Vicki Wainwright

The Council meeting included the rescheduling of the next regular meeting due to training requirements. A variance request for a property at 10 Caroline Street was approved, allowing for the replacement of a single-wide mobile home with a double-wide unit. The Council authorized the purchase of new work order software through Brightly using SPLOST funds. Departmental reports covered progress on the downtown sidewalk project, scheduling for upcoming office closures, community events, and a summary of fire department activity. Additionally, the potential deployment of the Fire Chief was discussed, and an executive session was held to address a property issue.

The meeting included the swearing-in of council members for their new term and the confirmation of various 2026 appointments, including committee oversight roles. The council addressed community concerns regarding stray animals and discussed potential regional solutions. Department reports were provided, including updates on a streetscape project, sidewalk installation inquiries, and recent activity from the Police and Fire departments.

The council discussed the appointment of a new member to the Library Board to serve the remainder of an unexpired term. Significant focus was placed on authorizing a new three-year contract for municipal sanitation services with 121 Disposal, which includes the implementation of advanced cart tracking and barcode technology to improve service efficiency. Additionally, the council approved a expenditure of $11,000 from the Water/Sewer SPLOST fund to cover the emergency rental of generators used during an ice storm threat. Department head reports provided updates on the installation status of police surveillance cameras and reviewed the previous month's fire department emergency call statistics.

The meeting addressed old business by approving the minutes from the October 14th, 2025, Regular Council Meeting and Work Session Meeting. Under new business, the Council discussed placing an 180-day moratorium on approving any permits for adding mobile homes to trailer parks (Manufactured Home Subdivisions) while a new ordinance is developed to address issues such as density, infrastructure, and property value concerns raised by nearby homeowners. Department head reports detailed updates on ongoing public works projects, including a sidewalk project, a handicap ramp installation, a waterline project scheduled for completion by October 2026, and the commencement of the Lead Service Line Project. The Police Chief reported on the resolution of a dog attack incident, noting the dogs were secured and an organization offered assistance with county-wide animal control planning. The Fire Coordinator reported on the department's twenty-five calls and the progress of Firefighter 1 trainees. Finally, the Council confirmed the schedule for Thanksgiving holiday closures and announced the date for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting program.

Discussions during the meeting included an amendment to add SPLOST Fund payments for engineering fees to the agenda. Key new business involved the second reading and adoption of a 180-day moratorium preventing the permitting of new trailer parks or additional trailers in existing ones to allow time for ordinance revision. The Council approved the low bid from Reames & Sons for the LMIG Resurfacing Project covering several streets. Additionally, approval was granted to purchase a mini-excavator and a compact loader from Tidewater using grant funds and TSPLOST funds for the Lead Service Line Project. Engineering fees totaling $156,949.50 for the downtown sidewalk project were approved for payment from various SPLOST funds. Department reports noted the success of the Christmas Tree Lighting event, the near completion of the sidewalk project (95% complete), and updates on the water-main and Lead Service Line projects. Public comments raised concerns regarding the scope limitations of the sidewalk project in front of a specific commercial building, and the Mayor and Council requested staff to review any remaining funds for potential work in that area.