Clarkston public meetings in 2024

City Council

The Clarkston City Council will consider approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Downtown Development Authority to allocate $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the revitalization of the central business district. The meeting will also include a public participation session and an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

• Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Downtown Development Authority for $50,000
• Executive session to discuss a personnel matter
• Public participation via video conference
• Meeting held in-person and hybrid
• Councilmember Debra Johnson serves as Vice Mayor

Downtown Development Authority

The Clarkston Downtown Development Authority will hold a special called meeting to discuss proposed updates to the Downtown Development District and review a proposal for a Special Tax District. The meeting will also include the approval of minutes from a previous meeting and a public comment period.

• Approval of December 9, 2024 DDA meeting minutes
• Review and recommendation of a Special Tax District
• Assessment of proposed updates to the Downtown Development District

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will discuss the Certified Local Government application and updates to commission bylaws. The body will also review the historic context of the Clemsil Overlay District and apartment developments, as well as the Parks Master Plan.

• Certified Local Government application
• HPC bylaws updates
• Clemsil Overlay District historic context
• Sutton House mothballing, including weatherization and security
• Parks Master Plan relevance for Forty Oaks Nature Preserve and Milam Park

City Council

The Clarkston City Council will adopt several resolutions to allocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for contracts and service agreements, including behavioral health services for the police department and other community programs. Each resolution specifies a contract term, maximum dollar amount, and an effective date of December 19, 2024. An executive session will be held to discuss a personnel matter.

• Award a contract to Claratel Behavioral Health for licensed clinician and case management services for the Police Department, up to $86,275 annually for two years.
• Award a contract to CHA Solutions for grant writing services, $50,000 annually for two years.
• Award a contract to Dekalb Pro Bono for residential legal aid assistance, up to $35,000 for two years.
• Extend the service agreement with Amani Women’s Center for workforce development, up to $82,800 until 2026.
• Award a contract to Paryani Construction, Inc. for renovation work at 736 Park North, up to $15,000 for six months.

Planning & Zoning Board

The board will review two staff options for incorporating parks and green space into the city's zoning map or Comprehensive Plan. The meeting also includes a training session and the approval of the 2025 meeting calendar.

• Update on adding parks and green space to the Zoning Map
• Planning & Zoning Training Session by Sarah McQuade
• Review and approval of the 2025 Meeting Calendar

City Council

The City Council is holding a special called meeting on December 14, 2024. The primary purpose of the meeting is to enter an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

• Executive session to discuss a personnel matter

City Council

The Clarkston City Council will consider a consent agenda that includes several financial resolutions, most notably a $177,430 drainage improvement contract for properties on Market Crescent Drive and Market Way. Other items include a $736 membership in the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency for first‑responder PTSD benefits, a grant agreement for the Safe Streets for All Vision Zero plan, and a renewal of procurement services for $21,000. The council will also vote on fee schedule changes for alcoholic beverage, business, and hookah licenses.

• Approve $177,430 drainage improvement contract for 3731 & 3737 Market Crescent Drive and 860 Market Way (Storm Water Enterprise Fund).
• Add $736 membership in Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency for PTSD benefit for first responders (General Fund).
• Approve U.S. DOT “Safe Streets for All” grant agreement for the Greater Clarkston Vision Zero Safety Action Plan.
• Renew procurement services contract with Bowman Moody Enterprise, LLC for $21,000 for up to six months (General Fund).
• Adopt ordinances to increase alcoholic beverage, business, and hookah license fees.

City Council

The City Council will review recommendations from Interim City Manager Tammi Saddler Jones to merge or abolish several city committees and task forces. The body is also discussing various infrastructure contracts, grant applications, and fee increases for business and alcohol licenses.

• Drainage Improvement Project #1 at 3731 & 3737 Market Crescent Drive and 860 Market Way for $177,430
• FY 2025 Local Maintenance Improvement Grant application for $112,384.11
• Proposed fee increases for alcoholic beverage licenses, business licenses, and hookah permits
• Procurement services renewal with Bowman Moody Enterprise, LLC for $21,000
• Allocation of $7,000 for Tell Me a Story Event and $5,000 for Community Center venue rentals

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will discuss the Certified Local Government application and updates to its bylaws. The meeting includes reviews of the Clemsil Overlay District and historic apartment development contexts. Members will also discuss the Parks Master Plan as it relates to specific city sites.

• Certified Local Government application
• HPC bylaws updates
• Clemsil Overlay District historic context
• Historic Apartment Development context
• Parks Master Plan relevance to Forty Oaks Nature Preserve, Sutton House, and Milam Park

Planning & Zoning Board

The Clarkston Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing and then discuss two items. First, the board will consider proposed amendments to its bylaws. Second, the board will review the zoning map for parks and greenspaces. No decisions are noted in the agenda.

• Public hearing – members of the public may address the board (3‑minute limit)
• Discussion of amendments to the Planning and Zoning Board bylaws
• Discussion and review of the zoning map for parks and greenspaces

City Council

The Clarkston City Council convened a special meeting on November 13, 2024. After the usual call to order and roll call, the council entered an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

• Executive session to discuss a personnel matter (details confidential)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the proposed FY 2025 Operating & Enterprise Fund Budget and Fee Schedule. The meeting includes public hearings on the budget and several zoning code amendments. Council will also consider various service contracts and rezoning applications.

