City ofThomasville Council Meeting, October 14, 2024  The Council oft the City of Thomasville met: in regular session on the above date. Mayor Todd Mobley presided, and thei following Councilmembers were present: Councilmembers Scott Chastain, Royal Bakerandi Lucinda Brown. Also present were the City Manager, Chris White; Assistant City Manager, Sheryl Sealy; City Attorney, Timothy C. Sanders; Chief Financial Officer, Ashley Cason; other city staff; citizens and members of the media. It shall be reported that Mayor. Pro Tem Terry Scott was absent from this meeting. The meeting was heldi in Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 144 East Jackson Street, Thomasville, Georgia. Simultaneous access to the meeting was provided tot those members ofthei media and citizens unable to attend the meeting via the City ofThomasvillesonline  live stream feed located at www.thomasvile-org  CALLTOORDER INVOCATION  Mayor Todd) Mobley called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Councilmember Royal Baker gave thel Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVALOFN MINUTES  Councilmember Scott Chastain led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Councilmember Chastain moved to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 23, 2024, as presented. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The motion passed 4-0, with the following  votes recorded: AYES: Mobley, Chastain, Baker and] Brown.  PROCLAMATION  Councilmember Chastain recognized that community planning and plans can help manage the constant change in ways that provide better choices for communities and their residents. He acknowledged the American Planning Association has designated October 2024 as National Planning Month and presented the City of Thomasville's Planning Department with a proclamation and commended them for all the work that they do for the City of  Thomasville and its residents. RECOGNITION  Hurricane Helene Response Teams: City Manager Chris White requested all staff that helped with storm recovery efforts to enter Council Chambers. He reported that while the City of Thomasville was spared a direct hit from the Category 4 Hurricane Helene, its residents still sustained an enormous amount of damage from the storm. City Manager White reviewed the extensive operating procedures: involvedw with storm recovery and coordination ofmutual aid from other municipalities. He reviewed an approximate timeline from beginning to end with storm recovery efforts, noting that there were crews assessing physical damage as soon as it was safe for them to travel into any affected areas. City Manager White noted that the City of Thomasville can certainly attribute the quick resolution of Helene'si impact on Thomasville to the quick action and coordinated assistance from the entire Team Thomasville electric, telecommunications, solid waste, and public works crews, police, fire as well as the visiting mutual aid crews. The work of these individuals was vital in addressing the storm's aftermath and aiding in Thomasville's recovery process. Councilmembers collectively commended all of Team Thomasville, noting there were crews out  as early as 3:30. AM after the worst of the storm had passed through the area.  CITIZENS TO BE HEARD  1. Arline Hampton, resident of Thomas County and speaking on behalfofThomasvile's: southside community, voiced concerns regarding the City of Thomasville's Parks and Recreation. She read a prepared statement in which she stated' "Why is it that our black communities are always asked toj forget our past, when others are allowedto embrace and! buildz upont theirs. Isubmit to) yout that instead offorgetting our past, lets embrace  City ofThomasville  City Council Meeting Minutes, October 14, 2024  Page lof10    it and build upon it as we movej forward in hopes ofa bright more equitable. future) for those who have had to suffer inequities, discrimination and divestment. Let us embrace what has always made us strong, a cumulative past with the hopes ofa better future.". Ms. Hampton continued, listing thel benefits of physical activity and good activism. She voiced concerns about' Thomas University's exclusive use ofVarnedoe! Park Baseball and adjacent soft ball fields; noting that until recently, the surrounding community of Varnedoe Park was not aware it could use Varnedoe Park as well. Ms. Hampton voiced: further concerns relating to the perception that city owned parks on the southside ofThomasville have not been maintained. Ms. Hampton 2. Candee Henderson, resident ofThomas County, voiced concerns ofthe effect the fossil fuel industry has had on global warming. She noted that the fossil fuel industry had chosen to downplay the long-term effects of the use of natural gas. Ms. Henderson encouraged Council to consider finding viable uses of energy that would noti include the use of fossil fuels. She suggested that the use ofs solar power would help Thomasville 3. Rose Major, resident ofi matin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Thomasville, Georgia, also voiced concerns regarding Parks and recreation. She encouraged the City Councili toi reassess the use of Varnedoe Park by the southside community. She also requested to know why the southside parks were allowed to deteriorate when others were maintained. Ms. Major also requested that Council meetings be an open forum for questions from  provided a copy ofl her prepared statement.  and' Thomas County reach 100%1 renewable energy by 2035.  citizens regarding their concerns.  