Forest Park, GA

General

The City of Forest Park is holding a special meeting to consider passing a 90-day moratorium on data centers. This is the only new business item on the agenda, alongside standard procedural steps like roll call and adoption of the agenda.

• Council consideration of a 90-day moratorium on data centers

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Planning Commission

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

City Council

City Council

Development Authority

Downtown Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Planning Commission

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

City Council

City Council

Downtown Development Authority

Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Development Authority

Development Authority

Downtown Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

City Council

City Council

Development Authority

Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

City Council

City Council

Development Authority

Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Development Authority

Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Development Authority

City Council

City Council

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Development Authority

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Downtown Development Authority

The Forest Park Downtown Development Authority will consider approving tax abatement incentives for two proposed developments, Project Scannell and Project Gateway, to support their financial feasibility and long-term economic benefits. The board will also review and approve contracts for landscaping, a property survey, a portable restroom trailer, and a roof inspection, along with finance reports and minutes. An economic development update covers ongoing projects and initiatives.

• Review and approval of tax abatement for Project Scannell
• Review and approval of tax abatement for Project Gateway
• Approval of FY26-27 landscape contractor
• Approval of property survey contract for 868 Forest Parkway
• Approval of portable restroom trailer rental for Blues on Main 2026

Development Authority

The Forest Park Development Authority will consider approving a bond inducement resolution for approximately $6 million to support the rehabilitation of Governor's Terrace, a 49-unit senior apartment community. The board will also vote on an HVAC replacement contract for 848 Main Street and review an RFP for commercial property management services. Other items include a joint board retreat update, an annual Fort Gillem inspection notice, and a request for a notice of commencement and payment bond from a supplier.

• Approval of Aeras HVAC Contract for 848 Main Street
• Governors Terrace Bond Inducement Resolution for approximately $6 million
• RFP for Commercial Property Management Services
• July 2026 Finance Report including $56,731.54 in FY25-26 expenses
• Annual Inspection of Fort Gillem by U.S. Army in August 2026

Beautification Committee

The Forest Park Beautification Committee will review July minutes and discuss the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Initiative, including resident applications, services, volunteers, and funding. They will also plan outreach to schools and community events, and finalize a flyer and application. The meeting is a regular discussion and planning session, with no final votes expected.

• Review and approve July 27, 2026, meeting minutes
• Discuss Neighbors Helping Neighbors Initiative applications, services, volunteers, and funding
• Discuss presenting initiative to Mayor and City Council, including possible grants
• Finalize flyer and application for the initiative
• Plan school outreach and community event participation

Urban Design Review Board

Urban Design Review Board

Planning Commission

The Forest Park Planning Commission will consider a conditional use permit for a four-story mixed-use development at 904 Main Street with 75 residential units and 9,680 square feet of commercial space. They will also review a text amendment to clarify when nonconforming signs lose grandfathered status. The meeting includes approval of the July 17, 2026 minutes.

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP-2026-04) for 904 Main Street: 75 residential units and 9,680 sq ft commercial space
• Text Amendment (TA-2026-03) to revise nonconforming sign regulations (Sec. 8-3-16)
• Approval of July 17, 2026 meeting minutes

General

General

General

City Council

The Forest Park City Council will consider several items, including blanket purchase orders for Waste Management ($1,522,500) and Boswell Oil ($600,000), a contract with NCB Incorporated for grant administration ($80,000), an ordinance establishing the Office of the City Clerk as a separate department, and Budget Amendment #6. The council will also adopt a records retention schedule and approve minutes from the August 3, 2026 meetings.

• Blanket purchase orders: Waste Management $1,522,500; Boswell Oil $600,000
• Contract with NCB Incorporated for grant services, not to exceed $80,000
• Ordinance to make Office of City Clerk a separate department
• FY26/27 Budget Amendment #6
• Adopt Local Government Records Retention Schedule per O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90

City Council

The Forest Park City Council is holding a work session to discuss and potentially approve several financial and administrative items, including blanket purchase orders for sanitation and fuel, a grant administration contract, a records retention schedule, a department reorganization ordinance, and a budget amendment. The meeting also includes an executive session for personnel, litigation, real estate, or cybersecurity matters.

