This is an informal rundown of the Statesboro City Council meeting on March 3, 2026.
Call to Order – All council members present
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments (Agenda Items) – No one signed up to speak
Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 02-17-2026 Work Session Minutes
b) 02-17-2026 Council Minutes
c) 02-17-2026 Executive Session Minutes
B) Consideration of a motion to approve the surplus of firearms that have been forfeited or are evidence that are no longer needed for prosecution.
No discussion by council. Approved 5-0.
Public Hearing & Consideration of a Motion to approve application for an alcohol license in accordance with The City of Statesboro alcohol ordinance Sec. 6-13 (a)
a) Blue Mile Catering
Owner(s): Blue Mile Catering LLC
Location 434 South Main Street
License Type: Low Volume
No discussion by council. Approved 5-0
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-09: A Resolution authorizing the submission of an application to the Georgia Department of Transportation for recertification for Locally Administered Projects, the execution of related documents, and providing assurances of compliance.
The City is required to apply for recertification with GDOT for LAP every three years, to remain eligible to administer projects with federal funding. One requirement of this recertification is that the City must adopt GDOT procurement policies for federal-aid projects. City staff have attended all of the required training for LAP, as documented in the attached recertification package.
The City’s Uniform Purchasing Manual also states on page 13 that “all City of Statesboro departments shall comply with all federal and state procurement regulations when procuring goods and services funded in whole or in part with any federal or state grant.”
The Creek on the Blue Mile project is utilizing federal funding, and the adoption of this policy is required to utilize the grant funding for the project.
Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute documents required by GDOT regarding the City’s recertification for LAP, including the adoption of the GDOT Procurement Policy for the procurement, management, and administration of engineering and design related consultant services for federal-aid projects.
No discussion by council. Approved 5-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve a Development Agreement with Walnut & Vine, LLC to use $272,821 in TAD funds for installation of private infrastructure within the development commonly known as Hop Atomica located at 6 Walnut Street within the South Main Tax Allocation District.
On February 24, 2026, the TAD Advisory Committee recommended 3-1 that $272,821 in TAD funding be approved by Mayor and Council as redevelopment agency for the South Main TAD.
Approved 5-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve Amendment 2 to the Environmental Protection Division Section 319(h) FY 22 Grant for stream restoration in Little Lotts Creek Watershed.
As part of the City Stormwater Master Planning initiatives, the City applied for a Federal Clean Water Act, Section 319(h) grant, and was awarded $381,715.00 for the purpose of stream restoration of Little Lott’s Creek Tributary between East Grady Street and East Jones Avenue. The original contract with EPD is dated September 1, 2022. This project will assist in restoring this tributary to a natural state, including planting more native vegetation to improve aesthetics and reduce maintenance. The City contracted with Goodwyn Mills Cawood for design services for the project, and City Council approved acceptance of a bid for construction from Mid Georgia Property Enhancements, LLC., in the amount of $354,414.20 on January 20, 2026.
Amendment 1, dated April 2, 2025, extended the drawdown date from August 31, 2025 to December 31, 2026. Amendment 2 would increase the federal grant award by $18,285, for a total amount of $400,000 and extends the project end date from December 31, 2026 to March 31, 2027. The increased amount will provide contingency for construction costs.
The local match requirement is increasing by $12,190, for a total of $248,040. The City is providing local matching funds through a combination of staff labor costs for time spent working on the project, as well as stormwater funds for design costs. The City is projected to meet the additional local match requirements through staff labor costs, and no additional funding is required.
No discussion by council. Approved 5-0.
Consideration of a motion to reject Bids for CIP Project #WWD-111: Bruce Yawn Commerce Park Well.
City staff advertised for an invitation to bid for construction services for the installation of a new water well at the Bruce Yawn Commerce Park. This project was publicly and appropriately advertised.
Six (6) contractors attended the mandatory pre-bid conference on October 30, 2025. Bid opening was on December 18, 2025 with two (2) contractor bids submitted. The lowest bid received was from SCI Construction in the amount of $3,351,250.00.
This total exceeds the allocated budget amount of $1,500,000.00 as indicated in the FY 2025 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Therefore, city staff recommends to reject these bids, consider options for cost savings, and re-advertise at later date.
No discussion by council. Approved 5-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve Change Order #3 in the amount of $109,320.00, to Southeast Pipe Survey, Inc. to be paid for with Operating Income funds included in CIP projects #WWD 14, 187, and 188.
In December of 2024, Council approved to award the contract for the 2024 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation project to Southeast Pipe Survey, Inc. in the amount of $609,467.50 with approval to spend up to $1,200,000 for additional sewer rehabilitation in areas of immediate concern. This project involves sewer main pipe lining with Cured in Place liners, and also adding liners to the inside of the associated manholes within the project area as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce ground water infiltration into the sewer system.
During the initial cleaning and inspection, it was discovered that a section of sewer main along East Main Street at the intersection with Northside Drive was damaged to the point that a sewer liner could not be repaired and required replacement. In order to rehabilitate this section of sewer main, the only viable option is to replace it using a pipe bursting method. Because this intersection is within a high traffic area and along a GDOT roadway, this method of replacement allows for less traffic control measures. Additionally, a section of sewer line along Fair Road was damaged to the point that a sewer liner could not be repaired and required replacement. This damaged section will need to be excavated and replaced.
No discussion by council. Approved 5-0.
Public Comments
No one present to speak.
Other Business from City Council
No other business from council members.
City Managers Comments
City Manager Charles Penny said there would be no city council workshop ahead of the next city council meeting.
Consideration of a Motion to Enter into Executive Session to Discuss “Personnel Matters,” “Real Estate,” and/or “Potential Litigation” in accordance with OCGA 50-14-3(b)
9:55 a.m. – enter into executive session for personnel.
