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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

City Council Regular Meeting - April 20, 2026

City Council — Monday, April 20, 2026

BodyPooler, Georgia

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, April 20, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Unassigned speaker

6:30

But

Speaker 1

6:30

we'll tell you what that Oda Band stuff that they give us.

6:32

They gave us fast.

6:34

If y'all don't need that stuff, y'all better give it to me because I have any.

6:37

That stuff is good.

6:38

Especially when you walk in the laundry.

6:42

I'm sorry.

6:53

And then the other the gel stuff.

6:55

I'll put that in the back of the car.

6:59

I'll put that in the back of the car.

7:00

That was good too.

7:06

You laugh.

Speaker 2

7:07

Already, uh good evening.

7:09

Uh this is the April 20th, 2026, uh regularly scheduled Pooler City Council meeting.

7:15

I now call it to order.

Unassigned speaker

7:18

Speaker 2

7:18

we do have uh a quorum present.

7:21

Uh I will ask that uh you keep uh Mayor Williams as well as Councilmember Tom Hutcherson uh in your prayers and thoughts uh as they both recover uh from uh uh various and sundry illnesses uh and procedures.

7:37

Unassigned speaker

7:37

Speaker 2

7:37

please keep them in your prayer.

7:39

Uh with that being said, uh I would like to invite uh my friend and uh one of my pastors, uh Reverend uh Carolyn Cubic from uh Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church uh to lead us in the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.

7:53

If everybody could stand, please.

Speaker 3

8:00

Let us pray.

8:03

Loving God, we give you thanks for this another good day.

8:07

We thank you for all the good work that you give all of us to do.

8:11

We're grateful to live in a country which allows us to cooperate with each other and to determine our own destinies, and we are grateful for that.

Unassigned speaker

8:19

Speaker 3

8:20

especially tonight ask your blessings on all who are here and for those who cannot be here, especially our mayor and our councilman.

8:29

We pray for your healing and their bodies.

Unassigned speaker

8:36

And

Speaker 3

8:36

now during the meeting, we ask that you would help us to remember the people that we represent.

8:52

Again, we give you thanks for today.

8:55

In Jesus' name I pray.

8:57

Amen.

Unassigned speaker

8:58

And

Speaker 3

8:58

now will you join me in the pledge?

9:06

And to the republic for which it stands.

Speaker 2

9:36

So if council uh would join me down up front uh for this uh reading of the proclamation and Mr.

9:44

and Mrs.

9:44

Evans, please join us up front too.

10:05

Come on, stand right up here in front of this.

10:07

So we've we've made it a tradition uh when we do proclamations to have members of our community uh receive that because it's the members of our community

Unassigned speaker

10:18

that

Speaker 2

10:19

make us us.

10:21

And uh so this month uh it gets to follow me and be my pleasure to uh proclaim the month of the military child.

10:29

So I'll read this out loud.

10:31

Uh whereas the month of the military child is a time to honor and recognize the sacrifices, resilience, and strength of military children, and whereas military children experience unique challenges, such as frequent relocations, changes in schools, and the deployment of their parents, all of which they face with courage and unwavering support uh for their families.

10:53

And whereas military children contribute to the success and well-being of the US military in our nation, while also demonstrating exceptional strength, adaptability, and perseverance in the face of challenges.

11:05

And whereas the month of the military child is a time to raise awareness of the experiences of military children, celebrate the resilience, and show the appreciation for the contributions that they make to the strength of our communities and whereas our community stands united in supporting military families, providing resources and ensuring that our military children receive the care, attention, and respect they deserve.

11:28

Now, therefore, I, Aaron C.

11:30

Henry, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Poolin, Georgia, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as the month of the military child in this city.

11:38

I encourage all residents to join in recognizing and celebrating the resilience, dedication, and strength of military children, and to offer support to the families who serve our nation with honor and courage and witnesses thereof.

11:49

I've heard unto set my hand and cause the city seal of the city of Pooler, Georgia, to be affixed this 20th day of April 2026.

11:58

Thank you, sir.

11:58

Thank you very much.

12:00

Thank you for the service, sir.

12:05

Come on.

Speaker 4

12:08

Three, two, one.

