Information is Public Information and can be seen in full at:http://www.valdostacity.com/CityCouncil/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Minutes I thank the City government for posting the comments of the Citizens of Valdosta and beyond.. This is what makes our country great and I appreciate those who made the good laws that governs every American and those who visit our great Republic!
July 22, 2004
MINUTES, REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL, 5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2004,COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
George Rhynes, stated that 31 days ago, the Valdosta Daily Times reported a 49 year old white male inmate died in the Lowndes County jail. Few people are talking about this and his name and cause of death are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Mr. Rhynes inquired as to whether anyone had heard the name of this individual and the cause of death and if not, why not?
Conference center 1860 charter on this
MINUTES,
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2004
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
George Rhynes, informed Council that he received a letter from Mayor Fretti regarding the City Charter. Mr. Rhynes stated he felt the City Charter hanging in the hallway at City Hall was inappropriate for the State of Georgia and the United States of America. Mr. Rhynes noted that the Mayor’s letter indicated that the 1860 Charter allowed for the creation of our City as it was developed by State officials and our forefathers at that time.Mr. Rhynes requested that the Charter be removed from Municipal Court where citizens come expecting to receive justice and respect under the laws of the State of Georgia. Mr. Rhynes stated that Webster’s Dictionary defines forefathers as a male ancestor. Mr. Rhynes inquired as to what male or female ancestor would want to control slaves or abate, which means to beat down, reduce, moderate, diminish, and lessen, another human being. Mr. Rhynes quoted from the Charter: “The Mayor and Council shall pass all proper and necessary laws and ordinances for the control of slaves and free persons of color in Valdosta and suppress and abate all nuisances arising from hogs, dogs, horses, or other stock straying at large in Valdosta or from other causes.” Mr. Rhynes noted that the Mayor and City Manager stated the Charter has been hanging there for approximately 20 years; however, 20 years is not a long time to treat your neighbors as you would want to be treated and respected. It is recorded in the Library of Congress that some of Mr. Rhynes ancestors who came to this country in 1555 aboard a slave ship named “Jesus” and blacks were treated worse than livestock. They were controlled, chained, suppressed, and totally humiliated before the world. Mr. Rhynes stated that he could not see how anyone with good conscious would want that Charter hanging in the hall of justice in Valdosta. Mr. Rhynes stated that blacks are putting their lives on the line in Iraq, and he also served his country well. Mr. Rhynes asked that Council pray for this City and the nation.
CONFERENCE CENTER DIVERSE WORKFORCE:
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilman Vickers stated that he was concerned about the Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center having a diverse workforce. We need to convey this to the Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center Board. Councilman Head stated that when he started serving on the Board, there were a fair number of African-Americans at the Conference Center. His observation has been that there has been a systematic effort to remove some of the African-Americans that are employed there. Councilman Head stated that he was of the opinion that it was revealed that there has been a systematic effort to discriminate against women in general and African-Americans in particular. Mayor Fretti reminded Council that this is a joint authority and there are appointments made by both the City and County. If the City were to go into any other realm of investigatory type situation, we would need the consent of the other body that fills appointments. Councilman Sumner stated that this is an Authority and the members are not involved in hiring and firing. Councilman Sumner also stated that one of the complaints was the lack of minority participation on the Executive Committee. The City and County have made all of those appointments and there is one African-American that serves on that committee. Councilman Head stated that since the City provides some funding for that organization, we should give consideration as to the type of activity or behavior going on there especially where there may be violations of both State and Federal law as it relates to the types of activities.
Conference center, 1860 charter, gang activity
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2004
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
George Rhynes, thanked the Mayor and Council for taking action on the 1860 City Charter. Mr. Rhynes stated that he received a letter from Larry Hanson, City Manager, regarding the status on railroad repairs and thanked Mr. Hanson for this information. Mr. Rhynes also informed Council that there is an individual who works with stopping gang activity and if the parents are aware of gang activity, then there may be a possibility that they would know what to look for in their homes such as graffiti and initiation incidents. Mr. Rhynes thanked Mayor and Council for their time.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2004
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
George Rhynes, thanked the Mayor and Council for taking action on the 1860 City Charter. Mr. Rhynes stated that he received a letter from Larry Hanson, City Manager, regarding the status on railroad repairs and thanked Mr. Hanson for this information. Mr. Rhynes also informed Council that there is an individual who works with stopping gang activity and if the parents are aware of gang activity, then there may be a possibility that they would know what to look for in their homes such as graffiti and initiation incidents. Mr. Rhynes thanked Mayor and Council for their time.
Conference Center Jesse Clark Mrs. Mobley child
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2004
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Jesse Clark, Chairman of the Legal Redress Committee of the NAACP, stated that he was speaking on behalf of Mrs. Darlene Mobley, great-grandmother of Aaron Nelson. Aaron was arrested in February, 2004 for burglary after Mrs. Mobley called the Police Department. Mr. Nelson read the following memorandum addressed to Police Chief Frank Simons and copied to Walter Butler, State President of the NAACP, Mayor Fretti, Council members, and Larry Hanson, City Manager: “Four months ago, George Rhymes and I met with you in reference to Aaron Nelson, a 12-year-old juvenile who was questioned for two and a half hours. Eventually, he was convinced to sign a confession without an attorney or allowing his legal guardian, Mrs. Darlene Mobley, his great-grandmother, to be present as she requested repeatedly. I made you aware of the accusation about Aaron and asked for copies of guidelines and procedures used when questioning juveniles. Your reply was to allow you to investigate and get back with me in a few days. The days turned into four months. I am the one who initially asked for the meeting with Chief Simons and not George Rhymes. Mrs. Mobley called the Police Department after discovering some videos on the back porch of her residence. The Officer questioned Aaron and said he was going to take Aaron down to headquarters to view a surveillance video to aid in the identification of some other suspects. Mrs. Mobley asked if she could bring him but the Officer insisted on transporting him to headquarters. Mrs. Mobley asked that Aaron not be questioned without her being present. Mrs. Mobley contacted her daughter and arrived at headquarters within 30 minutes and asked the young lady at the front desk to speak to the investigator. After several requests, the investigator came out and said they would be out shortly. After two and a half hours, the investigator came out and said they had a signed confession. Eventually, Mrs. Mobley was able to speak to Aaron and asked him why he signed the confession. Aaron told her that the man told him if he did not sign the paper he could go to jail for 20 years. Again, please allow me to see the guidelines for questioning a juvenile without counsel or legal guardian present. According to the Valdosta Daily Times, Aaron was charged with other burglaries that are very questionable. I think a Police Department that is nationally certified should adhere to certain standards and your cooperation is greatly appreciated.” Mr. Clark noted that the Valdosta Daily Times stated that Police Officer Stephen Turnmeyer did an excellent job in the preliminary investigation; however, there was no preliminary investigation. The preliminary investigation was his conducted by his grandmother who called the Police Department. Lt. Childress stated that the detectives did an excellent job in investigating; however, there was no investigation. They questioned Aaron for two and a half hours without a legal guardian or attorney present. Mr. Clark asked Council to look into this matter so that he can speak with Mrs. Mobley and satisfy her as to why this happened to her 12-year-old great-grandson. Mayor Fretti stated that Chief Simons is willing to meet with Mr. Clark and Mrs. Mobley and will brief Council on the outcome of that meeting.
Conference Center Minister Rose on Barber Park
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2004
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
Citizens to Be Heard:
Rev. Floyd Rose, stated that he represented the People’s Tribunal and requested that the 34.4 acres along River Street known as Barber Park be renamed after an African American whose deeds and words are well documented and whose name would lend credence to the neighborhood that now surrounds the park. Mr. Barber owned the land but it was at a time when there was rigid racial segregation in this community and the pools and nature trails were called the park for “white” Valdostans. The swimming pools were off limits to blacks. While Mr. Barber may have been a philanthropist and a successful businessman, he lived at a time in history when blacks were denied the right to walk the nature trails and swim in his pools. Now that the park is owned by the City, Mr. Rose asked Council’s consideration in renaming the park. Mr. Rose stated that the historical past is never as important as the relevant present. Present is now a time of desegregation in all American cities and we need to get rid of any symbols that somehow suggest that we are still in the past. Mayor Fretti stated that Rev. Rose would hear from him or the City Manager before the end of the month on this request.
Jeff and Cheryl Waldron, stated that they were against renaming Barber Park because it is not necessary to rename the park at this time. Ms. Waldron stated that the park has been named that for as long as she has been alive and it bothers her that they want to rename the park.
