Pooler City Council Regular Meeting – July 20, 2026

The Pooler City Council met on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 100 US Highway 80 SW, Pooler, GA. Mayor Karen Williams presided; all six councilmembers were present. The minutes record a 5:59 p.m. call to order, although the agenda listed a 6:00 p.m. start. Assistant City Manager Matt Saxon gave the invocation and led the pledge, and Mayor Pro Tem Aaron Henry noted the passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. The council approved the consent agenda, three special event permits, a fee schedule amendment, and two contracts, then adjourned at 6:29 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the July 6, 2026 City Council meeting minutes, the June 15 and July 6, 2026 executive session minutes, release of a maintenance bond in the amount of $305,080.50 and a sidewalk performance bond in the amount of $83,835.00 for Drayton Park Phase II/North Trail Way, Fern Road, and Freemont Lane, and department reports.
• Councilmember Shannon Valim recused herself from Consent Agenda Item D (bond releases). The minutes record the consent motion as passing 5-0-1; the transcript described the voice vote as unanimous. Councilmembers voting yes were Bashlor, Carpenter, Henry, Hutcherson, and Wilcher.

Special Events

• Elegance Community Fest – Approved the temporary alcohol service permit for August 1, 2026, at 120 Towne Center Drive. Event hours were stated as 3:00–9:00 p.m., with music, food, giveaways, and a back-to-school component. Motion passed 6-0.
• Hobby Classic Card Show – Approved the no-alcohol permit for August 22, 2026, at 900 South Rogers Street. Motion passed 6-0.
• Big Bash Fall Festival and Car Show – Approved the no-alcohol permit for October 24, 2026, at 200 Tanger Outlets Boulevard. Petitioner William Bannon said the event would run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with $15 admission, and would feature Dukes of Hazzard cast members. Motion passed 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rick Ali and Kasim Ali, property owners along Old Louisville Road, said they were not opposed to the sewer line or the related quick trip development, but raised questions and concerns about the water line route, connection costs, easements, wastewater billing, and whether the easement would be sufficient for future road widening. City Manager Heath Lloyd recommended moving the engineering and right-of-way details offline with Assistant City Manager Matt Saxon and the project manager.

Ordinances & Resolutions

• Resolution R2026-07.A – Amendment to the 2026 Schedule of Fees – City Manager Heath Lloyd presented two new fees: a $50 pre-warrant hearing fee to offset administrative costs of pre-warrant hearings, and a $300 disinterment fee to cover administrative and operational costs for removing human remains from a cemetery burial site at a family’s request. Motion passed 6-0.

New Business: Old Louisville Road Water and Sewer Extensions

• City Manager Heath Lloyd presented a competitively bid construction contract for water and sewer infrastructure along Old Louisville Road, including approximately 3,264 linear feet of 10-inch sanitary sewer pipe, connection to an existing lift station, and approximately 533 linear feet of 16-inch water main. Three bids were received: Vertical Earth at $1,392,370, Tyson Utilities at $1,416,549.32, and BRW Construction Group LLC at $2,553,015. Engineer Coleman Company reviewed the bids and recommended Tyson Utilities as the most qualified bidder; staff concurred.
• After public comment and discussion, council awarded the contract to Tyson Utilities in the amount of $1,416,549.32, subject to City Attorney approval. Motion passed 6-0.

New Business: Peachtree Recovery Services Agreement

• City Manager Heath Lloyd presented a contingency-based agreement with Peachtree Recovery Services for property damage recovery. The firm would investigate, document, invoice, and pursue reimbursement for damage to city-owned property caused by contractor activities, vehicle crashes, or other incidents, at no direct cost to the city, with an 80/20 split. Councilmember Wesley Bashlor noted a typo on page eight; the city attorney had corrections. Council approved the agreement subject to City Attorney approval. Motion passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda (5-0-1; Valim recused from Item D).
• Approved all three special event permits (6-0 each).
• Approved Resolution R2026-07.A amending the 2026 Schedule of Fees (6-0).
• Awarded the Old Louisville Road Water and Sewer Extensions contract to Tyson Utilities for $1,416,549.32, subject to City Attorney approval (6-0).
• Approved the Peachtree Recovery Services agreement, subject to City Attorney approval (6-0).
• No executive session was held; the meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m.