Woodstock City Council Approves Settlement, Wastewater Blower Replacement at February 9, 2026 Meeting

The Woodstock City Council met in regular session on February 9, 2026, at The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main Street, approving a legal settlement, two budget amendments, and three sets of meeting minutes - while also redirecting a set of development applications to a later date. Mayor Pro Tem Colin Ake and Council Member Rob Usher were absent, leaving four members to cast votes throughout the evening.

Following the agenda items Woodstock Community News previewed ahead of the meeting, the council moved through its consent agenda without controversy, approving both budget amendments on a 4-0 vote. The first, MAJBA JE 20562, addressed a shortfall in projected parking revenues tied to program changes made before the city's managed parking zone launched on July 7, 2025 - including a first-hour-free policy, the option to pay in 30-minute increments after that first hour, and a light-handed approach to fines and appeals. Staff noted the shortfall does not reflect a problem with the program, stating that revenues appear to be running higher than the revised budget after the first six months of operation. The second amendment, MAJBA JE 20666, reallocated existing funds from a membrane tank wall coating project to cover the emergency replacement of Aeration Blower No. 4 at the Woodstock Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The most closely watched vote of the night came after the council returned from executive session. Added to the agenda following that closed session, Item 6.1 called for approval of the Robinette/Brown Settlement as proposed to the council in executive session. Council Member David Potts made the motion, Council Member Brian Wolfe seconded it, and the measure passed 3-1, with Council Member Tracy Collins casting the lone dissenting vote. Mayor Pro Tem Colin Ake and Council Member Rob Usher were absent. The minutes do not describe the terms of the settlement.

The executive session itself had been called to discuss litigation, real estate, and personnel matters, consistent with what the agenda had anticipated. The affidavit signed by Mayor Michael Caldwell following the closed session confirmed the session addressed pending or potential litigation and real estate matters under Georgia's Open Meetings Act exemptions.

One item not previewed in advance emerged during City Manager Jeff Moon's staff comments. Community Development Director Melissa Sigmund informed the council that the applicant behind three Cardinal Woods public hearing items - which had appeared before the Planning Commission on February 5, 2026 - had requested to table the applications. Sigmund said the applicant, following public feedback and opposition at the Planning Commission meeting, wanted additional time to work with the community and revise the proposal. She asked whether the council preferred to readvertise the items for the March 23, 2026 council meeting or leave them on the already-advertised February 23 agenda. The council unanimously agreed to readvertise for March 23.

Moon also asked the council how to handle retreat presentations that had been scheduled for a second retreat day on January 31, 2026 - a session that was cancelled due to forecasted inclement weather, as previously reported. The council unanimously agreed to hold those presentations during the March 16, 2026 Work Session.

The council approved minutes from three recent meetings - the January 26, 2026 regular session, the January 30, 2026 joint meeting of the Mayor, Council, and Downtown Development Authority, and the January 30, 2026 Mayor and Council Retreat - each on a 4-0 vote. The DDA is expected to adopt the joint meeting minutes at its March 5, 2026 meeting.

The meeting opened with a series of recognitions, as anticipated. Mayor Caldwell presented the Arbor Day proclamation to City Planner Cameron Dunn. He also recognized Municipal Court Administrator Misty Smith for earning her Level II certification and City Clerk Robyn Adams for earning her State Certified Municipal Clerk designation. Mayor Caldwell and Police Chief Roland Castro together recognized Ron Hughes on his promotion from lieutenant to captain, with Castro performing the pinning ceremony.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Caldwell's son, Oliver Caldwell. Pastor Craig Ormsby of First Baptist Church of Woodstock led the group in prayer. Council Member Brian Wolfe read the evening's announcements.

During public comment, one resident, Martha Jean Schindler, addressed the council. According to the minutes, she spoke about concerns regarding civic events on private property and immigration enforcement. No other members of the public signed up to speak.

Mayor Caldwell used the Mayor and Council Comments portion of the meeting to thank those who attended the State of the City Address, which he had previewed at the January 26 session.

Deputy City Manager Coty Thigpen presented the Emergency Operations Management monthly report for December 2025, covering operations at the Rubes Creek Water Pollution Control Plant and the city's lift stations, as had been anticipated on the agenda.

As previously reported, the February 16, 2026 Work Session of Mayor and Council remains cancelled due to Cherokee County School District Winter Break. The city's free tree seedling giveaway is scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Woodstock City Hall Annex, the William G. Long Senior Center, and the Woodstock Visitor's Center at Dean's Store, while supplies last. A tree will also be planted in honor of City of Woodstock employees celebrating 20 years of service.