Scott Tigchelaar

The meeting included an employee recognition for the 2025 Public Works' Employee of the Year. The council approved an amended agenda to include a discussion on a road closure. Key new business items involved the second reading and approval of Ordinance 26-01, establishing a moratorium on new residential development. Additionally, resolutions were approved to add authorized signers to the City account, appoint a Commissioner to the Historic Preservation Committee, set the schedule for 2026 Mayor and Council meetings, and appoint a Commissioner to the Tree Committee. The council also approved the subdivision of Lot 39-Gin Property and replats for Lot 11-Gin Property and Lots 34 & 35, Stallings Farm Phase 1. A road closure request for the Mardi Gras celebration was initially approved for February 2, 2026, but later amended to February 7, 2026. The session concluded with an executive session regarding a personnel matter and pending litigation, followed by motions to engage financial consulting services and forensic data recovery services related to an investigation.

Prior to the official meeting, a swearing-in ceremony was held for the Mayor Elect and Councilpersons Elect. The Work Session addressed rescheduling the regular January 19th meeting due to MLK Day, ultimately moving it to January 16th. Discussions also focused on standardizing the start times for the work session and the subsequent council meeting, resulting in setting the work session for 6:30pm and the council meeting for 7:00pm. During the formal Council Meeting, two public hearings were held regarding variance requests (70 Stubbs Hill for a pool setback and 107 Lower Creek Trail for an additional garage bay); both variances were approved after meeting required advertisement timelines. New Business included the first read and unanimous adoption of Ordinance 26-01, imposing a 180-day moratorium on new residential development pending the adoption of a new Unified Development Ordinance. During Executive Session, the employment agreement of Harold Simmons was terminated for cause, and he was removed from supervisory and records management roles, with the City Clerk temporarily assuming the latter. Rob Parker was appointed as Interim City Manager for a 4-6 month contract to oversee various administrative and organizational improvements, including budgeting, auditing, HR policy establishment, and infrastructure review. The Council also approved engaging the law firm Matthews & Greene, LLC, to conduct investigations at no charge. A budget amendment was passed to eliminate the Assistant City Manager position effective February 1, 2026.

During the meeting, the commission addressed new business, specifically plans for a new residential construction at 360 Seavy Street. The commission reviewed and approved the construction plans, which included specifications for siding (hardiplank, no vinyl soffits), roofing (architectural 30-year shingles), porch pickets (square spindles), columns (wrapped pressure-treated 6x6), slab on grade height, and window specifications (ply gem, recessed, with mullions inside or outside).

During the new business section, the commission reviewed and approved plans presented by David Valentine and Adam Rainey for alterations at 70 Main Street, which include creating an outdoor seating area and stage in the rear courtyard with specified fencing types and a retaining wall. The commission also reviewed and approved a sign application presented by Chad Curry of 41 South for their client, Wellstar, located at 42 Main Street, specifying material, color, texture, and dimensions for both the building sign and the hanging sign, matching them to a provided banner.

The meeting included Old Business, where the minutes from December 8, 2025, were approved. Under New Business, the commission discussed and subsequently approved construction plans for a new residential home at 360 Seavy Street. Specific details regarding the construction included the use of hardiplank siding, architectural 30-year shingles, specific designs for porch pickets and columns, minimum slab-on-grade height, window specifications (Ply gem, mullion placement, recessed), and rear placement of the garage.