This is an informal rundown of the Statesboro City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
View the full agenda packet.
Call to Order by Mayor Jonathan McCollar – All Council members present.
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Recognitions/Public Presentations
- Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing April 2025 as “Autism Awareness Month”.
- Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing April 2025 as “Child Abuse Prevention Month”
- Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing April 2025 as “Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month”.
Public Comments (Agenda Item)
No one signed up to speak on any agenda items.
Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes — a) 03-18-2025 Council Minutes
- Consideration of a motion to approve surplus and disposition of equipment in the Public Works and Engineering Department.
- The items on the asset surplus list attachment have exceeded their useful life and need to be declared surplus and approved for disposition. Staff recommends Council Approval of surplus and disposition of equipment in the Public Works and Engineering Department. Read the surplus list
Consent agenda items were voted on collectively and approved unanimously.
Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve Application for an Alcohol License in Accordance with the City of Statesboro Alcohol Ordinance Sec. 6-12(a):
A. Nouria Energy Retail, Inc.
d/b/a Nouria 1609 Fair Road
Located:1609 Fair Rd.
License Type: Package Sales (Beer & Wine only)
B. Nouria Energy Retail, Inc.
d/b/a Nouria 2298 Northside Drive West
Located: 2298 Northside Dr. West
License Type: Package Sales (Beer & Wine only)
C. Nouria Energy Retail
d/b/a Nouria 17874 Highway 67
Located: 17874 Hwy 67
License Type: Package Sales (Beer & Wine only)
No one was present to speak in favor or against the applications.
Consideration of motion to approve a termination of corporate guaranty with Aspen Aerogels, Bulloch County, and Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
On May 21, 2023 Statesboro and Bulloch County were awarded $750,000 in EIP grant funds to assist with utility infrastructure for the Aspen site. Aspen has backed out of using site and must repay the $741,000 the City has drawn in grant funds. Upon receipt of funds, City shall forward same to DCA. This action will relieve all parties of future obligations under the grant.
$11,000 will also be paid for the grant preparation, which includes consultants.
The total cost of the infrastructure installation was $1.7 million.
Councilwoman Shari Barr said the money is getting paid back but the infrastructure is still there. City Manager Charles Penny said he wanted to give a ‘shoutout’ to the Development Authority because they’re criticized but they worked hard to protect the community.
Read the agreement.
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to approve an updated contract for Municipal Court Software with Justice One. The previous contract, approved in June 2023, was for $9 per paid citation (paid by the violator), or $1500 per month. The new contract is for $11 per paid citation (paid by the violator) or $2000 per month, whichever is greater.
The City of Statesboro’s Municipal Court uses Justice Once software to assist in their daily management and records keeping functions. This software is utilized to manage case files, records of fines and various other court processes. This software is compatible with all other required programs utilized concerning Municipal Court’s daily functions. The update contract will allow the City to use the new court management platform used by Justice One. The new platform is a cloud based system. This should eliminate current issues with printers and scanners.
Cost estimate is approximately $2,000 a year.
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to approve a Purchase Agreement for right-of-way property acquisition on West Main Street for the West Main Street/Johnson Street/Martin Luther King, Jr Drive intersection improvement project, ENG-123c. Funding is provided from 2018 TSPLOST.
The West Main Street intersection improvement project #ENG-123c aims to improve safety and traffic control at the intersection of West Main Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and Johnson Street through geometric improvements, including but not limited to installation of a roundabout. This parcel was identified as a “total take” in the project concept report. Removal of the subject building will greatly increase the sight distance and safety at this intersection until improvements can be constructed. Currently the property is vacant and for sale. The early acquisition allows the purchase from a willing seller without the complications of displacing an active business or potential imminent domain. Staff has negotiated an acceptable purchase agreement for the following parcel.
West Main Street – Parcel # S18 000177 000: 200 West Main Street Robyn J. Hulsey (aka Robyn DeVecchis) $160,000.00
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to approve a contract with Tidwell Traffic Solutions in the amount of $74,030.25 for street pavement marking replacement. This project will be paid by 2018 TSPLOST funds.
The work in this contract includes the installation of thermoplastic striping of approximately 4.66 miles of city streets. The thermoplastic striping shall include 5 inch white and yellow solid striping, 5 inch white and yellow skip striping, 8 inch white solid striping, 24 inch white solid striping, type 2 turn Arrows, and yellow hatching. The low bidder is Tidwell Traffic Solutions with a bid of $74,030.25, followed by Mid-State Striping, Inc. with a bid of $74,739.50.
Approved unanimously.
Other Business from City Council
Councilwoman Shari Barr highlighted upcoming events in Statesboro.
City Managers Comments
Public Comments (General)
Marshall Webster – spoke on the city’s ethics committee and Councilwoman Paulette Chavers
Don Devine – spoke on the city’s outdated massage therapy ordinance
Marcus Toole – Habitat for Humanity
Consideration of a Motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss “Personnel Matters” “Real Estate” and/or “Potential Litigation” in accordance with O.C.G.A 50-14-3(b)
Council had no need for executive session.
Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn
Council adjourned at 9:57 a.m.
