City Council - Regular Meeting

You know, I saw um where was I reading about it?

Or either it was on the news where they were talking about it and they showed a convenience store and Good afternoon, good evening. I'll call the December mayor and council meeting to order. If we'll all stand and we'll have our pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay. If remain standing, we'll have our invocation. And tonight before we have our invocation, I want to ask everybody to be in prayer for um one of our police officers, Detective Brandon Wilson. His son was taken to the hospital um yesterday and he doesn't have any chance. So Oh, we did. Oh, okay. I'm sorry. I have not been briefed, but he passed away last night. So he was a very young man, 18 years old. So just keep that family in your prayers and also officer Kush um who has not progressed like at some point in time we had hoped he would. So you know the holidays coming up that's going to be real hard for that family too. And I know there are others but you know these are part of our city hall family. So just ask that you keep those people in your prayers. So let us pray. Dear Lord, we thank you for the many blessings that you've given to us. And Lord, we thank you for the opportunity that we have to come together to work out the city's business. And Lord, thank you for all the blessings that you have given to us in this city. And Lord, we just lift up the Wilson family and the Kur family right now because we know that you have all power. And Lord, we just ask that you keep your loving arms around these families, especially during the holiday season. Lord, we thank you for those that have given their life every day for our safety in our country. And Lord, we ask that you would remind us that it was because of you and your son that was born during this Christmas season that we're here today. And Lord, thank you again for all your blessings that you have given to us. In Jesus name we pray.

Amen. Amen.

That's okay. Okay. At this time, we'll have citizens comments. Um, and each person has a threeinut limitation. And who's are you? Okay, Mr. Brooks will keep the time for us. So, we have Haley Henrikson. Okay. Hello, council members. Grateful for you all. Uh, and uh, our city manager who I'm so sorry and I apologize to you because my letter did not go to

right here. Oh, they Why is that saying I I got it. City attorney. [laughter] I I just supposed to go to a an eye exam two weeks ago and I didn't go. Haley, pull that mic down and state your name and address. Can you hear me now? Yes. Good. Um, I did want to hand out Sorry. Could you state your na full name and address, please, for our record? Yes. Howie Henrikson. Address is 105 Sycamore Drive in Carlton 30117. Uhhuh. And um, can I give out these letters?

Yes. Miss Connorly will give them out to you. And How about I'll read it first. Okay. Okay. [clears throat] Um I know all of you all got uh a letter that I sent last week. It was kind of short notice. Um unfortunately I did not hear from a single person um except for one county commissioner who acknowledged the receipt of the letter. So that was unfortunate. Did you not get my email? Nope. Okay. I sent you an email. Well, thank you. I'll have to check again. On behalf of all of us, I sent you an email. Okay. Well, that's good. I'll check it. I I beg your pardon then. Okay.

Um anyway, the letter reads, "Concerns for many aspects of the Creek Side project. This is the project that set uh runs off [clears throat] of Strippling Chapel Road near near 27 have been voiced from the surrounding communities to both the city council and [clears throat] the county commissioners. It would appear that the city and the county are not synchronized on these concerns. The project falls within city limits. The access for the residents of the project empties onto Strippling Chapel Road, a county road. Thus, issues should be addressed in concert between the city and the county. We were told by the county that until a traffic study was made, no further work on the entrance exit was to take place. In spite of that, they have since put in curbing at what appears to be the main entrance and exit, as well as making an exit entrance with curbing at the end of Ogal Tree Road. Ogal Tree Road is a small rough county road that connects Strippling Chapel Road. [clears throat] There will be issues on Strippling Chapel east and west of Highway 27, particularly during drop off and pickup times at the elementary school. Attached is a schematic drawing of the current a access points. There has been some discussion with the city about other access road needing to be put in to empty out onto Highway 27. A viable solution is reflected on the attached drawing. Lastly, in addition to access in and out of the development, there currently is no barrier between the Carolton Reserve or the Ogulthorp community and the Creek Side development. We have understood from some city council members that this will be a requirement of the developer. Carolton Reserve was annexed into the city and our property taxes reflect

this. If not properly addressed by a deep barrier of greenery and fencing, our property values will be affected which eventually should be reflected in lower property taxes. This will be a long-term project. It is our hope that both the city council [snorts] and the county commissioners working in concert will be diligent as the project proceeds in assuring the safety of traffic flow and the privacy of existing neighborhoods on the parameters of the development. We look forward to staying informed regarding these particular matters and appreciate your attention to them. Um, I know I probably hit the three minute mark, but you got 13 seconds.