• Blanket purchase order with Waste Management for $1,522,500 for sanitation services
• Blanket purchase order with Boswell Oil for $600,000 for fuel/oil
• Contract with NCB Incorporated for grant administration services, not to exceed $80,000
• Ordinance to establish the Office of the City Clerk as a separate department
• FY26/27 Budget Amendment #6

Urban Redevelopment Authority

The Forest Park Urban Redevelopment Agency will hold its regular meeting to approve minutes, receive finance and legal updates, and discuss old and new business. Key items include updates on the gun range, The Park at Fort Gillem redevelopment and property insurance, a sponsorship request for the 2026 Aerotropolis Honors, and new business such as landscape services at 330 Forest Parkway and a perpetual easement for ingress and egress. The board will also consider a U.S. Army five-year review, a joint board retreat, and the annual institutional control report for Fort Gillem, followed by an executive session.

• Oasis Contract Update
• Gun Range Update
• Park at Fort Gillem Redevelopment Update
• 330 Forest Parkway Landscape Services
• Perpetual Easement for Ingress and Egress

General

City Council

City Council will decide on a rezoning request for a four-story mixed-use building and a conditional use permit for a childcare center. The body will also consider ordinances to modernize business and alcohol licensing regulations.

• Rezoning of 0 Conrad Ave from Planned Industrial to General Commercial for a 43,500 sq ft mixed-use building
• Conditional Use Permit for a childcare center at 957 Astor Ave
• Ordinance updates to licensing for pawnbrokers, massage establishments, and adult entertainment
• Ordinance updates to alcoholic beverage regulations
• Proposed $75.00 application fee for Public Arts Review

The Forest Park City Council approved a rezoning request for 0 Conrad Ave from Planned Industrial to General Commercial, a conditional use permit for a childcare center at 957 Astor Ave, and several ordinance amendments updating city licensing regulations. All votes were unanimous 4-0. The council also heard public comments about the transfer station and a proposed youth mentoring partnership.

• Approved rezoning of 0 Conrad Ave from PI to GC (4-0)
• Approved conditional use permit for childcare center at 957 Astor Ave (4-0)
• Approved ordinance amending Title 9, Chapter 6 (peddlers and solicitors) (4-0)
• Approved ordinance amending Title 9 licensing chapters (pawnbrokers, massage, adult entertainment) (4-0)
• Approved ordinance amending Title 9, Chapter 2 (alcoholic beverages) (4-0)
• Approved $75 fee for Public Arts Review applications (4-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved July 20, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)

City Council

The Forest Park City Council will hold a work session to discuss and vote on several ordinance amendments and land-use cases. Key items include updates to licensing rules for businesses and alcoholic beverages, a rezoning request for a mixed-use building at 0 Conrad Ave, and a conditional use permit for a childcare center at 957 Astor Ave.

• Ordinance amending Title 9 (Licensing and Regulation) for pawnbrokers, massage establishments, and adult entertainment
• Ordinance amending Title 9 Chapter 2 (Alcoholic Beverages) to modernize licensing and operational standards
• Rezoning request for 0 Conrad Ave from Planned Industrial to General Commercial for a 43,500 sq ft mixed-use building
• Conditional Use Permit for 957 Astor Ave to reopen a childcare center in a residential district
• Text amendment to add a $75 Public Arts Review Board application fee to the Planning & Development fee schedule

This was a work session with no formal votes on the substantive items. The council discussed several proposed ordinances and land-use requests, including a rezoning at 0 Conrad Ave, a conditional use permit for a childcare center at 957 Astor Ave, and amendments to licensing and alcohol regulations. The only action taken was to remove an agenda item and to convene an executive session. All decisions are pending future regular session meetings.

• Removed Mayor's Reading Club presentation from work session agenda (4-0)
• Discussed ordinance amending peddlers and solicitors regulations; no vote
• Discussed ordinance amending licensing for pawnbrokers, massage, adult entertainment; no vote
• Discussed ordinance amending alcoholic beverage regulations; no vote
• Discussed rezoning request for 0 Conrad Ave from PI to GC; no vote
• Discussed conditional use permit for childcare center at 957 Astor Ave; no vote
• Discussed text amendment for Public Arts Review Board fee ($75); no vote
• Convened executive session and adjourned (4-0)

Beautification Committee

The Beautification Committee will meet to nominate and confirm a new Chair to replace Kwan Rhea. The body will also hold discussions regarding the budget and signage updates.

• Nomination and confirmation of Committee Chair
• Budget discussion
• Signage updates
• Neighbor Helping Neighbors Initiative
• Discussion with Public Information Officer Javon Lloyd

Downtown Development Authority

The Forest Park Downtown Development Authority is meeting for a strategic retreat focused on its structure, legal responsibilities, current projects, tax abatements, financial capabilities, and future priorities. The sessions are facilitated by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, the DDA attorney, the economic development director, a financial advisor, and a senior accountant. An executive session is also scheduled for personnel, litigation, real estate, or cybersecurity matters.

