[2:10] All

[2:20] right.

[8:06] Yeah.

[10:23] What's going on?

[10:41] I'm glad you made it today.

[10:45] » Me, too.

[10:52] » He got you working out now. >> He already said, my buddy Scott Willis

[10:56] says you already wear him out.

[11:19] like to call to order the August 20th, 2026 city council meeting, meeting of

[11:23] mayor and council. I'd like to call on Pastor Hubert Miguel from New Life

[11:27] Ministries to lead us in prayer. Please remain standing for the pledge.

[11:37] » Heavenly Father, thank you for being gracious and

[11:42] merciful for us.

[11:46] Father, Father, as we gather here today, we pray

[11:50] that you will bless everyone. Lord, I pray that you'll bless this city, God.

[11:57] Let businesses come from all over. Lord, let this city grow. Lord, I pray for the

[12:02] mayor. I pray for the council people. I pray, Father, that you'd lead us that

[12:07] you give us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

[12:11] Help us, Lord, to put you first in every area.

[12:15] Grow this city, Lord. Let this city be a place as never before. God, thank you,

[12:21] Lord, for everyone here. Thank you for your mercy, grace. Thank you for your

[12:26] compassion. We give you all the glory, honor, and praise because you deserve

[12:31] the glory and the honor and the praise in Jesus name. Amen.

[12:36] » Amen. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

[12:41] United States of America to the republic for it stands one nation

[12:48] indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

[12:53] I I slowed it way down for you. >> I sure did.

[13:01] » We're going to start out with the three public hearing items tonight. Item A,

[13:04] consideration of an ordinance to reszone a total of 19.82 acres from residential

[13:09] agriculture um county to combination of heavy

[13:13] industrial and highway commercial city. Matt Martin will present. Hi.

[13:17] » Yes, sir. Thank you, Mayor. Um these first two items have to do with the same

[13:21] property. It's an annexation and reasonzoning request. And as we do in

[13:26] these types of cases, we um consider it as one presentation, one public hearing.

[13:31] But when it comes time to make motion and vote, we need to do that separately.

[13:36] So we vote on the resoning first and then the annexation. Um this was an item

[13:42] or a pair of items that was on your agenda two weeks ago and this table till

[13:46] tonight. We went through in a lot of detail at the work session two weeks

[13:50] ago. To give you a refresher, um applicant is Sheldon Hill and Lane

[13:55] Cheney. Property is located along um Howell Road

[14:00] um to the east of inner perimeter. Um both packets are in your um agenda

[14:05] packet for this evening, but I've merged them into one presentation. So this is

[14:09] from the annexation packet. It shows you the location relative to the city

[14:14] limits. So everything that is in gray shading on this map is currently

[14:19] unincorporated Loun County. The white area is in the city limits. And so you

[14:24] see this property is contiguous to the city limits on its north boundary which

[14:28] is a railroad track. And so we can annex across a ride ofway whether it be a

[14:34] street or a railroad in this case. So this makes it eligible for annexation by

[14:39] touching the city limit area to the north. Um other maps in your packet.

[14:44] Current zoning is RA residential agricultural in the county. You see the

[14:50] EA zoning to the south and west that's in the county is agricultural zoning.

[14:55] But more notably is the to the north you see the dark gray that is heavy

[14:59] industrial M2 zoning in the city which is straight north of the tracks. And

[15:04] then to the west of there on the west side of inner perimeter that's heavy

[15:08] industrial zoning in Loun County. Um, other maps include the character area

[15:16] which is currently rural residential, but like we talked about two weeks ago.

[15:20] We are in the process of going about to amend the comprehensive plan and do an

[15:26] update for that. We've already transmitted that to the state. Included

[15:30] in that transmitt is a proposed new character area map and the county has

[15:35] requested that this area and a little bit to the east of it become industrial

[15:40] activity center. So in other words match the same character area that currently

[15:45] exists to the north and to the west. So that's a proposed change but at the

[15:49] moment the character area is rural residential. As part of the city's

[15:53] review, whenever we annex property in by code, we have the ability to amend the

[15:58] character area map upon annexation. And the proposal um for this is to amend it

[16:04] to industrial activity center upon annexation, which is what it's being

[16:08] proposed for anyway with the new map. Um aerial imagery, it's currently a crop

[16:14] field, really the western half of one. Um this is familyowned property that has

[16:19] been broken into large pieces. The applicants purchased this several months

[16:23] ago. Um and and you heard the story from two weeks ago where they were proposing

[16:28] residential and by virtue of the highway and the railroad nearby, they're looking

[16:32] at commercial and industrial. Um but what you don't see on the aerial on the

[16:36] screen, but is in your packet. To the north of the railroad is the industrial

[16:40] uses with the trucking distribution centers that are there. Then across

[16:44] inner perimeter that's Hunt Construction, which has been there for

[16:48] many years. um hence their argument for heavy industrial zoning. Um also in your

[16:54] packet you have annexation surveys and resoning surveys. Remember from two

[16:59] weeks ago we talked about the difference in acreage. Um so for the resoning part

[17:03] of it which is everything south of the railroad it's 19.82 82 acres, but

[17:09] because we are annexing a segment of the railroad as well, the annexation portion

[17:14] of it increases by a couple acres to I think 21.97.

[17:19] That's why the two packets that you have give different acreage totals. So,

[17:23] here's a survey of the annexation boundary, which is the property itself

[17:28] plus the railroad. And then the resoning portion is just the area south. What is

[17:33] important to note here is they're requesting a split zoning of M2 and CH.

[17:38] The southern fourth of the property along How Road would be CH and the rest

[17:43] of it M2. And remember, there is no specific proposed use yet for this

[17:48] property. Um, this is a speculative request. They want to market it for

[17:53] industrial and commercial. They've already been in conversation with the

[17:56] railroad about getting a railroad spur from Norfick Southern. Um they're

[18:00] working through those engineering details as to where to place the spur

[18:04] and how long and so forth. Um but they see that as an opportunity with the

[18:09] major rail line to the north, but they understand it is not a good idea to have

[18:13] heavy industrial all the way to how road, but maybe to reserve that as a

[18:17] commercial area you for the long-term development pattern.

[18:21] Um some imagery the subject property this is how you see it from how road

[18:25] looking north beyond those trees is the crop fields that you can see in the

[18:30] aerial image. Then continuing with the pictures this is looking eastward down

[18:34] how road most of the lands around here are undeveloped with the only exception

[18:39] really being the church that is across the street to the south. I'm on a large

[18:43] parcel of land. It is zoned agriculture. has been there for a number of years and

[18:48] they are a customer to the city utility system um they are part of our

[18:53] designated service area and if we annex the property to the north and that comes

[18:57] into our service area as well. Um other photos this is looking westward this is

[19:02] the intersection of how and perimeter um a stop sign for how road through traffic

[19:08] of course for inner perimeter road and then some other photos.

[19:12] This is the railroad line. This is from the top of the bridge of interimal road

[19:17] looking east down the railroad. The subject property is there on the

[19:21] immediate right and on the left through the trees that is where the trucking

[19:25] terminals are located. Just a little bit hard to see from inner perimeter road at

[19:29] the bridge. Then the same trucking terminals when you go around the corner

[19:34] view them from the north. And then I think lastly another zoomin view of the

[19:39] trucking terminal. And then this is Hunt construction that's on the west side of

[19:44] inner perimeter and it's been there for a large number of years.

[19:49] I think that's it for the imagery. So again it's an annexation and reszoning

[19:53] request different an acreages but the proposal is to go to M2 and CH about

[19:59] 3/4s of the property M2 about 1/4 CH along How Road. Um planning commission

[20:05] reviewed this at their last public hearing. Um they found the resoning

[20:10] request consistent with the comprehensive plan

[20:13] that stands for exercise of zoning power. They are recommending approval of

[20:17] the resoning as proposed which is the split of M2 and CH. However, when it

[20:22] comes and that's on a 8:1 vote however when it comes to the annexation they are

[20:28] making uh recommending denial of the annexation also by an 8 to1 vote. We

[20:33] talked about this at length two weeks ago at the work session and the only way

[20:37] I know to translate that an unusual recommendation is they are not in favor

[20:42] of the annexation collectively but if it's to be annexed they are in favor of

[20:48] the resoning as proposed which is M2 and CH. Um the 8:1 vote is common to both of

[20:54] these requests but the dissenting vote interestingly is not the same

[20:59] individual. So, as you can imagine, there was a lot of discussion at the

[21:02] planning commission. There were some folks from the public who spoke at the

[21:06] hearing. I suspect one or more of them may be here tonight who will like to

[21:12] convey more details to you about what their thinking is. Any questions on

[21:18] these? >> I have one question. Um, how far is this

[21:23] from that school over there? I went over there and I was looking at the area and

[21:27] I think I have the right area in mind, but I just never hear mention about the

[21:31] school, >> right? A a good distance and there's

[21:33] actually two schools. Um, you've got the Molten Branch School straight to the

[21:37] south on inner perimeter >> and that's a good ways. I would say

[21:40] probably a couple miles or more. You've got the How Road intersection. You go on

[21:44] to the south and there's Molten Branch off to the left on the east side of the

[21:48] road as you round the curve >> approaching Statenville Highway

[21:52] » and it's across from the Molten Branch neighborhood.

[21:55] » Then you've got then you've got the City Elementary School that's on How Road

[22:00] » which is off to the west. Um and I don't know the distance, maybe 3/4s of a mile.