Um, well, anyway, it's unfortunate. I know all of you have expressed also your concern, the fact that this property was zoned 20 years ago. Uh nevertheless, it would seem that if 20 years goes by that some other considerations would be given to put in some review of what was going to be developed, whether or not it would still be the development that not was approved and the density, but at least some of of the other factors that now affect other neighborhoods that really were not developed at that time. So appreciate your considering it and and I know it that that all of you are

working together.

Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Uh the next item on our agenda are the meeting minutes from November meetings. Do I have a motion to adopt these minutes? So move. Do I have a second? Go ahead. Have a motion and a second to adopt the November 2025 meeting minutes. All in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? Same sign. Hearing none. Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is our mayor and council announcements and comments. And we'll start with Council Member Gibbs down on the far end.

Good evening. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I just I know Mayor um Kasein brought it up last meeting, but I wanted to reiterate again how much I appreciate all the work that's going on on the square. I walk my dog in the morning at about 5:45 and our workers are out there cleaning the square and then I've had the pleasure of watching them decorate all week while I've been working. So, I hope everyone will will enjoy the festivities that we have coming up, the parade and everything because it looks beautiful downtown.

Yes. I'll um reiterate about the Christmas parade. If you're not aware, it'll be um this coming Saturday, I think around 5:30, something like that. And there'll be all kind of activities at the AMP. Uh there's a tuba concert I think at 2 o'clock and then the SEC championship will be shown on the big screen starting around 4. But there's just a lot going on in the city and I hope people will take advantage of that. Thank you for being here [laughter]

at SEC Championship. Now that's a football game. [laughter] Yes, Bob. That's a football game. And who's playing? Well, the University of Georgia and some school over in Alabama.

Oh, should be entertaining. Um, hey, thanks to our uh youth council for being with us tonight. Great to have you here. Um, I'd like to say thank you to the Times Georgian for the uh magazine they put out called uh young innovative professionals where they list uh 40 I think it was uh outstanding young people that uh had been overachievers and two of those were city employees. Courtney Eubanks that works in our human resources department and Patrick Darby in our fire department. So, congratulations to them for being recognized. And if you haven't ice skated before, here's your opportunity. We've got an ice skating rink that is open in Carolton right now and they've got ice skates and everything you need to do. There's probably an ambulance on board so when you fall and break your No, not really. You won't get hurt, I'm sure. But, um, try ice skating if you haven't tried it before. It is fun. I have done it. And uh thanks for everybody for being here tonight.

Okay, Councilman Bridges.

Good evening. [clears throat] I just want to say this is the best miring council on this side of the South. This is my last city council meeting, but definitely not the last of me. I have a service heart. I don't need this seat to serve. And it just been an amazing 5 and 1/2 years with these wonderful, wonderful mayor and counselor and the city manager and all the other ones that I had the opportunity to serve with. So, it just been amazing. I feel great and just looking forward to the next level and thank you all. And also, I want to thank the Americans for these beautiful flowers. When I came in, I'm like, whoa, they can't even see me. [laughter] and uh they are beautiful and uh I just thank y'all. But I but [clears throat] I ain't gone too far though. But I just want to say thank you all and I enjoyed servicing the community.

Thank you, Jack. [applause]

Well, it sounds like everybody's about covered everything, but I do want to say I appreciate the job that our employees do. And I know you hear us say this a lot, but I the all the Christmas decorations and things downtown. Um it just makes it feel like a Hallmark movie almost. [clears throat] So, and this weekend it'll be even better because you'll have so much activity going around. And something about I remember my granddaughter saying something about she was real concerned about Councilman Leadb better the last time we were all at that amp at the football game because she was afraid he was going to have a heart attack. [laughter]

