The Brooklet City Council convened for its January meeting, addressing a wide range of topics, including new appointments, updates on hurricane debris cleanup, and infrastructure projects. The meeting began with Mayor Gwinnett leading the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda.
Keith Roughton was elected as Mayor Pro-Tem for 2025, continuing the council’s tradition of rotating leadership roles. Lori Phillips was appointed as the Election Superintendent for the upcoming municipal elections, and the council approved the qualifying fees: $90 for the mayoral seat and $54 for council seats.
The council also officially appointed Interim Police Chief Michelle Reolegio as the city’s permanent chief of police, contingent upon her completion of required certification.
In addition, the council approved several measures, including the second reading of Ordinance No. 2025-023 to allow budget and purchasing policy amendments via resolution, the adoption of the city’s fiscal policies, and a $52,692 purchase of a mini excavator funded by SPLOST and T-SPLOST.
City Manager Carter Crawford provided a detailed update on the city’s ongoing hurricane debris cleanup efforts. The city is awaiting a contract from a county contractor to transport debris from the collection site to the Evans County landfill. While the contract is under review and pending the mayor’s signature, estimating the amount of debris at the site has been a challenge, causing delays.
Evans County has agreed to accept the city’s mulch, which will be ground and hauled to their landfill. Crawford emphasized the importance of completing the cleanup by February 3, 2025, to secure 100% FEMA reimbursement for costs. After this deadline, the reimbursement rate will drop to 75%. Crawford praised FEMA representative Billy Cummings for her practical guidance in navigating the reimbursement process and her extensive experience in disaster cleanup.
Crawford also reminded council members to review the updated draft personnel policy, which includes new features like a salary scale and grade-step plan, ahead of the February meeting. The city’s annual retreat is tentatively scheduled for March 1, 2025, at the Pond House, pending confirmation of the venue’s availability.
On infrastructure, newly installed handicap signs downtown require adjustments due to unstable ground, and several streetlights reported as out in early December remain unrepaired. Crawford expressed frustration with Georgia Power’s lack of response despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue.
City Engineer Wesley Parker provided updates on multiple projects, including the Forcemain Project, where contractors resolved a potential obstacle near the Primitive Church with approval from the church’s preacher. Soil movement and pipeline work are set to begin the week of January 20, 2025.
The Lift Station Project is progressing, with contractors submitting plans under review. The well project has received source approval from the Environmental Protection Division (EPD), confirming the water is clean, and now awaits permit approval. The Cromley Street Sidewalk Project is delayed due to a required historical report, and survey work is beginning for Phases 2 and 3 of the sewer expansion. Efforts are also underway to update the master water plan for Parker Street and secure an increased water permit to accommodate future growth.
The Brooklet Police Department reported two Part One crimes, including severe offenses like assault and burglary, during December 2024, up from one the previous month. Part Two crimes, including vandalism, domestic violence, and drug violations, rose slightly to 23 incidents from 15 in November.
Traffic citations dropped to 39 in December from 70 the previous month, while fines collected surged to $18,715 compared to $5,496 in November. Officers responded to 27 service calls and initiated 53 officer-led activities, reflecting steady engagement with the community.
The council approved a $168,100 increase for the Brooklet-to-Statesboro Sewer Project to accommodate additional boring requirements, bringing the total project cost to $5,016,057. They also voted to extend Planning & Zoning Committee member terms from two years to three years, ensuring continuity.
The council tabled a review of Planning & Zoning Commission applications until March 20, 2025, allowing more time for interviews and evaluations.
To view the meeting agenda, click here
1. Call to Order and Welcome
- Mayor Gwinnett
- Invocation
- Pledge of Allegiance
APPROVED 2. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Agenda
3. Consideration of a Motion to Enter into Executive Session
- Topics: "Personnel Matters," "Real Estate," and/or "Potential Litigation" (in accordance with O.C.G.A 50-14-3(b))
4. Recognition of Guest(s) Who Have Signed Up to Speak
No one signed up to speak at this meeting
5. Recognition of Guest(s) Requested to Be on the Agenda
- Shirley Jones - Garbage Pick-Up Concerns (204 South Cone Street)- did not show
APPROVED 6. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda
7. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Minutes
- November 21, 2024, Council Meeting
- December 12, 2024, Lane Street Pre-Construction Meeting
8. Consideration of a Motion to Appoint a Mayor Pro-Tem
Keith Roughton is elected Mayor-Pro temp
9. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the December Financial Report.
10. Report from the City Manager
Carter Crawford provided a comprehensive update on various city operations and projects during the council meeting.
The city is awaiting a contract from the county contractor to move debris from the city’s collection site to the Evans County landfill. The contract is under review and pending the mayor’s signature. A challenge in estimating the cubic yardage of debris remains, which has delayed progress. Evans County has agreed to accept the city’s mulch, which will be ground and hauled to their landfill. The city is working to meet the February 3, 2025, FEMA deadline to secure 100% reimbursement for cleanup costs; after this date, reimbursement will drop to 75%. Crawford praised Billy Cummings, a FEMA representative, for her practical and knowledgeable assistance in navigating the reimbursement process.
Council members were reminded to review the updated draft personnel policy ahead of the February meeting. Crawford noted the updated policy was adapted for Brooklet’s city manager form of government, with features like a salary scale and grade-step salary plan. Adjustments to the draft were requested due to formatting issues.
The city is planning a retreat for March 1, 2025, with the Pond House as the proposed venue. A response from Ben Thompson regarding the venue's availability is pending.
Handicap Signs: Newly installed handicap parking signs downtown require adjustments, as one was improperly positioned due to unstable ground.
