5 CITY OF THOMASTON MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 7, 2025 7:00 P.M. CITY-COUNTY MEETING ROOM - MAIN FLOOR THOMASTON-UPSON GOVERNMENT COMPLEX Minutes A meeting of the Thomaston Mayor and City Council was held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 7:00 pm on the main floor in the City-County meeting room in the Thomaston-Upson Government Complex. This meeting was advertised and open to the public. Attendance: Mayor - John David "J.D." Stallings Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember - Doug Head (At Large) Councilmember - Lakeitha Reeves (District 1) Councilmember - Jeff Middlebrooks (District 2) Councilmember - Ryan Tucker (District 3) Councilmember - Don Greathouse (District 4) City Manager - Russell Thompson City Attorney - DeAnn Wheeler City Clerk - Oasis Nichols Fun 101.1 Radio Dave Piper Chief Editor for Upson Beacon News- Bridge Turner Newton Galloway - Galloway & Lyndall, LLP Gerard Lezano - Galloway & Lyndall, LLP James Fortner - JMF Towing Javon Skelton - JSJ Transport and Towing Terry Stanford - Georgia & Alabama Towing Association Ed Boggs - Boggs Towing and Wrecker Tommy Dudley - Dudley's Collision Councilmember - Ryan Tucker (District 3) - Not Present (See attached sign-in sheet.) A. Call Meeting to Order / Invocation / Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor Stallings opened the meeting at 7:00 pm and asked Councilmember Greathouse to lead the prayer and the pledge of allegiance. B. Approval of Minutes for the November 26, 2024, Joint Projects Meeting, and December 17, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting Result: The meeting minutes were approved as presented. First Motion: Councilmember Greathouse (District 4) Second Motion: Councilmember Reeves (District 1) Vote: Unanimous C. Adoption of Agenda Result: The agenda was amended to table Item F1. "Discussion and Potential Approval of the Towing and Wrecker Services Ordinance" and allow the representatives from local towing companies five minutes each to speak regarding the ordinance as mentioned earlier. First Motion: Councilmember Head (At Large) Second Motion: Councilmember Reeves (District 1) Vote: Unanimous D. City Attorney's Report Nothing at this time. E. City Clerk's Report Nothing at this time. F. City Manager's Report 1. Discussion and Potential Approval of the Towing and Wrecker Services Ordinance This item was tabled. The following representatives spoke in regards to the proposed ordinance. Terry Stanford with the Georgia & Alabama Towing Association said that towing services was the only government contract that was not subsidized and discussed how the proposed rates were not sustainable for business owners. Ed Boggs from Boggs Towing and Wrecker said he spoke for all of the local towing companies. He spoke about the difficulty of setting a price when the services provided could vary and he would have liked more time to review the proposed ordinance and discuss with City Council. Javon Skelton of JSJ Transport and Towing commented on the many different expenses to the towing company to respond to these types of calls. Tommy Dudley from Dudley's Collision also commented on the expenses of running the trucks for doing his business. He asked Council to speak with the company owners before setting the proposed rates. City Manager Russell Thompson said that the need to set the rates on calls dispatched by the city comes from the need to protect the citizens from being unfairly charged. He said the City is only trying to achieve a fair rate for the citizens and the businesses. 2. Discussion and Potential Approval of the Alcohol Tasting Events Ordinance Result: A motion was made to approve the ordinance. First Motion: Councilmember Head (At Large) Second Motion: Councilmember Reeves (District 1) Vote: Unanimous 3. Discussion of Potential Action of Sub-Committee Appointments Result: A motion was made to approve the recommended appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission. First Motion: Councilmember Greathouse (District 4) Second Motion: Councilmember Reeves (District 1) Vote: Unanimous 4. Discussion and Potential Approval of Joint Projects Budget Ordinance Result: A motion was made to approve the ordinance. First Motion: Councilmember Greathouse (District 4) Second Motion: Councilmember Reeves (District 1) Vote: Unanimous WOmE G. Other Business Mr. Thompson invited everyone to attend Zoning Training on January 17th from 1 pm to 3 pm. He also told everyone that the city's stimulus project funds were approved to be redirected to the Farmer's Market project downtown. H. Executive Session and Discussion for Potential Litigation, Personnel, and Real Estate Result: A motion was made to go into executive session at 7:36 pm. First Motion: Councilmember Reeves (District 1) Second Motion: Councilmember Middlebrooks (District 2) Vote: Unanimous Result: A motion was made to close the executive session at 7:54 pm. First Motion: Councilmember Middlebrooks (District 2) Second Motion: Councilmember Head (At Large) Vote: Unanimous I. Adjournment Result: A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 pm. First Motion: Councilmember Reeves (District 1) Second Motion: Councilmember Head (At Large) Vote: Unanimous Respectfully Submitted, - Official Seal Taylor White. Executive Assistant Georgle e Depar 5 Approved as written, * DA2 Mayor, John David "J.D. 27. Stallings F1 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE IV TO CHAPTER 94 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF THOMASTON, GEORGIA, ESTLABISHING A WRECKEK SERVICES ORDINANCE FOR THOMASTON, GEORGIA WHEREAS, the City of Thomaston is authorized to adopt ordinances and resolutions for the governing and policing within the incorporated boundaries of the City; WHEREAS, City Council has determined that it: is in the best interest of the City and its citizens to amend Chapter 94 to add Article IV and adopt a Wrecker Services Ordinance to be administered by City staff; NOW THEREOFRE, by the City Council of the City of' Thomaston, Georgia, and itis hereby ordained by virtue of the authority thereof that the current Chapter 94 - Vehicles for Hire is hereby amended by reserving Sections for Additional Provisions under Article III. - Buses and adding thereto Article IV which shall be known as "Wrecker and Towing Services":t to-wit: SECTION ONE Article IV. - Wrecker and Towing Services Sec. 94-86. - Purposes. 1. To establish the minimum required equipment for Wrecker and Towing Services; to ensure that wrecker companies use and maintain safe roadworthy recovery vehicles; and to establish an approved "City Wrecker List" that will be utilized by the City of Thomaston. 2. To set forth the criteria by which Wrecker Service operators govern themselves while conducting business with and for the City of Thomaston and establish a standardized tow fee schedule. 3. To identify and set forth procedures for suspension of a Wrecker Service from the City Wrecker Rotation List. Sec. 94-87. - Wrecker service list. The City of Thomaston will adopt the approved annual Georgia State Patrol (hereinafter referred to as "GSP") Wrecker List as the City Wrecker List; however, any Wrecker Service that has been suspended will not be added to the list utilized by the City until the conclusion of any pending suspension period. Sec. 98-88. - General criteria for inclusion on the City wrecker rotation list. In order to be included on the City Wrecker Rotation List, each wrecker company must comply with the following general criteria: 1. Submit to the GSP validation process and meet all requirements, pass all inspections and otherwise comply with the procedures required by the State of Georgia Department of Public Safety. The City shall rely on the inspection records and oversight of any annual re-validation of the list per Georgia Department of Public Safety requirements, as well as the GSP ensuring that all State of Georgia insurance requirements are met by all wrecker companies on the approved "City Wrecker List". 2. Maintain a secure storage area, with effective and efficient security, for towed vehicles within Upson County for which they are authorized to operate, unless otherwise authorized by City. A Wrecker Service operating in a given county shall tow and secure vehicles to its secure storage area within the same county unless: 1) this ordinance requires otherwise; 2) the owner or operator of the towed vehicle requests the vehicle be towed and stored elsewhere; or 3) extenuating circumstances exist that make use of the secure storage area in the county impractical or infeasible. Wrecker Services that maintain secure storage areas without a business office or attendant on site shall provide means by which the owner or operator of a towed vehicle may contact an attendant who shall respond to reasonable requests to access vehicles in such storage areas in accordance herewith. 3. Maintain the minimum liability and property damage insurance prescribed by the Georgia Department of Public Safety and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (hereinafter referred to as "FMCSA"), as applicable, on all vehicles used in its business. 4. Maintain regular business hours and a listed public business telephone number. 5. Provide reasonable access to any towed vehicle seven (7) days a week. 6. Maintain and provide to the respective GSP POST supervisor a list of all personnel operating wrecker equipment, as well as current 3-year certified Motor Vehicle Report from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) on those drivers. 7. Ensure all drivers have and maintain a valid driver's license of the appropriate class and with the appropriate endorsements required to operate the Wrecker Service's equipment under Georgia law. Drivers must also meet all applicable driver qualification requirements, including medical qualification requirements, specified by both state and federal law. No Active Law Enforcement officers may own or drive for a Wrecker Service on the Wrecker List. 8. Maintain a maximum of two telephone numbers to be called for dispatching calls. 