This is an informal rundown of what happened at the December 2, 2025 Statesboro City Council meeting.
Call councilmembers were present.
Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge by Councilman John Riggs
Public Comments (Agenda Items)
Consideration of Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 11-18-25 Work Session Minutes
b) 11-18-25 Council minutes
c) 11-18-25 Executive Session Minutes
Approved unanimously.
5. Consideration of Motion to Approve:
a. APPLICATION RZ 25-10-07 – Southeastern Property Acquisitions is requesting a Zoning Map Amendment of approximately 23.15-acres from R-3 (Medium Density MultiHousehold Residential District) to MX (Mixe Used District) of property located at 6850 Cypress Lake Road (Tax Parcel # MS33 000023 002)
b. APPLICATION RZ 25-10-08 – Southeastern Property Acquisitions is requesting a Zoning Map Amendment of approximately 5.22-acres from R-3 (Medium Density MultiHousehold Residential) to MX (Mixed Use District) of property located 7406 Veterans Memorial Parkway (Tax Parcel # MS42000004A000).
Planning Commission recommended approval of the Zoning Map Amendments and staff conditions with a 7-0 vote. City Council had a public hearing on the matter during the last meeting and deferred making a decision at that time.
Mayor Jonathan McCollar turned the meeting over to Councilwoman Shari Barr to govern the meeting, but he did not state a reason for the pass off or leave the council lectern.
Councilman John Riggs said he had questions for the developer and that he wished they could “get Kroger to go somewhere else…in the middle of town,” but the council doesn’t get to decide who owns the property or what they do with their property. He said he’d been weighing it, but he’s going to fall down on the side of approving because “it’s just more appropriate for the City of Statesboro. It’s not good for Whispering Pines, I know it’s not the greatest thing, but to alleviate any kind of light pollution and noise pollution and that’s what I want to ask the developers about. We need trees. Lots of trees.”
Regarding light pollution, he said he wants all lights pointing inward. “I don’t want anyone to ever walk out of their backyard of Whispering Pines and you can see the back of the lights. I want them to still look at that way and see the same things they see today. Can somebody do that?”
Attorney Steve Rushing, who is representing the developer, said the zoning they’re seeking – MX- already has stringent lighting restrictions in the ordinance, including direction and candlelight powers. He said it’s already in the zoning ordinance, so it wouldn’t be necessary for a condition.
Riggs said that as completion gets closer, problems are going to arise and he wants to know those are going to be taken care of.
A representative from the developer said they would be sensitive to the neighbors and they were open to suggestions on how to appease the neighborhood.
Councilwoman Ginny Hendley said she wanted to see the city and community work together and they can’t control where it is because it’s a zoning matter. “I think it’s a great thing,” she said. “I think if you all work together, I think for the greater good, I’m leaning toward approval as well.”
Councilwoman Shari Barr said she was looking for “a little more understanding” by the developer in doing more than just replacing the trees they cut down, as permitted by the ordinance.
City Manager Charles Penny said he wasn’t trying to have last minute surprises for the developer, but one issue was resonating with him was that the MX zoning is for the entire parcel, so if the zoning is approved, the concept plan as presented is not what has to be adhered to in the long run. He said an alternative is a conditional use permit.
“We do need to, where the residential development is on that plan, we need to ensure, if council so desires, that that development stays that way, so Kroger is not sitting on Whispering Pine Boulevard or any other commercial development is not sitting on Whispering Pines Boulevard. It’s going into a neighborhood. Right now, it shows townhouses, that would be development. But again, the developer is not, that’s not a….and I’m not saying anything about the developer, I’m not saying they are true to their word, this is a development. Once you approve the zoning, they don’t really have to build to that plan,” Penny said.
A conditional use permit, he said would have the developer making a commitment to what is on the plan is going to be there.
Councilwoman Shari Barr replied that she’s learned in her six years on council that once council approves something, the pretty pictures go out the window. “Even with we’re OK with Kroger, or trying to be OK with Kroger, we still have concerns.”
City Planning Director Justin Williams said he recommended following part of PUD requirements (Section 2.2.12(f)) on mixed use development, which would box in the developer on some aspects. The mixed use concurrency would cap the amount of commercial development and require 20% residential in the abutting area. He said it would clean up the issues, but would be a condition that council would have to impose.
Attorney Steve Rushing said they’re having to fly by the seat of their pants because they weren’t prepared for that proposal by council, but the plan is just that as they still have testing on soils and the property to be completed before they move forward. “As long as we’re not tied to the exact layout of the plan, we can do residential. I mean, that part, we plan to do.” We’d still like the same density proposed.”
Councilwoman Tangie Johnson made a motion for approval “with the conditions,” though she did not list the specific conditions in her motion. Penny asked Williams to return to the podium to list the conditions.
- “The first 3 conditions from the public hearing”
- Williams did not list the 3 previously discussed conditions, but those include:
- The applicant must provide a wetland plan to ensure the mitigations of substantial issues before the issuance of a LDAP.
- The applicant must submit a traffic study in accordance with requested site development before issuance of a LDAP.
