Pooler City Council Meeting – October 19, 2026

The City Council of Pooler, Georgia, held its regular meeting on October 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting included a proclamation for Retired Educators Day, approval of a consent agenda with routine items, second readings of ordinances on impact fees and special events, updates to the fee schedule, and several infrastructure and safety project awards. All votes were unanimous except for the special events ordinance (4-1).

Proclamation & Announcements

• Retired Educators Day Proclamation: Mayor Karen L. Williams proclaimed November 1, 2026, as Retired Educators Day in Pooler. Representatives from the Chatham Retired Educators Association accepted the proclamation and expressed gratitude for the city's recognition.
• Early Voting Reminder: The mayor noted that early voting is ongoing at City Hall through October 30, 2026, and is open to all Chatham County residents regardless of precinct. Record numbers were reported in the first week.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (with a correction on item H—fee waiver not requested):
  • A & B: City Council meeting minutes and executive session minutes of October 5, 2026.
  • C–F: Release of various performance and maintenance bonds (Chick-fil-A, Harmony Phase 7, Whitaker Park Towns A-2, Cross Creek Phase 3A).
  • G: Special event permit (no alcohol) for Trunk or Treat at Pooler Karate on October 24, 2026, with a fee waiver request. A representative of Pooler Karate described the free community event, now in its sixth year.
  • H: Special event permit (no alcohol) for the Hobby Classic Card Show on November 21, 2026.
  • I: Special event permit (temporary alcohol) for Livingood's Grand Opening on October 22, 2026.
  • J: Special event permit (no alcohol) for Tanger Ice Skating Rink, November 16, 2026–January 3, 2027. A Tanger representative noted the extended dates and theme nights.
  • K: Special event permit (temporary alcohol) for the Wild Game Dinner on December 12, 2026, with a fee waiver request. A representative of Special Kicks described this as their biggest annual fundraiser for special needs families.
  • L: Department reports (Public Works, Finance, Fire-Rescue, Police, Recreation, Planning & Development).

Ordinances & Resolutions

Ordinance O2026-03.C – Impact Fees (Second Reading)

• Overview: City Manager Lloyd presented the ordinance as the culmination of a year-and-a-half effort. He highlighted that the city missed an estimated $24–50 million in revenue by not implementing impact fees after a 2008 study. The fee schedule, developed by consultant Tischler Bice under the Georgia Development Impact Fee Act, sets maximum allowable fees for residential (by square footage) and non-residential (per 1,000 sq. ft.) developments. Fees fund parks, police, fire, and streets. Residential fees range from $2,173 (1,000 sq. ft. home) to approximately $11,276 (5,500+ sq. ft. home). Non-residential fees average $8,800 per 1,000 sq. ft. Commercial and industrial developments are exempt from parks fees per state law. Annual revenue is projected at $3,930,685 based on current development.
• Council Discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Henry asked for clarification on why commercial/industrial are not charged for parks; Mr. Lloyd confirmed state law prohibits it. Councilmember noted that such developments typically do not use local parks.
• Vote: Approved unanimously (all in favor).

Ordinance O2026-08.A – Special Events (Second Reading)

• Overview: Mr. Lloyd summarized amendments to Chapter 74, Article 4, including administrative approval for permits, a required sanitation plan, and a clear appeal process.
• Public Comment: Deborah Powers (215 Silverbrook Circle) asked whether all events would be handled administratively and if residents would have opportunity for input. Mr. Lloyd responded that the administrative process is intended but public comment is always available under the city’s 24-hour comment policy. The city manager noted that large events impacting residents will still be considered for feedback.
• Vote: Approved 4–1 (one nay).

Resolution R2026-10.A – Amendment to the 2026 Schedule of Fees

• Overview: Mr. Lloyd explained the resolution incorporates the newly adopted impact fees and adds fees for racking/roofing permits, fire suppression, alarm, and sprinkler permits.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

New Business

Rogers Street Parking Lot Lease Agreement for Development Authority

• Overview: The city will lease approximately 0.25–0.3 acres of a 7.92-acre city-owned property to the Pooler Development Authority, which will sublease it for overflow parking. The goal is to minimize dangerous pedestrian crossings at the mid-block crossing near Rogers Street Park. The Development Authority manages the lot and assumes liability. A representative of Pooler Karate spoke in support, noting the need for handicap and veteran parking.
• Vote: Approved unanimously, subject to city attorney approval.

Individual Project Order with Kimley-Horn for Pooler Recreation Complex Traffic Analysis

• Overview: Authorization of $43,500 to conduct a traffic analysis at the intersection of Pooler Parkway and Isaac LaRoach/Durham Park Boulevard. The study will evaluate weekday/weekend conditions, including during baseball tournaments and stadium events, and produce a conceptual layout for intersection improvements.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

Award Structure Removal and Site Restoration at 1323 East Highway 80

• Overview: The city purchased a 27-acre property with an abandoned home. After inspection, the structure is unsalvageable. Four bids were received; staff recommended FitzHugh and Sons Deconstruction (lowest bidder at $48,526) for demolition and site restoration, including donation of salvageable materials. A public commenter (Deborah Powers) inquired about rehabbing the structure for a history/nature center; Mr. Lloyd confirmed the building is unsafe.
• Vote: Approved unanimously, subject to city attorney approval, for an amount not to exceed $48,526.

Award Pooler Parkway/Mill Creek/Benton Boulevard/I-95 Ramp Improvements

• Overview: A major roadway construction project to add a third lane in both directions from I-95 southbound ramps through Benton Boulevard and Mill Creek. Changes include signalization and an R-cut at Mill Creek to restrict left turns across traffic. Four bids were received; staff recommended Astra Group LLC (lowest bid at $4,312,700). The project has a $2 million commitment from Georgia DOT. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 with an 18-month schedule, avoiding the 2026 holiday season. Consultant Leon Davenport of Thunderbolt Consultant presented details.
• Vote: Approved unanimously, subject to city attorney approval.

Award Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan

• Overview: The city received a federal SS4A grant to develop a comprehensive safety action plan. Nine firms submitted proposals; after evaluation, staff recommended Pond and Company at $299,387.31 (with a local match of $60,000). The plan will analyze citywide pedestrian and traffic safety.
• Vote: Approved unanimously, subject to city attorney approval.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous votes on consent agenda, impact fees, fee schedule, parking lot lease, traffic analysis, structure demolition, Pooler Parkway improvements, and SS4A safety plan.
• Special events ordinance passed 4–1 after public comment on resident input.
• Next steps: Impact fees will be implemented; design and construction will proceed under approved contracts; the safety plan will be developed by Pond and Company.
• No executive session was held; meeting adjourned unanimously.