MINUTES
CITY OF BLACKSHEAR, GEORGIA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 @ 6:00 PM
The Blackshear City Council, Blackshear, GA, met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, December
10, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall with Mayor Tom Davis presiding.
Members of the Council present were: Jeffrey Parr, David Smith, Mary Lott Walker, and Jerry
Hollis. Also attending were Public Works Superintendent Donnie Harris, City Clerk Susan
Fowler, Police Chief Christopher Wright, Fire Chief Claud “Bucky” Goble, and Main
Street/Economic Development Director Tommy Lowmon
ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER (S): Council Members David Broady and Timmy Sapp
ABSENT STAFF MEMBER (S): City Attorney Adam Ferrell
OPENING: Mayor Tom Davis called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Mayor Davis gave the
invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mayor Davis asked the council to approve the agenda. Council
Member Jerry Hollis made a motion to approve the agenda and seconded by Council Member
David Smith. Vote upon passage of the motion was taken by ayes and nays and being all ayes,
carried.
PRESENTATIONS:
Budget Summary:
Mayor Davis noted the Budget Summary was attached. Mayor Davis said that the
Budget Summary for month ending October 31, 2013 was attached.
Police Department Reports:
Mayor Davis noted the November 2013 report was attached.
Fire Department Reports:
Mayor Davis noted the November 2013 report was attached.
Monthly Gas and Oil Reports:
Mayor Davis noted the November 2013 report was attached.
Travel Expense Reports:
Mayor Davis noted the November 2013 report was attached. He stated that mileage for
him was $116.00. Mary Lott Walker attended the Southern GA Regional Commission in St.
Simons Island, GA totaling $488.00. Tony Youmans attended the CVSA Training in Atlanta,
GA totaling $1,295.23. Bucky Goble attended the ISO Class in Bainbridge, GA totaling
$218.79. Johnnie Anderson attended the ISO Class in Bainbridge, GA totaling $218.79. Total
travel expenses for the month of November were $2,168.02.
Main Street/Economic Development Report
Mayor Davis asked Main Street/Economic Development Director Tommy Lowmon to
come forward. Tommy gave a brief overview of events/projects from 2013. They are attached:
Better Hometown: 2013 Year-end Report
Better Hometown Blackshear Inc. Mission
The organization is established to further the general welfare and prosperity of the citizens, businesses,
industries, cultural and educational programs of and around the Blackshear, Georgia area. Essential to
this mission is to apply a nationally recognized 4-point Approach trademarked by the National Main
Street Center for improving designated Main Street communities. This approach includes business
development, design, organization, and promotion. Additionally, the organization will provide a
membership outlet to carry out its mission and activities.
Monthly Activities:
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Speak at various clubs and organizations around the state
Volunteer to at schools – (read to schools, quick think, fall fest, etc.)
BHT Board Meetings
City Council Meetings
County Commission Meetings
Constant Contact Monthly Newsletter
Maintain City, Better Hometown, and E.L. Cravin Websites
Maintain Social Media Sites
Complete Monthly State Reports
Work closely with the PC Historical Society
Attend GDA and DCA meetings in Atlanta
Consult with downtown business owners and potential business owners
Consult with state tourism officials
Consult with economic developers throughout the state
Consult with political leaders throughout the state
Projects:
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Historic Walking Tour Phase I
Jr. Board Entry sign plantings
Geocaching
Tourism/Information Brochures – Jail, Civil War Prison Camp, 150th Mural, Satilla River Guide
Membership Drive – gave away $10,000
Community Day of Compassion
Social Media summer intern
Hosted a week-long visit by Georgia Southern Archaeology Team
Fall and Christmas Décor – Gourd Head Contest
10% of Haunted Parlor Proceeds to Sycamore Tree - $2730
Beginning Park renovations
Moved forward with becoming CLG – Appointment of HPC members
Events: Record Attendance
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Geo Tour – Kick-off Event
Summer in the City – Two Day event
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GATE Class Historical Scavenger Hunt
Community Pep Rally
Homecoming Parade
Assisted with Cancer Walk – first time in City Park
Downtown Trick-or-Treating
Autograph Signing – Cast member of The Walking Dead
Assisted with Amris Jam
E.L. Cravin’s Haunted Parlor - $27,321.00
Training/Education: Staff and Board
 Main Street Institute - Tifton
 Heritage Tourism 2-Day Conference – Hinesville
 Week-long Heart & Soul Bus Tour
 GDA 3-Day Conference in Savannah
 Seasoned Manager’s Training
 GMA Annual Conference
Awards/Recognition/Notable Accomplishments:
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Hired a part-time assistant manager
National Main Street Accreditation
Chosen to teach a class on running “successful events/promotions” – GDA Conference
DCA - Gold Level Recipient for Promotions for Geocaching Challenge
DCA – Citizens of the Year – Board member - Tracy Rediger
Named President of Board of Directors GDA
Sat on the panel to reorganize state Main Street Program – we are now an official – Georgia
Classic Main Street
Named to Georgia Forward’s Young Gamechangers
CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of Minutes:
November 12, 2013 – Regular Meeting
Motion made by Council Member Mary Lott Walker to approve the minutes and
seconded by Council Member Jerry Hollis. Vote upon passage of the motion was taken by ayes
and nays and being all ayes, carried.
RESOLUTION (S)
7.1
ALCOHOL LICENSE RENEWALS-RESOLUTION 2013-32 APPROVE
ALCOHOL LICENSE RENEWALS. Mayor Davis read the agenda item
summary for the resolution. Council Member Jerry Hollis made a motion to table
Resolution 2013-32 and seconded by Council Member David Smith. Vote upon
passage of the motion was taken by ayes and nays and being all ayes, carried.
7.2
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT-RESOLUTION 2013-33
APPROVE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT. Mayor Davis read the
agenda item summary for the resolution. Council Member Mary Lott Walker
made a motion to approve Resolution 2013-33 and seconded by Council Member
Jeffrey Parr. Vote upon passage of the motion was taken by ayes and nays and
being all ayes, carried.
ORDINANCE(S) FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE (S) SECOND AND FINAL READING
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION:
AD-HOC COMMITTEE (S)
MAYOR/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: Mayor Tom Davis, presiding over his last
meeting, thanked city residents for allowing him to serve eight years. He said the city would
continue to move forward with its new mayor. Council Members Mary Lott Walker and Jerry
Hollis thanked Mayor Davis for serving as Mayor for the past eight years.
REQUEST FROM THE PUBLIC TO BE HEARD ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
ADJOURNMENT:
Council Member Jerry Hollis made a motion to adjourn at 6:26 PM and seconded by Council
Member Jeffrey Parr. Vote upon passage was taken by ayes and nays and being all ayes, carried.
_______________________
SUSAN FOWLER
CITY CLERK
_______________________
THOMAS W. DAVIS
MAYOR