Town of Braselton council approves permits, contract award, zoning changes and appointments

The Town of Braselton council met on July 14, 2025, and approved a series of permits, contracts, ordinances and an appointment during a meeting that began at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Kurt Ward and four councilmembers were present.

Councilmember Becky Richardson moved to approve the minutes from June 9 and June 18, 2025; Councilmember Richard Harper seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The council heard no citizen comments.

The council approved several special-event permits: Mayor Ward moved to approve a permit for Teela Caldwell with Doughlish Cookies and Sweets Bakery to hold the Soul and Sip Market on Aug. 2, 16 and 30, 2025, with staff directed to provide an update on the Aug. 2 event at the August work session; Councilmember James Murphy seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Councilmember Murphy also moved to approve a permit for Allen Colson of ANRS Food and Beverage LLC to host the All Nashville Roadshow Braselton on Aug. 9, 2025; Councilmember Richard Harper seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

On business and licensing, Councilmember Becky Richardson moved to approve an alcohol license transfer to Daniel Whidby for the Publix Super Markets, Inc. location at 2095 Hwy. 211; Councilmember Tom Logan seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The council also awarded the 2025 Sidewalk and Drainage Repairs Project contract to Prime Built Construction on a motion from Councilmember Richard Harper, seconded by Councilmember James Murphy; the motion passed unanimously.

The council adopted an Election Qualifying Ordinance for the municipal election in November 2025 on a motion from Mayor Ward, and approved zoning classifications (item 25-02-RZ) as recommended by the Planning Director for parcels annexed into the town by the Georgia General Assembly. In the same discussion the council approved an amendment to the Town of Braselton development code (Section 7.7(B)(1)) adding an exception allowing the Planning Director to grant an exception for ground signs constructed of brick or stone if the overall design remains consistent with the regulation’s intent. All motions passed unanimously.

The council approved by motion the transmittal resolution for the draft 2025 Braselton Comprehensive Plan and appointed Amy Bell to the Braselton Downtown Development Authority. All votes recorded in the minutes were unanimous.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of June 9 and June 18, 2025 minutes — motion passed unanimously (mover: Becky Richardson; second: Richard Harper). - Special event permit, Soul and Sip Market (Doughlish Cookies and Sweets Bakery, Teela Caldwell) — approved unanimously (mover: Kurt Ward; second: James Murphy). - Special event permit, All Nashville Roadshow Braselton (ANRS Food and Beverage LLC, Allen Colson) — approved unanimously (mover: James Murphy; second: Richard Harper). - Alcohol license transfer to Daniel Whidby for Publix, 2095 Hwy. 211 — approved unanimously (mover: Becky Richardson; second: Tom Logan). - Contract award: 2025 Sidewalk and Drainage Repairs Project to Prime Built Construction — approved unanimously (mover: Richard Harper; second: James Murphy). - Election Qualifying Ordinance for November 2025 — adopted unanimously (mover: Kurt Ward; second: James Murphy). - Zoning classifications (25-02-RZ) for annexed parcels — approved unanimously (mover: Kurt Ward; second: Becky Richardson). - Development code amendment Section 7.7(B)(1) (ground sign standards with Planning Director exception) — approved unanimously (mover: James Murphy; second: Tom Logan). - Transmittal resolution for the draft 2025 Braselton Comprehensive Plan — approved unanimously (mover: Kurt Ward; second: Richard Harper). - Appointment of Amy Bell to the Braselton Downtown Development Authority — approved unanimously (mover: Becky Richardson; second: Tom Logan).

The meeting proceeded to a brief executive session and returned to take further action (see related article). The council adjourned at 6:13 p.m.