• Review of Downtown Development Authority structure, powers, and leadership
• Presentation on DDA projects, properties, and redevelopment opportunities
• Discussion of DDA tax abatements facilitated by financial advisor Ed Wall and attorney Danielle Matricardi
• Overview of DDA financial capabilities by senior accountant Tony Lamar
• Strategic priorities and visioning for the DDA's future led by Rochelle Dennis

Development Authority

The Development Authority Board will approve minutes from previous meetings and receive finance updates. New business includes an HVAC assessment for 850 Main Street, a signage proposal for the same address, and a redevelopment architecture and engineering proposal for 842 Main Street. Additional updates cover property landscaping, a lease for 670 Main Street, and a closing deed for the Georgia Utility Contractors Association at 794 Main Street.

• Review of 842 Main Street Redevelopment Architecture & Engineering Proposal
• Review of 850 Main Street Signage Proposal
• 850 Main Street HVAC Assessment
• Update: 670 Main Street Lease
• Project Update: Georgia Utility Contractors Association (794 Main Street) – Closing and Deed to Secure Debt

City Council

The Forest Park City Council will consider a consent agenda item to authorize blanket purchase orders exceeding $50,000 for the FY 2026/2027 budget, covering contracts with Bennett Fire Products, MES Services, Bound Tree Medical, and Reads Uniforms totaling $352,500. The meeting also includes discussion of a resolution to adopt the Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook and several ordinance and fee schedule changes related to peddlers, permits, and sound amplification devices. Additionally, the Council will vote to authorize the Mayor to execute a redemption quitclaim deed for 5116 West Street.

• Blanket purchase orders for Fire/EMS vendors: Bennett Fire Products $87,500, MES Services $120,000, Bound Tree Medical $75,000, Reads Uniforms $70,000
• Resolution adopting the Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook
• Ordinance amendment to Title 9, Chapter 6 (peddlers and solicitors)
• Ordinance to allow municipal fees to be set by resolution
• Resolution amending the Permit and Fee Schedule for various permits

The City Council unanimously approved a resolution adopting the Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook as official policy to guide revitalization of commercial shopping centers and corridors. The council also approved blanket purchase orders exceeding $50,000 for fire/EMS supplies and software renewals, tabled an ordinance updating peddler and solicitor regulations, and authorized several fee-related ordinances. Public comments focused on concerns about unequal accountability in employee discipline, cemetery maintenance, and property issues.

• Approved Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook as official policy (5-0)
• Approved blanket purchase orders for fire/EMS supplies totaling $352,500 (5-0)
• Approved CAD & RMS annual software renewal for police department (5-0)
• Tabled ordinance amending peddler and solicitor regulations (5-0)
• Approved ordinance authorizing municipal fees to be set by resolution (5-0)
• Approved resolution amending permit and fee schedule (5-0)
• Approved ordinance amending noise regulations for sound amplification devices (5-0)
• Authorized execution of redemption quitclaim deed for 5116 West Street (5-0)

City Council

The Forest Park City Council will consider a request to establish Blanket Purchase Orders exceeding $50,000 for the FY 2026/2027 budget with vendors supplying fire and EMS equipment. The council will also review the annual software renewal for the Police Department’s CAD and RMS dispatch systems. Additional items include a resolution to adopt the Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook, several ordinance and fee‑schedule changes related to peddlers, permits, and sound amplification, and authorization to execute a redemption quitclaim deed for 5116 West Street.

• Approve Blanket Purchase Orders >$50,000 for Fire/EMS vendors (Bennett Fire Products $87,500; MES Services $120,000; Bound Tree Medical $75,000; Reads Uniforms $70,000)
• Approve CAD & RMS annual software renewal for Police Department (budgeted FY 2026‑2027)
• Adopt Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook to guide commercial corridor revitalization
• Amend Title 9, Chapter 6 of City Code covering peddlers, solicitors, charitable solicitations, and mobile food vendors
• Authorize Mayor to execute Redemption Quitclaim Deed for 5116 West Street

The City Council discussed and moved toward adopting the Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook as official policy to guide revitalization of commercial shopping centers and corridors. The Playbook provides design guidance, redevelopment strategies, and implementation tools, building on the Downtown Forest Park LCI Study. Councilmembers expressed support while raising concerns about enforcement, funding for property owners, and extending standards citywide. The item was presented and discussed but no final vote is recorded in these work session minutes.

