The City of Cornelia City Commission approved a series of infrastructure projects, technology upgrades and grant initiatives during its regular meeting Monday night at Cornelia City Hall.
Mayor and commissioners began the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and an opening prayer before approving the evening’s agenda, which included two additions: a resolution to apply for a 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and an item related to court software.
City Manager’s Report Highlights Ongoing Projects
City Manager Donald Anderson reported on several ongoing city projects and activities.
Cornelia recently planted two October Glory maple trees in the new Front Street parking lot as part of its continued commitment to urban forestry. The effort helped the city maintain its designation as a Tree City USA community for the 36th consecutive year, a recognition based on the city’s landscaping program and annual tree planting efforts.
Anderson also announced that construction on the Ward 1 infrastructure project is expected to begin March 9. Civil Construction Utilities will handle the work, which is projected to take approximately nine months. Residents in the affected area will receive notification before work begins.
City officials are also coordinating with Norfolk Southern regarding plans to relocate the railroad crossing arm near the intersection of Rosa Parks Street and Grant Place. The move is intended to improve safety after the rail spur leading toward the new park was taken out of service. In the meantime, the city has installed a “No Right Turn” sign at the intersection to reduce the risk of vehicles turning in front of oncoming trains.
Public Works crews also completed several projects recently, including:
- Installing power in restroom facilities at the city’s new park
- Installing new playground equipment at Jim Smith Park
- Removing the deteriorating amphitheater structure from City Park
- Applying sealant to the mural on the side of a downtown pharmacy building
Police, Fire and Utility Activity
City departments reported steady activity during the month.
The Cornelia Police Department responded to 795 calls for service, including 360 traffic stops. Officers issued 68 citations, made five DUI arrests and opened eight new criminal investigations.
The Cornelia Fire Department responded to 122 calls and logged 475 hours of training.
Meanwhile, the city’s utilities departments reported significant operational totals. The wastewater plant treated 88.5 million gallons of sewage, while the water plant processed 97.6 million gallons of drinking water during the month.
Public Forum Includes Big Red Apple Centennial Update
During the public comment period, Habersham History president Peter Madruga updated commissioners on plans to celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary of Cornelia’s iconic Big Red Apple monument, which will occur June 4.
Madruga said work continues on a documentary exploring the history of the landmark and how the monument came to be placed in Cornelia.
He also asked for the city’s help spreading the word about a community project inviting residents to share photos and personal memories connected to the Big Red Apple.
City officials indicated they would help distribute information through city communications channels.
Board Appointments Approved
Commissioners filled vacancies on two city boards.
- Audrey Davenport was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.
- Brooke Shedd, owner of Way2Bake, was appointed to the Downtown Development Authority.
Infrastructure and Technology Items Approved
The commission approved several operational and infrastructure-related measures.
Among them was an update to the city’s water and sewer meter fee schedule. City officials said the change simply passes along increased costs from the city’s supplier for large water meters and does not generate profit for the city.
Commissioners also approved a resolution requesting state legislation that would allow the city to add a $10 technology fee to municipal court cases. The fee would help fund equipment and technology used by the court and police department.
CDBG Grant Plans Move Forward
Cornelia will apply for up to $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funding to replace aging water and sewer infrastructure in the Whispering Woods Trailer Park and Garden Gate subdivision areas.
The total estimated project cost is approximately $1.5 million.
Commissioners also selected Carter & Sloope to serve as both the grant administrator and engineering firm for the project.
Road and Sidewalk Improvements Approved
The city awarded a $506,717 contract to Georgia Paving LLC for several resurfacing projects, including improvements to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Rosa Parks Street and Tower Terrace.
The project will also include construction of a new sidewalk along Second Street connecting Elrod Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Public Safety Technology Expansion
Commissioners approved the purchase of four Flock license plate reader cameras to help police monitor traffic entering and exiting the city.
The cameras will be installed near both Highway 365/Business 441 interchanges as well as at locations near City Park and Wilbanks Road.
The first-year cost will be about $14,500, with annual maintenance of about $13,000 thereafter.
Other Business
Additional actions taken by the commission included:
- Approving an updated automatic aid agreement with the City of Baldwin Fire Department
- Approving an emergency $21,881 HVAC replacement at the city’s Community House
- Authorizing a $3,000 budget adjustment for the fire department to purchase training equipment and technology
- Approving new municipal court software from Justice Systems
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