Conference Center Threats Jaycee Shack Road Threatening
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2004
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
George Rhynes, stated that recently there was an incident on Jaycee Shack Road where a citizen was threatened and racial slurs were used against him during the primary election. There was nothing reported in the local media so citizens began calling Deb Cox, Superintendent of Elections, local law enforcement, and the Valdosta Daily Times. Mr. Rhynes stated that 12 days after the incident, the Valdosta Daily Times published two limited articles on August 1, 2004 and August 3, 2004; however, they failed to report the rest of the story. Mr. Rhynes stated that they failed to give the name of the individual who was threatened, that the polls at Jaycee Shack Road were temporarily closed, that he was a candidate running for public office in Lowndes County, or that he was told by Deb Cox not to go to the polls because he was the subject of these threats or that the individual who was arrested left the scene at Jaycee Shack Road and returned back to the same polls. Mr. Rhynes stated that the person who was threatened was Minister Floyd Rose, a law abiding citizen in our community. Almost 1,000 American lives have been lost in Iraq so that the people in Iraq can enjoy freedom of the press and speech. Mr. Rhynes inquired as to whether we should enjoy the same coverage of news events that happen in our community. Mr. Rhynes stated that whenever news media outlets begin to keep the people in the dark the community is slipping. Mr. Rhynes stated that if this is not a concern to every citizen in Lowndes County, then he will see if someone in the State is concerned enough to look into this situation.
Conference Vickers spoke to Rose Blake spoke also
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2005
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Councilman Vickers stated that he would like to make a statement prior to opening the Citizens to be Heard.Councilman Vickers stated that he spoke with Brother Rose today and yesterday concerning the naming of Barber Park and he has heard from a number of citizens over the last two or three weeks concerning that issue.Councilman Vickers stated that he wanted the opportunity to talk with each Council member about it and if he is successful in his discussions with Council, he would like to place it on the agenda at the next meeting.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD (CON’T) 04/07/05 CONTINUED
Keith Blake, stated that he would like to make a presentation to Mayor and Council at a Work Session and he was also looking for funding assistance for the Sands Horizon Project. Mr. Blake stated that this is an elderly residential living community in Valdosta and will be for any senior citizen over the age of 62 who meets the eligibility requirements. They have acquired funding through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development but it does not cover everything. Mr. James Cone, architect for the project, stated that they are
proposing a new street to build the facility on and will be asking for assistance with construction of the street and extension of water and sewer to the facility. Mayor Fretti inquired as to whether they had approached any of the City’s Departments to discuss this project. Mr. Cone stated that they are currently going through the permitting process and they anticipate receiving a building permit next week. Mayor Fretti stated that Council will look forward to a briefing from Staff on this project.
Rev. Floyd Rose, stated that he represented The People’s Tribunal and they were under the impression that Barber Park would be discussed at the Council meeting tonight. Rev. Rose stated that he met with Councilman Vickers and was told that the Barber Park issue would be discussed on the 24th but Rev. Rose wanted to be sure about what is being committed tonight. Councilman Vickers stated that he did speak with Rev. Rose and will also discuss with Council members. He will plan to have this on the Council agenda next meeting. Rev. Rose stated that they are asking for a resolution of some type where Council would appoint a committee among themselves and meet in the black community among the people who would primarily be using the park. Rev. Rose asked that they have some input as to who the park should be renamed for if in fact it would be renamed. Their preference for renaming the park is for Mr. Ozzie Davis but they would want the people to decide.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2005
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Tony Daniels, stated that a young man who was a Captain in the Valdosta Fire Department resigned to go to Iraq to make more money. Mr. Daniels noted that Section 304.1 in the City Personnel Policy states: “A permanent employee separated from the service by resignation may within a period of two years after date of separation, at this request, be placed on a general re-employment list. The separated employee will be placed at the firefighter rank and must successfully pass the mandatory one-year probationary period. Separated employees will not be subjected to the hiring process for new employees except as outlined in the City’s Personnel Policy. The eligibility of any person on the re-employment list shall expire one year from the date on which his/her name was placed on the eligible list.This procedure shall be used for any permanent employee who has been laid off as a result of a reduction in force or the abolition of a position. All separated employees must have a positive recommendation for re-employment from the Fire Chief.” Mayor Fretti stated the City’s Policy and Procedures do not allow personnel grievances to be heard at Citizens To Be Heard and asked that Mr. Daniels be broad. Mr. Daniels stated that he did not have a problem with the Captain going to Iraq to make more money, but he had a problem with the Mayor and City Council allowing him to come back and did not follow the Personnel Policy. Mr. Daniels stated that Laval Castleberry was up in rank for the Captain’s position and inquired as to what recourse he had. Mr. Daniels stated that the employee who left got the Captain’s position back and he should have come back as a probation employee just like a new firefighter. Mayor Fretti asked that Mr. Daniels stay away from names and positions. Mr. Daniels inquired as to what recourse other firefighters had besides filing a Federal lawsuit against the City of Valdosta if Mayor and Council was not going to follow the Personnel Policy. Mr. Daniels stated that this lawsuit would stand because the Personnel Policy has been violated, and as government officials, Council needs to do the right thing and abide by the Personnel Policy.
Jesse Clark, First Vice President of the NAACP and Chairman of the League of Redress, asked Council to seriously reconsider their opposition to the renaming of Barber Park. Mr. Clark stated that this is not a Floyd Rose issue as some had indicated and Council should not look down on him because of his views. Rev. Rose is from Valdosta/Lowndes County and is a property owner and heavy taxpayer. Dr. Martin Luther King was not from Birmingham, but he was jailed there. He was not from Chicago, but he was stoned there. He was not from Memphis, but he died from an assassin’s bullet there trying to help his fellow man. We honor Dr. King every January, and we have a street and very small memorial honoring him. Dr. King was eulogized by Mr. Ossie Davis, Jr., a playwright of screen and stage. Mr. Clark stated that there was a proposal for a Performing Arts Center and Council will allocate funds for a feasibility study. Mr. Clark asked that Council look at their proposal with an open mind and leave the racism out. There is no reason why one person can have influence over six other people unless there is a political rift. Mr. Clark asked that Council get away from the thing that they are not going to support if it is because of Floyd Rose. If Barber Park was renamed to Ossie Davis, Jr., who lived here during his teenage years and attended Macedonia Baptist Church on J. L. Lomax Drive, and if our grant writer was to submit a grant and give it to Senator Saxby Chambliss, with the assistance from Representative Sanford Bishop, the President of the United States and his wife who admired Ossie Davis would give their blessing. We could establish a beautiful museum on that 34.4 acres with a waterfall in front of it which would be an asset to the public and private school systems. Mr. Clark stated that he believed Sam Allen, Superintendent of the Valdosta City School, and Dr. Steve Smith, Superintendent of the Lowndes Co. School System, and even the private schools would endorse this concept. Mr. Clark stated that Valdosta State University could incorporate in their curriculum a requirement that some of their students serve at the museum. Some of the Performing Arts could also take place at the amphitheater that is located in the park. The public schools could visit this facility every semester and could tie it in with the Social Studies curriculum. You would need a full time curator and volunteers to man the center. This grant could help us establish a small mini Conference Center which could be tied in with the James H. Rainwater Conference Center. Mr. Clark stated that this could also help combat gang violence because we could confer with the group and show them what has happened throughout history and how they could attain certain things. They could be tutored in many ways and it would have a positive impact on this City and Lowndes County. Because of Ossie Davis and his wife, Ruby Dee, corporations like the Wal-Mart Foundation and the Coca Cola Foundation would be thrilled to have their name on a board as a sponsor and would also supply grant money. Mr. Clark asked that all of the negative bickering be put in the background and that Council approve this and not make headlines throughout the United States and internationally. We need to become friends, brothers, and sisters of Lowndes County and Valdosta.
Ari Santas, stated that when we say our prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance we do not always think about the full meaning of the words that are spoken. Ms. Santas stated that when he heard “Father, forgive us for our sins” and “one nation under God” this evening it reminded him of Alexis de Tocqueville who came to this country in the 18thcentury and wrote a critique of American culture called, Democracy in America. In it, he stated two very important things about this country: (1) There is a tendency for tyranny of the prevailing feeling and sentiment in this country that one group who happens to prevail can tyrannize over another group and that tyranny can be just as foul as the tyranny as de Tocqueville experienced in Europe, and (2) America has an incredible rift because of race and it will be this rift that will be the undoing of this nation. Mr. Santas stated that there are deep wounds in this country with an ugly past and segregation was an ugly system. We cannot blame Council for what happened then, but we can address what is going on now. We have citizens who are stigmatized and harmed in this park naming issue. E. R. Barber was an inventor, a successful businessman, and he owned a beautiful park that people wanted to visit; however, the park had a fence around it that kept black people out. The fact is that Mr. Barber forced segregation. Mr. Santas inquired as to whether we want to continue to honor him by naming this park after him, particularly on that side of town which is predominantly African-American. Mr. Santas stated that he felt they should not and asked Council to consider the proposal to form a committee to consider renaming Barber Park.