• Approved agenda unanimously (5-0)
• Discussed but did not vote on adopting Plaza Rehabilitation Framework Playbook (presentation and discussion only)
• Discussed but did not vote on ordinance amending Title 9, Chapter 6 (Peddlers and Solicitors) (tabled after discussion of religious canvassing exemption)
• Discussed but did not vote on ordinance authorizing fees by resolution (no discussion recorded)
• Discussed but did not vote on resolution amending Permit and Fee Schedule (discussion of fee increases)
• Discussed but did not vote on ordinance amending Title 11, Chapter 5 (Noise) (discussion of sound amplification permits)
• Discussed but did not vote on authorization to execute Redemption Quitclaim Deed for 5116 West Street (recommended for approval by city attorney)
• Convened and adjourned Executive Session for Personnel, Real Estate, Litigation or Cybersecurity with no action (unanimous 5-0)

Urban Design Review Board

The Urban Design Review Board will consider approving the May 22, 2026 meeting minutes. It will also review two applications for one‑story residences: one at 562 Kay Street (Parcel #13078D A010, Ward 4) and another at 849 Bridge Avenue (Parcel #13050D G010, Ward 2). The board will decide whether to grant the requested approvals.

• Approve May 22, 2026 meeting minutes
• Review construction request for a one‑story residence at 562 Kay Street, Ward 4
• Review construction request for a one‑story residence at 849 Bridge Avenue, Ward 2

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review requests for a rezoning, a variance, and a conditional use permit. The body will also consider a text amendment to the city's fee schedule for subdivisions.

• Case# RZ-2026-02: Rezone request for 0 Conrad Avenue to allow a four-story multi-use building
• Case# VAR-2026-04: Variance request for 357 Cynthia Lane to allow a deck to encroach into a side setback
• Case# CUP-2026-03: Conditional Use Permit request for a daycare facility at 957 Astor Avenue
• Case# TA-2026-02: Text Amendment for the Planning and Community Development Department Fee Schedule

General

The city's ethics hearing officer will conduct a hearing on Ethics Complaint No. 05222026-02 filed by Mayor Gwendolyn Ellison against Councilwoman Kimberly James. The meeting is limited to this single complaint and will adjourn afterward.

• Ethics hearing on Complaint No. 05222026-02: Councilwoman Kimberly James, complainant Mayor Gwendolyn Ellison

Urban Redevelopment Authority

The Urban Redevelopment Authority will review several project updates, including the Gun Range, the Park at Fort Gillem, Grapevine, the NASA Lifeline mural, and the Community Development Block Grant. New business includes an IGA Community Development Forest Park Marketplace analysis proposal and a Georgia Power request for a right‑of‑entry to the Fort Gillem 230 kV substation (Project #2025080046). The meeting will also feature finance and legal updates before adjourning.

• Georgia Power Right of Entry Fort Gillem Project #2025080046 (Flankers Road 230 kV Substation) – Economic Development
• IGA Community Development Forest Park Marketplace Analysis Proposal – Economic Development
• Park at Fort Gillem Master Redevelopment Update – Economic Development
• Gun Range Update – Public Works
• Community Development Block Grant Update – Economic Development

City Council

The City Council will consider appointing Carl Geffken as City Manager effective July 13, 2026. They also will vote on contracts for grant administration services ($80,000) and audio production for events ($91,000). The consent agenda includes surplus vehicles and a computer hardware refresh purchase.

• Appointment of Carl Geffken as City Manager effective July 13, 2026
• Contract with NCB Incorporated for grant administration and management, not to exceed $80,000 from 2021 SPLOST funds
• Contract with Onyx Media Services for audio production at Starr Park, estimated $91,000 from General Fund
• Approval of surplus items from Public Works fleet, including non-operable vehicles
• Hardware refresh purchase from CDW-G for annual IT cycle

The council unanimously appointed Carl Geffken as city manager effective July 20, 2026, and approved a consent agenda that included declaring surplus Public Works fleet items and purchasing IT hardware. A contract with NCB Incorporated for grant administration services was tabled, while a contract with Onyx Media Services for audio production at Starr Park was approved. The council also approved a settlement and mutual release agreement with James Barton, dismissing Civil Action No. CV2025CV06028.

• Appointed Carl Geffken as City Manager effective July 20, 2026 (unanimous 5-0).
• Approved the consent agenda, including surplus items from Public Works and IT hardware refresh purchase (unanimous 5-0).
• Tabled the contract with NCB Incorporated for grant administration services (unanimous 5-0).
• Approved the contract with Onyx Media Services for audio production services at Starr Park (unanimous 5-0).
• Approved the settlement and mutual release agreement with James Barton, dismissing Civil Action No. CV2025CV06028 (unanimous 5-0).
• Approved the minutes of the June 15 work session, June 15 regular session, and June 25 special called meeting (unanimous 5-0).