9. Notify the UCSO 911 Dispatch if the Wrecker Service is unable to respond to a call. The Wrecker Service is prohibited from calling its own back-up wrecker. If the Wrecker Service is unable to respond to the initial call, UCSO 911 Dispatch Center will contact the next wrecker in rotation on the City Wrecker Rotation List. 10. Request assistance from the on-scene officer if, upon arriving at the scene, additional wrecker assistance is needed or required. The officer will call for the additional wrecker, from the approved City Wrecker Rotation list. Sec, 98-89. - Required equipment. The following items and equipment must be maintained on all wreckers and tow trucks: a) Each vehicle must be permanently marked on both sides of the body or cab of the vehicle, in letters and figures in sharp color contrast to the background and legible from a distance of 50 feet during day lighthours while the vehicle is stationary, with: 1) The name of the motor carrier (wrecker company) city of address, and telephone number, and 2) The carrier's state or federal USDOT number. NOTE: For intrastate carriers (operating solely within Georgia) see the Georgia Department of Public Safety Rulebook, Chapter 1 (1-90.21(h)); for carriers operating in interstate (cross state lines) commerce, see Title 49, CFR 390.21. b) Valid registration tag and revalidation decal; c) Valid emergency light permit issued by DPS; d) Flashing or revolving amber light with 360-degree visibility; e) Battery jumper cables; f) Fire extinguisher; 8) Sweeping broom; h) Flat shovel; i) Container for debris; j) Motorcycle straps (4); k) Tow away lamps (tail, stop and turn signal lights for vehicles being towed); I) Stopped vehicle warning devises (e.g. three bi-directional reflective triangles), and m) 25 pounds (or sufficient amount) of"Oil Dry", / "Stay Dry", / sand or other absorbent medium, for vehicle fuel and other spills. Sec. 98-90. - City wrecker rotation procedures. 1. When a need for a wrecker arises, and the owner/operator of the vehicle has no preference as to what Wrecker Service is needed, the next Wrecker Service on the City Wrecker Rotation List shall be used. 2. If the owner/operator of a vehicle makes a reasonable request for a specific Wrecker Service, that Wrecker Service will be used. These requests must be made on an individual incident basis. 3. If the use of the Wrecker Service requested by the owner/operator would result in an excessive delay to the officer in the execution of their duties, the officer may exercise the option of using the next Wrecker Service on the City Wrecker Rotation List. 4. In an emergency situation, involving significant threat to life or property, the office may utilize the closest equipment or services necessary to stabilize the situation. Once the "On-Call" Wrecker Service has been notified and responds to a scene, they will: not be cancelled by the requesting agency. It will be the responsibility of the owner/operator of a vehicle being towed to make new arrangements with the "on-call" responding Wrecker Service if they choose to have the vehicle removed by other means. 5. It will be the responsibility of the wrecker driver to ensure that all safety equipment, such as chains or cables and tow-away lighting, are used in accordance with state and federal laws, guidelines and regulations, as well as the manufacturer'si requirements, and as designed for the safe and legal operation of recovery vehicles. Sec. 98-91. - Suspension procedures. 1. Chief of Police, at his/her discretion, may suspend permanently or for a limited period of time a Wrecker Service from the City Wrecker Rotation List. Reasons that a Wrecker Service may be removed from the City Wrecker Rotation List include, but are not limited to the following: a) Failure to comply with or violation of any of the provisions of this policy. b) Substantiated complaints from customers regarding fraudulent or unethical business practices to include charging excessive fees outside of the established fee schedule set forth in Sec. 98-95. c) Poor and/or inefficient service which adversely affects the public safety or the duties of the investigating officer. d) Unlawful, unsafe and/o or criminal conduct. e) Posting pictures or information from accident scenes on social media without prior consent from the law enforcementagency working the accident. f) Failure to respond to calls, appropriately or in a timely manner. 1) Upon being contacted, a Wrecker Service may inform the UCSO 911 Dispatch Center thatitis unable to respond due to a lack of available services. However, failure to respond in this manner to three calls in one calendar month or repeated failures over several months will be considered as failure to respond appropriately and may result in suspension from the City Wrecker Rotation List. This would not apply if the service advised the UCSO 911 Dispatch Center before being called of their inability to answer calls due to unforeseen circumstances. 2) Upon informing the UCSO 911 Dispatch Center that a wrecker business will accept the call for service, a wrecker shall arrive in a timely manner (no more than 30 minutes). If a Wrecker Service indicates that it will accept the call but then fails to arrive, the service may be suspended from the City Wrecker Rotation List after a single incident. ) Upon arrest or indictment of any owner or operator for a felony charge. h) For charging customers excessive or unreasonable rates/fees. For purposes of this policy, any rate/fee charges in excess of the established and agreed upon fee schedule. The Fee schedule is established using the Georgia Department of Public Safety Non-Consensual tariff schedule as a guide for reasonable rates and fees set forth in Sec. 98-95. i) Al history of criminal misconduct including a previous felony conviction or a series of misdemeanors indicating a pattern of immoral or indecent conduct. 2. Upon Chief of Police determining that a reason may exist for suspension from the City Wrecker Rotation List, the Chief of Police shall prepare a written notice of suspension. The Wrecker Service can be immediately removed from the City's Wrecker Rotation List. Said notification shall be copied to the UCSO 911 Dispatch Center/Director. 3. The notice of suspension shall be served on the Wrecker Service via personal service or certified mail, with a return receipt requested. Such certified notice shall be deemed received three days after mailing. Additionally, notice can be made using a valid email address with a read receipt attached. 4. The: notice shall notify the Wrecker Service of the following: a) The Wrecker Service has been suspended from the City's Wrecker Rotation Lists; b) The reason for the suspension; c) That the Wrecker Service may, within 15 days of receipt of the suspension notitication, request a review of the suspension and reinstatement, and d) Such request must be made in writing and received by the City Manager's designee within the 15-day period specified. Failure to provide a written request for review within the 15-day period shall be deemed a waiver of a request for review. 5. Upon receipt of a timely, written reinstatement request, the City Manger's designee shall issue a decision to uphold or modify the suspension or reinstate a business or business owner or operator to become eligible for inclusion on the City Wrecker Rotation List. Eligibility to apply for inclusion on the City Wrecker Rotation List does not guarantee placement on the City Wrecker Rotation List. The decision of the City Manager's designee shall be final and the Wrecker Service: is not entitled to any further review. The suspended Wrecker Service will not be entitled to any further request for reinstatement or review until at least twelve (12) months following the last, final decision or order. Sec. 98-92. - Indemnification. The City shall in no way be liable or responsible for accidents or damages that may occur due to the operation or maintenance by authorized Wrecker Services, their agents or employees. Authorized Wrecker Services shall indemnify the City, its employees and agents, and hold them harmless against any and all liability, loss, cost, claims, damage or any expense connected therewith including, but not limited to, failure to act or default, misconduct of the authorized Wrecker Service in their operation or maintenance of facilities, vehicles or equipment. Sec. 98-93. - Restrictions. No Wrecker Company owner, employee or associate will be permitted to post pictures or information about accidents, wreck scenes or related calls, on any social media platform or websites. The fact that a Wrecker Company is included on the City Wrecker Rotation List and allowed to provide services for the City shall not be used to advertise or promote their business as Law Enforcement approved. Sec. 98-94. - Non-Consensual Towing. Wrecker and towing companies who desire to be on the City Wrecker Rotation List, who also engage in Non-Consensual Towing functions specified in O.C.G.A. $44-1- 13, which is regulated by the Department of] Public Safety, must possess a Non- Consensual Towing (NCT) Permit issued by the Department, and conform to all laws, rules, and regulations governing such transportation. Failure to do SO will result in removal from the City Wrecker Rotation List. Note: This will be determined by the GSP vetting process during the establishment of the "Wrecker List". Sec. 98-95. - Fee Schedule for City of Thomaston initiated tows adopted by City Council. Maximum Rate Tariff/Fee Schedule A. Towing Rates and Charges: 1. Removal fee: for vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less (to include all 34 ton or less trucks, and utility vehicles). Not to exceed $200. 2. Removal fee for vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds to 20,000 pounds. Not to exceed $300. 3. Removal fee for vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 20,001 pounds or greater-per unit charge. Not to exceed $450. 4. Removal fee for vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 20,001 pounds or greater-combination unit (6 or more wheel vehicle). Not to exceed $850. B. Storage Rates and Charges: 1. No storage fee will be charged for the first 24-hour period beginning at the time the vehicle is removed from the roadway or scene. 2. No storage fee will be charged for any day or days the storage facility is closed and the vehicle's owner is unable to claim the vehicle. 3. Daily Storage Fee for Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less (to include all 34 ton or less trucks, and utility vehicles). Not to exceed $25 a day. 4. Daily Storage Fee for Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds to 20,000 pounds (6 or more wheel vehicle). Not to exceed $45 a day. 5. Daily Storage Fee for Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 20,001 pounds or greater-combination unit. Not to exceed $75a day. C. Other Rates and Charges: 1. No Key fee. Not to exceed $25. 2. Administrative fees 1 are limited to certified mail costs and court costs associated with legal fees and or outstanding bill collections. All administrative fees shall be supported by postage receipts or court filing documentation uponrequest City. 3. Additional tow fees may be assessed if more than one tow vehicle is required for the recovery. Such fees shall not exceed more than double the regular associated tow fee (stated above) for the weight of the vehicle. 4. Wrecker Services are required by State Law to clean up at an accident scene. All of the following will be part of the regular tow fee under section A above: a) hook up fees; b) clean up fees; c) oil dry fees; d) rigging/winching fees; e) connect fees etc. 5. Special circumstances (i.e. rolled vehicle, vehicle way off the roadway, unique and unusual recovery situations, etc.) - Fees will be assessed at the Wrecker Service discretion. Must be fair and reasonable. Note: City may evaluate "Special Circumstances" on a case by case basis as needed. SECTION TWO If any portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid, the remaining portions shall continue in full force and effect. Any ordinance in conflict with the provisions set forth herein are hereby repealed. SECTION THREE This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its official adoption by the Mayor and Council of the City of lhomaston. SO ORDAINED this the day of December, 2024, by the City of' Thomaston, Georgia and attested to by: JDS STALLINGS, Mayor Attested to by: OASIS NICHOLS, City Clerk (SEAL) +2. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THOMASTON, GEORGIA, TO AMEND CHAPTER 6 - ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, AND MORE SPECIFICALLY ARTICLE III SPECIFICLICENSE REGULATIONS, SECTION 6-57 - DISTILLED SPIRITS BY THE PACKAGE, SUBPARAGRAPH (6) PREMISES GENERALLY TO ALLOW' TASTING EVENTS; TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DATE; TO REPEAL ALL ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICTI HEREWITH; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, Council finds that changes and revisions to the alcohol ordinance as currently drafted are: necessary; WHEREAS, Council desires to make changes to Sec. 6-57(6)(e)(2) to allow tasting events at retail package liquor stores; NOW, THEREFORE, BE: IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of' Thomaston, Georgia, and it: is hereby ordained by virtue oft the authority thereof, as follows: SECTION ONE The current Section 6-57. Class O - Distilled spirits by the package, subparagraph (6)(e)(2) shall be amended to read as follows: (2) Opening or consuming any alcoholic beverages except during tasting events as authorized by O.C.G.A. $3-15-2. All remaining portions of Section 6-57 not herein specifically amended shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION TWO If any portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid, the remaining portions shall continue in full force and effect. Any ordinance in conflict with the provisions set forth herein are hereby repealed. SECTION THREE AII ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the terms and provisions of Section 6-57(6)(e)(2) as set. forth herein above are hereby repealed. SECTION FOUR This ordinance shall be effective upon its adoption. The foregoing ordinance was adopted by the City Council of the City of Thomaston, Georgia, and transmitted by me to the Mayor, this day of 2024. CITY CLERK, CITY OF THOMASTON, GA Approved by me and returned to said City Clerk as Approved" 1 this day of 2024. MAYOR, CITY OF THOMASTON, GA RESUME FORM 13. SEOR THOMASIOT 6 md ana - DATE: 12/26/2024 Historic Presewvation Commission MUNICIPALITY NAME: CITY OF THOMASTON NAME OF COMMISSION: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APPLICANT'S NAME: CHELSEA HILL FALLIN PHSYCIAL ADDRESS: SAME AS MAILING MAIL CITY MOB EMAI DO YOUI LIVE WITHIN THEI MUNICIPAL LIMITS OF THOMASTON? YES NO WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION? PROJECT ENGINEER IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN DISCIPLINES OF ARCHITECTURE, HISTORY, PLANNING, ARCHAEOLOGY OR RELATED DISCIPLINES? YES NO IFI NO, WHAT SKILLS/INSIGHT DO YOU BRING TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION? JOB HISTORY WORKING FOR BOTH CITY AND UPSON CO AS EMPLOYEE FOR THEIR ENGINEERING FIRMS WHY