[22:06] It's down a little ways, but you know it sits back off the road as well. um

[22:11] they're not immediately close and certainly not close enough to show up in

[22:14] the mapping um but they're in the vicinity in terms of the broader sense.

[22:20] » Okay. >> And maybe on the city limit map it

[22:24] zoomed out enough. >> So that's what I was just wondering

[22:27] because I was looking at going down how road they're going to make this in you

[22:31] said it's going to be an industrial activity area.

[22:34] » Correct. an an expansion of the industrial activity area that's north of

[22:39] the railroad and off to the west. So on this map you can see where the subject

[22:43] property is. >> Right?

[22:45] » If you look immediately to the left where you see the word

[22:47] » Valdasta >> and that's industrial development.

[22:50] That's where the um I think it's the GIF site is being built and opened there.

[22:55] It's part of an expansion of the industrial park that runs east of Clay

[22:59] Road. If you look immediately to the south, you see a finger of the city

[23:03] limits that crosses to the south side. That's the elementary school there

[23:09] » and it's in along the eastern side of that. So, it's a little distance from

[23:13] the subject property. I mean, not real close, but and in between is vacant

[23:18] land, but you can what you see in the area.

[23:21] » And then the Molton Branch School is actually off the edge of the map to the

[23:25] south. keep going down the inner perimeter,

[23:28] » you know, just a little bit beyond the edge of the map, and then it'll be on

[23:31] the east side of the road. >> We've got a city school and a county

[23:36] school kind of nearby, but not not immediate neighbors by any stretch of

[23:41] the imagination. >> Okay. Thank you.

[23:47] » Any other questions for Matt? >> Right, Matt? Thank you.

[23:51] » Yes, sir. Again, this is a public hearing item. We'll dedicate 15 minutes

[23:56] for and against for each side. With that being said, is there anybody who would

[24:01] like to step forward in favor of this request?

[24:08] Seeing none, their 15 minutes are are over. We'll now dedicate 15 minutes for

[24:13] anybody that would like to step forward in opposition to this request.

[24:22] Matt You had a thought.

[24:30] » You You can stay up. >> We did talk about this extensively two

[24:35] weeks ago. Of course, with any annexation request under state law, we

[24:39] have to give due notice to Loun County. Um that starts a review process for

[24:43] them. that we learned two weeks ago that that review process was longer than it

[24:48] had been for many years, which is why we had tabled the request. That full amount

[24:53] of 45 days has run its course as of tomorrow. They are if the county wishes

[24:58] to file an objection. They have to do it at a public meeting. Their next public

[25:03] meeting is not until next week, Tuesday, >> which is beyond that time frame. And I

[25:08] did confirm this afternoon there is no called meeting in the works. So, we have

[25:13] the green light to proceed on with the annexation.

[25:17] » Thank Thank you for that addition, Matt. All right, a fresh 15 minutes for

[25:22] anybody in opposition to this request.

[25:27] » Good evening. Good evening, mayor and council members. My name is

[25:32] Nathan Brantley. I'm a lawyer here in Valdasta at 701 North Patterson Street.

[25:37] And I am here on behalf of Jenny Joe Spivey. Miss Spivey is the adjoining

[25:43] land owner to the east of the subject property. So her property fronts on

[25:49] Howell Road immediately adjacent to the subject property. Um I'm here to on her

[25:57] behalf object to the requested annexation and reszoning for the

[26:04] following reasons. We believe that this request is premature,

[26:10] speculative, unnecess unnecessary,

[26:14] overly intensive, inappropriate, and burdensome. And I'll explain why for the

[26:20] following reasons. Um the this this request is this is and this is the crux

[26:27] of our argument. It is currently inconsistent with the comprehensive

[26:33] plan. The comprehensive plan has been submitted for acceptance, but it has not

[26:39] yet been accepted by the state. The character area

[26:43] of this subject parcel pursuant to the comprehensive plan is currently rural

[26:50] residential. Now, I know that there are plans for it to be changed over to

[26:54] industrial activity center, but that has not yet occurred. I also am aware that

[27:00] there is an a city ordinance that allows that if this property is annexed and

[27:04] reszoned that the character area can be changed from rural residential to

[27:10] industrial activity center. But that's not yet occurred. And what's being asked

[27:15] here is a speculative annexation and resoning

[27:21] with no site plan prepared. There's nothing that indicates what this

[27:26] property will be used for. And it is going from the least intensive zoning

[27:33] type that is currently allowed to possibly and arguably the most intensive

[27:40] zoning type that is allowed within the city, which is M2. So M2 zoning is

[27:50] it's an area used in manufacturing, wholesale trade, distribution

[27:55] activities, assembly and processing activities. Uses may or may not generate

[28:00] excessive noise, particulate matter, vibration, smoke, dust, gas, fumes,

[28:05] odors, radiation, or other nuisance characteristics.

[28:10] This is a significantly different description of the use of the property

[28:16] than what is allowed under a rural residential character area which is

[28:20] rural undeveloped land likely to face development pressures for lower density

[28:25] residential development. Now currently the property the character area of the

[28:32] subject property is rural residential with a plan to transition in the next

[28:38] comprehensive plan over to rural residential but there currently is

[28:44] obviously we know we've all been down um perimeter road and we've all seen the

[28:48] the comprehensive plan and the character area maps there's a corridor running

[28:52] down perimeter road that is industrial in nature industrial activity center,

[28:58] those types of uses. But what this does is this crawl this and and and so so if

[29:05] you if you were to approve the annexation and the reasoning request,

[29:08] effectively, you would also be approving a change in the character area. So I

[29:12] mean, it's really a a threeprong request that they're asking for here. And and

[29:17] there's currently a a a boundary. There's a boundary of the railroad the

[29:22] and and and if you've been o if you've been out there, it's a a pretty clearly

[29:26] defined boundary because you have to go over a big overpass before you pass on

[29:29] into what has always been and currently is agricultural

[29:35] agricultural use of property. So, rural residential, rural AC, suburban area.

[29:41] This would be an encroachment across the railroad track over the overpass and not

[29:48] just down perimeter road, but also turning the corner from Perimeter Road

[29:54] on to Howell Road. And so, so this this is an encroachment even further into

[30:01] rural residential areas. And I also want to point out, make sure that you're

[30:04] aware that the subject property does not even front on Perimeter Road. There is a

[30:10] parcel that divides Perimeter Road from this subject parcel. It's owned by a

[30:16] different owner and it is not part of this request. But this is not just an

[30:20] extension of Industrial Activity Center down south, further south on Perimeter

[30:26] Road, but it is actually turning a quarter and heading east onto Howell

[30:30] Road. Um [clears throat]

[30:35] for that reason we believe it is a premature request. There's it it it is

[30:40] asking a lot for the city council to approve this when the character area

[30:47] very well may be changed uh through through through the proper process and

[30:51] it may become appropriate down the road for this kind of request to be made. We

[30:55] would still argue that M2 zoning is too high of an intensity and it's not

[31:02] explained why M2 is even required because there's it's purely speculative.

[31:07] There's no site plan submitted. We have no idea what's going to go in this

[31:11] property and M2 is the most intensive type zoning that is allowed within the

[31:16] city. Um it's unnecessary. There are other industrial sites within the city

[31:22] within industrial uh parks that within the city that have rail access that are

[31:27] already reszoned are already zone appropriately which is M2 zoning. So the

[31:32] character area I'm sorry the comprehensive plan this is straight out

[31:35] of the comprehensive plan. This is industrial activity center character

[31:39] area. the de development strategy for property that is within that character

[31:44] area. Development or where par possible retrofitting should occur as part of

[31:50] planned industrial parks having adequate water, sewer, storm water and

[31:56] transportation infrastructure for all component uses at buildout. We don't

[32:00] have that here. This is not a part of a planned industrial park. This is an

[32:05] isolated parcel that is currently now, yes, there is industrial across the

[32:10] railroad track, but it's across the railroad track and over an overpass

[32:14] before you get to where Hunt Industries and these other industrial areas are.

[32:18] This is an encroachment into what has for as long as Loun County has been

[32:25] around has been um uh agricultural use property and and rural residential. Um,

[32:32] also the implementation measures regarding

[32:36] the industrial activity center character area require that there be access

[32:42] control measures implemented whenever this property a property is developed in

[32:46] this area. So this is out of the this is out of the comprehensive plan as well.

[32:50] So access control measures comb providing reasonable access to de

[32:54] developments while preserving the safe flow of traffic on an arterial and major

[32:58] collector techniques like managing where and how approaches or signals are

[33:02] allowed, use of medians, creation of turn lanes, and support of local

[33:06] ordinances improve the driving atmosphere. In some cases, they also

[33:10] make movement easier and safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Now, we have

[33:14] a situation here where there's no site plan submitted, so we have no idea how

[33:17] they plan to deal with traffic in the area. This is already a very dangerous

[33:22] intersection and I have included or I have provided to you a copy of some

[33:28] documents that prove such. Um we made some open records requests and there is

[33:33] each of you should have I think um the clerk has handed it out a a department

[33:37] of transportation traffic engineering study from November 2020. It's got some

[33:41] information in there. This cuts off as of

[33:51] It's January 2015 to November 2020. This was an analysis done by the DOT.