City Council

The Forest Park City Council will vote on a contract with NCB Incorporated to provide grant administration and management services, limited to $80,000 from 2021 SPLOST funds. The council will also consider a $91,000 audio production services contract for outdoor events at Starr Park, approve surplus public‑works fleet items, and authorize a hardware refresh purchase for the IT department. These items are on the work session agenda for July 6, 2026.

• Approve surplus items from the Public Works Fleet Department (vehicles and equipment).
• Approve purchase for the IT department’s annual hardware refresh under CDW‑G contract #99999-001-SPD0000220-0004.
• Enter into a contract with NCB Incorporated, 4017 Moonlight Drive, Little Elm, TX, up to $80,000 for grant administration services (2021 SPLOST funds).
• Enter into a contract with Onyx Media Services, Inc., 300 Long Creek Drive, Covington, GA, estimated $91,000 for audio production services for Starr Park events (General Fund).

The Council voted unanimously to table a proposed $80,000 contract with NCB Incorporated for grant administration and management services, pending review by the incoming City Manager. The item was tabled after concerns were raised about the funding source (changed from SPLOST to General Fund) and whether the city should instead use an already-approved grant writer position. The Council also approved placing two items on the consent agenda for the regular session: declaring surplus public works vehicles and equipment, and purchasing annual computer replacements. A contract with Onyx Media Services for audio production at Starr Park events was discussed but no vote was taken.

• Approved the agenda as presented (5-0).
• Approved placing surplus public works items and the IT hardware refresh purchase on the July 6, 2026 consent agenda (5-0).
• Tabled the NCB Incorporated grant administration contract for 2-3 weeks pending review by the incoming City Manager.
• Convened executive session for personnel, litigation, real estate, or cyber security (5-0).
• Adjourned executive session and reconvened with an affidavit (5-0).

City Council

The Forest Park City Council will hold a special called meeting to consider adopting an ordinance approving the FY2026-2027 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan, with a proposed total of $46,439,729. The agenda also includes routine procedural items and an executive session for personnel, litigation, real estate, or cybersecurity matters.

• Adoption of ordinance for FY2026-2027 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan totaling $46,439,729

The City Council adopted the proposed $46,439,729.00 budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The motion passed unanimously with a 4-0 vote.

• Approved FY26/27 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan ($46,439,729.00) (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will review several contracts and project updates, including advertising, landscaping, and cleaning services. It will also consider a tax abatement proposal presented by Ed Wall of Piper Sandler and discuss a bond assignment for the Gillem 1100 project. Additional items include an overview of the 2026 Blues on Main event and plans for a strategic retreat.

• Multiview Digital Advertising Contract Review & Approval
• Ernest Drive Landscaping Update
• 954 Main Street Cleaners Sign Contract Review & Approval
• Tax Abatement Presentation
• Gillem 1100- Bond Assignment

General

The Forest Park Development Authority is meeting for a strategic board retreat to discuss its structure, powers, board responsibilities, current projects and properties, financial capabilities, and future direction. No binding decisions are expected; the session is a facilitated workshop.

• Facilitated discussion on Development Authority Structure & Powers
• Review of board function and responsibilities
• Update on Development Authority projects and properties by Economic Development Director Rochelle Dennis
• Workshop on financial capabilities and incentives
• Discussion on the future direction of the Development Authority

The board unanimously adopted the meeting agenda. It approved the FY26‑27 Development Authority budget of $1,414,250, with one member abstaining. The board also unanimously directed staff and the authority attorney to explore options to transfer or collaborate with the Downtown Development Authority on the 850 Main Street project.

• Adopt agenda – unanimous approval
• Approve FY26‑27 Development Authority Budget $1,414,250 – passed (one abstention)
• Direct staff and attorney to explore transfer or collaboration with Downtown Development Authority for 850 Main Street – unanimous approval

Beautification Committee

The Forest Park Beautification Committee will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from April 27, discuss the Neighbor Helping Neighbors Initiative, and address several new business items. These include nominating and confirming a new chairperson to replace Kwan Rhea, confirming locations for trash cans, launching a back-to-school initiative, and scheduling the next Beautification Day clean-up. All items are routine committee business.

• Nomination and confirmation of new chairperson to replace Kwan Rhea
• Confirmation of trash can locations
• Back-to-School Initiative discussion
• Planning for next Beautification Day clean-up
• Neighbor Helping Neighbors Initiative update