Watkinsville public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will vote on a parcel donation agreement for the Waters Walk, authorizing the mayor and clerk to sign the documents effective January 1, 2026. Council members will also consider FY26 budget amendments, a fiscal year 2025 audit report, and proposals for year‑end bonuses for city employees. Additional consent‑agenda items include a hazard‑mitigation plan resolution and an update to the comprehensive fee schedule for permits.

• Approve Waters Walk Parcel Donation Agreement and authorize signatures effective Jan 1 2026
• Approve FY26 Budget Amendments
• Consider Year‑End Bonuses for City Employees
• Approve resolution to adopt Oconee County Multi‑Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Approve update to the Comprehensive Fee Schedule for Permits

The City Council approved the Waters Walk parcel donation agreement, authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to sign it effective Jan. 1 2026. The Council also approved year‑end bonuses for city employees and the City Manager, and adopted the FY 2025 budget amendments. Minutes from the Nov. 19 meeting and the current agenda were each approved unanimously.

• Approve Waters Walk parcel donation agreement (5-0)
• Approve year‑end bonuses for city employees and City Manager (5-0)
• Approve FY 2025 budget amendments (5-0)
• Approve November 19, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approve agenda for the Dec. 17, 2025 meeting (5-0)
• Administer oath of office to Police Officer Walter Clair (action, no vote)
• Approve Downtown Development Authority updates (informational, no vote)
• Adopt municipal financial reports (informational, no vote)

City Council

The City Council will discuss establishing a defined benefit retirement plan for eligible employees effective December 1, 2025. The body is also considering a contract for ADA-compliant sidewalk installation on Simonton Bridge Road.

• Contract with Gantt Construction & Maintenance, LLC for 1,186 linear feet of sidewalk on Simonton Bridge Road
• Ordinance to adopt a defined benefit retirement plan via the Georgia Municipal Employee Benefit System
• Resolution to update the Comprehensive Fee Schedule for Permits
• Resolution to adopt the Oconee County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Approval of FY26 Budget Amendments

The council approved a defined benefit retirement plan and related amendment to employee benefits ordinances, each passing 5‑0. It also approved the FY26 budget amendments, a hazard‑mitigation plan, and a sidewalk construction contract, all with unanimous votes. The bid for police vehicle parts was tabled to the December 17 meeting.

• Approved defined benefit retirement plan ordinance (5-0)
• Approved amendment to Chapter 2 Article V benefits ordinance (5-0)
• Approved FY26 budget amendments on consent agenda (5-0)
• Adopted Oconee County Multi‑Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (5-0)
• Approved change order and contract with Gantt Construction for Simonton Bridge Road sidewalk project (5-0)
• Tabled approval of police vehicle parts auction to 12/17 meeting
• Approved October 15 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved agenda changes, including tabling Item 11 (5-0)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will meet to approve minutes, receive a strategic plan presentation, and discuss updates for the 2026 calendar and upcoming events like the Viewfinders Season 4 premiere.

• Approve minutes from October 15, 2025
• Strategic Plan Presentation
• Viewfinders Season 4 event update
• Board Training
• Christmas Parade and WTK Women After-Hours updates

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council considered several zoning amendments, including a conditional‑use amendment for indoor recreation in multiple districts and a boutique hotel amendment in the Corridor Commercial District. The council also reviewed conditional‑use requests for a boutique hotel on Main Street and vending machines at Rocket Field and in the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation District. Additionally, the council approved new employee health‑insurance service providers.

