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| Posted on Wednesday, February 04 @ 00:00:33 PST |
Concerns over the City of Statesboro’s use of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras, major steps toward a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) infrastructure application, approval of new bus stop shelters, and a formal Arbor Day proclamation emerged as the top takeaways from the February 3 meeting of the City of Statesboro Mayor and Council.
Concerns over Flock Safety cameras
The most extensive discussion of the meeting came during general public comments, when James Hagan addressed Mayor and Council regarding the City’s use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras.
Hagan raised concerns about privacy, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, potential misuse, and system accuracy, noting that the cameras capture license plates and vehicle data from all vehicles traveling on public roadways, regardless of whether a crime has occurred. While emphasizing his support for law enforcement, Hagan urged the City to reconsider renewing its contract with Flock Safety or conduct an independent audit of the system’s security and safeguards.
Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead responded by defending the technology as a targeted investigative tool rather than mass surveillance, stressing that the cameras only capture images on public roadways and do not record activity on private property.
Broadhead cited recent cases in which Flock Safety data helped identify suspect vehicles following a shooting, recover stolen vehicles, and resolve a missing-person case that ultimately led to a homicide arrest. He said the department recovered approximately 30 stolen vehicles in the past year using the system.
Broadhead acknowledged privacy concerns but said internal department policies govern appropriate use and include disciplinary consequences for misuse. Mayor Jonathan McCollar added that cybersecurity risks exist across modern technologies and thanked Hagan for raising the issue, noting the City’s ongoing efforts to protect its systems.
Council advances CDBG infrastructure plans for Church and Roundtree streets
Council approved two resolutions that move the City forward on a major 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application aimed at long-standing infrastructure needs in the Church Street and Roundtree Street areas.
Council approved Resolution 2026-02, authorizing Mayor McCollar to execute a contract with Gilbert & Associates for grant writing and administrative services for the CDBG application. The submission will focus on infrastructure improvements tied to roadway conditions and fire protection, with a $6,375 application cost funded through the Planning Department budget.
If awarded, grant administration fees will be capped at 7% and paid from grant funds.
Council also approved Resolution 2026-03, awarding a contract to Parker Engineering, LLC for professional engineering services associated with the same application. The project targets Roundtree Street and Church Street from College Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and includes proposed improvements to utilities, drainage, and sidewalks.
City staff said Parker Engineering will prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report at no cost, with design and construction administration services provided only if the grant is awarded. The City is seeking approximately $1 million in CDBG funding, with a required 10% local match funded through 2025 SPLOST.
New bus shelters approved for high-ridership stops
Council approved the purchase and installation of three new bus stop shelters for Statesboro Area Transit, authorizing up to $65,000 in 2018 TSPLOST funding.
The approved configuration includes two large shelters at the Social Security Office and Food Bank bus stops—locations identified as having consistently high ridership—and one smaller shelter at the Newport Trace Apartments bus stop. City staff said shelter size and placement were adjusted based on passenger volume, wait times, and weather exposure.
The total estimated cost is approximately $57,800, with remaining funds reserved for installation materials and site-specific needs. Installation will be completed by the City’s Streets Division.
Arbor Day proclaimed; community celebration announced
Mayor McCollar proclaimed February 20, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Statesboro, recognizing the City’s continued participation in the Tree City USA program and its long-standing commitment to urban forestry.
Following the proclamation, Shawn Diddie, chair of the City’s Tree Board, announced that the Arbor Day celebration will take place Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Marvin Park. The event will include community organizations, educational displays, hands-on activities, and tree giveaways.
The celebration will also feature a memorial tree planting honoring Henry Clay, a longtime Tree Board member who served for approximately 40 years. Attendees are encouraged to bring food or pet food donations for local food and animal welfare organizations, with donated items serving as raffle entries for free trees. City officials noted that Statesboro has maintained its Tree City USA designation for 33 consecutive years.
Additional actions and announcements
Council approved multiple additional items, including acceptance of new streets in the Lakeview Pines and Stockyard West subdivisions, amendments to the City’s FY 2026 Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Fines, and a joint resolution with Bulloch County requesting state funding to extend water and sewer infrastructure to the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport.
Council also approved a $44,000 contract amendment with TR Long Engineering to add turn lane design work to the Blue Mile Phase 2 project, replacement of aging wastewater treatment equipment, and the purchase of a new Autocar Yard Spotter Truck to replace a 25-year-old unit.
During council comments, Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr thanked local churches and partners for opening warming shelters during recent cold weather and promoted upcoming community events.
