The Brooklet city council met for their regular bi-monthly meeting on Thursday Jan. 18, 2024. Prior to the 7 p.m. meeting, the council held a called meeting at 6:30 p.m. to discuss hiring Statesboro city attorney, Cain Smith, as the part time Brooklet city attorney. Smith has been the Statesboro city attorney since 2016 and described his current position as a facilitator for the citizens desires for the city.
Keep reading for a full report on business covered during both meetings.
Called Meeting Agenda
2. Legal Services Discussion
Brooklet City Attorney Hugh Hunter has announced his intent to retire this year. The City Council has began the process to hire a replacement. Statesboro City Attorney Cain Smith, who lives in the Brooklet area, applied for the position and is a finalist. He was invited to field questions from the Council during the called meeting. Below is a summary of the dialog during the called meeting.
Councilman Johnathan Graham asked how holding the position of City Attorney for both Brooklet and Statesboro would not be a conflict of interest, such as in regards to the sewer system plans and TSPLOST.
"In the event of a conflict of interest I have already made arrangements for another attorney to step in for the city of Brooklet," said Smith.
With a small pool of practicers in the area, Smith says it would be impossible to not have some overlap.
Councilman Bradley Anderson asked Smith what his role would be in the event of unethical behavior among council members as has been seen in the past.
Smith says he represents the city and not individual members, and due process and professionalism requires him to report misconduct.
Councilwoman Rebbeca Kelly asked Smith why he did not reply to the original RFQ for a City attorney.
Smith said that too many of the questions would have been incomplete as he is not apart of a firm and doesn't have the accessory support that a firm could provide. "If you want to speak to the City attorney, you call me, you call my cellphone," he said.
Councilman James Harrison asked if he will be able to balance both positions.
Smith answered that he works quickly, and believes he can accommodate the workload.
"I don't think there was one time in my life where I wasn't the first person to turn in an exam," he said exemplifying his proficiency.
Councilman Hubert Roughton asked what was the Statesboro council's reaction to Smith considering this position?
Smith said that they were supportive and confident that he could represent both cities ethically.
"I swell with pride every time I step into Publix," said Smith when asked about his proudest moment working as the Statesboro city attorney, "I don't have children so my legacy is going to have to be my public service."
When asked about his compensation for the position of Brooklet city attorney, Smith says he hasn't even discussed this with the council because this position to him is about public service.
The council asked how Smith's potential acceptance and non application through the RFQ might reflect on the council in the hiring process.
Smith answered that as this would be a professional service contract, there is no requirement for the bid process so legally it is sound, but it would be a matter of the councils policy choice.
Mayor Nicky Gwinnett said he feels strongly about bringing Smith in as the city attorney and that it would benefit the city of Brooklet.
Anderson and Kelly express concerns about the potential conflict of interest, although they believe Smith to be capable of the job.
"I'm impressed with what you've done over in Statesboro," said Harrison referring to the recent growth in the sister city.
Roughton says this is a pivotal time for brooklet, similar to Statesboro in previous years.
January 18, 2024 Brooklet City Council Meeting
Brooklet Mayor Nicky Gwinnett called the regularly scheduled meeting to order and after prayer, pledge and a few agenda revisions they moved on to City business.
APPROVED - 4. Charter Section 2-9 Committees: The Mayor and City Council Shall create by ordinance such committees as they deem necessary to oversee the operation and provision of city services and the administration of city government.
- Police Department - Rebecca Kelly
- Streets Department James Harrison & Keith Roughton
- Sanitation Department - James Harrison & Keith Roughton
- Water Department James Harrison & Keith Roughton
- Finance Department - Brad Anderson
- Administration Department - Johnathan Graham
- Safety Coordinator - James Harrison / Jim Stanoff
- Cemetery - Brad Anderson and Lori Phillips
APPROVED - 5. Consideration of a Motion to appoint Mayor Pro Tem for the next year, per the Brooklet Municipal Code Section 2-7 of the City Charter
Council member Brad Anderson nominated Council member Rebecca Kelly, to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. The Council approved unanimously.
6. Presentation of Service Awards for previous Mayor & Council Members:
a. Mayor Joseph Grooms, III
Mayor Gwinnett presented former Mayor Grooms with a certificate of appreciation for his service to the citizens of Brooklet. "With everything comes pain and agony, but that makes a good service," said Joe Grooms about his former position as Mayor of Brooklet.
b. Councilman Bradley Anderson
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly presented Brad Anderson a certificate for his four years of service and thanked him.
c. Councilman Nicky Gwinnett
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly presented an a certificate to Nicky Gwinnett and extended congratulations for his position as Mayor.
7. Mayor Nicky Gwinnett's Vision for the City 2024
Mayor Gwinnett read a list that highlighted his hopes for the city during the next four years of his service.
YEAR 1:
1. Create a rate of pay schedule for the City Hall employees, Public Works employees, Police Chief,
and the Police Clerk that will include a cost of living raise each year for the next four years for all
employees.
