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Town of Braselton Council ratifies police chief hire, approves multiple site plans and licenses, and forms park review committee
Summary
On April 14, 2025, the Town of Braselton Council unanimously ratified Michael Steffman as chief of police, approved several site plans and an alcohol license for Springhill Suites, signaled support for Hall County SPLOST IX categories, and appointed a chair for a park review committee while tabling some permit and design items.
The Town of Braselton Council on April 14, 2025, unanimously ratified the Town Manager’s hire of Michael Steffman as chief of police and approved a series of site plans, an alcohol-beverage license and a resolution endorsing Hall County’s proposed SPLOST IX categories and percentages.
Councilmember Richard Harper moved to ratify the hire of Michael Steffman as chief of police; Councilmember Becky Richardson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The minutes record no discussion beyond the motion and vote.
The council approved an alcohol beverage license application filed by Joel Owens for the Springhill Suites at 2928 Braselton Crossing Lane, allowing on-premises sales of wine, malt beverages and distilled spirits, including Sunday sales. Councilmember Richard Harper moved and Councilmember James Murphy seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
On development matters, the council approved architecture and site plans for First Watch and Fifth Third Bank with Planning Director conditions and two added requirements: that mechanical equipment be hidden from line of site or painted to match the building, and that each site provide a dumpster enclosure and gate. The First Watch approval was moved by Councilmember James Murphy and seconded by Councilmember Richard Harper; the Fifth Third Bank approval was moved by Councilmember Richard Harper and seconded by Councilmember Becky Richardson. Both motions passed unanimously.
The council tabled several items pending additional information. Mayor Kurt Ward moved to table consideration of Countryside Antiques’ permit request for summer festivals until a site plan and more information are provided; Councilmember Tom Logan seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Ward also moved to table Miller’s Ale House site plan approval until architectural renderings are submitted; Councilmember Becky Richardson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Richard Harper moved that the town approve Hall County SPLOST IX using the same categories and percentages as SPLOST VIII; Councilmember Tom Logan seconded and the motion passed unanimously, recording the town’s support for the county’s proposed sales-tax project categories.
Mayor Kurt Ward asked Councilmember Becky Richardson to chair the newly formed Braselton Park Analysis and Review Committee; Richardson accepted. The council then voted to table further discussion of the Braselton Park design until the committee issues recommendations.
Councilmember James Murphy moved to approve Application #24-05-RZ as modified on April 14, 2025; Councilmember Tom Logan seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The meeting did not go into executive session. At 6:09 p.m. Councilmember Richard Harper moved to adjourn; Councilmember Tom Logan seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The minutes are attested by Jennifer Scott, Manager and Clerk.
What happens next: Several items were tabled pending additional materials (Countryside Antiques permit, Miller’s Ale House architectural renderings and park-design recommendations from the new committee). No public comments were recorded in the minutes.