ADOPTAGENDA Brown. OLD] BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS No. 046 119, 14.12 acres).  Councilmember Brown moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Councilmember Baker seconded thei motion. There was no discussion. The motion passed 4-0, with the following votes recorded: AYES: Mobley, Chastain, Baker and  There was no Old Business for consideration by the City Council at this meeting.  First reading of an ordinance to annex and rezone. 3472 South Pinetreel Boulevard, Thomasville Georgia (Parcel City Planner Kenny Thompson reported that Centerville Partners, LLC recently purchased a property located outside the city limits at 3472 S. Pinetree Boulevard. Thep property owner is requesting to annex thej property into the City and simultaneously rezone the property from A (Agricultural) to R-1A (Single-Family Residential). The application indicates that the 14.12-acre +/- property will be developed with 20-30 single-family homes. The subject property, whichi isi in an unincorporated area of the Thomas County, has a County zoning designationi that allows for low-density, single-family residential uses; it is also adjacent to the City's"Suburban' Neighborhood" future character area, which isp primarily defined by larger lot, single-family homes. The applicant's request to rezone the property at the time of annexation to R-1A is compatible with surrounding properties in the area and allows for appropriate residential land uses. The annexation and rezoning requests are consistent with the land use goals and future character areas oft the comprehensive plan Thomasville: Blueprint 2028]. An annexation into the City could more effectively preserve and enhance the existing neighborhoods that surround the subject property while also encouraging better suburban Most oft thej properties that share a boundary with thes subject property have well-established residential uses. The nearest City parcels are located within the R-1A zoning district. The A zoning district permits rural agricultural uses by right that are not compatible with the R-1A zoning district's purpose to maintain and promote a desirable residential environment. The R-1A zoning district limits residential development to detached, single-family dwellings. The proposed development is well within the density limits of the R-1A zoning district, which requires a City Planner Thompsoni notedt that finding the: request tor rezone the property att thet time ofannexation tol be compatible with surrounding properties and consistent witht the comprehensive plan, Staffrecommends: approval ofa an annexation  development. Specific considerations for the rezoning request include:  minimum lots size of1 15,000 square feet (or. .34 acres).  and rezoning from A (Agricultural) tol R-1A (Single-Family residential).  City of Thomasville  City Councill Meeting Minutes, October 14,2024  Page 2of10    Councilmember Chastain moved to order the ordinance to annex and rezone 3472 South Pinetree Boulevard, Thomasville, Georgia asi read fort thei first time, passed, and carried over as presented. Councilmember Bakers seconded the motion. Discussion ensued regarding the density of the project. Mayor Mobley requested to know how many houses would be permitted within the project area. City Planner Thompson noted it could be 20-30 on the entire 14 acres with this type of zoning. There was noi further discussion. The motion remained unchanged. The motion passed  4-0, with the following votes recorded: Mobley, Chastain, Baker and Brown.  The ordinance title follows.  AN TORDINANCE TO. ANNEX ANDI INCORPORATE CERTAINUNINCORPORATEDLAND, WHICH IS CONTIGUOUS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF O.C.G.A 36-36-1 TO THE EXISTING CORPORATE LIMITS OF SAID CITY, UPON THE REQUEST CENTERVILLE PARTNERS, LLC, OWNER & DAVIDHARDY, OWNER-AGENT OF THELANDI PROPOSED TO BE ANNEXED AND INCORPORATED; TO DESCRIBE THE LAND AND PROVIDE THAT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE ORDINANCE AND SURVEY OF SAID LAND, SO INCORPORATE, BE FILED BY THE CLERK OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THOMASVILLE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA; TO PRESCRIBE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ANNEXATION AS PROVIDED BY O.C.G.A. 36-36-2; TO AMEND THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA, OF 1971, AS AMENDED WHICH IS SETFORTH IN THE CODE OF THE CITY OF THOMASVILLE AS CHAPTER: 22, CAPTIONED "ZONING", BY EXCLUDINGACERTAINTRACT OFI LANDI FROM THOMAS COUNTY AND TO DESIGNATE THE SAID SAME TRACT AS PARCEL 51, OF SECTION 22-91 CAPTIONED "R-1A, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL", TO ESTABLISH THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE; TOI REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT  HEREWITH ANDI FOR OTHER PURPOSES.  Ratify Resolution to Declare Local State of] Emergency as a result of] Hurricane Helene.  City Manager, Chris White reported that on September 25, 2024, inj preparation of thei impending Hurricane Helene, Mayor Mobley signeda a resolution tol Declare al Local State of Emergency that aligned with Georgia Governor Kemp's Councilmember Brown moved to ratify the Resolution tol Declare Local State of Emergency as a result of Hurricane Helene. Councilmember. Baker seconded the motion. Councilmembers thanked Team' Thomasville fort their effortsi in keeping Thomasville safe during and following the storm. There was no further discussion. The motion passed 4-0,  declaration for a State of Emergency in Georgia.  