Patrick Bryant

The board discussed several items, including the lease renewal for the Avondale Estates Arts Alliance and updates on the Downtown Master Plan, ongoing development permits, and infrastructure repairs. The board reviewed recent financial statements and established a framework for an emergency fund program to assist businesses in crisis. Additionally, the board covered marketing efforts, including a review of the upcoming events schedule, social media engagement metrics, and business survey results. Discussions also addressed support strategies for the Avon Theater and business education programming.

The meeting included a discussion on updating the Downtown Master Plan with Lord Aeck Sargent, focusing on connectivity, parking, programming, development, wayfinding, and public art. Updates were provided regarding downtown infrastructure projects, including status reports on the US278 golf cart crossing, Tudor Village repairs, the Laredo project, and Shared Streets development. The board reviewed business developments, noting the progress of senior housing construction, the opening of new businesses like The Book Bird, and updates on other commercial spaces. Additionally, the results of the Wine and Art Walk were presented, and upcoming community events were outlined.

The work session focused on a review of the 2025 and 2026 budget amendments. The Finance Director detailed proposed 2025 amendments, covering the recognition of additional revenues for Parks Department expenditures, implementation of GASB Statement No. 96 regarding subscription-based IT agreements, and transfers to the Capital Projects Fund. The session also addressed compliance with federal ARPA reporting requirements and outlined upcoming items for the 2026 mid-year budget amendment, such as millage rate adjustments, police equipment, infrastructure projects, and city facility renovations. Additionally, the public provided comments requesting improved formatting for future budget amendment documentation.

The Board discussed several proposals and agreements, including a 3-year or 5-year auditing services proposal from Mauldin and Jenkins, LLC, with a preference for the 5-year term. An ordinance establishing a franchise agreement with Google Fiber was reviewed, covering infrastructure installation and right-of-way usage requirements. The Board also reviewed a debris cleanup agreement for Lake Avondale with Ground Tech, noting the scope, cost, and contractor responsibilities. Finally, the Board authorized the setup of new, separate Georgia Fund 1 accounts for TAD and SPLOST 2 funds to ensure legal compliance.

The board received updates from the City Manager regarding the Georgia Power project to bury service lines and the potential negative impact of proposed HB 1116 legislation on city revenue. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to the Safebuilt Professional Services contract, transitioning to a schedule of rates rather than a fixed amount to improve service continuity for building plan reviews, inspections, and enforcement.