VALDOSTA — The mayor, city manager and City Council of Valdosta will be traveling locally to Lenox River Ranch this weekend to discuss issues of importance that affect the future of the city.
The annual retreat is a time that re-energizes council members, brings them together in a more informal setting, and allows for freer discussion, led by a trained moderator, who ensures that the discussion stays on track and remains cordial.
The members will spend two long days in discussions of past goals, current plans and future goals, and will address some of the council’s pet projects and concerns.
An example of some of the issues council will be discussing include master planning for the Five Points development, which entails appointing a 12-member advisory board to oversee the project; council salary and furlough days; a reconsideration of residency requirements for boards and authorities; economic development initiatives for the poorer, depressed areas of the city; a summer-job program and funding of public art programs.
Among the more long-term goals will be a discussion of how and if the city should become involved in the school-unification issue, and revisiting the issue of public transportation in the city.
Some unusual discussion points stand out, such as a request to upgrade security for the council chambers to the tune of $99,440, which would include an X-ray machine and a bulletproof shield for the mayor and council desk; and solar power for city buildings at a cost of $8 million.
A number of issues targeted for discussion are ones the community has been wanted, including addressing the Sugar Creek flooding concerns, budget issues, sidewalk and road improvements, and more.
Hopefully, City Council will spend more time discussing the thick list of community concerns rather than the available thickness of bulletproof glass.
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