12:10

Sure.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Environmental Protection█████████████████17%

Planning And Zoning██████████████14%

Procedural██████████10%

Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%

Technology and Innovation████████8%

Parks and Recreation███████7%

Public Safety█████5%

Public Engagement█████5%

Water And Wastewater Management█████5%

Summary of Proceedings

City Council Regular Meeting - April 20, 2026

The Pooler City Council held its regular meeting on April 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Aaron Henry presided in the absence of Mayor Karen Williams and Councilmember Tom Hutcherson. All other members were present. The meeting featured a proclamation for the Month of the Military Child, public hearings on the Capital Improvement Element (CIE) and the Pooler 2046 Comprehensive Plan, consideration of several site plans and contracts, and a public comment period. The meeting entered executive session at 7:55 p.m. and adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

Consent Calendar

City Council Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2026, approved.
Alcoholic Beverage License Application for Vency 2026, LLC DBA Barrelhouse Liquor (change in ownership) approved.
Release of Performance Bond ($3,448,621.50), Acceptance of Maintenance Bond ($857,325.75), and Acceptance of Sidewalk Performance Bond ($123,450.00) for Harmony Phase 8A, subject to City Attorney approval.
Department Reports accepted.

Public Comments & Testimony

On the Comprehensive Plan Capital Improvement Element (CIE) Public Hearing: Debra Power commented on the CIE, raising concerns about the limited notification for the stakeholder meeting on March 25, 2026. She opposed excluding commercial and industrial development from park impact fees and called for a moratorium on development until impact fees are in place.
On the Pooler 2046 Comprehensive Plan Update Public Hearing #1: Multiple residents uniformly expressed strong support for protecting remaining green space and wetlands, particularly Tom Triplett Park, and significant opposition to warehouse and industrial development. Peter Van Brussel cited survey results where 93% of 300 respondents wanted less industrial development, 94% said preserving wetlands is important, and 90% said promoting access to natural environments is important. Jenny Watkins noted an inconsistency between the plan's stated community aspirations and its encouragement of industrial land use. Jeffrey Beauvais and Debra Power emphasized the need for stronger, enforceable measures and independent environmental reviews for developments. Joshua Soave, Ashley McCorkle, and Abby Gilbert spoke in full support of preserving natural spaces for community recreation and mental health.
On General Business (Open Public Comment): Jeffrey Beauvais (100 Miles) strongly urged the council to adopt a six-month moratorium on data centers to draft a community-guided ordinance. Jenny Watkins and Debra Power urged the council to deny the upcoming rezoning request for "The District at Pooler Parkway," with Power accusing the developer of providing misleading information during community meetings. Erica Bisenbauss asked what specific plans the city has to regulate potential data center development.

Discussion Items

Comprehensive Plan Capital Improvement Element (CIE) Resolution R2026-04.A (Public Hearing & Action): City Manager Heath Lloyd and Planning Director Nicole Johnson presented the CIE, a document required for implementing impact fees. The CIE projects a 10-year population of 48,277 by 2035 and identifies infrastructure projects. Consultant Carson Bice (Tischler & Associates) answered council questions on methodology. He explained that park fees are typically not assessed against non-residential uses because parks serve residents. He also detailed how fees are scaled by housing unit size to promote affordability. Following the public hearing, the council voted 4-0-0 to approve Resolution R2026-04.A, authorizing the transmittal of the draft CIE to the Coastal Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Pooler 2046 Comprehensive Plan Update Draft Review (Public Hearing, No Action): City Planner Marcy Benson presented the draft 20-year blueprint, noting 245 survey respondents. This was the first of two public hearings. In response to extensive public testimony criticizing the plan's alignment with community desires for green space and against industrial sprawl, Mayor Pro Tem Henry acknowledged the feedback and formally tasked City Manager Heath Lloyd to research and bring back ideas from other communities regarding enhanced public engagement and stronger environmental enforcement language in the ordinance. No vote was taken.
Site Plan for SRM Railyard (Action): Lamar Mercer (Thomas & Hutton) presented the site plan for a rail yard expansion to allow direct import of aggregate via rail, taking 104 trucks off the road daily. The council approved the plan 4-0-0, subject to conditions: payment of $88,050.00 to the city's Tree Fund and approval of erosion and sedimentation plans from the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission.
Award Contracts:
1. Wastewater Treatment Plant Reject Pond Pipe Replacement: Awarded to Ryjack Enterprises for $191,509.00 (lowest of three bids) for approximately 1,900 linear feet of new PVC piping. (Passed 4-0-0, subject to City Attorney approval).
2. Tree Maintenance Services: Awarded to Kolcun Tree Care for an amount not to exceed $150,000.00 annually. City Manager Lloyd noted the city had previously spent up to $250,000.00 annually. (Passed 4-0-0, subject to City Attorney approval).
3. Traffic Signal Installation: Awarded to Astra Group for $497,370.00 for the intersection of Mulberry Boulevard, Benton Boulevard, and Town Center Drive. (Passed 4-0-0, subject to City Attorney approval).
Pooler Recreation Complex Improvements, Phase V (Action): The council accepted a proposal from Thomas & Hutton for design and engineering services for a baseball field expansion at 200 Preston Stokes Drive. The $242,050.00 contract will include bid alternatives for grass versus turf fields. (Passed 4-0-0, subject to City Attorney approval).