Leigh Touchton, stated that she supported the previous two speakers. Ms. Touchton stated that it is difficult to grow up as a white person in the South because things are taken for granted and you believe that the world is a fair place because you are a white person. Ms. Touchton stated she graduated in 1978 from Lowndes High School and her favorite teacher was Ms. Juanita Miller who taught French. Ms. Touchton stated that she never learned anything about Martin Luther King until she met Ms. Miller. She was not taught about the civil rights struggle in the South.When the schools were desegregated, most of the black teachers and principals lost their jobs or were demoted. Ms. Miller kept her job because there was not a white French teacher around. Ms. Miller took Ms. Touchton to her alma mater, Morris-Brown University and she was the only white person on that campus. Ms. Touchton stated that it was very scary because she had grown up being in the majority and black people were in the minority. Ms. Touchton then realized there was another world out there where black people are chancellors, professors, engineers, mathematicians, bankers, and lawyers. Unfortunately, we do not see that world represented in Valdosta and Lowndes County. All of the City’s parks and public buildings, with the exception of the Mildred Hunter Center, are named after white people. Ms. Touchton stated that we take it for granted because we say that is history, but history was written by white people. It is time that we started affirming contributions of minorities in our society. Ms. Touchton stated that she was taught not to talk about race and that proves that you are not a racist; however, that is not true. It just proves that racism is not being talked about. Ms. Touchton stated that we have the ability to set something right and can make one tiny change in the name of a place that will affirm black people’s position in the community. Ms. Touchton stated that she could think of no better person to recognize and honor than Ossie Davis and asked Council to search their hearts and move forward on renaming Barber Park.
Shirley Lewis, Hahira, Georgia, stated that she was having problems with a City-owned alley adjacent to her business property at 913 North Ashley Street. There are 18-wheelers traveling through the alley to make deliveries and causing damage to her property. Ms. Lewis stated that she has had to replace air conditioners and the roof has been torn off of the rental building directly behind O’Neals. Ms. Lewis has made numerous complaints to the Zoning Office and they directed her to speak to Council. There are no signs limiting the truck traffic and the Stop sign has been beaten up more than once and put back up. Ms. Lewis stated that the trucks service O’Neals restaurant, Griffin Cars, and Valdosta Dry Cleaners. Ms. Lewis asked Council’s consideration in resolving the problem. Larry Hanson, City Manager, stated that he would have someone evaluate the situation to see what can be done to alleviate the problem.
Willie Head, stated that he wanted to speak about Barber Park. Mr. Head stated that they are adding to juvenile crime and defamation of a people. He was at West Gordon Elementary School attending a chorus program and noted that the chorus was 50-75% people of color and the gym was filled with 60-75% people of color. When the Principal called up the ones responsible for orchestrating the event, none of the people who were responsible or in charge were people of color. Mr. Head stated that the Mayor had just presented a gentleman with an award for his intellect and whoever sees him who looks like him would be proud of him. Mr. Head stated that at West Gordon Elementary School, the young parents could not see anyone who was responsible
for the event that looked like that them. Mr. Head stated that he has a 10-year old granddaughter and she sang but she was not proud. They sang the song “America” and she did not sing the song like he knew she could sing it because she was not proud. She did not see anybody in charge of anything that looked like her. Mr. Head stated that Councilmen and Mayors are public servants and are here to serve the public and not make decisions as to what they want or how they want it. If the citizens say to them they want Ossie Davis, then that is all you take back. Mr. Head stated that he wanted to be clear that Council members are just public servants and are paid with tax dollars. If the citizens say to them that they want Ossie Davis and want Barber Park’s name changed, then that is all you bring back. This is the way it is. Mr. Head stated that the young man who received the reward is proud and his family is proud of him, but think about the black mothers and fathers who were at the event at West Gordon Elementary School. They had a black representative from the Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Department, and the Navy and that told Mr. Head that all they can do is serve. The people who make the policies and establish the rules are all people who look like the four white Councilmen, the Mayor, and the City Attorney. The reason juveniles face court is because they do not know what is expected of them and they do not see anyone who looks like them in power. Mr. Head stated that Council was adding to the system. Council says they want to solve the problem then they should offer a committee to rename Barber Park. Mr. Head stated that this is all they are asking. They love their children and want them to know about Ossie Davis. They cannot depend on the undependable to teach their children unless they do it through Barber Park. Barber Park is just the beginning. Mr. Head stated that they are going to be clear and honest. You will have problems with the black children as long as the curriculum is like it is. The curriculum starts with changing places like Barber Park. Mr. Head stated that there is a paternal function to the government which means that is your child, you gave birth to it, and you would serve it when you took office. The people are saying they need the park and you need to get that park, whichever way it comes, that is your obligation to it as a paternal function.
Councilman Head stated that he had to leave the Council Meeting to attend the Jr. Fire Marshal Banquet to represent Mayor and Council and would return when it is over. Councilman Head left the meeting at 6:21 p.m.
Rev. Floyd Rose, President of The People’s Tribunal, informed Council that he read in the April 22, 2005 edition of the Valdosta Daily Times that Mayor Fretti stated that any citizen could at any time request an addition to the agenda. Rev. Rose requested that the forming of a committee to rename Barber Park be placed on the agenda right now. Mayor Fretti stated that at any point in time any Council member has the opportunity to phone in, walk in, mail in, or request an item be placed on the agenda. It is obvious to you and all of us that they have not done that and they have that opportunity at any time after this meeting. Once the agenda is set it is pretty well set. Mayor Fretti stated that the quote was incorrect. Any citizen could ask any Council member to place something on the upcoming agenda. Rev. Rose inquired as to whether he could ask one of the Councilmen to make that recommendation. Mayor Fretti stated that the rules, policies, and procedures they follow are to engage Council as a whole but there may be a moment at any time that Council could make a recommendation; however, Mayor Fretti would have to rule if it is within the guidelines of the policies and procedures. Rev. Rose stated that he was going to ask one of the Councilmen to do that. Councilman Vickers asked for a point of order. Councilman Vickers stated that once Council has voted on an issue the rules are different because you will have to have five votes to place it back on the agenda.Councilman Vickers stated that there were some interesting points brought up but he was not in a position to discuss them tonight. The rules are a little different when you have already voted than what the Mayor was speaking on.Mayor Fretti stated that he was aware of that. Mayor Fretti stated that once the agenda is set it is pretty well set. Rev. Rose stated that they had a problem because all they were asking Council to do tonight is just say that they would appoint a committee. After listening to all this tonight you all cannot appoint a committee or at least say to us that by such and such a date we will appoint a committee. If you do not do that we are just going to be in problems from now on and there is no reason for it. Mayor Fretti reiterated that if it were to be on the agenda and any Council member wishes to have it placed on this agenda then we would address it, but as you can see it is not. Rev. Rose asked Councilman James Wright if he would offer such a motion. Councilman Wright inquired as to what motion Rev. Rose wanted him to make. Rev. Rose stated that he wanted the establishment of a committee to rename Barber Park to be placed on the agenda. This committee would hold hearings in the community for those who were opposed and those who were not. Mayor Fretti informed Rev. Rose that he was going directly against his instructions. These instructions have been voted on unanimously by this Council and we are honor those policies and procedures. Mayor Fretti stated that he would appreciate it if Rev. Rose would honor those policies and procedures. Rev. Rose stated that he could not and would not honor them tonight. Mayor Fretti stated that they were at an impasse. Rev. Rose stated that Mayor Fretti could do what he had
to do and they would have to do what they had to do. It is obvious to them now what this is about and it is so clear and it makes so much sense. You placed on the agenda at the last meeting on April 21st the Performing Arts Center and both black Councilmen voted for it without even thinking about it twice. But when they come in here and ask for something it is some big problem and you have to delay it. Rev. Rose stated that he did not understand it and that it hurts. Mayor Fretti stated that he understood and there may be more citizens that may want to speak on other issues. Rev. Rose stated that he would not move. Mayor Fretti asked Rev. Rose to relinquish the podium so that the Council meeting could continue. Rev. Rose stated that he would not and to do whatever he wanted to do. Mayor Fretti stated that he heard the terms that Rev. Rose wants it on the agenda but after that what are the terms. Rev. Rose stated that all he was asking them to do was to place it on the agenda and let the people decide tonight that there will be a committee. They are not asking them to rename the park tonight. Mayor Fretti stated that he wanted to continue with the agenda and Citizens to be Heard. Mayor Fretti asked Rev. Rose a second time if he would relinquish the podium. Rev. Rose stated that they would not move and to do whatever he had to do. Mayor Fretti stated that everyone has a choice and that he had no choice but to clear Council Chambers. Mayor Fretti asked if there was any objection from Council or the City Manager to ask Chief Frank Simons to clear the Council Chambers.Hearing no objection, Mayor Fretti stated that Chief Simons would do what he deemed necessary to clear the Chambers so the meeting could continue. Mayor Fretti stated that as soon as the podium was relinquished there will be a full open podium for anyone else under Citizens to be Heard. Commander Fason asked that all those who wanted to be arrested to follow him.
