Union Point council sworn in; accepts $1,001 bid for surplus lot at 807 Park Avenue

Union Point’s mayor and newly seated council members were sworn into four-year terms and conducted routine city business at a Jan. 13 meeting at the Four Room School House.

Attorney Joe Reitman administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Lanier Rhodes and the council. Immediately afterward, Council Member Sally Boswell moved to approve the meeting agenda, and Boswell later moved to approve the December 2025 minutes; both motions passed unanimously, each seconded by other council members.

The council’s most consequential action approved the lone acceptable sealed bid for a city surplus parcel. Clerk Becky Cronic reported that only one sealed bid was received for 807 Park Avenue; Council Member Jim Scott moved to accept Marquavious Mitchell’s bid of $1,001 and to require the buyer to pay closing costs. The motion, seconded by Council Member Sally Boswell, was approved without dissent. Clerk Cronic will notify the purchaser to finalize the sale.

Jill Rhodes, representing the Downtown Development Authority, told the council the DDA is advancing plans for an Ogeechee River park on Lamb Avenue and said "Riprap rock will be placed along the riverbed soon to help with erosion." Rhodes also noted renovation work at Hawthorne Heights, 607 Carlton Avenue, and announced the DDA will meet Jan. 26 at the museum on Sibley Avenue at 5:30 p.m.

City Clerk Becky Cronic reported 12% of 2025 property-tax revenue had been collected by the end of December and reminded residents the tax deadline is Feb. 16. She also said four businesses—BP Station, Short Stop, Union Point Grocery and Deli, and Jackson’s BBQ—renewed their malt beverage licenses and that the clerk and municipal court clerk are reviewing a collection-agency proposal to pursue delinquent court fees.

Under new business, the council received a preliminary proposal to open a package store and acquire a liquor license in Union Point but opted to table the matter pending more details. Clerk Cronic also said the city will issue a proclamation recognizing Feb. 20, 2026, as Union Point Arbor Day and is seeking a replacement tree for the Firefly Garden.

Department reports included a monthly update from Animal Control Officer Wright and a water-department update from David Stephens, who said the Industrial Boulevard water tank will undergo maintenance "in the coming weeks" and that an operator will staff the plant around the clock during the work; Stephens said exact dates will be announced later.

During public comment, Gayle Thornton said she wanted to "publicly thank Animal Control Officer Wright for his efforts and attentiveness to the calls and duties for Animal Control." Council Member Mary Mundy thanked volunteers who supported the Flame Team and those who contributed to the December toy drive and noted several parade bands canceled at the last minute.

Mayor Rhodes asked whether an executive session was needed; none was called. Council Member William Harris moved to adjourn at 7:05 p.m.; Mary Mundy seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended with a closing prayer and a reception for council members and attendees.

Next procedural steps noted at the meeting: the clerk will notify the successful bidder for 807 Park Avenue to proceed with closing; the Downtown Development Authority meets Jan. 26 to continue planning on the river park; the package-store proposal will return to the agenda only after staff provides more details.