Whitney Rogers

Key discussions included the unanimous approval of the amended agenda, which incorporated the Heart of GA Altamaha Regional Commission 2023 CDBG Grant Closeout. The Council unanimously approved the proposed 2026 Budget after confirming all required advertising and public hearing requirements were met. The Council appointed H. Frank Erwin as the financial auditor for the 2025 fiscal year audit, selecting his lower quote over Maudlin & Jenkins. A federally required closeout public hearing was conducted for the 2023 CDBG Sewer Improvement Project. A beer/wine license for JAYKHODIYAR26 INC at 6314 Oak Street was unanimously approved. The final subdivision plat approval for Kenwood Estates, slated for 117 single-family homes, was granted. Additionally, Councilor Sebrina Williams was recognized and presented with a plaque and gavel for her 8.5 years of service to the city.

The council unanimously approved an amended agenda, which included adding a building permit request for a property on Gracie Lane. Key new business involved the unanimous approval of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade scheduled for January 19, 2026. Monthly reports detailed police activity for October, including calls, traffic accidents, and fines collected, alongside the October fire report detailing structure fires, medical calls, and updates on fundraising efforts like a Boston Butt sale and toy drive. Department head reports covered wastewater treatment plant operations, water department activities (including leak repairs and work orders), street department projects such as park improvements, and code enforcement statistics. The council unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dodge County and the Drug Task Force to split the cost of supplying one officer. An alcohol license application for Eastman Quick Express 1 LLC was approved. Building permits were approved for converting the old Three Rivers building into co-living residences and for commencing construction on a single-family residence on Lot 12 of Gracie Lane. The City Manager reported on the opening of outdoor pickleball courts and upcoming holiday events.

The meeting commenced with the approval of an amended agenda, which included bidding out exterior lighting for the park's pickleball courts. Key discussions involved a public hearing on the Proposed 2026 Budget, which concluded without public concerns. Monthly reports detailed police activity for November, noting increased traffic and theft during the holiday season, and fire department statistics, including structure fires, medical calls, and fundraising efforts. Department head reports covered updates from Public Works regarding City Hall window installation and curb/gutter work, detailed water usage and leak repair statistics, WWTP operations, and street department activities, which included preparations for the Christmas parade. The council also heard reports on Code Enforcement, grease trap ordinance drafting, and received thanks from the Dodge Historical Society, resulting in an approved donation of $3500. Furthermore, the council unanimously approved closing Main Street for a Downtown Development Authority event, adjusted building permit fees to align with surrounding areas, and approved advertising RFQs for pickleball court lighting. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel, property, and legal matters.

The Council meeting addressed several items under Planning & Zoning, including granting a variance on setbacks for Living 7, LLC to facilitate refinancing of townhouses, and approving a rezoning request for Fordham Rental Properties, LLC to allow for business construction. A building permit for a metal gym structure on 2nd Avenue was also unanimously approved. Following an executive session concerning personnel, legal, and property matters, New Business included approving bills for September through November 2025, granting permission for the Lions Club Christmas Parade in December 2025, and authorizing a $12,000 wetland study on city-owned land on Soperton Hwy for potential debris site use. The Council also presented the 2026 Budget, scheduling its public hearing for December 8, 2025, and approved remaining with Veris Benecon for health insurance, using $200,000 of surplus funds to offset a premium increase, and selecting GMA for the 2026 Workers' Compensation bid.

The primary purpose of this called meeting was to review and approve a resolution to join an intergovernmental agreement establishing a collaborative Drug Task Force with the Dodge County Sheriff's office. This collaboration involves providing an officer to the task force. The estimated annual cost to the city is projected to range between $10,000 and $15,000, excluding potential unknown costs related to overtime, training, and providing a vehicle. The participating officer will be sworn in as a GBI Narcotics Agent and will operate within Dodge County/Eastman and surrounding opted-in areas. The 2026 Oconee Drug Task Force/Middle Georgia Gang Task Force agreement was unanimously approved.