Queen Ann Robinson, homeless citizen, stated that she is a spiritual messenger and her creator sent her to the Council meeting to tell them something. God is just, so you must be just. Justice is the foundation of civilization and if justice does not exist, civilization crumbles. If justice is not rendered, you will be removed.
Pastor Clifford Dodson, Sr., County Line Independent Methodist Church in Cecil, Georgia, inquired as to whether he could get the proper procedure in writing for placing The People’s Tribunal request on the agenda so that they will know how to proceed from now on. Mayor Fretti stated that any Council member could request items to be placed on the agenda. The City Manager has sole control of the agenda whether it is germane or not to the functions of the City Council because many things are a functionary response of administration to the City Manager and many things are a functionary response of City Council and we have sole discretion on that. Mayor Fretti stated that it is best to go through a Council member to request that. If a citizen writes a letter to ask for something be put before Council, it would go directly to the City Manager and would be his discretion whether or not he puts something on the agenda. The City Manager determines how Council might feel about the item because if Council just voted something up or down one week prior, then it would really get no support if you put it on the agenda week after week and he would be doing himself a disservice unless he were to call Council members to see if they objected to putting it on the agenda. Pastor Dodson stated that regarding the previous issue that was discussed, he heard that you need five Councilmen in order to bring the item back to fruition. Mayor Fretti stated that under the policies and procedures, if a vote or action is taken on an item or issue it can be heard again but will not be reversed unless it has a two-thirds majority within a six-month period. After that six-month period, it will need a simple majority to be reversed or reconsidered. Pastor Dodson inquired about the vote that had already taken place when some of the Council members were absent and whether that was not a vote to form a committee. Mayor Fretti stated that was correct.Pastor Dodson inquired as to what that vote was concerning. Mayor Fretti stated that the vote was to rename Barber Park. Pastor Dodson stated that they would not have to have a majority or five members of Council in order to have a meeting on the naming of a committee. Mayor Fretti stated that was correct. Larry Hanson, City Manager, stated that there was an agenda item to form a committee to consider renaming the park and a motion was made but there was no second. Pastor Dodson inquired as to whether the City Manager would allow them to bring the issue back to form a committee to look into the renaming of Barber Park. Larry Hanson stated that his policy has always been that any item that has been before Council that has been acted on or presented to them that for it to be placed again on the agenda takes a request from a member of Council.
Councilman Vickers stated that he represents District 3 and has been going to that park for 30 years. He was raised there and was not allowed to go there but they had a pool on the south side of town that they went to.Councilman Vickers stated that he did not have a problem with renaming the park, but his position was that it be renamed for somebody locally who has made a contribution. If you look at the audience and the ones who are
going to jail, there is not one person from District 3. Councilman Vickers stated that he was in tune with his district
and they oppose it. They feel like people who live elsewhere are dominating what is going on there. If we went to some of these neighborhoods and tried to change the name of the street, they would have a big problem. There is not one person who walked out of Council Chambers that lives over there. Councilman Vickers stated that it was amazing to him how he can go to someone else’s neighborhood and change something and leave them out. Those that have been using the park for 30 years did not have a problem with the park. There are greater issues that need to be addressed. Councilman Vickers stated that he did not have a problem with the park.He was one of the ones who had to go to the back door, but the Bible states that at some point you have to forgive others and move on. You cannot go around and change things those in Council Chambers have no control over. Councilman Vickers inquired as to what Pastor Dodson’s problem was with the park. Pastor Dodson stated that his problem was the history of the park itself. It is like a stigma and the right thing to do would be to get rid of the past or try to change the past. The only ones who can do that is Council. No one can literally change the past, but you can change the future. The reason why The People’s Tribunal does not understand it is because Council is refusing to even set up a committee to look into the issue. That is all they want. They never said you have got to name the park. Councilman Vickers stated that he made the motion for approval and he did not have a problem with the name being changed; however, those who live in that community and have been using the park for 30 years and could not even go to Valdosta High School did not want to change the name. Pastor Dodson stated that those are issues he understood but all the parks in Valdosta are in certain districts. He lives in north Valdosta and did not want to go to Barber Park because it is named after a racist who allowed segregation. Council can make the change though. Pastor Dodson stated that he would ask one of the Councilmen to send a letter or he would send it so that the item can be placed back on the agenda. Councilman Wright stated that Council recommended a committee but that the name is a local citizen. Pastor Dodson inquired as to whether the problem was actually getting the name.Councilman Wright stated that they need to have the people from that area involved in the process and not dictate what others want the name to be.
Patricia Ann Santas, 2705 Dogwood Circle, stated that she would like to see a committee formed for the renaming of Barber Park. Ms. Santas stated that a lot of the things that people are dealing with in the community occur as white flight takes place and the areas that were formerly white are now predominantly black. Ms. Santas stated that if she does not stand before Council on this issue she would be doing an injustice to her son. Ms. Santas is a school bus driver for the Lowndes County School System and she sees many disturbing things. Even with little children as young as six years old, there is racism. Ms. Santas asked Council to keep in mind using Barber Park for educational purposes. We need to have that within the school systems to help children understand the history of how race has played out historically in this country and in Valdosta. The ignorance and maliciousness starts when children are very young. Ms. Santas stated that she has tried to educate her child to learn how to stand up in a loving and respectful way and to not ostracize others based on race or religion. Ms. Santas asked Council’s consideration in using the Barber Park situation as an educational tool.
June 9, 2005
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2005
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
George Rhynes, Stated that the citizens of Valdosta are not being informed of what actually happens at the Council meetings. Mr. Rhynes stated that he realized this was not Council’s problem but it is a problem that exists.Since the Barber Park issue and the arrest of Rev. Rose and 14 other citizens, our local media is a tool that the citizens use to educate themselves about what is happening in our community and it seems to be broken.Coverage of the May 5, 2005 and May 19, 2005 City Council meetings seems to be from the early days of Iraq or third world nation because of the omission and misinformation presented to the public. Mr. Rhynes stated that on June 3, 2005, Al Parsons of the Valdosta Daily Post reported what Paul Harvey would call the rest of the story. The Post reported actual interviews and experiences of the people who were arrested and placed in the Lowndes County jail. This is the way news is reported in other metropolitan cities across this nation. The whiteout by the press gave birth to the document, “An Assessment of a South Georgia Town, Valdosta.” The press refused to report anything that citizens said at the last City Council meeting on May 19, 2005 to the public. Mr. Rhynes stated that, in his opinion, a person of below average intelligence would have wanted to hear Mr. Jeremiah Lawton’s response to Council concerning the issue in voting. The local media seems to have regressed to the 1960’s. This method of omitting the issues that affect the people of this community did not work in the 60’s and it will not work now because when truth comes falsehood must vanish because falsehood is forever a vanishing thing. The Bible informs us that heaven and earth will pass away but truth will stand forever.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2005
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Ari Santas, stated that he wanted to discuss the proposed name change for Barber Park. Mr. Santas teaches Philosophy, Ethics, and Social Policy, and one of the things that he tries to instill in his students is the importance of acting as public servants not as a reactionary but as promoting the public benefit. Many people in the community probably do not want to change the name of Barber Park, but given the history of the park under segregation and attempts to bring us up-to-date in terms of civil rights. Mr. Santas requested that the name be changed and asked Council’s consideration to honestly and sincerely consider this request not as a reaction to some vocal people who are opposed to it but rather ask yourself what do we want to show our children and what symbols do we want to emphasize.
Jail Deaths took 27 days! Have you all heard about this death through the Local Media?