So it's a great opportunity. It's a great opportunity you just come out and spend time with each other and doesn't matter which side you're for so we can all cheer on our teams. But um it has been it's hard to believe this is our last meeting of this year. It's been a great year. We've accomplished a lot. A lot's been done. And I just want to thank everybody for all their contributions to what we have accomplished because it's not just us, it's you and it's our employees. And these are the people who help us make the city what it is. So again, thank you all and I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. So at this time, our city manager can have his comments. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh, everybody's covered about everything that we have going on and all the good things going on in the city except for the Merry Market, which will be at the ice skating rink. It's our Christmas market. It'll be out at the ice rink this Saturday morning. I think it starts at 9 or 10. I'm not sure exactly the time, but it's on our website, but that it's a it's a great time. There will be a lot of local vendors out there. Um, so it's a lot of folks, and I think we've sold we sold over 500 tickets to the ice rink just last week with we opened up a week early this year because, uh, we wanted to give the kids that were out on a Thanksgiving break from the schools an opportunity to get a jump start on their ice skating. So, uh, it was it was packed and we even closed one day, the day that we had the thunderstorms all day long. So, it's been a hit. We got the mark Christmas market out there on Saturday along with all the other uh festivities that are going on downtown culminating with the uh with the Christmas parade that evening. So, again, hope everybody gets out and enjoys the Christmas festivities.

Thank you, David. Okay, at this time, do I have a motion to approve the items on the agenda for consideration? So, move. Have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. Have a motion and second. [clears throat] All those in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? Same sign. Hearing none. Motion carries. Our first item on the agenda uh is resoning request at 223 Tuggle Street. And before we start, I want to read something to y'all about resoning request. Um, at this time we're going to hear resoning requests. And many of you may not have previously attended a public hearing on a zoning request. So, I want to quickly review what the procedures are. No person in attendance shall speak unless formally recognized. Upon rising to speak, each person recognized shall state their name and home address. Speakers must not employ tactics of intimidation, profanity, or threats of violence in their comments. All comment shall be directed to the mayor and council, not to the petitioner or those in opposition. In accordance with Georgia law, each side, not each individual, is allowed a total of 10 minutes of public input. This means that all of those speaking in favor of the request have a total of 10 minutes and all those speaking in opposition of the request have a total of 10 minutes. Time devoted to the questions and answers that the elected officials may ask should not be counted against any time limitations. Since we do have limited time, please try to avoid restating what another may have already stated. The application the applicant shall be allowed to speak first in order to present the application. Others may then speak indicating first their support for or opposition to the application. The applicant will then be allowed time for rebuttal. Rebuttal must be limited to points or issues raised by opponents in the application at the hearing. Okay. So, Miss Connelly, we will let you go over that now.

Uh, yes, ma'am. Uh, the first reasonzoning item on your agenda tonight is a reasonzoning request at 223 Tugle Street. And the request is to reszone a piece of property from R15, which is single family residential, to R10, which is also single family residential. The purpose of the request is to subdivide a lot into four building lots for single family residences. Um the planning commission did review this request during their November meeting and they did recommend denial of the request uh at a vote of 4 to one. Uh just a couple of things to note about this request. Even with the denial at the R15 zoning, uh it still would allow for a subdivision of that lot for three lots. Uh, so the purpose of this request is really to gain that fourth that fourth lot. I do believe the applicants here if you have any questions.

Okay. All right. Would you like to address um the mayor and council? Did you leave? I think I misspoke. I actually don't see them. Um, okay. All right. Okay. Is there anyone here in opposition? All right. Okay. If you want to come to the podium, please. Mayor Council,

thank you for this opportunity. I'm Jeff Ballard. I live at 639 Long View Street. Um, we continue to try to diminish the neighborhood of Long View. Um, if you I'll do my best to state only the facts. Every piece of property around this piece of property is all R15 or larger. uh just doesn't make any sense to reszone it to a smaller lot. We sat at the zoning meeting and listened to uh the petitioner to divide this into R10 presented absolutely no plan whatsoever. A hypothetical out of the air. Uh this is what we want to do. We're going to X Y and Z. Uh question came up about the amount of trees that are on the lot. If you've driven by there, it's full of trees. His comment was, "We're going to cut as few trees as possible. It would be physically impossible to to to build four homes on this acre, 1.144 acres of land, and not remove if not all most of the trees. Um, with that being said, then then there becomes a safety issue of that neighborhood. Uh if you've been in that neighborhood at all um during school times uh it is a racetrack from Maple Street to Carolton High. It's a racetrack from Haze Mill to South Boulevard, I think it is. Um they completely ignore stop signs. Um many many times I've seen cars literally racing side by side through the four-way stops. We have made calls to this police department to try to get someone there to take a look and slow down the traffic. We we like I said, we live right on the corner and just going to the mailbox sometimes can be a little

