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Statesboro Council advances 500 home development, honors Ronnie Tremble, and approves reconstruction of Max Lockwood Drive

The Statesboro City Council approved an amendment to a 500-unit housing development and moved forward with several major infrastructure projects. The meeting also included a retirement recognition for longtime Solid Waste employee Ronnie Tremble and updates on public transit and housing grant programs.
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Chris Gohagan speaking to the city council

The Statesboro City Council got down to business Tuesday night. Council approved an amendment to a 500-unit apartment development off Old Register Road, finalized CHIP grant policies, advanced multiple transportation projects, and honored retiring city employee Ronnie Trimble for 12 years of service.

Ronnie Tremble Honored for 12 Years of Service

The evening opened with the presentation of a retirement award to Ronnie Tremble, a Collection Equipment Operator with the city’s Solid Waste Division. Tremble, who retired on July 1, was praised for his reliability and dedication by Sanitation Superintendent John Dekle, who called him “an integral part of the essential services that keep our city running smoothly.”

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Ronnie Tremble with the Statesboro City Council. Blake Williams

Tremble thanked the city, his colleagues, and the public, sharing advice from his grandfather: “If you don’t like what you do, you won’t like your job.” He expressed appreciation for the community he served and said residents might still see him around in retirement.

Zoning Map Amendment 

The Statesboro City Council on Tuesday evening approved a zoning map amendment to allow up to 500 new apartment units and future commercial development along Old Register Road, marking the first phase of a major mixed-use project proposed by DSD Development LLC.

Justin Williams, Director of Planning and Development, presented the request to amend an existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) covering approximately 138 acres already within city limits. The proposed development includes garden-style apartment buildings and three commercial or retail spaces on a site near the Publix shopping center. A second phase of the project—expected to involve annexation of additional land—will be brought before the Council in August.

Williams explained that the site lies within a designated Regional Activity Center and is also located in a Tax Allocation District (TAD) established in 2019 to encourage dense, mixed-use growth supported by bond-funded infrastructure. He also noted that a traffic impact analysis was completed for the project, accounting for school-year traffic volumes and recommending signal timing adjustments at surrounding intersections.

The Planning Commission and city staff both recommended approval of the request with two conditions:

1. The developer must submit a wetland protection plan prior to receiving a land disturbance permit, in line with Ogeechee Riverkeeper recommendations.

2. A tree canopy plan must be provided that complies with requirements in the city’s Unified Development Code (UDC) for multi-family residential developments.

Attorney Chris Gohagan, speaking on behalf of the developer, said the proposed project encompasses approximately 64 acres in this first phase, with around 20 acres designated for residential use and 16.5 acres for future commercial development. Gohagan added that while residents may not recognize the developer’s name, many are familiar with their work behind Publix, another DSD Development project.

“This is development that’s been in the works since 2010,” Gohagan said, highlighting that the project’s location and design align with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and support the financial goals of the TAD. He emphasized that the development would generate increment revenue to help repay infrastructure bonds and stimulate growth in the surrounding corridor.

Council approved the zoning amendment unanimously. No members of the public spoke in opposition.

Housing Rehabilitation Program Expanded with CHIP Funding

Council approved three resolutions and a state agreement related to the Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP). After six years of applying, the city has finally been awarded CHIP and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. City Manager Charles Penny said the adoption of DCA-mandated guidelines now allows the city to use CHIP funding to support homeownership and housing rehabilitation.

“These are funds we’ve been working toward for years,” Penny said, noting that the city’s housing programs are largely already in compliance.

Public Transit Agreement with Coastal Regional Commission Renewed

Council also approved a FY 2026 operational agreement with the Coastal Regional Commission (CRC) to administer Statesboro’s rural transit program. The $1 fare-based system will offer shared curb-to-curb service Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., using CARES Act-funded vans. The city has already prepaid for four new vehicles arriving later this year.

The CRC will manage staffing, maintenance, scheduling, compliance, and billing. Penny said the service is critical to maintaining equitable transportation options, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, and transit-dependent residents.

Max Lockwood Drive Overhaul Moves Forward

A $1.36 million contract was awarded to Ellis Wood Contracting for reconstruction of Max Lockwood Drive, including drainage repairs, sidewalk work, new curbing, a new deceleration lane, and a new entrance to the Honey Bowen Building parking lot from Fair Road. The project is funded by T-SPLOST and has been years in the making.

