Grovetown public meetings in 2024

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will vote on approval of preliminary plats for three properties: 109 Old Wrightsboro Road, 118 Bennett Street, and 206 E. Robinson Avenue. The meeting will also include approval of the previous meeting's minutes and staff comments.

• Consider preliminary plat for 109 Old Wrightsboro Road (Parcel # G06 070) to split into two lots for single-family homes
• Consider preliminary plat for 118 Bennett Street (Parcel # G08 030)
• Consider preliminary plat for 206 E. Robinson Avenue (Parcel # G12 052)

City Council

The Grovetown City Council will hold a regular meeting on December 9, 2024, after a work session. They will consider adopting two rezoning ordinances on second reading: 104 Leven Street from R-2 to GC, and a portion of 408 Newmantown Road from R-2 to R-C1. New business includes a resolution to join GIRMA for first responders, reappointments to planning and zoning boards, and a professional services agreement for Liberty Park Phase 1 expansion. The council will also hold an executive session on real estate and personnel.

• Second reading of Ordinance 2024-11-02 to rezone 104 Leven Street from R-2 to GC
• Second reading of Ordinance 2024-11-03 to rezone ±5.31 acres of 408 Newmantown Road from R-2 to R-C1
• Resolution 2024-12-01 to add membership in GIRMA fund for first responders
• Professional Services Agreement with Johnson, Laschober & Associates for Liberty Park Expansion and Renovation Phase 1
• Reappointments to Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals

The Grovetown City Council approved two rezoning ordinances: 104 Leven Street from R-2 to GC (unanimous) and a portion of 408 Newmantown Rd from R-2 to R-C1 (3-1, with Councilmember Martin voting no). The council also approved a GIRMA first responders membership, reappointed Ed Connell to the Planning Commission and Sara Majewski and Silvia Carnes to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and approved a professional services agreement with JLA for Liberty Park expansion. No action was taken after executive session.

• Adopted Ordinance 2024-11-02 rezoning 104 Leven Street to GC (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2024-11-03 rezoning portion of 408 Newmantown Rd to R-C1 (3-1)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-12-01 for GIRMA first responders membership (unanimous)
• Reappointed Ed Connell to Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Reappointed Sara Majewski to Board of Zoning Appeals (unanimous)
• Reappointed Silvia Carnes to Board of Zoning Appeals (unanimous)
• Approved JLA professional services agreement for Liberty Park expansion (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a variance request to allow a 5-foot privacy fence within the street right-of-way and required 2-foot setback at 613 Dorn Street. The staff recommends disapproval, citing potential interference with utility access, emergency response sight lines, and parking concerns. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Variance request for 613 Dorn Street (parcel # 0G27 051B) from Section 6.015.a.2 to erect a privacy fence within right-of-way and 2-foot setback
• Staff recommendation to disapprove due to utility access, public safety line-of-sight, and parking concerns
• Approval of September 5, 2024 regular meeting minutes

City Council

The City Council will discuss the adoption of a revised building fee schedule and two property rezonings. The body will also review debris collection contracts and the declaration of surplus property.

• Resolution 2024-11-01: Revised Building Fee Schedule
• Ordinance 2024-11-02: Rezone 104 Leven Street from R-2 to GC
• Ordinance 2024-11-03: Rezone ±5.31 acres of 408 Newmantown Rd from R-2 to R-C1
• Procurement of debris collection contracts with DebrisTech and Ceres Environmental Services
• Resolutions 2024-11-04 and 2024-11-05: Declare items as surplus property

Planning Commission

The Grovetown Planning Commission on October 17, 2024, will consider multiple subdivision plats and two rezoning requests. Items include final and preliminary plats for residential lots and rezonings from R-2 to General Commercial and R-C1. The commission will also approve minutes from the August 15, 2024 meeting.

