Public Meetings - Pooler, Georgia

The Pooler City Council met in regular session on December 15, 2025, at 6:01 p.m. at 100 US Highway 80 SW, Pooler, GA. Mayor Karen Williams presided; councilmembers Wesley Bashlor, Michael Carpenter, Aaron Henry (Mayor Pro Tem), Tom Hutcherson, John Wilcher, and Shannon Valim were present. City Manager Heath Lloyd, City Attorney Craig Call, CFO Chris Lightle, and City Clerk Kiley Fusco were also present. The meeting included multiple public hearings, unanimous approvals, two postponements, one denied conditional-use request, and adjourned at 7:51 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the Consent Agenda (items A–G) by a 6-0 vote (motion by Wilcher, second by Hutcherson). This included the December 1, 2025 appeal hearing and council meeting minutes; an alcoholic beverage license for Omelette Café – Pooler at 325 US Highway 80; release of Coastal Commerce, Phase 2 maintenance bonds totaling $813,863.50 ($89,856.00 landscape, $191,758.00 lift station, $524,063.50 roadway, and $8,186.00 pipe/manhole); release of the $117,477.00 sidewalk performance bond for Westbrook Area I-3, Blue Moon Crossing; the final plat and acceptance of the $2,238,425.48 performance bond for Tract W Townhomes Phase 1 at Cross Creek Drive and Anthem Mill Drive, subject to City Attorney approval; and department reports from Public Works, Finance, Fire-Rescue, Police, Parks & Recreation, Planning & Development, Human Resources, and Communications. Invocation, Pledge, and Announcements - Executive Pastor Shirlinia Daniel of Bread of Life Ministries gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. - Mayor Williams and Councilmember Henry made personal statements about recent local events, including an acid-attack victim connected to Henry’s church. - Bonnie O’Leary, Volunteer Coordinator, and Fred Bryant of Pooler Loaves and Fishes presented about their food pantry serving Pooler, Bloomingdale, and Port Wentworth. They noted the pantry has operated since 2008, is open the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., distributed 5,500 Bombas socks this year, and also supports a Backpack Buddies weekend food program. They invited donations and volunteers. Special Events - Approved, by a 6-0 vote, a no-alcohol special event permit for a Holiday Fireworks Sale at 2331 Pooler Parkway from December 23, 2025 through January 3, 2026, with the fee waived for the 501(c)(3) applicant. Motion by Henry, second by Wilcher. Note: the transcript at one point says “231 Pooler Parkway,” while the agenda and minutes state 2331. Ordinances, Proclamations, and Resolutions - Ordinance O2025-11.A – Engineering Provisions Revisions (second reading): Approved 6-0 (motion by Wilcher, second by Bashlor). City Manager Lloyd said the revisions modernize the city code to align with the city’s updated 2025 standards and raise the required minimum design storm capacity from a 10-year storm to a 25-year storm. Public commenter Latricia Brown asked whether homeowners would be affected like Savannah’s stormwater utility; Lloyd responded that this involves engineering standards only. - Resolution R2025-12.A – Support for Request of State of Georgia FY2025 Budgetary Surplus Funding for Construction of the Pooler Library: Approved 6-0 (motion by Henry, second by Wilcher). The city formally endorsed Mayor Williams’ request to the state for FY2025 budget surplus funds for a new Pooler library. Public commenter Don Blake asked about the location; the mayor said the site is off Rogers Street near State Farm. Public Hearings / New Business - A. Jabot PUD Amendment 19 (rezoning three parcels from Jabot PUD C-2 to City of Pooler C-2 for multi-use development): The 117-acre site currently has only 88 remaining multifamily units available under the Jabot PUD cap of 720 units. Petitioner Rob Forrest requested postponement, citing an incomplete traffic study and the newly raised 25-year stormwater standard. Council voted 5-1 to postpone with conditions: further coordination with city staff, resubmission through the Planning and Zoning Commission, no earlier than the first City Council meeting in February 2026, and the applicant bears readvertisement costs. Councilmember Wilcher was the sole “nay.” During informal comments, residents including Valerie Brandt, Robert Telmos, Uma Nagaraj, Latricia Brown, Shirlinia Daniel, Amy Gilliam, and Don Blake raised concerns about traffic, commute times, quality of life, noise and light pollution, crime, fire/emergency services, building height near the airport, and the development review process. Don Blake called for a six-month moratorium, cited three fatalities at the Pine Barron/Pooler Parkway intersection