In the City This Week
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021
March Community Clean Up
March 22 – March 26
District 6
In 2021, The City of Valdosta will begin a Monthly Hot Spot Community Cleanup Program. This will be held in addition to the two larger annual Community Hot Spot Cleanups.
This program was implemented to focus on cleanup efforts throughout the City year-round and tackle large-scale litter issues in sections. “We wanted to try and focus more on the City neighborhoods and allow for more cleanup opportunities so that people can become interested and involved in the cleanup efforts of these residential areas. We hope to give residents more of an initiative to clean up and get rid of things they might have been putting off,” said Community Sustainability Coordinator Teresa Turner.
City staff will host the March monthly “Love Where You Live” Community Hot Spot cleanup in District 6 from March 22 - 26 in the Neighborhoods Along Baytree Road Between Melody Lane And Baytree Drive. To Include Joree St, Mcarthur Dr, Wainwright Dr, Miramar St, Ridgeway Dr, Poplar Dr. & Blanton St.
The week before the cleanup, staff will place flyers out to inform residents in the area about the event. The week of the cleanup, city crews will inspect the area to identify any repairs that need to be made such as potholes, clean signs, clear right of way, trim trees/bushes covering signs, street sweep and storm drain cleanouts as well as pick up trash and debris the residents put out by the road.
Beginning Monday, March 22, residents in the identified area can place bulk trash and debris by the road. Public Works crews will pick up bulk trash items throughout the week at no cost to the residents.
As the Community Sustainability Coordinator, City Leadership, Supervisors, and City Marshals move about the City daily, staff will provide feedback on areas needing attention. This information will be used to determine which areas in the community will be selected for a monthly clean-up event.
For more information about the Love Where You Live Community Hot Spot cleanup, contact Teresa Turner, Community Sustainability Coordinator at 229-259-3588 ext. 4788.
Lowndes Co. Board of Health Meeting
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
7:30 am
Lowndes Co. Health Department
The Lowndes County Board of Health has established and adopted bylaws for its own governance. The Board exercises responsibility and authority in all matters within the County pertaining to health unless the responsibility for enforcement of such is by law that of another agency. The Board takes such steps as may be necessary to prevent and suppress disease and conditions deleterious to health and to determine compliance with health laws and rules, regulations and standards adopted thereunder. The Board adopts and enforces rules and regulations appropriate to its function and powers, provided such rules and regulations are not in conflict with the rules and regulations of the Department. The Board receives and administers all grants, gifts, monies, and donations for purposes pertaining to health pursuant to this chapter, and the Board makes contracts and establishes fees for the provision of public health services. The Board contracts with the Department of Human Resources or other agencies for assistance in the performance of its functions (O.C.G.A. §31-3-4).
The Lowndes County Board of Health meets five times per year (January, March, June, September, and November) at 7:30 a.m. at the Lowndes Co. Health Department, 1st Floor Conference Room, 206 South Patterson Street, Valdosta. View the 2021 LCBOH Meeting Dates.
For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact the Patrina L. Bowles, Georgia Department of Public Health, South Health District Office, at (229) 245-6431, E-mail or visit their website.
Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Conference Center & Tourism Authority Meeting
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
8:00 am
Rainwater Conference Center
The primary purpose of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center & Tourism Authority is to provide direction and leadership towards the achievement of the Authority's mission, goals, and objectives.
