The Milledgeville City Council met Tuesday, Jan. 27, at City Hall to hear concerns from residents and consider updates to local infrastructure and community initiatives.
During public comments, Beverly Lundy Hill, founder of Lineage Preservation Inc., shared that her Black history banners were noticed around Baldwin County by State Rep. Carl Gilliard.
“In 1868, 33 Black men were elected as representatives throughout the State of Georgia,” Hill said. “Representative Gilliard asked me to produce banners on these 33 men, including two banners of the men from Milledgeville and two banners of the men from Hancock.”
These banners will be put into a memorial inside the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Her company is accepting donations to help put together the banners. Visit bit. ly/4a9Ris3 to contribute.
Another resident, Adam Shields, who serves on the board for the Greystone Arbor Homeowners Association, addressed concern about the water infrastructure of his neighborhood.
“On my way from the back of the neighborhood, driving out, I spotted 14 places where there is a leak between the main line up to people’s meters,” Shields said. “If we are about to repave the roads, we’re going to have to continue to cut them up and desecrate them as we try to patch this water issue.”
He urged the city to coordinate road resurfacing with water line repairs to prevent further damage and long-term issues for residents.
In addition to public comments, the council voted on several resolutions during the meeting: A resolution was approved by the council, authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract for project management services related to renovations at Fire and Rescue Station No. 3.
A resolution to extend the city’s moratorium on permits for new convenience stores, food marts, and vape shops for an additional four months.
Adopted a resolution pledging to promote civility in Milledgeville, encouraging respectful behavior in public meetings and city operations.
Mayor Mary Copelan signed a proclamation, recognizing Feb. 1-28 as Career and Technical Education Month. The proclamation explains the importance of career and technical education programs in preparing students for the workforce.
Copelan also addressed concerns from Sherill Jones about Memory Hill Cemetery after two graves were damaged. Jones is requesting the cemetery be locked down between certain times at night to prevent things such as sororities and fraternities pledging there.
Looking ahead, Copelan shared her commitment to the city and outlined her priorities for the coming years.
“All gas and no brakes is my motto for the next four years,” Copelan said. “We’re here to show the people and we are here to work for the people and we’re going to do what’s needed in the city of Milledgeville.”