in seven years, and said 40 acres of wetlands are on the site. Councilmember Henry asked the petitioner to hold a voluntary public information meeting; Forrest agreed. - B. Conditional use request for personal care homes at 509 and 511 Potter Stone Square: Withdrawn by the City Manager; no action taken. - C. Conditional use request for a personal care home at 309 West Whatley Street: Denied 6-0 (motion by Carpenter, second by Bashlor). The petitioner was not present. Staff and Planning & Zoning recommended denial because the proposal exceeded the home-occupation allowance, did not meet family personal care home standards, and the applicant did not reside at the property. The public hearing was opened and closed without comment. - D. Conditional use request for golf cart rental and leasing at 1018 West US Highway 80, Suite 501: Postponed 6-0 to the January 5, 2026 City Council meeting (motion by Henry, second by Hutcherson). The petitioner was not present; staff and P&Z had recommended approval with a condition of no outdoor storage or parking of golf carts. - E. Conditional use request for a hardware store at 1276 West US Highway 80 in the C-1 Main Street Overlay District: Approved 6-0 with the condition that the final site plan meets all Main Street Overlay standards (motion by Henry, second by Bashlor). Applicant representative Scott Munson agreed. Councilmember Henry noted the overlay encourages rear parking and front-oriented buildings. - F. Conditional use request for a contractor’s office at 125 Southern Junction Boulevard, Suite 201, in the Godley Station PUD: Approved 6-0 (motion by Bashlor, second by Carpenter). A Garbutt Construction representative confirmed the office is administrative-only, with no material storage or truck parking. - G. Site plan for the Forest Lakes Secondary Access Road at Jimmy DeLoach Parkway and Champlain Drive: Approved 6-0 (motion by Hutcherson, second by Carpenter). Conditions require the road to be initially constructed as a gravel emergency vehicle access road; if GDOT issues an encroachment permit for full unrestricted access, or the City Manager determines an upgrade is necessary, the developer must pave the roadway to current city standards at its own cost. A Coleman Company representative confirmed the road will be gated and used for emergency and construction access. - H. Pooler Recreation Park (South Rogers Street) basketball court construction: Awarded to Kirby Enterprises in the amount of $340,000, subject to City Attorney approval, by a 6-0 vote (motion by Carpenter, second by Wilcher). Concrete-surface bids considered were Altamaha Building Systems at $400,718, Kirby Enterprises at $340,000, and Parker’s Properties LLC at $693,433. The project is funded by SPLOST with a $400,000 budget and includes two concrete basketball courts, grading, and a perimeter fence. - I. Mass Notification Platform: Awarded to CivicPlus by a 6-0 vote (motion by Henry, second by Bashlor), subject to City Attorney approval, for a first-year discounted price of $12,000, with renewal at $13,000 annually subject to a 5% uplift. Other bids were Perimeter at $14,000 and RAVE at $27,130. The platform integrates with the city’s existing CivicPlus environment; emergency notifications can be geofenced, while non-emergency notifications require residents to sign up. - J. Municipal Court Public Defender: Awarded the contract to Laurence Tell, Esquire, subject to City Attorney approval, by a 6-0 vote (motion by Wilcher, second by Hutcherson). Terms discussed included $450 per court session and $250 per in-person jail visit, with a monthly cap of $500 for jail visits. The agenda and minutes spell the name “Laurence Tell”; the transcript at one point says “Lawrence Tell.” Public Comments & Testimony - At the end of new business, the mayor opened the public comment period. Each speaker was allotted three minutes, with a timer displayed. - Grady Davis raised concerns about golf carts driving on sidewalks and walking trails, particularly on East Haven Boulevard in the Davenport community, calling it a safety hazard. - Don Blake asked which city office could provide data comparing apartment units and real-estate taxes. He also expressed the opinion that the city’s lack of impact fees is “stupid” and said he wants to make sure homeowners are paying their fair share. - Uma Nagaraj called for the removal of Chief Ashley Brown, City Attorney Craig Call, and Mayor Karen Williams under section 217 for incompetence, malfeasance, or misfeasance. She cited the “bourbon drop” at Liquorland lacking a special events permit, an ignored 911 call, a delayed police report, an alleged campaign donation by a Liquorland co-owner, and other governance concerns, and requested an unbiased investigation. