Department of Transportation resurfacing grant, funding from the Natural Gas Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program, the acceptance of a grant for the Municipal Auditorium Comprehensive Facility Plan, and a commercial lease agreement for a city property.

The council meeting addressed several legislative and administrative items. Key topics included the recognition of the 105th Rose Show and Festival, and the passage and adoption of five ordinances to rezone properties to the Traditional Neighborhood Infill District. Additionally, the council approved a resolution ratifying participation in an Amicus Brief for the Georgia Court of Appeals and passed a resolution supporting the issuance of a GICH Letter of Support to the DCA for the Balfour School Apartments LIHTC application.

The meeting included the adoption of ordinances to rezone a property, authorize amendments to the On-Bill Financing Program, and create a Main Street Advisory Board. A public hearing was held regarding the FY2026 Community Development Block Grant for a new family violence shelter, leading to the approval of related resolutions for submittal and compliance. Furthermore, a resolution was passed to distribute Local Option Sales Tax funds for recreation activities among several surrounding towns.

The meeting commenced with recognitions, including a Congressional Record commemorating the City of Thomasville's Bicentennial Celebration and congratulations for Fire Chief Tim Connell on receiving the 2025 Georgia Fire Chief of the Year award. During the Citizens to be Heard segment, discussions focused on resident concerns regarding achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035 and the complexity of utility bills related to solar arrays. Old business primarily consisted of second readings and subsequent adoptions of six separate ordinances to rezone various properties into the Traditional Neighborhood Infill Zoning District (TNID), as well as the adoption of an ordinance amending the Pawnbrokers chapter of the City Code. New business included the first readings of ordinances to transfer real property from the City to the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority (PDA) for subsequent conveyance to GPS Trailers, deannexation of 2410 Old Monticello Road, and the annexation and rezoning of 104 Stratford Way. The Council also heard the first readings of four additional ordinances proposing rezoning properties to TNID. Reports noted that February is Black History Month with planned trivia events and that leadership expressed gratitude for the Bicentennial recognition.