• Vote on text amendment to Article 13 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow indoor recreation as a conditional use in Historic Main, Downtown, Mixed‑Use Office districts and as a permitted use in the Corridor Commercial District
• Public hearing and vote on text amendment to Article 13 to allow a boutique hotel conditional use in the Corridor Commercial District at 173 S Main Street
• Public hearing and vote on text amendment to Article 13 to allow vending machines as a conditional use in the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation District
• Public hearing and vote on conditional‑use request for a vending machine at Rocket Field by the Downtown Development Authority
• Approval of service providers for employee health, dental, vision, life, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance

The council adopted a zoning amendment to permit a boutique hotel in the Corridor Commercial district and approved the corresponding conditional use request for 173 S Main Street. It also approved a zoning amendment for vending machines in the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation district and the related conditional use at Rocket Field. Additional actions included adopting an Urban Camping and Vagrancy ordinance, a Right‑of‑Way Maintenance policy, appointing two Downtown Development Authority board members, and passing several consent‑agenda resolutions.

• Approved text amendment to Article 13 zoning ordinance allowing hotel (boutique) in Corridor Commercial district – vote 4-0
• Approved conditional use request for a boutique hotel at 173 S Main Street – vote 4-0
• Approved text amendment to Article 13 zoning ordinance allowing vending machines in Parks, Recreation, and Conservation district – vote 3-0 (Tucker recused)
• Approved conditional use request for a vending machine at Rocket Field – vote 3-0 (Tucker abstained)
• Approved Urban Camping and Vagrancy ordinance – vote 4-0
• Approved PW-006 Right-of-Way Maintenance policy – vote 4-0
• Appointed Mellony Adkins and Robert Griffith to the Downtown Development Authority Board for four‑year terms – vote 4-0
• Approved consent‑agenda resolutions updating the comprehensive park fee schedule and surplus equipment for Police and Public Works – vote 4-0

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will consider a board attendance requirement and the expiration of two board members, Griffeth and Adkins, on October 30, 2025. It will nominate two new members for four‑year terms (Oct 1 2024 – Oct 31 2029) for council appointment at this meeting. The board will also review upcoming downtown events scheduled for October and November.

• Board attendance requirement
• Expiration of board members Griffeth and Adkins on 10/30/2025
• Nomination of two board members for four‑year terms (Oct 1 2024 – Oct 31 2029)
• Upcoming downtown events: Fall Festival (Rocket Field) 10/19, Heart Walk 10/23, Trick or Treat 10/31, WTK Women’s After‑Hours 11/3, Oconee Elementary School event 11/10
• Executive session (no agenda details provided)

The Downtown Development Authority approved its agenda and the September 17, 2025 minutes, each by a 3‑0 vote. The board also nominated and appointed Robert Griffith and Mellony Adkins to four‑year terms, with the motion passing 3‑0. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved September 17, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Appointed Robert Griffith and Mellony Adkins to 4‑year terms (3-0)

City Council

The Finance & Personnel Committee will discuss adopting a defined benefit retirement plan with the Georgia Municipal Association, effective November 1, 2025. The meeting is a draft agenda with no final action taken.

• Discuss adoption of GMA GMEBS defined benefit retirement plan
• Designate a Pension Committee Manager
• Plan effective November 1, 2025

The Finance & Personnel Committee reviewed a proposal to adopt a defined benefit retirement plan for eligible city employees through the Georgia Municipal Employee Benefit System, effective November 1, 2025. No votes were taken and no final action was approved; the reports remain drafts.

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will review old business items including a strategic plan update, a potential Coke partnership amendment, a Lunch & Learn update, and contractor task ideas. New business includes discussions on Lydia’s Place, a conditional-use amendment for a Golf Lounge, a GDOT drain project, the Waters Walk, a hotel/motel tax proposal, a Simonton Bridge pedestrian extension video, the Public Art Committee, and board training for 2025. The meeting also includes routine reports and an executive session.

