In the minutes: Hamilton September 14, 2026,Council Meeting Minutes, Flock camera (Sep 14)

CITY OF HAMILTON
210 WALTON STREET
P.O. BOX 112
HAMILTON, GEORGIA 31811
MAYOR PATRICK WHEARLEY
September 14, 2026
Public Hearing and Council Agenda Regular Session
7:00 PM
Opening : Mayor Patrick Whearley
• Pledge and Invocation
Approval of the
minutes:
• August 10th 2026
Public Hearing-Rezoning Request:
• Dan Janik with Rooted Oaks LLC of Hamilton and Cornerstone Baptist Church of Ellerslie
o R1 to Commercial
▪ Townhomes
• Required notice and hearing procedures completed:
o Signage, Ads, Letters and first hearing
o First Hearing was August 18th 2026 by Planning and Zoning
o 4-0 to approve (one member was absent)
• Public Comment:
o Opposition
o Support
• Close Public Hearing
Council Discussion
• Consideration and Action on Rezoning Request
Department Reports:
•

Special Guest: Craig Rowan
o Annual American Legion Report
Police Department
Streets/Maintenance Report
Fire Department Report
Water/Sewer Report
City Report

Old Business:
• None
New Business:
• None

FYI/Updates/Housekeeping:
• Friday, September 25th 4:30 PM
o Harris County Physical Therapy Ribbon Cutting
• Thursday, October 8th 5:00 PM
o Harris County Homecoming Parade
• Saturday, October 10th
o Humane Society of Harris County “Second Saturday”
• Thursday, October 22nd 5:00 PM
o Hamilton/Harris County “Truck or Treat”
• Tuesday, October 27th 11-1 PM
o GMA District 8 Fall Meeting
▪ Buena Vista
Council Comments:
• Councilor Wall
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Councilor Farley
Councilor Allen
Mayor Pro Tem Howard
Mayor Patrick Whearley

Attorney Comments:
Adjournment:

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COUNCIL AGENDA & MINUTES |14 SEPTEMBER 2026_FINAL

City of Hamilton
210 Walton Street
Hamilton, Georgia 31811
(706) 628-5321

Mayor Patrick Whearley
September 14, 2026 Council Meeting Minutes
Open session by Mayor Whearley
Pledge led by Mayor Whearley
Invocation by Mayor Pro-Tem Alvin Howard
Members present- Mayor Patrick Whearley, Mayor Pro-Tem, Alvin Howard, Councilor Ransom Farley, & Councilor Nancy
Wall
Members absent- Councilor Greg Allen
Public Hearing- Rezone Request:
• Dan Janik with Rooted Oaks LLC of Hamilton and Cornerstone Baptist Church of Ellerslie
o R1 to Commercial
o Townhomes
• Required notice and hearing procedures completed:
o Signage, Ads, letters and first hearing
o First hearing was August 18, 2026 by planning and zoning
o 4-0/ approved
Hearing Closed
Mayor Pro-Tem Howard made a motion to change the zoning from R1 to commercial. Councilor Farley seconded. Mayor
Whearley, Mayor Pro-Tem, Howard, and Councilor Farley/ In favor. Councilor Wall/ Opposed. Vote 3-1. Approved.
Councilor Wall made a motion to approve the minutes for August 10, 2026. Councilor Farley seconded. All in favor.
Approved.
Craig Rowan presented the annual American Legion Report.
Water/Sewer Report: Ben reported that maintenance on the lift stations is ongoing, including rebuilding and replacing
pumps. Several pumps have been sent out for repair and are still awaiting return. Ben also stated that he believes it may
be time for the City to consider increasing water and sewer rates due to rising operational costs. He reported that three
vendors have already contacted the City regarding increases in their operational costs, with most costs increasing by
approximately 5%.
Streets/Maintenance Report-Terrence reported that City Hall is currently being painted. He also reported an issue with
the ice machine at the Fire Station, which is expected to be resolved within the next couple of days. Terrence stated that
all other maintenance projects and operations are moving forward as planned.
Police report- Chief Weiss reported on the recent passing of Sergeant Chris Fisher of the Warm Springs Police
Department. It was a difficult time for the local law enforcement community. The Hamilton Police Department, along
with several other law enforcement agencies, responded to assist with the case. Chief Weiss stated that on September
8, 2026, he was honored and humbled to participate in the memorial service for Sergeant Fisher in Fayetteville, Georgia.
He noted that Sergeant Fisher leaves behind a wife and two children. Chief Weiss stated that the loss serves as a
reminder of the dangers associated with the law enforcement profession and that the incident was especially difficult
because it hit close to home. Chief Weiss also reminded Council that the Hamilton Police Department utilizes Flock
cameras as a tool to assist with law enforcement operations and investigations. He stated that the department follows a
strict policy regarding the use of the system. The Flock camera system has become a valuable tool for the department
and has assisted in resolving several investigations quickly. He further stated that the department has established
reprimands for any deviations from the established policy.
City Report-City Manager Rhett Wade reported that the City's Second Saturday events have been very successful and
well attended. He stated that the events are expected to continue.
Mr. Wade also reported that the City is currently addressing another road giveaway matter and is working through the
process. He further announced that the City's Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The
Humane Society will also participate in the event, along with vendors.
Old Business: None
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COUNCIL AGENDA & MINUTES |14 SEPTEMBER 2026_FINAL

New Business: None
Attorney Comments- City Attorney Danley stated that the firm will not be pursuing a renewal of its contract with the
City for 2027. She advised that the December 2026 Council meeting will be her final meeting with the City. Attorney
Danley reported that she has been speaking with references regarding potential candidates for a new City Attorney. She
stated that she has enjoyed working with the City and is saddened to conclude her service. Attorney Danley also
expressed her desire to complete the revision of the City's zoning ordinances prior to her departure. She requested
directions from Council regarding how they would like to proceed with the zoning ordinance revisions.
Adjournment:
Councilor Wall made the motion to adjourn. Councilor Farley seconded. All in favor. Approved.
Adjourned

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COUNCIL AGENDA & MINUTES |14 SEPTEMBER 2026_FINAL