bit dangerous. Um so I ask you under all the considerations we're going to I know we can divide you into R15. uh don't really like that at all because it's going to diminish the neighborhood from what it is to something that's less than what we'd like to see. Um, but to take it to even further to an R10, uh, to have four homes without any plan whatsoever to to to present to anyone so far that I know of, uh, how that's going to be accomplished, the the u the gradework is going to have to be extremely expensive because that lot is is very low. Um, with that being said, there's others, I'm sure, that want to address it as well, but I just ask you to consider, look at the facts. Everything around it is R15 or R20. Doesn't make any sense to go to R10, and it further doesn't make any sense to destroy a neighborhood that was established 75 years ago and continue. What's the purpose of it? Add more taxes? Well, let's figure out a way to work within our budget. Um, is it to to add more homes to the neighborhood? We don't need them. Um, and certainly the additional access to Long View Street. And whether he uses the one access on Tugle or not, that's that's just additional opportunities for people to be injured. and and trust me during the summertime it is a constant throughway of runners and walkers people in pushing baby carriages and all people just having a good time we certainly hope that you'll not consider this to be reszone to R10 and I'll pass thank you very much for your time

thank you Mr. Ballard okay anyone else like to address the council Curtis 5631 Long View Street house been there 125 years since 1947. These lots that you're considering have been a side yard to a house 77 years. The house that has been there as a church and a family a single family residence. the house is currently compatible with uh architectural uh standards in the area and that uh we would ask that in this consideration that a sound noise and light buffer be put up between the lights and the park. Not like the one that was put up up at the liquor store that was gone in less than 6 months down to the ground, but Leilen Cyprus or something that can be maintained. asked that you'd make this consideration that you would not change the dynamic of Long View Street and its over century existence. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else? Yes, ma'am. [clears throat]

Thank you for allowing me to speak. My name is Cinda Skelton. I live at 109 Amy Lane, which is kind of across the street across from the park. Um, I have quite a few concerns. Um, I'm respectfully, um, expressing my opposition to the proposed development. Um, while I understand the need for thoughtful and responsible growth within our community, this particular project raises several con significant concerns regarding safety. As Mr. Ballard said uh environmental impact, community character and the long-term well-being of the surrounding neighborhood. Um first thing is traffic and the safety requests that he um safety risk that he has already mentioned. Uh the second thing is the negative impact on the park and the green space. The public park is one of the most valued community amenities in this area and building houses directly beside it threatens the natural buffer that currently separates the residential ef areas from recreational spaces. This buffer provides environmental benefits such as reducing noise, protecting wildlife corridors, and preserving the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by park users. Um, in that same vein, those of us who live there, I know my I am from this I am from Carol County, but we my husband and I were gone for 34 years and we moved back about eight years ago. And having lived in Tokyo, having lived in Atlanta, having lived in big cities, and one of the reasons we wanted to come back was because of the small town feel. Um, and it just we chose our home. Location, location, location. We're three houses up from the green belt. We're close to a park. We're close to

downtown. Um, we can take our golf cart anywhere we want to go. Um, and I just I worry that we're we could be limiting future opportunities for community enhancements by putting four houses on that property. It's also a strain on the local in infrastructure. The surrounding roads and drainage systems and public services were not originally planned to support higher density development on such a small parcel. Add multiple homes on 1.44 acres or 144 acres could create runoff issues, impact storm water management, and place additional demands on public utilities. Without proper infrastructure upgrades, the development could lead to long-term maintenance challenges for both the city and nearby residents. Number four, incompatibility with neighborhood characteristics. The proposed density of four houses on a relatively small lot is inconsistent, as they have said, with existing development patterns in the immediate area. Uh approving a project of this density could set a precedent for future uh high density developments that would gradually alter the character of our community. The loss of community value and the quality of life. Residents choose this area because of its open field, its access to nature and proximity to the park. If the buffer around the park continues to shrink, both the quality of life for residents and the desiraability of the neighborhood could decline. Preserving the green areas around public recreational spaces supports mental well-being, community gatherings, and outdoor activities. Benefits that cannot be easily replaced once green spaces is developed. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the council consider reconsider approval of this development and explore alternative options that would better preserve the safety, character, and environmental integrity of Long View Street and the surrounding community. Thoughtful planning today ensures that Carolton

remains a place where I grew up and where families can thrive for generations. And I thank you for your time. Thank you, sis. Okay. Anyone [clears throat] else have a comment in opposition?