2. Hold a Town Hall meeting once a year in March and ask for the Kiwanis Club to help sponsor it.
3. New comprehensive zoning plan with no room for giant warehouses.
4. Revamp the zoning ordinance to mirror the comprehensive plan.
5. Finish Well #3 Project and water line upgrades
6. See construction begin on the sewer line to Statesboro “Phase One”
7. Work with BCDA to create a plan to enhance Parker Avenue from Highway 80 to the downtown
area to make that area more inviting.
8. Consider a bypass around Brooklet as an alternative to four-laning Highway 80 through town.
9. Begin a sidewalk plan for 1000 feet of sidewalk per year for the next four years.
10. Come up with a plan to obtain ownership of the old middle school on Railroad Street and begin
a clean-up process for the future beautification of that area.
11. Expand our trash service to surrounding areas to increase revenues.
YEAR 2:
1. Begin to work on updating the Charter from its last revision in 2010.
2. See construction begin on the sewer line in the downtown area “Phase Two”
3. Begin to seriously consider annexation ideas for the near future and build a plan.
4. Begin planning for our own sewer treatment plant i.e. finding a suitable site for possible
purchase etc.…
5. Work with the school board to take ownership of the old elementary school and possibly make
it the new city hall, library, voting precinct, possible county satellite tax office, planning and
zoning, and training facility.
6. Look for ways to enhance the property that is owned by the town around and behind the old
Scout Hut “possible public park, picnic area, parking, etc.”
7. Work with the school board to construct a road from the elementary school out to Highway 80
to help alleviate in-town traffic.
8. Find ways to improve downtown parking.
9. Build a plan to upgrade public works equipment over the next four years.
10. Work on strengthening our relationship with BCDA, and find additional uses for the festival
grounds to help generate more revenue.
YEAR 3:
1. Secure a candidate for City Manager and prepare to send the revised Charter to the state for
approval.
2. Update the comprehensive zoning plan, also maps and ordinances as necessary.
3. Begin to expand our water system into our service delivery area based on projected growth.
4. Work to expand the sewer system to the old part of town “Phase Three”
5. Start the first steps of annexation planning.
6. Make plans for EV charging stations in the downtown area and other locations.
7. Expand our trade in tourism abilities.
8. Plan to replace street lights with sidewalk low lights to help eliminate light pollution.
9. Most important of all, let us work together as a team to move our town into the future in a
correct and planned manner.
YEAR 4:
1. Propose a raise for City Council members
2. Start the annexation process
3. Begin planning on hiring a full-time Planning and Zoning Administrator
4. Begin planning on hiring a full-time Building Inspector and City Marshall
5. Begin construction planning for our new sewer treatment plant
6. Repave streets that need resurfacing
7. Start planning on a third water tank on the Southeast end of town
8. Recognition of guests who have signed up to speak
No members of the community made public comment.
APPROVED WITH AMENDMENT - 9. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda
a. (REMOVED and added to discussion points)Tucker Utilities, LLC Invoice for $46,675.00
b. Proposal 6235 for $1,995.00 is for a replacement router/firewall capable of handling internet speeds over IGbps. The current router/firewall is only capable of
200 Mbps which is 1/5 of the internet you should be getting.
c. Striping on Cromley Road - 2023 Brooklet Striping Improvements (PE23190) Change Order Request.
d. Quote received from Verizon Wireless for 5 New Smartphone lines, including iPhone 13's with Otter box Defenders for the Police Department.
APPROVED - 10. Motion to approve the resignation of Jim Hargett, effective 01/03/2024.
Mayor Gwinnett referred to Hargett as a public works employee that got a better job offer.
Replacement for the position has not been advertised yet.
APPROVED - 11. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Minutes for the following Meetings:
a. December 21, 2023, City Council Meeting
b. November 20, 2023, Called Meeting
c. November 16, 2023, City Council Meeting
d. November 9, 2023, Public Hearing Meeting
e. November 9, 2023, Work Session
APPROVED - 12. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the December Financial Reports as presented.
13. Reports from committee members
a. Councilman Graham asked the public to "Please be safe," regarding the weather; "Look out for your neighbors, if you have pets take them inside," also suggesting to leave faucets dripping so the pipes don't freeze.
b. Councilman Anderson asked that the February work session discuss the suggestion that the city look for better rates than 2.9% to earn more interest.
Two splost checks received, totaling over $100,000 - new pavement in town is $80,000 tsplost at work
c. Councilwoman Kelly said she learned that the aquifer is plentiful and even with the Hyundai plant their is enough, saying this eased some of her anxieties about local development.
She stated that Georgia Southern University is working towards earning a higher research status, a difficult accomplishment projected to come to fruition in the next decade.
Kelly said she is supportive of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing, a potential grant that improves infrastructure and housing.
She referred to changes made to the city ordinance during the work session, so that council is on par with the ordinance and vice-versa.
d. Councilman Harrison expressed concern about filling public positions and delegated City Clerk Lori Phillips to advertising these positions.
e. Councilman Roughton welcomed the members of the public to the meeting.
