Jennifer Howard

The council meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a blessing, followed by the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the January 12, 2026 executive session. Council reports covered commendations for The Players Guild production of 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder' and appreciation for city staff handling recent ice and snow events. Council members also discussed volunteer appreciation, the youth council retreat, and the tragic loss of a police officer, extending condolences to the family and department. Updates were provided on the Veterans Brick program application period. Discussions also included the 'Lending Hope' suicide prevention program, which trained 90 lay people and established 'Hope Squads' in local high schools, receiving a three-year grant continuation. The City Clerk reported on January business licenses (17 new), passport issuances (159), and gas service connections (78). The City Manager's report highlighted the growth of water meters (12,753 total, mostly AMR capable), marshal activity (1520 patrols), and strong revenue months for the golf course despite closures due to weather. A presentation was given on public project construction, detailing progress on the Highway 20 pedestrian greenway bridge (awaiting beam installation coordination) and the installation of the 6,500 square foot playground equipment and sod work at Bridge Lake Park, with future plans for additional parking and pavilion/fishing dock improvements.

The meeting included a Work Session where Commissioners discussed credentials, background checks for massage therapists, and the ability of a facility to sell other products. The main agenda item involved a Public Hearing for SUP-21-003, requesting a special use permit for a Massage Establishment under the LaVida Massage franchise, which was ultimately approved as recommended by staff.

The meeting agenda was amended to include a presentation regarding 'Excellence in Policing' through the Georgia Municipal Association. The city received the Excellence in Policing Certificate, distinguishing the Sugar Hill Marshal's Office among nine cities in Georgia. In Old Business, a request to table a Rezone item (RZ-25-007) from MH to R36 to allow for more review time was approved. The Council entered an Executive Session to discuss legal, real estate, and/or personnel matters, reconvening afterward to discuss one legal matter and two real estate matters with no public action taken. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.

Key discussions included welcoming a new member and the new Riverlands Manager. New business focused on the 5-year Capital Budget presentation, which included $750,000 for initial Riverlands trail construction, with a second phase dependent on a $3M state grant. An update on trail implementation anticipated work beginning in early 2026. Furthermore, an update on the Orrs Ferry property indicated improvements for accessibility and office space creation. Comments noted an upcoming officer selection for the Authority and encouraged public participation in trail development.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and treasurer's report. Key updates were provided on various developments, including Cadence (87.37% occupancy), E Center (rooftop plumbing work underway), Holbrook Assisted Living (successful grand opening and pool availability), Solis Sugar Hill (showing foundation work and potential tenants like Crepe Square, The Whiskey Project, and Hero Doughnuts), and Sycamore Square/Lidl (site work starting, with interest in an urgent care facility for the Citgo property). Action items involved the leasing of three suites (104, 106, and 107) in the Suite Spot Business Incubator to Kadima Construction & Communications, PAZ Enterprise Services LLC, and Vets Off Leash, respectively, commencing December 1, 2022. Staff reported on upcoming events, and the meeting concluded after an executive session concerning legal, personnel, or real estate matters.