City Manager Charles Penny reminded residents of the Mayor’s State of the City address on February 24, announced a February 9 public information meeting on the proposed fire service fee, and previewed the 2026 Downtown Live concert series, which begins in April.
The meeting concluded with Council entering executive session before adjourning.
1. Call to Order – Mayor Jonathan McCollar
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance – Marcus Toole
3. Recognitions / Public Presentations
A. Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing February 20, 2026 as Arbor Day in the City of Statesboro and recognition of the City’s participation in the Tree City USA program
Mayor Jonathan McCollar proclaimed February 20, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Statesboro, recognizing the City’s continued commitment to urban forestry and its participation in the Tree City USA program.
Following the proclamation, Shawn Diddie, chair of the City’s Tree Board, shared details on this year’s Arbor Day celebration, which will take place on Saturday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Marvin Park.
Diddie described the event as a community-focused celebration that extends beyond tree planting, featuring local organizations, educational displays from groups such as the Georgia Native Plant Society, hands-on activities, and tree giveaways. The celebration will also include a memorial tree planting honoring Henry Clay, a longtime member of the City’s Tree Board who served for approximately 40 years. Diddie noted that Clay’s family will be in attendance and emphasized his lasting impact on the City’s tree preservation efforts.
As part of the event, attendees are encouraged to bring food or pet food donations for the Statesboro Food Bank and local animal welfare organizations, with donated items serving as raffle entries for free trees. City officials also noted that Statesboro has maintained its Tree City USA designation for 33 consecutive years, a milestone that reflects ongoing standards and community involvement in tree conservation efforts.
4. Public Comments (Agenda Items)
APPROVED 5.
Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
a. 01-20-2026 Work Session Minutes
b. 01-20-2026 Council Minutes
APPROVED 6. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-02: A Resolution to award a contract to Gilbert & Associates to provide Grant Writing and Administrative Services for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant
City Council approved Resolution 2026-02, authorizing Jonathan McCollar to execute a contract with Gilbert & Associates to provide grant writing and administrative services for the City’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. The application will focus on addressing infrastructure needs in the Church Street and Roundtree Street areas, including improvements tied to fire protection and roadway conditions.
According to City staff, the contract will support the City’s submission for competitive CDBG funding through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, with a submission cost of $6,375 funded through the Planning Department budget. If awarded, grant administration fees would be capped at 7% of the total grant award and paid directly from grant funds. Separate engineering work associated with the project would be funded through Stormwater and Water/Sewer funds and addressed under a separate engineering services contract.
APPROVED 7. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-03: A Resolution to award a contract to Parker Engineering, LLC to provide engineering services for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The project will be funded by CDBG funds and 2025 SPLOST funds for the local match
City Council also approved Resolution 2026-03, authorizing Jonathan McCollar to execute a contract with Parker Engineering, LLC to provide professional engineering services for the City’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. The proposed project targets Roundtree Street and Church Street, from College Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and includes planned improvements to utilities, drainage, and sidewalks.
According to City staff, Parker Engineering was selected following a competitive request for qualifications process that yielded four submissions. The firm will prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) at no cost to the City and, if the grant is awarded, will provide design and construction administration services at a fee equal to 11% of the construction estimate, consistent with CDBG regulations. The City is seeking approximately $1 million in CDBG funding for the project, with a required 10% local match to be funded through 2025 SPLOST, supported by additional SPLOST funding planned for future fiscal years.
APPROVED 8. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-04: A Resolution accepting the street rights of way of Lakeview Pines Way and a portion of Shortleaf Way within the Lakeview Pines Subdivision Phase 1 as public streets to be owned and maintained by the City of Statesboro
City Council approved Resolution 2026-04, formally accepting Lakeview Pines Way and a portion of Shortleaf Way within the Lakeview Pines Subdivision as public streets to be owned and maintained by the City of Statesboro. The action authorizes Jonathan McCollar to execute the necessary right-of-way deeds on behalf of the City.
According to City staff, the road dedication follows the 2023 annexation and zoning approval of the Lakeview Pines subdivision on Lakeview Road. The streets, totaling approximately 0.36 miles, were constructed between June and December 2025 and meet current City standards. With the dedication, the City assumes responsibility for roadway and right-of-way maintenance, with no additional budget impact anticipated in FY 2026.
APPROVED 9. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-05: A Resolution accepting the street rights of way of Corral Court, Longhorn Court, Cowbell Circle, Timber Road, Pasture Lane, and Haystack Hollow within the Stockyard West Subdivision Phases 1 and 2 as public streets to be owned and maintained by the City of Statesboro
APPROVED 10.
