Shalanda Ferguson

The meeting included a report from the council on aging and an administrative update regarding a cybersecurity grant. The council approved an alcohol license for a local business and adopted an ordinance concerning soil erosion, sedimentation, and pollution control. Resolutions were passed to execute a cybersecurity grant agreement and to recognize Georgia Cities Week. Under old business, the council voted to refer a proposed amendment regarding the location of mobile homes to the Zoning Committee. New business discussions covered mandatory council training, convention registration, upcoming logistics for the Chicken Festival, cemetery security concerns, and the schedule for upcoming elections.

The council held a public hearing regarding a proposed zoning ordinance amendment concerning single-wide mobile homes. Following the hearing, the council reviewed departmental reports, approved an alcohol license for EZ Food Mart, and passed a resolution adopting a new personnel policy for city employees. Deliberations occurred regarding an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance, with significant discussion on single-wide mobile home placement, after which the motion to approve was tabled. Additionally, the council appointed a voting delegate for the GMA Convention, accepted a nomination for the DLS board, and discussed local infrastructure concerns including potholes and drainage.

Public hearings were held to consider several applications: annexation and rezoning of 306 W. Alapaha Street, annexation and rezoning of 190 Franklin Avenue, an amendment to the City of Fitzgerald Zoning Ordinance Section 12, and an amendment to the City of Fitzgerald Sign Ordinance. A regular council meeting followed, during which ordinances related to these applications were approved. A resolution was also approved to call a regular general election to fill various city offices. Reports were given on the summer reading program at the library and the Zika virus. A moment of silence was observed for a former council member.

A public hearing was held to consider an application for a special exception to operate a convenience store/deli. The council approved minutes from a previous meeting. Reports were given by city officers and standing committees. A beer license was approved for a business on E Pine Street. Several ordinances were presented and approved, including one to correct errors in a previous ordinance, one to grant a special exception for a property on East Central Avenue, and ordinances related to closing alleys. A charter amendment was presented, and a reappointment to the library board was approved. A second meeting was scheduled to further consider the charter amendment.

Two public hearings were held: one to receive citizen input on the 2016 tax levy, and another on an annexation request for 190 Walker Avenue. The regular meeting covered several ordinances, including one levying a tax for 2016, another to annex property at 190 Walker Avenue, and an ordinance amending regulations for peddlers and solicitors. Amendments to the Code of Ordinances regarding failure to appear in Municipal Court, and regulations on alcoholic beverages were also discussed. A gas supply contract among the City, Fitzgerald Water, Light and Bond Commission, and Municipal Gas Authority was approved. Rick Bostleman was reappointed to the Housing Authority Board. The meeting concluded with various comments and announcements from council members.