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Cochran council approves quitclaim deed, LRA road listings, speed hump and other routine measures
Summary
At its May 12 meeting, the Cochran City Council approved a suite of routine actions including a quit claim deed for Gray Rental, submission of roads to the 2026 Local Road Assistance program, Public Service Commission–mandated natural gas customer policies, and a speed hump on Peach Street. Council also accepted a $200,000 Motorola radio grant, recognized public-safety staff, and discussed ARPA matching funds for the city park project.
COCHRAN, Ga. — The Cochran City Council on May 12 approved several routine but consequential actions, voting unanimously on a quit claim deed for Gray Rental, the city’s inclusion of roads in the 2026 Local Road Assistance (LRA) program, adoption of Public Service Commission–mandated customer service policies for the municipal natural gas utility, and installation of a speed hump on Peach Street.
The meeting, held at the City Auditorium and called to order by Mayor Carla Coley, also included department reports and outside-agency updates. Interim City Manager Angela Redding told the council the city has received park project reimbursement grant funding and is planning to match part of that work with ARPA funds; the council reviewed proposed policy updates and outstanding contract issues from the previous administration.
Why it matters: the measures advance local infrastructure and regulatory compliance while moving forward with park improvements and equipment upgrades for public-safety operations. Several items were routine consent matters that passed with no recorded opposition, demonstrating quick adoption of staff-recommended actions.
Key council actions and votes at a glance: the council approved a resolution authorizing a quit claim deed for parcels shown on a March 22, 2024 plat (motion by Councilman Lonnie Tedders; seconded by Councilman Rufus Veal); approved roads for the 2026 LRA application (motion by Mayor Pro Tem Shane Savant; seconded by Councilwoman Dianne Lester); authorized participation in an amicus brief in Chang v. City of Milton (motion by Councilman Lonnie Tedders; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Savant); adopted Customer Service Policies for the Natural Gas Utility as required by the Georgia Public Service Commission (motion by Councilwoman Dianne Lester; seconded by Councilman Lonnie Tedders); approved a speed hump on Peach Street (motion by Councilman Lonnie Tedders; seconded by Councilman Rufus Veal); approved the GMA District 9 ballot (including support for Councilman Gary Ates) and appointed Mayor Carla Coley as the city’s voting delegate and Councilwoman Trecia Gardner as flag bearer for the Georgia Municipal Association convention. All recorded motions passed unanimously.
Department reports and staffing: Fire Chief Brock Wilcher reported mutual-aid wildfire responses to Brantley County, FEMA reimbursement activity, the hiring of a new full-time firefighter (Elijah Coles), and ongoing outreach using the department’s fire safety house. Police Chief Jeff Trawick reported ongoing training and announced a $200,000 Motorola grant awarded for updated radio equipment to support public-safety communications. The Finance Department introduced Rebecca Smith as the new accounts payable clerk and reviewed SPLOST allocations and ARPA/OPB reconciliation tied to the city park project.
Public comment and outside agencies: resident Mary Pitts welcomed Interim City Manager Redding and urged continued park improvements (additional playground equipment and swings) and further retail recruitment for clothing and shoe stores. Melissa Barker of the Cochran Chamber of Commerce updated council on upcoming events and staffing, and the Downtown Development Authority introduced a proposed downtown redevelopment fund to encourage reinvestment.
Next steps and closing: council entered executive session to discuss potential litigation and personnel matters; after reconvening, the council approved the City Attorney’s response to the Wilcox claim and adjourned at 9:14 PM. No new public hearings or binding changes to the budget were recorded for immediate implementation.