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved 6-0. - Holiday fireworks sale special event permit approved 6-0 with fee waiver. - Ordinance O2025-11.A Engineering Provisions Revisions approved 6-0. - Resolution R2025-12.A supporting state FY2025 surplus funding for the new Pooler Library approved 6-0. - Jabot PUD Amendment 19 postponed 5-1 with conditions. - 509/511 Potter Stone Square personal care homes item withdrawn. - 309 West Whatley Street personal care home request denied 6-0. - Golf cart rental/leasing conditional use request postponed 6-0 to January 5, 2026. - Hardware store conditional use request approved 6-0 with Main Street Overlay condition. - Contractor’s office conditional use request approved 6-0. - Forest Lakes Secondary Access Road site plan approved 6-0 with conditions. - Basketball court construction contract awarded to Kirby Enterprises for $340,000, subject to City Attorney approval. - Mass notification platform contract awarded to CivicPlus for $12,000 first year, subject to City Attorney approval. - Municipal Court Public Defender contract awarded to Laurence Tell, Esquire, subject to City Attorney approval. - Meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

The City Council of Pooler, Georgia, held its regular meeting on December 1, 2025, at 6:03 p.m. at 100 US Highway 80 SW, with Mayor Karen Williams presiding and five of six councilmembers present (Shannon Valim absent). The meeting covered routine approvals, two special event permits, a first reading of engineering ordinance revisions, a major conditional use request for warehousing, and two infrastructure construction contracts. All votes were unanimous (5-0). Consent Calendar - Approved the November 17, 2025 City Council meeting minutes and executive session minutes. - Approved an alcoholic beverage license for D’Amour Nail Salon, LLC at 1541 Pooler Parkway, Suite 300 (personal care establishment with alcohol service). Public Comments & Testimony - Multiple residents spoke against the proposed warehouse development on Pine Barren Road. Concerns included wetland destruction, increased flooding, traffic congestion (especially truck turning difficulties), loss of tree canopy, surplus of existing warehouse space, lack of tenant commitment, erosion of quality of life, and inconsistency with the city's 2040 comprehensive plan which identifies the site as forested wetland. Speakers included Latricia Brown, Amy Gilliam, Abhishek Seshappa, Kevin Moon, Renee Higgins, Jacob Brown, Uma Nagaraj, Kim Iler Morgan (representing the sellers, who spoke in favor), Rachale LaVoie, and Jim McGaffin. - During the general public comment period, one resident criticized the council's ethics regarding gift acceptance and familiarity with developers. Another resident expressed frustration with 30-foot stadium lighting installed near her home in the Hunt Club neighborhood, alleging it degraded property value and violated existing lighting standards. A third resident praised the planned multi-use paths and encouraged maintaining tree canopies along them. Discussion Items - Ordinance O2025-11.A – Engineering Provisions Revisions (First Reading) : City Manager Heath Lloyd presented updates modernizing the city’s engineering code, most notably increasing the minimum design storm event from a 10-year to a 25-year storm to improve stormwater resilience. The revisions also improve technical terminology, remove outdated provisions, and align criteria with the 2025 standard specifications manual. The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval. Council approved the first reading unanimously. - Conditional Use Request for Warehousing and Storage (957,600 SF) off Pine Barren Road : Petitioner Greg Coleman (Coleman Company) and Derek Mathis (Suncat Property Group) presented plans for two warehouse buildings (957,600 total square feet) on 64.55 acres zoned I-1 (Light Industrial). They noted the site had been cleared of trees previously, with only 10 significant hardwood trees remaining. A traffic study by Kimley-Horn showed the project does not trigger a traffic signal warrant by 2028, but a westbound left-turn lane would be added now, and the developer committed to paying $513,000 (about 63% of the intersection improvement cost) to set the intersection up for a future signal when warranted. The developer also agreed to place a 1.6-acre parcel across Pine Meadow Drive into a conservation easement. Public speakers raised issues of wetlands (non-jurisdictional per Army Corps determination), flooding, traffic, lack of demand, and tree loss. Councilmember Aaron Henry moved to approve with conditions: (1) intersection improvements per traffic study shown on site plan; (2) $513,000 payment by applicant; (3) conservation easement on the opposite parcel subject to City Attorney approval. Motion passed 5-0. - Award Contract – Highway 80 Water Main Replacement : City Manager presented three bids; the lowest responsible bidder was Eastern Excavating at $4,143,692.31 for replacing approximately 10,395 linear feet of water main (various sizes) and installing 13 new fire hydrants. Awarded unanimously, subject to City Attorney approval. - Award Contract – Pooler Parkway/Pine Barren Intersection Improvement : Seven bids received; lowest responsible bidder was J.A. Long Construction at $4,379,597.16 for construction of about 3,200 linear feet of roadway, modifying a signalized intersection, installing sidewalks and a multi-use path, and drainage improvements. The project will also create a median preventing left turns out of Wawa. Awarded unanimously, subject to City Attorney approval. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items and special event permits approved unanimously. - Ordinance O2025-11.A (engineering provisions) approved on first reading (5-0). - Conditional use for warehousing (957,600 SF) approved with three conditions: intersection improvements shown on site plan, $513,000 payment toward improvements, and conservation easement (subject to City Attorney approval) – all passed 5-0. - Contract for Highway 80 water main replacement awarded to Eastern Excavating for $4,143,692.31 (5-0). - Contract for Pooler Parkway/Pine Barren intersection improvement awarded to J.A. Long Construction for $4,379,597.16 (5-0). - Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

The Pooler City Council held its regular meeting on November 17, 2025, at 6:01 p.m. at 100 US Highway 80 SW, Pooler, GA. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including budget approval, zoning variances, site development plans, and a major subdivision. Key decisions included approval of the FY2026 budget (4-2), denial of a 75-foot buffer reduction for an industrial building (6-0), and conditional approvals for several development projects. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved (6-0) the Consent Agenda, which included: City Council Workshop Minutes of November 3, 2025; City Council Meeting Minutes of November 3, 2025; Release of a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $157,518.80 for Westbrook Area I-3, Blue Moon Crossing; and Department Reports (Public Works, Finance, Fire-Rescue, Police, Recreation, Planning & Development). Public Comments & Testimony - Budget (FY2026): Multiple residents commented. Latricia Brown questioned the drastic decrease in tree canopy maintenance revenue from $488,085 in 2023 to $1,500 in the proposed budget. Amy Gilliam raised concerns about DDA funding, tree budget, and firefighter retention due to low salaries and short staffing. Andrew Wegener requested a pause to research hybrid police vehicles. Abhishek Seshappa argued that $100,000 for a contract grant writer is reasonable based on market rates. Uma Nagaraj criticized the lack of budget transparency and alleged attempts to chill free speech, urging a vote against the budget as written. - Variance – 1901 Pine Meadow Drive: Multiple residents (Dean Kicklighter, Amy Gilliam, Latricia Brown, Kevin Moon, Andrew Wegener, Jenny Watkins, Uma Nagaraj, John Boutwell) opposed the buffer reduction, citing environmental impacts, wetland/flooding concerns, historical significance of the Savannah Ogeechee Canal, and the need to preserve green space. County Commissioner Dean Kicklighter stated that funds have been allocated for recreational use of the canal and that the city has the legal right to enforce its buffer ordinance. - Variance – 1323 East US Highway 80 (Lanier Tract): Residents (Amy Gilliam, Beverly Waters, Kevin Moon, Uma Nagaraj, Dean Kicklighter, John Boutwell) expressed concern about loss of tree canopy, encroachment on Tom Triplett Park, safety issues from industrial uses near a park, and the need for public transparency. Commissioner Kicklighter urged denial, arguing the developer knew of buffer requirements and the park is a valuable community asset. - Cross Creek Phase 3 Subdivision: Residents (Uma Nagaraj, Kevin Moon, Amy Gilliam, Abhishek Seshappa) raised concerns about enforceability of open space protection via HOA covenants (noting HOAs can be dissolved by majority vote), ongoing construction impacts on existing roads, speeding on local streets, and the stripping of land before building. Suggestions included the city acquiring a conservation easement. - General Public Comment: Uma Nagaraj requested increased police presence