• Hotel Motel Tax proposal
• Golf Lounge text amendment – conditional use
• Simonton Bridge pedestrian extension (video presentation)
• Potential Coke partnership/sponsorship (text amendment)
• Lydia’s Place

The board unanimously approved the agenda and the prior meeting’s minutes. It also approved two motions: to apply for a conditional use permit to allow vending in the PRC district at Rocket Field, and to add a double‑door cooler to the Rocket Field concession stand. An executive session was authorized, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes (unanimous)
• Approved DDA application for conditional use permit to allow vending in PRC districts (Rocket Field) (unanimous)
• Approved addition of double‑door cooler to Rocket Field concession stand (unanimous)
• Approved holding an executive session (unanimous)
• Approved motion titled "To come out" (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings and vote on a rezoning request for 49 Harden Hill Road and a text amendment regarding indoor recreation uses. The body will also consider a conditional use request for a virtual golf lounge at 8 School Street.

• Rezoning of 49 Harden Hill Road to allow 2 houses
• Conditional use request for a Virtual Golf Lounge at 8 School Street
• Text amendment for Indoor Recreation in HM, DT, MUO, and CC districts
• Approval of employee health insurance service providers
• Easements for 107 Village Circle and 118 Mulberry Street

The council approved a text amendment allowing indoor recreation as a conditional use in several districts (5‑0). It also approved a conditional use request for a virtual golf lounge at 8 School Street (5‑0). Additional actions included demolition permits for two properties, approval of employee insurance providers, and adoption of a memorial bench dedication policy, all passed unanimously.

• Approved text amendment to allow indoor recreation as conditional use in multiple districts (5‑0)
• Approved conditional use request for 8 School Street virtual golf lounge (5‑0)
• Approved demolition permit and wastewater capacity for 49 Harden Hill Road (5‑0)
• Approved demolition permit for 93 Mimosa Drive (5‑0)
• Approved service providers for employee health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance (5‑0)
• Approved policy and procedure for memorial bench dedications (5‑0)
• Approved easement for 107 Village Circle (Colby and Alice Huff) (5‑0)
• Approved easement update for 118 Mulberry Street sewage leak repairs (5‑0)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority meets to approve past minutes, hear financial and chairperson reports, and discuss old and new business including a potential Coca-Cola partnership, a tax-credits lunch-and-learn, and upcoming holiday events.

• Approve minutes from June 18, June 27, and July 23 meetings
• Potential Coca-Cola partnership or sponsorship
• Tax Credits Lunch & Learn scheduled for September 19
• Christmas Parade planned for December 7
• Halloween dog parade and Watkinsville’s Got Talent proposed as new events

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes. They confirmed the Christmas Parade theme and scheduled a Tax Credits Lunch & Learn on September 19, 2025 at Chops & Hops. The board will review a potential Coke partnership and will table the Halloween Dog Parade proposal for the next meeting. A work‑study student was hired through May 2026 and a downtown DDA LinkedIn page was noted.

• Agenda approved (unanimous)
• Minutes approved (unanimous)
• Christmas Parade theme decided
• Tax Credits Lunch & Learn confirmed for Sep 19, 2025 at Chops & Hops
• Potential Coke partnership to be reviewed at next meeting
• Work‑study student Max hired through May 2026
• Halloween Dog Parade proposal tabled for next meeting
• Downtown Watkinsville DDA LinkedIn page established

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a conditional use permit for non-residential special events at 1725 Electric Avenue. The body will also review budget amendments and infrastructure funding.

• Conditional use request for special events at 1725 Electric Avenue (Community Fueled Properties, LLC)
• $20,000 SPLOST III appropriation for Harden Hill Road culvert survey and Lee Street drainpipe repairs
• FY26 Budget Amendments for City Hall emergency plumbing and a Downtown Strategic Plan
• Concept plan appearance for 49 Harden Hill Road (Gibbs Capital Holdings, LLC)
• Amended easement for 123 New High Shoals Rd (William Bishop)

