In Valdosta This Week
Tuesday, August 18th, 2020
MASK UP VALDOSTA
Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson launched a ‘Mask Up Valdosta’ campaign on Thursday encouraging Valdosta residents to wear face-coverings 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-Lowndes Co. Development Authority Meeting
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
5:30pm
The meeting will be held via conference call.
The call in info is as follows
Toll Free # 877-925-7102
Participant Passcode 5200736
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority is responsible for the proper applications of those powers associated with the promotion and encouragement of the location and expansion of industry, agriculture, trade, and commerce in Valdosta and Lowndes County. Other responsibilities of the Development Authority include the following: (1) to buy, acquire, develop, improve, own, operate, maintain, sell, lease and mortgage land, buildings, and property, (2) to grant, loan, or lease Development Authority funds and/or property to private persons or corporations operating or proposing to operate any industrial establishment, (3) to encourage industrial and agricultural development in Valdosta and Lowndes County, (4) to encourage the location of new industries in Valdosta and Lowndes County, (5) to elect Development Authority officers from the Authority's membership, (6) to appoint and select staff and agents and set compensation, and (7) to adopt and amend bylaws and regulations for the conduct and management of the Authority.
For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact Andrea Schruijer, Executive Director, Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority, at (229) 259-9972 or E-mail, or visit the Development Authority website.
Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Land Bank Authority Meeting
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
9:00am
City Hall Annex Building, Multi-Purpose Room
The Valdosta/Lowndes County Land Bank Authority was established pursuant to O.C.G.A. §48-4-60, et seq., to foster the public purpose of returning property which is in a non-revenue generating, non-tax producing status to effective utilization status in order to provide housing, new industry, and jobs for citizens.
Responsibilities of the Valdosta/Lowndes County Land Bank Authority are as follows: (1) Inventory and Analysis of Properties - The Board shall collect and receive data from public, private, professional, and volunteer sources to compile an inventory and analysis of the desired property for acquisition. (2) Administration by Authority of Properties - The Authority shall administer the properties acquired by it as follows: (a) all property acquired by the Authority shall be inventoried and appraised, and the inventory shall be maintained as a public record and shall be filed in the office of the Authority, (b) the Authority shall organize and classify the property on the basis of suitability of use, (c) all properties acquired by the Authority shall be appraised and the estimated value as established by the Lowndes County Board of Tax Assessors shall be deemed acceptable for this purpose, (d) The Authority shall provide for the maintenance of all property held by it in accordance with the applicable laws and codes, (e) the Authority shall have the power to manage, maintain, protect, rent, lease, repair, insure, alter, sell, trade, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any property on terms and conditions determined in the sole discretion of the Authority and in accordance with applicable law, (f) the Authority may assemble tracts or parcels, property for public parks, or other public purposes, and, to that end, may exchange parcels or otherwise effectuate the purposes set forth herein, (g) the acquisition or disposal of the property by the Authority shall not be governed or controlled by any regulation or law of the parties unless specifically provided herein, and transfers of property by the parties to the Authority shall be treated as a transfer to a body politic as contemplated by subparagraph (a) (2) (A) of Code §36-9-3, (h) property held by the Authority may be sold, traded, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of by the Authority as long as the disposition is approved by the majority of the membership as required herein above and approved as follows: (i) if the property is located within the City, approved by both Authority Members appointed by the Mayor, and one of the Authority Members appointed by the County Commission, (ii) if the property is located within the County, but outside the City, approved by both Authority Members appointed by the County, and one of the Authority Members appointed by the City.
The Valdosta/Lowndes County Land Bank Authority meets on the third Wednesday of each month (except for the months of June, July, and December) at 9 am in the City Hall Annex Building Multi-Purpose Room. View the 2020 Valdosta/Land Bank Authority Meeting dates.
View the Recently Approved Meeting Minutes for the Valdosta/Lowndes County Land Bank Authority
The Valdosta Police Department is seeking applicants for its 32nd Session of the Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) which will be held each Thursday night from September 10, 2020, to November 5, 2020.
The goal of this nine-week program is to give citizens a better understanding of the internal workings of a modern-day law enforcement agency and at the same time, promote a team concept between the Valdosta Police Department and the citizens we serve. During the academy, students are exposed to a variety of topics to give students a more in-depth understanding of law enforcement. Students will be given a tour of the Valdosta-Lowndes Regional Crime Lab, experience shooting simulation training, and the opportunity to ride along with patrol officers, as well as an introduction to the function and mission of each bureau within the department.
There are no fees to attend and all materials needed are furnished free of charge. The students will meet each Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m. to around 9 p.m. during the nine (9) week class and there will be a graduation ceremony at the end of the academy.
Citizens who are interested need to contact Captain Kari Williams at (229) 293-3099 or [email protected]
