On the agenda: Cochran Minutes — facial recognition (Sep 3)

COCHRAN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
The Work Session Meeting of the Cochran City Council was held on September 3rd, 6:00 PM in the City
Auditorium, 102 N Second Street, Cochran, Georgia with the following present:
Carla Coley, Mayor
Trecia Gardner, Councilmember
Lonnie Tedders, Councilmember
Angele Redding, Interim City Manager

Shane Savant, Mayor Pro Tem
Dianne Lester, Councilmember

Staff present: Mercedes Sanders-Billing Clerk, Willie Farrow-Public Works Director – Brock
Wilcher, Fire Chief
CALL TO ORDER: The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Carla Coley at 6:00 PM.
PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED BUDGET
Mayor Carla Coley opened the public hearing regarding the proposed budget. No members of the
public came forward to speak. The public hearing was closed at 6:01 p.m.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Prayer was led by Mayor Pro Tem Savant
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call: A quorum was established.
Attendee’s Name
Title
Carla Coley
Mayor
Shane Savant
Mayor Pro Tempore, District Three, Post Two
Trecia Gardner
Councilwoman, District One, Post One
Gary Ates
Councilman, District One, Post Two
Rufus Veal
Councilman, District Two, Post One
Lonnie Tedders
Councilman, District Two, Post Two
Dianne Lester
Councilwoman, District Three, Post One

Present
√
√
√

Absent

√
√
√
√

COCHRAN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
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APPROVAL OF WORK SESSION AGENDA – September 3, 2026:
Mayor Coley requested to add the following items to the Work Session agenda:
•
•

GRAD Certification Application
Connect Cochran Project

Mayor Pro Tem Savant made a motion to amend the agenda by adding the two items, seconded
by Councilmember Tedders. The motion carried unanimously.
A motion was then made by Mayor Pro Tem Savant and seconded by Councilmember Lester to
adopt the agenda as amended and motion carried unanimously.
1. GMA CITY RETIREMENT PLAN
Joshua Colley with the Georgia Municipal Association presented an overview of the City of
Cochran's defined-benefit retirement plan, which was established in 1971.
Mr. Colley reviewed the plan's benefit calculation, eligibility requirements, vesting provisions,
survivor benefits, disability benefits, and City-funded contributions. It was noted that the plan
does not provide a cost-of-living adjustment.
The valuation effective January 1, 2026, was discussed. The plan was reported to have
approximately $6.1 million in assets and approximately $5.3 million in accrued liabilities and was
reported as more than 100% funded.
Council discussed potential changes to the retirement program, including reducing the current tenyear vesting period and the possibility of adding a 457(b) or 401(a) retirement savings plan.
Council also discussed the potential implications of moving away from a defined-benefit pension
plan in the future.
No changes to the retirement plan were approved.
2. MUNICIPAL GAS AUTHORITY OF GEORGIA – REBATE PROGRAM
Matt Wilbanks and Kevin Mixon presented information regarding a proposed Municipal Gas
Authority of Georgia natural-gas rebate and financing program.
The proposed program would encourage the use of natural gas through customer rebates and 0%
on-bill financing of up to $10,000, with repayment terms of up to 60 months.

COCHRAN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
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The representatives discussed marketing and administrative support associated with the program,
including a proposed program fee of $300 per month.
Council discussed anticipated costs, potential billing-system changes, customer eligibility
requirements, and how the program could be utilized by residential and commercial customers.
No action was taken.
3. GRAD CERTIFICATION APPLICATION
Andy Lucas discussed re-applying for Georgia Rapid Industrial Development (GRAD)
certification to help market local property via state program’s.
He explained that previous progress was paused due to other projects but infrastructure like water
lines and sewage has since been extended near Jack Arts Road.
The IDA is seeking city assistance in completing documentation regarding utility capacity and
public safety services by an ambitious October goal.
Discussion occurred regarding how successful industrial prospects would eventually necessitate
annexation into city limits to utilize municipal utilities safely.
4. CONNECT COCHRAN PROJECT
A presentation was made regarding the proposed Connect Cochran project, which would provide
public Wi-Fi service within the downtown corridor.
The proposed system would include approximately ten access points, primarily along Second
Street. The project would involve participation from the Industrial Development Authority,
Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Development Authority, City of Cochran, and County.
Middle Georgia State University students were discussed as a potential resource for installation
and ongoing maintenance of the network.
The estimated contribution was approximately $7,170 per participating partner, which would
include equipment and the first year of service. Ongoing service costs were discussed at
approximately $500 per month following the first year.
Council discussed public access to the Wi-Fi system, business network security, maintenance
responsibilities, and the City's existing vendor network.