14. Report from Police Chief
a. Gary M. Roberts said that crime has been generally low in Brooklet. A few buildings and sheds have been broken into and people walking around at night
15. Report from the Safety Coordinator
a. Jim Stanoff - not present
16. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
APPROVED - 16.1 SECOND READING AND ADOPTION/APPROVAL: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 50, ARTICLE ll.- WATER TO PROVIDE FOR NEW WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES AND CHARGES IN THE CITY OF BROOKLET.
APPROVED - 16.2 SECOND READING AND ADOPTION/APPROVAL: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BROOKLET TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE 111 ON SEWER; TO PROVIDE GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR WHEN CONNECTION TO THE SANITARY SEWAGE SYSTEM IS REQUIRED AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND PENALTIES; TO PROVIDE FOR WHEN PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS ARE ALLOWED AND UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS; TO PROVIDE PROVISIONS FOR BUILDING SEWERS AND CONNECTIONS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC SEWERS INCLUDING RESTRICTED AND PROHIBITED DISCHARGES; TO PROVIDE FOR A USER CHARGE SYSTEM; AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION AND DISCHARGE OF SCAVENGER WASTES.
APPROVED - 16.3 SECOND READING AND ADOPTION/APPROVAL of the GMEBS-R; City of Brooklet - 2023-2025 Defined Benefit Retirement Plan Restatement. Each employer using the GMEBS Retirement Plan must adopt the restated Adoption Agreement as part of the restatement process.
TABLED - 16.5 Amended from 9 (a. Tucker Utilities, LLC Invoice for $46,675.00 (amended)
During work session it was presented as an "IOU"
Council member Graham said that the memo does not include dates on the invoice and council could not recall when this work was done. Graham found this troubling. Additionally, the memo was dated December 8th but was presented in January and Graham asks why it was not discussed in the work session prior. Graham said he does not feel comfortable approving this when budget is tight and spending is so deliberated.
Council member Anderson said he contacted Patricia Hunter, the auditor, and she expressed reservations and recommended sending the invoice back for the business to provide more details. He said the purchases should have been approved and bid on and recommended to remedy the situation by providing a detailed explanation.
The Mayor made a motion to table the issue, which was APPROVED
16.6 - City Manager Discussion
Council member Anderson said, "We need a city manager."
Council member Kelly agreed saying there are too many projects to not have a city manager.
Mayor Gwinnett agreed with the need for a City Manager but said that the time is not right financially to hire a city manager
Council member Anderson stated that council members throughout the years have expressed frustration in not having a city manager. This notion was pushed further by Graham who said that the council has brought up bringing in city manager. He asked how they can bring in a city recorder and pay the $40,000 bill of item 16.5, but not hire a city manager. Graham says he does not understand the push back against a city manager, "We need someone here, boots on the ground," he said.
"I don't disagree," said Mayor Gwinnett,
Harrison suggests the council needs to discuss this.
"If we can't take care of our employees we have now, why would we bring in another," said Mayor Gwinnett.
Graham said the need for a city manager is greater than the potential drawbacks.
Approved with Amendment- 17. Mayor and Council to make the following appointments for the year 2024:
- Appointment of a City Clerk - Lori Phillips
- Appointment of the Election Superintendent - Lori Phillips
- Appointment of the Planning & Zoning Administrator — Lori Phillips (Amended to Melissa Peevy)
- Appointment of a Municipal Court Clerk - Lisa Tollison
- Appointment of a City Code Enforcement Officer / City Marshall - Gary Roberts
- Appointment of a Building Inspector — Sterling Starling
- Appointment of a City Treasurer Lori Phillips
- Appointment of an Accounting Firm - Reddick, Riggs, Hunter, and Colson, P.C.
- Appointment of a Municipal Court Judge - Joseph Cowart
- Appointment of a Municipal Court Solicitor - Cain Smith
- Appointment of a Municipal Court Public Defender - Spencer Tyson
- Appointment of a Payroll Firm - J.B. Kennedy & Associates, LLC
TABLED - 18. Consideration of a motion to appoint a City Attorney for 2024
"Motion to appoint Cain Smith as the City Attorney for 2024"
Council member Kelly Suggest tabling this item into work session - Motion to table this item was approved
APPROVED - 19. APPROVED - Appointment of the Planning Commission for 2024:
- Rene Keene - Chairman
- Ginny Macaluso
- Debra Alexander
- Nathan Nall
- David Bircher
The city has been without a planning commission after they all resigned. These members will restart the commission.
Council member Kelly said the council had interviews two Saturdays ago where candidates were scored based on a rubric. The top 5 scoring candidates were chosen and all members of the planning commission were in attendance of the meeting except for Ginny Macaluso.
APPROVED - 20. Consideration of a motion to approve the cost for four of the five appointed Planning Commission Members for $2,000.00 for Planning 101 and Planning 102 training in February.
APPROVED - 21. Consideration of a motion to leave the regular session and enter executive session to discuss real estate.
APPROVED - 22. Consideration of a motion to exit the executive session and return to the regular session and for any motions that need to be made.
No action taken from executive session.
