Cheryl Bryant-Johnson

Key discussion items included public comments regarding traffic calming concerns in the Castlemaine neighborhood and an update on the traffic calming program, where the Council agreed to include a $50,000 budget item in the 2027 fiscal year for data collection studies. Further updates were provided on the 2017/2023 SPLOST funds and the results of a logo survey for the Duluth 150 initiative, resulting in the selection of an updated Clock Tower design. The Council discussed proposed reappointments for several boards and commissions and reviewed the process for certifying the 2026 tax millage rate, authorizing an Estimated Roll-Back Rate to be voted on at the next meeting. Matters from the Mayor and Council included a legislative update concerning potential issues related to Permitting and Property Taxes, and a notification regarding the scheduled replacement of the City Hall HVAC system.

Key discussions during the meeting included a report on the Red Clay Theatre operations for January, noting 12 shows and 1,111 attendees, with four shows canceled due to a winter storm. An update on the downtown businesses and the completion of the train observation platform was provided. The Authority also addressed updates on alleyway improvements. Under new business, the City's plan to recognize concluding DDA members' service was announced, and updates on the Downtown City Parking Ordinance, approved by City Council, were presented. The Authority then approved parking deck usage guidelines to restrict unauthorized overnight parking. Furthermore, updates were given regarding drainage inspection and maintenance plans for the parking deck, and the bid award for the Red Clay Theater renovations to BG Construction Group, estimated at approximately $1,256,600, funded by DDA, SPLOST, and City General funds.

The Mayor and Council meeting agenda included several key items: administering oaths of office to newly elected council members (Posts 1, 2, and 3), presenting a proclamation recognizing Korean American Day, and a ceremonial recess for photos. The consent agenda covered approving the 2026 meeting dates and times, setting 2026 per diem/travel reimbursement rates, appointing the 2026 Legal Organ, approving resolutions for depositories and check signing, designating 2026 Open Records Officers, approving an amendment to a settlement agreement with Vision Outdoor Media, LLC, and two budget ordinances related to a $100,000 donation for the Duluth 150th Anniversary Concert and a $3,500 Walmart grant for the street sweeping program. New business focused on supporting a grant application for a Climate Smart Communities Initiative Stormwater Grant, and an ordinance to amend the budget for City Hall parking lot resurfacing using SPLOST funds. The agenda concluded with a planned executive session and adjournment.

The work session covered several topics, including a presentation from the City's 2025 Duluth HS Student LEAD program participants regarding their project. Staff presented ideas for the year-long Duluth 150th birthday celebration. Budget amendment requests pertaining to landscaping improvements, parking/pedestrian signage, and street resurfacing projects were presented, with direction given to place them on the February 9th agenda for approval. Staff recommended establishing a reimbursement program, up to $200 per mailbox, for property owners required by the USPS to relocate mailboxes due to the one-way roadway conversion in the Hall Circle area, with Council directing notification and 90 days for reimbursement. An encroachment agreement for the Knox House extensive repairs, requiring water line relocation, was reviewed, with staff directed to place it on the February 9th consent agenda. A bid award for the Red Clay Theatre Remodeling Project, recommending BG Construction Group LLC, along with a corresponding budget amendment and Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the DDA for funding, was presented for placement on the February 9th agenda. During Mayor & Council matters, discussions included identity fraud, appreciation for the Police and Public Works departments following winter storms, and Councilmember Park agreeing to serve on the Employee Benefits committee. The work session adjourned to a special called meeting. The special called meeting approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of 2407 Main Street from Gwinnett County, including associated budget amendment BA-FY26-26. An executive session was held regarding Real Estate, Pending/Potential Litigation, and Personnel before adjourning the meeting.

The agenda review for the meeting included discussions and potential approvals related to an encroachment agreement for the Knox House Holding, LLC restaurant site improvements, which requires water line relocation and construction of steps. Several budget amendments were slated for approval, including funds from police vehicle auctions and insurance settlements, receipt of LMIG funds from GDOT for road improvements, allocation of 2017 SPLOST funds for landscaping at Pleasant Hill Road and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, and funds for converting downtown parking signage to the traditional blue 'P' designation. The Council was also set to consider authorizing the City Manager's 2026 Employment Agreement with an increase in severance terms. A significant portion of the agenda focused on the 2026 events calendar, including recurring events and specific monthly activities. Public hearings were scheduled for text amendment ordinances concerning the Unified Development Code regarding 'Parking Lots and Garages' as a special use, and removing the fee for right of way utility permits. New business included the award of bids for City Hall and Bunten Road Activity Building elevator modernization, and the bid award and intergovernmental agreement for the Red Clay Theatre renovation. Additionally, the Council considered awarding the contract for Bunten Road Park Improvements and approving a substantial budget amendment to fund that construction.