• Rezone 104 Leven Street (Parcel G05 024A) from R-2 to GC (General Commercial)
• Rezone ±5.31 acres at 408 Newmantown Road (Parcel G14 032) from R-2 to R-C1
• Final plat approval for 410 Williams Street to subdivide into 5 lots for single-family homes
• Preliminary plat approval for 0 Barbara Street to subdivide into 5 lots
• Final plat approvals for Deer Hollow Section 4 and Hidden Crossing I & II (206/208 and 212/214 Hardy Dr)

City Council

The City Council will discuss awarding a construction contract for the Grovetown Depot and a loan for lead service line inventory. Other items include a new Naloxone policy and police department pay scales.

• Construction contract for Grovetown Depot with SD Clifton Construction, Inc for $3,196,831.00
• GEFA loan not to exceed $350,000 for Lead Service Line Inventory Program
• ADP, Inc. HR/Payroll Solution agreement: $26,300 implementation and $76,218.61 annually
• University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute proposal for $26,821.00 for a compensation study
• Resolution 2024-10-01 to adopt Naloxone (Narcan) Policy

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for September 19, 2024, has been cancelled. The cancellation is due to a lack of quorum.

City Council

The City Council will hold second readings of ordinances to amend building and utility codes. New business includes a $150,000 SPLOST allocation to update Kiddie Park, a $100 donation to Columbia County Alternative School, and reclassification of three firefighter positions. The meeting also features recognitions for Vietnam veterans and a Breast Cancer Awareness Month proclamation.

• Second reading of Ordinance 2024-08-01 amending Chapter 5 (Buildings) of City Code
• Second reading of Ordinance 2024-08-03 amending Chapter 9 (Utilities) of City Code
• Approval to allocate $150,000 from SPLOST to update Kiddie Park
• Approval to donate $100 to Columbia County Alternative School
• Reclassification of three Firefighter/EMT positions to Fire Rescue Shift Captain

The Grovetown City Council approved allocating $150,000 from 2017-2022 SPLOST funding to update playground equipment at Kiddie Park. They also adopted two ordinances amending city codes (Chapter 5 and Chapter 9), a resolution declaring surplus property, and a resolution amending the personnel policy on holidays. A motion to donate $100 to Columbia County Alternative School failed due to lack of a second. All other agenda items were approved unanimously.

• Approved $150,000 SPLOST allocation for Kiddie Park playground updates (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2024-08-01 amending City Code Chapter 5 (Buildings) (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2024-08-03 amending City Code Chapter 9 (Utilities) (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-09-01 declaring surplus property (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-09-02 amending personnel policy on holidays (4-0)
• Approved updated job description for Fire Rescue Shift Lieutenant (4-0)
• Approved reclassification of three Firefighter/EMT positions to Shift Captain (4-0)
• Donation of $100 to Columbia County Alternative School failed (no second)

Planning Commission

The Grovetown Planning Commission will consider approving a final plat for 0 Charlotte Avenue (Parcel G06 026) to subdivide a vacant lot into two lots for single-family homes, consistent with R-2 zoning. They will also consider a preliminary plat for 410 Williams Street (Parcel G08-039). The previous meeting minutes from June 18, 2024, are up for approval. Staff recommends approval of the final plat with conditions including future development consistency and single-family use restriction.

• Request to approve final plat for 0 Charlotte Avenue (Parcel G06 026) – subdivision into two lots for two single-family homes on ±0.55 acres zoned R-2.
• Request to approve preliminary plat for 410 Williams Street (Parcel G08-039).
• Staff recommendation for final plat includes conditions: future development consistent with submitted plan, compliance with all zoning/subdivision ordinances, use limited to one single-family residence per lot, and homes must meet material standards of Sec. 6.250.
• Approval of June 18, 2024 regular meeting minutes.

City Council

The Council will discuss the approval process for apartment complexes, and consider several ordinances including an amended budget, building code amendments, a revised building fee schedule, utility code amendments, and new rules for bulk waste and yard debris collection. Other business includes reclassifying a police sergeant to lieutenant and adjusting meeting dates for federal holidays.

