Statesboro City Council met for their regular bi-monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at City Hall. At the meeting the Council approved increasing the amount available for utility assistance with from $175 to $250 and removed the requirement to show employment has been affected by COVID. Priority will be given to paying for City utility services.
Anyone needing assistance is encouraged to contact Action Pact at 912-489-1604.
These funds were part of COVID ARPA funds that were originally set aside to assist citizens financially who lost jobs and income due to COVID. They City has an MOU with Action Pact to administer these funds.
Continue reading for a full report on all City business covered at the meeting.
Consent Agenda
APPROVED - 4. Approval of Minutes
A) a) 10-17-2023 Work Session Minutes
b) 10-17-2023 Council Minutes
c) 10-17-2023 Executive Session Minutes
APPROVED - B. Consideration of a motion to approve the surplus of fifty-one (51) Statesboro Police Department owned firearms and related equipment.
On March 7, 2023, City Council approved the expenditure of budgeted funds in order to upgrade Department owned firearms. GT Distributors was awarded the bid, and as part of that process, GT Distributors agreed to allow the City to "trade-in" used pistols as part of the transaction. Due to the fact that we had to phase-in the new firearms, and provide officers with appropriate training for the new equipment, officers retained their previous firearms until they could receive the training. Although that process is on-going, we are ready to trade-in fifty-one (51) pistols to GT Distributors. Attached is a list of specific pistols and serial numbers to be "surplussed."
Public Hearing & Consideration to Approve
APPROVED - 5. Public Hearing regarding the proposed name change of Brown Street to Loretta’s Way.
This hearing is brought forth pursuant to City 58-9. Affected residents have been notified, and hearing has been properly noticed.
APPROVED - 6. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 2023-17: An Ordinance amending Chapter 6 Section 6-5(f) and (r) of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances to allow for consideration of application prior to having a certificate of occupancy and waiving background requirements for certain applicants.
Mayor and Council directed drafting of revision at October 17, 2023 work session for first reading at next regular meeting.
APPROVED - 7. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 2023-18: An Ordinance amending Chapter 82 Article IV of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances creating a sewer lateral assistance program.
The Council voted to advance Ordinance to First Reading at the October 17, 2023 work session.
Moved to next meeting for revisions - 8. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 2023-19: An Ordinance amending Chapter 66 Solid Waste, Article V Collection Practices of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances in order to amend the text in Section 66-91 (c) (1).
The Statesboro Code of Ordinance allows residents to be fine for failure to remove polycarts after the assigned collection date in the amount of $10.00 per day. Staff is recommending this amount be amended to following: $50 for first offense, $75 for second offense, and $100 for third and subsequent offenses. If approved, the fine violations will be referenced in the City’s Schedule of Fees.
APPROVED -9. Public Hearing and Consideration of a motion to approve application for an alcohol license in accordance with the City of Statesboro alcohol ordinance Sec. 6-13 (a):
El Maugey II Mexican Restaurant
110 Brampton Ave. Ste E
Statesboro, Ga 30458
APPROVED - 10. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2023-45: A Resolution adopting the second amendment to the City of Statesboro Schedule of Fees, Rates, and Fines for Fiscal Year 2024.
The Blighted Property Tax Multiplication Factor was previously included in an Ordinance. The current Ordinance has been amended to reference the City’s Rates, Fees and Fines Schedule. Therefore, an amendment to the FY2024 Rates, Fees and Fines Schedule needs to be amended to reflect the Blighted Property Ad Valorem Tax Multiplication Factor 7.0. The changes are highlighted in yellow.
APPROVED -11. Consideration of a motion to approve an amendment to the MOU with Action Pact Inc. to administer disbursement of utility assistance aid.
City entered into MOU with Action Pact in 2020. This amendment would increase amount available to each recipient from $175 to $250 and remove the requirement to show employment has been affected by COVID
APPROVED - 12. Consideration of a motion to award a one year contract extension to Assured Partners for insurance brokerage services and policy coverage with Travelers (General Liability), Bitco (Workers Compensation), VFIS (Fire Equipment and Buildings), BCS (Cyber Insurance) and Global (Drone Insurance) for 2024 with the term beginning January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2024.