Excuse me. Got one minute. Yes, sir. My name is Lynn Shepard. I live at 116 Carter Avenue. Um, I want to reiterate everything they've said, but I challenge each of you to go to the intersection at any time and consider how many cars are going to be backing into that main intersection. It's already a raceway with six cars already now allowed. It would possibly allow eight more on top of that. And I I walk that park every day and it's already scary to cross from Beaver to Long View because of the raceway that's already there. So adding that many more houses is going to be a major issue and a safety concern for all of us in that area. Thank you for your consideration.

Thank you, Lynn. Okay. Is anyone else in favor here to speak? All right. Okay. Madame Mayor, before you guys vote, I just want to reiterate that the question is the fourth house. The by right through no uh determination of this board, they can build three houses on that uh parcel.

Yeah, that's we don't have any say about three houses, but we will have about four houses. So, at this time, is there a motion to either approve or deny the resoning request at 223 Togle Street? Madame Mayor, I'd like to make a motion that we deny the reasonzoning request. Okay. Do I have a second? Have a second. Is there any further questions or discussions? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I.

Any oppose? Same sign. Hearing none. Motion carries. Request is denied. Okay. The next item on our agenda is annexation and reszoning request. And the guidelines that I read to you is still in force. Uh and this is a zoning request and annexation on Highway 27 North. Miss Connley.

Yes, ma'am. Uh the property the subject tract is at 1379 and 1395 highway 27 north. It's a 1.85 acre tract currently zoned commercial in the county. Uh the property or the request is to re uh annex and reszone the property to C2 which is general commercial in order to develop the site with a convenience store with gasoline and a retail and restaurant component. Uh the applicant did provide a concept of their proposed development plan with this request. Uh the planning commission reviewed this at their November planning commission meeting. Um and the following uh conditions were recommended uh as part of their recommendation for approval. Number one, a special use permit shall be granted to allow for the project to be developed as proposed with a convenience store with gasoline pumps. As you recall, these require that special use permit. Number two, flock cameras shall be installed at the site at the developer's expense, and the developer or owner shall provide camera access to the city of Carolton Police Department. Number three, the applicant shall install a 20ft planted buffer with a fence along the rear property lines. Number four, down lighting that does not trespass onto adjacent property shall be utilized. And then number five, this concerns the proposed convenience store gas station use. The hours of operation for the convenience store um or gas station shall be limited to 5 from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. daily. Uh that motion from the planning commission pass 5 to zero. And I do believe the applicant is [laughter] correctly.

Okay. All right. Would you like to speak? Mr. Harmon's going to speak for you. Okay.

Good evening. Rhett Harmon. I reside at 198 Bohannan Road here in Carolton, Georgia. Um, want to uh start off. I don't know if we got a chance to mention that uh well, let me kind of let you know how we got here. So, um this is Mike uh Lan Lock and Wala. I always say it backwards. Uh Mike is the uh the applicant, but he's actually uh the uh the basically the project manager, built the suit. He handles all that stuff, engineer everything. His firm does. Riani right here. You guys may have know him from uh uh he actually owned the queue of the city a few years ago. Uh has uh operated many stores in the West Georgia area. Uh most recently the Shell station there on Highway 27 that served the really good biscuits. This properties across the street from that and that's what we're trying to bring back those great biscuits. Uh we we've been friends for over 20 years and uh coincidentally actually was the first uh uh person to give my my business uh credit of having a a $500 a month gasoline uh credit for we can use to when we're riding around doing property management stuff. So I appreciate that to share that one little little fact there. But uh basically what we're looking at doing this is a total of 1.85 acres right now. Uh there's an an additional acre plus that's going to be coming up as part of next month. Uh it's the last house. So if you kind of look at the way this property uh lays, you've got the subway on Highway 27. There were two old houses. Um then there was the old archery shop. Then there was one little house and there's Duffy Realy. Okay. So that's kind of the the where this property goes. The the last uh house um was a piece of a house is still there. Uh that one will come up for next month. We hadn't acquired that property at that point in time. Riaz hadn't. So uh all that together um is very interesting. It's this has been a a project that's been in the works um since uh 2013. 2013. Yep. Uh on the first property and then even acquiring the other two properties connect to subway that that didn't happen until uh less than a year.