The council approved a $196,233.50 GDOT Local Maintenance Improvement Grant for resurfacing several city streets and appropriated $54,924.74 from FY26 LMIG funding. It also approved a conditional use permit for special events at 1725 Electric Avenue, Suite 270. Additional items approved included the June and July meeting minutes, the agenda addition for a sewage leak at 118 Mulberry Street, and several consent‑agenda items such as a $20,000 SPLOST appropriation for stormwater improvements. All motions carried unanimously with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved GDOT LMIG grant for road resurfacing ($196,233.50) (4-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for 1725 Electric Avenue, Suite 270 (4-0)
• Approved temporary construction easement for 118 Mulberry Street sewage leak (4-0)
• Approved $20,000 SPLOST III appropriation for stormwater improvements (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda items including Ford Interceptor surplus and FY26 budget amendments (4-0)
• Approved June 18, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved July 23, 2025 joint special meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved agenda addition for 118 Mulberry Street sewage leak (4-0)

Downtown Development Authority

The Mayor, City Council, and Downtown Development Authority Board are holding a joint meeting to begin a tour of other downtown communities. This effort is intended to help develop a comprehensive Downtown Strategic Plan for Watkinsville.

• Tours of Milton, Alpharetta, Suwanee, Duluth, and Monroe

City Council

The Mayor, City Council, and Downtown Development Authority Board will meet to begin a tour of regional communities. This effort is intended to help develop a Downtown Strategic Plan for Watkinsville.

• Tours of Milton, Alpharetta, Suwanee, Duluth, and Monroe

The special called meeting of the Downtown Development Authority was held on July 23, 2025. Attendees included the mayor, council members, and DDA board members. The minutes note that no final action was taken during this meeting. The session was informational and did not result in any approvals, denials, or tabling of items.

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will meet to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and a streetscape maintenance agreement for 13 N. Main Street. The board will also review a strategic plan update regarding community engagement.

• Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Approval
• Streetscape Maintenance Agreement for 13 N. Main Street
• Strategic Plan Update: Community Engagement session

The Downtown Development Authority approved the streetscape maintenance agreement for 12 N. Main St after a motion by Toole and a second by Elder; Pfluke abstained and the motion carried. The board also unanimously approved the meeting agenda and minutes, moved to and exited executive session, and adjourned the meeting.

• Agenda approved unanimously
• Minutes approved unanimously
• Streetscape Maintenance Agreement for 12 N. Main St approved (motion carried)
• Moved to executive session unanimously
• Exited executive session unanimously
• Meeting adjourned unanimously

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings and vote on the 2025 property tax millage rate and the General Fund Capital and Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting also includes votes on several city contracts and maintenance agreements.

• Adoption of 2025 Property Tax Millage Rate
• Adoption of Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund Capital and Operating Budget
• Three-year contract award for banking services
• Streetscape Maintenance Agreement for 13 N. Main Street
• Annual maintenance and scheduling agreement for Rocket Field with The Yard

The council approved the FY 2026 General and Capital Budgets and adopted the 2025 property tax millage rate of 2.756 mills. It also approved a three‑year banking services contract with Oconee State Bank and a series of consent‑agenda items covering a police vehicle surplus, streetscape maintenance, a church lease extension, Rocket Field maintenance, and a hotel/motel tax revenue agreement. The council entered and exited executive session before adjourning.

• Approved FY26 General and Capital Budgets (4-0)
• Adopted 2025 Property Tax Millage Rate of 2.756 mills (4-0)
• Approved three‑year banking services contract with Oconee State Bank (4-0)
• Approved surplus of 2017 Ford Interceptor police vehicle (4-0)
• Approved Streetscape Maintenance Agreement for 13 N. Main Street (4-0)
• Approved extension of Christian Church lease agreement (4-0)
• Approved annual maintenance agreement for Rocket Field with The Yard (4-0)
• Approved IGA with Chamber as DMO for Hotel/Motel Tax Revenues (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed General Fund Capital & Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 and the proposed 2025 millage rate. The body will also consider a new streetlight policy and updates to park fees.