While the original project was estimated at $300,000 for resurfacing, the expanded scope required revised plans. Public Works Director Brad Deal and City Manager Penny confirmed that the new design aligns with broader corridor redevelopment goals and avoids redundancy.

Additional Items Approved

  • Retirement Donations and Equipment Purchases: Council approved the donation of a 2001 Ford F-350 with a mobile cascade system to Bulloch County EMA in support of the C.A.F.E. (Community Assistance in Fire Emergencies) program.
  • Fire Department Radios: $149,262 was approved for 21 new portable radios to replace outdated models. The purchase avoids an anticipated 10% price increase and is funded by SPLOST.
  • Technical Services Contract Renewal: The city renewed a $601,000 master services agreement with Atlas Technical Consultants for engineering and project inspection services under T-SPLOST. Penny emphasized that the consultant’s role is critical, as staff capacity remains limited amid growing infrastructure needs.
  • Georgia ReLeaf Grant Application: Council approved a $12,750 application to host a tree giveaway event in partnership with KSBB, the Statesboro Food Bank, and the Statesboro Tree Board. No matching funds are required.
  • Excavator Purchase: Council approved the $322,672 purchase of a new excavator to replace a 2012 model used primarily at the city’s inert landfill.

Final Notes

During closing comments, Penny congratulated Councilmember Paulettee Chavers on her re-election as GMA District 12 President and thanked the Council for approving a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, which takes effect immediately.

Mayor Pro-Tem Shari Barr also reminded the public of the upcoming Violence Prevention Forum, scheduled for Saturday, July 19 at Trinity Episcopal Church.

No public comments were offered during the meeting, and no executive session was held.

City Council Agenda Packet

1. Call to Order by Mayor Jonathan McCollar

2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Tangie Johnson

3. Recognitions/Public Presentations
A) Presentation of a retirement award to Ronnie Tremble (Collection Equipment Operator) after 12 years of dedicated service to the City of Statesboro.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, the City of Statesboro recognized Ronnie Trimble, a longtime collection equipment operator in the Solid Waste Division, for 12 years of dedicated service. Trimble officially retired on July 1, 2025, and was celebrated with a formal presentation and letter of appreciation from Sanitation Superintendent John Dekle, who praised Trimble’s strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to maintaining the community’s cleanliness and well-being.

Surrounded by colleagues and family, Trimble thanked the city, his coworkers, and the citizens of Statesboro and Bulloch County. “It’s been a pleasure and a joy working for the City of Statesboro,” he said. “It’s been challenging, but I thank God for it. I’m ready for retirement.” He shared advice from his grandfather, telling those in attendance, “You got to like what you do—if you don’t like what you do, then you won’t like your job.” Trimble added that residents may still see him around and that he hopes to stay involved in some way.

4. Public Comments (Agenda Item)

None

APPROVED 5. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 07-01-2025 Council Minutes
b) 07-01-2025 Executive Session Minutes

APPROVED 6. Public hearing and consideration of a motion to approve: APPLICATION RZ 25-06-05: VSB Development LLC requests a Zoning Map Amendment of 138.06-acres of an existing 187.46-acre PUD in order to develop 500 multi-family units and 3 commercial/retail spaces at 2457 Old Register Road (Tax Parcel #076 000001 000).

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The Statesboro City Council approved a zoning map amendment Tuesday evening to allow the first phase of a large-scale student housing and commercial project along Old Register Road. Justin Williams, Director of Planning and Development, presented the request on behalf of BSP Development LLC, which seeks to modify an existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) to accommodate 500 multi-family units—estimated to provide roughly 800 student beds—as well as future commercial space.

Williams explained that while the larger project will eventually include annexation of adjacent property, this phase involves approximately 138 acres already within city limits and located inside a designated Tax Allocation District (TAD). He noted that a traffic impact analysis was completed, accounting for peak school-year traffic volumes and recommending signal timing improvements at key intersections. Additional components, including the proposed annexations and infrastructure coordination, will return to the council for further action in August.

The proposed development includes garden-style apartments on a cleared site classified as a Regional Activity Center, a zoning category intended for dense, mixed-use development. Williams stated that staff and the Planning Commission both recommended approval, with conditions:

1. The developer must submit a wetland protection plan in line with Ogeechee Riverkeeper recommendations before receiving a land disturbance permit.

2. A tree canopy plan must be included, with plantings tailored to the specific development type, as required by the Unified Development Code (UDC).