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2005
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
George Rhynes, President of the local Valdosta-Lowndes Co NAACP, inquired as to whether the Mayor and Council had heard about another inmate who died in the Lowndes Co. jail on September 2, 2005. The Valdosta Daily Times has not reported this death yet. Mr. Rhynes inquired as to whether it would take 27 days as it did when the person died on June 21, 2004. Mr. Rhynes stated that he knew the Lowndes Co. jail was in the County but he tries to follow the teachings of Jesus and love his neighbor. When Willie J. Williams died, over 2,000 citizens marched on the Lowndes Co. jail. People laughed at them for the most part and the Justice Department turned their fingers down on them; however, someone is paying attention. It will be embarrassing when people find out that no one stood up and said anything about Willie McFarland dying, Willie Lee Gaye, 39 years old who died in 1995, Willie James Williams who died in 1998, Sonny Graham who died in 2000, Mary King, 40 years old, who died in 2001, Sandra J. Wallace, 39 years old, who died August 31, 2002, Lisa Sanders, 38 years old, who died in 2003, John Henry DeJohn, who died June 21, 2004, and now Amamary Quinez, 34 years old, who died September 2, 2005 in the Lowndes Co. jail. Mr. Rhynes stated that one day when the bell tolls somebody is going to want to know why and he will also want to know why because he wants for his neighbor that which he wants to have for himself. Mr. Rhynes stated that he will never stop seeking justice and he was in pain because he loves people regardless of race, color, creed, or nationality. Mr. Rhynes stated that he believed that one day something would be done.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
Citizens to be heard
Rev. Floyd Rose, informed Council that he received many calls from concerned residents in the Woodlawn Forest area where a new traffic light was installed. The residents were inquiring as to why that area was not made handicap accessible and asked Rev. Rose to look around the City of Valdosta for similar situations. Rev. Rose stated that he did look at similar situations and they are all handicap accessible and inquired as to why that one was not made that way. Larry Hanson, City Manager, stated that it may be in the plan or the intersection could be slated for improvements and he would meet with the City Engineer to discuss the situation. Rev. Rose stated that he had also discussed another issue with the Mayor and City Councilmen in the past and inquired as to why the proponents speak after the opponents. Rev. Rose stated that he would not know if he was opposed to something if he had not heard it yet. Mayor Fretti stated that the Council is now under a six-month trial period as suggested by Councilman Vickers to reverse that and Council is now hearing the proponents first and opponents last. Larry Hanson stated that it would be evaluated in approximately one month and a permanent decision would be made by Council.
AMENDED MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Willie Head, informed Council that he was speaking on behalf of the People’s Tribunal. Mr. Head read a letter which included the following text: As you know, on April 21, 2005 several members of the community were here to support a request by Councilman Sonny Vickers to rename Barber Park. By a vote of 3-2, the request was denied. We returned on May 5 and asked the Mayor to appoint a committee to hold public hearings in the community and allow the pros and cons of the proposal to be heard. However, the Mayor informed us that the proposal could not be brought back up for public discussion for six months.
Mr. Mayor, it has now been more that a year and we are here again to respectfully ask you and this honorable Council to rename Barber for Ossie Davis. There are two major reasons for our request. (1) Mr. Davis is a native of South Georgia. He was born approximately forty miles east of here. He grew up in Valdosta, attended the old Dasher High School and left Valdosta at age 17 to begin his acting career. (2) When E.N. Barber owned the 34.4 acre recreation site it was a time when races were segregated in Valdosta and African Americans were not allowed to use his park. This is not to suggest that the previous owner disliked Americans of African descent; he simply lived at a time in our history when blacks and whites did not use the same public facilities. To rename the park for a man of Mr. Davis’s distinction and international acclaim would be a credit to our city. More importantly, Mr. Davis’s life and work personified the new racially inclusive Valdosta that we all love. Mr. Head further stated that he was before Council today to ask for a response to this request.
Mayor Fretti asked Mr. Head if anyone else would be speaking for the Tribunal. Mr. Head replied no.Mayor Fretti informed Mr. Head that he had spoken to a Councilman and this item would be addressed at the next meeting of the Valdosta City Council on May 25, 2006. Mr. Head thanked Mayor and Council for their consideration.
George B. Rhynes, President of the NAACP – Valdosta/Lowndes County Branch, informed Council that the media did not report that a member of the Rainbow Coalition attended the Valdosta City School Board meeting held on Monday addressing issues in the community. There was nothing in the paper or local media informing people that a meeting had taken place in the interest of our children. Mr. Rhynes further stated that he had been asked to address the Council on behalf of the President of the Georgia State Conference to say that the NAACP supports the People’s Tribunal in the effort to rename Barber Park. Mr. Rhynes stated that the President was only absent because of a hazing incident in another county in Georgia, but would be back in Valdosta in about a month to address other issues that are long overdue. Mr. Rhynes stated that he is thankful for the form of government we have even in Valdosta, Georgia because we fall under National. He is thankful for State Judge Turner, Georgia Supreme Court for ruling in the area of our right for public redress.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
Mayor Fretti stated that if any citizens were present and wanted to speak on the Agenda Item to change the name of Barber Park then they would need to voice their opinions at this time. Mayor Fretti also stated that he had a proposal from one of the Council members to form a committee to study the issue and submit names for renaming Barber Park.
Rev. Floyd Rose, stated that when he left the last Council meeting he was under the impression that the proposal made to Council was the one that would be presented to Council and apparently this is not the case. Rev. Rose stated that in the future, he hoped that someone would have the courtesy to make a phone call and let the citizens who have been involved in the issue know what to expect. The citizens present tonight were expecting that the proposal would include the name of Ozzie Davis. Rev. Rose stated that he has personally made a commitment to raise $100,000 to help with the museum and other things should Barber Park be renamed. Rev. Rose stated that he had asked for a committee on May 5, 2005 and was told no. Now Council is willing to do what they would not do a year ago which is fine; however, someone should have had the courtesy to telephone him about what was going on. Mayor Fretti stated that the proposal came to Council very late yesterday and he understood what Rev. Rose was saying.
Rev. W. F. Wade, stated that he met Ozzie Davis at Valdosta State College and went to school with his brother, James. Rev. Wade told him about the 103rd Colored Troop in Valdosta and that they built the first school to provide them with equal protection of the law. The person who gave them the first school should be taken into consideration.
Harold Bennett, stated that if some of his comments sounded anti-black then that was a mistake because he was on City Council when they arranged to have the first black districts in Valdosta. Mr. Bennett stated that he was not a native of Valdosta and came here from Oklahoma by way of Louisiana, Missouri, and Kentucky. He thought this was one of the finest communities he had ever visited and that there were great opportunities. Mr. Bennett stated that the problem is that Council is going to be asked to take the name of a park and replace it with something else.This is a monumental decision and Council should listen to the people in their districts. Mr. Bennett stated that Mr. Barber was a victim of circumstances. He could not help that he was born in a period of time when blacks and whites did not swim together. The Barber’s have done many wonderful things for this community. They had a house on Ashley Street which now houses the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Bennett stated that if he was sitting on Council today, he would be in a hard position to make a decision; however, if he were going to change the name of the park for a black person, he would find the one that had done the most for the black community. There was a man who lived here named Anderson and he came from Savannah in 1865 on a train after the Civil War ended. He established the Macedonia African First Baptist Church in 1867 as a gift from a white family. Years ago, the blacks went to church with the whites and Anderson learned how to read and write. He was the first teacher in the first black schools organized in Valdosta. The greatest thing to happen to the black community has been education, and it was a terrible thing that they were denied education when they first came here. Mr. Bennett stated that the Lomax’s also did a lot for Valdosta and he would have difficulty voting for someone he did not know anything about. Mr. Bennett stated that he was concerned about renaming the park in honor of Ozzie Davis and inquired as to what Ozzie Davis had done for the community of Valdosta.
Willie Head, stated that he understood that Mr. Barber could be a victim of that time but times have changed.Being a farmer, it took hundreds of men to plant just a few acres and now that they can plant 24 rows at once because times have changed. Mr. Head stated that his babies know nothing about Mr. Barber; however, they do know about Ozzie Davis and that he is an acclaimed actor who eulogized Dr. Martin Luther King. Mr. Head stated that Mr. Barber did not allow blacks in that community and now 99% of the people who use the park are black.They have a black representative of that district and Mr. Barber would probably not want the park named after him now. Times have changed and they would like to have the park renamed for Ozzie Davis because his legacy can bring funding and support a museum to educate the children of those people who have contributed to the lives of black people. Mr. Head asked Council’s consideration in renaming the park in honor of Ozzie Davis.
George B. Rhynes, President of the Valdosta-Lowndes County branch of the NAACP, stated that he was not going to try to convince anyone about what to do regarding the park. Mr. Rhynes asked that Council check their conscious. Renaming Barber Park is featherweight compared to what black people have gone through in their struggles. Mr. Rhynes stated that Ozzie Davis actually came to the Macedonia Church several times and that is a part of history that is documented. Valdosta needs to watch what it is doing because there are a lot of eyes on the City.