• Public hearing for FY 2026 General Fund Capital & Operating Budget and 2025 Millage Rate
• Resolution to update the Comprehensive Fee Schedule for Parks
• Approval of a new Streetlight Policy
• Use Agreement with DDA for June 13, 2025 event at Rocket Field
• Proclamation for Municipal Court Clerks Week (June 9-13, 2025)

The Watkinsville City Council approved several items by unanimous vote, including an update to the comprehensive park fee schedule and a change to the streetlight policy that shortens spacing from 500 ft to 300 ft. The council also approved the Personnel/Finance Committee’s recommendation on manager compensation and adopted a use agreement with the Downtown Development Authority for the June 14 event at Rocket Field. All motions were carried 5‑0.

• Approved Use Agreement with DDA for June 14, 2025 event at Rocket Field (consent agenda)
• Approved update to Comprehensive Fee Schedule for Parks (5‑0)
• Approved Streetlight Policy, amending spacing from 500 ft to 300 ft (5‑0)
• Approved Personnel/Finance Committee recommendation for Manager compensation (5‑0)
• Approved minutes from April 16, 2025 regular meeting (5‑0)
• Approved agenda with addition of Public Hearing on FY 2026 budget and 2025 millage rate (5‑0)
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel, real estate, and litigation (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

City Council

The City Council is holding a work session to discuss the recommended FY26 Capital & Operating Budget. No final action will be taken during this session, but it precedes required public hearings on the budget and millage rate.

• Proposed FY26 General Fund Operating and Capital Budget request of $3,349,297
• Proposed 2025 property tax millage rate of 2.756
• Public hearing #2 on budget scheduled for May 21, 2025
• Public hearing #3 on budget and millage rate scheduled for June 18, 2025

The work session was a draft review and no final actions were taken. Council members discussed the recommended FY26 capital and operating budget and set dates for public hearings on the budget and the 2025 millage rate. The meeting was adjourned.

City Council

The City Council is conducting a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2025 millage rate. No final action will be taken at this meeting. The session is part of a series of hearings leading to the formal approval of the FY26 budget on June 18, 2025.

• Public hearing on proposed 2025 millage rate
• Discussion of estimated tax increase of $84,144 (11.13%) over 2024
• Review of 2025 Net Digest total of $274,312,230
• Proposed 2025 Net Millage rate of 2.756

The council held a public hearing on the proposed 2025 millage rate, during which a resident raised budgeting concerns. No votes or approvals were made on the millage proposal. The council scheduled additional work and public hearing sessions for May 21 and June 18 to continue reviewing the FY26 budget. A motion to adjourn was moved, seconded, and carried unanimously.

• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously (Councilman Campbell moved, Councilman Garrett seconded)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will meet to approve the 2026 budget and receive an update on the Strategic Plan Committee. The board will also discuss a use agreement for Rocket Field and a potential street scape project.

• 2026 Budget Approval
• Rocket Field use agreement
• Potential street scape project
• America’s 250 discussion
• Strategic Plan Committee update

The board approved the agenda, adding a Hotel Motel Tax item. Inspire Place Making was selected as the Strategic Plan partner. The 2026 budget was tabled, and the Rocket Field Use Agreement for PapaPalooza was approved. The meeting entered executive session and then adjourned.

• Agenda approved with added 'Hotel Motel Tax' item (unanimous)
• Inspire Place Making selected as Strategic Plan partner (unanimous)
• 2026 budget motion tabled (unanimous)
• Rocket Field Use Agreement for PapaPalooza approved (unanimous)
• Executive session opened (unanimous)
• Meeting adjourned (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and zoning text amendments regarding outdoor dining and mobile vendors. The body will also consider contracts for waste collection and sidewalk construction.