[33:58] And so, you know, you probably asked the question, well, 2020, that was six years

[34:01] ago. So, what's been happening since since then? Well, I also did an open

[34:05] records request for accidents that have occurred at this intersection, the

[34:08] Howell Road and Perimeter Road intersection. And I've included a

[34:11] spreadsheet that shows all the accidents that have have occurred from January

[34:16] 2021 through July 2026. So pursuant to the traffic study that cuts off in

[34:25] November 2020, Perimeter Road has an average vehicle per day count of 9310

[34:31] average vehicles. How road has a count of 2,180

[34:36] average vehicles. Within that period, there were 12 crashes recorded and two

[34:42] fatalities. The DO's recommendation for this intersection was as follows. Their

[34:47] short-term recommendation was upgrade stop signs, add reflective sign

[34:52] supports, install crossing traffic does not stop signs. Their intermediate

[34:56] recommendation, install intersection conflict warning system. Their long-term

[35:01] recommendation install roundabout traffic light not recommended because of

[35:05] limited approach over railroad overpass. So if you've ever been out there you

[35:09] know that you come down that hill you're going fast. So it would be it's logical

[35:14] that it would it would be dangerous to have a traffic light right there

[35:17] especially with those big trucks. So the recommendation was install a roundabout.

[35:21] Well as of today this is what six we're six years later from November 2020. Um,

[35:28] the only thing that's been done is the short-term recommendation. Upgrade stop

[35:32] signs, add reflective sign supports, and install uh crossing traffic does not

[35:35] stop. There's been no installation of any conflict warning system. There's

[35:39] been no installation of any roundabout. So, what's happened in the meantime

[35:43] since this recommendation was made? Well, here's what's happened. It's still

[35:47] a dangerous intersection because the problem was not addressed

[35:54] since then. From January 2021 to July 2026, there

[36:00] have been 31 crashes and one fatality. So that's a period roughly the same

[36:05] length and duration as the DOT traffic study. So you go from 12 crashes to 31

[36:11] crashes. I've been out there personally. I've driven out there um leaving leaving

[36:16] the elementary school that's right there at at night. It's a dark intersection.

[36:20] Vehicles are flying down perimeter [snorts] road. And additionally,

[36:25] you're Th this development is moving is is the

[36:29] the idea behind this development is it would move in in industrial uses down

[36:34] Howell Road which is is not not set up to deal with this additional traffic and

[36:41] also um there's no plan submitted by the applicants here to address any of those

[36:47] concerns. [clears throat]

[36:57] I want to point out to you

[37:07] that the standards for exercising zoning power when reviewing those we believe

[37:13] that the applicant has not met these standards that would justify reszoning

[37:18] this property. We have no objection to the annexation of this property. I don't

[37:23] I don't believe that it's it's material whether with I mean to me I'm sure it is

[37:27] probably to to to the council but whether it's in the city or county. The

[37:31] issue is the zoning and the land use. Um, so when

[37:37] when reviewing or when determining whether to e exercise zoning power,

[37:44] one of the questions that has to be asked is whether the proposed zoning

[37:47] will result in a use that will or could cause an excessive or burdensome use of

[37:53] existing streets, transportation facilities, utilities, or schools. And I

[37:58] would argue absolutely yes that these studies show that more traffic down

[38:04] Howell Road and at the perimeter intersection would have an adverse

[38:07] effect on the citizens of Loun County. Additionally,

[38:13] another question that must be answered whether the proposed reszoning is in

[38:17] conformity with the policy and intent of the comprehensive plan. I would argue it

[38:22] absolutely is not. um this property and all the property in this general area

[38:28] south of the railroad track and east of perimeter is residential or agricultural

[38:33] in nature. This is an encroachment beyond a existing boundary that that is

[38:41] unnecessary. Um and additionally uh there another

[38:46] question that has to be answered is how would it affect let me let me find

[38:51] it.

[38:55] whether a proposed reszoning will adversely affect the existing use or

[38:59] usability of adjacent or nearby property. I would argue absolutely. My

[39:03] client's property is currently zoned agricultural use. Um it's a it's a large

[39:10] track of land. It's submitted to a cuba covenant. It's farmed. Um, we believe

[39:16] that having an industrial or manufacturing facility next door under

[39:21] an M2 zoning uh designation would would absolutely adversely affect her property

[39:28] and uh and is is unnecessary, inappropriate, and purely speculative at

[39:32] this point. Um, thank you for your time to do y'all have any questions for me?

[39:36] » Council, any questions for Mr. Brantley? There is one minute rem no questions.

[39:42] I'm sorry. There is one minute remaining in the 15. If anybody else wants to step

[39:46] forward >> and speak quickly in opposition.

[39:52] My name's James By. My family owns the property to the east. That's my aunt

[39:57] Jenny and he just spoke for so I won't take up much of your time. But my family

[40:03] has owned that property since 1870. And so it's not undeveloped. There's

[40:10] families living there and there's plans for that property. And so our concerns

[40:17] aren't for development or moving forward. Our concerns are the use of the

[40:22] land. And so the heavy industrial is what we've what we've got a problem

[40:26] with. And so that's the concern. So if it was any other zoning, we probably

[40:31] wouldn't even be up here opposing. But for the use of the land, the people

[40:35] living around and ma'am, you asked a smart question. I could throw a rock to

[40:39] that school. So that man tells the truth. The other schools may be a mile

[40:44] away. The other one, you can see it. So just be considerate of the neighbors is

[40:51] all I'm asking. And we are the neighbors. So

[40:55] » James, thank you. >> That closes out the that portion of the

[41:00] public hearing items. council. Um, one at a time. Item 2A, consideration of an

[41:07] ordinance to reszone a total of 19.82 acres is before you. It's yours for

[41:12] action.

[41:15] » You got a question for Matt? >> Absolutely. Matt, please. Matt, um the

[41:23] speculative nature of this property, um we don't Why did the developer or not

[41:31] the developer, the owner decide to go with M1? Do they know what's coming?

[41:36] » M2 >> or M2, excuse me.

[41:37] » Yeah, they don't have any proposed use in mind and they were at the planning

[41:42] commission and answered similar questions. It's speculation to u market

[41:47] the property for industrial and commercial development.

[41:51] No specific use, no specific site plan at this point other than the desire to

[41:56] have a railroad spur coming from the Norfick Southern Rail, which they've

[42:00] already been in conversation with. >> Gotcha.

[42:05] Council, any other questions for Matt? Andy,

[42:08] » is the um are they in attendance tonight? Are they

[42:13] here tonight? >> I did not see them. My understanding was

[42:16] the applicants themselves were not able to be here, but they were going to send

[42:20] a representative. >> And I don't know if there's a

[42:22] representative here. It's not anyone I recognize.

[42:26] » Yeah. >> And that might be a good question for

[42:30] the representative, but >> would they consider

[42:35] um not going with them too? >> That would be a good question for them.

[42:41] I don't know what their thought reaction would be, but I do know within your

[42:47] purview, you can approve a more restrictive zoning than what's being

[42:50] requested, such as M1 or C or something between what it's zoned now and what

[42:56] they're requesting.

[43:00] » I just I'm just curious as to if M2 is what's hanging it up, like if M2 is the

[43:07] » is the thing that they got to have or or it's not what I mean is like is that

[43:15] what they want is M2 along with U CH or would they be okay with just CH?

[43:22] » I don't know if we want to invite someone up or

[43:25] » if you want to open the public >> each side.

[43:31] » I'll give five minutes each side. >> All right, Matt. Thank you,

[43:36] » Mr. Matt. Um, >> with JL Lomax being that close, did we

[43:41] did we did we talk to the school superintendent,

[43:46] » the school board? >> If not, they're not in the realm to be

[43:49] notified. They're a good distance away. We notify surrounding property owners,

[43:54] um, which is a handful of properties around there, large, but you saw the

[43:58] mapping and how far away schools are. >> Yeah, I looked it up, Councilwoman.

[44:03] Molton Branch is about one mile away. Um, the other one I did not see. So,

[44:08] it's probably >> walk from JL Max to that corner. My

[44:12] question with the bus. >> I just want to say I don't know how far

[44:15] that is. >> It's not It's within walking distance. I

[44:18] can tell you because I have done and looked at it.

[44:22] » If we can go back to the maps, we can show the maps again.

[44:25] » Yeah. >> And I did not measure it. I if I had to

[44:28] guess, I would say it was a little bit less than a mile to the other one.

[44:31] There's of the land between >> I mean, it's a few thousand feet.

[44:35] It's definitely closer. >> Yeah, definitely closer, but not next

[44:38] door. I can't throw a rock that far. I know that.

[44:43] » All right, Matt. >> Yes,

[44:44] » I do have another question though. But whatever business uh um that goes in

[44:50] that spot that is would be a part of planning though that you guys would have

[44:55] to um put some regulations or different things to make sure that they don't

[45:00] interfere or don't um >> Correct. Yeah. Yeah. development from

[45:05] scratch like this would be would be subject to all of our new development

[45:09] standards. Um nothing grandfathered in. Um M2 zoning next to non-industrial

[45:14] carries with it a pretty extensive buffer yard requirement because of the

[45:18] differences in uses. So with the CH because CH against agriculture is a

[45:23] pretty big disparity. So that again buffer yards um depending on the nature

[45:29] of the use that goes there in terms of traffic generation it may or may not

[45:33] trigger a traffic study but we don't know what the use is now. Um there's a

[45:39] lot of discussion about this at the planning commission meeting about

[45:42] traffic study and speculation. 20 acres of industrial zoning by itself

[45:47] is not a whole lot that the acreage alone would generate a need for that,

[45:53] but you could get an intensive use there. Um, you could have a warehouse.