Karen Calhoun, stated that she was not a resident of Valdosta but was perplexed about the issue of renaming Barber Park. This was a dream of several people in the community to change the name to Ozzie Davis and build a museum. Ms. Calhoun stated that they also knew Ozzie Davis’ wife, Ruby Dee, and they were trying to get in contact with her in order to help make a difference. Ms. Calhoun stated that even though Ozzie Davis did not live here his parents lived here and attended Macedonia Baptist Church. Martin Luther King did not live here in Valdosta but there are streets all over the United Stated named after him. Ozzie Davis stood for mankind and he loved his people.
Clifford Dodson, Sr., Pastor of County Line Independent Methodist Church in Cecil, Georgia, asked Council’s consideration in doing the right thing. It has been a long struggle, people have gone to jail, and a lot of time has been wasted. Mr. Dodson stated that the reason they want Barber Park renamed is because of the stigma attached to the name. When you have citizens who could not go to that park, the proposal is a waste of time. As City fathers, Council has a responsibility not only to their community but to the City as a whole. Valdosta is 54% black and in that community, it is 97% black so why can they not have Barber Park renamed after a black African American that they can all be proud of instead of a stigmatizing name such as Barber. It is time to change and some of the proposals by The People’s Tribunal will fit in well with the plans for a national museum for black history. Mr. Dodson stated that Council has the authority to change the situation and he asked Council’s consideration in doing the right thing.
Consideration of a request to change the name of Barber Park.
Mayor Fretti stated that a memorandum has been submitted proposing the formation of a Committee for Barber Park. The intent of this proposal was to determine interest in revisiting the issue of renaming Barber Park. Mayor and Council would appoint a Committee to develop a recommendation concerning the name of Barber Park to include whether the park should be renamed and, if so, a recommendation as to the name. Each member of Mayor and Council will appoint one representative from the district that they represent to the Committee. A member may not appoint himself. This will result in an eight-person Committee. Mayor and Council will not be directly involved in the deliberation or recommendation of the Committee. Citizens appointed to the Committee should be open-minded and agree to participate actively on the Committee. The members will serve as the voting
members of the Committee and will elect its’ own Chairperson. The Chairperson may only vote in the event of a tie. The Committee will provide a written format by which interested persons will submit opinions as to the renaming or names for consideration. To be considered, any opinion or nomination must be in writing in the format prescribed by the Committee. Public input will be received in writing only and will be submitted to the Associate City Clerk who will gather and provide the written comments to the Committee. All comments or nominations must be signed and submitted by a Valdosta City resident. Duplicate submissions will not be accepted nor will multiple copies of the same submittal. The Committee will study the issue and determine what recommendation, if any, is to be made and will provide a written report to Mayor and Council within 12 weeks of their appointment. Mayor and Council will have the discretion to provide any guidelines deemed appropriate and necessary to the Committee.City Staff will provide administrative support such as meeting notices, agendas, minutes, and location. Any final action or decision will be solely at the discretion of Mayor and Council. Mayor and Council agrees that in consideration for appointing a Committee and voting on a recommendation that no further action will be considered related to the name of Barber Park for a minimum of five years. Mayor Fretti stated that he also had a copy of the City of Valdosta’s Naming Policy dated March 25, 2004. Council also has before them to either appoint a Committee or not, or to take this up in any way they choose or see fit.
Councilman Vickers stated that there was a perception that there would be a vote on Ozzie Davis’ name tonight. At the last Council meeting, Councilman Vickers spoke with Mayor Fretti and told him that he would like for the issue to be on the agenda. Councilman Vickers stated that he has constantly worked this issue the last several days trying to find a format to bring to Council that would be successful. If he had just brought Ozzie Davis’ name before Council, he doubted very seriously that it would have passed. All of the Council members heard from a lot of citizens telling them to leave the park alone. Councilman Vickers stated that he had at least five calls on his answering machine from citizens saying that the park should be left alone. He also heard a lot of citizens wanting the park named for a local person. This proposal was prepared in an effort to get it passed by Council. Councilman Vickers stated that then he would have spoken with Rev. Rose if he had time. Councilman Vickers stated that his problem was not renaming Barber Park, but the base issue for changing the name was the problem. In January of last year, Councilman Vickers visited with Rev. Rose and there was a young lady from Atlanta there also. They had just received the first letter stating Rev. Rose’s intent on bringing this before Council. Councilman Vickers stated that he told Rev. Rose not to go down the race road with this and to use another approach. Rev. Rose did not so someone had to take this up. Councilman Vickers stated that he could not take this up because he did not believe in the premise in which this was brought up in. Since this is in his district, then Council looked to him for some leadership. When this issue first came up, it was mentioned that the park should be named after Russell Woods and it was well received. Councilman Vickers stated that he has a lot of respect for Rev. Rose and knew that he meant well, but sometimes they disagree. After listening to Council members and the community, they wanted to leave it to a local name and he tried to put something together on this issue that Council would support.
A MOTION was made by Councilman Vickers as outlined by the Mayor and discussed with Council that a Committee be formed and each Council member would appoint a Committee member and have the names submitted for the next Council meeting. Councilman Head seconded the motion. Councilman Wright stated that he knew there has been a lot of discussion on this issue and agreed that it needs to come to a head; however, there are some issues and discussions that he has not been privy to and it is hard for him to say go ahead and put it to a vote. The issue of Barber Park is one that will not go away any time soon. The proposal brought forth by Councilman Vickers is a way to solicit input and get people involved because it is a way of dealing with this issue and having Council vote on it. Councilman Wright stated that he would support it because there would be a vote on it once and for all and they would be dealing with the issue along with input from the community. Councilman Yost inquired as to whether the Committee would have to go by the City’s policy of renaming City-owned properties and facilities before they make a recommendation to Council. Councilman Vickers stated that they would have to follow the policy. Councilman Yost stated that when the Committee meets and they bring recommendations of persons or nominations then they have to understand they have to follow this policy. Councilman Vickers stated that the policy would be provided to the public through the newsletter, news media, and the City’s web site. Larry Hanson stated that he envisioned there would be a written application which would include the criteria and any nomination must be consistent with the policy regarding the naming of City-owned property. The policy would be attached to the nomination form and it would be completed and signed by the resident of the City of Valdosta. Councilman Yost stated that the Committee should meet in a room large enough for individuals from the
community who want to hear what is going on to attend. Council should also be provided with copies of minutes from those meetings. Larry Hanson stated that any Committee appointed by the Mayor and Council falls under the meetings of the Georgia Open Meetings/Open Records Act so the public would be informed. The City would follow the law and notify the newspaper and do the things that are required. The meeting would be held at the Annex Building as similar to the Committee meetings held when the Conference Center was renamed. Councilman Sumner stated that a comment was made about the MLK Corridor and the street being so small and that it was not an honorable thing that they had done. Councilman Sumner inquired as to the amount of money being spent on that project for redevelopment on that street which is greater than just the monument of Dr. King. Larry Hanson stated that the project budget is now $1.5 million and it is in the final design stages by Jackson Person & Associates. Councilman Sumner stated that he doubted other communities the size of Valdosta had spent the amount of money to do the type job that we want to do. Councilman Sumner stated that he and several Council members went to Washington, D.C. several weeks ago and asked for funding for this project. It was unanimously supported by a previous Council whose racial makeup is different than today. There are also some parks and facilities that have been named after African Americans such as the Mildred Hunter Center and Ralph Harrington Park. Councilman Sumner stated that Councilman Vickers had worked very hard on this proposal and he has spoken with many citizens within his community and he appreciated those efforts and keeping Council informed.Councilman Sumner recommended that Council approve the proposal and asked that they move forward together for a better day. Councilman Eunice stated that he has spoken with Councilman Vickers and they debated this issue. Councilman Eunice stated that he had reservations about renaming the park and still does; however, he has given this a lot of thought and Councilman Vickers has worked hard on this issue. Councilman Eunice stated that he would vote in favor of forming a Committee. Councilman Head stated that when Councilman Vickers approached him with this proposal, he immediately thought about the past Council meeting when he made a motion to form a Committee which died for lack of a second. Some efforts that were later made to push for the formulation of a Committee also failed. Sometimes a lot of things get in the way and we do not want to humble ourselves and do what is best for the community. When Councilman Vickers approached Councilman Head with the idea he embraced it because this is something that is eating away at the core of the community and it inhibits the progress of the community. Councilman Payton inquired as to whether Mayor and Council would be obligated to go with the recommendation of the Committee if the Committee is formed. Larry Hanson stated that Council is not bound by the recommendation of any Committee and there have several instances where Council has chosen not to follow the recommendation of a Committee. That is why there is a specific item that states that the final action is solely at the discretion of Mayor and Council. George Talley, City Attorney, stated that you cannot legally delegate the responsibility to a Committee and it would be an unlawful delegation of your legislative authority. You may follow their recommendation but you cannot bind yourself to do it because they cannot act for Council. The motion was unanimously adopted (7-0).
