City Council - Regular Meeting

[clears throat] [music] Christmas.

[snorts] [snorts] [snorts] [snorts]

What time is it? [snorts] Yes. [snorts] Know when 6:00 don't hit that time. [snorts]

It ain't quite It This is the time is 6:00. Um, I'd like to call this meeting to order. As per the city charter of Greensboro, each first meeting at the general election, um the city mayor and council is required to have an organizational meeting of the mayor and council. We first off um start off with an invocation and prayer with from Mr. Pastor Jimmy Long of Grace Fellowship. My God, you come tonight. With that in mind, Lord, we thank you. who've been elected to serve to serve this city. We're grateful for their willingness to lead, show responsibility, and seek the good of our community. Today, Lord, we ask you to grant our mayor and all the elected officials wisdom beyond themselves, wisdom that pure and peaceful, gentle, gentle, open reason, full of mercy and good proof. Give them discernment and decision making. integrity and leadership, courage to do what is right, and humility to serve rather than be served. We pray that they would go with

justice and compassion. So we care for the vulnerable, fairness for all people and place to their responsibilities that are entrusted to them. Help them to pursue what leads to peace and [clears throat] the flourishing of this city and all. Lord, as we begin this important meeting tonight. Unity among leaders with our community that rise above division such a place where neighbors care one another, differences are held with respect and where there's hope. We ask your blessings from the families of your leaders as well. Grant them strength and patience and encouragement as they share in sacrifices that public service requires. Finally, we confess our deep hope not in government or human leadership but in you.

Yes. We thank you Jesus Christ the true king of peace who calls us to love our neighbors, seek justice and walk with you. We entrust this city, its leaders, and its future in your gracious hand. Asking all these things in the name of our savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Amen. [snorts] Thank you. Next, we'll have our presentation of colors by the Green County High School color guard.

Good evening. Please rise for the presentation of colors, the pledge of allegiance, and a single the singing of the national anthem.

[snorts]

Forward color left face. President colors. I pledge allegiance to the flag of United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Oh, say can you see by the dawn early light, what so proudly [screaming] we held at [screaming] the twilight last gleaming who brought stripes and bright stars [screaming] through the parro [singing] fight. For the ramparts we watch were so galling [singing] and the rockets [screaming] recuring [screaming] in air

gave proof through the night that our flag was still [singing] there. Oh, say does their [screaming] star spangled [singing] B [screaming] away or the land [screaming] of the free [screaming] and the HOME of

[screaming]

Brave [applause] color right face forward heart. Yeah. Ready. Up left face forward heart. [laughter] Next we will have rendition of our state song by Mr. Jarvis Wingfield.

[clears throat] [music] [music] Georgia

[music]

the whole day through [music] just to know me soon [music] keeps drawing. Oh my [music] [music] Georgia, Georgia. A song of you. [music] Come as sweet and clear as the moon [music] through the past. [music] Other arms reached out to me. Other eyes smile tenderly. Still in peaceful dreams. I see the roadies back to you. Oh, [screaming] Georgia. [singing] Oh, Georgia. No peace, no peace, no peace. I find just a sweet song keeps joy

reach out to me. I smile. Still in peaceful dreams. I see the road leads back to [singing] you. Oh, Georgia, [singing] Greensboro, Georgia. the whole day through. [singing] Just an old [music] sweet soul keeps Georgia on my mind. [music] For the homes reach out to me. [music] For the eyes [singing] smile tenderly still in peace. Oh dreams I see. [music] Oh lead [music] to you. Oh, Georgia. [music] Georgia. No peace. No peace. High five. Yes. Just know sweet song [music] keeps Georgia [singing] on my mind.

[applause]

Next, we will have the oath of office administered to councilman elect. Would each council member step forward and their family? The oath to off today will be administered by Chief Judge Wuss All Green County Probate Court.

Show them what they need to do to me. I'll get them up.