with the following votes recorded: AYES: Mobley, Chastain, Baker and Brown.  Thei ratified resolution follows.  CITY OF THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA  RESOLUTION  WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Georgia declared a State of Emergency in Georgia on September 25, 2024, beginning at 7:00 AM in response to Tropical Storm Helene; and WHEREAS, thel National Hurricane Center: forecasts" Tropical Storm Helene may produce WHEREAS, the Tropical Storm Helene is forecasted to make landfall in the evening of Thursday, September 26, 2024 as a major hurricane, along areas of the Florida gulf coast and portions oft the Florida panhandle and is projected toi travel northeast affecting areas across Georgia, WHEREAS; potential flooding, fallen trees, downed power lines, and debris may render the City of Thomasville' 's network of roads impassable in affected areas, isolating residences and WHEREAS, Section 1.12(c)(8)ofthe Charter oft the City ofThomasville provides that the City ofThomasville is authorized' "To establish procedures for determining andj proclaiming that an emergency situation exists within or without the city and to make and carry out all reasonable  damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding ini the State of Georgia; and  particularly south central Georgia: and  person: from access to essential public services; and  City of Thomasville  City Council Meeting Minutes, October 14,2024  Page 3of1 10    provisions deemed necessary to deal with or meet such an emergency for the protection, safety, WHEREAS; as many Georgia cities and unified governments, have taken steps toj prepare and attempt to ensure safety of their citizens before, during and after Hurricane Helene, including but not limited to () banning large public gatherings in public places; (i) closing city offices and buildings to the general public; and (iri) authorizing the governing bodies of such cites and related boards and commissions to conduct public meetings andt take votes by teleconference in conformity WHEREAS, in thej judgement oft the City Council of the City of Thomasville, there exist emergency circumstances as a result ofHurricanel Helene within thet territorial limits oft the City of Thomasville requiring extraordinary and immediate corrective actions for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens ofThomasville and surrounding communities; and WHEREAS, additional measures may be required in the coming days and weeks to address the effects of] Hurricane Helene, which is fluid and evolving, and such measures willl likely need to be executed quickly and free from the usual formalities and procedures required for City action in light of the exigencies oft the emergency situation resulting from Hurricane Helene.  health, or well-being oft the citizens oft the city,"  and accordance with O.C.G.A. $ 50-14-1(g);  NOW,THEREFORE, BEI IT RESOLVED as follows:  Section 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The Recitals set forth above are incorporated herein Section 2. Approval and Authorization ofa Declaration ofLocal State of Emergency. The City Council for the City of Thomasville, Georgia approves the Declaration of a Local State of Emergency and authorizes the Mayor, or Mayor Pro Tempore in thel Mayor's absence, to execute Section 3. General Authority. From and after the approval oft this] Resolution, the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tempore, City Manager, officers, and employees of the City of Thomasville, Georgia arel hereby authorized, empowered and directed to do all such acts andt things andt to execute all such documents as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of thel Declaration ofl Local State of Emergency as executed and are further authorized to take any and all further actions and execute and deliver any anda all other documents and certificates, including but notl limited toi thel Declaration ofLocal State of Emergency, as may bei necessary or desirable in connection with the execution and delivery of the Declaration of Local State of Emergency and any related documents, all of the Section 4. Actions Approved and Confirmed. All acts and doings of the City Council, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tempore, the City Manager, the officers, and employees of the City of Thomasville, Georgia that are in conformity with the purposes and intents of this Resolution and in the furtherance of the Declaration of Local State of Emergency and the execution, delivery, and performance of the Declaration ofl Local State of Emergency and related documents shall be, and Section 5. Severability of Invalid Provisions. If any one or more of the provisions herein contained shall be held contrary to any express] provision ofl law or contrary to thej policy ofe express law, though not expressly prohibited, or against public policy, or shall for any reason whatsoever be held invalid, then such provisions shall be null and void and shall be deemed separable from the remaining provisions and shall in no way affect the validity ofa any oft the other provisions hereofor Section 6. Repealing Clause. All resolutions or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions herein contained are, tot the extent ofs such conflict, hereby superseded and repealed. Section 7. Effective Date. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon its adoption.  by this reference as ifs set forth fully in this Section 1. the Declaration ofLocal State of Emergency.  