At the Macon-Bibb County Commission Meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, Pastor Chris L. Dotson of Porterfield Baptist Church gave the prayer. Eagle Scout Jacob Whittington and Rachel Whittington of the newly-formed BSA Girls Troop 247 led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you to all those who came to take part in their local government operations.
In a presentation from Middle Georgia State University, President Christopher Blake shared exciting news. Through the generosity of the Charles H. Jones Family Foundation, more future pilots will soon be beginning their flight education at Macon Downtown Airport. An $800,000 gift to Middle Georgia State University from the Jones Foundation will allow the University’s School of Aviation to purchase two additional airplanes that will be based at the airport, as well as two additional aircraft engines, allowing the number of flight students in Macon to double, from 60 to 120. With agreements in place with several regional carriers as well as Delta Air Lines, the University’s flight students graduate with pathways into high-demand, high-paying jobs in Georgia’s fastest-growing industry.
These new planes will not only provide Macon-Bibb residents with additional opportunities to start working towards fulfilling and lucrative careers in aviation, but also will bring in revenue – both directly to the airport, and indirectly to the community. In addition to the fuel flowage fees, and other revenue streams the aircraft will generate, the future aviators who will be flying them and the faculty members and flight instructors supporting them will be living, working, and shopping right here in Macon.
Mayor Robert Reichert and Mayor Pro-Tem Al Tillman presented a proclamation to Sharone Wright for basketball camps and his dedication to the Macon-Bibb community.
Agenda Items
Commissioners assigned a date to the closing of the Pension Plan to new hires and re-hires. The now confirmed date is July 1, 2019. This would not impact people in current pension plans with our government.
The Board approved the appointment of Sabrina Barilone, Craig Coleman, Tanner Coleman, Rachel Gambill, Megan McNaught, Randell Hunt, David Fortson, and Wanzina Jackson to the newly-formed Public Arts Commission. Commissioners also approved a resolution to add the Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee to the Public Arts Commission.
Commissioners approved selling a small section of property near the intersection of Little Richard Penniman Boulevard and Collage street to Mercer University.
The Board approved a settlement to repair and maintain the driveway/dam located on Artic Circle.
Commissioners approved purchasing new equipment for the Macon-Bibb Fire Department. You can learn more about that equipment in this Commission Resolution.
The Board approved paying $2.1 million toward repairs and maintenance at Henderson Stadium.
Commissioners accepted a grant from the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the Bibb County Solicitor General’s Office for the Victims of Crime Act.
The board accepted a grant for $5,000 for the creation of a “Welcome to Macon” mural in the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. Follow the Airport on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with happenings there. And visit Iflymacon.com to book a trip!
Commissioners approved an agreement to spend $228,000 in voter-approved SPLOST funds for F.G. Paschen, S.N. Nielson, and Associates to do renovations at the Macon Coliseum Convention Center. Lajoie Purchasing Associates will handle materials acquisition and manufacturing coordination services for these renovations.
The Board approved a transfer of funds in the Information Technology (IT) budget to help cover the William Communications Contract.
We live stream our County Commission Meetings on Channel 14, MaconBibb.TV, and on our Facebook page each first and third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Click here to watch the June 4, 2019 meeting.