Originally, our insurance renewals were brought to Council to approve an extension to provide all of our insurance programs to end at the same time to provide an opportunity to bid them all as one complete package. This time frame will end on December 31, 2023.
Due to our newly established employee medical clinic and our new provider (Everside), it is desired to continue our relationship with NFP and Anthem for one additional year to end December 31, 2024 to establish consistency and to operate with known processes as our new, on campus, clinic grows. At this point next year, it is felt the City will have plenty of historical data to successfully bid out our broker and health insurance services and that time. As to our general liability, workers compensation, cyber security and drone coverage, it is desired to extend these coverage for one additional year to coincide with our health insurance coverage. Again, this will allow the City to bid out all our policies at one time thus, providing the opportunity to gain a volume discount in the insurance market.
In addition to this benefit, our current general liability and related insurance programs were set months ago to end for a short five (5) month period to end December 31 2024. By extending this policy for an additional year to coincide with our health insurance Georgia Municipal Association coverage, we will benefit from avoiding the current vast increases in property/vehicle insurance factors. By extending our current coverages, we can avoid these increases by putting them off for an addition year in hope the market settles down. Renewal in this area would expose us to open market prices at this time.
This decision to extend our current insurance programs in all areas was discussed by all involved departments of the City with unanimous agreement. Amounts may change throughout the year due to added employees and or vehicles and Equipment. It is our recommendation to extend all these insurance brokerage and carrier services for one year to end December 31 2024. If approved, we will begin the bidding process in the fall of 2024.
APPROVED -13. Consideration of a motion to award a one year contract extension to NFP for health brokerage services and policy coverage with Anthem for 2024 with the term beginning January 1, 2024 and ending December 31, 2024.
APPROVED -14. Consideration of a motion to award the contract to Solid Waste Applied Technology (SWAT) for the purchase of a New Way Automated Residential Side Arm Refuse Collection body with a Peterbilt 520 CNG Cab and Chassis per Sourcewell contract in the amount of $449,000.00.
The Solid Waste Collection Division is in the process of replace all refuse trucks with new models to improve services provided. Age and the normal wear on these trucks is causing them to become ineffective within 8 to 10 years due to repair and increasing maintenance down time. As part of this strategy, the division requests City Council approve the purchase for CNG side arm for the amount of $449,000.00. SWAT requires a P.O. to be issued from the purchaser to secure a “slot” for the truck to be manufactured. This truck has an estimated delivery date of 1-2 years; however, the division needs a truck sooner but if a slot is not obtained, then delays are expected.
The Automated Side Arm (CNG) Refuse Collection Truck is to be funded in the amount of $449,000.00 in the FY2024 budget and is listed under CIP# SWC-8-R. This truck will be outfitted with other safety equipment and decals with available funds budgeted; however, the equipment is in excess of the funds budgeted. This is due to current economic conditions across the United States, with suppliers experiencing supply chain shortages, as well as price increases. The balance will come from fund balance in solid waste collection fund, which has reserve funds to cover this expense.
The Sourcewell Contract # 091219-NWY, meets all requirements, specifications and warranty needed. This machine is on a 5/10 year rotation (front line/backup machine) to minimize the downtime and maintain operational efficiency due to the continuous work load of the commercial division.
Other Business
Council Member Shari Barr recognized the City employees who have exceeded their United Way goal of $30,000 with a few days left in their internal campaign. Last year out of 310 employees, 109 participated. City Manager Charles Penny complimented Layne Phillips and Brittany McLamb who have done a great job leading this years campaign.
Councilman Phil Boyum made everyone aware that the art park is progressing and art is coming soon. Imagine creating a blank museum.That is where they are now. The City is working with the Averitt Center to have a call for artist soon.
Council Member Barr also reminded everyone about the upcoming Recycle Fest.
City Managers Comments
The annual employee appreciation luncheon will be held form 11 am to 2 pm at Uncle Shrug's on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Employees will receive their annual employee bonuses at this luncheon.
Public Comments (General)
No public comments.
Executive Session
No action taken
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Live stream of the meeting below
