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Santa Claus council approves park repairs, maintenance projects and accepts piano donation
Summary
At its May 20 meeting, Mayor Donita Bowen and the Santa Claus City Council approved several maintenance projects at the park and Gift Shop, accepted a piano donation for the Community Center and reviewed grant and FEMA assistance updates; Sikes Civil LLC completed erosion-mitigation work the council said should be covered by a $5,428.74 LRA grant.
Mayor Donita Bowen said at the City of Santa Claus council meeting on May 20, 2025, that the council would move forward with several maintenance projects across city property, including repairs at the park and work near the Gift Shop.
The council heard that Sikes Civil LLC completed topsoil placement and grass seeding at the Park, repaved the walkway at the Gift Shop and widened the creek area at Salem Street and Reindeer Street to help alleviate erosion. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the additional work should be covered by a Local Road Assistance (LRA) grant that the city qualifies for this year in the amount of $5,428.74, the mayor said.
Mayor Donita Bowen reported that Darel Corley’s crew has installed the park signs and that cameras are in place to monitor the Park and Reindeer Trail. The council asked Secretary Sue Grisham to mail letters to residents informing them of park rules and of fines for driving motorized vehicles in the Park or on the Reindeer Trail.
The council approved a set of modest maintenance and cleanup projects — including repainting woodwork at the Gift Shop, removing trash and debris, and spraying right-of-ways and city buildings for weeds and pests — after Brenda Sells moved and Renee Wright seconded the motion; the council agreed unanimously. The mayor thanked Councilmember Matt Lynn and his son Kelton for help placing items in a new fenced area and said she had asked Clarence Pittman to repaint the area.
Secretary Sue Grisham also told the council about a proposed donation of a usable piano from Hugh Brantley and family for the Community Center. The council accepted the donation on a motion by Renee Wright, seconded by Matt Lynn, with unanimous approval.
Administrative items discussed included confirmation that ARPA and LMIG grants had been closed, that Mayor Bowen received an IRS PIN and electronic-payment information for the city, and that reimbursement checks related to Hurricane Helene damages had been received and reported as 100% complete. Mayor Bowen said she is working with FEMA and GEMA on other Helene-related items; FEMA also sent a letter confirming the city’s participation/availability for residents needing to apply for the National Flood Insurance Program.
The meeting adjourned with no further business reported.