• Discussion regarding approval process for apartments (item 10)
• Adoption of Ordinance 2023-05-01B (amended annual budget, second reading)
• Adoption of Ordinance 2024-08-01 (building code amendment) and Resolution 2024-08-02 (revised building fee schedule)
• Adoption of Ordinance 2024-08-03 (utility code amendment) and Resolution 2024-08-04 (bulk waste/yard debris rules)
• Reclassification of one Police Investigations Sergeant to Police Investigations Lieutenant (Grade 16 to 17)

The Grovetown City Council approved the amended annual balanced budget for 2023-2024 on second reading, along with a revised building fee schedule and amendments to the city code for buildings and utilities. The council also adopted new rules for bulk waste and yard debris collection, amended the personnel policy manual's leave accrual rates, and re-rated a police investigations sergeant position to lieutenant. All votes were unanimous (4-0).

• Adopted Ordinance 2023-05-01B, amended FY2023-24 balanced budget (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-08-02, revised building fee schedule (4-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 2024-08-01, building code amendment (4-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 2024-08-03, utilities code amendment (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-08-04, bulk waste and yard debris rules (4-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-08-05, personnel policy leave accrual amendment (4-0)
• Approved re-rating Police Investigations Sergeant to Lieutenant (4-0)
• Moved Oct 14 and Nov 11 council meetings to Oct 15 and Nov 12 (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a request to approve a preliminary plat for a lot at Charlotte Avenue (Parcel G06 026), subdividing it into two lots for single-family homes. The meeting also includes approval of the June 20, 2024 regular meeting minutes and staff comments.

• Request to approve Preliminary Plat for Charlotte Avenue (Parcel G06 026) for a two-lot subdivision into single-family homes
• Approval of the June 20, 2024 regular meeting minutes
• No unfinished business or organizational items

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a request to operate a dog grooming and boarding facility at 5119 Robin Lane. The applicants are seeking a Conditional Use Permit for the R-1 zoned property. Staff recommends approval with conditions regarding operating hours, signage, and property use.

• Conditional Use Permit for dog grooming and boarding at 5119 Robin Lane

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting the 2024 millage rate and a first reading of an amended annual balanced budget. The agenda also includes discussions on lot subdivision and director leave.

• Adoption of 2024 Millage Rate
• First reading of Ordinance 2023-05-01B (Amended Annual Balanced Budget)
• Appointment of Ad Hoc Committee to study subdivision of lots to 50 feet
• Proposal to add additional annual leave for Directors
• Reclassification of a Recreation position from Athletic Programmer to Maintenance Supervisor

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review a request to approve the final plat for 100 Pippin Street. This involves subdividing one lot into two new lots to accommodate a fiber relay building. The project is intended to support broadband network amplification.

• Final Plat approval for 100 Pippin St (Parcel# G12 039)
• Subdivision of property at 100 Pippin St into two new lots
• Construction of fiber relay buildings for Middle Mile Infrastructure

City Council

The council will review the adoption of the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget and a water supply agreement with Columbia County. Discussions include subdividing lots to 50 feet and a potential city-wide day off on July 5, 2024. The agenda also includes briefings from ad hoc committees regarding trash and recruitment.

• Adoption of FY 2024-2025 Budget (Ordinance 2024-05-01)
• Intergovernmental Agreement for potable water supply with Columbia County
• Creation of a new Fire Marshal position and job description
• MOU between the City and American Hero Pro Rodeo, Inc.
• Discussion regarding subdividing lots to 50 feet

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a request for a conditional use permit at 103 Hayne Drive. The proposal involves installing a 40-foot amateur radio antenna tower that can retract to 21 feet. Staff recommends approval with conditions regarding height and non-commercial use.