It took a while to actually get those together to make this come together. So that one important thing we need to kind of mention kind of like the the one previous they had the option to do the three houses. This one it has the option to go ahead and do a gas station convenience store. it would just be in the in the county versus the city. That's one thing I want to make make that uh that point here. So, uh by having this in the city, an annexation really benefits everyone and benefits the community in in many ways. So, uh by going into the city and having uh you know, sewer access versus a sepic system, uh you have the ability to have two other uh buildings that you can see on the diagram. Uh a total of 17,000 square ft. Uh only 35% of this project is the uh convenience store with the the deli that serves the Great Biscuits, which he's going to continue to own or operate. Uh I'm involved because I will help lease the other two uh properties out uh to uh to long-term tenants. And uh they're designed to have uh uh escape lanes around them on the very outside of it, as well as drive-thru lanes uh for everything. So when CarolMC uh linemen like to come in there to get their biscuits in the morning, they'll be able to pull around the building in the back with those big trucks be out of the way. Uh same thing with deliveries come through. Uh that kind of uh uh nature. That's one thing I wanted to mention. Everything on here is definitely agreeable with the exception of of item number three. It could uh possibly work, but uh that that planted buffer with the with the fence would definitely agree with doing a fence. definitely agree with having some trees and that kind of thing, but that escape lane uh there really makes a lot of sense to being able to have additional space that's not built on, but just to be able to to ingress egress around the property. Uh, another thing that's interesting about the the location of this is that uh it's it's going to be built at at basically Highway 27 level. Uh whereas the properties that are behind that, the neighboring properties are up a hill. So if you kind of look at the the topography from highway 27 uh is right

at 1,000 ft and it goes up to almost,040 ft, 20 to,040 at 113. It goes up almost that much. Uh so 20 to 35 foot elevation total. I'm not the the engineer Mike is, but uh just sharing that. So, uh, he's got some things he's going to talk about, the phototric plan and things like that that will be a great buffer, uh, to keep any kind of light shining for the neighbors, uh, surrounding.

Uh, good evening everyone, respected mayor, council members. Uh, my name is Mike Loenala. I'm with A1 Construction Group, uh, a design bill firm out of, uh, Northcross, Georgia. I've been retained and hired by Mr. Bjani for the project um, um, on Highway 27. um most of the items right mentioned and we have the extra parcel that is going to be in the next hearing with a total of 2.8 acres. Um this project is going to have over 17,000 square ft of retail space broken down into three separate buildings. Um um the first component is a 4,000 ft² building for a retail restaurant with a drive-thru escape lane. The spatial planning was considered based on um u setting it up for national tenants which is pretty much the staple of the work that our firm does. Um and we we we do a pretty thorough job up front when uh looking at these projects. The second building is roughly about 5,000 square ft which is for the convenience store and a deli um for the famous biscuits which have been u served out of uh for over two decades. um with with Majani's operations and so he wants to continue that uh maybe enhance it, brand it a little bit more um you know with with a lot of developments that are coming there. Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, there's a new Taco Bell there. So, sort of um even though it may be considered mom and pop, but the idea is to enhance it and include the community as far as making this a true convenience store um versus a lot of the other stuff that goes on. The last building that is being proposed uh on the 1421 lot uh is going to be a roughly 7,000 square ft² retail building. Um there is already interest from a few national tenants. Um for that building space um we have uh prepared um with Mr. Bjani's approval. Uh civil

plans for this project have already been completed as well. Uh we're we're hoping and waiting um um after this meeting uh that we will get a chance to submit it for plan review uh with the city of Carolton. Um I think that's it about if you have any questions I'm here. Well, could you please state your address for our record? You my address? Yes, you left it off. Thank you. 4405 International Boulevard, Norcross, Georgia, 300093. Okay. Anyone else to speak in favor of this project? If not, is there anyone to speak in opposition of this project?