MUNITES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD 06/08/06 CONTINUED
Edward DuBose, Columbus, Georgia, greeted Council on behalf of the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP where he serves as President. Mr. DuBose stated that he was interested in the debate on Barber Park and was aware that Mr. Barber was a segregationist. Mr. DuBose asked that Council give serious consideration in naming the park after Ozzie Davis. Ozzie Davis is not just a name in Valdosta but ranks up there with Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. DuBose asked Council, on behalf of Bruce Gordon and the State and Regional Office of the NAACP, to not only consider renaming the park in honor of Ozzie Davis, but to move swiftly. Barber Park is located in a predominantly African-American District and it would be a great honor to recognize this and change time by naming the park after a great hero. Mr. DuBose stated that he was also told that discussion of putting together a committee would cause further delay. The interest is bigger than Valdosta and has reached the Georgia State Congress. Mr. DuBose noted that they are prepared to mobilize their units here to further this discussion in Valdosta with whatever efforts may be necessary. They are prepared to challenge the mind-set of this City. There is no other reason why this park should not be named swiftly after a man who stood for justice. Mr. DuBose asked, begged, and demanded that Council make the right decision on behalf of the 97% African-Americans who now surround the park named after an acknowledged segregationist.
Sherry Jarvis, stated that she was not African-American and has lived in the area for 33 years. Ms. Jarvis inquired as to whether changing the name of the park would stop the gang activity and street crime in that area. The elderly citizens cannot even go outside without being called ugly names. Ms. Jarvis stated that they are planning to have a neighborhood meeting next Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Craig Center and invited Rev. Rose and his followers to attend. Ms. Jarvis stated that when change the name for one person then you would have to do it for everyone.
Lynnel Dasher, Valdosta, stated that he supported the name remaining as Barber Park. Mr. Dasher stated that the knew Mr. Barber and he would invite all of the grammar school, Jr. High, and High School students out for their annual class picnics at no charge. There are many people who feel the same way and Mr. Dasher asked Council’s consideration in leaving the name as Barber Park.
Clifford Dotson, Sr., Sr. Pastor of County Line Independent Methodist Church, 4005 Carter Oaks Boulevard, stated that he was asking Council again to not put in the hands of a committee what they were elected to do. Mr. Dotson stated that they would like a vote on this issue and they want the park renamed after Ozzie Davis, who was a legendary figure and whose parents were here in Valdosta. Council had previously said they would have a vote but no vote came forward. Instead, Council recommended the formation of a committee, which Mr. Dotson was not aware of until the last moment. Mr. Dotson stated that it is the responsibility of Council to live up to what the citizens expect from them and that is to either vote up or down on the proposal. The proposal has a lot of merit and it is time that the black citizens, young and old, have somewhere to take their children instead of going to Savannah or Macon. Mr. Dotson stated that it makes no sense at all why the park cannot be named after an African-American because 97% of the citizens of that community are African-American. When Council took their oath, they promised to live up to the responsibility of being a Councilman and that is what they need to do. A committee is not needed because Council already knows what they are going to vote. The proposal letter states that Council has the option to reject or accept what the committee proposes and if that is the case then what is the point in having a committee. Mr. Dotson stated that it makes no sense and Council needs to do what they are supposed to do.
Mayor Fretti stated that there may be some confusion because Council has already voted to form a committee and tonight is merely to submit names for the formation of the committee. In essence, this Council cannot go back and vote on renaming Barber Park tonight for Ozzie Davis or anyone unless there is a super majority within six months of a vote. There may be some citizens who may not have understood what tonight was about. The renaming of Barber was on the agenda two weeks ago and Council could have renamed it, denied the renaming of Barber Park, or formed a committee. Council voted to form a committee and tonight will be to submit names for that committee. Mayor Fretti stated that committees are formed so that names can be submitted and taken into consideration. Committees are good and allow names to be submitted because this is not a dictatorship and one person does not choose someone. Qualifications can be reviewed and a short list can be derived and then presented to Council. Council has final authority to accept or reject any names out of any committee. Committees are formed because it is an open forum of government. Mayor Fretti stated that he did not think any of the citizens at the Council meeting tonight wanted a closed form of government or an autocracy. There are people who will beappointed to the committee that citizens can approach and discuss names for consideration. Mayor Fretti asked that citizens wait until the committee is formed to submit names for consideration.
George Boston Rhynes, stated that he is the President of the Valdosta-Lowndes NAACP, and he understood what Mayor Fretti was relaying to the citizens; however, at the same time, those people who are selected to be on the committee are not the ones who saw the name and history of Barber Park and who went to jail because they took it to heart about what is going on in the community. Mr. Rhynes stated that very few people know about Mary Turner Hayes, Eugene Thompson, and the violence that went on in Lowndes County and Brooks County in 1938.The museum could teach the black children about what happened in the past. Mayor Fretti inquired as to whether Mr. Rhynes was aware of planning for a black history museum for the MLK Corridor. The City has just received notification of another $350,000 in Federal Funds for the MLK Corridor and a non profit group is working on a black history museum. Mr. Rhynes stated that he appreciated all of the work that was being done in that area because at the last Council meeting someone stated that it was not an honorable dedication. This is a great dedication; however, if you look at Quitman, Homerville, and Cairo, you will see large thoroughfares honoring Dr. King. Mr. Rhynes stated that Council should want for their neighbors that which you want to have for yourself. If he wanted to name a street for Malcolm X in the white gated community, they would not be here tonight.
Leigh Touchton, stated that she was the former President of the NAACP and was a product of the desegregation of the schools. Most of the white men there before her went to all white schools and she was lucky enough to have a black teacher named Juanita Miller who kept her job because she was the only person who could teach French.There were no white teachers who could teach French when the schools were desegregated. Most of the black teachers and principals were relegated to custodial staff and cafeteria jobs. This left a mark in people’s lives. Ms. Touchton stated that as a white person, she did not understand why it was so difficult for other white people to understand how black people might feel. She went to Ms. Miller’s alma mater, Morris Brown, and she saw black students learning to be engineers, attorneys, and doctors. There is a great feeling to be had if this park’s name is changed from Barber Park. Mr. Barber may have been a good man but the fact remains that the park was segregated and if she had been a white child allowed to swim in that park watching black people walk past, she would not be proud to come here today and say that she remembered the great times when the school children got to swim in the park. It is time that the Barber name goes away. Mr. Barber’s daughter donated the Chamber of Commerce house which could be renamed for the Barber family. Ozzie Davis comes with a group of citizens behind him with a plan. Ms. Touchton stated that, with all due respect to the Mayor, no one had heard about that plan until tonight. Ms. Touchton stated that the power of government is retained by the people and they come and petition the government for change. Ms. Touchton did not agree with the legal advice that has been given to Council with the six month rule. The Council is elected to serve the will of the people. Ms. Touchton stated that she did not agree with the five-year moratorium that you are going to put on this committee’s findings. The people retain the power in a democracy and the people are here petitioning the government and she was not going to jail tonight. This proposal comes with citizen backing and an economic plan that will help one of the poorer areas of the City and alleviation of crime in the area. Ms. Touchton stated that she did not see any sense in continuing the charade and the committee was put into place simply to delay and possibly circumvent a proposal that has been brought by the people.