- To reduce the potential of negative environmental impacts on the site, the property owner must utilize standards from the GSMM to provide stormwater detention TSS removal overbank protection and extreme flood protection in submitting engineering plans for this project.
- Williams did not list the 3 previously discussed conditions, but those include:
- They must follow Section 2.2.12(f) from the Unified Development Code
Barr called for a second of the motion which was made by Councilwoman Johnson and Staff Member Justin Williams and it was approved unanimously 5-0 without further discussion.
6. Second reading and consideration of a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-18: An Ordinances amending chapter 74, adding Article III Special Services District
This item addresses the financing challenges associated with private street improvements for property owners. At the November 18, 2025 meeting, it was placed on the agenda for public hearing and first reading. Following that, Council approved it to advance to second reading and further consideration.
Approved unanimously 5-0 with no discussion.
7. Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 2025-19: An Ordinance amending Chapter 5 Purchasing System Policy of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances.
The city’s purchasing policy ordinance was last amended in 2011. In light of evolving market conditions and the enduring challenges following the pandemic, it is necessary to review the city’s current purchasing and procurement practices to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness in operations. This item was presented at the November 18, 2025 Work Session.
CHANGES:
- Procurement card process: For purchases of $5,000.00 and under $50,000.00, with the exceptions based on sole source, cooperative purchases, state or federal contracts, emergency purchases or professional services as defined by the State of Georgia.
- Amends requirement for purchase orders to exclude purchases made with a procurement card
- Adds an amount for the written quote process “For purchases of $5,000.01 up to $50,000.00” (an increase from $5,001 to $19,999.99)
- Requires that any purchase between $20,000.00 and $50,000.00 must have written approval by the city manager
- Increases the sealed bid process threshold from $20,000 to $50,001 or more
- Adds “Housing Rehabilitation Projects” to the Special Procurement Methods list
- The city manager is authorized to employ special procurement measures to expedite housing rehabilitation projects under the Housing Rehabilitation Program.
- In carrying out these measures, priority shall be given to contracting with small businesses, minority-owned firms, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms
- Amends the threshold for Sole Source purchases from $20,000 to $50,000 and requires any purchase over $50,000.01 that is sole source to be approved by the city manager.
- Professional Services require city manager approval at $50,000 instead of $20,000
- Over $50,000.01, they will need council approval
No one was present to speak in favor or against the proposal.
Approved unanimously to go forward to second reading 5-0 with no discussion.
8. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2025-32: A Resolution accepting the street rights of way on portions of Roscomare Lane, Casiano Drive, and Hamner Drive within the Bel-Air East Subdivision Phase 1B as public streets to be owned and maintained by the City of Statesboro.
In June 2023, the Statesboro City Council approved the annexation and zoning changes for the Belair subdivision on Northside Drive East, which initiated subsequent infrastructure developments, including road construction. Inspections on the road construction were completed for subgrade and GAB between April 2025 and August 2025. The developer now desires to dedicate these roads, Roscomare Lane, Casiano Drive, and Hamner Drive, to the City of Statesboro. Streets in Phase 1A of Bel-Air East were accepted for street dedication by City Council on May 20, 2025.
Staff recommends approval of the road and right-of-way dedications for Bel-Air East Subdivision Phase 1B. Staff requests consideration of a motion for Council to authorize the Mayor to execute the attached resolution authorizing the Mayor to accept the roads and rights-of-way on behalf of the City of Statesboro.
The City of Statesboro will maintain the roadway and limits of right-of-way. No funds will be required in FY2025.
Approved unanimously 5-0 with no discussion.
9. Consideration of a motion to approve the purchase of a 2026 F-250 XL Crew Cab 4×4 from JC Lewis Ford in the amount of $49,690.72 for the Stormwater Division, to be funded by Stormwater Utility Fee Funds under STM-7.
This item is part of a planned replacement of an existing 2003 F-450 6.0L that has been in service for many years and is past its useful life. It is our plan to surplus this work truck. A vehicle bid request was submitted October 23, 2025 and J.C. Lewis Ford submitted the lowest price for the vehicle that met the Stormwater Division specification request.
The purchase cost is $49,690.72, to be funded using Stormwater Utility Fee funds budgeted under STM-7, which has $185,000 budgeted for FY 2026.
Approved unanimously 5-0 with no discussion.
10. Consideration of a motion to approve a contract with Vickery Farms Sodscapes, LLC for vegetation maintenance services on various stormwater facilities, in the amount of $18,320 annually, to be funded by the Stormwater Fund. This contract will be a four-year agreement with an option to renew after each one-year term.
In an effort to improve stormwater drainage operations, staff proposes to utilize contract labor to assist the Stormwater Division in vegetation trimming and removal in some stormwater detention ponds and drainage canals. Staff identified eight locations for the purpose of this proposed contract. These structures are larger canals and detention ponds in subdivisions. Currently, the Stormwater Division is responsible for routine maintenance of these facilities. The division currently has four heavy equipment operators to handle the maintenance of all storm structures within the city, including these vegetative structures. Utilizing a contractor to perform the maintenance of the vegetative stormwater facilities during the growing season (April-October) would allow the Stormwater Division to more effectively maintain and keep pace with all the other daily and weekly scheduled areas of maintenance in the City.
