The Brooklet City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Among the items discussed was the approval of a $7.2 million bond allocation for water and sewer improvements, including the much-anticipated Brooklet to Statesboro Sewer Project. The council also tackled updates to zoning policies, financial processes, and community programs, reflecting its forward-looking approach to Brooklet’s growth.
Approval of $7.2 Million Bond for Sewer and Water Projects
The highlight of the meeting was the approval of the First Supplemental Bond Resolution, finalizing a $7.2 million bond issuance to fund critical water and sewer improvements. Of this total, $6,264,466 was allocated directly to the Brooklet water and sewer system project fund, ensuring sufficient resources to address current infrastructure needs and prepare for future development.
Trey Monroe outlined the bond issuance process, which marked the culmination of two years of careful financial planning. Brooklet achieved a triple-B investment-grade credit rating for its water and sewer revenue system, a significant milestone for the city. This rating allowed Brooklet to enter the bond market under favorable terms, ensuring that the bonds are repaid through water and sewer revenues rather than taxpayer funds. To further enhance the bond’s appeal, the city invested $75,000 in insurance, elevating the rating to near the highest possible level. This insurance is expected to save the city $300,000 over the bond’s life.
Investor demand for the bond far exceeded expectations, with orders totaling $42 million for the $7 million offering. This strong interest enabled the city to negotiate a competitive interest rate of 4.43%, down from the initially anticipated 4.5%. The bonds, which will mature in 2054, have an average life of 18.6 years. Payments will not begin until January 2027, giving the city time to complete its projects and generate additional revenue from new development.
“This bond issuance is a major win for Brooklet,” Crawford said. “It not only provides the resources we need for immediate projects like the Brooklet to Statesboro Sewer Project but also positions the city for sustainable growth in the years to come.”
Brooklet to Statesboro Sewer Project Bid Approved
With funding secured, the council swiftly approved a $4.8 million bid from Shockley Plumbing Inc. to execute the Brooklet to Statesboro Sewer Project. This project aims to modernize Brooklet’s sewer infrastructure and improve connectivity with Statesboro. Mayor Gwinnett and the council expressed excitement about moving forward with the initiative, which has been a top priority for the city.
Ordinance 2024-023: Streamlining Governance
Another key topic was Ordinance 2024-023, introduced by Crawford to streamline city processes by allowing certain actions, such as budget amendments and centralized purchasing procedures, to be conducted through resolutions rather than ordinances. Under the current system, ordinances require public hearings, which can delay decision-making. By shifting some actions to resolutions, the council hopes to expedite these processes while maintaining transparency and accountability.
The ordinance received its first reading and will undergo a public notice period before returning for a final vote at the December 19, 2024, meeting.
Senior Activities Program to Expand in Brooklet
The council also welcomed a presentation by Tiffany Burgess, Program Advisor for Bulloch County Recreation and Parks, who announced plans to bring the popular “Adult 50+” program to Brooklet. Based on a community survey, the program will prioritize exercise classes and bingo, two of the most requested activities. Already successful in Statesboro, the program aims to provide Brooklet’s senior residents with new opportunities for recreation, engagement, and community building.
Zoning and Planning Updates
Zoning and planning were major themes of the meeting, with the council considering updates to align with the city’s long-term comprehensive plan. The current zoning moratorium, set to expire next month, was discussed, with council members suggesting an extension to ensure that future projects are in line with the city’s vision.
The council also approved amendments to the R-3 zoning district, introducing stricter standards for multi-family housing developments. Key requirements include:
- Reserving 10% of development areas for public spaces, such as playgrounds or walking trails.
- Mandating sidewalks, streetlights, and underground utilities in new developments.
- Requiring architectural diversity, with no identical designs or color schemes for adjacent properties.
- Prohibiting materials like unfinished concrete, plywood, and chain-link fencing.
Revisions to Animal Control Ordinance
The council approved updates to the city’s animal control ordinance, which align with state laws and emphasize humane treatment, public safety, and responsible pet ownership. Key provisions include:
- Prohibiting animals from running at large.
- Requiring rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats.