Williams concluded by emphasizing that this is just the beginning of a multi-phase project and noted that Public Works was available for traffic-related questions.

Chris Gohagan, attorney for DSD Development, addressed the Statesboro City Council to express support for the zoning map amendment and outline the vision for the project’s first phase. Gohagan, speaking on behalf of the developer, confirmed that all staff-recommended conditions were acceptable and thanked the Planning Commission for its favorable recommendation.

He clarified that this request involves approximately 64 acres on the west side of Old Register Road, across from the Publix shopping center. While additional parcels connected to the broader project will be brought forward for annexation in a second phase, the current property is already within city limits.

Gohagan noted that although residents may not recognize the name "DSD Development," they are likely familiar with the company's work—specifically the commercial development behind Publix, which he said exemplifies the quality the developer intends to bring to the residential portion of the site.

Out of the current 64 acres, around 20 acres are slated for garden-style apartments, and 16.5 acres are designated for future commercial development. He emphasized that this area is identified in the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map as a Regional Activity Center, a designation that encourages high-density residential and mixed-use development around key commercial hubs like Publix.

Gohagan also stressed the importance of the project’s location within the city’s Tax Allocation District (TAD), which was established in 2019. He explained that developments like this were precisely the kind envisioned to generate increment revenue and repay the infrastructure bonds issued to support growth in the corridor.

“This is development that’s been in the works since 2019,” Gohagan said, urging council members to recognize the project’s alignment with the city’s long-term vision and financial strategy. He closed by noting that members of the development team, including Jeff and Dawson Block, were in attendance to answer any questions.

No members of the public spoke in opposition.

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Subject property: view of the property from the ROW on Old Register Road, facing south.
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View of the Georgia Power Station north of the subject property from the ROW of Old Register Road, facing southwest.
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Property to east of the subject property from the ROW of Old Register Road, facing east.

APPROVED 7. 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)
Business: The T a J
Owner(s): Deshdeep Singh / Alok Kumar Akse
Location: 609 Brannen St., Suite 9
License Type: Restaurant

Councilwoman Ginny Hendley recused herself.

APPROVED 8. Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 2025-04: An Ordinance amending Chapter 82 of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances to remove language concerning water and/or sewer charges for customers not utilizing the services, and to replace City Engineer with Public Utilities Director.

At the June 17, 2025 work session, the Mayor and Council were presented with concerns regarding the ordinance language which states that utility customers must pay for water and/or sewer at such time that it becomes available, whether or not they utilize these services. Citing case law, the City Attorney recommended that this language be removed. Also, the original ordinance was written with the City Engineer as the department head over utilities. In an effort to allow for proper assignment of duties within Chapter 82-Utilities, it is recommended to replace City Engineer with Director of Public Utilities.

APPROVED 9. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2025-16: A Resolution adopting policies, procedures, and program guidelines for the Community HOME Investment Program.

As a requirement for all recipients of CHIP Grant funds, the City of Statesboro shall pass a resolution outlining adoption of the CHIP Administrative Manual, as well as the Written Rehabilitation Standards as outlined in other federal and state regulations

Statesboro City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2025-16, formally adopting the policies, procedures, and program guidelines required to receive funding through the Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP). City Manager Charles Penny expressed enthusiasm about the milestone, noting that after six years of applying, the city has finally been awarded HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

While the city has operated a housing rehabilitation program for the past four years, Penny emphasized that adopting these state-mandated policies is a necessary step to access CHIP funding—specifically allocated for homeownership assistance. He added that much of the city’s current housing work already aligns with the required guidelines, but formal adoption was needed to remain compliant with Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) standards.

The resolution sets the stage for the city to move forward with implementation of CHIP-funded initiatives in the coming months. There was no further discussion or opposition from the council.

APPROVED 10. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2025-17: A Resolution adopting Georgia Statutes as a requirement for the Community HOME Investment Program.

As a requirement for all recipients of CHIP Grant funds, the City of Statesboro shall pass a resolution adopting specific Georgia Statutes to include the Prohibition on Immigration Sanctuary Policies by Local Government Entities, Georgia Drug-free Workplace Act, and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act.

APPROVED 11. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2025-18: A Resolution adopting Community HOME Investment Program Homebuyer Eligibility and Homeownership Value Requirements.

As a requirement for all recipients of CHIP Grant funds, the City of Statesboro shall pass a resolution adopting the homebuyer eligibility requirements for new construction as well as value limit requirements in accordance with 24 CFR 92.254 & CFR 92.203.

