Michelle B. Reaves

The meeting included the swearing-in ceremony of a newly elected council member. Reports were received from the Clerk on fund statuses and from the Police Chief regarding municipal court collections, call volumes, citations, and ongoing investigations into local shootings. Updates were provided on the demolition of a blighted property. The council awarded the AMI Meter project contract to M&E Construction based on a competitive bid recommendation and approved proposed service rate increases for 2026. Additionally, the council approved the reappointments of members to the Downtown Developmental Authority.

The council reviewed reports from various municipal officers including financial updates, police department metrics, and progress on addressing blighted properties. Actions taken included awarding a contract for a runway resurfacing project, selecting a vendor for a city rebranding project, approving the acquisition of a property via a deed of gift for future refurbishment, and authorizing the purchase of new computer hardware using SPLOST funds to address security vulnerabilities.

The council received reports regarding the status of various FEMA projects and municipal infrastructure repairs, including the truckyard, parks, sidewalk maintenance, and cemetery improvements. The transition to new financial software was noted, with utility billing processes expected to begin shortly. The council approved the purchase of repair services for Well #2 and the construction of a gas regulator shed from Maxsteel. Additionally, funding allocations for the 2026 LMIG and 2025 LRA programs were reviewed, and the City Administrator was recognized for receiving the 2024 Billy Hersey Award.

The council meeting included reports on the General and Utility funds, as well as municipal court data and police staffing updates. Key business included the approval of a Rural Workforce Housing Initiative agreement and the authorization of FEMA-reimbursable projects to rebuild a wastewater treatment plant gearbox and rehabilitate the SCADA system. Additionally, the council discussed the implementation of a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan to meet state environmental requirements, received updates on the homestead exemption legislation, and noted the completion of two CHIP grant homes with an upcoming open house event.

The council reviewed reports for General and Utilities funds, noting the upcoming go-live date for Springbrook utility billing. Updates were provided on the AMI Water Meter Infrastructure Project, including upcoming bid openings. The Police Chief reported on Municipal Court fines and discussed the need for additional staffing. Progress on blighted properties was noted, alongside updates on FEMA-funded projects and the status of ongoing municipal infrastructure, such as Well #2, the UV system, SCADA installation, and park restoration. The council held an executive session regarding personnel and subsequently approved an appreciation stipend for employees and volunteers who assisted with storm cleanup.