City Council Regular Meeting – May 18, 2026

On May 18, 2026, the Pooler City Council held its regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Karen Williams presided. The meeting was called to order at 5:59 p.m. Councilmember Tom Hutcherson was absent. The meeting opened with a certificate of recognition for Top Gun Savannah cheerleading team (world champions), a recognition of firefighter Corey Monroe for his EMT training, and an announcement about the Juneteenth run/walk. The meeting included a public hearing on the 2046 Comprehensive Plan, approval of multiple items, and a last-minute addition to purchase land adjacent to Tom Triplett Park.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of May 4, 2026 (regular and executive session)
• Approved alcoholic beverage license change for MD Pooler, LLC DBA Metro Diner
• Released maintenance bond for Telfair Phase II ($248,722.50)
• Released performance bond ($1,070,563.50) and accepted maintenance bond ($397,644.50) for Thompson Thrift Residential lift station, subject to city attorney approval
• Accepted performance bond ($2,295,221.78) and final plat for Cross Creek Phase 3A, subject to city attorney approval
• Approved quarterly vehicle surplus (Q2 2026)
• Accepted driveway easement from Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust
• Received department reports (Public Works, Finance, Fire-Rescue, Police, Recreation, Planning & Development)

Special Events

• Approved special event permit (no alcohol) for TNT Fireworks Sales from June 20–July 5, 2026, at 160 Pooler Parkway
• Approved special event permit (no alcohol) for Alive Fall Festival on October 3, 2026, at 1007 US Highway 80 West, with fee waiver

Ordinances & Resolutions

• Resolution R2026-05.A: Authorized participation in an amicus brief supporting the City of Milton in Chang v. City of Milton on remand before the Georgia Court of Appeals, addressing municipal liability for off-roadway nuisances. (Motion by Bashlor, second by Wilcher; passed 5–0)
• Resolution R2026-05.C (added after executive session): Authorized a bargain-sale donation and purchase of 27.662 acres at 1301 and 1323 East US Highway 80 from the Ben B. Wall Irrevocable Trust for $1,500,000 as a lump sum. The property fronts Tom Triplett Park. (Motion by Carpenter, second by Wilcher; passed 5–0)

New Business

• Pooler 2046 Comprehensive Plan Update – Public Hearing #2: City Manager Heath Lloyd and City Planner Marcy Benson presented the draft plan, which outlines goals for land use, housing, transportation, utilities, economic development, and environmental protection over 20 years. A public hearing was held; no action taken. Speakers:
  • Joshua Soave (210 Silverbrook Circle): Urged preservation of existing tree canopy and use of the tree fund to purchase land, noting the heat island effect and slow tree growth.
  • Jeffrey Beauvais (100 Miles): Expressed support for the plan's environmental goals but stressed importance of follow-through; cited survey responses (245 responses) showing 90% of residents want more green space and less industrial/warehouse development. Noted 10% vacancy rate in warehouse space (~15.5 million sq ft). Next steps include final plan update and submission to the Coastal Resource Commission (CRC) in June, with final adoption expected in fall 2026.
• Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program: Approved acceptance of a $240,000 federal grant with a $60,000 local match (total $300,000) to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for reducing roadway fatalities and injuries among all users. (Motion by Henry, second by Wilcher; passed 5–0)
• Copier Purchase and Service Agreement: Approved proposal from Ashley's Business Solutions for copier purchase and service, subject to city attorney approval. (Motion by Henry, second by Wilcher; passed 5–0)

Public Comments (Open Comment Period)

Several residents addressed the council:

• Ernie Hagan (resident): Requested speed bumps or traffic calming measures in the Marketplace area to address speeding motorcycles and safety concerns.
• Holly Lewis (Savannah Geechee Canal Society): Criticized the proposed warehouse development near Tom Triplett Park, citing noise impacts from up to 3,100 semi-trucks per day and urging reconsideration. She referenced the city's own comprehensive plan and ordinances on noise and I-1 zoning.
• Kerry Smith (The People's Agenda, Savannah): Emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the canals (built by African Americans) and urged preservation of wilderness and heritage.
• Jeffrey Beauvais (100 Miles): Advocated for a one-year moratorium on new data centers, citing recent actions in Kingsland, Bulloch County, and Camden County. He stated that a moratorium is legal and costs nothing, and gives time for research and public engagement.
• Joshua Soave (210 Silverbrook Circle): Echoed support for a data center moratorium, referencing an incident in Fayette County where a data center used 30 million gallons of water without city knowledge, and noting drought conditions in Georgia.

Executive Session

• At 6:49 p.m., council moved to executive session to discuss personnel, real estate, legal, and IT security matters (motion by Henry, second by Bashlor; passed 5–0). The meeting reconvened at 6:59 p.m.

Key Outcomes

All votes were unanimous (5–0) with councilmembers Bashlor, Carpenter, Henry, Valim, and Wilcher voting in favor. Councilmember Tom Hutcherson was absent.

• Consent agenda approved.
• Special event permits approved.
• Resolution to participate in amicus brief approved.
• Safe Streets and Roads for All grant approved.
• Copier purchase agreement approved.
• Land purchase resolution (R2026-05.C) added to agenda and approved.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.