• Conditional Use Permit for an antenna tower at 103 Hayne Drive
• Approval of May 2, 2024 meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The Grovetown Planning Commission will consider two plats: a preliminary plat to subdivide 401 E Robinson Ave (Parcel G12 039) into two lots to construct a fiber relay building, and a final plat for Ferguson Farms Subdivision. The meeting also includes approval of the April 18, 2024 minutes. Staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat with conditions, including a 15-foot landscape buffer and an 8-foot fence.

• Preliminary plat for 401 E Robinson Ave (Parcel G12 039) to create a new 0.35-acre lot for a fiber relay building
• Final plat for Ferguson Farms Subdivision
• Approval of April 18, 2024 meeting minutes
• Staff conditions for the preliminary plat include a 15-foot landscape buffer and 8-foot fence
• No unfinished business or organizational items on the agenda

City Council

The City Council will review the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. Other items include decisions on elected official compensation, retirement plan amendments, and selecting a health insurance provider.

• First reading of Ordinance 2024-05-01 regarding the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget
• Second reading of Ordinance 2024-04-01 to establish compensation for elected officials
• Second reading of Ordinance 2024-04-02 to amend the GMEBS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
• Selection of United Health Care as the City's employee insurance benefits provider
• Adoption of Resolution 2024-05-02 and 2024-05-03 regarding surplus property

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a Conditional Use Permit request for 313 Whiskey Road (Parcel G02 005) to operate a personal care home. The applicant, James Jones, with operator True Destiny Personal Care Home, proposes renovating the existing vacant home to house 12-16 residents. The board will also approve the February 1, 2024 meeting minutes. Staff recommends approval with conditions.

• Conditional Use Permit for personal care home at 313 Whiskey Road (Parcel G02 005)
• Proposed occupancy of 12-16 residents in a 6-bedroom home
• Staff recommends conditions including max 16 residents, 12 parking spaces, and ADA compliance
• Property zoned R-1 Residential; personal care home not defined in ordinance, treated as nursing home
• Approval of February 1, 2024 meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The Grovetown Planning Commission will consider approving the final plat for Pinetree St (Parcel #G13 043), which would subdivide a vacant 0.467-acre lot into two lots for single-family homes. The preliminary plat was approved in March, and staff recommends approval with conditions. The meeting also includes approval of the March minutes and other routine items.

• Final plat for Pinetree St (Parcel #G13 043) to create two lots for single-family homes
• Lot 1: ±0.238 acres; Lot 2: ±0.229 acres
• R-C1 zoning with 15-ft front, 5-ft side, 10-ft rear setbacks
• Tree replanting plan per Sec. 6.210 of Zoning Ordinance
• Staff recommends approval with conditions

City Council

The Grovetown City Council will vote on several new business items, including a contract for a bucket truck and fencing for the Grovetown Park and Ride. The meeting also includes the first reading of ordinances regarding elected official compensation and the GMEBS retirement plan. Additionally, the council will discuss the creation of a volunteer coordinator position and the appointment of a municipal court public defender.

• Approval of future purchase of 2 Person Bucket Truck not to exceed $250,000.00
• Contract with Superior Fence and Railing to build fencing around Grovetown Park and Ride for $55,745.82
• First Reading of Ordinance 2024-04-01 to Establish Compensation for Elected Officials
• First Reading of Ordinance 2024-04-02 to Amend and Restate GMEBS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
• Appointment of a Public Defender for Municipal Court

Planning Commission

The Grovetown Planning Commission will consider two plats: a final plat for Brighton Industrial Lots on Horizon West Parkway, subdividing one lot into three, and a preliminary plat for Pinetree St. The final plat is recommended for approval by staff with conditions. The meeting also includes approval of the February 15, 2024 minutes.