[45:58] Um, we have one in town that's over a million square feet, but has three

[46:01] people or you could have a FedEx ground terminal,

[46:06] » you know, same kind of acreage. Big difference in intensity. um the things

[46:11] that generate a lot of traffic and things that the city would be concerned

[46:14] about, we would address those during the development review process. What's a

[46:19] little bit different with this property is Howell Road itself is a county road.

[46:25] It is not part of the annexation, which means it would continue to be a county

[46:29] road and any access to and from that road would be the pleasure of Loun

[46:34] County. They would be part of that review process. any impacts to the

[46:38] intersection inner perimeter would then be under review and scrutiny of Georgia

[46:42] DOT. So there's some different layers of oversight involved here with what goes

[46:48] on with this property based on current geography.

[46:52] » Okay. >> Also sir, we have a a large church, the

[46:56] one you showed, New Life >> across the street. Yes.

[47:00] » That's a large congregation and with that industrial effect

[47:06] the church members that go to attend that church.

[47:09] » All right, that would be a question for them. They were notified of the

[47:12] hearings. I fully expected at least an inquiry from them. Um, my office did not

[47:17] receive any inquiry. They did not come to planning commission meeting. Um, but

[47:22] they are the only developed property that's non-industrial

[47:26] that's to the south. >> They're zoned agriculture.

[47:30] » One last quick question. How would they have their access would be off how road?

[47:35] They couldn't get any access any other way other than off how road.

[47:38] » Correct. This property only has frontage on how road. That's what I thought.

[47:41] » They're sort of near in a perimeter as we pointed out, but impossible to get

[47:46] access there. >> Um, one state route and two pretty steep

[47:50] slope. And that is a separate parcel that is in between. It is not buildable

[47:55] on its own. It is a remnant parcel like we talked about from two weeks ago. Um I

[48:00] know the applicant has um tried to get custody of this that property as well.

[48:07] Um but the owner of that who owns the property also on the other side of inner

[48:12] perimeter [clears throat] was not interested in selling

[48:16] » and that's why I was looking at the traffic because traffic coming south off

[48:19] of perimeter inner perimeter would have to make a right and then make a left to

[48:23] go to that if they had any business right it

[48:28] » they right they would have to make a turn eastward onto how road and then

[48:31] come into this property >> and make I think because of the nature

[48:35] of the roads and The intersection, the access in and out of this property is

[48:40] not going to be close to the how road intersection per

[48:45] » Georgia DOT I know is not going to allow that.

[48:47] » It will be kind of tight with a lot of traffic

[48:50] » and that's all development review consideration.

[48:54] » The county controls ultimately their road and Georgia DOT controls if it's

[48:58] too close to their intersection. >> Thank you, Matt.

[49:04] and particularly if there's truck traffic involved.

[49:07] » All right, any other questions for Matt? Um, council still has questions and

[49:13] knowing that the applicants here, um, council, without objection, I'm going to

[49:16] reopen the public comment portion and give five minutes for each side for and

[49:22] against. Um, it'll offer a semi-rebuttal if they if they hear something in that

[49:27] other five. So, with that being said, um if there's somebody wants to speak in

[49:33] favor or answer questions on this property, the applicant now that we're

[49:37] aware that he's here, um if you don't mind coming forward,

[49:44] » I believe Councilman Gibbs will lead and then maybe some others have a question

[49:48] or two. >> How's it going?

[49:49] » Hey, how are you? >> How are you? Oh, please identify

[49:51] yourself, >> sir.

[49:53] » Identify yourself. >> Sheldon Hill.

[49:56] » Thank you for coming. Um I just have a question is um far as I think the

[50:02] concern is not the the annexation part of it. Um it's the M2 portion of it.

[50:07] Would you be I mean is there is this a deal breaker? Would you be willing to I

[50:11] mean discuss or move the zoning down? >> Um we would definitely consider it. Um I

[50:21] have other partners involved in the ownership of that that I would need to

[50:25] further give a discussion before I could answer that question. As

[50:29] far as yes, we chose one of the reasons why we chose this too is just um as Matt

[50:34] pointed out um in that region that's it was M2. That's what we were kind of um

[50:42] guided to do as far as what we felt like was the path of least resistance to get

[50:46] the best use out of the property. Are you talking about because of Hunt and

[50:49] everybody else being M2? Yeah. Hunt Industries.

[50:52] » Correct. >> But yes, we would definitely consider

[50:54] that if that's going to be a hangup, by all means. I mean, we're not here to

[50:59] upset anybody, >> right,

[51:01] » at all. So, yeah, we would definitely consider it.

[51:04] » Okay. >> Thank you, Council. Any questions for

[51:08] the applicant? >> Just just to comment on that, mayor.

[51:10] [clears throat] You know, if we were to say go from M2

[51:13] to M1, that doesn't stop them at some point in

[51:17] the future if they get a prospective client that needs him to. They could

[51:23] come back and ask for the M2 then, but um you know, M1 would still give them a

[51:31] lot of range as far as industrial uses. >> Okay. Yeah.

[51:37] Council, any other questions? All right. appreciate your time. Thank you.

[51:42] » Absolutely. Thank you all. >> Don't imagine there's anybody else that

[51:46] wants to come forward and speak in favor of this request, Kelly.

[51:51] So, we'll close out that portion. We'll open up five minutes for anybody else in

[51:55] opposition, especially on what they heard.

[51:59] Kelly Sax. >> Hi, my name is Kelly Saxon. I do have

[52:02] concerns with this being that it is residential, the um crashes in the area

[52:08] and I'm going to say the word, you know, data centers, we have to be mindful of

[52:12] the zoning that comes before us is not defined yet and we don't have anything

[52:16] in place for that and the changing and the the highest level and all of that.

[52:21] We just need to be mindful of what people are asking for before it's

[52:25] granted. So, we don't want to have to come over here and fight over here, too.

[52:29] We love y'all, though. Thank you. Thank you.

[52:33] Anybody else in opposition? >> Want to ask about schools is a good

[52:38] question. Uh Lomax is right there. School buses use that all the time

[52:43] there. They've already had bus wrecks there too. I want you to consider that

[52:47] very much so because it's children you're talking about. The curve down

[52:51] from it where you going to have to build if they build anything there. There's a

[52:54] curb on highway from Boring Pond Road at what you can't see around that you're

[53:00] talking about going into when you get to the intersection. You're talking about

[53:05] the bridge that's right there coming down it. You're coming from the opposite

[53:09] way from the school. That long is how you how long you got to

[53:13] cross that road before somebody comes down that bridge. I think it's

[53:17] ridiculous to put a manufacturing plant there. That's just me. My name is

[53:21] Charles and I'm and I live on How Road. I appreciate your time. I appreciate

[53:25] you. Let me speak. >> Charles, thank you. Still time. Anybody

[53:28] else in opposition to this request? >> Um, I'm a member of New Life Ministries.

[53:33] Uh, my name is George Ward. I attend there. I cannot respond to the ra about

[53:38] the contact information, but hearing what I've heard on today uh raises a

[53:43] issue for me. and this concern for the environmental uh impact it would have in

[53:48] that area and on on our ministry. Also the traffic concerns for that for that

[53:54] area as well and not knowing exactly what industry is coming and how that

[54:00] would impact that area as well. >> George, thank you.

[54:05] » Is there any anybody else that would like to come forward and speak in

[54:07] opposition to this request?

[54:11] Thank you for your time, Mayor. Council members, I'm Richard Terry. Uh I live in

[54:16] Howell, Georgia. I traverse that road almost daily. I hit that inter

[54:21] intersection constantly. Uh my wife was t-boned at that intersection in 2016.

[54:26] So, I've got skin in the game. Uh this is a bad idea. Uh it's not a bad idea.

[54:33] Annexation, no problem. But if an industry were to relocate there until

[54:38] this traffic situation is remedied ahead of time, this is this is a bad idea. And

[54:46] uh this overpass here, the overpass on Hill Avenue, the roundabout, these are

[54:54] all band-aids, man. I don't know what's wrong, but this nation does not have a

[54:58] forward vision. It cannot see past the four-year election cycle. We put

[55:03] band-aids on stuff and uh that's all I've got to say. It's a bad idea to

[55:08] reszone that to manufacturing. There's already been deaths and you're just

[55:12] going to intensify that if it happens. Thank you very much for your time,

[55:15] » Richard. Thank you.

[55:20] Going to be quick. >> But since this involves the possibility

[55:25] of a data center, one of the things I want to start doing is coming up and

[55:28] giving people some of the knowledge that I have on stuff. But I'm gonna do

[55:30] lightning round for you just on general knowledge with data centers. Right. In

[55:35] the past 18 months, the demand for hypers scale data centers has grown in

[55:38] Georgia. This has led to a doubling of the the capacity of energy that we need

[55:41] in this c in this um state. Um adding 14 gawatts to what Georgia power is asking

[55:46] for. Um anybody who's telling you anything about what data centers might

[55:50] bring to this, they do not know anything that they're talking about. It is all

[55:54] speculative. Right? This is a bubble. we will come out of this and we'll be left

[55:57] with empty warehouses that will be blight in our community. Um these data

[56:02] centers when we're talking about being so close to these schools. Um there's

[56:06] particulate matter. There's noise pollution that comes out of this. Um you

[56:10] can end up by the time they end up coming in y'all, they're bringing in the

[56:15] big guns when it comes to their lawyers, when it comes to their land development.

