Mayor Pro-Tem Rebecca Kelly led the Brooklet City Council in a vote to modify the Mayor’s supervisory role at called meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
The council met in executive session for over two hours before returning to the public session, with a letter describing the modifications to be enacted by the proceeding vote.
The letter from the council, read by returning City Attorney Hugh Hunter, clarified that the mayor of Brooklet has no authority to give orders directly to city employees and must meet with the department head to discuss any issues. The mayor is prohibited from engaging in retaliatory behavior against any city employee, who in good faith raises any concerns to the appropriate department head or to the city council.
The new policy and written directive was approved by the council’s vote, excluding input from current Mayor Nicky Gwinnett. The meeting was adjourned after the vote.
There was no explanation given for the need to modify the new Mayors role.
Last week the City Council met for a lengthy executive in which Mayor Nicky Gwinnett was absent. Mayor Pro-Tem Rebecca Kelly presided over that meeting as well. They took no action at that meeting.
Earlier this week, Council Member Jonathan Graham resigned. The sudden step-down follows the departure of Cain Smith from the Brooklet City Attorney position, just a month after his appointment.
The City of Brooklet is currently in the process of reforming their municipal structure to reflect a City-Manager structure, but this operation will require action from the Georgia Legislature.