• Public hearing for Fiscal Year 2026 Capital and Operating Budget
• Zoning text amendments for Article 10 (Outdoor Dining) and Article 13 (use regulation)
• Rezone request for 39 Durham Street to revise Development Agreement for a projecting wall sign
• Contract for 1,270 linear feet of sidewalk along 3rd Street and Mulberry Street
• Contract for 250 linear feet of sidewalk and a 105 linear foot pedestrian bridge on Parcels W 09 004A and C 03 022A

The Watkinsville City Council approved zoning text amendments to Articles 10 and 13, and authorized a revision to the development agreement for a projecting wall sign at 39 Durham Street. The Council also approved a wastewater capacity allocation for 116 Morrison Street, awarded the city’s garbage, recycling and leaf‑and‑limb collection contract to Curbside Services, Inc., and approved two sidewalk construction contracts for the Simonton Bridge Road/Mulberry Connector project. Additionally, the council set a preliminary 2025 millage rate estimate of 3.0 mills.

• Approved Urban Forest Board appointment (term expires Apr 30, 2025) – vote 4‑0
• Approved Municipal Court Bond Schedule – vote 4‑0
• Approved zoning text amendments to Article 10 (outdoor dining) and Article 13 (use regulation) – vote 4‑0
• Approved revision of Development Agreement for Tax Parcel #W 05 038 to allow a projecting wall sign – vote 4‑0
• Approved Wastewater Capacity Allocation Request for 116 Morrison Street – vote 4‑0
• Awarded garbage, recycling, and leaf & limb collection services contract to Curbside Services, Inc. – vote 4‑0
• Awarded Phase 2 sidewalk contract (≈1,270 ft) to Mark Thomas Enterprises, Inc. – vote 3‑0 (Thomas abstained)
• Approved preliminary 2025 millage rate estimate of 3.0 mills – vote 4‑0

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will discuss a sidewalk beautification project, updates on the Strategic Plan Committee, and several upcoming community events including BBQ & Bingo and a June celebration. The meeting also includes standard financial and administrative items.

• Strategic Plan Committee update
• BBQ & Bingo Event update
• June event with local celebrities at OCAF
• Discussion of sidewalk beautification for DDA
• America's 250 planning discussion

The board approved the meeting agenda and the prior meeting minutes. The committee voted to pull the broken cornhole boards from the pocket park until a new vision is developed. The proposed July 4, 2026 countywide event was tabled to the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 3:04 PM.

• Agenda approved (motion by Elder, seconded by Pfluke)
• Minutes approved (motion by Elder, seconded by Adkins)
• Pull broken cornhole boards from pocket park (committee agreement)
• America’s 250 July 4, 2026 event tabled until next meeting
• Adjournment motion passed (motion by Elder, seconded by Lancaster)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will hold public hearings and votes on rezoning a .98-acre parcel from Simonton Bridge Scenic Corridor to Parks Recreation Conservation, and on a text amendment to allow special events in Downtown, Mixed Use Office, and Corridor Commercial districts. They will also consider a conditional use permit for special events at 1725 Electric Avenue. Consent agenda items include approving the sale of a surplus police vehicle, agreements for the Oconee Fall Festival and BBQ and BINGO events, and updating the parks fee schedule. Appearances will cover budget requests from Oconee County Fire and OCAF, and a site development plan for Ashford Memorial Church.

• Rezoning of Tax Parcel W09 004A (~0.98 acres) from Simonton Bridge Scenic Corridor to Parks Recreation Conservation
• Text amendment to allow special events as conditional use in DT and MUO districts and permitted use in CC district
• Conditional use permit for special events at 1725 Electric Avenue (MUO zoning)
• Approval of surplus 2017 Ford Interceptor sale via Govdeals
• Approval of BBQ and BINGO use agreement with DDA and band contract at Rocket Field

The Watkinsville City Council approved a rezoning of a .98‑acre parcel to Parks Recreation Conservation. It adopted a text amendment to the zoning ordinance permitting special events in Downtown and Mixed‑Use Office districts as conditional uses and in Corridor Commercial as a permitted use. The Council also approved a conditional use permit for 1725 Electric Avenue and appropriated $19,999 from SPLOST III for stormwater culvert repairs.

