Minutes

REGULAR MEETING CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NASHVILLE COUNTY OF BERRIEN Monday, April 27, 2026 6:00 P.M. INVOCATION: Rev. Clarence Luke PLEDGE: Mayor Travis Brown WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Travis Brown ROLL CALL: Members of the City Council present included Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Garner and Councilmen John Clayton, Eric Gaither, Derek Joiner, Dustin Rathel, and Rodrick Smith. STAFF PRESENT: Hayden Hancock, Brandon Rice, Amanda Thacker, Lee Goodman, Denise Skinner, Ashley Smith, John Reynolds, Michael Spells, Micah Myers, Fire Chief Clay Davis, City Attorney Tim Tanner. ADOPTION OF FORMAL AGENDA: John Clayton made a motion to approve the agenda as amended to include a public hearing for a special exception for Tarpon Towers LLC and the addition of item #4 – 811 Proclamation. Motion was seconded by Derek Joiner and approved by a vote of 6-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: March 9, 2026 regular meeting – Eric Gaither made a motion to approve the minutes with a second from Dustin Rathel. Motion carried 6-0. PUBLIC HEARING: Special Exception for Tarpon Towers LLC 171 foot unmanned wireless communication tower at 1101 Hwy. 168, Nashville, GA 31639; Map 054-23-005 Rodrick Smith made a motion to enter Public Hearing to discuss the special exception for Tarpon Towers LLC. Amy Garner seconded, motion carrying 6-0. Teresa Willis of Berrien County Code Enforcement explained the request for the tower which will be located adjacent to the Iron Werks Gym if approved. Willis stated the exception had already been approved by the Berrien County Planning Commission. Greg Spence was present to speak on behalf of Tarpon Towers, stating that Verizon Wireless will be the lead tenant on the tower. Spence is employed by Fortified Telecom who is working with Tarpon Towers on this project. Spence stated that the FAA has already approved the tower to a height of 156 feet without having to include lighting. Spence said that 164 feet is needed to achieve the goals of the tenant, but his company is seeking approval to 171 feet by the FAA. City Manager Hayden Hancock added that he had spoken with the Airport Authority, SGMC Health Berrien Campus, and the FAA about this project. The public offered no commentary during the public hearing. Eric Gaither made a motion to exit Public Hearing and return to regular session with a second coming from John Clayton. Motion carried 6-0. At this point, Spence added that the company will proceed with tower construction at whatever height is eventually approved by the FAA. John Clayton made a motion to approve construction of the tower at 171 feet or whatever maximum up to 171 feet is approved by the FAA. Derek Joiner seconded with motion carrying 6-0. NEW BUSINESS: 1- Georgia Cities Week Art Contest Winners: Human Resources Manager Denise Skinner Skinner stated that the theme of this year’s Georgia Cities Week Art Contest was “Love Your City”, adding that students at Berrien Elementary School and Berrien Middle School created postcards, paintings, and drawings of local places and people and that students at Berrien High School designed yard signs, t-shirts, and banners to promote the City. Winners from Berrien Elementary School: (1st) Mesa Lane, (2nd) Aubrey Newom, (3rd) Alyssa Montgomery. Winners from Berrien Middle School – Drawing Contest: (1st) Madelyn Odom, (2nd) Piper Donaldson, (3rd) Paisley Rowan. Winners from Berrien Middle School – Post Card Contest: (1st) Eyan Glover, (2nd) Presley Todd, (3rd) Madison Cain. Winners from Berrien High School: (1st) Kristyn Montgomery, (2nd) Kailyn Hughes, (3rd) Jara Hallback. 2- Waste Water Treatment Plant Blower Replacement: Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director Brandon Rice Rice noted that the item had been discussed in detail at the most recent work session of the Council and that the cost of a new blower for the Waste Water Treatment Plant would be $8,100. The faulty blower has been sent off but no results regarding whether it can be repaired have been received. Dustin Rathel made a motion to approve purchasing the new blower, which was seconded by Rodrick Smith. Motion carried 6-0.  3- Fire Department Gear Purchase: Fire Chief Clay Davis Fire Chief Clay Davis noted that the details of the purchase request had been discussed at the most recent work session meeting of the Council and that the cost of the turnout gear, helmets, etc. would be $16,096.90. Davis added that NFD would be applying for a 50-50 grant through the Georgia Forestry Commission and that at least a portion of the cost would be reimbursed to the City. Derek Joiner made a motion to approve the expenditure from SPLOST funds. Rodrick Smith seconded, with motion carrying 6-0. 4- 811 Proclamation Reading: Mayor Travis Brown Mayor Travis Brown conducted a reading of the 811 Proclamation promoting Safe Digging at all times during the year. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT: Tim Tanner None CITY MANAGER REPORT: Hayden Hancock City Manager Hayden Hancock gave updates on the following: - The city from which Nashville is attempting to purchase a ladder truck for the Nashville Fire Department will be voting on May 7. Hancock expects the vote to be favorable toward Nashville’s acquisition of the truck. - Hancock has spoken with Governor Brian Kemp, Attorney General Chris Carr, and Insurance Commissioner John King about the wildfires in Southeast Georgia and believes that additional resources/funding for fire departments will soon be made available by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Hancock carried some supplies to Brantley County on Friday and attended a meeting in Waycross today in regards to the wildfires. - Nashville Fire Department and other departments in the county have been assisting with the fires in Brantley, Clinch, and Echols counties. Nashville sent a truck and two firefighters on Friday and Saturday to help. - Hancock thanked Denise Skinner for all the efforts put into Georgia Cities Week. - During the spring cleanup week, a total of 17 40-yard dumpsters were filled. Lunch was served at Nashville Fire Department on Thursday as a show of appreciation to the city employees who assisted with the cleanup effort. - Cleanup around the Carter-Clark House property now owned by the Downtown Development Authority began today. The house will be salvageable even after all the neglect it has received in recent years. - Nashville Police Department’s Fishing Rodeo was a great success. Hancock thanked NPD, NFD, business sponsors, and everyone else who helped with putting on the event. - City of Nashville participated in the meal provided for Administrative Professionals on their day, April 22. - GMA District 11 meeting was held today in Waycross and involved discussion of items from the recent session of the Georgia Legislature. - Hancock pointed out progress on the Animal Control building and the Laurel Street property where the Public Works Department will be relocated. Hancock said that at the Laurel Street property some trees will need to be removed before beginning the fencing work. - A meeting on the new City website was held on Friday, and it should roll out this week. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Code Enforcement – Micah Myers gave an update on cleanup of the Cypresswood Apartments pond, stating that he has been in conversation with the owner of the property and that crews will be sent to do the cleanup. Holes around the pond need to be filled in before effective mowing can be done. Myers will also be in attendance at LINC training on Tuesday. Human Resources – Denise Skinner updated everyone about results of Georgia Cities Week activities and completion of payroll. Main Street – Ashley Smith said the VSU intern has been of great assistance in preparing the new City website. Finance – Lee Goodman stated that preliminary work on next fiscal year’s budget is underway. He had met with City Manager Hayden Hancock on Friday, and a schedule of budget meetings would be determined soon. Fire Department – Fire Chief Clay Davis said results of the recent ISO review have been received with the City scoring 67.3 which places Nashville in Class 4. Davis believes Nashville was shortchanged and hopes to be able to successfully appeal to get the 2.7 points needed to reach a score of 70 that would lower Nashville’s ISO rating to Class 3. Davis emphasized the need for a ladder truck for his department. Public Works Department – Brandon Rice gave a report on the spring cleanup week, and reminded the audience that no more discarded items are to be placed by the street for pickup. City Manager Hayden Hancock emphasized that from this point forward it would result in citations since the cleanup week has ended. Gas Department – Michael Spells reported that his department continues to do routine maintenance. He thanked Mayor and Council for the additional reading of the Safe Digging 811 proclamation. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Sue Whidden asked about the Animal Control building and thanked the City for the progress being made. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mayor and Council in general gave their compliments to the events of Georgia Cities Week and the spring cleanup event. Rodrick Smith thanked all City employees for their efforts and dedication and added his appreciation for everyone who participated in the Autism Awareness Walk. Mayor Travis Brown spoke of the progress being made in town including cleanup of the Carter-Clark House property and appreciation for the Nashville Fire Department. ADJOURNMENT: At 6:40 PM, Dustin Rathel made a motion to adjourn with a second from John Clayton. Motion carried 6-0. April 27, 2026 __________________________ Mayor Travis Brown ATTEST: ___________________________ Amanda Thacker, City Clerk