• Final plat for Brighton Industrial Lots (Horizon West Parkway, Parcel # 062 3140) to subdivide into 3 lots, with Lot 1 under development for Palmetto Industries (50,000 SF industrial building)
• Preliminary plat for Pinetree St (Parcel # G13 043)
• Approval of February 15, 2024 regular meeting minutes
• Staff recommends approval of final plat with conditions including buffers and light restrictions

Planning Commission

The Grovetown Planning Commission will consider approving the preliminary plat for Hidden Crossing II, a proposed subdivision of two properties at 212 and 214 Hardy Drive into 10 lots for single-family attached housing. The applicant, Railroad Investment LLC, seeks approval for the subdivision, which would include a detention pond and open space. Staff recommends approval with conditions, including restrictions on use, facade materials, and homeowners' association requirements.

• Preliminary plat for Hidden Crossing II at 212 and 214 Hardy Drive (Parcels G11 014A and G11 014B) to create 10 lots for single-family attached housing
• Proposed density of 9.62 units per acre on 1.04 acres
• Staff recommends approval with conditions including no vinyl siding, 80% masonry or fiber cement facades, and homeowners' association for maintenance
• Open space of 0.32 acres (30.8% of total area) at entrance
• Approval of January 18, 2024 meeting minutes

City Council

The Grovetown City Council will hold its regular meeting on February 12, 2024, starting with a work session at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes routine approvals, committee reports, and a financial statement, but also several new business items: adopting policies on donations and internal committees, approving an agreement with the Red Cross, an intergovernmental agreement for fire inspections, a revised development fee schedule, a rezoning, and a personnel reallocation. The council will also discuss appointing an ad hoc committee to study rough trash pickup issues and recognizing the Grovetown Theater Group.

• Resolution 2024-02-01: Donation Solicitation and Receipt Policy
• Resolution 2024-02-02: Charitable Gift/Donation Policy and Eligibility Criteria
• Resolution 2024-02-04: Revised Development Fee Schedule
• Ordinance 2024-02-05: Rezone Parcel G12 053 (210 E Robinson Avenue) from NC to R-C2
• Intergovernmental Agreement with Columbia County for Fire Inspections for Large Buildings

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Grovetown Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a conditional use permit for a private utility fiber relay building (ILA hut) at 401 E Robinson Ave. The applicant, AECOM on behalf of Middle Mile Infrastructure, proposes to subdivide the lot and construct up to two concrete huts. Staff recommends approval with conditions. The board will also elect a chair and vice-chair and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Conditional Use Permit for private utility fiber relay building at 401 E Robinson Ave (Parcel G12 039)
• Proposed subdivision of 0.33-acre lot with 48 feet of frontage on Pippin Street
• Two fiber relay buildings, each up to 15 feet tall and 1,000 sq ft, operated by Middle Mile Infrastructure
• Conditions include 8-foot fence, 15-foot landscape buffer, and maintenance trip limits
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a request to rezone a 4.57-acre vacant property from Neighborhood Commercial to Residential (R-C2). The proposal by HA&PM Development, LLC involves building a 38-unit townhome community. Staff recommends approval with 23 specific conditions regarding design, infrastructure, and landscaping.

• Rezoning request for 210 E Robinson Avenue (Parcel # G12 053)
• Proposed 38-unit townhome development
• Election of Commission Chair and Vice-Chair
• Approval of August 17, 2023, meeting minutes

City Council

The Grovetown City Council will hold its regular meeting on January 8, 2024, starting with a work session at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes routine items such as approving minutes, committee reports, and a financial statement, as well as a review of the FY 2023 final audit report. The most consequential item is a resolution to enter into a construction contract for the Liberty Park Community Center renovation. The council will also discuss updating the ethics ordinance and related policies, and announce new committee chairs and ethics board appointees.

• Resolution 2024-01-01: Construction contract with Shearer Mutimer Construction LLC for Liberty Park Community Center renovation, $577,000
• Review of Final Audit Report for FY 2023
• Discussion of updating Ethics Ordinance
• Discussion of adopting/updating policies and procedures for ethics complaints
• Announcement of Board of Zoning Appeals vacancy