Key Outcomes

Consent Agenda passed 4-0-0.
Resolution R2026-04.A (CIE Transmittal to CRC/DCA) passed 4-0-0.
SRM Railyard Site Plan approved 4-0-0 with conditions.
Contracts Awarded (all 4-0-0): Wastewater Pipe ($191,509, Ryjack), Tree Care ($150k/yr, Kolcun), Traffic Signal ($497,370, Astra), Rec Complex Design ($242,050, Thomas & Hutton).
Directive Issued: Mayor Pro Tem Henry directed City Manager Lloyd to improve public engagement and explore stronger enforcement measures for the Comprehensive Plan.
Executive Session: Entered at 7:55 p.m., returned to open session at 8:03 p.m.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

But we'll tell you what that Oda Band stuff that they give us. They gave us fast. If y'all don't need that stuff, y'all better give it to me because I have any. That stuff is good. Especially when you walk in the laundry. I'm sorry. And then the other the gel stuff. I'll put that in the back of the car. I'll put that in the back of the car. That was good too. You laugh. Already, uh good evening. Uh this is the April 20th, 2026, uh regularly scheduled Pooler City Council meeting. I now call it to order. Uh we do have uh a quorum present. Uh I will ask that uh you keep uh Mayor Williams as well as Councilmember Tom Hutcherson uh in your prayers and thoughts uh as they both recover uh from uh uh various and sundry illnesses uh and procedures. So uh please keep them in your prayer. Uh with that being said, uh I would like to invite uh my friend and uh one of my pastors, uh Reverend uh Carolyn Cubic from uh Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church uh to lead us in the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. If everybody could stand, please. Let us pray. Loving God, we give you thanks for this another good day. We thank you for all the good work that you give all of us to do. We're grateful to live in a country which allows us to cooperate with each other and to determine our own destinies, and we are grateful for that. We especially tonight ask your blessings on all who are here and for those who cannot be here, especially our mayor and our councilman. We pray for your healing and their bodies. And now during the meeting, we ask that you would help us to remember the people that we represent. Again, we give you thanks for today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. And now will you join me in the pledge? And to the republic for which it stands. So if council uh would join me down up front uh for this uh reading of the proclamation and Mr. and Mrs. Evans, please join us up front too. Come on, stand right up here in front of this. So we've we've made it a tradition uh when we do proclamations to have members of our community uh receive that because it's the members of our community that make us us. And uh so this month uh it gets to follow me and be my pleasure to uh proclaim the month of the military child. So I'll read this out loud. Uh whereas the month of the military child is a time to honor and recognize the sacrifices, resilience, and strength of military children, and whereas military children experience unique challenges, such as frequent relocations, changes in schools, and the deployment of their parents, all of which they face with courage and unwavering support uh for their families. And whereas military children contribute to the success and well-being of the US military in our nation, while also demonstrating exceptional strength, adaptability, and perseverance in the face of challenges. And whereas the month of the military child is a time to raise awareness of the experiences of military children, celebrate the resilience, and show the appreciation for the contributions that they make to the strength of our communities and whereas our community stands united in supporting military families, providing resources and ensuring that our military children receive the care, attention, and respect they deserve.

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TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
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City Council Regular Meeting - April 20, 2026

Consent Calendar

City Council Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2026, approved.

Alcoholic Beverage License Application for Vency 2026, LLC DBA Barrelhouse Liquor (change in ownership) approved.

Release of Performance Bond ($3,448,621.50), Acceptance of Maintenance Bond ($857,325.75), and Acceptance of Sidewalk Performance Bond ($123,450.00) for Harmony Phase 8A, subject to City Attorney approval.

Department Reports accepted.

Public Comments & Testimony

On the Comprehensive Plan Capital Improvement Element (CIE) Public Hearing: Debra Power commented on the CIE, raising concerns about the limited notification for the stakeholder meeting on March 25, 2026. She opposed excluding commercial and industrial development from park impact fees and called for a moratorium on development until impact fees are in place.