- Restricting tethering to ensure animals are safely and humanely confined.
- Setting standards for adequate food, water, shelter, and protection from extreme weather.
Violations of the ordinance may result in fines, imprisonment, or forfeiture of animals. The council emphasized that these updates reflect Brooklet’s commitment to public safety and animal welfare.
Participation in Amicus Brief Supporting City of Milton
The council voted to join an amicus brief in support of the City of Milton’s appeal of a $35 million court judgment. The case involves a car accident caused by a planter located in a city-owned right of way, with the ruling raising concerns about municipal liability. Brooklet’s participation reflects its concern over the potential precedent such a ruling could set for small cities.
Financial Reports and SPLOST Agreement
The council reviewed the city’s financial reports, which showed positive trends in several areas. The General Fund had achieved 44% of revenue projections, with expenditures at 31%. The Water Fund also performed strongly, with revenues at 72% of expectations. However, the Sanitation Fund showed higher expenditures than revenues, prompting discussions about potential adjustments.
The council also approved an intergovernmental agreement for SPLOST distribution, allocating $1.6 million to Brooklet for infrastructure projects and equipment needs. This funding will be instrumental in supporting future city initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As the meeting concluded, Mayor Gwinnett and the council reflected on the significance of the decisions made. The approval of the $7.2 million bond allocation and the Brooklet to Statesboro Sewer Project bid represents a major milestone for the city, providing the resources needed to address critical infrastructure needs. Combined with updates to zoning policies, animal control ordinances, and senior programs, the council’s actions demonstrate a comprehensive approach to Brooklet’s development and quality of life.
The next council meeting is scheduled for December 19, 2024, where the second reading of Ordinance 2024-023 and other key items will be up for discussion.
Public Hearing
-
Call to Order and Welcome – Mayor Gwinnett
- Invocation
- Pledge of Allegiance
-
Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Agenda
-
Public Hearing #1:
- First Reading: Ordinance No. 2024-023 – Amending the Municipal Charter to allow certain actions by resolution, including budget adoption/amendments and centralized purchasing procedures.
Ordinance No. 2024-023 proposes amendments to the City of Brooklet's charter to streamline how the City Council handles operating budgets and centralized purchasing procedures. If approved, the council will be able to adopt or amend budgets and purchasing policies through resolutions instead of ordinances, allowing for quicker and more flexible decision-making. The changes also clarify procedures for budget adoption, appropriations adjustments, and centralized purchasing, aiming to enhance efficiency in city governance.
To comply with the legal requirements for amending the city charter, the ordinance must follow a specific process. It will be introduced at the November 21, 2024, meeting for its first reading and then brought to a final vote on December 19, 2024. The ordinance will be available for public inspection at City Hall and filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court of Bulloch County. Additionally, a public notice about the amendment must be published in the Statesboro Herald once a week for three consecutive weeks before the final vote.
City Council Meeting
Agenda:
5. Recognition of Guest(s) Who Signed Up to Speak
-
Recognition of Guest(s) Requested to Be on the Agenda:
a. Tiffany Burgess, Program Supervisor – Senior Adult Activities (Bulloch County Recreation & Parks) -
Consent Agenda (Approved):
a. Georgia Fund 1 (GF1) - e-Resolution Process
b. AllGreen Services Invoice #68 – $7,558.25
c. Florida Labor & Business Solutions, LLC Invoice #0000534 – $25,000.00
d. Standard and Poor's Financial Services, LLC Invoice #11485650 – $16,687.50
e. Standard and Poor's Financial Services, LLC Invoice #11485888 – $5,562.50 -
Approval of Minutes (Motion):
a. July 30, 2024 – Called Meeting
b. August 15, 2024 – City Council Meeting -
Approval of October Financial Reports (Motion)
FY 2025 City Budget Year to Date (Oct. 2024) Financial Summary
General Fund
- Revenues: $428,060.72 (44%)
- Expenditures: $293,022.17 (31%)
Water Fund
- Revenues: $202,546.12 (72%)
- Expenditures: $190,886.22 (42%)
Sanitation Fund
- Revenues: $49,627.98 (45%)
- Expenditures: $88,436.99 (60%)
T-SPLOST
- Revenues: $189,462.07 (12%)
- Expenditures: $101,721.98
SPLOST
- Revenues: $98,556.52
- Expenditures: $305,281.97
Notes:
- Current year-to-date at budget percentage rate is 33.33%.
