Central Valdosta Development Authority Meeting
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
5:00pm
City Hall Annex, Multi-Purpose Room

Recognizing Downtown Valdosta as the historic core of the community, the Central Valdosta Development Authority manages the process of enhancing Downtown's position as the governmental, cultural, and economic center of the Greater Lowndes County area by involving businesses, property owners, government, churches, and the entire community.

The Central Valdosta Development Authority meets the Tuesday following the second Sunday of each month at 5:00 p.m.  All meetings are held in the Authority conference room in the City Hall Annex, Multi-Purpose Room, located at 300 North Lee Street.  View the 2020 CVDA Meeting Schedule.

For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact Ellen Hill, Main Street Director, at (229) 259-259-3577 or E-mail. 

'Mask Up Valdosta'

Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson launched a ‘Mask Up Valdosta’ campaign on Thursday encouraging Valdosta residents to wear a face covering in public as a safeguard to slow the spread of COVID-19. This voluntary mask campaign is done in full support of Governor Kemp’s "Wear a Mask" Flyaround Tour of Georgia held earlier this month.

“We want to keep our economy open and ensure our healthcare system has the capacity to treat all patients who need medical care,” said Mayor Matheson. “My mask protects you and your mask protects me. Together, we all can stop the spread of COVID – 19.”

Health experts recommend that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

To practice social or physical distancing:
• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
• Do not gather in groups
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. Face coverings can be more than just masks. Scarfs, bandanas, etc. will also serve the purpose. Wearing a cloth face covering limits the spread of germs. Residents should wash their cloth face coverings every day.

Residents are encouraged to take photos wearing their face covering and share via social media using the hashtag #MaskUpValdosta.

“We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe. Let’s all do our part to protect one another!” said Matheson.

Valdosta Public Works Heavy Equipment Operator Ray Brown recognized as August Employee of the Month

Valdosta Mayor, Scott James Matheson, and Public Works Director, Richard Hardy honored Heavy Equipment Operator, Ray Brown as the August 2020 Employee of the Month at the Aug. 6, City Council meeting. Brown received a framed certificate, a check for $200, and his name appears on a plaque in City Hall.

Ray Brown began his employment with the City of Valdosta in December 2016 and currently holds the position of Heavy Equipment Operator in our Residential Trash Division. Ray is responsible for driving a truck and trailer equipped with a hydraulic scoop and lifting arm to remove yard debris for residents along his route.

The nomination for Brown was submitted by a Valdosta Resident in regards to his mother who lives on Brown’s route. The following comments were submitted to the city by the resident:

“Ray Brown drives the route that passes my parents’ house on Park Ave. My mom used to walk every day for her exercise until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions on outdoor and group activities were in place. During this time, she has maintained social distancing and her usual physical activity by working in the yard. She has been working in her yard every day since COVID started. During this time, she has had a pile of yard debris at the road every week. Mr. Brown is her regular yard pick-up man. She has spoken about him to me every week since she embarked on this routine. She has nothing but praise for the man. Mr. Brown calls my mother by name and is always pleasant in conversation with her. He is seemingly always positive and in a good mood. She looks forward to his weekly chat while he loads up her weeks' work and then moves down the road. My mom has sung praises of Mr. Brown and his competency with the hydraulic arm on his truck. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Brown after helping my mom with a project at her house. Mr. Brown pulled up to the house, set up, and removed the yard debris from her yard within minutes and with no damage to the ground under the pile. I was impressed by the skill with which he was able to collect that debris. Mr. Brown exhibits the kind of attitude we should all have when we come to work each day. He also provides the kind of personalized customer service that genuinely makes a positive difference in our interactions with the public. His reliability, quality of work, disposition, pleasant and positive attitude when dealing with members of the public deserve to be recognized.”

The City of Valdosta applauds Ray Brown for his dedication, exemplary work ethic, and for being named the August 2020 Employee of the Month.

For more information please contact the Public Information Office at [email protected] or 229-259-3548.

Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Airport Authority Meeting
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
8:00am 
Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Parks & Recreation

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Georgia created by an act of the General Assembly (H.B. No. 893) and was established effective May 1, 1987. The basic responsibility of the Authority is to construct, own, maintain, expand, and operate any and all public airports in Lowndes County. The Authority is charged with the establishment, maintenance, and operation of a unified and coordinated airport system for public welfare, safety, and convenience. The Authority has all the powers necessary or convenient for its purposes, which include the power to contract for, lease, acquire, and dispose of any and all property required to accomplish the responsibilities of the Authority. The Authority has the responsibility to properly manage and account for all assets that come into its possession. The operating budget of the Authority shall be funded equally by the City and County from the general revenues of the local governments. The Authority has the responsibility to develop and expand sources of revenue generated by airport operations to reduce the need for local government revenues where such is reasonable and proper.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority meets the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. in the Airport Conference Room located at 1750 Airport Road.  View the 2020 Airport Authority Meeting Schedule.

For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact Jim Galloway, Executive Director, Valdosta Regional Airport, at (229) 333-1833 or E-mail, or visit the Valdosta Regional Airport website.