[56:18] You've seen data centers across the country that have completely transformed

[56:22] the areas that they've been in because they need more requirements. Point blank

[56:26] period, y'all. This is bad for everything that we have environmental

[56:30] here. It's going to mess up if there is the possibility of a data center coming

[56:33] to that area. It's going to mess up the water. It's going to mess up the air.

[56:35] It's going to be noise pollution. Um, these people do not care about us. The

[56:40] thing that a lot of folks aren't saying is it comes to these data centers. These

[56:43] are tourists who are looking to exploit Georgia for its resources. They're

[56:48] looking at us as dumb country folk who are trying to get out of whatever

[56:54] situations we think we have and we're looking at this as like the solution on

[56:57] the hill. It is not. Do not make a deal with the devil and then a couple of

[57:02] months or years later we're looking wondering why we in hell. Y'all

[57:06] be very careful about if we don't know why it's being resoned because data

[57:11] centers are on people's mind. They think they can use it to make quick money to

[57:15] exploit Georgia.

[57:19] Thank you. Anybody else in the No, I'll close it out. 17 seconds. There will not

[57:24] be time.

[57:38] Thank Thank you, Susan. All right, that wraps up the public

[57:43] hearing portion for a second time. Council, I'll turn it over to you for

[57:48] action. Sorry, I'll turn over the consideration

[57:51] of an ordinance to reszone first 2A for you for action.

[57:59] Mayor, the um a lot of good comments, a lot of good input, a lot of concerns.

[58:06] Though I I do say I think this track's not big enough to be considered for a

[58:10] data center. But um so many issues that have been brought up are not addressed

[58:17] within the zoning itself. They're addressed at time of permitting. and

[58:22] permitting will address traffic access, how that access is done. Um, and

[58:30] ultimately whatever is allowed would have to pass through all those courses

[58:35] of the permitting process. The um there is a reasonable request before us for M2

[58:43] because just north of it is [clears throat] M2. However, we've heard

[58:46] some good arguments about maybe not going quite as intense as some of the

[58:51] neighboring properties, but there's there is going to be a huge divide

[58:56] between rural agriculture and any highway commercial, N1, whatever. That's

[59:02] a there's a big difference there and you can't really stop that. Um, to consider

[59:09] reszoning this to CH, we talk about traffic

[59:15] large fuel center going in there, they're going to generate way more

[59:18] traffic than probably a number of things would. Um, so to try to find some

[59:24] balance and and and give some leverage to the neighboring properties, I would

[59:30] make a motion to reszone this to M1 um and follow based on staff's

[59:37] recommendations. >> Have a motion before us.

[59:41] » I have a second. >> I'll second.

[59:45] All right, I have a motion and a second. Any comments? I'll direct that to staff.

[59:50] » Quick point of clarification. The request for resoning is a split of M2

[59:54] and CH. And I know we can go more restrictor with the M2 part, but I do

[1:00:00] not believe we could go from CH up to M1. So, is the motion to reszone a split

[1:00:06] of M1 and CH with the boundary as submitted?

[1:00:09] » Sorry, Matt, you're right me. Just for clarification.

[1:00:11] » Yeah. Open again.

[1:00:17] » Mayor, I would like to make a motion. >> Oh, he got to do it.

[1:00:22] » Oh, that's true. >> He did second it

[1:00:27] » for just M1 or for CH. >> M1.

[1:00:31] » Yeah, M1 C. >> All right. I have a motion and a second

[1:00:34] for M1 split CH. All in favor, show of hands.

[1:00:42] All in opposition, same sign. Motion carries. 42.

[1:00:47] » Mr. Mayor. >> Hold on. Now we'll move on to item B.

[1:00:51] Consideration of an ordinance to annex the same 21.97 acres.

[1:00:56] » Council, it's yours for action. >> Mayor, make a motion to approve the

[1:01:00] request as presented. >> Second.

[1:01:03] » Have a motion and a second. Any comments, council? All in favor? Show of

[1:01:07] hands? Opposition? Same sign.

[1:01:12] Motion carries. Now move on to item C, 2026 mill rate

[1:01:18] public hearing, Darquita Williams. This is second reading. We had the first at

[1:01:22] 11 o'clock this morning. The actual vote will be the following Thursday at 6 PM

[1:01:27] for any citizens that want to attend. Dark is our finance director. Darquita,

[1:01:32] good evening. >> Thank you. Good afternoon, Mayor and

[1:01:35] Council. >> Afternoon.

[1:01:54] Hey, this evening I'll be presenting to you the 2026

[1:01:57] digest and also the 2026 proposed millage rate.

[1:02:05] Right, just some background information. Each year the governing authority must

[1:02:09] establish a millage rate for the tax year through the required public

[1:02:12] process. We must also publish the required digest history and conduct the

[1:02:16] required public meetings before final adoption.

[1:02:27] The city's 2026 tax digest increased across most property categories

[1:02:32] resulting in an overall 5.83 83 increase in the net taxable digest.

[1:02:43] Some highlights that I would like to point out. Our real property increased

[1:02:47] by 4.74%. Personal property increased by 9%, motor

[1:02:52] vehicles decreased by 10.14%. Mobile homes increased by 6.89%

[1:02:59] and our exemptions increased by 2.99%.

[1:03:06] What you have here is um form 32.1 and what this shows is a detailed

[1:03:12] comparison of our categories and the net change between 2025 and 2026. This also

[1:03:18] shows the calculation of our roll back millage rate and this is also available

[1:03:22] for viewing on our website if you'd like to see those details.

[1:03:33] some opportunities for this millage rate increase,

[1:03:44] information technology and service modernization.

[1:03:48] These investments will support upgrades to our aging systems, improve

[1:03:52] communication and information sharing across departments, and also create

[1:03:56] opportunities to streamline processes through technology with the city.

[1:04:09] Another initiative is our strategic workforce investment. Um, investing in

[1:04:13] our workforce will strengthen the city's ability to attract and retain a

[1:04:17] talented, high-erforming staff by ensuring that all employees are offered

[1:04:21] a fair and competitive pay and also benefits.

[1:04:29] And lastly, um, one of the main points is strengthening our financial reserves.

[1:04:34] U maintaining a healthy reserve provides a financial cushion during economic

[1:04:38] downturns, emergencies, or unexpected expenses. And this also helps us

[1:04:44] maintain the city's essential services and protect the community's financial

[1:04:48] stability.

[1:04:53] Overall, our we showing continued growth in our taxable property. We had 141.9

[1:04:59] million increase in our net taxable digest. The roll back rate that's

[1:05:04] calculated is 6.133 mills and our proposed millage rate is

[1:05:09] 7, excuse me, 7.997 mills.

[1:05:16] » Thank you. And I'll open up the floor for questions if you all have any.

[1:05:20] » Council, any questions for Darwa?

[1:05:26] » I have no question, but I do have a comment.

[1:05:30] » Yes, ma'am. I want to say we've had a lot of conversation, a lot of work has

[1:05:35] gone into this. I appreciate it and I just want everybody to know what we have

[1:05:41] to do here with these things with the taxes and all and everything. Look at

[1:05:44] the whole picture. our financial department uh other staff have put a lot

[1:05:50] of time in it and looked at a lot of scenarios on how to best

[1:05:55] work with our city and get our city going and keeping it growing and

[1:05:59] maintaining and manageable. So I just want you to know thank you for the way

[1:06:04] you have explained it. Uh all of the different scenarios you've showed me

[1:06:10] made me understand what it's about and all and everything. Um, and I really

[1:06:15] wish we could get some of the information to like what they gave to me

[1:06:19] to a lot of the citizens because they are asking the question, but I can

[1:06:22] assure you our staff have put a lot of time in looking out what's best and how

[1:06:27] it is going to affect the citizens and they have been looking out for your

[1:06:31] interest. So, thank you and I'm glad for this hearing and I'm having all these

[1:06:37] questions that they asked. I just want them to come. right now will be a good

[1:06:41] time when it comes to some of the hearings and you can explain it to them

[1:06:43] better because you've done a wonderful job. But you've done a well a good job

[1:06:47] and I say that because all the questions that has been coming but you have given

[1:06:52] us some good information all of you even our city manager have been giving us

[1:06:55] some good information to give back to them and some of them seem to be okay

[1:06:59] with it. >> Thank you and I'm more than happy to

[1:07:01] answer any questions um from the audience after the meeting after

[1:07:04] comments or you know if they have any questions they can contact me if they're

[1:07:08] not here. >> That's right. Thank you for telling

[1:07:10] them, >> Miss Julie. Well said. I'll add that we

[1:07:13] took a beating last year. The growth in the digest was only 6 last year

[1:07:18] » is 5.83 and very healthy this year. And we're we're going to mop up a little bit

[1:07:23] of the beaten we took last year. >> Yes.

[1:07:25] » True. >> All right. This is not a uh

[1:07:28] » I also want to say please >> thank you for taking the time so I can

[1:07:31] explain it to my citizens today. You took the time to sit with me. you and

[1:07:36] you even laminated for me to be able to be able to talk to my citizens when they

[1:07:41] ask me questions on how to about our tax military. And again, I cannot say you

[1:07:47] all you told me that there was no such question as a dumb question and you took

[1:07:50] the time >> and this is the first time that someone

[1:07:54] has really really really took the time and just went step by step by step. But

[1:07:59] the council well I think myself to be able to present this in the public to

[1:08:03] our citizens. Thank you so much. As Miss Julie said, kudos to you. Thank you so

[1:08:08] much. >> Thank you. Most welcome. Thank you.