AGENDA ITEMS

COCHRAN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
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1. AUDITORIUM USE FOR COMMUNITY THEATER
Council discussed the utilization of the city auditorium with the Chamber of Commerce for
Community Theater and other events
2. UTILITY BILLING
Council discussed concerns with utility billing, late fees and the cutoff procedure. Right now,
there are no perimeters because all bills must be paid in full to avoid cutoff. Payment plans and
extensions are available for customers. Council discussed setting an amount below $15-20 to not
be on the cutoff list.
3. STATE BANK LANE
Council discussed a proposal to place approximately six tables and benches in State Bank Lane to
provide additional seating for downtown visitors and customers of local restaurants. The proposal
was originally considered when State Bank Lane was closed and designated for pedestrian use.
The proposed seating would provide an area for residents and visitors to purchase food or ice
cream from nearby businesses and enjoy their meals outdoors, particularly during community
events and on days with favorable weather. Council discussed the potential benefit of providing
additional seating during events such as the Great Pumpkin Festival and encouraging visitors to
patronize downtown businesses rather than relying solely on food vendors.
Several possible table and bench styles and color options were reviewed. The preliminary pricing
reviewed was approximately $1,000 to $1,100 per table, with an estimated total cost of
approximately $7,000 for six units. Staff noted that additional vendors would be contacted to
determine whether less expensive options are available.
Council discussed whether the project could be pursued as a Downtown Development Authority
(DDA) initiative or whether the tables should be purchased and owned by the City. It was noted
that the tables would likely be City property and that a funding source would need to be
identified. Staff will research additional vendors and pricing and determine an appropriate
funding source.
Council also discussed the need to evaluate the placement of the tables and benches, available
space, shade, umbrellas, and the overall layout of the lane. Safety concerns regarding the use of
State Bank Lane for pedestrian seating were also discussed, including the need to ensure adequate
barriers or other protective measures are in place to prevent vehicles from entering the area.
Existing concrete planters and other possible protective measures will be evaluated.
No formal action was taken. Council expressed general support for continuing to explore the
proposal and requested that staff obtain additional pricing and information before making a final
decision.

COCHRAN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
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Council discussed a request from a downtown business owner regarding the possible use of State
Bank Lane for a special event, such as an open mic night, comedy event, or similar businesssponsored activity.
Council discussed allowing businesses to utilize the lane for events in a manner similar to the
City's existing process for use of other City spaces. It was suggested that an application or request
form be developed specifically for use of State Bank Lane so that event details, requirements, and
any applicable fees could be addressed.
Staff will review the City's existing facility or parking lot use application and determine whether
it can be modified for events held in State Bank Lane. Council also discussed the possibility of
establishing a reduced fee due to the smaller size of the area.
No formal action was taken.
4. EVENT DISTRICT AND ALCOHOL ORDINANCES
Council discussed the proposed ordinances establishing an Event District and regulating alcohol
within the Event District.
It was explained that the proposed legislation could be divided into two separate ordinances. The
first ordinance would establish an Event District within the City of Cochran, while the second
ordinance would address alcohol regulations. The proposed Event District would generally
encompass the downtown area from Ash Street to Dyke Street and First Street to Third
Street.
The Event District would provide a defined area in which festivals, concerts, markets, and other
public events could be conducted under a consistent permitting process. The ordinance would
establish procedures for event applications, including information regarding the type of event,
boundaries, operation, and methods of service. The establishment of the district could also make
the City eligible for certain funding opportunities.
Council reviewed provisions of the proposed Event District ordinance that referenced the
possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages during approved special events. Council
members expressed concern that including alcohol provisions in the Event District ordinance
could create confusion regarding the purpose of the ordinance and could delay approval of the
Event District.
It was discussed that the Event District ordinance could be amended to remove references to
alcohol entirely, with alcohol regulations addressed separately in a subsequent ordinance. Council
expressed support for establishing the Event District independently so that the City could move
forward with the district and potential funding opportunities without delaying the matter due to
disagreements or questions regarding alcohol regulations.