On the Pooler 2046 Comprehensive Plan Update Public Hearing #1: Multiple residents uniformly expressed strong support for protecting remaining green space and wetlands, particularly Tom Triplett Park, and significant opposition to warehouse and industrial development. Peter Van Brussel cited survey results where 93% of 300 respondents wanted less industrial development, 94% said preserving wetlands is important, and 90% said promoting access to natural environments is important. Jenny Watkins noted an inconsistency between the plan's stated community aspirations and its encouragement of industrial land use. Jeffrey Beauvais and Debra Power emphasized the need for stronger, enforceable measures and independent environmental reviews for developments. Joshua Soave, Ashley McCorkle, and Abby Gilbert spoke in full support of preserving natural spaces for community recreation and mental health.

On General Business (Open Public Comment): Jeffrey Beauvais (100 Miles) strongly urged the council to adopt a six-month moratorium on data centers to draft a community-guided ordinance. Jenny Watkins and Debra Power urged the council to deny the upcoming rezoning request for "The District at Pooler Parkway," with Power accusing the developer of providing misleading information during community meetings. Erica Bisenbauss asked what specific plans the city has to regulate potential data center development.

Discussion Items

Comprehensive Plan Capital Improvement Element (CIE) Resolution R2026-04.A (Public Hearing & Action): City Manager Heath Lloyd and Planning Director Nicole Johnson presented the CIE, a document required for implementing impact fees. The CIE projects a 10-year population of 48,277 by 2035 and identifies infrastructure projects. Consultant Carson Bice (Tischler & Associates) answered council questions on methodology. He explained that park fees are typically not assessed against non-residential uses because parks serve residents. He also detailed how fees are scaled by housing unit size to promote affordability. Following the public hearing, the council voted 4-0-0 to approve Resolution R2026-04.A, authorizing the transmittal of the draft CIE to the Coastal Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Pooler 2046 Comprehensive Plan Update Draft Review (Public Hearing, No Action): City Planner Marcy Benson presented the draft 20-year blueprint, noting 245 survey respondents. This was the first of two public hearings. In response to extensive public testimony criticizing the plan's alignment with community desires for green space and against industrial sprawl, Mayor Pro Tem Henry acknowledged the feedback and formally tasked City Manager Heath Lloyd to research and bring back ideas from other communities regarding enhanced public engagement and stronger environmental enforcement language in the ordinance. No vote was taken.

Site Plan for SRM Railyard (Action): Lamar Mercer (Thomas & Hutton) presented the site plan for a rail yard expansion to allow direct import of aggregate via rail, taking 104 trucks off the road daily. The council approved the plan 4-0-0, subject to conditions: payment of $88,050.00 to the city's Tree Fund and approval of erosion and sedimentation plans from the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

Award Contracts:

Wastewater Treatment Plant Reject Pond Pipe Replacement: Awarded to Ryjack Enterprises for $191,509.00 (lowest of three bids) for approximately 1,900 linear feet of new PVC piping. (Passed 4-0-0, subject to City Attorney approval).
Tree Maintenance Services: Awarded to Kolcun Tree Care for an amount not to exceed $150,000.00 annually. City Manager Lloyd noted the city had previously spent up to $250,000.00 annually. (Passed 4-0-0, subject to City Attorney approval).
Traffic Signal Installation: Awarded to Astra Group for $497,370.00 for the intersection of Mulberry Boulevard, Benton Boulevard, and Town Center Drive. (Passed 4-0-0, subject to City Attorney approval).

Pooler Recreation Complex Improvements, Phase V (Action): The council accepted a proposal from Thomas & Hutton for design and engineering services for a baseball field expansion at 200 Preston Stokes Drive. The $242,050.00 contract will include bid alternatives for grass versus turf fields. (Passed 4-0-0, subject to City Attorney approval).

Key Outcomes

Consent Agenda passed 4-0-0.

Resolution R2026-04.A (CIE Transmittal to CRC/DCA) passed 4-0-0.

SRM Railyard Site Plan approved 4-0-0 with conditions.

Contracts Awarded (all 4-0-0): Wastewater Pipe ($191,509, Ryjack), Tree Care ($150k/yr, Kolcun), Traffic Signal ($497,370, Astra), Rec Complex Design ($242,050, Thomas & Hutton).

Directive Issued: Mayor Pro Tem Henry directed City Manager Lloyd to improve public engagement and explore stronger enforcement measures for the Comprehensive Plan.

Executive Session: Entered at 7:55 p.m., returned to open session at 8:03 p.m.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

Meeting Transcript