(The Patterson City Council discussed and/or voted on the following items during their monthly meeting Thursday, March 13. ) Veterans Museum: Mayor Dedi Thomas announced the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Patterson’s new “Never Forgotten” Veterans Museum at Eagle Station. The grand opening and ribbon cutting is set for 5 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Eagle Station. (See related story.)
Tyre Bridge Road issues: Ala Mae Myles was on the agenda to speak about Tyre Bridge Road issues. Myles again asked for something to be done to address speeding on Tyre Bridge Road. “Just like y’all said, the rumble strips only make noise,” she said. “We need speed bumps to make people slow down.” Myles told the council that intoxicated drivers had wrecked into a home in August, 2023 and had struck and killed a child in May, 2024. Myles also again asked for guard rails to be placed around the drainage canals on Tyre Bridge Road and also at Lucas Street and Peach Avenue near Macedonia Baptist Church. She concluded her remarks by asking the council to be guided by Proverbs 16:32 NIV 'Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.'
James, Thomas apologize: Resident Myra Vanessa James addressed the council during public comment. James apologized for her behavior at last month’s council meeting, saying she never intended to insult or demean anyone, even if she didn’t agree with the council’s actions on issues. Mayor Thomas accepted James’ apology on behalf of the council. Thomas in turn apologized to Myles for being rude to her during the February meeting. Thomas refused to allow Myles to speak at the February meeting since she lives in the unincorporated area of the county and is not a citizen of Patterson. Myles accepted Thomas’ apology.
Department reports: Police Chief Nick Strickland reported the police departments responded to 25 calls in February including nine calls for service, initiated 16 traffic stops and issued eight citations during the month.. Chief Strickland reported that extra patrols on Tyre Bridge Road had resulted in citations for stop sign violations, but no speeding cases. Public works superintendent and fire chief Tyler Stokes reported the fire department responded to five calls in the city in February including one medical call. He also reported the public works department has completed debris pick-up from Hurricane Helene and will resume regular Thursday debris pick-up each week. During Stokes’ report, City Councilman Chris Mock reported the city would need to apply for a grant to install guard rails around the canal on Tyre Bridge Road, since the canal is Georgia Department of Transportation right-ofway. City Clerk Laura Kate Dixon had nothing to report.
Next meeting: The next regular monthly meeting will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 10. The meeting will be held at Eagle Station.