APPROVED 12. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2025-19: A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a FY 2026 Operational Service Agreement with the Coastal Regional Commission of Georgia for public transportation services in assistance with the Georgia Department of Transportation.

The Statesboro City Council is considering Resolution 2025-19, which would authorize the City to enter into an operational agreement with the Coastal Regional Commission (CRC) to provide rural public transit services for Fiscal Year 2026. The service is funded through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 program, with matching contributions from the state and local government. Statesboro’s portion will cover 10% of capital expenses and 50% of eligible operating costs not funded by federal or state dollars.

Under the agreement, CRC will serve as the official “Provider” of the transit service, which includes curb-to-curb, shared-ride transportation via a flexible fixed-route system operating Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. within the city limits. The program is open to the general public, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and DHS clients. Riders will be picked up from designated stops every 30 minutes, with the option for curbside pickup within ¼ mile of a route for passengers with mobility issues. These deviation trips must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

The city’s service will initially use four shuttle vans acquired in 2021 with CARES Act funding. An expansion of service is planned, pending the arrival of four additional vehicles through GDOT’s capital grant program. Statesboro prepaid its $47,316 local match for those vehicles in March 2025. Once received, routes and schedules may be updated by mutual agreement between the City and CRC.

The CRC will manage all aspects of the program’s operation, including drivers, vehicle maintenance, insurance, training, and compliance with federal and state transit policies. Vehicles are titled to CRC with GDOT as lien holder and must be returned to GDOT once retired. Insurance coverage will include $1 million per accident and $2 million aggregate, with full workers' compensation.

Riders using the bus service will pay $1 for each part (or "leg") of a trip. For example, if a rider takes the bus to a location and then later returns home, that’s two legs (two $1 payments = $2 round trip). There will be discounts for students and seniors, $0.50 per leg or $1 for a round trip.

The City will be billed monthly for operational costs and any no-show fares from scheduled deviation trips. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, and late payment may result in service suspension.

The agreement includes provisions for cancellation, modification, and termination by either party with 30 days’ notice. It also outlines compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, immigration verification, federal safety standards, and the inclusion of attachments such as safety rules, route maps, and fare schedules.

The purpose of the resolution and agreement is to ensure continued public transit access for Statesboro residents, particularly those who are transit-dependent, while expanding route frequency and coverage in response to growing demand.

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Coastal Regional Commission Bus Route

APPROVED 13. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2025-20: A Resolution authorizing an application to the Georgia ReLeaf Grant in the amount of $12,750 to fund a community tree giveaway as part of the KSBB beautification initiative. No matching funds are required.

The Georgia Tree Council (GTC) and Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, administer the Georgia ReLeaf program. This initiative provides funding to municipalities, government agencies, non-profits, and educational institutions across Georgia to support tree planting and tree giveaway projects. KSBB would like to apply for the Georgia ReLeaf Grant in partnership with the Statesboro Food Bank and the Statesboro Tree Board. Our proposed project will include a tree giveaway event hosted at the Statesboro Food Bank. This location falls within a designated match waiver area, making the project eligible for full grant funding with no matching requirement. If awarded, the grant funds, totaling $12,750, will be used to purchase native tree species for community giveaway and necessary supplies for planting including mulch, transportation, and tree stake kits.

APPROVED 14. Consideration of a motion to approve a state recipient agreement and addendum with the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority for the receipt of CHIP Grant Funds.

As a requirement for all recipients of CHIP Grant funds, the City of Statesboro shall enter into an agreement with the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority. This agreement specifies contract duration, expenditure deadlines, conflicts of interest, indemnification, and additional items. A grant Addendum is required for all grant agreements for CHIP Grants.

APPROVED 15. Consideration of a motion to approve an addendum to the lease with Bryant’s Landing to add 0.0046 acres to the leased premises.

Original ground lease was entered between the City and Bryant’s Landing in August, 2023. This addendum would add a very small parcel that the School Board recently conveyed to the City. This addendum is necessary for lessee building access.

APPROVED 16. Consideration of a motion to donate a 2001 Ford F-350 Van (C.A.F.E 2) and mobile cascade system to Bulloch County EMA.

