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Council sets tree‑lighting preference and debates March strategic work session schedule
Summary
Council members debated options for the annual Christmas tree lighting (discussed Nov. 21 vs. Dec. 5) and selected a traditional date preference; they also discussed March strategic work session logistics, including possible Rockmart venue, facilitator/presenter options and whether to run one full day or two days.
Council members discussed the downtown Christmas tree lighting and the format and dates for the city’s upcoming strategic work session.
On the tree lighting, councilors debated avoiding conflicts with neighboring events and maximizing downtown activity. Proposed dates included Saturday, Nov. 21, to keep lights up longer before Thanksgiving, and Dec. 5, the traditional first Saturday in December. Several council members expressed a preference for Dec. 5 for continuity; others favored Nov. 21 to reduce competition with nearby parades, but the group ultimately flagged Dec. 5 as the working date to place on the consent agenda.
For the strategic work session, staff proposed dates in March (mentions included March 13–15) and suggested Rockmart as a no‑cost venue option. Officials discussed facilitator and presenter needs—staff referenced Chris Pike as a possible presenter and mentioned Pete/Peteinski as a facilitator option—and debated formats (one full day, two full days, or a day‑and‑a‑half including a Saturday and part of Sunday to accommodate attendees). Travel time estimates and facility noise/availability were used to weigh options; one council member emphasized keeping schedule rigidity once dates are set to avoid calendar conflicts.
A resident attending the session asked whether the strategic work session is open to the public; staff confirmed it is advertised as an open meeting and that the public may observe.
Those logistical decisions (tree lighting date preference, strategic session scheduling and facilitator/presenter selection) were identified to be finalized as part of new business and placed on the consent list for formal approval.