WOULD YOU LIKE TO. JOIN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION? IAM PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY AND WISH TO CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO ITS DEVELOPMENT TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: LIFETIME CITY RESIDENT WITH LONGSTANDING FAMILY HISTORY IN THE COMMUNITY: EXCITED ABOUT RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA, ANB AM EAGER TO PROTECT OUR SMALL "MILL TOWN" FEEL COMMISSION COMMENT: RESUME FORM TDNPSIOI AN AG B DATE: 12/5/24 Historic Presetvalion Commission MUNICIPALITYI NAME: City of Thomaston NAME OF COMMISSION: Historic Preservation Commission APPLICANT'S NAME: Rov Somei C. mSGIu PHSYCIAL ADDRESS: 366 South Meir ftreet MAILING ADDRESS GITY, ST ZIP: MOBILE TELEPHOI EMAIL ADDRESS:. DO YOUI LIVE WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL LIMITS OF THOMASTON? YES NO WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION? IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN DISCIPLINES OF ARCHITECTURE, HISTORY, PLANNING, ARCHAEOLOGY OR RELATED DISCIPLINES? YES NO IFNO, WHAT SKILLS/INSIGHT DO YOU BRING TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION? WHY WOULD YOU LIKE TOJOIN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION? I CR Costacked by Mw wiltmber Lokilks_Reeves tonply for NKR Airbori Pamstion Connx TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: Bock Pesya) COMMISSION COMMENT: J ayhs, borp Knd raised iw Upio Guky; Gpnuskes. frum R.eLee Hish: (chool Seyves iw 1-he 4. Mev 4 - mernel *0. Lade mSGu For 49 years BSDisrec from merger Cnivenashy Parterins ntaptrs. for 60 Vear! I ferve d. Ke Chy d Thomptr cwit-h hg Arommelen Relplien Gonmilles, and-de TKOrer. Jyontis. AyHhurilys Roard :: RESUME FORM THOMSIOT A ma iai DATE: 12/10/2024 Historic Presewation Conmission MUNICIPALITY NAME: City of Thomaston NAME OF COMMISSION: Historic Preservation Commission APPLICANTSNAME: Grady A. Kilgore PHSYCIAL ADDRESS: 1150 W Gordon St. MAILING ADDF CITY, ST ZIP: MOBILE TELEI EMAIL ADDRE: DO YOU LIVE WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL LIMITS OF THOMASTON? YES NO WHATI IS YOUR CURRENT OCCUPATION? Clerk's Office- Deputy Clerk IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN DISCIPLINES OF ARCHITECTURE, HISTORY, PLANNING, ARCHAEOLOGY OR RELATED DISCIPLINES? YES NO IFI NO, WHATSKILIS/INSIGHT DO YOU BRING TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION? WHY WOULD YOU LIKETO JOIN THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION? As a Thomaston native, I am passionate about our local history and architecture, n TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: I'm 21 years old, but I'm not like most people my age. Many have called me an COMMISSION COMMENT: 1.) Why would you like to join the Historic Preservation Commission? As a Thomaston native, I am passionate about our local history and architecture. For thepast few years, Ihave, worked as a freelance photographer, documenting our rich heritage capturing everything from architecture and art to community events, local residents, and historical moments. I maintain a "blog-like" Facebook page where I share these photos and stories with the community. Ihave also worked at the Clerk's Office for nearly four yeàrs. During this time, I've collaborated with many community members researching local history through real estate, criminal, and civil filings. I have learned invaluable information from professionals such as attorneys, title searchers, surveyors, and historians. Many of these people have become friends, and some are like liying history books. I consider myself a steward oft these stories and am dedicated to preserving them for future generations. Throughout my life, I've seen many small towns lose their identity by erasing their local history and charm. I will work to ensure Thomaston's growth does not come at the expense ofi its great history. After all, how can we build up our community if we tear down its foundations? 2.) Tell us about yourself I'm 21 years old, but I'm not like most people my age. Many have called me an "oldsoul," and ifthat's what drives my passion for history and architecture, then SO be it. As far back as I can remember, I've always been someone who takes everything in. I see the world with a deep.sense ofappreciation for its details. To me, life is like a book, each moment a page. in a long, unfolding story. How can I understand the story ifI don't pay attention to the details? How.can I truly appreciate it ifI don'tread every page? This perspective shapes the way Iview the world. I find beauty ànd value in things that others might overlook. As a freelance photographer, I apply this same outlook to, my work.I like to focus on what others may see as insignificant whether it's a crumbling building, a pile ofunworked earth or even discarded objects and reframe them in a way that highlights their worth. I find value in all things, big and small, because I believe every detail contributes to the greater story. F4. Documentation will be provided at the meeting.