The Statesboro Fire Department recommends donating a 2001 Ford F-350 van, equipped with a mobile cascade system, to the Bulloch County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in support of the Community Assistance in Fire Emergencies (C.A.F.E.) program. Since its inception in 2019, C.A.F.E. has provided on-scene support to individuals and families affected by emergencies, as well as firefighter rehabilitation and fire ground assistance.

Originally funded and supported by the City, the program transitioned its financial management to the newly formed C.A.F.E. Foundation in 2023, while the Fire Department continued to provide vehicle and operational support. To enhance coordination and expand C.A.F.E.’s reach throughout Bulloch County, the Fire Department has worked with Bulloch EMA and VOAD to transition program administration to the County.

The donation of this vehicle, which the Fire Department no longer needs, will ensure continuity of services and strengthen community-based emergency response capabilities across Statesboro and Bulloch County.

APPROVED 17. Consideration of a motion to approve the purchase of 21 portable radios and all required batteries, accessories, and programming for the Statesboro Fire Department in the amount of $149,262.54.

The Fire Department utilizes portable radios to communicate during emergency incidents and are a critical tool in ensuring effective, efficient and safe service delivery. The Fire Department has budgeted for the replacement of outdated and/or damaged portable radios (CIP FD-84). Additionally, numerous portable radios currently being used in the Fire Department are obsolete, meaning repairs are becoming increasingly difficult due to replacement parts no longer being available. The Fire Department was able to avoid an approximate 10% price increase since this project was passed by Council in the FY26 budget. Motorola Solutions is the service provider for the radio system the Statesboro Fire Department utilizes as well as has a Sourcewell contract for equipment proposed to be purchased. All applicable documentation and/or processes associated with this purchase has been acquired in accordance with the City’s Purchasing Policy. The total price for the radios and accessory equipment is $149,262.54

Budget Impact: This purchase will utilize funds from the 2025 SPLOST.

APPROVED 18. Consideration of a motion to renew the Master Services Agreement with Atlas Technical Consultants, LLC through June 30, 2026 to provide TSPLOST Program Management Services and Construction Engineering and Inspection services for FY 2026 in a not-to-exceed amount of $601,000, funded by TSPLOST.

City Council approved a master services agreement (MSA) with Atlas in October 2024 for On-Call Professional Engineering & Consulting Services for a term of three years, after receiving proposals in response to a Request for Qualifications. The contract provides for the renewal of services during the term of the contract for one-year periods, based on hourly rates for Atlas and funding availability of the City. The first one-year period of the contract was approved in October 2024 using an estimated cost of $224,640. However, that estimated cost has been reached faster than originally estimated due to the City utilizing the Atlas Project Manager on average for 30 to 40 hours per week, as opposed to the originally estimated 24 hours per week. The City has also utilized a construction inspector from Atlas for 30 to 40 hours per week to perform site inspections on active roadway/sidewalk projects in the City, which was not part of the original cost estimate. The utilization of these services provided by Atlas has been done to augment City staff for the management of the TSPLOST program, and to adequately inspect roadway construction associated with the increased residential and commercial development in the City as well.

Budget Impact: Staff negotiated with Atlas a proposed not-to-exceed cost of $601,000 based on the hourly rates in the existing MSA. Actual costs will be based on hours worked by Atlas personnel, as approved by the City Engineering Department. Any additional costs would be subject to approval by the City in accordance with the Purchasing Policy. Funding for these services comes from 2018 and 2023 TSPLOST funds. The cost is charged to each individual project account by number of hours worked on each project in the TSPLOST budget. The proposed services included in this contract would cost less than 4% of overall TSPLOST funding budgeted for the projects budgeted in FY 2026. There would be no impact to the General Fund.

City Council voted to renew the master services agreement with Atlas Technical Consultants, LLC, extending the firm’s contract through June 30, 2026 for continued program management and construction inspection services under the city’s T-SPLOST program. The agreement is capped at $601,000 and will be fully funded through T-SPLOST revenues.

City Manager Charles Penny explained that the decision to renew was driven by both urgency and practicality. The city exhausted last year’s contract funds more quickly than expected due to the high volume of infrastructure work underway and upcoming. Rather than expanding internal staffing, the city views the continued use of an outside consultant as a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

While T-SPLOST funds cannot be used to directly hire city personnel, Penny noted that the funds can legally be used to pay consultants, allowing municipalities like Statesboro to scale up capacity without permanent staff increases. Atlas will support not only project management but also construction engineering and inspection services, ensuring quality control and accountability during active projects.