[1:08:10] » You want to hang around, soak up some more compliments?

[1:08:15] » Darwita, thank you very much. >> Thank you.

[1:08:17] » There is no action to be taken on this. It's our second reading. Again, the

[1:08:21] third reading and the actual vote will be Thursday night at six o'clock in a

[1:08:24] special called meeting as well.

[1:08:30] » Yeah, we sure did. We had one at 11 o'clock today. This was the second. All

[1:08:35] right. Move on to item three, ordinances and resolutions. Item A, consideration

[1:08:38] of a resolution to submit an application for Georgia Transportation's

[1:08:42] Infrastructure Bank, Ben Odow, our city engineer to present.

[1:08:51] » We should open up. Hey, Ben, sit down. [laughter]

[1:08:56] » It did fall within the public hearing. Um, it's not a for and against. It's any

[1:09:00] any citizens that wish to comment on our second reading for our mill setting our

[1:09:06] millage rate may come forward.

[1:09:12] I'm sorry I almost excluded you. >> I can't blame the I can't blame the old

[1:09:18] stoner. [laughter] I came here from Coco about the same

[1:09:22] time you came from Cocoa Beach. though I know uh Frank [clears throat] Kilgard at

[1:09:27] the same time our county tax commissioner has blanketed raised

[1:09:32] everybody's property value approximately 20%.

[1:09:36] You are proposing 30% increase in millillage on top of that

[1:09:42] are you out of your minds? That's it.

[1:09:47] Is there anybody else that wishes to come forward at this time?

[1:09:51] All right. I'll I'll close out the public comment period and again move on.

[1:09:57] Ben, if you'd like to come forward. We're on item 3A, consideration of a

[1:10:01] resolution to submit an application for Georgia's transportation infrastructure

[1:10:06] bank. Good evening, mayor and council.

[1:10:11] » Good evening. >> Thank you.

[1:10:13] First item is, as stated, a resolution in support of uh staff grant

[1:10:18] application. Uh the Georgia Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank is a

[1:10:23] funding instrument that's available to uh road owners around Georgia. Um

[1:10:29] there's a specific arm of that particular funding instrument that

[1:10:32] allows us to apply for grants uh in support of local uh transportation

[1:10:37] improvement projects and maintenance projects. Uh the specific project that

[1:10:41] we're working on right now um is the capital maintenance for Bri Road um from

[1:10:49] BSU to uh Gordon and we're proposing to uh apply for additional grant funds

[1:10:56] through the GTIB program that would facilitate the extension of that

[1:10:59] maintenance operation all the way through to uh cornto. And so this is

[1:11:05] basically a grant application for supplementary funds to supplement our

[1:11:09] local budget and help us stretch our dollar dollars further. Any questions on

[1:11:13] this one? >> Council, any questions for Ben?

[1:11:17] » Right, Ben? Hang tight. Council, this one's yours for action.

[1:11:22] » Mayor, I'll make a motion we approve um the application as presented.

[1:11:27] » Have a motion and a second. All in favor? Show of hands. Council, thank

[1:11:31] you. Ben, item B, consideration of a resolution supporting zero traffic

[1:11:36] related deaths. I don't know who's who's going to oppose this one.

[1:11:39] » Yes, sir. This is a resolution supporting zero traffic related deaths.

[1:11:44] As you're aware, we had the the wonderful young ladies present at the

[1:11:47] last work session to kind of give you all a roadmap for what our SS4A safety

[1:11:52] action plan development is going to look like. And one of the uh pivotal moments

[1:11:57] here is an opportunity for y'all to express support for this initiative. uh

[1:12:01] the target zero initiative. Um our local regional commission has adopted uh a

[1:12:08] target zero policy as well as the Georgia Department of Transportation has

[1:12:13] also uh adopted a target zero policy. And so as far as as part of the SS4A

[1:12:19] grant program in order this is a a thing that we have to go through, but we need

[1:12:23] a resolution from the local government, the city council in support of the

[1:12:27] target zero policy. Council, any questions for Ben? All

[1:12:32] right, Ben. Thank you, council. That one's yours for action.

[1:12:36] » Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to approve the request as presented.

[1:12:39] Second. >> Second.

[1:12:40] » Motion a second. All in favor? Show of hands. Council, thank you. Ben, thank

[1:12:45] you. Move on to item four, bids, contracts, agreements, and expenditures.

[1:12:49] A is consideration of payment for emergency sewer repairs at Jerry Jones

[1:12:54] Drive. Ben Odow still to present. >> Yes, sir. So, as part of the Jerry Jones

[1:13:00] uh widening project, we have some ins inscope utility relocations and repairs

[1:13:04] that are taking place. As I'm sure you're fully aware, um we had some uh

[1:13:11] damaged utilities that we encountered that were u in some cases completely

[1:13:15] collapsed and in some other cases uh posed an imminent threat of collapse um

[1:13:20] adjacent to the project, but technically outside of the contract area for Scrugs

[1:13:25] as part of that project. Um, RPI is the utility subcontractor for that project

[1:13:31] and they were working with Scrugs. And so we reached out to RPI and said, "Hey,

[1:13:36] we've got some issues here where we've got backups, we've got collapses. Um,

[1:13:41] can y'all extend basically the service work out into um, if you're familiar

[1:13:46] with where Relish is, the parking lot there, the work that they did that

[1:13:49] basically connected Relish, cut the corner from Relish to Bay Tree. And then

[1:13:54] there was some deep exploratory and uh, encapsulating work that they had to do

[1:13:58] on a portion of the sewer system that was previously abandoned uh, but not uh,

[1:14:03] sufficiently for the project and it was uh, not reflected on our mapping. And so

[1:14:08] we found that we had to fix that um as part of the Jerry Jones project as well.

[1:14:13] Um long story short, the request before you is to approve payment of an invoice

[1:14:19] in the amount of $25,933.

[1:14:23] Uh the proposed funding instrument for this is user fees. Um additionally, I

[1:14:28] did want to just point out I do have photographs on here. Uh we had the uh

[1:14:34] the pipe in question. We had it televised prior to um then city manager

[1:14:39] Alcra's approval of emergency authorization repairs on this um and

[1:14:44] included as part of the agenda item are photographs which depict the damage to

[1:14:48] the sewer system. There you can see where uh that kind of brown colored

[1:14:56] opening there is um I'll say contaminant and dirt. And then next image

[1:15:07] that's zoomed in showing where portions of the pipe are

[1:15:11] missing. Pipe wall. It's old vitrified clay pipe which uh once it's reached or

[1:15:15] exceeded its service life becomes fryable and it it collapses into the

[1:15:19] into the pipe. Um and eventually um the entire pipe collapses itself. Continue

[1:15:26] scrolling Shakir if you could. One more.

[1:15:33] This is this was the one that was uh considerably concerning. This is a a

[1:15:39] complete occlusion of the pipe. So what you see here is dry pipe that's totally

[1:15:43] oluded from you've got complete misalignment between the pipe segments.

[1:15:47] And this is um uh an emergency backup and uh service failure waiting to

[1:15:54] happen. And so this was really what what initiated the emergency repair. And we

[1:15:57] said, "Okay, we've got to take care of this right now." Um,

[1:16:02] and I believe that's all the photographs.

[1:16:08] » No ma'am. $25,933. You scared me there. [laughter]

[1:16:17] » And Ben, is this last one the one that they opened up the Grand Canyon in the

[1:16:20] middle of the road to explore? Yeah, >> that that was quite the sizable

[1:16:26] » and for what it's worth, we did >> as compared to the unit cost pricing

[1:16:30] within the competitively bid contract for the Jerry Jones project. Uh the cost

[1:16:35] to perform this work was actually under what it would have been if it was

[1:16:38] included as part of that project. So that is

[1:16:39] » I think I was like Miss Cody, I was ready for 2 million on that one, not

[1:16:42] 205,000. >> I think it's

[1:16:45] » Any other questions on this one? >> No. Council, any questions?

[1:16:47] » I have one question. Yes, ma'am. I I heard I was just trying to understand

[1:16:50] you said that uh Scrugs was on this and we brought in RPI eently.

[1:16:56] » Yes, ma'am. >> Erly RPI had to come in again. I mean it

[1:17:02] was an emergency situation. >> Yes, ma'am.

[1:17:04] » Okay. >> It was it it was because it was outside

[1:17:08] the scope of >> G DOT's work, right? The way G dot does

[1:17:11] their contract, their contracting with the general contractor, the prime on the

[1:17:16] project is they have a they have an area that they call the limit of survey,

[1:17:19] right? And so they they it's a unit cost contract. So they can do things in

[1:17:23] addition to what's specified or shown on the plans if new needs are identified

[1:17:27] during construction, but they're not allowed to exceed based on the funding

[1:17:32] that they use and the the calculations that they use for the project budget.

[1:17:37] they're not allowed to exceed this survey area. And so the survey area was

[1:17:43] right on the limits of the rideway for Jerry Jones, right where Relish parking

[1:17:47] lot came through. And so when they went to uh televise this line, they

[1:17:52] identified the failures and it was just downstream of the work that

[1:17:55] » the area that they had torn up right there, the entrance that you come off of

[1:18:00] Bay Tree pulling into the relish. That's what we're talking about here.

