The Waycross City Commission honored July’s City Employee of the Month during its bimonthly meeting Tuesday, July 15 in City Hall.
Mayor Michael-Angelo James conducted the brief meeting with all four commissioners present. There were no ordinances or resolutions on the agenda to act on, but there was an executive session after Nathan Guy, Garage Manager in Public Works , was recognized as July’s top employee.
Director Matt Elwell introduced Guy, who’s worked with the city since January 29 of last year. Elwell said in his role, Guy has contact with all departments in city government, sometimes on a daily basis, and is perfectly suited for his post.
“He has a deep commitment, insight and expertise to elevate the work of those around him,” Elwell said. “There’s a genuine kindness and positivity to every interaction (he has).”
Reading from one of the letters nominating Guy for the award, Elwell said, “He’s an outstanding individual who truly embodies qualities of hard work and consistently goes above and beyond in all his work.”
Elwell said among the foundations of the operation of Guy’s unit are efficiency and economy.
“A lot comes through his shop on a day-to-day basis and he diligently repairs something in the most efficient and economical way,” he said. “We’re lucky to have him and hopefully we will have him for many years. He’s a benefit to every agency in the city.”
Prior to the meeting, the commission held four public hearings related to zoning issues. Commissioners approved the changes sought for three and failed to act on the change in the fourth.
The first approval was to rezone Gilmore Street between Drane and Pendergast streets from R50HD Historic to C-2 Highway Commercial.
The second okay changed Colley Street between Martin Luther King Drive and Quarterman Street from RS-Single Family to R-45 Residential.
The final approval changed Berth Street between Black and Sylvan streets from R-50 Residential to R-50 MH Residential Moble Home.
The fourth hearing sought to change the wording in sections of the city’s zoning ordinance to allow for more standard side yard setback dis-tances for residential structures depending on their zoning designation. Commissioner Alvin Nelson made a motion to accept the changes, but it received no second so there wasn’t a vote.
During his report, City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford said the upgrades to the parks for Bailey Street, Elizabeth and Garlington are on schedule for completion later next month.
The facilities were targeted for improvements with the help of a $2.5 million state grant which also was supplemented with money from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act fund.
Photo by RICK NOLTE
