Shelley Broxton

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. A key event was the Oath of Office Ceremony for newly elected Council Members. The Council conducted the second reading and subsequently approved the 2026 Budget Ordinance 2026-01. Furthermore, resolutions were approved authorizing temporary borrowing of money for 2026 (Resolution 2026-01-01) and approving the 2026 Schedule of Rates and Fees (Resolution 2026-01-02).

The meeting included partner reports from the Chamber of Commerce and D.O.O.R regarding a social media campaign. Old business included a discussion on the Downtown Public Restroom Project, exploring ideas such as picnic tables, handwashing stations, maps, event calendars, a bird dog statue, and LED lighting. Downtown survey findings were presented, highlighting the need for more networking opportunities and contact with the DDA. Secret Shopper survey results were also discussed. New business included a presentation on the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc., and information on Georgia Council for the Arts grants for murals at the restroom project site.

The meeting included discussions on the upcoming Trick or Treat on Liberty and Christmas on Liberty events. The proposed theme for the DDA Christmas Parade is "A Griswold Family Christmas Vacation," with a discussion on the DDA's potential participation with a float. Waynesboro Martial Arts has moved into a new location and will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Downtown Open House was scheduled, and the DDA is preparing giveaways. The board discussed purchasing items to sell as fundraisers during holiday events, potentially setting up a "Bird Dog Shop." There was also a suggestion to sell greenery as a fundraiser. Ideas were presented to decorate the restroom site for use as a food truck stop, and the City was asked to waive vendor fees for food trucks. The need to replace downtown rooftop lights was brought up, but no decision was made.

The meeting included discussion and review of an application for approval to demolish a property at 207 E. 7th Street. Staff approvals were noted for requests regarding properties at 720 N. Liberty Street and 815 Jones Avenue, involving the replacement of roofing material and repairs to roofing, siding, windows, and doors, respectively. An information item was presented regarding the potential demolition of a house at 217 E. 7th Street due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Additionally, the commission discussed the status of a previously approved demolition at 821 Myrick Street and the possibility of relocating the building.

The meeting included a discussion regarding DDA funding for security at Christmas on Liberty, which resulted in a motion for the DDA to allocate funds for security.