Streetlight Repairs: Georgia Power has yet to address several downtown streetlights that were reported as out in early December. Crawford acknowledged prior efforts to resolve the issue and noted the lack of response has been an ongoing frustration.
11. Reports from Committee Members
12. Report from City Clerk
None
13. Report from Planning & Zoning Administrator
An update from the Planning and Zoning Administrator Melissa Pevey. From December 19, 2024, to January 14, 2025, five tap installations were completed, with 12 more pending installation. A temporary tap installed on Lot 1 of Woods Edge without proper authorization has yet to be paid for, and discussions are ongoing to resolve this issue.
The city currently has 41 active work orders, with 36 completed and five expected to be finished by January 23. However, a backlog of 94 work orders remains open from January 2024. Pevey explained that the city’s limited manpower, compounded by storm-related disruptions, has made it difficult to address older requests. Many unresolved tasks involve minor issues, such as broken meter lids, which are prioritized lower than storm recovery and higher-impact repairs.
Pevey emphasized the challenges of balancing manpower with the growing workload and praised staff for their efforts under constrained conditions.
14. Report from Interim Police Chief
The Interim Brooklet Police Chief Michelle Reolegio for December 2024, highlighting trends in criminal activity and law enforcement efforts. Part One crimes, which include severe offenses such as assault, robbery, burglary, and auto theft, remained low, with two incidents reported compared to one in the previous month. Part Two crimes, which cover a broader range of offenses like alarms, vandalism, domestic violence, and drug violations, increased slightly to 23 incidents from 15 in November.
Traffic enforcement saw a decrease in citations issued, with 39 issued in December compared to 70 the previous month. Traffic accidents also dropped slightly, with two reported compared to three in November. The department collected $18,715 in fines from citations, significantly higher than the $5,496 collected in November. Officers responded to 27 service calls and initiated 53 officer-led activities, reflecting consistent engagement with the community.
The Interim Police Chief commended the department’s efforts in maintaining public safety and ensuring proactive measures to address both crime and traffic concerns in Brooklet.
15. Report from the Safety Coordinator
None
16. Report from the City Engineer
Wesley Parker provided a detailed update on Brooklet’s ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects. Regarding the Forcemain Project, concerns were raised about a tank located near the Primitive Church. Contractors consulted with the church’s preacher and confirmed they could work around the obstacle, with no objections from the church. Soil movement and pipeline installation are scheduled to begin the week of January 20, 2025, with contractors preparing in town the preceding week.
For the Lift Station Project, contractors are actively submitting plans and reports, which are currently under review. On the well project, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has granted source approval, verifying that the water is clean, free of bacteria, and radiation-safe. The next step will be obtaining permit approval to fully proceed.
The Cromley Street Sidewalk Project has encountered delays due to the need for a historical report. A follow-up meeting with consultants is scheduled for January 21, 2025, to address the issue and move forward. Meanwhile, survey work is beginning for Phases 2 and 3 of the Sewer Project, focusing on downtown and surrounding areas. These surveys aim to ensure the lift station depth is sufficient for future sewer expansion.
In the Parker Street area, efforts are underway to confirm that the water system can accommodate new housing developments and the new school. Parker also noted the need to update the master water plan to align with anticipated growth. To further prepare for this growth, the city is working on increasing its water permit through EPD.
Finally, Parker stated that testing for Well #3 cannot proceed until final approval from EPD is granted. He concluded by inviting questions and highlighting the importance of keeping these projects on schedule to meet Brooklet’s growing needs.
17. Report from the Water/Sewer Consultant
None
Discussion Item(s):
APPROVED 18.1. Second Reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-023 amending the Municipal Charter to allow adoption/amendment of the operating budget or purchasing policy by resolution.
APPROVED 18.2. Motion to Approve the City of Brooklet, Georgia - Fiscal Policies Operating Budget.
APPROVED 18.3. Motion to Approve the Quote from Yancy Bros. for a Mini Excavator for $52,692.00 (funding split: half from SPLOST, half from T-SPLOST).
APPROVED 18.4. Motion to Approve Change Order #1 for the Brooklet to Statesboro Sewer Project (PE21193):
- Original contract: $4,847,957.00
- Increase: $168,100.00
- New contract total: $5,016,057.00
- Includes:
- 18" casing addition to the directional bore at the roundabout (per the City of Statesboro).
- Additional bore at Ingram Street/West Lane Street intersection to go beneath a septic drain field.
APPROVED 18.5. Discussion and consideration of a motion to instruct the City Attorney to amend the ordinance, changing Planning & Zoning Committee Member terms from two years to three years.
TABLED 18.6. Review of Applications for Planning & Zoning Commission One-Year Term Appointments (2025):
- Post #2: Dave Bircher
- Post #4: Virginia "Ginny" Macaluso
Bradley Anderson wants to table till March 20.
Approved 18.7. Discussion and Consideration of a Motion to Hire a Chief of Police.
The council agreed to appoint Michelle Reolegio, after she goes through the required training.
Action Items
Motion dies19. Motion to Approve the 2025 Appointments for Planning & Zoning Commission:
- Post #2: Dave Bircher
- Post #4: Virginia Macaluso
APPROVED 20. Consideration of a Motion to Appoint Lori Phillips as Election Superintendent.
APPROVED 21. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Setting the Qualifying Fees for the 2025 Municipal Election:
- Mayor seat: $90.00
- Council seat: $54.00
APPROVED 22. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Development Agreement with the Developer of Woods Edge Subdivision.
City Attorney Ben Perkins spoke on it.
23. Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn
