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Council approves consent agenda, fee schedule changes, transportation update and moves forward on two new fire stations
Summary
At the Aug. 11 meeting the Woodstock City Council approved the consent agenda, adopted a fee schedule resolution for water, sewer and stormwater connection charges, adopted an update to the city’s five‑year comprehensive transportation plan, and unanimously authorized agreements to build two new fire stations and related financing options.
Woodstock City Council approved a slate of routine and substantive measures at its Aug. 11 meeting. The council voted unanimously on several items that will affect city operations, financing and capital projects.
Consent agenda: Council approved by voice vote the consent agenda (items 1–14) on a motion, carried 5–0 with one absence (Councilman Usher). The consent agenda covered routine administrative and procurement items listed in the meeting packet.
Fee schedule (Resolution No. 2025‑19): Council adopted a resolution to amend the city fee schedule governing water, sewer and stormwater commodity charges and system development/connection charges (Chapter 7, subsections 7.1.3 and 7.1.4). Staff said the proposed changes were described in the agenda packet and were approved as part of the adopted budget. The public hearing for the resolution drew no speakers. Motion to adopt passed 5–0 with one absence (Councilman Usher).
Comprehensive Transportation Plan update: Council adopted an update to the city’s five‑year comprehensive transportation plan (the city is now in the fifth year of that plan). Staff noted public feedback emphasized sidewalk connectivity and clarity between city and county projects; staff said they will pursue a citywide sidewalk master plan and additional project updates and will post plan documents to the public website. The adoption motion passed 5–0 with one absence.
Fire stations and financing: The council approved two agreements with Spratlin Construction to build Fire Station 28 (Ridgewalk Parkway) and a second station on Long Drive (unnumbered). Spratlin provided not‑to‑exceed construction prices: $7,437,000 for the Ridgewalk station and $6,831,000 for the Long Drive station (the second station is lower cost because of repeat‑building savings). Staff and Spratlin said those quotes were current pending subcontractor pricing and that contingencies are included (each project includes roughly a $500,000 contingency to address site‑specific conditions). Finance staff presented financing scenarios (15‑year public offering, 15‑year private placement, and 20‑year public offering) and recommended structuring debt so early years’ payments are lower and increase later to better align with future SPLOST revenue. Council approved the agreements for both stations 5–0 (one absence). Council directed staff to proceed with coordination on financing and procurement. Chief and staff said equipment and apparatus needs were considered; the department plans to refurbish an existing reserve engine to fill one apparatus need in the near term rather than wait the long lead time for a new truck.
Executive session and adjournment: The council recessed into executive session (for litigation, personnel and/or real estate discussion) on a vote and later returned and adjourned; no public actions followed executive session. The meeting closed after routine departmental reports.
Ending: Councilmembers emphasized the long‑term public safety value of new stations and noted the city’s recent investments in public safety and infrastructure. Several councilmembers also urged continued fiscal discipline during budget season as the city absorbs additional debt service.