Uh, I'm Jacob Slatterie, uh, 169 Laurel Creek Court. Um I wasn't actually uh planning to speak today uh but something caught my eye on this which is the installation of the flock cameras. Um I'm a computer scientist. I operate in spaces of AI development and cyber security. I would definitely encourage people to be very wary of installing these. There's been cases up in Washington where they've already gone to court and they declared that any of the information with flock is actually public record um which has opened up citizens to stalking and privacy violations. So if it's possible to not add PL cameras to any new installations, I would be in favor of that. I would encourage all of you to look into some of the criticisms that are being given to those devices. Um, that's all I have to say. Thank you for me out.

All right. Thank you. [clears throat] All right. Any other comments? Okay. hearing. None. Does Well, I think we might need to uh discuss he's asking for item number three to be uh changed there. And I understand that because of the the other lane. There's a drive-through lane and an escape lane that that Mike uh designed. Yeah,

he's the engineer here as well. He can explain a little better. And also the the phototric plan too kind of helps with that. It's designed to make sure all the lights are not shining up towards anyone. They're mostly on the canopy facing down. I'm basically understand it. He's the expert. [laughter] Yeah. My name is Nick Griffith. I'm with Earth Design Engineering at 844 180th Avenue East, Readington Shores, Florida. And as far as the escape lane goes, what you know, basically that buffer would limit this the width of that lane. So it would really be a just able to pass one vehicle. Whereas now the way it's laid out, we'd be able to have someone at the drive-thru and then also they could go around the building. So that's that's the purpose of that.

Okay. Yeah. I mean, I I feel like that, you know, that would typically be something we would put in a reasonzoning request, but in this case, due to the elevation changes and the fact that they're it's going to provide them with an escape lane. Erica, I'd ask you if you see a problem with limiting that to a smaller buffer. Yeah. So, there's going to be a fence.

I think that um in our ordinance right now, they would have to do if they were going to do a fence, they would have to do a 10-ft buffer anyway, uh landscape buffer. Uh and that was actually staff was content with that. Um but that got added at the planning commission meeting. So, but we were content with the 10-ft buffer in the fence if you guys want to reduce it. Yeah. So, a 10- foot buffer would work and still be able to have the escape lane. Yes. Okay. All right. [clears throat]

Well, other than that, I'd like to make a motion to approve the annexation and resoning request at item two with the five conditions uh that the staff recommended with the exception of changing the 20ft buffer to a 10-ft buffer. and that all entrances and exits common measures shall be approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation. Okay, you've heard the motion. Do I have a second? Second.

Have a motion and a second. Is there any further discussion? The only discussion I have is I am so thankful that this hopefully this motion is about to pass because that old archery building has [laughter] been an eyes sore for ever and it's coming into our beautiful city and so I commend y'all for getting that. All right, so with that set aside, is there any other discussion? [laughter] All those in Not now. Okay, now that I've said that. Okay. All right. All those in favor say I. I.

Any oppose? Same sign. Hearing none. Motion carries. Congratulations. And like I said, we're very excited because we've we've had lots of discussions about the old archery building and and just to uh ratify the part about the biscuits is that when [laughter] we were talking about it, our city manager evidently has had the pleasure of having those biscuits and he hasn't fed them to us yet, but he said, you know, the place that has the really, really good biscuits. So, I've too so I can verify that they're really good biscuits. So, your biscuits are an icon. Thank you all.

Okay, the next item on our agenda is the 20 26 mayor and council meeting schedule. So, um, Miss Beaver, do you want to discuss any of this? I mean, it's pretty straightforward with the two exceptions of the meetings that the only exceptions would be the April meeting and that's due to screen uh spring break and then July 4th and then Labor Day. Those are the only ones that are not on the um first Monday.

Yes, ma'am. And and then work [clears throat] session wise, we uh we do [snorts] have the one Wednesday work session which will be coincide with our annual uh budget retreat. And then the December work session is pushed up a week um due to the Christmas festivities and activities that go on during the month of December. Okay. All right. And you can look at these dates on our website, too. And they're [clears throat] all colorcoded thanks to Miss Beaver. [laughter] All right. Do I have a motion to approve the 2026 mayor and council meeting schedule? Move. Have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. Have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I.

Any oppose? Same sign. Hearing none. Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is board appointment for the planning commission. Mr. Brooks. Thank you.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. it uh uh community [clears throat] development director uh Connorly has submitted the uh four names for uh appointment. We have four vacancies. Um she's recommended that we reappoint Rodney Smith. Um we would also like to recommend Jason Preston, Mari Liowitz, and Justin Jones. Uh Jason Preston's local business owner, downtown resident. Um my li Liitz is retired. He's been on the uh variance uh committee uh done a really good job serving there. Would like to enjoy would like to join the planning and zoning. Justin Jones is lifelong Carolton resident and uh it's a city school administrator administrator assistant principal actually at Carolton High School. So um we'd like to ask that you guys vote those folks into a planning and zoning commission.

