Below are my thoughts and notes from the Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Cave Spring City Council work session. Comment below or email me at reedforcavespring@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
Newly Appointed Interim City Manager
Gary Burkhalter has been appointed as the interim city manager. He has indicated a willingness to serve in this capacity until a permanent city manager is hired. Burkhalter has extensive experience in local government and served as the assistant county manager/comptroller for Floyd County prior to his retirement.
Update Sewer Project Phase II
The punch list for the sewer project is 85% complete. Items remaining include reviewing camera footage of the sewer lines and making some repairs in the park. The work is expected to be completed by next week.
GVRA - Cave Spring Center
Gary Teems of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) gave a presentation about the programs offered at the facility. They currently have students pursuing retail and hospitality pathway certifications and they also offer a business enterprise program for the blind. Teems said they are looking for places where the students can gain hands-on experience. For more information, call 884-367-4872.
LMIG Update
Per Chairman Dennis Shoaf, the Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant application has been completed. This grant will fund various street and sidewalk projects.
FEMA Fire Assistance Grant
Chairman Shoaf reported that Assistant Chief Johnny Gomez is moving forward with submitting a FEMA Fire Assistance Grant. These grant funds can be used to provide equipment and training for fire personnel.
Software Update- Edmunds/Harris
Discussions are ongoing regarding the schedule for implementing a new software system.
Website Update (DOJ)
The Department of Justice final rule updating regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires us, as a city with a population of 49,999 or less, to conform with WCAG 2.1 AA standards by April 26, 2027.
The City will be implementing a Website Accessibility Action Plan as part of the effort to ensure all online information or services provided by the city are accessible.
Events Ordinance
At the Feb. 10, 2026, regular council meeting, we will vote on a 90-day moratorium pertaining to events held on city property. The purpose of this moratorium is to allow us time to create and provide the proper notices regarding a proposed event ordinance that is currently under review. The purpose of the proposed ordinance is “to promote the safe and orderly conduct of defined events and public gatherings within the City of Cave Spring, Georgia, to ensure adequate planning for public safety, sanitation, traffic, and parking, and to protect public property and the welfare of residents and visitors.”
City Communication Plan
The purpose of the proposed communication plan is to make sure the City shares information with the public in a timely, accurate and transparent way, while meeting all legal requirements. The plan outlines who is responsible for communications, how information will be shared and what standards will be followed so that residents receive consistent and reliable updates. Interim city manager Gary Burkhalter will be taking over this effort.
City Hall Security
The City has obtained a quote for re-keying the locks at City Hall. The project will improve security and will be paid for with SPLOST funds.
Office Furniture
Some of the chairs at City Hall are in poor condition and need to be replaced. This project would also be funded through SPLOST.
Committee Reports (Updates and Expectations)
City Council has four committees:
- Public Safety Committee - me and Baker Harbin
- Financial Committee - Dennis Shoaf and Joyce Mink
- Water and Sewer Committee - Charles Jackson and Baker Harbin
- Oversight Committee - me and Joyce Mink
Our plan is to begin reporting on the activities of these committees during regular council meetings beginning in March.
Painting of Alabama Street
Once the weather warms up, the curb in front of The Peddler and Stagecoach on Alabama Street will be painted and marked as a no-parking zone.
Policies to Discuss
The following policies need to be reviewed and updated. The oversight committee will be looking at these and begin this process as soon as possible:
- Purchasing
- Travel
- Training
- Keys
- Credit cards
- Telephone/Electronic Devices
- Take-Home Vehicles
- Vehicle Marking
- Personnel Policies
Employee Winter Uniforms
Some of our city employees need warm clothing to work in due to the nature of their jobs. Estimates for cost of this clothing are being obtained.
Employee Health Insurance Increase
The health insurance cost for city employees is increasing by $100 per person per month.
GPS Tracking System
The city has multiple GPS tracking units that are not currently in use. Access to the usage data was obtained today and a decision will be made soon regarding how or if these units will be used going forward.
Flood Control Prevention
Councilwoman Joyce Mink discussed the potential use of aquatic safe herbicide to clear vegetation that might impede water flows and cause flooding near the creek. She is going to do further research and report her findings at a later date.
Executive Session
An executive session was held to discuss property, personnel and city manager applicants.
Comments
Post a Comment