Gilmer council approves alcohol permit and street closures for spring barbecue events; waives civic center fee for veterans

The Gilmer City Council unanimously approved event‑related items at its Feb. 24 meeting, including a special TABC permit for the Live Gilmer BBQ and Resolution R26‑004 to authorize street closures for the Risk It for The Brisket event.

Mayor Tim Marshall moved and Councilmember Jerry Webb seconded approval of the street‑closure resolution, which lists closures on Buffalo & Jefferson (Hwy 271 to Trinity), Titus (Buffalo to Cass), Simpson (State Hwy 154 W to Buffalo), Davis (State Hwy 154 W to Cass), Henderson (State Hwy 154 W to Harrison) and State Hwy 154 W (Trinity to US Hwy 271). The agenda listed an April 9, 2026, start; the transcript lists the end date as April 12, 2025, which is inconsistent with the 2026 start; the council approved the resolution 4–0. For reporting clarity this article treats the event window as April 9–12, 2026, consistent with the stated start date and typical multi‑day event timing.

Separately, representatives of the American Legion requested use of a Civic Center room for a Memorial Day ceremony on May 25, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Thadd Barr of the American Legion said, "we did this event last year, only needed a room and it will be a 2hr event." Civic Center Director Lisa Long confirmed the booking and supported waiving the fee; the council approved the two‑hour use at no charge (motion by Mayor Pro‑Tem Pete Herrmann, seconded by Councilmember Brian Williams; vote 4–0).

The Live Gilmer BBQ alcohol permit was also approved 4–0; Mayor Pro‑Tem Pete Herrmann moved the approval and Councilmember Jerry Webb seconded. The council did not record conditions or additional restrictions in the minutes beyond the requirement for a special TABC permit.