Wesley Parker and Tree Board recognized by Council during Council meeting

The Statesboro Mayor and Council opened their opened their regular bi-monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 receiving recognition and providing recognition for the Statesboro Tree Board.

Robert Seamons with the Georgia Forestry Commission recognized the City of Statesboro's participation in the Tree City USA program and presented them a 30th year flag from the Georgia Forestry Commission. This celebrates the City’s 30 years of participation in the Tree City USA program.

The Mayor and Council then recognized Wesley Parker, former Chair of the City of Statesboro Tree Board, for his 13 years of exemplary volunteerism.

Wesley Parker began his service to the tree board in 2011. During his years of service, Wesley worked on various tree projects, helped enforce the City Tree Ordinance, and led the Tree Board as Chair beginning in 2017. The City of Statesboro Tree Board, City Staff, and Mayor and City Council would like to thank Wesley Parker for his commitment, leadership, and genuine passion for the local community all of which have left a lasting impression on the Tree Board and the City of Statesboro.

"I want to recognize and thank John Washington, Richard Smiley and Amanda Clements along with their staff and the Council for the priority they place on preserving the tree canopy in the city. Keeping the tree ordinance in place is an important step in keeping our tree canopy healthy," said Wesley Parker. "If you want to see the importance of this ordinance visit the Walmart Super-center then visit the newer Walmart Market or visit the Statesboro Mall and compare it to the Public shopping center."

More city business:

Consent Agenda

APPROVED - Approval of Minutes

a) 04-18-2023 Work Session Minutes

b) 04-18-2023 Council Minutes

c) 04-18-2023 Executive Session Minutes

New Business

APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2023-21: A Resolution responding to Service Delivery Strategies amendment request made by Bulloch County. The city modified the SDS to allow them to expand water and sewer down Hwy. 67 to I-16. In the counties SDS the city water and sewer would stop in Denmark. The city also modified the agreement to allow sewer expansion to the City of Brooklet.

APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve contract in the amount of $24,567.40 with D. Lance Souther, Inc. for utility relocation with the West Main Street Drainage Improvements project. This project will be paid by 2018 TSPLOST funds.

APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to approve contract in the amount of $260,170.18 with YDelta, Inc. for Lydia Lane/Hart Street stormwater drainage improvements. This project (STM-29) will be paid for with Stormwater Enterprise funds.

APPROVED - Consideration of a motion to award the purchase of 500 Water Meter Boxes and fittings to Delta Municipal Supply in the amount of $48,125.00. To be purchased with funds approved in 2023 Operating Budget funded with system revenues.

Other Business from City Council

A reminder that Fiesta De Mayo First Friday downtown this Friday

The One Boro and the Longest Table event this past weekend was a big success. Over 200 citizens participated. The Mayor thanked all the City staff and the One Boro committee for all of their work on this event.

City Managers Comments

Charles Penny, Statesboro City Manager made the council aware of a meeting on May 8th at 1:30 PM of the Bulloch County Elections Board to decide on possible relocation of the William James Educational Complex voting precinct. Their decision will be presented to council at the next meeting.

Don Poe with Feed the Boro asked the council to partner with Feed the Boro to sponsor food drops again this year. The council agreed to explore participation again as long as the drops continue to be held at SHS and not the fairgrounds due to accessibility issues.

Penny also received approval to order the lettering for the Art Park. The letters will spell out BORO.

Executive Session

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)