• Approved rezoning of Tax Parcel #W 09 004A to Parks Recreation Conservation (5-0)
• Approved text amendment to Zoning Ordinance for special events in Downtown, MUO, and CC districts (5-0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for 1725 Electric Avenue for non‑residential special events (5-0)
• Approved appropriation of $19,999 from SPLOST III for stormwater culvert improvements (5-0)
• Approved highest responsible bidder for surplus 2017 Ford Interceptor police vehicle (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Oconee County Chamber of Commerce for Oconee Fall Festival (5-0)
• Approved BBQ and BINGO use agreement with Downtown Development Authority (5-0)
• Approved Band contract for BBQ and BINGO event at Rocket Field (5-0)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will discuss the strategic plan, the 2025-2026 budget, and several upcoming events including a BBQ & Bingo event and a June baseball event. The board will also consider a DDA Board Amendment and recap a recent event by Chris Greer.

• Discuss strategic plan
• BBQ & Bingo event funds utilization
• Budgetary needs for 2025-2026
• Recap of Chris Greer's event
• June baseball event with local celebrities

The Downtown Development Authority approved the agenda and the January 10, 2025 minutes by unanimous vote. Members assigned a meeting for BBQ event details on February 25 and tasked all board members to review other towns' strategic plans before the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved January 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled BBQ event planning meeting for Feb 25 (unanimous)
• Tasked board to review other towns' strategic plans by next meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council is meeting for a retreat to review 2024 accomplishments and discuss strategic initiatives. No final action will be taken at this meeting, which is open to the public. The council will prioritize and finalize plans for fiscal year 2026, covering topics such as infrastructure, economic development, and community engagement.

• Review of $2,225,000 loan and $1,530,405 grant from Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank for Simonton Bridge Road Pedestrian Connector
• Discussion of GDOT's $5 million contract for the Watkinsville Bypass project connecting SR 24 and SR 15
• Update on Downtown Master Plan development, funded by a $35,000 Georgia Power grant
• Consideration of stormwater conveyance system improvements, including Harden Hill Road drainage
• Discussion of police department certification options and potential insurance premium reductions

The Watkinsville City Council voted 5-0 to not opt out of HB 581, a state law affecting property tax revenues, after staff determined the city could absorb the limited impact. The council also approved $100,000 in SPLOST III funds for Thomas Farm Preserve improvements, and approved the consent agenda including a farmers market use agreement and a police vehicle surplus. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved not opting out of HB 581 (5-0)
• Appropriated $100,000 of SPLOST III funds for Thomas Farm Preserve improvements (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda: Oconee Farmers Market use agreement for Harris Shoals Park and surplus of 2017 Ford Interceptor (5-0)
• Approved minutes of January 15, 2025 regular meeting (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will vote on approving minutes, consent agenda items including a use agreement with Oconee Farmers Market and surplus of a police vehicle, and old business to reprogram SPLOST III funds for Thomas Farm Preserve improvements. New business includes a recommendation regarding HB 581, a state property tax measure. The meeting also includes reports from police, finance, and downtown development, and will enter executive session for personnel, real estate, and litigation matters.

• Reprogram SPLOST III funds for Thomas Farm Preserve improvements
• Approve use agreement with Oconee Farmers Market for Harris Shoals Park
• Declare 2017 Ford Interceptor surplus (police vehicle)
• Consider HB 581 recommendation (state property tax homestead exemption)
• Proclamation for Georgia Arbor Day (February 21, 2025)

The Council approved a resolution to practice civility and approved LMA Landscapes as the contractor for the Giardini Green project, with Councilman Campbell opposed. The consent agenda, including bank signature authorization, qualifying fees, a lease agreement, and a public facilities authority amendment, was also approved. No public hearings or old business were conducted.