Well, I can tell you this is going to be uh tough to follow between the anthem and George on my mind and the presentation of the colors. That was that was excellent. So, job well done. I don't think I've been part of a city council ceremony or meeting that's been as grand as this one. So, again, for y'all that put this together, job well done. Uh, as Mr. Haye said, my name is Russell Wall. I'm the Green County Probate Judge and Chief Magistrate Judge. And, um, if you were expecting Judge Lever Ogle Tree, I get that a lot. I'm a year into my term and I still get that. So, uh, you're excused. But uh at this time we will administer the oath of office. So if our council members will please raise your right hand, place your left hand on the Bible if you have one. If not, just keep your right hand raised. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will faithfully perform the duties of council member of the city of Greensboro, Georgia, and that you'll support and defend the charter thereof as well as the Constitution and the laws of the state of Georgia and of the United States of America? If so, say I do.

I do. All right, you can lower your hands. Congratulations. Before y'all leave, I want you to come see me at the podium. I need to get you John Hancock on this oath of office so I can file it tomorrow. [applause]

Each council member as you get through signing um take your seat at the dice please. I'm staging. All right. Thank you. Congrats. Hey, J. How you doing? I'm good, man. That's right there. [snorts]

[snorts] You sit right there, Mr. Miller. Right here. Yes, sir. There's a print. Yes, sir.

All right. They got to take a picture. It looks like Thank you. Thank [clears throat] you. Congratulations. All right. There you go, sir. Right there. There you go, sir. It's right there. [snorts]

[snorts] [snorts]

Good. Congratulations. I'll take that with me. I'll file that for you.

[laughter] Next, we'll have uh some words of encouragement and enlightenment from our state representative, Mr. Trey Rhodess.

Well, I'm going to take this out cuz I'm going to be talking with y'all if y'all don't mind. I don't mean to turn my back on y'all, but I'm like Judge said a while ago, I think we can just They sworn in, we can quit. we can have a concert cuz that was some of the best music and sing that I've heard in quite some time. And I just want to say thank y'all. I'm I'm really really jealous of people that can sing because I'm terrible. So I always love hearing hearing great music and great musicians. Um you first off I just want to say it's great to be home. Um Lord, 21 years ago I started serving with Councilman Miller and Councilman Cosby. And um I just want to say y'all, Greensboro is where I learned to cut got cut my teeth, where I got got going. I've always been around politics with with my family and all, but I never served. And uh and this is where I where I cut my teeth, and I say learn, but I learn every day. Um you know, one thing I I will say is when you think you have this figured out, that's when it's time for you to get out. And uh we learn something every day. Um and you know, just remember for you new guys and gwell guys that all the old-timers will tell you you're the you're the most popular today than you will ever be. So, you know, without fail, I don't care what you do anywhere you go, you're always going to make somebody mad on something. But the main thing I want to say is just be yourself. remember who, what, and why. The people have spoken and they put you put you there. They believe in you. They trust you and and they think that y'all are the team that can lead the city for the next four years. And I'm a firm believer of that. Um, you know, I don't get nervous much. When I walked out, when I walked in here, I I saw all these fine suits and stuff. I came

straight from the office. So, y'all y'all y'all got a state representative that works and and and and runs the things. But I just want to say I then I reached in my pocket and I left my notes. So I'm just kind of shooting from the hip. But the main thing I want to say is communication. You guys are are my eyes and ears here at home. And I need y'all to to reach out to me, to be open with me, and to tell me what's going on and what I need to know. I know I talk with the with the mayor a good bit when something comes up, but it's also good to hear from you guys. So, you know, we're not all going to agree on everything and uh we just need to communicate. You know, one thing I will say is try to leave every meeting with a handshake. Y'all, we are in a world today where social media runs wild, newspaper media runs wild. Have those tough conversations. I will just say have those tough conversations down the hall in the office. And then when y'all come out, try to somewhat leave somewhat unified and showing a front that y'all are a team and you are the city of Greensboro because we're not going to agree on everything. Um, you know, the mayor and I tell you, he and I agree on a lot, but he and I have had some very frank conversations, but we shook hands when we left and and and that's the main thing because um I mean, good lord, one of my worst constituents is my daddy. So, I have to, you know, it's pretty pretty pretty bad when you have to leave your leave your daddy's front porch mad. But, um, we don't do just shake hands and move on. But, I just want to tell y'all that I'm proud of y'all. That I believe in y'all. And y'all, we've got a lot going on. As y'all know, you're not blind. We've got a lot going on here at home. And I just say, be smart about what we do. You know, in my opinion, I probably shouldn't say this, but we've got enough people in Greek. [laughter] We got we've got growth coming, but let's be smart about our growth and let's make the right moves. I know that

