Brent Blankenship

The Commission discussed several operational and administrative topics. Key agenda items included a financial update, the progress of the annual audit, and a request for a transmission line easement by the Georgia Transmission Corporation. The board approved a contribution of $394,000 for the construction of a portion of the LINC path near Carl Miller Park. Reports were provided on electrical utility rates, various LED conversion projects, electric vehicle charger installations, and ongoing commercial developments. Human resources updates included information on employee service awards and professional development training. Finally, operational reports covered successful community outreach during extreme weather, progress on water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and the status of local dam inspections and reservoirs.

The committee reviewed presentation materials suggesting quarterly events, a week-long celebration including activities like a movie at Wadsworth, a time capsule, Taste of Newnan, and a 5K run, and utilizing historical boards along the Linc. Swag ideas were also discussed. Sponsorship tiers were outlined, ranging from $2,500 for a community partner up to $50,000 for a 'top tier' sponsor presented by the entity. Involvement of local schools via essays or art contests was emphasized, with potential for winning artwork to be displayed in the Wadsworth vault. Structural discussions included forming subcommittees to ensure progress between meetings and noting the need to establish a Bicentennial Committee Budget, estimated at $250,000, for City Council approval. The need to fill the Finance Chair position was noted for the next meeting.

The meeting focused on continuing business and new business items concerning upcoming cultural events. Key discussions included the Wadsworth Tribute Concert scheduled for March 7, 2026, where the idea of a ticketed post-concert reception was introduced, and securing logistical support like piano delivery and risers. For the Newnan Songwriters Festival, taking place on January 30-31, 2026, ticket pricing ($40) and volunteer sign-ups were noted, along with an additional $2000 from a sponsorship that needs reallocation. Ticket follow-up for the Peach State Opera on February 14, 2026, was assigned. Under new business, the Jazz in the Park 2026 event was scheduled for discussion in a subsequent subcommittee meeting.

The primary focus of the meeting was a presentation of eight black and white logo ideas for the Bicentennial Celebration by Atomic Brand Energy. Following analysis and discussion, the committee narrowed the options down to three or four designs requiring modifications. The presenter was tasked with incorporating committee suggestions, including the necessity of dates on the logos, and returning in January to present the revised versions in color. No committee reports were discussed during this session.

Key discussions included the General Manager's report noting favorable financials where revenues exceeded budget, and the review and approval of the proposed 2026 Budget. Operational reports covered the update to the billing system to collect Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) and the submission of winter rates for the Public Service Commission (PSC) rate survey. Electric operations discussed ongoing tree trimming, ongoing development projects, and the expected commercial operation of the Pineview solar project. Human Resources reported on upcoming employee service awards and the distribution of tax statements. Administrative Services shared results from the annual Customer Satisfaction Survey, noting high satisfaction levels in reliability and customer service, and discussed plans for a water system press release and a remodel of the Customer Service area for improved security. The LINC path project status was reviewed. Water/Wastewater Operations detailed the completion of the liquid lime system installation at the Poplar Road Lift Station, a decrease in green tree waste receipts, plans for online compost ordering, and the completion of the hypochlorite project, high service pumps installation, and duckbill valve replacement at the Water Treatment Plant.