Newman City Council roundup: GDOT pedestrian agreement approved; procurement policy review directed; 1st Avenue withdrawal accepted; street‑closure request DENY
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Summary
At its meeting the Newman City Council executed a GDOT project framework agreement for pedestrian improvements, directed staff to amend procurement policy and review the $50,000 threshold, approved a withdrawal of the 1st Avenue rezoning application and denied a request to close West Washington Street for private events.
The Newman City Council took several procedural and project actions in addition to land‑use votes at its meeting.
Transportation agreement: Council approved a project framework agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to advance pedestrian facilities and related enhancements on Newnan Crossing Boulevard between S.R. 34 and Big Poplar Road. Staff described preliminary engineering cost estimates and said federal/state funding would cover a significant share while the city would be responsible for a local portion; council authorized execution of the agreement.
Procurement policy direction: Staff requested direction to amend the procurement policy so bid and RFP openings can occur in the presence of staff when two council members cannot be present. Staff also raised the $50,000 threshold (established in 2013) for purchasing methods, recommending review due to inflation and recent state law changes; council directed staff to draft ordinance language and to review whether the threshold should be adjusted.
Rezoning withdrawal: Council approved the applicant’s request to withdraw rezoning application RZ202509 (1st Avenue) and waived the 12‑month resubmittal restriction in section 10‑14 of the zoning ordinance; staff noted any resubmission would be subject to the moratorium currently in place and could be resubmitted after it is lifted.
Street closure denied: The council denied a request from Red Letter Merchant to close West Washington Street for multiple events; police and some council members raised concerns about event frequency, traffic diversion and merchant coordination, and the motion to deny carried.
Other business: Council confirmed appointments to several advisory bodies and recognized youth council members. The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.
Votes at a glance: • Demolition, 51 Jackson Street — approved (mayor cast tie‑breaking vote). • Rezoning RZ2025‑08 (Parkland Communities) — approved with 150‑unit cap; final ordinance to reflect latest site plan. • GDOT project framework agreement (Newnan Crossing Blvd.) — approved. • Procurement policy — staff directed to draft ordinance allowing staff‑opened bids and to review the $50,000 threshold. • Withdrawal RZ202509 (1st Avenue) — approved; 12‑month resubmittal waiver granted. • West Washington Street closure (Red Letter Merchant) — denied.
What’s next: staff will prepare proposed ordinance language on procurement, confirm ordinance exhibits for the Parkland rezoning and follow up on the survey and site‑boundary work for 51 Jackson Street.