the the the the mayor's reached out. I know y'all got some things that y'all are working on and going to be working on, and we're going to be communicating a lot over the next few weeks on some things that y'all want to do and some projects that are coming up. One last thing I'm going to leave on is let's don't ever let's don't ever let a a local issue that we're working on or we think that might can help the community turn into I just want to say this a lot of time I know it was a it was a bad political year. It was a bad political year all across the board and a lot of things got twisted and turned around and campaigned on and campaigned off and that kind of got everything in kind of a in a twist. So, I just want to say to y'all when y'all want to know something or y'all don't understand something, please call me and let's talk it out. Okay? Communication, communication, communication. And that's the main thing um that I I I want to say on because I'll give everyone if you don't have it, every one of y'all have my cell phone number, I think, but if you don't, I'll give it to you. So 706 3182744. Y'all didn't hear that. No, I know a bunch of them out here have it too. And but and that goes for y'all too, y'all. Anything I don't have all the answers. And that's one thing I'll say. If you don't know, ask questions. That's I mean I I have to ask questions every day. Mr. Hayes will tell you he's called me on a few things and I said, "Mr. Hazel want to get back to you." So I don't want to tell him the wrong thing. But be yourself. Stay strong and ask questions. I love y'all and I'm proud of y'all. [applause]

We'll have next prayer for the mayor, Pastor Wayne Lumpin. Let us pray. Most gracious and eternal father, first and foremost, we say thank you for this great day. Thank you for your amazing grace and mercies that have met each and every one of us and given us this great opportunity again to be able to let our golden moments roll on to see this great event. We stand now praying, Father, for this this man of God, this mayor, this elected official, God. And we're reminded of the time in when Solomon had been moved into the position of king, anointed to be king. And God, you came to him and asked the question of him, what would it be that you would have him to to receive from you? and his prayer was that he would just have wisdom to govern your people. And so God, I pray now that this man, just as Solomon asks for wisdom to govern the people in which he had been placed over, this man of God will continuously seek you and lean not to his own understanding, but in all his ways acknowledge you, knowing that you shall direct his every path. So God, right now in the name of Jesus, a covering over him to keep him that when times of difficulty arise that he would God not become worried or anxious for anything, but in everything with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. He'll let his requests be made known unto you, God, knowing that the peace of God that surpasses all

understanding will keep his heart in his mind. So God, we thank you now. We thank you in advance for how this year and the terms in which he's under and those that are serving with him, Father, will be mindful that every decision that they make, let them seek you first. For your word declares it clearly that we are to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these other things shall be added unto us. this nation, this country founded upon this great word that all men are created equal. And so God, right now, let them keep in mind in God that we do trust, leaning and depending on you for everything that we do, every decision, every choice made. And so God, we thank you now that you're covering Keep him. And when it's all said and done, he'll look back over his time of serving as mayor and know that he did the very best that he could do in serving the people and more importantly in serving you. We give you praise, glory, and honor. In Jesus name we do pray. We say thank God. Amen.

Amen. Amen.

Mayor Williams, are you ready to take the oath? Yes, sir. I'm moving now minister to the mayor my chief judge Russell Raw. All right, Mr. Mayor, if you would raise your right hand for me. Left hand on the Bible. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will faithfully perform the duties of mayor of the city of Greensboro, Georgia, and that you will support and defend the charter thereof as well as the Constitution and the laws of the state of Georgia and of the United States of America? So, help you God. If so, say I do.

I do. Congratulations. Get your uh John Hancock right here. I'll get that filed in. Get out. Your [clears throat] picture.

