Iris Akridge

The meeting addressed several agenda items including the selection of an architect of record for the upstairs room completion at the municipal complex, which involves rebidding the construction work. The Council also discussed designating Mount Mariah Road for the 2026 EML project using state funds with a required T-SPLOST match. A public hearing and subsequent re-vote concerning House Bill 581 regarding property tax millage rates were scheduled for January 22nd and February 12th, 2026, respectively. Finally, the Council discussed proposed charter amendments concerning election districts, city manager authority, mayoral veto override threshold (favoring a three-vote requirement), and board appointee terms, noting that passage requires subsequent legislative approval.

The agenda for the meeting included several significant items. Ceremonial matters involved the Oath of Office for Council Members. New Business items, designated as a Consent Agenda, included the approval of minutes from previous meetings, the selection of a Municipal Building Architect, and consideration for Mount Moriah Rd repair using the 2026 LMIG grant. Voting Items involved the appointment and Oath of Office for the Mayor Pro Tempore, Jack Wilson, and a Resolution for Charter Amendment. Discussion topics in the associated workshop meeting included Charter Amendments concerning Election Districts, City Manager Authority, Mayoral Veto, and Board Appointments and Terms.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Staff announcements detailed upcoming community events, including a winter farmers market, Food Truck Friday, the Great American Cleanup, Auburn Fest, and a trick-or-treat event. A council member provided an update regarding the Auburn Museum's participation in Auburn Fest, including efforts to collect stories about what residents love about Auburn. A significant portion of the meeting involved the unveiling ceremony for the new City of Auburn flag, presented by community children, and a brief note on the design changes from the previous flag. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda. The primary voting item addressed the approval of construction phase services for the raw storage pond infrastructure at the water treatment facility, continuing services with Hussy Gan Bale, with Jim serving as engineer. During citizen comments, a resident expressed significant safety concerns regarding accidents on Brownbridge Road and requested a traffic study, consideration for lowering the speed limit, or a review of traffic patterns. The meeting concluded with the approval of the contract and an adjournment.

The council meeting involved several administrative items and new business discussions. Announcements included dates for the upcoming farmers market and a Christmas event. A council member shared positive feedback regarding a collaborative field trip involving second graders, the library, and other city departments. Agenda amendments were passed to include open mic comments and a video discussion regarding the council's video system performance, which experienced technical issues at a prior meeting. Key discussion topics included the final plat approval for Fowler Farms Phase 1A, approval of Change Order Number Four for the drinking water treatment plant (to be covered by contingency funds), and entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City of Winder concerning the water storage reservoir pump installation. The council also reviewed the 2026 holiday closure schedule and discussed city events, noting potential relocation of larger events due to downtown construction. A discussion took place concerning the status of the Whistle Stop Shops revitalization project, noting delays related to securing state funding and permits. Discussions also covered the installation of a new city flag and the need for better public notification regarding such events. Finally, significant discussion centered on an Intergovernmental Agreement with Barrow County regarding road improvements on Mount Mariah Road, where the council expressed a greater sense of urgency for completion compared to the county's proposed 2028 timeline. Voting items included the approval of the 2025 property tax millage rates for both Auburn/Barrow County and Auburn/Gwinnett County.

The meeting included an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of an amended agenda to consider the purchase of a commercial lawnmower. A citizen provided comments regarding a request for speed bumps in their neighborhood. The council discussed and approved the relinquishment of a waterline easement for the Blue River Development. The purchase of two Gravely ProTurn 360 commercial mowers for the Department of Public Works was also approved, with a recommendation for a maintenance program.