• Approved minutes of December 18, 2024 (4-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (4-0)
• Appointed Tucker as Mayor Pro Tem (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (4-0)
• Approved resolution to Practice and Promote Civility (4-0)
• Approved LMA Landscapes for Giardini Green project (3-1, Campbell opposed)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will hold a planning retreat to discuss long-term vision for downtown, including economic development initiatives such as Rural Zone Designation and a Revolving Loan Program, as well as land use, infrastructure, and community engagement. They will also consider FY2026 projects and policies, and outline next steps for a Downtown Strategic Plan. The regular DDA monthly meeting will follow the retreat.

• Presentation on Rural Zone Designation by Tricia DePadro from DCA
• Discussion of Revolving Loan Program with Beth Eavenson from DCA
• Historic Preservation as part of land use considerations
• Community engagement topics: public art, Rocket Field, 12-18 month calendar, and Lunch & Learn series
• FY2026 projects, policies, and programs planning

The Downtown Development Authority voted unanimously to recommend expanding the DDA district through the Downtown Commercial Corridors. The board also agreed to host Burger Week in January 2026, keep all officers the same, and schedule a retreat for February 10, 2025.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved December 18, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended expanding DDA through Downtown Commercial Corridors (unanimous)
• Agreed to launch Burger Week in January 2026
• Kept all officers the same (unanimous)
• Scheduled board retreat for February 10, 2025 at Golden Pantry Board Room

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will meet to review financial and chairperson reports. The board is scheduled to address old business regarding DDA District map amendments.

• DDA District map amendments

The Downtown Development Authority held a planning retreat to discuss vision, values, and long-term goals for downtown Watkinsville. Topics included economic development, land use, infrastructure, and community engagement. No votes were taken and no formal decisions were made.

• No votes were taken during the retreat

City Council

The Watkinsville City Council will meet to approve minutes, administer oaths for newly elected council members, and elect a mayor pro tem. They will consider a resolution to practice and promote civility and vote on awarding a construction contract for Giardini Green at Harris Shoals Park. Other items include setting qualifying fees for the 2025 election, approving a lease agreement for Rocket Field, and adopting amendments to the Public Facilities Authority resolution.

• Award contract for construction of Giardini Green at Harris Shoals Park
• Set and approve qualifying fees for 2025 election
• Approve Rocket Field Playing Field Lease Agreement with Mahoney
• Adopt amendment to resolution activating Public Facilities Authority and appoint members
• Resolution to practice and promote civility

The Council approved a resolution to practice and promote civility and approved LMA Landscapes as the contractor for the Giardini Green project, with Councilman Campbell opposed. The Council also approved the consent agenda, including bank signature authorization, qualifying fees for the 2025 election, a lease agreement for Rocket Field, and amendments to the Public Facilities Authority. Oaths of office were administered to newly elected council members and Public Facilities Authority members.

• Approved LMA Landscapes as contractor for Giardini Green project (3-1)
• Approved resolution to Practice and Promote Civility (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including bank signature authorization, 2025 election qualifying fees, Rocket Field lease, and Public Facilities Authority amendments (4-0)
• Appointed Tucker as Mayor Pro Tem (4-0)
• Approved minutes of December 18, 2024 meeting (4-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (4-0)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will meet to elect officers and schedule a board retreat. The body will also discuss a strategic plan initiative and review DDA District map amendments.

• Election of officers per Bylaws Section 4.2
• Discussion of DDA District map amendments
• Discussion of Burger Week
• Strategic Plan initiative discussion

The Downtown Development Authority met and approved the agenda, November minutes, and Mellony Adkins as Secretary. They discussed extending the downtown district to include Wire Park and Highway 15, and noted the new DDA Director would lead the strategic plan. No major policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved November 20, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Mellony Adkins as Secretary (unanimous)
• Held executive session for real estate and personnel matters (unanimous)