forgoing in consultation with the City Attorney.  thes samel hereby are, in all respects approved and confirmed.  of the Declaration ofLocal State of] Emergency ratified hereunder.  Adopted and approved this 25th day of September 2024.  Resolution in support of Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) annual membership. Mamager-PansRecration & Golf, Mike Owens, reported thatt the Georgia Recreation and] Park Association (GRPA) is an organization dedicated tot the Support and] Promotion of Recreation and) Park Agencies within thes state ofGeorgia while encouraging Healthy Lifestyles for our citizens. Based in Conyers, Georgia, the GRPA is a subsidiary of the  City of Thomasville  City Council Meeting Minutes, October 14, 2024  Page 4 of10    National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The 2023 City of Thomasville Parks Master Plan highlighted  many recommendations: to improve thej parks system. A few of which were: (1) Addj programming toi meet unmet community needs (2) Identify alternative funding streams to implement this plan  (3) Continue to build and establish al brand for the COT Parks & Recreation Department Joining the GRPA will help with notj just these three recommendations, but many more. The GRPA offers employee certifications, hands-on training, networking, and potential grant funding for the COT Parks and Recreation Councilmember Chastain moved to adopt the resolution as presented. Councilmember Brown seconded the motion. Discussion ensued regarding membership in GRPA. Ity was noted thel local YMCA was also a member; however, dual membership within one municipality was approved. It was further noted the membership will assist with training opportunities andj possible grant funding. There was no further discussion. The motion passed 4-0, with the following  Department.  votes recorded: AYES: Mobley, Chastain, Baker and] Brown.  The adopted resolution follows.  RESOLUTION  A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA, EXPRESSING ITS COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING RECREATIONAL RESOURCES; SUPPORT OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE GEORGIA RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIATION SO. ASTO PROVIDE FOR NECESSARY EDUCATION AND RESOURCES FOR THE CITY OF THOMASVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARMTENT AND STAFF; TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, OR MAYOR PRO TEM, TO SIGN THIS RESOLUTION AND ALL NECESSARY AND RELATED DOCUMENTS; AND FOR OTHER WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Thomasville recognizes the importance of providing recreational resources and encouraging healthy lifestyles to the citizens of the City of WHEREAS, the City of Thomasville owns and maintains over twenty recreational WHEREAS, the City ofThomasville's) Parks and Recreational Department is an integral part of the City of Thomasville, providing oversight and daily operation of parks and recreation within the city under the supervision of Manager, Parks/Recreation & Golf; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Thomasville commits financial support for the annual budget of the Parks and Recreation Department, to support the provisions of recreational WHEREAS, the Council oft the City ofThomasville further recognizes the importance of WHEREAS, the Council oft the City of Thomasville hereby expresses its commitment of funding to provide for an annual GRPA membership so as toj provide for necessary education and NOW THEREFORE, BE ITI RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Thomasville expresses its desire to continue toi financially support the City ofThomasville Parks and] Recreation Department's annual budgetary needs; including an annual membership in the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association sO as to provide for necessary education and resources for the City of THEREFORE, BEI ITI FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shalll be ini full force and effect upon passage and adoption by the Council oft the City of Thomasville and that any and  RELATED ANDI LAWFUL: PURPOSES.  Thomasville; and  facilities, including parks and ai municipal golf course; and  resources to the citizens of Thomasville; and  being ai member oft the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA); and resources for the City ofThomasvillel Parks and Recreation Department.  Thomasville Parks and] Recreation Department and staff, and  City ofThomasville  City Council Meeting Minutes, October 14,2024  Page 50 of10    all other resolutions, acts, or ordinances in conflict with thel Resolution shalll be, andt they are, to the THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Thomasville hereby authorizes the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, to signt this Resolution on their behalf and all associated documents related to the passage and implementation of the provisions of the Resolution and does authorize the Clerk ofthe City ofThomasvillei to attest all signatures and make  extent of such conflict, hereby repealed, and  this Resolution part oft the permanent: records of the City ofThomasville. sO RESOLVED, AND ADOPTED, this 14th day of October 2024.  Resolution to apply and commit matching funds for a Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant City Planner, Kenny Thompson reported the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program isai federal program authorized by Congress for assisting states and local governments with funds to develop and renovate outdoor recreation facilities. This grant has funded many projects fort the City ofThomasville overt the years including Country Oaks, Remington Park, Cherokeel Lake, and Cassidy Road Pond. Staffrequests to apply fort thel LWCF grant to support improvements at Balfour Park. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources administers LWCF grants in Georgia and follows a 2-year grant cycle. Ther nextLWCF grant will not! be awarded until thel Fall of2025, but pre-applications are due by October 31, 2024. Applicants will be notified in February 2025 if they can proceed. with second-level applications, which are duei inl May 2025. Project grants are expected tol be awarded by thel National Parks Service Fall 2025. Based on recommendations from the citywide Parks and) Recreation Master Plan, the City recently launcheda visioning project for park improvements at] Balfour Park to ensure that the park's future design and programming are community driven. The anticipated park features, and programming have been informed by an ongoing engagement effort that includes a project steering committee, an online community survey, and a visioning charrette event. A professional design team from Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. was hired to help bring the community's vision for Balfour Park to life. The design team is creating ai master plan ofp phased park improvements and developing a design concept for Phase 1 implementation and construction. TheLWCF grant andi matching funds would be used tos support thei implementation and construction of Phase 1 oft the forthcoming Balfour Park Master Plan. The maximum LWCF grant requesti is $500,000 andr requires a dollar-for-dollar match. Thisisar reimbursement, grant program; improvements Councilmember Brown moved to adopt a resolution to apply and commit matching funds for the LWCF Grant for Balfour Park as presented. Councilmember Chastain seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The motion  application for Balfour Park Renovations.  tol Balfour Park willl be initially funded using SPLOST funds ini the 20261 budget.  passed 4-0, with thei following votes recorded: AYES: Mobley, Chastain, Baker and Brown.  The adopted resolution follows.  RESOLUTION  WHEREAS the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is ai federal program that is WHEREAS the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, desires to enhance public WHEREAS the Council oft the City of Thomasville, Georgia desires to submit al LWCF grant application sO as to obtain funding assistance fori improvements to Balfour Park; and, WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, desires to authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary and related documents, as shall be necessary in relation to the LWCF WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, desires to commit up to  distributed! by the Georgia Department of] Natural Resources (DNR); and,  parks for the greater good of the community; and,  grant pre-application and second-level application, ifinvited; $500,000 in matching funds as required by thel LWCF grant program;  City of Thomasville  City Council Meeting Minutes, October 14, 2024  Page 6of1 10    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council oft the City of Thomasville, Georgia, hereby authorizes the: submission ofthe pre-application ands second-level application to the BE ITI FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, further authorizes the commitment of funds in thel FY2026 Budget as match for the Balfour Park BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, further authorizes thel Mayor or Mayor Pro Tempore oft the City ofThomasville as thes signatory on all necessary and related documents as shall be necessary in relation to thel LWCF grants program  LWCF grant program; and  renovations;  application.  PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Council of the City of Thomasville,  Georgia, on this, the 14th day ofOctober2 2024.  Resolution to approve bid award for the purchase of Paradise Park Phase I Improvements and to authorize thel Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem to sign necessary and related documents to execute the contract. City Planner, Kenny Thompson reported that in 2020, the City of Thomasville applied for a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for Paradise Park. The grant was awarded to the City in 2023 for $200,000 and required the local community to provide equal matching funds. Elements of the original project scope include enhancements to thel historic carriage paths, a %4 mile walking loop within the park, connection to the Community Trail, pedestrian lighting, installation of new benches, tables, and trash receptacles, and improvements to the gravel parking lot. Thej project includes furnishing all labor, equipment and materials toj perform site work and construction of the Paradise Park Phase I improvements and performing other necessary and appurtenant work as otherwise described and enumerated and shown in the specifications and referenced plans. This project was advertised for 30 days to the Georgia Procurement Registry as well as the City's website. A total of three potential bidders secured plans, with one bid proposal received fori the project. This proposal was opened on September 26th, 2024, with Green's Backhoe having the sole bid of $1,632,973 to complete the entire project. This project was bid with an alternate to allow flexibility int thei final elements tol be included within the project scope without requiring thej project to be rebid. Ini reviewing the project bid, staff finds that all neçessary work to fulfill Phase I requirements can be achieved for $1,399,729, and request that Council approve the award up to this amount. The work is tol be completed within one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days from the Notice to Proceed date. The following is a summary of the bids  received:  BIDDER Green's Backhoe ConstructConnect DavidTaylor Construction  BID AMOUNT $1,632,973 NOBID NOBID  City Planner Thompson requested that the Council award the contract for the purchase of2 2024 Paradise Park Phasel I Improvements to Green' s Backhoe for $1,399,729 as being qualified toj perform the services and further authorize the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem to sign all required paperwork to execute the contract. The work will be funded utilizing Councilmember Chastain moved to adopt the resolution to approve the bid award for the purchase of Paradise Park: Phase) Improvements as presented. Councilmember Baker seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The: motion  2018 SPLOST funds, with $200,0001 tol bei reimbursed through the LWCF Grant.  passed 4-0, with thei following votes recorded: AYES: Mobley, Chastain, Baker andl Brown.  The adopted resolution follows.  CITY OF THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA  RESOLUTION  WHEREAS, the City of Thomasville has it as their responsibility to provide recreation  countywide as aj provision oft the Service Delivery Strategy; and,  City of1 Thomasville  City Council) Meeting Minutes, October 14,2024  Page7 7of10    WHEREAS, the City of Thomasville owns and maintains over twenty recreational facilities; of which Paradise Park is a park that is in need of enhancements toj provide recreational WHEREAS, the elements oft the scope for Paradise Park Phase I Improvements Project include enhancements to the historic carriage paths, a %4 mile walking loop within the park, connection to the Community Trail, pedestrian lighting, installation of new benches, tables, and WHEREAS, the Council of the City ofThomasville, Georgia desires to award a contract to Green's Backhoe in an amount of $1,399,729 to perform the work necessary to complete the WHEREAS, thel Paradise Park Phase] D Improvements Project willl be funded utilizing 2018 SPLOST funds, and with $200,0001 tol bei reimbursed by funds availablet through thel Land and' Water WHEREAS, the City Council fort the City of Thomasville, Georgia, desires to authorizea signatory for all necessary documents relating to the award of bid for the Paradise Park Phase I NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council for the City of Thomasville, Georgia approves thel bid award to Green's Backhoe in an amount of$1,399,729; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, authorizes the expenditures ofthel Paradise Park Phasell Improvements Project tol bei funded utilizing 2018 SPLOST funds, with $200,000 to be reimbursed by funds available through the Land and Water Conservation Fun Grant awarded toi the City ofThomasville in 2023. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council for the City of Thomasville, Georgia, authorizes the Mayor, or Mayor Pro" Tem in the Mayor's absence, as the signatory on all necessary and related documents to execute and deliver the contract toj proceed. sO RESOLVED this, the 14th day of October, 2024.  opportunities for the community; and  trash receptacles, and improvements to the gravel parking lot; and  Paradise Park Phasel II Improvements Project; and  Conservation Fund Grant awarded to the City ofThomasville in 2023; and  Improvements and execute the contract.  Resolution to apply and commit matching funds for a Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program application for City Planner, Kenny Thompson reported that The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program is a grant and loan program administered by the Georgial Department of] Natural Resources and authorized' by The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act. Program funds willl be dispersed fort the purpose of providing stewardship to state parks; state lands and wildlife management areas; to support local parks and trails; and to protect critical conservation lands. Eligible applicants include qualified local governments (as determined by the Department of Community Affairs), constituted: recreation authorities, state agencies andi non-govermental. entities with a corei mission of conservation. Pre-applications. are due October 15, 2024, with second level applications duel May 30, 2025. Final notifications willl be given Summer 2025. Thel Red) Hills Region is home to over: 200,000 acres ofnative longleaf pine forest, one of the largest privately owned forests in the United States, yet for a majority of Thomasville residents and visitors, this ecosystem remains largely unseen and unknown. Paradise Park, centrally located in Thomasville, has the unique opportunity to showcase the landscape of the Red Hills, with one of the largest known stands of old-growth longleaf pine located in an urban setting. Beginning in 2019, the Planning Department has worked with the community and steering committee to develop al long-term master plan for thej park. This phased approach willi include several elements ofthei initial master plan, including the restoration of seven acres of native wiregrass understory, increased accessibility to nature-based outdoor recreation, providing nature-based educational opportunities within the park, and mitigating stormwater through the construction of a wetland pond. This restoration project will provide opportunities for residents and visitors to experience this vital ecosystem and learn about the important rolei itj playsi in our local economy. The GOSP grant is available for up to $3,000,000, with a required minimum match of 25%. Private donations have been committed tot the project to cover thei match ifthe City is awarded the grant. Thisi is ai reimbursement grant program; renovations willi initially be funded using SPLOST funds in the 2025-2026 budget and all funds will be reimbursed.  