[1:18:03] » Yeah. And the last one was all the way down. They tore up the entire middle of

[1:18:06] the road for the last one that >> one's in that one's in contract. We're

[1:18:09] not paying for that in contract. >> Yeah, that's part of

[1:18:11] » So, this one not being within the scope in the contract of the original what we

[1:18:16] agreed to, we're having to step in and pay for RPI to do this because it wasn't

[1:18:22] within it. >> Yep.

[1:18:23] » But was this an emergency situation? >> Yes, ma'am. as you can see on the on the

[1:18:28] photographs. I mean, you've got uh 30% 40% occlusion on the on the gravity

[1:18:35] sewer there. And then you've got areas where pipe segments are completely

[1:18:39] collapsed. You've got bell and spigot joints that are uh completely fractured

[1:18:44] and separating. Um which is a primary indicator of of

[1:18:50] something that would warrant an emergency solicitation. If we did not

[1:18:53] warrant an emergency and you were to just bid it out, were we talking it to

[1:18:58] be fixed a year from now? >> It would say probably

[1:19:02] 3 to four months of additional delay. >> It would have gotten worse.

[1:19:07] » Yeah. >> And delayed Jerry Jones.

[1:19:11] » Yes. Yeah. >> Because it's all got to connect. All of

[1:19:13] this is downhill from all of this kind of goes through cuts the corner through

[1:19:18] Relish and then goes uh through Bait Tree eventually gets to

[1:19:21] » L's not clear then the rest of is >> we're making repairs on sewer that's

[1:19:26] just going to back up and we've got service failure for

[1:19:29] » 500 people. So >> what did you say

[1:19:31] » and blocks my restaurant here closing down?

[1:19:36] » Any other questions on this one? >> Any other questions? Yeah, Thomas,

[1:19:40] » I got one. Yes, sir. >> How'd you take those pictures? Would you

[1:19:42] put a little boat in there? Tell >> me. I'm surprised how they got there so

[1:19:46] bad. >> They've got uh

[1:19:49] » Yeah, >> basically a small it's almost like a

[1:19:52] laparoscopic camera, but it's like a a wire camera that they can travel down

[1:19:56] the down the pipe. >> Oh, you can just

[1:19:58] » Yes, sir. Okay. >> You can feed it down the line and take

[1:20:00] and take images and photography. >> I got you.

[1:20:06] » You want to authorize a drone form? >> All right.

[1:20:12] All right, Ben. Thank you. Council, yours for action.

[1:20:17] » Me, mayor, I make a motion that we approve um this

[1:20:22] emergency sewer payment. >> Second.

[1:20:26] » Motion and a second. All in favor? Show of hands. In opposition, same sign.

[1:20:31] Thank you, Miss Duly. Motion carries. Move on to item 4B.

[1:20:35] Consideration of a request to purchase a mobile column lift system for the public

[1:20:39] works motorpool division. I don't have anybody written down, but I know that

[1:20:42] had to be John Burton. >> How'd you know?

[1:20:45] » Hi, John. >> Hi. The public works motorpool division

[1:20:49] needs to purchase a mobile column lift system for the health and wellness of

[1:20:52] the service technicians and diesel mechanics who maintain the city's fleet

[1:20:56] daily. Current conditions are to drive up on two 7in tall ramps or lift the

[1:21:01] vehicle with air jacks or air over hydraulic jacks. Each of these tasks is

[1:21:06] meticulous and timeconuming providing minimal space under the vehicle to

[1:21:09] complete job duties. A notice of intent to utilize a cooperative purchasing

[1:21:13] agreement was posted to the Georgia procurement registry for 5 days per the

[1:21:17] department of administrative services guidelines due to cost by utilizing a

[1:21:22] cooperative contract with source. This is a courtesy post to allow other

[1:21:27] companies the opportunity to protest our purchase four days from the posting

[1:21:31] date. We did not have anyone pro protest this uh purchase

[1:21:36] and I recommend that council approve the source contract price submitted by Ari

[1:21:40] Phoenix in the amount of $112,512.93.

[1:21:45] Council, any questions for John? He needs a new lift.

[1:21:50] » Thomas. >> Okay, John. Thank you.

[1:21:53] » Thank you. Council here's for action. >> Mr. Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to

[1:21:57] approve the uh request as presented. >> Second.

[1:22:02] » Motion and lots of seconds. All in favor? Show of hands.

[1:22:05] » Okay, just got a second. >> Council, thank you.

[1:22:09] We'll now move on to the citizens to be heard portion of the evening. We ask

[1:22:13] that you come forward, state your name and address so that we may have it for

[1:22:16] the record. Our policy requires that you stay under three minutes so that all

[1:22:19] have time to be heard. Please direct all comments to council as a whole and do

[1:22:24] not attempt to engage individual members in debate. It is our policy to follow

[1:22:28] through with you on your concern. Additionally, we ask that any groups

[1:22:31] that want to address council designate a spokesperson for that same reason. With

[1:22:36] that being said, are there any citizens wishing to be heard at this time?

[1:22:41] Please come forward.

[1:22:50] one hand. >> All right, sir.

[1:22:54] » Dr. Null. Good evening.

[1:22:59] » Uh, good evening everyone. My name is uh, Michael Null. I live at 2305 Lindel

[1:23:03] Drive. It is good to see you all. I was not expecting to hear the word data

[1:23:08] centers before, but um, I was carefully listening to it. And uh, that brings me

[1:23:14] directly to the reason why I'm actually here this evening. I urge the uh city

[1:23:20] council to uh pass a moratorum on data centers and develop a robust data center

[1:23:27] ordinance and for a very specific reason. Uh last Saturday um ELCAT Islam

[1:23:33] citizens against data centers actually received a tip and uh there was a

[1:23:37] Facebook u page basically called land for sale in Georgia uh which uh provided

[1:23:45] a rendition of what could be a wonderful site for a data center and this one is

[1:23:48] big enough because more than 800 acres would be south of Aldusta High School

[1:23:53] and uh not blaring this out right away. I'd like to do my research. I was um

[1:23:58] trying to get an idea what may be going on and then realized that within two or

[1:24:03] three days actually the post disappeared from my Facebook but driving by on

[1:24:08] perimeter road as well as highway 84 you can see the signs that are actually

[1:24:11] connected with a particular real estate agency called Macallen they're not from

[1:24:15] here they're from around somewhere else and if you go to their website you find

[1:24:19] out that actually this piece of land has already been listed for more than 140

[1:24:23] days and there's also a description in there does not use uh the word data

[1:24:28] center, but it also talks for at least 374 acres for industrial users.

[1:24:34] You all know how sensitive of and how important of an issue data centers are

[1:24:38] for various reasons. Uh some of you have been at the town hall meetings we

[1:24:42] organized on February 17 and April 17. I think we handed out very early on

[1:24:47] already in January the general concerns we have about data centers. Since that

[1:24:52] time, we have mainly focused on trying to educate the general public and also

[1:24:55] educate our county commissioners on on the issues that are connected with it.

[1:25:00] But uh having uh been exposed to this potential idea and this may be just as

[1:25:05] speculative as the as the project you basically approved although you zoned it

[1:25:09] to M1. It is really important that we all know

[1:25:13] about this if you take a look at this and that we also are actually

[1:25:15] considering a more term as well as a data center ordinance. And then you have

[1:25:20] three handouts today. One is just simply the quick narrative I created today to

[1:25:26] give you an idea of why I'm here tonight to talk about data centers. And then an

[1:25:30] image that you can no longer find on Facebook of this wonderful rendition

[1:25:34] using AI apparently to um show us what a data center may look like south of Walta

[1:25:39] High School. The other two handouts you received from me tonight, one is a

[1:25:43] simple example of a more terminate a just passed not too long ago. And then

[1:25:48] the third handout you received is basically a very decent uh data center

[1:25:53] ordinance of it was developed by Henry County. I would like to bring you to

[1:25:56] your attention. So long story short, data centers are on everyone's mind. I

[1:26:01] wake up with them. I go to bed with them. It seems like they're not leaving

[1:26:04] me alone at all. But we can as a community, county or city, makes no

[1:26:09] difference. um be progressive in in this regard and just simply pass a moratorum,

[1:26:14] develop a data center ordinance to have that in place as guard rails to protect

[1:26:19] our community, our natural resources, and just simply do our job. That's all,

[1:26:24] Michael. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other citizens wishing to be heard

[1:26:29] at this time? Now you got time.

[1:26:36] » Um because the air and it's really important that we breathe. But anyway,

[1:26:41] I'm Susan Whailing, 2410 Georgia Avenue. I want to thank you for three things.

[1:26:46] First, before I fuss, but um the inclement weather shelter was much

[1:26:50] needed. Thank you all and the former city manager, too. Um perfect timing,

[1:26:54] right, with this heat wave. Um thank you for the excellent recycling program,

[1:26:58] which I heard is doing well, especially with cardboard. Thank you for the strict

[1:27:02] garbage uh regulations. Those are really important and citizens seem to be

[1:27:06] following along. And I hope that they're doing more recycling. I do I do remember

[1:27:11] at the meeting though someone suggested storing that data for three years of the

[1:27:15] garbage collection. I hope we're not doing that. I hope we're doing months at

[1:27:17] a time. Um because when we keep adding to this cloud all this information, then

[1:27:22] we need data centers. So we need to reduce the amount of stuff we're storing

[1:27:27] in the iCloud. Um which brings me to flock cameras. I'm totally opposed to

[1:27:33] flock cameras. I am not alone. As more citizens get educated, they're very

[1:27:38] upset about it. Um, I think we need to reduce the number of flot cameras. I

[1:27:42] think the bad guys are questionable who we think are bad guys and who are not,

[1:27:46] but we seem to always be picking on the poor. Um, and I don't like my data going

[1:27:51] across county, city, and state boundaries. Um, and flock cameras

[1:27:57] surveil all of us 24 hours a day. They use a lot of data storage. Again, we

[1:28:02] don't want data centers, so we don't need more storage. Um, and then I also,

[1:28:08] if we're going to pass this huge tax thing, and believe me, my neighbors are

[1:28:11] going to fuss. They fussed. We all fussed when the county did. So, you're

[1:28:14] going to get a lot of flack. Just know that. So, if you're going to raise our

[1:28:18] taxes, spend it on things that matter. Like, if you don't want crime, invest it

[1:28:24] in the youth here. We have so I know so many children that come to my door

[1:28:27] because they don't have shoes because they're not allowed to wear Crocs to the

[1:28:30] high school. They're teased and bullied because of the clothes they wear. Um

[1:28:34] they have no chance for the future. Uh they my students who are police officers

[1:28:38] and the city and Reton and the county tell me these students are free in the

[1:28:42] summer. There's nothing for them to do. Trouble is easy. Um I took students to

[1:28:46] the prison and to the jail and a lot of people are in there because of poverty.

[1:28:51] I don't see us doing much to alleviate uh the well-being of children and the

[1:28:56] temptation that they might have to join gangs. So, let's let's work on on

[1:29:00] improving chances for the youth here. Um I also uh I don't know if you have the

[1:29:05] Bray land if that's for sale, but the city bought a lot of land. Let's convert

[1:29:09] that land into parks and sports centers instead of half a million dollar swap

[1:29:13] mobiles. Uh I was really disappointed by that purchase. If we're going to I heard

[1:29:18] it was for the hurricane. Well, let's buy trucks that pick up logs. Let's

[1:29:21] invest that splass money in the people and the environment. Thank you,

[1:29:26] » Susan. Thank you. Is there any other citizens wishing to be heard at this

[1:29:30] time? Seeing none, we'll close out this

[1:29:33] portion of the evening and turn it over to our city manager for the city manager

[1:29:37] report. >> Just a few quick updates. We have the

[1:29:42] Valdasta Fire Department Citizens Fire Academy that will start on Tuesday,

[1:29:46] August 25th. This academy gives citizens an opportunity to go behind the scenes

[1:29:50] with the fire department and gain a better understanding of the services

[1:29:54] provided by the fire department. Since 2014, the program has helped educate

[1:29:58] citizens and members of the business community about fire department

[1:30:02] operations, increase fire and life safety awareness, and build strong

[1:30:06] partnerships between the fire department and the community. Alongside that, the

[1:30:10] Valdasta Fire Department has the 911 5K coming up. This will be the 25th

[1:30:15] anniversary of September 11th, 2001, honoring the lives lost, recognizing the

[1:30:20] courage and sacrifice of our first responders, and supporting an important

[1:30:24] cause. The 911 5K will be held on Saturday, September 20, September 5th,

[1:30:30] 2026 at 8 a.m. in downtown Valdasta. And finally, we have the annual Expo

[1:30:36] Latino held by the Valdasta Main Street. This will be on Saturday, September 19th

[1:30:42] from 11:00 a.m. to 7 pm at Unity Park. The festival will feature live

[1:30:46] entertainment, authentic food, local vendors, community organizations, family

[1:30:51] activities, and educational resources celebrating the rich diversity of

[1:30:55] Hispanic and Latino cultures. >> Jennifer, thank you. We'll now move on

[1:31:00] to council comments. I'll start down with Thomas Sander.

[1:31:05] » Yes, I got two comments. I had one. First of all, Uh I've had a lot of

[1:31:10] citizens asking about when we have citizens to be heard and we tell them

[1:31:14] that we will talk to them after the council meeting and uh some citizens

[1:31:19] have asked what do we say to him or what is the results of it and they was

[1:31:23] wondering if there's any kind of way we could um rehatch it or come back and

[1:31:28] review or tell what happened from that conversation that we had with citizens

[1:31:32] to be heard. I told them I would ask the council and we would see. I even told

[1:31:36] them to come up here and ask themselves, but I don't see anybody here who asked

[1:31:40] me that question. But they were inquiring as to what was the uh results

[1:31:45] from what we said to the people with citizens to be heard. I did tell them a

[1:31:50] lot of times uh we do have something and I thought one time we were we did have a

[1:31:56] paper some telling us what it is, but some of the the public want to hear. So

[1:32:00] I don't know if that's something we can bring up and do. I did. I bought it. My

[1:32:05] other thing I got to say is about this approval for this industrial area over

[1:32:12] off of How Road. Now, I've been over there at How Road and and I know it is a

[1:32:18] tight road is two lanes. If they're going to have they're be able to only

[1:32:23] have one entrance coming on how road when you coming off of that

[1:32:28] inner perimeter road coming down that long that steep overbridgeidge. You got

[1:32:34] a bus from the city coming down how road going west. You got a bus going to the

[1:32:41] Loun County bus bun going right. They have to stop. I mean it's like almost

[1:32:47] going to hit. They're going to hit. They got to go slow to get by them. Granted,

[1:32:51] one of it is the county. Probably the reason they won't widen the road or do

[1:32:56] something, but it is a traffic zone. I was between

[1:33:00] a truck and the big bus coming behind me off that thing. I pulled out. I didn't

[1:33:06] think the bus was going to stop in time to keep from hitting me when we turned.

[1:33:09] It is a bad intersection because you can't help it. It's steep and you're

[1:33:13] going to come down fast. you can put your brakes on or whatever, but it comes

[1:33:18] down fast. That's one thing. And they only got one entrance. That's what I was

[1:33:21] looking at. How they going to have a entrance way of somebody coming? If you

[1:33:25] got a big truck coming down that road, I I just can't see how you're going to

[1:33:30] have those two people passing by. There have been some studies with other places

[1:33:34] like DOT trying to look at how they're going to make traffic come through them.

[1:33:39] » It is a big safety hazard. I can tell you that now. I was very nervous when I

[1:33:45] saw, like I said, that big truck coming behind me and it was coming down the

[1:33:49] bridge. I'm waiting behind this big bus and I basically had to pull out. I did.

[1:33:54] I pulled out a little bit because it just was coming too fast. Probably

[1:33:58] wasn't going to hit me. But you heard what the man said about how many traffic

[1:34:03] accidents we've had in that area. They haven't fixed it up. We got kids coming

[1:34:08] and I do know because I'm telling you going down there in the morning to greet

[1:34:12] the kids, it's dark. You got cars coming, they're going to it's just a

[1:34:17] it's a it's a disaster. And coming down that residential road, you see people

[1:34:21] are mowing their yards on the side or anything like that and you got a big

[1:34:25] truck coming and those buses coming. All I can say is it is a big problem. You're

[1:34:31] looking for more accidents to happen. But I also say this too for anybody who

[1:34:36] see asks why they did it. Y'all was looking you see who voted for it. Don't

[1:34:40] come to me. Please don't ask me why they would not think safety. You go to the

[1:34:45] person who voted for it. They had their reason for looking at that and looking

[1:34:49] at why would you want that on that side of the town anyway close to those kids.

[1:34:54] I have walked down when we had a little rundown coming from uh JLOX. I went out

[1:34:58] there with the kids. We were planting uh vegetables and stuff. We did a little

[1:35:03] quick run for exercise. That's why I know you can walk from there. Those kids

[1:35:08] walk down that road on there. I don't know if they will be doing that, but if

[1:35:12] you have a lot of trucks coming, got industry, you got those trucks coming.

[1:35:17] I I just don't see it being safe. I got a concern for it. And I was looking at

[1:35:22] them talking about this safety. What is that? The zero traffic related

[1:35:27] death and serious injuries. I'm going to be interested in find out

[1:35:32] how many more we continue to have in that area if they have that they allow

[1:35:36] this indust in allow this organization or this company to put an indust uh

[1:35:41] business there. Look like they said they're going to have commercial on the

[1:35:44] front part in and the uh big industrial on the back side. I don't know what

[1:35:50] they're going to do, but I got a feeling they're going to really mess up and

[1:35:53] they're going to have this area close to that school. Look at the school. Where

[1:35:56] the school at? What kids go to that school? Look at the people who voted for

[1:36:00] that. What did they think about it? I I'm I'm just I just can't I'm not happy

[1:36:05] about it. And I want y'all to know it. And I'm sure you know as our kids I go

[1:36:09] out there with them. I see them. I'm trying to learn about them and help with

[1:36:12] them. You put them in jeopardy. I feel like they were put in jeopardy to allow

[1:36:17] this zoning to be put there in that area. That's it.

[1:36:25] » Nick Cody. All right. I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

[1:36:30] » Second. We stand adjourned. Thank you everybody.

[1:36:53] » I'm leaving with a lot more than I came with. Look at this.

Regular Meeting of the Valdosta City Council, 5:30 PM, Thursday, August 20,2026

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