COCHRAN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
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Council agreed that separating the two ordinances would allow the Event District ordinance to
move forward more quickly while allowing the alcohol-related provisions to be considered
separately.
Council discussed the history of the committee that had previously been established to consider
the Event District and alcohol-related matters. It was clarified that the committee did not hold a
formal follow-up meeting and did not take a formal vote.
Questions were raised regarding whether committee meetings are subject to the City's open
meetings requirements, including requirements for public notice and advertisement. It was
explained that the uncertainty regarding these requirements contributed to the cancellation or
postponement of a previously planned committee meeting.
Council discussed the importance of clarifying the open meetings requirements applicable to City
committees with the City Attorney so that future committee meetings can be properly scheduled
and advertised.
It was also discussed that Council members should be included in the process when committees
are considering matters that will ultimately be presented to Council. Council encouraged
continued communication between the committee, the Downtown Development Authority, and
City Council.

5. LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM-ICE 287(g) Program
Jeff presented information regarding the ICE 287(g) Program, which provides an opportunity for
local law enforcement officers to assist the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying individuals who may be wanted or
otherwise subject to federal immigration enforcement.
The financial and operational benefits of the program were discussed, including a one-time
payment of approximately $100,000 for vehicles following the first case, quarterly funding of
approximately $7,500 per participating officer for equipment, and access to facial recognition
technology.
Council discussed several questions and concerns that would need to be addressed before moving
forward, including whether officers would have sufficient time to complete the required training,
whether the local jail could accommodate additional detainees given the current pod
configuration, and whether there is a discrepancy between the costs described by federal
representatives and the costs outlined in the memorandum of understanding.
6. GREAT PUMKIN FESTIVAL SPONSORSHIP

COCHRAN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
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Council discussed sponsorship opportunities for the Great Pumpkin Festival. The County has
offered to split the $1,500 stage sponsorship, with the City and County each contributing $750.
Council discussed whether the city should participate at that sponsorship level, select a lower
sponsorship level, or decline to sponsor the event.
7. HANDICAP PARKING SPACE
A request was made by Mule Barn to have a handicap parking space painted near an existing
handicap-accessible ramp.

8. COUNCIL RETREAT-FALL
Council briefly discussed the possibility of holding a Council retreat. It was agreed that
information and potential arrangements would be compiled and presented to Council members
outside of the regular meeting for their review and consideration.

9. ORDINANCE REVIEW-ADOPT FY 2026-2027 BUDGET
Council discussed the ordinances scheduled to be presented at the upcoming Council meeting.
Council members were asked if they had any questions or concerns regarding the proposed
ordinances.
It was noted that additional information would be compiled and provided to Council members for
their review and consideration prior to the meeting.
No formal action was taken.
A motion was made by Councilmember Tedders and seconded by Councilmember Gardner to
adopt the ordinance associated with the FY 2026-2027 Budget. There was no further discussion
and the motion carried unanimously.
Council discussed whether an executive session was necessary. No executive session was held.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The following upcoming meetings were announced:
•
•

Tuesday, October 8: Called meeting regarding personnel at 5:30 p.m. in the conference
room, followed by the regular Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Monday, October 5: Zoning Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m. Council members were
invited to attend.

COCHRAN CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
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•

September 17: A called meeting at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the Zoning Commission’s
recommendations. Further discussion of the GRAD project or Connect Cochran may also
be considered.

The Council also discussed the possibility of moving a future-called meeting to a smaller venue
with improved acoustics to allow for better communication and discussion. It was clarified that
the initial meeting called would address personnel matters, with a separate discussion regarding
the meeting location to occur later.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Councilmember Gardner to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 PM; seconded by
Councilmember Tedders and carried unanimously.