and speeding enforcement in school zones, offering specific financial data on allowable speed trap percentages. Another resident suggested a "shadow day" program for citizens to understand council responsibilities. Discussion Items - Resolution R2025-11.A – FY2026 Budget Approval (Second Reading): City Manager Heath Lloyd presented a balanced budget highlighting $1.8M for public safety fleet capital, $250K for green space, $200K for community events, $500K for stormwater basin modeling, $100K for grant programming, $400K for park modernization, and $200K for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Extensive public comment and council discussion ensued, particularly regarding DDA funding, tree budget cuts, police vehicle mix (hybrid vs. traditional), and grant writer costs. Councilmember Valim stated she was not against a DDA but opposed the $200K appropriation for it, citing lack of information. Councilmember Wilcher argued the tax increase and new spending would put the city back in a deficit. Mayor Williams noted the city has the lowest millage rate in Chatham County at 4.197. The budget was approved 4-2. - Variance Request – 1901 Pine Meadow Drive (75-foot buffer reduction): The petitioner argued that no buffer is required because the adjacent canal property is zoned industrial and not actively used for recreation. Staff and Planning & Zoning recommended denial, citing excessive reduction and alternative site configurations. Councilmember Carpenter moved to deny after reviewing criteria. The motion passed 6-0. - Conditional Use Request – Animal Crematory at 1151 Old Louisville Road: The petitioner described the proposed aquamation process as environmentally friendly, with no fumes or visible emissions, fully contained indoors. Staff and P&Z recommended approval with conditions that only aquamation be used and that it take place inside. Council approved 6-0 with those conditions. - Variance Request – 1323 East US Highway 80 (Lanier Tract): The petitioner requested postponement to work through issues with staff. Council voted 5-1 to open the public hearing, then unanimously (6-0) postponed the item to the January 5, 2026 meeting, with the petitioner bearing readvertisement costs. - Site Development Plan – Wells Fargo Bank at 439 Pooler Parkway: Approved 6-0. The existing Dairy Queen will be converted into a Wells Fargo bank, relocating from Highway 80. Tesla superchargers will remain operational during construction. - Site Development Plan – Home Depot Tool Rental Center at 190 Pooler Parkway: Approved 6-0 with a condition that the stormwater maintenance agreement be recorded prior to the pre-construction meeting. - Site Development Plan – Childcare Facility at 15 Commons Way (Foundations at Blakely Commons): Approved 6-0. The 11,500 sq ft facility complies with recently approved PUD standards. - Major Subdivision Plan – Cross Creek Phase 3 (88 lots): After extensive discussion about permanent open space protections, Council approved 4-3 (Mayor Williams breaking the tie) with a condition requiring a pavement condition evaluation of existing streets from Pine Barren Road to the Phase 3 entrance. The condition holds the developer responsible for repairs due to construction traffic. - Agreement with Coleman Company – Signalization at Benton & Mulberry: Approved 6-0 for an amount not to exceed $35,250, subject to city attorney approval and state-required consultant agreement. The signal has been long-delayed since 2017; funds from two developments support it. Key Outcomes - FY2026 Budget Approved (Resolution R2025-11.A): Passed 4-2 (Bashlor, Carpenter, Henry, Hutcherson in favor; Valim, Wilcher opposed). The budget includes significant allocations for public safety fleet, green space, stormwater modeling, parks, and DDA startup. - Variance Denied at 1901 Pine Meadow Drive: Passed 6-0. The 75-foot buffer reduction (from 100 feet to 25 feet) was denied. - Conditional Use Approved for Animal Crematory at 1151 Old Louisville Road: Passed 6-0, with conditions limiting the process to aquamation for animals only, performed inside the building. - Variance Postponed at 1323 East US Highway 80: Postponed to January 5, 2026, with new public hearing and costs borne by petitioner. - Site Development Plans Approved (6-0 each): Wells Fargo bank, Home Depot tool rental addition, and Foundations at Blakely Commons childcare facility. - Cross Creek Phase 3 Approved with conditions: Passed 4-3. Condition requires pavement condition evaluation and developer repair responsibility. - Signalization Agreement Approved (6-0): $35,250 for bidding, contract administration, and closeout services for the Benton and Mulberry intersection signal.