Phase III Renovations tol Paradise Park.  City of1 Thomasville  City Council Meeting Minutes, October 14, 2024  Page 8of10    Councilmember Chastain moved to adopt the resolution to submit a GOSP Stewardship Program Grant application for Phasel II Renovations tol Paradise Park as] presented. Councilmember Baker seconded the motion. Itv was noted that this grant can be applied for annually. There was no further discussion. The motion passed 4-0, with the following  votes recorded: AYES: Mobley, Chastain, Baker and Brown.  The adopted resolution follows.  RESOLUTION  WHEREAS the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP) is a state program that is WHEREAS the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, desires to enhance public WHEREAS the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia desires to submit a GOSP grant application so as to obtain funding assistance for improvements to Paradise Park; and, WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, desires to authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary and related documents, as shall be necessary in relation to the GOSP WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, desires to commit a NOW, THEREFORE, BE ITI RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, hereby authorizes the submission of the pre-application and 2nd level application to the BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, further authorizes the commitment of funds in the FY2025 Budget as match for the Paradise Park BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Thomasville, Georgia, further authorizes thel Mayor or Mayor Pro Tempore oft the City ofThomasville as the signatory on all necessary and related documents as shall be necessary in relation to the GOSP Grants Program  distributed by the Georgia Department of] Natural Resources (DNR); and,  parks for the greater good oft the community; and,  grant pre-application and 2nd-level application, ifinvited;  minimum of $750,000 ini matching funds as required by the GOSP grant program;  GOSP grant program; and  renovations;  application.  PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Council of the City of Thomasville,  Georgia, on this, the 14th day of October 2024.  Motion to approve thel Low-Income Home Energy Assistance: Program (LIHEAP). Agreement between the City ofThomasville and Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services and to Customer Service Manager, Melissa Creel reported that the City ofThomasville is currently in an agreement with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to provide funding through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for residents of Thomasville. This program provides low-income families with monetary assistance to pay for electric services provided by the City of Thomasville. The Neighborhood Service Center is the liaison that fields all applications, as well as the disbursement of funds from DFCS to the City of Thomasville. In 2023 and 2024, residents of the City of Thomasville received $701,937 processed through the LIHEAP program. Applicants will receive funds based on annual income level and household size. These fund levels Councilmember Baker moved to approve thel Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Agreement between the City of Thomasville and the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services andi to authorize the Mayor or Mayor Pro" Tem to sign the agreement andi related documents. Councilmember  authorize thel Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem to sign the: agreement and related documents.  willl be $350.00, $450.00 and $500.00.  City of Thomasville  City Council Meeting Minutes, October 14,2 2024  Page9of10    Brown seconded the motion. There was no discussion. The motion passed 4-0, with the following votes recorded:  AYES: Mobley, Chastain, Baker and Brown.  REPORTS  Councilmember Brown thanked those citizens who attended and participated in the Balfour Park Charrette held Saturday, she noted there were good discussions. She further noted that citizens have been coming to Council and leadership since 2015 with concerns about Balfour Park, it is just now at the point where the City can move forward with Balfour Park. Councilmember Brown further noted that the City wants to ensure that things are right when it Councilmembers commended staff and citizens for their efforts during the storm and thei recovery process following  goes in with Phase I improvements. Hurricane Helene. ADJOURNMENT  Having no further business for consideration, the Thomasville City Council Meeting was adjourned at 6:31 PM.  CITY 95THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA Z47  ilunbark  ATTEST: City Clerk  [seal]  City of1 Thomasville  City Council Meeting Minutes, October 14, 2024  Page 10of10