[applause]

Thank you, city of Greensboro. It is a new year and a new term. Let's give these councilmen and all the elected officials a hand. [applause] I have prepared a speech. But before I go into my speech, let me just thank a couple of people that I did not include in my speech. First of all, I want to thank the Green County High School JOTC. Can we give them a hand? [applause]

Want to thank our city manager for leading this meeting all. Can we give him a hand? [applause] These great pastors who have prayed over this city and myself. Can we give them a hand? [applause] Amen. And I see in the audience my the pastor of my home church, Pastor Sheets. Can you wave your hand? Can we give him a hand [applause] to our state representative? I have in my speech thanking elected officials, but I want to personally call on your name, Trey Rose. Uh Trey and I have had some battles um last year, not this year, but at the end of the day, like he has said, we have become friends, and I'm glad that he was able to come out and give some encouraging words to to our council and to the mayor on tonight. Let's give our state rep a hand.

[applause]

Pastor Pete, will you wave your hand? Thank you. Can we give Pastor Pete your hand? Any more clergy in the building? Any more clergy in the building? Pastor Peak and First Lady. First lady she as well. Thank you for being here tonight. Good evening and thank you all for being here today. Before anything else, I must must acknowledge God. Without him, none of this would have been possible. It is by his grace, guidance, and favor that I stand before you today, humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this great city. I would also like to acknowledge my wife, my mother, and my family. Family, could you please stand? [applause]

[applause]

Public service requires sacrifice and not only from the individual but from those who stand beside them. Their encouragement, patience and belief in me help sustain me through long days, difficult decisions and the responsibility of leadership and for that I am deeply thankful. I want to thank the con the constituents who have stood with me throughout my first term and during this campaign as well as the elected officials who continue to serve this city. As we move forward, I look forward to continuing to work alongside the city council, our dedicated city staff, and community leaders as we build on the progress we have made together. This moment is not about one individual or one term. It is about the continued progress of our city. It represents a shared responsibility to lead with integrity to govern with transparency and to make decisions that move Greensboro forward for generations to come. Guided by those principles, when when I took office for my for my first term, our city faced significant changes. Greensboro had been out of compliance for years. moral and among morale and among employees was low and much needed infrastructure improvements had been delayed. Together, we made the decisions, Chief Mford, that status quo was no longer acceptable. During my first term, we led Greensboro back into full compliance, restoring integrity, transparency, and trust in city government. We invested in our great assets, our people, our greatest assets, which are our people, by raising employee salaries and ensuring our workforce is valued, supported, and equipped to serve the community effectively. We address long overdue

infrastructure need by resurf surfacing streets across the city and launching a citywide sidewalk repair initiative to improve safety and accessibility for all residents. We strengthen public safety by transforming our volunteer fire department into a volunteer paid department, ensuring faster response times and greater protection for our citizens. After much consideration, we also address long outdated utility and service fees. It is never an easy decision to raise rates, but we must take in account where we are today and where we want to be as a city, ensuring we can support future growth and continue delivering reliable services. These accomplishments are only a few examples of what can be achieved when leadership is focused and the community is united. Today, Greensboro stands in a period of growth and opportunity. Under our leadership, the city has opened its doors to light commercial development and new home construction, laying the groundwork for sustainable economic development. Growth when done responsibly, state rep, creates jobs, strengths, strengthens neighborhoods, and builds a future our children can be proud of. As I begin this second term, my focus remains clear. to continue the work we started. We will build upon our progress, invest wisely, and remain committed to making Greensboro a city where people can truly live, work, and play. Greensboro is more than just the county seat, city manager. It is, as I proudly say, the crown jewel of Green County. It is a small city with a big heart, rich in history, strong in community, and full of promise. I am honored to

continue serving as your mayor together with unity, determination, and faith in one another. The best days of Greensboro are still ahead. Thank you. God bless you, and may God continue to bless the city of Greensboro. [applause] At this time, we'll move down to new business. In new business, we'll propose the 2026 uh city council meeting schedule. Council, you have the schedule. You have the schedule in front of you. Council Miller, in our last meeting, uh you made a recommendation that the city uh council meetings be held to one meeting per month. And I told you that I would take that in to consideration. If you take a look at our calendar for the 2026 year, uh I have taken that

recommendation in consideration and I have moved our city city meetings to one meeting per month. allowing for additional meetings to be scheduled by myself. So, at this time, I entertain a motion and a second to approve our city council meeting schedule. Motion to approve, Mr. Man. Second. It's been second. Any further discussion? No further discussion. All those in favor, let it be known by raising your right hand. Unanimous decision. Thank you so much. [snorts]

