The Eatonton City Council worked through a fairly lengthy agenda Monday night.
The first order of business was approving a request from The Knights of Columbus to authorize its annual Tootsie Roll Drive to benefit Special Olympics Georgia. The event is scheduled this year for Oct. 2-3, at the intersection of East Sumter Street and Jefferson Avenue.
On the same weekend, Putnam County High School was cleared to reinstate its Homecoming parade through downtown Eatonton. City leaders expressed confidence that state transportation officials will also approve the route, which involves Hwy. 16, a state highway.
Another approval allowed for the temporary closure of a section of North Madison Avenue in front of The Plaza Arts Center to vehicle traffic on Oct. 6 for the Taste of Eatonton festival. Ward 2 Councilmember James Gorley expressed concern about past lapses in communication with nearby businesses during similar events, but was assured that adequate notification would be provided to local operators.
Additionally, the council approved an alcohol license for the El Catrin Taqueria, a new restaurant located opposite the Uncle Remus Museum. The approval came after the council confirmed the application met all requirements regarding distance from nearby structures.
Infrastructure projects then dominated, led by councilmembers voting unanimously to authorize an application for a Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant to repave Martin Luther King Jr. Drive within city limits, while also readying to resurface several additional roads, including West Harris Street, Miller Drive, Grove Street, Spring Street, Town Creek Road, Walnut Street, Stribling Street, and Maple Street, among other potentials. The engineering firm ESG was engaged to design the projects, prepare bid packages, and oversee construction.
The council also approved moving forward with Phase 2 of the Briar Patch Trail expansion, selecting Concrete Constructors Inc. for the contract. The firm submitted the lowest bid at $327,665, which was significantly lower than competing offers. Sanders said the grant amount available from the state is $157,250, leaving Eatonton responsible for approximately $170,000 in costs.
So, while members expressed enthusiasm for enhancing recreational opportunities, they also noted the wide disparity in bid amounts and authorized the mayor to negotiate terms with the contractor before signing.
The council renewed its annual agreement with the Area Agency on Aging, ensuring funding for senior center operations through fiscal year 2026.
Officials also took steps to strengthen city personnel management by requesting technical assistance from the regional commission in creating a performance evaluation system for employees. This project has been delayed for years, but is expected to be in place by early 2026.
In its most significant regulatory action, the council unanimously adopted an ordinance prohibiting new tobacco and vape shops within the City of Eatonton, which essentially encompasses a circle within a 2.5-mile radius of the downtown courthouse. The measure adds Article Six to Chapter 18 of the city code, defines what constitutes a tobacco or vape business, and establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.
The council also heard staff reports saying Norfolk Southern had finally granted permits for long-awaited drainage improvements alongside North Maple Street, with construction expected to resume early next month.
Further, Sanders provided an update on a flood mitigation planning study being conducted with engineering firm RK&K. Field work is already underway in Pleasant Hill and the East Marion Street area, he said, with recommendations expected before the end of the year. The study aims to identify projects that may be eligible for external funding and mitigate flooding risks in vulnerable neighborhoods.