Warner Robins considers box wrapping, approves police department purchases

WARNER ROBINS — During its latest meeting on June 2, the City of Warner Robins discussed plans to beautify city utility boxes and celebrated upgrades and new hires at the police department. 

In the pre-council session, the city’s Community and Economic Development department, along with Keep Warner Robins Beautiful, presented a proposed “Adopt-a-Box” initiative. The initiative aims to place artwork on city traffic control boxes to help deter graffiti.

According to Tiffany Bowen, manager of Keep Warner Robins Beautiful, if approved, the city would work with local artists and seek sponsorships from businesses to create artwork that reflects the city’s identity.

“These are going to be long-lasting, low-maintenance installations that will help beautify streetscapes, instill local pride and foster a strong sense of place for residents and visitors alike, utilizing specific themes that apply to our city, such as local nature, heritage, education and civic pride. Everything would be relevant to Warner Robins,” she explained.

Local businesses will sponsor the boxes, so there is no long-term financial commitment required from the city, Bowen mentioned.

“We want to work with businesses to instill that community pride and sense of ownership in one’s town,” she said.

Bowen said the boxes would be managed by a professional vendor and wrapped in durable materials designed to last between five to seven years. The materials are built to withstand the elements and are coated with a laminate that protects against paint, markers, and adhesives.

After four years, a sponsoring business has the option to renew its sponsorship or select a different box.

Hyacinth Supapo, Community and Economic Development projects manager, said once the project is approved, the city will initiate a call for artists. Submissions that meet the city’s design guidelines will be compiled into a lookbook, from which sponsoring businesses can select or propose artwork. After the installation is complete, the city will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate.

Phase one of the project involves two city-owned boxes located near Commercial Circle. Additional boxes will be included in subsequent phases.

According to Supapo, sponsorships for the beautification project cost $1,000 per box, including the wrap, installation, and maintenance of the box. Sponsors will also be honored with a personalized flag, mentions on social media, and public recognition at an upcoming city council meeting. 

Councilman Charlie Bibb expressed support for the project and suggested that a similar beautification initiative be implemented on Russell Parkway near Robins Air Force Base.

Councilman Larry Curtis questioned whether companies could use custom artwork for advertising. Bowen responded that GDOT prohibits advertisement, and Supapo clarified earlier company-submitted artwork would undergo the same review process to ensure it complies with city guidelines.

During the council meeting, the city approved purchases that provide essential technology for the police department. According to city documents, the council authorized the purchase of ten body cameras for code enforcement officers. Additionally, the city approved the acquisition of ten portable radios for code enforcement, which has been recently reclassified under the police department.

The body cameras cost the city over $17,000, while the portable radios cost more than $38,000, according to documents.

During the meeting, a celebration was also held for the police department. The city swore in three new officers and presented several awards, including Officer of the Year, Detective of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and Civilian of the Year.

Council approved all other agenda items.

A full livestream of the meeting can be found on the city’s Facebook page: “City of Warner Robins Government.” Supporting documents from the meeting can be found on the city’s website.

The next Warner Robins City Council meeting will take place Monday, June 16, at City Hall, located at 700 Watson Boulevard. Pre-council will start at 4:30 p.m.; Council meeting will follow immediately.