The City advertised a Request for Proposals in October and received one proposal on October 30, 2025. This contract will be a four-year agreement with an option to renew after each one-year term. The
contact has a clause for yearly fee increase based on the Consumer Price Index but is limited to a 4%
maximum increase.
Staff recommends approval of a contract in the amount of $18,320.00 per year to Vickery Farms Sodscapes, LLC. for Stormwater maintenance services of various locations.
This work is to be paid from the Stormwater Division Contract Labor budget as appropriated in the
FY2026 budget.
City Manager Charles Penny said it’s a small cost for the work.
Approved unanimously 5-0 with no discussion.
11. Consideration of a motion to approve a task order with WSP USA, Inc. in the amount of $32,784 for engineering design services for the replacement of the transfer station tipping floor, to be funded by Solid Waste Disposal Reserve Funds.
The concrete tipping floor at the City of Statesboro Solid Waste transfer station was replaced in 2016,
but with constant heavy equipment loading, abrasive materials and harsh chemicals the current floor
has begun to fail. Exposed rebar and large holes have appeared in the slab, and some sections of the
floor are not currently usable, which reduces the storage capacity of the floor and affects loading and
unloading operations. WSP has submitted a proposal to update the 2016 plans and provide professional
engineering services for replacement of the existing slab. As part of the proposal, WSP will assist with
bid documents and provide inspection of work when construction is in progress. This work was not
budgeted in FY 2026, but rapid deterioration of the floor has occurred in the past six months.
Staff recommended approval.
This work is to be funded by Solid Waste Reserve Funds, as a task order under the existing Master Services Agreement between the City and WSP, executed January 6, 2021.
Approved unanimously 5-0 with no discussion.
12. Consideration of a motion to approve a purchase of a Caterpillar 950 Wheel Loader in the amount of $396,660 under SWD-11, to be funded by Solid Waste Disposal Operating Income.
This item is part of a planned replacement of an existing 2021 model. The new loader will be used to load solid waste into trailers for transportation to Superior Landfill in Chatham County. The existing loader that is currently in use is planned to be surplused.
The new loader is proposed to be purchased through Sourcewell Contract #011723 and meets all specifications of the City. The wheel loaders are planned to be on a 5- year rotation to minimize downtime and maintain operational efficiency, as this piece of equipment is essential to the continuous operation of the transfer station.
The purchase cost is $396,660. Due to inflation, this amount is higher than the budgeted amount of $385,000 in SWD-11 for FY 2026. Staff has confirmed with the Finance Department that there is sufficient Solid Waste Disposal Reserve Funding to cover the additional amount. The purchase includes a 48 month/10,000 HR powertrain warranty.
Approved unanimously 5-0 with no discussion.
13. Consideration of a motion to award a contract to Southeast Connections, LLC in the amount of $990,349.82 for the relocation of natural gas facilities along Highway 301 North as part of a GDOT Road Widening Project. To be paid for with funds in the Natural Gas CIP budget item # NGD-95.
The Georgia Department of Transportation has approved a road widening project of approximately 1.5 miles on Highway 301 North from North Randy Lowery Road to Clito Road. The natural gas facilities within this area will have to be relocated to accommodate this road widening project. The natural gas relocation project was properly advertised and bid, and two qualified bids were received and opened. The low bid was from Southeast Connections, LLC in the amount of $990,349.82, well below the approved budget of $1,400,000.00.
It is the recommendation of staff and our consulting engineers at Sapp Engineering to award the contract to Southeast Connections, LLC. In our opinion, they have the resources and experience to successfully complete the project as bid.
Funds were approved in the FY2024 CIP, Item # NGD-95, using System Revenues and 2019 SPLOST.
Councilwoman Barr asked if this was unrelated to another project, which was affirmed by City Manager Charles Penny.
With no further discussion, it was approved unanimously 5-0.
14. Public Comments (General)
- Annie Bellinger – Brought forth concerns about children in the community. She said children came to her about the food stamps being cut off and asked to do work in her yard for money. She recommended the food bank to them (and their mother) but was told they don’t eat food from the food bank. She said they came to her every day for two months, but she can’t afford to feed them every day. She asked what the City of Statesboro can do because the city is bringing people in from outside the city and not helping their own.
- Kristie Hendrix – Owner of Classic Car Care – She brought concerns about the slop pump, which frequently has a broken pump and a foul odor is frequently impacting surrounding businesses when it backs up. She said she has to pay a plumber every six months to come out all while she continues to pay for city sewage. She asked to be tied into city sewage.
City Manager Charles Penny said the city doesn’t maintain a sump pump and it may be a private matter. - Jordan Gray – Spoke up about buffers on the zoning matters, specifically to the subjectivity. He asked what the city’s mandatory buffer is for a project like the one proposed. He also brought up the fact that the council is going to act on the development while the traffic study is still underway. He asked how the council could make a fully-informed decision.
15. Other Business from City Council
Councilwoman Shari Barr talked about city events.
16. City Manager Comments
17. Consideration of Motion to enter into executive session for personnel
Council went into executive session at 9:48 a.m.