- The budget did not include any T-SPLOST expenditures.
- The budget did not include any SPLOST revenues or expenditures.
Reports
-
City Manager Report – Carter Crawford
-
Committee Member Reports:
- Councilwoman Wentz
- Councilman Anderson
- Councilwoman Kelly
- Councilman Harrison
- Councilman Roughton
-
City Clerk Report – Lori Phillips
-
Planning & Zoning Administrator Report – Melissa Pevey
-
Interim Police Chief Report – Michelle Reolegio
-
Safety Coordinator Report – Jim Stanoff
-
City Engineer Report – Wesley Parker (Parker Engineering, LLC)
-
Water/Sewer Consultant Report – Matthew Morris
Discussion Items & Motions
APPROVED 18.1. Approval of Draft for First Supplemental Bond Resolution
The First Supplemental Bond Resolution draft will be presented to the Brooklet City Council at their meeting on Thursday. This resolution is part of the process to finalize terms for the issuance of the City of Brooklet Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2024, with a principal amount of up to $8.2 million. The final version of the document, which will include the pricing terms of the bonds, will be distributed after the bond sale on Thursday afternoon.
The bond proceeds will be used for various purposes, including funding improvements to the city's water and sewer system, paying capitalized interest, establishing a debt service reserve account, purchasing bond insurance, and covering issuance costs. The bonds are secured by a pledge of the city's water and sewer system revenues.
The resolution includes provisions for the sale and redemption of the bonds, application of proceeds, bond insurance, and compliance with federal securities disclosure requirements. Bond Counsel representatives, Trey Monroe and Stephen Swinson from Gray Pannell & Woodward LLP, will attend the meeting to discuss the bond sale results and address any questions from the Council.
APPROVED 18.2. Second Reading & Motion to Approve TA2024-021 – Amendments to Zoning Appendix B, Article V (R-3 Zoning District standards)
Ordinance No. 2024-021 amends the City of Brooklet’s zoning code to enhance development standards and update the Table of Permitted Uses in Appendix B, Article V, Section 5-1. This ordinance introduces minimum standards for the R-3 multi-family residential zoning district to ensure high-quality, sustainable development. It requires that 10% of any development area in the R-3 district be allocated to public spaces, such as playgrounds, walking trails, or green spaces, with plans for their long-term maintenance. Additional required improvements include sidewalks, streetlights, underground power lines, tree planting, and curb and gutter systems. The ordinance also establishes design guidelines mandating recessed entryways, specific exterior materials, and landscaping for homes. To promote architectural diversity, developments must avoid identical designs or color schemes for adjacent properties. Prohibited materials include unfinished concrete, plywood, and chain-link fencing.
The ordinance aligns with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, as confirmed by the Planning Commission, which recommended its approval. It aims to improve aesthetics, livability, and public health and safety in the R-3 district. Additionally, a severability clause ensures the enforceability of the ordinance if any portion is invalidated, and it repeals any conflicting ordinances. The ordinance will take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council.
APPROVED 18.3. Second Reading & Motion to Approve Ordinance No. 2024-022 – Animal Control Ordinance Revisions
Ordinance No. 2024-022 revises and restates Chapter 10 of the City of Brooklet’s Code to address animal control, health, and humane treatment. The ordinance defines key terms, outlines the roles of animal control officers, and establishes rules for managing dangerous animals, stray animals, and the humane treatment of all animals within city limits. It incorporates state laws on rabies control and dangerous dogs and designates the city as a bird sanctuary.
Key provisions include prohibiting animals from running at large, requiring rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats, and enforcing tethering guidelines to ensure proper care and safety for dogs. Specific standards for humane treatment mandate adequate food, water, shelter, and protection from extreme weather. The ordinance also details procedures for the impoundment and disposal of stray or dangerous animals and establishes penalties for violations, which may include fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 60 days, or both.