The Pooler City Council convened at 6:00 PM on Monday, November 3, 2025 at City Hall (100 US Highway 80 SW). Mayor Williams presided with all council members present. The agenda included approvals of consent items, four special event permits, second readings of short-term rental and planning ordinances, a proclamation, first reading of the FY2026 budget, a variance postponement, three development approvals, two professional service agreements, and public comment. Significant discussion centered on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) funding proposal, stormwater flooding concerns, and transparency in budget and appointments. Consent Calendar - Items A–H (workshop minutes, meeting minutes, executive session minutes; alcohol license changes for four Parker’s locations; performance bond for TTRES Pooler Lift Station) were approved unanimously. - Four alcoholic beverage license changes were clarified as administrative name changes, not new licenses. Public Comments & Testimony Public comments on specific agenda items are included below within the relevant discussion sections. The following testimony occurred during the public comment period at the end of the meeting: - Thomas Hall (resident, 212 Grasslands Drive) criticized unchecked development and inadequate flood control, warned of potential lawsuits, questioned a second entrance approval for Forest Lakes, and urged residents to attend meetings. - Dee Skelly (Hunt Club resident, 332 Winchester Drive, 16‑year resident) requested that Outpost Bay’s play area be fenced, used for daytime hours only, have low‑ground lighting, and no cooking, to protect resident privacy and quiet. - Unidentified speaker raised concerns about open meetings act compliance and questioned the mayor’s authority to form committees without council input, criticized budget detail, and requested greater police presence near schools and better school zone signage. - Jessica Brown (Forest Stone Hill Road) requested clear signage of active hours for school zone lights on Pine Barren and Rogers roads. - Jacob Brown (same address) reported ClearWave fiber installation damaged his sewer line, causing wastewater backup, and asked for contractor accountability and city inspection oversight. - Andrew Wagoner (Brighton Woods Drive) reiterated concerns about flooding in five basins and urged enforcement of developer agreements. During the budget public hearing: - Trisha Cook (business owner, 313 West Collins) asked for transparency on the $200,000 DDA line item, questioned whether board members would be paid, how funds would be used, and whether the Chamber of Commerce role would be affected. She also inquired about $160,000 for communications, $50,000 for youth/senior councils, and $100,000 for grant writing. - Uma Nagaraj (107 Barrington Road) requested detailed contract and bid information on the city website with item‑level receipts. - Andrew Wagoner suggested shifting road and drainage funding from SPLOST to the general fund for stability and equity. - Sherlena Daniel (P&Z member, Pine Lane) advocated using the Chamber of Commerce to support DDA rather than creating paid positions. - Jenny Watkins (Below Street) asked about the tax burden between businesses and residents. - Jack King (Big Ben Road) criticized lack of departmental budget presentations, insufficient line‑item detail, and questioned salary increases, saying he could not support the budget without more detail. During the short‑term rental amendment discussion: - Trisha Cook asked about the 27‑day definition. - Grace Porterfield (Savannah Association of Realtors) thanked council for incorporating input. Discussion Items Short‑Term Rental Amendment (Second Reading) – O2025‑09.A City Manager Heath Lloyd described four modifications: aligning with state HB399, redefining short‑term rental as ≤27 days, aligning inspections with the Fourth Amendment, and ensuring due process in denials. The ordinance passed second reading; Councilman Wilcher and Councilwoman Vallum voted against. Planning & Zoning Meetings and Site Plan Processes (Second Reading) – O2025‑09.B Lloyd explained moving to one monthly P&Z meeting and delegating site plan approval to the City Manager, effective January 1, 2026. Trisha Cook asked about timeline; staff said the change could add about two weeks but overall streamline