Responsibilities of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center & Tourism Authority are as follows: (1) to provide general continuity for the Authority, (2) to elect Authority Officers and to monitor their performance, (3) attend monthly and called meetings of the Authority Board of Directors as stated per the Board Attendance Policy, (4) upon recommendation of the Board, the Chairman will appoint, define the powers of, and dissolve Committees of the Board, (5) upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Authority Board will hire and establish compensation for the Executive Director/COO, (6) evaluate the performance of the President/COO, (7) develop and oversee the fiscal budget for the Authority which includes operational funding for the CVB, Conference Center, Sports Commission, The Crescent, Historical Society, and Hahira and Lake Park tourism-related promotions and special events, (8) review and approve capital expenditures in the amount of $10,000.00 or more, (9) review and approve all Authority policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, (10) represent the Authority at special events and meetings on the local and State level, (11) review and approve contracts and agreements entered into on behalf of the Authority (12) to ensure, through continuous review, that the Directors and Officers of the Authority act in accordance with established ethical and professional standards, (13) to increase the effectiveness of management by rendering advice and guidance to the Authority Board Chairman and other principal Officers, (14) to advise the Authority Board Chairman in regard to major decisions affecting the Authority's capitalization structure, resource allocations, and other major financial matters, and (15) to act in accordance with Federal and State laws. All appointees must review and acknowledge receipt of the Authority's Code of Ethics, Conflicts of Interest Policy, and Board-Staff Contact Policy.
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center & Tourism Authority meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. in the executive Board Room at the Rainwater Conference Center located at #1 Meeting Place. View the 2021 Conference Center & Tourism Authority Meeting Schedule.
For more information, please contact City Clerk Teresa Bolden at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail, or contact President and CEO Chris Hamilton at the Rainwater Conference Center at (229) 245-0513 or visit Rainwater Conference Center or Visit Valdosta.
Valdosta City Council Meeting
Thursday, March 25, 2021
5:30 pm
City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chambers
The Regularly scheduled Valdosta City Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at the Valdosta City Hall, 216 East Central Avenue in the Council Chambers located on the 2nd Floor.
For more information, please contact Teresa S. Bolden, City Clerk, at 259-3503 or E-mail - [email protected].
City of Valdosta Public Transportation - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the action City Council took on Thursday, March 11?
On Thursday, March 11, Valdosta City Councilmembers approved a Public Transit Contract between River North Transit, LLC (Via) and the City of Valdosta. Via is an On-Demand/Microtransit company.
What is Via?
Via is a worldwide company that offers many different public transit services. The City of Valdosta is in contract negotiations to utilize Via’s on-demand transit system that takes multiple passengers heading in the same direction and books them into a shared vehicle. Think of Via as a bus that’s smart enough to come when you want it and where you want it.
What is On-Demand Transit? Is it Microtransit? How is it different than Uber/Lyft/Taxis?
On-Demand Transit (sometimes also called Microtransit) is a demand-responsive transportation service that picks up riders who request a trip by using an app (after creating an account online) or calling customer service. Unlike fixed-route service, there is no set schedule so riders will need to use the app or call to request a ride during the hours of operation.
Why is the city getting public transit?
For the past several years, it has been a goal of the Mayor, Council, and City Manager to provide the citizens of Valdosta with a public transit system. Communities that were researched have experienced great success with this concept. City leaders began exploring public transportation options after hearing from local leaders, residents, and economic development officials who believe it would help with the quality of life and job creation/sustainability.
How will this be funded?
The Federal Transit Administration will fund 80% of expected costs for the City of Valdosta public transportation system. This year, FTA Cares Act funding will cover the city’s match, which is 20% of expected costs. In future years, the FTA will continue to fund 80% of costs while the portion of the City’s responsibility can be mitigated via advertising, additional grants, and in-kind service agreements.
When will the on-demand transit service launch?
Projected April 27, 2021
What are the service hours?
6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Monday - Friday
What is the service area?
Approximately 36 square miles covering the entire city and connecting to key destinations.
Who is driving?
When you book a ride, we connect you with a vehicle operated by a trained and experienced driver who is covered by the required insurance. All driver partners undergo thorough criminal background checks before driving on the Via platform.
How will I request a ride?
Via’s app is available for both iPhone and Android. It’s free to download.
No smartphone? Access customer support by calling Via’s live support representatives and have your account set-up over the phone.
Where will this ride take me?