In cases of repeated violations or inhumane treatment, animals may be deemed abandoned and forfeited to appropriate shelters. The ordinance aims to enhance public safety, promote responsible pet ownership, and safeguard the welfare of animals within the City of Brooklet. It becomes effective immediately upon adoption and repeals any conflicting ordinances.
APPROVED 18.4. Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement – 2025 SPLOST Distribution
Bulloch County and its municipalities—Statesboro, Brooklet, Portal, and Register—entered into an intergovernmental agreement to outline the use and distribution of proceeds from the 2025 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). This six-year tax, estimated to generate $138 million, will fund capital outlay projects aimed at enhancing public infrastructure, safety, and community services. The agreement is contingent upon voter approval in a March 2025 referendum.
Under the terms of the agreement, SPLOST proceeds will be allocated among the county and its municipalities. Bulloch County will receive $51 million for a jail expansion and an additional $43.1 million for public safety facilities, recreation, solid waste management, and IT upgrades. Statesboro will receive $9.6 million for joint solid waste initiatives and $31.9 million for city projects, including water/sewer systems, parks, and public safety. Brooklet will be allocated $1.6 million for water infrastructure, public works, and equipment, while Portal will receive $611,460 for water/sewer upgrades and public safety improvements. Register will use its $147,060 allocation for community center and town hall enhancements.
The agreement requires each entity to establish separate SPLOST accounts to manage funds exclusively for approved projects. Joint projects, such as the jail expansion and solid waste initiatives, will be prioritized. Any excess proceeds will be directed to legal purposes, such as future SPLOST projects or community needs. The county and municipalities will maintain detailed records, conduct annual audits, and comply with SPLOST requirements. Amendments to the agreement require written consent from all parties, and disputes will be addressed through non-binding mediation.
APPROVED 18.5. Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement – Animal Control & Municipal Court Services Continuation
Bulloch County and the City of Brooklet entered into an intergovernmental agreement regarding animal control and municipal court services. Under the agreement, Bulloch County will provide the same level of animal control services in Brooklet as it does in unincorporated areas of the county. Brooklet is required to adopt and maintain consistency with Bulloch County's Animal Control Ordinance. Violations of the ordinance within Brooklet will be prosecuted through the Magistrate Court of Bulloch County, acting as Brooklet’s municipal court. Fines collected from violations will be directed to Bulloch County's general fund as compensation for these services.
The agreement's initial term ends on December 31, 2024, and it will automatically renew for one-year terms unless either party provides written notice of termination at least 30 days before the term’s end. The Bulloch County Chief Magistrate Judge may also terminate the agreement with 30 days' notice. This agreement consolidates all prior understandings and requires written modifications for any changes. It is governed by Georgia state law and ensures uniformity in animal control services and enforcement across Brooklet and Bulloch County.
APPROVED 18.6. Approval of Bid – Shockley Plumbing, Inc. ($4,847,957.00) for Brooklet to Statesboro Sewer Project
APPROVED 18.7. Approval of Resolution – Participation in an amicus brief (Chang v. City of Milton Appeal)
The City of Brooklet, Georgia, is considering a resolution to authorize its participation in an amicus brief for the appeal of the Chang v. City of Milton case. This case stems from a 2016 vehicle collision involving a masonry planter located on city-owned right of way, which resulted in a $35 million damages award against the City of Milton. The Court of Appeals upheld the ruling, stating that the planter posed a hazard despite its presence since 1992 without prior complaints or accidents.
The resolution highlights the City of Brooklet's concern about the potential legal and financial implications of the appellate court's decision. The City believes the ruling contradicts existing legal precedent and could set a concerning precedent for municipalities being held liable for fixed obstructions outside travel lanes.
If approved, the resolution would allow Brooklet to join an amicus brief asking the Georgia Supreme Court to review and overturn the appellate decision. The City's name would be included as a participating party in the brief.
APPROVED 18.8. Approval of Stakeholders – City of Brooklet Comprehensive Plan
- Adjournment