Rev. Floyd Rose, held up a bottle and stated that this is a satisfier and it is designed to satisfy the baby. It contains nutrients to build muscle and tissue and contribute to the growth and maturity, both physically and mentally, of the baby. It is for the baby’s benefit. He then held up a pacifier. It is designed to fool the baby because you are giving the baby something when in fact the baby gets nothing. When the baby whines and cries you stick the pacifier in his mouth to shut the baby up so you can go on back to doing what you were doing. Unfortunately, the baby comes to a point and learns the difference between the satisfier and the pacifier. What Council has proposed in the establishment of the committee is designed to satisfy white people and pacify black people. The resolution that was submitted by Councilman Vickers was designed to satisfy whites who rejected the name change in a vote on April 25, 2005. The vote was two blacks for changing the name and three whites against. Now the whites who voted against it will be satisfied and you have given the blacks something that you think will pacify them. The restrictions contained in the resolution virtually guarantee that the name will not be changed. Not one person who has been actively working to get the name changed was appointed to the committee. Rev. Rose stated that he had never heard of anything like that because usually people who have been working on something and who have suffered and sacrificed are approached first to see it they would be interested in being on a
committee. Although the committee meetings will be public, but no one will be allowed to speak. All nominations must be in writing only and sent to the Associate City Clerk who will pass them on the Chairman of the committee.You must be a resident of the City of Valdosta to submit a name and no Lowndes Co. resident can submit a name even though money that was used to renovate the park came from SPLOST funds which were collected by the County. Duplicate submissions will not be accepted nor will multiple copies of the same submission. If 1,000 people wanted the park renamed for Ozzie Davis then only one person could submit the name and no petition bearing his name will be accepted. Rev. Rose stated that the true motive of the resolution is revealed in the last paragraph which reads: “The Mayor and Council agree that in consideration for appointing a committee and voting on the recommendation that no further action will be considered related to the name Barber Park for a minimum of five years.” If Council intended to do anything except keep the name Barber Park then that would not be there.Rev. Rose stated that if the name is changed to Ozzie Davis, it becomes more than a park. It becomes an opportunity for an African-American museum and cultural arts center complete with a library, conference room, and smaller rooms to house the history and artifacts of local notables who have contributed to the community and city such as Councilman Vickers, Ruth Council, Randall Godfrey, and others whose deeds are noteworthy. There is not a single person who believes that if the park were in a Jewish neighborhood and the Jews wanted the name changed because it was named for someone who had anything remotely to do with the mistreatment of Jews then it would have been changed long ago. Rev. Rose inquired as to why they had to accept something less than what any other group would accept. Rev. Rose stated that at the last Council meeting he was approached by a white business man who inquired as to why the black Councilmen did not want the park named after someone who looked like them.
Willie Head, stated that the veteran spoke of Mr. Barber and how good he was to him, but he was not good to black people. Mr. Head stated that Forrest Street was named after Bedford Forrest who was the first Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan. Approximately 80% of the first black regiment in Mississippi was black and they surrendered when Bedford Forrest came upon them; however, they were killed anyway. Mr. Head stated that they will want to change the name of Forrest Street also. This is just the beginning and the first step is to change the name of Barber Park to Ozzie Davis Park. Mr. Head stated that they want more than just a park. They want an African-American cultural center. There are plenty of places for black people to play but now they want to learn. Mr. Head stated that the black Councilmen must take a responsibility and a stand.
Eric Louis Juriton, Sr., stated that he was the Minister of the River Street Church of Christ. Mr. Juriton stated that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressed. It must be demanded by the oppressed. For years he has heard the word “wait” and it has always meant “never.” Mr. Juriton noted that justice too long delayed is justice denied. When former Mayor James H. Rainwater passed away, it did not take this long to put his name on the Conference Center.
Mayor Fretti closed out the Citizens to be Heard portion of the Council meeting and moved into the Agenda Item 7(d) – Consideration of the appointment of a committee concerning the name of Barber Park.
Larry Hanson, City Manager, stated that at the last Council meeting, Council voted unanimously to appoint a committee to make a recommendation concerning the name of Barber Park. Council was asked to submit names to the City Manager’s office so that they could formally appoint a committee tonight. Names were submitted as follows: (1) Robert Jefferson – submitted by Mayor Fretti, (2) Calvin Graham – submitted by Mayor Pro Tem Head, (3) J. C. Williams – submitted by Councilman Wright, (4) Joan Allen – submitted by Councilman Vickers, (5) Richard Campbell – submitted by Councilman Payton, (6) Dan Davis – submitted by Councilman Sumner, (7) Jeff Lind – submitted by Councilman Yost, and (8) Wallace Albritton – submitted by Councilman Eunice. Larry Hanson asked Council’s consideration in formally appointing the committee and approving the formal nomination form. Mayor Fretti stated that if there were any editorial changes to the nomination form then that could be discussed after a motion has been made. Mayor Fretti entertained a motion to accept the pre-submitted slate of names for appointment to a committee concerning the name of Barber Park.
A MOTION by Councilman Vickers, seconded by Councilman Head, was unanimously adopted (5-0) toaccept the slate of names submitted by Mayor and Council for the committee concerning the name of Barber Park, to have the committee report back to Mayor and Council 12 weeks after their first meeting or the date nearest a Council meeting which falls near the 12th week, and to approve the formal nomination form.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Gene Rose, stated that Floyd Rose was his brother and he was proud of that even though they do not always see things eye to eye. Floyd Rose believes in affirmative action and is a die-hard Democrat. Mr. Rose stated that he is a registered Republican, but sometimes there are things that come to the forefront that they can all agree on and Barber Park is one such issue. The citizens could benefit from this plan. Mr. Rose stated that he was in attendance at the Council meeting last week and if he understood correctly, Council agreed that the name needs to be changed; however, what he did not hear was that why it could not be changed to Ozzie Davis. Mr. Rose stated that the name needs to be changed to Ozzie Davis because his name has a monetary value that can be placed to it.The monetary value can be used as a tool to assist them in the building and operation of the building. Mr. Rose stated that they may differ on how it should be paid for but let’s agree that we build it. He would like to see it built with private funds and operated as a “for profit” operation. Mr. Rose stated that if they just wanted to rename the park, it could be renamed anything; however, the cultural center and African-American museum is going to cost money and Ozzie Davis’s name is a good tool to help them with financing. Any dollar they can get from the private sector will not have to come from the public sector. Mr. Rose stated that many citizens may want to know why the park should be renamed now. Like anything of value it depreciates with time and right now there are people who knew Ozzie Davis, walked with him, and understood his ups and downs. They would be more than willing to help with the financing of this structure. Mr. Rose stated that Ruby Dee, the wife of Ozzie Davis, would be more than willing to help them honor her husband and this is why they need it now. Mr. Rose thanked Council for their time and patience.
Rev. Floyd Rose, stated that he wanted to clarify something that has caused some confusion with respect to the $100,000 that has been committed by Save Our Children, Inc., with respect to this project. In 1986, Rev. Rose sued Forrest City Auto Parts because they were selling black people parts at three times the cost of what they were selling white people parts. There was an out of court settlement for $25,000 that he received and his family decided to give the money to Save Our Children, Inc. which was founded by Rev. Rose and his first wife. Other contributions were added from banks in Toledo and major corporations, and all of the money Rev. Rose received then and even now goes to Save Our Children Inc. or The People’s Tribunal. When this issue came up, Rev. Rose spoke with the people associated with Save Our Children, Inc. and they decided to give $100,000 of that money as seed money for building an African-American museum in Valdosta. Rev. Rose stated that it was suggested on one of the early morning talk shows in Valdosta that this was fraud and this is not. The money can be found in two mutual funds in a local bank in Valdosta.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
Comments taken from minutes:
The Barber Park Committee met for a second on Monday, July 17, 2006 and had 100% participation in both meetings. The deadline for nominations or comments is Friday, July 21, 2006. The Committee will be using an evaluation form for the nominations. The next meeting will be held on July 31, 2006 and the nominations will have been scored and some decisions made about either narrowing it down or considering other possibilities on whether they want to bring in any final groups to have a more formal discussion. The Committee has done a very good job and they have been very conscientious and interested. Councilman Head inquired as to the number of nominations. Larry Hanson stated that as of the last meeting, there were ten nominations and eight comments submitted.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD 08/24/06 CONTINUED
Paul Ward, Past President of TREA, stated that he founded the original Chapter of the Air Force Association Sergeants Association and is a life member of the DAV. They voted last October to approach the Parks Commission to change the name of Freedom Park to Valdosta Memorial Veterans Freedom Park. They also voted unanimously in June, 2006 to ask Council to move forward with the renaming of Freedom Park. Mr. Ward stated that his first assignment in the Air Force was at Ft. Benning, Georgia and blacks were not treated fairly. Mr. Ward stated that Moody Air Force Base is important to him and asked Council’s consideration in renaming the park or to have something in the area to commemorate the difficulties that blacks went through. Mayor Fretti stated that the Barber Park Committee will be making a recommendation to Council in September to rename Barber Park to Veterans Memorial Park and inquired as to whether Mr. Ward was aware of that recommendation. Mr. Ward stated that he was aware of the recommendation but thought it would be inappropriate because of the location of Freedom Park.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL
5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2006
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
CTIZENS TO BE HEARD
George Boston Rhynes, stated that he is the President of the local branch of the NAACP and read in the Valdosta Daily Times on August 23, 2006 that Council would take action on Barber Park at this Council meeting. Mr. Rhynes stated that he did not see the item on the agenda or hear anything about the status of it. Mr. Rhynes stated that he sent Council an E-mail regarding the local NAACP’s decision on renaming Barber Park. Larry Hanson, City Manager, stated that the Barber Park issue was moved to the September 21, 2006 Council meeting. Mr. Rhynes stated that if the dates were changed then it should have been published in the newspaper.
