Ron Bennett

The Braselton DDA 2026 Workplan outlines strategic initiatives focused on three key areas: Business Activation & Development, Placemaking, and Community Serving. The plan aims to strengthen economic growth by supporting downtown businesses, maximize economic potential through strategic planning, and cultivate a business-friendly environment. Additionally, it seeks to attract visitors and enhance community interaction by designing welcoming spaces, reinforcing downtown character with public art, and improving navigation. The plan also emphasizes building broad-based community support and strengthening volunteer leadership to ensure the success and vitality of the downtown area.

The Council convened to appoint a new Town Manager, Mr. Ron Bennett, which was approved unanimously before the meeting adjourned.

The council addressed several regulatory and appointment matters. Actions included tabling an ordinance regarding vehicle parking in residential zones and enacting a one-month moratorium on the pickleball court ordinance. The council approved multiple alcohol license transfers and authorized the mayor to negotiate and execute an intergovernmental agreement regarding Barrow County SPLOST VIII. Significant administrative actions involved appointing an interim town manager, an interim town clerk, and a new town attorney. Furthermore, the council made numerous appointments to various boards and authorities, including the Braselton Police Foundation, Braselton Arts Council, Braselton Urban Redevelopment Agency, Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority, Zoning Board of Appeals, Braselton Public Facilities Authority, and the Planning Commission, while tabling other specific board appointments until a future meeting.

The regular council meeting addressed several key actions. The council unanimously approved changing the voting session meeting time to 5:00 p.m. Ordinances regarding grass height and bush standards were approved, while the Vehicle Parking in Residential Zoning Districts Ordinance was tabled until the February meeting. A moratorium was established regarding the conversion and origination of new pickleball courts within 250 feet of a residence until the next voting session. The council also approved the GDOT Barrow, Gwinnett, and Hall Counties Water and Sewer Facilities Agreement. Amendments to the Town of Braselton Development Code concerning allowed uses and specific section revisions were approved. Additionally, Councilmember Becky Richardson was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem for calendar year 2026, and the continuation of current appointments for Town Manager, Town Clerk, Town Attorney, and Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority Representative until February was authorized. The meeting included an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.

The special called meeting included discussions held during an Executive Session pertaining to personnel matters. Key actions taken by the Town Council involved placing the Town Manager on administrative leave with pay pending further action. Furthermore, the Council appointed Chuck Button to serve as Interim Town Manager effective immediately. The Mayor was also authorized to negotiate the terms and conditions of separation with the current Town Manager.