The ride will be available for any drop-off and pick-up locations within the City of Valdosta.
How much will it cost to ride?
Projected fare of $2.00 per trip with concessions for rider groups, such as seniors and paratransit-eligible riders.
Mayor’s Paddle
Saturday, March 27, 2021
8:00 am
Valdosta, Georgia, February 25, 2021 — “We’re rescheduling four weeks later, for 8 AM, March 27, 2021,” said Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman. “Right now, where we usually park the boats at the end of the paddle is underwater. The Withlacoochee River is spread out in the flood plain, increasing the possibility of people getting tipped over by overhanging branches. So a month later makes a lot more sense for attracting novice paddlers.”
“With the Withlacoochee River still hovering around flood stage, myself and WWALS, in consultation with Lowndes County Emergency Management Director Ashley Tye, have decided to postpone the Mayor’s Paddle ’till Saturday, March 27, at 8 AM. We again ask everyone with a love for our area blueways to mark that date and join us for a great day of fellowship on the river!”
“As always, I will give a good safety briefing, ” said expedition leader Bobby McKenzie. “Wear your PFD and stick with the group. But conditions should be much better for novice paddlers in a few weeks.”
“Better safe than sorry!” said WWALS Executive Director Gretchen Quarterman. “This Saturday you can still come to our Banks Lake Full Moon Paddle, to see the sunset and the moonrise, and maybe see bats fly out. Gather at 5:45 PM at Banks Lake Boat Ramp, 307 Georgia 122, Lakeland, GA 31635, in Lanier County. We do those every full moon, plus at least one daytime river paddle a month, in Florida or Georgia. At all outings during this pandemic, we’ll be testing temperatures with an infrared thermometer as people arrive. If you’re ill in any way, please stay home.”
When: Gather 8 AM, launch 10 AM, end 4 PM, Saturday, February 27, 2021
Put-In: Troupville Boat Ramp, 19664 Valdosta Hwy, Valdosta, GA 31602: on GA 133 off I-75 exit 18, in Lowndes County.
GPS: 30.851842, -83.346536
Directions: Head west from Valdosta on GA 133 (St. Augustine Road), cross I-75 and the Withlacoochee River, and at the light for Val Tech Road turn left into the park around Troupville Boat Ramp.
Come as early as 8 AM to Troupville Boat Ramp, drop off your boats, and drive to Spook Bridge. Two 15-seat vans provided by the Boys & Girls Club will shuttle you back to Troupville. “We’re happy to do this,” said Bill Holt, VP of Operations, Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta. “Just remember to wear your mask and sit with social distancing.”
Take Out: Spook Bridge, west from Valdosta on US 84, left onto Ousley Road, right onto Old Quitman Highway, stop at the gate.
Thanks to The Langdale Company for access through their private property to Spook Bridge and to a midway lunch stop for this outing, and for water quality testing.
“Speaking of river access, it’s a long walk up from the Withlacoochee River below Spook Bridge to Old Quitman Highway. Not to worry: WWALS will have a 16-foot trailer to haul boats and a golf cart for people who don’t want to walk the quarter-mile up to the road. At the midpoint, we will also have a truck and trailer waiting to haul out the (few, we hope) people who want to get out there,” said WWALS member Steve Miller, who is supplying the golf cart.
“All elected officials present, both from Florida and Georgia, will have three minutes each to speak, both at the put-in and at the midway point,” said Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman. “Don’t worry: only a few of them will. But you can paddle up to them and ask questions. Just remember to stay six feet apart. Wear a mask if you get any closer to anybody not in your party, either on land or water.”
Bring: the usual personal flotation device, boat, paddles, food, drinking water, warm clothes, and first aid kit. Also trash pickers and trash bags: every WWALS outing is also a cleanup.
Free: This outing is free to WWALS members, and $10 (ten dollars) for non-members. You can pay the $10 at the outing, or online:
https://wwals.net/donations/#