approval. Council requested an FAQ be posted online. The ordinance passed unanimously. Proclamation for World Town Planning Day The mayor read a proclamation designating November 8, 2025 as World Town Planning Day, recognizing planning staff and commissioners. Unanimous approval. FY2026 Budget Approval (First Reading) – R2025‑11.A Lloyd highlighted $1.8M for public safety equipment/vehicles, $500,000 for drainage system modeling, $400,000 for playground upgrades, $250,000 for green space acquisition, $200,000 for community events, and $200,000 for a Downtown Development Authority. The proposal is aligned with SPLOST 8, on the ballot the next day. After a public hearing (see above), council debated the DDA formation process. Councilwoman Vallum expressed that the ad hoc committee (Mayor Williams, Mayor Pro Tem Henry, Councilmember Bachelor, and Lloyd) operated without input from the full council and that application materials were not shared until the day before the meeting. The mayor defended the process, noting the committee was established per charter and that questions were available on request. The budget was approved on first reading by a 4‑2 vote, with the condition that staff post answers to public questions on the city website. Variance Request – 1901 Pine Meadow Drive (Unfinished Business) The petitioner sought a 90‑foot reduction (from 100 feet) of an adjacent use buffer for a 33,867 sq ft industrial building near the Savannah‑Ogeechee Canal. The petitioner (Mark Liverman) requested postponement after revising the plan to a 75‑foot reduction, triggering a new review cycle. After confusion about proper procedure, council voted unanimously to postpone to November 17, 2025, with the petitioner covering re‑advertising costs. Conditional Use Request – Glass & Door Business (New Business A) The applicant Josh Monroy and owner Pete Gomez described a specialty contractor’s office with no manufacturing; all glass ships to clients, and only two work trucks are parked on‑site. Staff and P&Z recommended approval. Approved unanimously. Site Development Plan – Medical Office Building at 115 North Skinner Avenue (New Business B) A 9,980 sq ft two‑story building with 45 parking spaces and 12% open space. Staff and P&Z recommended approval. Council confirmed drainage review was completed. Approved unanimously. Site Development Plan – Two Multi‑Tenant Buildings at 125 High Avenue (New Business C) Developer David Hornsby (HD Company) presented two buildings (total 20,400 sq ft) with 37% green space, part of Mosaic Town Center. Andrew Wagoner asked about traffic studies; Hornsby confirmed a recent study was submitted. Approved unanimously. Coleman Company Proposal – Old Louisville Road Water & Sewer Extensions (New Business D) Contract for $182,490 for surveying, design, permitting, and construction observation, extending water and sewer to city boundaries. Approved unanimously, subject to city attorney approval and the state‑mandated public bids consulting agreement. Thomas & Hutton Agreement – Recreation Complex ADA Playground and Water Feature (New Business E) Engineering services for an ADA‑compliant playground and splash pad at the Pooler Recreation Complex, funded by a $250,000 matching grant from Land Conservation. Total $43,750. Approved unanimously with the same conditions as item D. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously. - Special Events – Events A and B approved unanimously; Event C approved with one abstention (Councilman Carpenter). - O2025‑09.A (Short‑Term Rental) – Approved on second reading (2 opposed: Wilcher, Vallum). - O2025‑09.B (Planning & Zoning Changes) – Approved on second reading, effective Jan 1, 2026 (unanimous). - World Town Planning Day Proclamation – Adopted. - FY2026 Budget (First Reading) – Approved 4‑2 (Wilcher, Vallum opposed); condition to post Q&A. - Buffer Variance (1901 Pine Meadow) – Postponed to November 17 (unanimous). - Conditional Use (Glass & Door Business) – Approved unanimously. - Site Plan (Medical Office) – Approved unanimously. - Site Plan (Savannah Quarters Commercial) – Approved unanimously. - Water/Sewer Engineering (Coleman) – Approved, subject to conditions (unanimous). - Recreation Complex Engineering (Thomas & Hutton) – Approved, subject to conditions (unanimous). - Public Comment – Recorded; no action taken.