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-06: A Resolution to adopt the first amendment to the City of Statesboro Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Fines for Fiscal Year 2026
City Council approved Resolution 2026-06, adopting the first amendment to the City of Statesboro’s FY 2026 Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Fines, adding new fees tied to special service districts and wastewater operations.
The amendment establishes a Special Service District application fee of $100 plus $1 per lot, following the City’s adoption of a new ordinance governing special service districts. Council also approved a $125 per 1,000 gallons dumping fee at the City’s wastewater treatment plant for septic tank haulers, allowing disposal services that have not been offered by the City in more than a decade. According to staff, the changes carry no direct budget impact and are intended to formalize application review costs and address regional disposal needs.
APPROVED 11. Consideration of a motion to approve a joint Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City of Statesboro, Georgia and the Board of Commissioners of Bulloch County, Georgia to request their local legislative delegation in the General Assembly of Georgia to take necessary action to provide funding to assist in extending the City of Statesboro’s water and sewer system to the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport; to repeal prior conflicting resolutions or ordinances; to establish an effective date; and for other purposes
City Council unanimously approved a joint resolution with Bulloch County requesting state funding to extend City of Statesboro water and sewer services to the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport, citing the need to support airport operations and encourage future economic development.
According to the resolution, the airport is not currently served by City utilities, limiting its ability to attract expanded aviation activity and potential industrial or commercial uses. The measure formally requests assistance from the local legislative delegation in the Georgia General Assembly to help fund the extension of water and wastewater infrastructure onto and around the airport property. The action carries no direct budget impact for the City and took effect immediately upon adoption.
APPROVED 12. Consideration of a motion to approve the purchase of three Poligon bus stop shelters from Hasley Recreation, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $65,000.00, to be funded by 2018 TSPLOST funds under ENG-134b
City Council approved the purchase and installation of three new bus stop shelters for Statesboro Area Transit, authorizing up to $65,000 for the project. The shelters will be purchased from Hasley Recreation, Inc. and funded through 2018 TSPLOST funds under project ENG-134b.
The approved configuration includes two large shelters at the Social Security Office and Food Bank bus stops, where ridership levels are consistently higher, and one small shelter at the Newport Trace Apartments bus stop.
City staff said the revised shelter sizes were selected based on passenger volume, wait times, and the need for improved weather protection. The total estimated cost of the shelters is approximately $57,800, with remaining funds reserved for installation materials and site-specific needs. Installation will be completed by the City’s Streets Division.
APPROVED 13. Consideration of a motion to approve Contract Amendment 1 with TR Long Engineering in the amount of $44,000 on the ENG-115b Blue Mile Phase 2 engineering design contract, to be funded by 2018 TSPLOST funds
City Council approved Contract Amendment 1 with TR Long Engineering in the amount of $44,000 for additional design services associated with the Blue Mile Phase 2 project.
According to City staff, the amendment adds design work for new turn lanes at the intersection of South Main Street with East Jones Avenue and West Jones Avenue, where no turn lanes currently exist and traffic delays are common during left-turn movements. The additional scope includes surveying, roadway and drainage design, utility relocation plans, traffic signal design, GDOT coordination, and right-of-way planning. Staff said addressing the turn lane improvements now as part of Phase 2 will reduce long-term costs by avoiding future roadway reconstruction.
The project is funded through 2018 and 2023 TSPLOST, with the original contract totaling $399,420.
APPROVED 14. Consideration of a motion to award a contract to Cornerstone H20, LLC for the purchase of a Smith & Loveless Pista Grit Screw Conveyor in the amount of $65,747.00. This item to be purchased with funds approved in the 2026 CIP Budget, item #WTP-15, funded by Aid-to-Construction (ATC) fees
City Council approved the award of a contract to Cornerstone H20, LLC for the purchase of a Smith & Loveless Pista Grit Screw Conveyor for the City’s wastewater treatment plant, in the amount of $65,747.
According to City staff, the equipment will replace an existing grit screw conveyor installed in 1993, which has exceeded its useful life and is no longer reliable for daily operations. The purchase is a sole-source acquisition, as Cornerstone H20 is the only authorized Smith & Loveless representative in the region. The cost came in below the original $75,000 budget estimate and will be funded through Aid-to-Construction (ATC) fees approved in the FY 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) under item WTP-15.