Okay. Are there any other nominations? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. Oh, I'm sorry. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Do I have a motion to appoint these people? I'm sorry. To the planning commission. Got a motion to have a second. Second. Have a motion and second. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Same sign. Hearing none. Motion carries. Next item on the agenda is board appointment for downtown Advisory Board.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh, April Saunders, our marketing communication director, has uh she has three vacancies coming up. They uh Tony Trip with Trit Realy, Mallerie Evans with Brown Dog, Carla Cosper at Atlanta West Jewelry. Their term expires November the 30th. Um, they have all been really good members of that committee uh showing up, a lot of input. They're uh very [snorts] vibrant, are very active in our downtown. uh they would recommend that we reappoint uh Tony Trip, Mallerie Evans, and Carla Cosper for another three-year term. Okay. Do I have a motion to reappoint these members to the board? Have a motion. Do I have a second? Second.

Have a motion and second. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Same sign. Hearing none. Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is the board appointment for the recreation commission. Mr. Brooks.

Yes, ma'am. As we discussed in our work session, we have three vacancies there as well. Miss Andrich, [snorts] Mr. Eric Simmons, and Mr. Greg Walrip. Um, Miss Vicky Andrich and Mr. Eric Simmons have fulfilled their two terms. Um, Greg Waldrip is finishing his first term. Uh, parks and rec director John Lane would like to request that we reappoint Greg Waldrip to do his second term and then appoint Dr. Ryan McKinnon. Uh, he's an educator, an assistant principal at Car Elementary School. He has uh k children in our rate department, has coached in our rate department, very active in the rate department. And then uh Mr. Marcus Ree, I'm lifelong car Carolton resident. He grew up in our rate department and and continues to be active in our rate department coaching and volunteering. So he would uh respectfully request that you reappoint Mr. Waldrup and then appoint Dr. Ryan McKinnon and Mr. Marcus Reese to the uh parks and rec committee.

Okay. Do I have a motion to make these appointments? So move. I have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. All those in favor say I. I. Motion carries. Okay. The next board appointment is for the payroll development authority.

Yes ma'am. [clears throat] As we discussed in our work session, we have uh members uh Tim Warren, Michelle Morgan, and Dr. Mark Albertus. Their term has expired. Dr. Albertus was uh has been uh a member for just a few months. He he uh took over for Nick Martin and Michelle Morgan, our county commissioner, and Tim Warren, who has been a very very good uh member of that authority for quite some time. Um he serves as the chair right now. So, we would uh ask that you reappoint all three, Mr. Tim Warren, Michelle Morgan, and Dr. Mark Albertus to serve another term, another three-year term on the uh payroll development authority. Do I have a motion to make these appointments? So move. Do I have a second?

Second. All those in favor say I. I.

Any opposed? Same sign. Hearing none. Motion carries. Um before we have our motion to go into executive session to discuss litigation, um Councilman Bridges, would you come up here, please? as she's previously stated, this will be her last official meeting with the city council. And um Jacqueline has accomplished a lot in her five and a half years, not only just in betterment of the city, but in participation uh with other state and local and county um organizations that all work together with our municipal government to improve and get ideas. and um she has obtained several certifications and um we're just very proud of her. And so this says in appreci appreciation to Jacqueline Elaine Bridges Council Member Ward 1 2020 to 20 2025 for your five and a half years of service, dedication, and commitment to the city of Carolton. Thank you for your leadership. December 1st, 2025. Thank y'all. [applause]

Okay. Um, for those of you who would like, you can stay. we will go into executive session to um discuss some litigation and then if the need be we'll come back out and um conduct any further business if we need to. So at this time do I have a motion to go into executive session? So move. Do I have a second? Second. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose? Same sign. Hearing none. Motion carries.

All right. Do I have a motion to um adopt the decision made in executive session? So move. Do I have a second? Second. I have a motion and second. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Same sign. Hearing none. Motion carries. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? So move. Do I have a second? Have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. Meeting adjourned. There you go.