Kris Burton

The meeting included discussion and resolutions regarding a Power Sales Agreement with MEAG Power to sell excess reserve capacity to the City of Lawrenceville, adoption of a records management plan adhering to Georgia Records Retention and Disposition Schedule, and acceptance of a donation of property. The council also discussed an ordinance to amend the comprehensive zoning map and approved the calendar of regular meeting dates and holidays for 2026. An update was provided on the potential development of a new hospital facility. Various departmental reports were presented, covering financial status, city clerk activities, human resources, building inspections, fire department responses, police department activities, water and sewer repairs, electric and gas updates, public works maintenance, Main Street events, and activities at the Elbert Theatre, Arts Center, Hotel, and Quarry.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the need for improvements to the City's water system. The council discussed updates on the Elbert Memorial Hospital's financial condition and approved the consent agenda, which included expenditures exceeding the City Manager's purchasing authority, a contract for a new streaming platform for ElbertonNET, and the acceptance of the Elberton Planning Commission's minutes. The council also authorized the issuance of an on-premises consumption permit and public assembly permits. Reports were provided on the city's finances, human resources, city clerk activities, fire department responses, building inspections, police department activities, and water and sewer projects. Updates were given on the Splash Park project, electric and gas services, public works, Main Street Elberton events, and the Elbert Theatre & Elberton Arts Center. The Elbert Hotel and Quarry's 100th Anniversary Gala Celebration was discussed, and occupancy statistics were reviewed. An executive session was held to discuss real estate matters.

The meeting included a discussion on the need for air conditioning at the Burke Street facility by the Concerned Men of Elbert County organization. Pamela Hughes addressed the Council regarding a police department incident involving her food truck and her son. Mac Hughes also voiced concerns about the behavior of the police officers and chief. The Council approved expenditures exceeding the City Manager's purchasing authority, specifically for Honeywell corrector modules for natural gas measurement. They also accepted the Elberton Planning Commission meeting minutes. Reports covered financial updates, the ElbertonNET System Upgrade bid review, and monthly departmental activities, including Human Resources, City Clerk, Fire Department, Building Inspections, Police Department, Water & Sewer, Electric, Gas, Public Works, Main Street Elberton, Elbert Theatre & Elberton Arts Center, and Elbert Hotel and Quarry updates.

The meeting included public hearings regarding the suspension or revocation of a business license for Wade's Garage due to multiple code violations and a proposed plan to issue bonds for renovations to housing facilities. The council discussed and adopted an ordinance to amend the comprehensive zoning map, appointed a member to the Downtown Development Authority, and approved the downtown master plan. They also authorized the issuance of bonds for housing facilities and approved a consent agenda that included expenditures and authorizations for street closures for various events. Reports were provided by the City Manager and various departments, including Human Resources, City Clerk, Fire Department, Building Inspections, Police Department, and Water & Sewer. The council accepted a recommendation to suspend the business license for Wade's Garage and moved into executive session to consult with legal counsel.

The strategic plan focuses on enhancing downtown Elberton through various design and infrastructure improvements. Key areas of focus include improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety around the public square, enhancing connectivity between parking areas and the downtown core, and revitalizing corridors through beautification projects. The plan aims to create a more vibrant, accessible, and economically robust downtown area by addressing issues such as vacant storefronts, limited parking perceptions, and infrastructure needs.