APPROVED 15. Consideration of a motion to award a contract to Truck Country of Indiana for the purchase of a new Autocar Yard Spotter Truck per Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract in the amount of $135,000.
00. This item to be purchased with funds approved in the FY2026 CIP Budget, items WTP-19, funded by system revenues
City Council approved the purchase of a new Autocar Yard Spotter Truck for the City’s wastewater treatment plant, awarding a contract to Truck Country of Indiana in the amount of $135,000 through a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract.
According to City staff, the new unit will replace a 2001 Ottawa Yard Jockey Truck that is approximately 25 years old and no longer reliable for daily operations. The purchase is funded through the FY 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) under item WTP-19 using system revenues. While the cost exceeds the original $120,000 budget by $15,000, staff said available water and sewer fund reserves will cover the difference.
16. Public Comments (General)
During general public comments, James Hagan addressed Mayor and Council regarding the City’s use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras, expressing concerns related to privacy, potential misuse, system accuracy, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Hagan described the cameras as AI-assisted systems that collect license plate data, vehicle descriptions, and movement patterns on public roadways, noting that all vehicles are captured regardless of whether a crime has occurred.
While emphasizing that he supports law enforcement and public safety, Hagan said he believes the technology raises significant civil liberty concerns, particularly because officers can access the data without a warrant. He cited examples from other jurisdictions involving alleged misuse by law enforcement, incorrect vehicle identification leading to dangerous encounters, and reported cybersecurity weaknesses within the Flock Safety platform. Hagan urged the City to reconsider renewing its contract with Flock Safety or, at minimum, conduct an independent security and privacy audit of the system.
In response, Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead defended the use of the technology, stating that the cameras only capture images of vehicles traveling on public roadways and do not record activity on private property. Broadhead framed the system as a targeted investigative tool rather than a form of mass surveillance, explaining that it allows officers to identify specific vehicles involved in crimes rather than conducting broad traffic stops.
Broadhead provided recent examples where Flock Safety assisted in criminal investigations, including the rapid identification of a suspect vehicle following a shooting and the resolution of a missing person case that ultimately led to a homicide arrest.
He also noted that the department recovered approximately 30 stolen vehicles in the past year using the system.
Addressing concerns about misuse, Broadhead said the department relies on internal policies governing acceptable use and officer accountability, adding that disciplinary action would follow any abuse of the system. He acknowledged broader concerns about balancing public safety with privacy but said the department views the technology as an efficient and effective crime-fighting tool.
Mayor Jonathan McCollar added that cybersecurity risks exist across all modern technologies and emphasized the City’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its systems, thanking Hagan for raising the issue and participating in the discussion.
17. Other Business from City Council
Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr used her remarks to recognize recent community support efforts and promote upcoming events.
Barr thanked Pittman Park, Trinity Episcopal Church, and Bulloch VOAD for opening warming shelters during the recent stretch of cold weather, noting that residents were able to come in and use those resources when temperatures dropped. She also reiterated details shared earlier by the Tree Board, reminding the public that the City’s Arbor Day celebration is set for Saturday, February 21 at 10 a.
m. at Marvin Park (off Marvin Avenue, behind the Arby’s area). Barr said she looks forward to the memorial tree planting that will honor Henry Clay, a longtime Tree Board member.
Barr also highlighted an upcoming event at Trinity Episcopal Church, describing a sustainable art festival where attendees can create art using local or repurposed materials. She said the festival is scheduled for Saturday, February 28 at 10 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal, located at the corner of Country Club Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway.
18. City Manager’s Comments
City Manager Charles Penny invited residents to attend Mayor Jonathan McCollar’s State of the City address, scheduled for February 24 at 7 p.m. at the Emma Kelly Theater at the Averitt Center for the Arts, describing the venue as an intimate setting that allows for meaningful community connection.
He also announced the City’s first public information meeting on the proposed fire service fee, set for Monday, February 9, noting that the City is currently operating the fire department using internal loans that expire at the end of the fiscal year. Penny said the City must choose between a millage rate increase or a fire service fee moving forward, emphasizing that the upcoming meeting will allow residents to hear directly from Fire Chief Grams and the City’s consultant.
He added that additional meetings with stakeholders and the public will be scheduled before Council makes any final decision.
Penny also highlighted the 2026 Downtown Live concert series, which will begin in April and run through June, featuring weekly Thursday evening performances starting at 7 p.m. He noted that while the series occasionally receives criticism, it remains a popular community event that brings residents together and supports downtown activity.
19. 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)
20. Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn
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