Penny added that this approach is increasingly common among Georgia municipalities facing high workloads but limited staffing, and he anticipates that consultant-led project delivery will likely become even more prevalent in the future.

APPROVED 19. Consideration of a motion to approve an award of a contract for ENG 124e - Max Lockwood Drive Roadway Improvements, to Ellis Wood Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $1,363,320, to be funded by TSPLOST.

The pavement on Max Lockwood Drive is failing, and there are also drainage issues along the road which affect surrounding properties, including the Honey Bowen Building. The project scope includes the replacement of the existing drainage infrastructure along the street, new curb and gutter and sidewalk, reconstructing the pavement along the entire street, installation of traffic calming devices, striping of new parking spaces, and the installation of a new deceleration lane and driveway into the Honey Bowen parking lot from Fair Road under a GDOT Encroachment Permit.

Only one bid was received in response to the City’s advertisement of the sealed bid. Ellis Wood Contracting meets all requirements of the bid package.

Budget Impact: Originally, the project scope only included resurfacing, and the original budget amount was $300,000. The changes in scope, which included drainage improvements, total reconstruction of the pavement, and the new driveway and decel lane on Fair Road, increased the Design Consultant’s Opinion of Probable Cost to $1,274,288 for the final design of the project. Staff negotiated with the only bidder to remove some items from the project scope to reduce the price. The original bid was $1,520,870 and was reduced to $1,363,320 by reducing the quantity of some items such as sidewalk in areas that were determined to be not critical. Funding would be provided by 2018 and 2023 TSPLOST funds.

The Statesboro City Council has awarded a $1,363,320 contract to Ellis Wood Contracting, Inc. for a long-awaited overhaul of Max Lockwood Drive, with funding provided through the city's T-SPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) program.

Public Works and Engineering Director Brad Deal confirmed the scope of the project includes far more than resurfacing. While early estimates focused on basic repaving at around $300,000, the final plan now incorporates storm drainage repairs, sidewalk improvements, and the addition of a new entrance from Fair Road into the rear parking area behind the Honey Bowen Building—an enhancement strongly supported by the Parks and Recreation Department.

City Manager Charles Penny explained that although city staff once considered converting Max Lockwood Drive into a two-way street, the recommendation was ultimately to maintain its current one-way traffic pattern due to safety and layout constraints.

Councilmembers expressed interest in how the project fits into broader improvements expected near The Blue Mile and other areas of Fair Road corridor redevelopment. Deal assured the council that the design accounts for those future plans, avoiding redundant work or costly reengineering.

The city negotiated the project down from an original estimate near $1.5 million, removing some scope items to keep costs within budget while still addressing the most critical needs. With this vote, the city will now schedule the construction timeline and prepare for implementation.

APPROVED 20. Consideration of a motion to approve the purchase of a 2025 Caterpillar 326 TC Excavator in the amount of $322,672 from Yancy Brothers Company, funded by Solid Waste Disposal Operating Funds.

This item is part of a planned replacement of an existing 2012 CASE CX21OC Excavator that has been in service for many years and is past its useful life. The excavator will be used primarily in operations for the inert landfill, and could be used for other Public Works operations as well. We are proposing to purchase this unit using a Sourcewell CAT Contract #011723 as approved by City purchasing policy. Sale and Service will be through Yancy Brothers Company in Statesboro, GA. They are a dealer for in our area for commercial construction equipment. Budget Impact: This purchase is budged in SWD-33 Excavator Replacement, which has $325,000 budgeted in FY 2026 in Solid Waste Disposal Operating Funds. The current excavator will be surplussed.

21. Other Business from City Council

Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr mentioned the Volience Prevention Forum happening Saturday, July 19 at 10 am at the Trinity Episcopal Church

22. City Manager’s Comments

During his closing comments, City Manager Charles Penny took a moment to congratulate Councilmember Paulette Chavers on her recent reelection as president of the Georgia Municipal Association’s District 12 Board of Directors. He also expressed gratitude to the mayor and council on behalf of city staff, thanking them for approving a 4% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for municipal employees.

Penny noted that employees were notified by email that the adjustment would take effect the following day. “Thank you for your willingness to support them financially,” he said. “It does not go unnoticed.”

23. Public Comments (General)

None

24. Consideration of a Motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss “Personnel Matters,” “Real Estate,” and/or “Potential Litigation” in accordance with O.C.G.A. 50-14-3(b)

None

25. Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn