The Waycross City Commission approved last week the first reading of two ordinances and finalized plans for its semi-annual operational retreat next month.
The ordinances were the only business actions commissioners handled at a short bi-monthly meeting Tuesday, September 15 in City Hall. One ordinance was for abandonment and closure of an unopened alley while the other dealt with amending a portion of the city code covering alcoholic beverage licensing.
City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford presented the itinerary for the retreat during the commission’s planning and information session the previous day.
The retreat will be held all day Friday, October 9 in City Hall and finish up with a half day of discussions Saturday, October 10.
Mayor Michael-Angelo James conducted both the business meeting and work session with all commissioners in attendance at each.
The unopened alley about 10-foot wide is in Block 3A of the Denver Brannen Hillside Subdivision running from Florence Street toward Vine Street. The measure approved closure of Walnut Street while retaining any necessary easements with quit claim deeds issued to abutting property owners.
Closures enable to city to return the property to a taxable state when deeded.
The other ordinance amends Chapter 6 of the city code to allow to processing alcohol license renewals administratively by the City Commission.
The City Clerk no longer would have to read renewals in the commission meeting as required for initial applications because renewals already have gone through the vetting process by the Waycross Police and Fire Departments at the time of application.
District 5 Commissioner Alvin Nelson abstained on the call for the vote since he has a liquor license from the city. The required second reading of both ordinances will be held at the commission’s next meeting.
Before Tuesday’s meeting concluded, Mayor James offered a reminder of the city’s observance of fall and Halloween season with the Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce “Swamptown Scarecrow Contest.” Cost is $15 for chamber members and $25 for nonmembers to enter a creative scarecrow display at their business.
Nelson also reminded residents of his district as well as that of District 2 Commissioner William Simmons of their joint Town Hall session at 5:30 p.m. today (Wednesday, September 23) at the Stephens Venue, 773 Ossie Davis Parkway.
The forum is targeted to residents of District 2 and 5, but open to any citizen. The commissioners will take questions from those in attendance.
Rayford said during the work session, the retreat will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. October 9 and 8 a.m to 1 p.m. October 10. In addition to progress reports from department directors, a key session for the retreat will be early Friday involving officials with interests in citycounty development.
The city also announced it will stage another Waycross 101: Citizens Government Academy, Monday-Thursday, October 5-8 that will include a closing session as part of the retreat. Registration now is open for the free, four-day behind-thescenes look at city government online by visiting https://na2.hubs.ly/H07 Vx_90 Hours for the forum are 5 to 7 p.m. each day in City Hall. The session is open to adult citizens or city business owners. There’s a limit of 40 participants.
Attendees will learn from officials how budgets, public safety, planning, public works, and parks combine to serve the community. Email questionsto Rayford at [email protected]
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