Walnut Grove city council members voted on three ordinances and approved a sidewalk waiver during a meeting called to order at 6 p.m.; the council also tabled a library trustees matter for a future meeting.

The council adopted an ordinance to regulate rental properties, including short-term rentals, a measure that the staff presentation said reflects state law (Georgia House Bill 399). The ordinance passed on a 2-1 vote, with two council members voting in favor and one opposed. The council also approved a request to waive sidewalk installation at 4744 Guthrie Cemetery Road and unanimously adopted ordinance 2025-04, which enacts a new codified city code and provides digital access to the updated code library. Separately, discussion of two library trustees was tabled after a council member said requested information had not been received.

The short-term rental ordinance was presented as primarily resource-oriented, intended to give property owners and tenants additional avenues for information and assistance and to align the city rule with the recent state law. Council members discussed overlap between the city’s adopted International Property Maintenance Code and the new ordinance and noted the city cannot conflict with state law. Council members voted 2-1 to adopt the ordinance; the names of those recorded as voting were two yes votes and one no (the transcript records “Maxine and Rachel in favor” and “Linda” opposed).

The sidewalk waiver request for 4744 Guthrie Cemetery Road, made on the meeting floor and seconded, passed unanimously. The motion to adopt the new municipal code (ordinance 2025-04) was described as the city’s transition to a hosted code library (CivicPlus / Municode-style service) with searchable digital access and annual update procedures; councilmembers approved that ordinance by voice vote.

On a separate agenda item, two nominees for library trustees were not present. A council member said she had requested additional information before voting and moved to table the appointment; the council voted to table the item.

Votes at a glance
- Short-term rental ordinance (reflecting Georgia House Bill 399): Passed, 2–1. Recorded yes votes: Maxine; Rachel. Recorded no vote: Linda. Motion moved from the floor; mover and seconder not specified in the transcript. Note: staff said the ordinance is aligned with state law and intended to provide resources to owners and tenants.
- Sidewalk installation waiver, 4744 Guthrie Cemetery Road: Passed, unanimous. Motion to approve waiver moved (mover not specified); Rachel seconded.
- Ordinance 2025-04, adoption of new city code: Passed, unanimous. Motion to adopt moved by Margaret Grama; second not specified in the transcript.
- Library trustees (Dominic De Grotto and Donnie Tuber): Tabled pending information; motion to table passed.

The meeting record shows the council handling routine permitting and code-management items while also addressing a constituent request on sidewalks and pausing an appointment vote until supplementary materials are provided. The council adjourned after member reports and public comment.