PERRY, Ga. — Mayor Randall Walker, Council and community members all reunited for their first biweekly meeting of the month on Tuesday, April 4. The meeting covered short-term rentals, a proposal for more greenways, an appointment of a new assistant city clerk and the recognitions of Perry university graduates and fire fighters.
Members of the community spoke for and against the ongoing issue of short-term leases during a public hearing. According to the meeting’s agenda, Turnkey Dreams Consulting LLC requested a short-term rental on a property on Georgia Avenue.
One of the attendees speaking for short-term rentals was Andy Acosta, a business owner who currently resides in Warner Robins. He, as well as his wife and business partner, Mallory Acosta, currently own a property management company that specializes in short-term rentals in the area. He said that his company has provided a lot of job opportunities in the area and that the city should take advantage of those benefits.
Acosta provided information on short-term rentals for citizens who are unsure about the topic. He proposed to the council they discuss it and create an ordinance for short-term rentals. Acosta is eager to be a part of the city.
“It’s great being here. I love Perry and I have great hope for Perry, and I know that the future is bright. Me and my wife definitely want to be a part of that growth and I think we can definitely help with that growth,” said Acosta.
Elizabeth Baker, who lives in a neighborhood with several Vrbos homes, expressed her concerns about property management companies like Acosta’s. She told council that she’s lived in Perry for 30 years, and has spoken several times defending her area against different issues. She said she isn’t against Vrbos because she has used them as well, but her neighborhood isn’t a good area for them.
“What I would like to ask the council to do is to table all of these and to put forth some type of task force to see what you want to do,” said Baker.
Theresa Clubb, another citizen that spoke against short-term rentals, started a petition with her neighbors. According to Clubb, she wanted her community to be aware of this issue because her neighbors didn’t know about it. Clubb lives in a historic district and like Baker, is worried about the high concentration of short-term rentals coming into their neighborhoods.
“We are not opposed to long-term rentals; we just don’t like the revolving door policy that an AirBnB would bring to our neighborhood,” said Clubb.
According to members of the council, a decision must be made by Mayor Walker within 45 days after a public hearing is had. A policy is currently in development for short-term rentals by Community Development Director Bryan Wood.
On a different subject, Public Works Superintendent Ansley Fitzner presented several “green corridor templates,” landscaping options for incoming land developers or business owners along specified city streets; these streets include Perry Parkway, Houston Lake Road, St. Patrick’s Drive, Arena Road, Mai Street, Macon Road and many other streets in Perry.
According to Fitzner, these templates feature various trees and shrubs, and provide options to builders developing structures or businesses in these areas. The addition of these landscapes is an existing requirement for incoming developers.
Several members of council voiced concern of visibility, asking if trees will block sight of the roadway once they’re grown. Fitzner explained part of the permitting process is visibility on the roads and assured council members that they will be outside the right of way on private property.
Fundraising events in Downtown Perry might see some changes in the future. City Manager Lee Gilmour proposed to council a change that would require non-profit organizations holding fundraising events, and using city facilities or city support services, to pay for the services provided — something the city currently covers themselves.
“I am concerned by the fact that that we would be moving in a direction to where we’re using public money and public resource to support groups that are raising money on their own,” said Gilmour.
Council did not move on this proposal at this time.
Newly appointed Assistant City Clerk Yetoria DeShazier was introduced to Mayor, Council and the general public. City Clerk Annie Warren introduced DeShazier and talked about the achievements she has accomplished in the Houston County community. DeShazier said she’s glad to be working in her hometown.
“I’m very happy to be back home and to work in the city. It’s so good to be back in the city and working for my hometown,” said DeShazier.
Several city employees and community members were recognized by mayor and council, the first of which went to Perry Fire Department Captain Jesse Riner, presented by Chief Lee Parker and Chief Robert Singletary. Chief Riner received a certification of the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs after completing a certification program, which involved attending courses and classes, according to Parker.
“This demonstrates that Captain Riner continued dedication to serve the citizens of Perry and the Perry Fire Emergency Services Department,” said Parker.
Captain Singletary, a retired member of the city of Warner Robins and board member of the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs, presented Riner his award. Riner’s family was present to see this accomplishment.
The final recognition of the evening went to the new Perry University graduates. Perry University is a course where people 18 and older spend several weeks with various departments learning about the city of Perry, according to Walker.
One by one, each graduate’s name was called by Communications Specialist Amber Garret, and their diplomas were given to them by the mayor. Students of all ages received their diploma with a smile on their faces.
Walker congratulated the students and thanked them for taking the time out of their schedule to attend the five-week course.
Perry Council’s next meeting will be held April 17, with pre-council beginning at 5 p.m. and the regular session beginning at 6 p.m.. To find out more about future meetings and agendas visit perry-ga.gov/escribe-agendas-minutes.
HHJ News