Council in front of you also have the 2026 proposed holiday schedule. At this time, I entertain a motion to well, I give you a moment to look over those dates and then I entertain a motion and a second to approve the holiday schedule.

Mr. May order, I'd like to make a motion that we approve our 2026 Uh, city council meeting schedule, holiday schedule, holiday schedule. Second. It's been second. Any further discussion? No further discussion. All those in favor, let it be known by raising your right hand. Unanimous decision. Thank you so very much. At this time, I entertain a motion to appoint Mr. Neil Butler as our city clerk. Motion second.

It's been motioned and second. All those in fa any further discussion? No further discussion. All those in favor, let it be known by raising your right hand. Unanimous decision. This point I I'll appoint our city manager, Mr. Hayes, to continue being our city manager. Entertain a motion and a second. Motion to approve. Second.

It's been second. Any further discussion? No further discussion. And all those in favor, let it be known by raising your right hand. Thank you so very much. Unanimous decision. At this moment, as you all know, uh traditionally what we've been doing for our mayor prom is that individual with the highest number of votes between council is named to be our mayor prom. At this moment, I would like to appoint and I'm asking the council to bag my appointment. I'd like to appoint uh Councilman John Tavius Smith as our mayor protein. I entertain a motion and a second for approval. Motion to approve,

sir. There's been second. Any further discussion? No further discussion. All those in favor, let it be known by raising your right hand. Decision. Congratulations, Councilman Smith. Thank you. At this time, I ask that Miss Maxine Smith will come forward.

[clears throat]

Miss Maxine, you've been appointed by the housing authority board to be the commissioner for the residents. At this time, if you'll raise your right hand and repeat after me. Matter of fact, is there five Repeat after me. I, Maxine Smith,

I do hereby voluntarily do voluntarily accept an appointment accept as a commissioner as a commissioner of Greensboro Housing Authority Greensboro Housing Authority. I f if I further swear that I am not the holder that I'm not the of any accountant for public monies for public money. Do the United States the United States this or any other state or any political or any political subdivision subdivision or authority thereof or authority thereof. I swear I swear that I am not the holder that I'm not the holder in any office any of trust under

trust under the government of the United States government of the United States any other state any other state or any foreign state any foreign state which I am prohibited which I am prohibited from holding it from holding I swear I swear that I am otherwise that I am otherwise qualified qualified to hold this office this office according to the constitution and laws of the state of Georgia. I swear that I will faithfully perform and discharge the duties of my position of my position to the best of my ability and without malice

without malice. I swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the State of Georgia, and the laws and ordinances of the city of Greensboro. So help me God. So help me God. Thank you so very much. [applause]

[snorts]

At this time, I entertain a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion to adjourn. Second.

It's been second. Any further discussion? No further discussion. All those in favor, let it be known by raising your right hand. Thank you so very much. At this time, Pastor Sheets, could you take the podium if you could pray us out on tonight and give us our blessing? Let us pray. Father God, we thank you, Lord. We thank you for this day, Lord. We thank you, Father God, for what has been done, Lord. And we just pray that everything continue to be done in your will, Father God, and everything be done, continue to be so we can bless this city, Lord God, and everything to to be approved, Lord, for you, Lord. Lord, we just ask right now, Father God, that you just bless this food that we're about to receive. Bless for the nurse with our bodies. Bless the hands that prepared. It's in Jesus Christ's name that we pray. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Thank you all so much for your time and your concerns on tonight. If you would exit, if I'm not mistaken, is it to your left? If you would exit to your left and grab you something to eat, we would greatly appreciate it. We don't want to have no food left behind. Thank you so very much. It is saber.