Repairs and renovations are on the way for a city-owned building adjacent to City Hall after action last week by the Waycross City Commission.
Commissioners approved seeking bids to repair the roof of the structure at 407 Pendleton Street as the first step toward it becoming a “Crossroads Center.” After repairs and renovations, the building will be home for the Waycross Convention & Visitors Bureau, and have additional space for other tenants.
Earlier this year, the city released an AI-generated concept of an upgraded structure. The building is across the City Hall parking lot for city vehicles and administrators.
The resolution for the roof bids was one of two the commission approved at its bi-monthly meeting Tuesday, October 20 in City Hall. The other measure awarded a contract for a new transportation infrastructure assessment and management software platform.
In other business, commissioners approved Dr. Jené Walker as a member of the Waycross-Ware County Development Authority for the city, and two privilege license renewals.
All commissioners were present for the 20-minute session conducted by Mayor Michael-Angelo James.
The 112-year-old property at 407 Pendleton has been vacant since September when the Waycross Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division left, in part, because of the building’s declining condition. The unit now is in leased offices at 1048 Alice Street while construction of an approved new facility is completed next year.
In seeking the roof repair as the first step toward its new purpose, Business Integration & Information Systems Director Patrick Simmons said cost of repair continues to rise as time passes and damage to the interior is the result. He estimated bids may be up to $180,000 now.
In addition to a dedicated visitor’s and business center, the facility also would be home to the city’s recently approved return to the state’s Main Street program as well as an office for the Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce, Children’s Initiative, and small business incubator space.
Funding for the roof would come from the 2023 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. Public Works staff would handle demolition and some renovation, initially using WCVB money, Simmons said.
The contract awarded in the second resolution was for $14,880 with Carahsoft Technology Corp. of Reston, Va., to be used primarily for public works. The current vendor has ceased operations, and the city no longer has access to the data from its compilations.
The platform assesses of paving and repair needs for public streets and related infrastructure. The contract is for one year to be paid from 2023 SPLOST.
The city will hold ownership of all the data collected, and it’s estimated lifespan should be good for five years going forward. It will allow the city to better plan its capital improvement in paving and road management, Purchasing Director Mamie Jackson said in seeking approval for the purchase.
In his report, City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford said the preferred candidate for the vacant Finance Director’s position had withdrawn from consideration. Former director Greg Smith resigned in August.
Staying with finance, Rayford estimated the work toward its annual audit is about 65 percent complete.
In his report, Mayor James reminded that the city’s “Trunk-or-Treat” will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, October 30 on the steps of City Hall.
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