• Public hearing and consideration of the FY 2025 Operating & Enterprise Fund Budget
• Contract for Southern Demolition, LLC for house demolition at Forty Oaks Nature Preserve for $39,750
• Contract for Yeargan & Kert, LLC for Municipal Court Solicitors Services at $2,000 per month
• Contract for IKON Filmworks for video recording services for $38,400
• Proposed rezoning of 911, 917, 929, and 935 Mell Avenue from NR-1 to NR-3

City Council

The City Council will review the proposed FY 2025 Operating & Enterprise Fund Budget and the proposed fee schedule. This meeting includes a public hearing for community comments on the budget proposal.

• Proposed FY 2025 total expenditures of $15,351,391
• Proposed 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all City Employees effective 7/1/2025
• Proposed $575,000 for new office space at 736 Park North Blvd, including $390,000 in annual lease payments
• Proposed funding for one full-time Planner and two summer interns totaling $101,352
• Proposed $173,000 for Community Action Projects

City Council

The Clarkston City Council work session will discuss a resolution to award Southern Demolition, LLC a $39,750 contract to demolish a two‑story house at Forty Oaks Nature Preserve, funded from the SPLOST II Fund. Other items include a one‑year municipal court solicitor contract for $24,000 annually, a video‑recording services contract for $38,400, an AT&T internet and phone services agreement costing $46,740 per year plus a $5,152 one‑time fee, and an insurance premium payment of $41,756 for leased office space. The council will also consider zoning code amendments, rezoning applications, and several code and ethics ordinance proposals.

• Award Southern Demolition, LLC demolition contract – $39,750 (SPLOST II Fund)
• Approve municipal court solicitor services – $2,000 per month, $24,000 annually (General Fund)
• Contract IKON Filmworks for video recording – $38,400 (ARPA Funds)
• AT&T internet/phone services – $46,740 annually plus $5,152 one‑time fee (ARPA and General Funds)
• Annual insurance premium for 736 Park North Blvd office – $41,756 (General Fund)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to discuss the requirements for becoming a Certified Local Government. The body will also review the preservation of the Sutton house and other historic areas.

• Update on preservation of the Sutton house and other historic areas
• Discussion of Certified Local Government designation requirements and status
• Proposal to appoint the City Clerk to perform statutory duties and public communication
• Discussion of new meeting date and time

Downtown Development Authority

The Clarkston Downtown Development Authority Board will approve the meeting agenda and September 9 minutes, then hold public comment. In new business, members will discuss a proposed Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and the DDA for economic development activities. They will also discuss developing a proposed operating budget of $300,000 for the DDA to present to the City Council.

• Discussion of proposed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between City Council and the DDA for economic development activities
• Discussion to develop a proposed operating budget of $300,000 for the DDA (FY 2025‑2026)
• Approval of the meeting agenda for October 15, 2024
• Approval of September 9, 2024, meeting minutes

City Council

The Clarkston City Council will discuss a resolution to issue a Series 2024 General Obligation Sales Tax (SPLOST II) bond for $7,000,000 with Webster Bank. The meeting also includes old‑business items such as an ordinance to allow transfer of grandfathered retail alcohol licenses, an alcohol license application for Lulu’s Package at 3900 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., a demolition contract for the Forty Oaks Nature Preserve house at $39,750, and a resolution to de‑annex 1078 Nielson Dr. The council will also consider a resolution to repeal the city’s non‑detainer policy.

• Resolution to issue a $7,000,000 SPLOST II bond with Webster Bank
• Ordinance to allow transfer of grandfathered retail alcohol licenses
• Alcohol license application for Mansi 7311, LLC d/b/a Lulu’s Package, 3900 E. Ponce De Leon Ave.
• Contract award to Southern Demolition, LLC for demolition of a two‑story house at Forty Oaks Nature Preserve, $39,750
• Resolution to de‑annex Parcel 18 095 09 008 (1078 Nielson Dr.)

City Council

The Clarkston City Council Work Session will discuss a resolution to issue a Series 2024 General Obligation Sales Tax (SPLOST II) bond for $7,000,000 with Webster Bank. Other agenda items include a deannexation ordinance for Parcel 18 095 09 008 (1078 Nielson Drive), several contract awards, and proposals related to alcohol licensing. The meeting also features presentations on historic preservation and community advisory recommendations.

• Resolution to issue a $7,000,000 SPLOST II bond with Webster Bank
• Ordinance to deannex Parcel 18 095 09 008 (1078 Nielson Drive)
• Contract award to Southern Demolition, LLC for demolition at Forty Oaks for $39,750
• Contract award to IKON Filmworks for public‑meeting video services for $38,400
• Agreement with AT&T for internet and phone services at $46,740 annually plus a $5,152 one‑time fee

Historic Preservation Commission

The meeting scheduled for September 18, 2024, was canceled because members are attending a state conference. No business was decided or discussed.

Planning & Zoning Board

The Clarkston Planning & Zoning Board scheduled a regular meeting for September 17, 2024, but the meeting was canceled because a quorum was not present. As a result, no agenda items were considered or decided. The agenda had listed a proposed zoning text amendment and a discussion/training on the zoning ordinance, but these were not addressed.

• Proposed zoning text amendment (new business item a)
• Discussion and training on Zoning Ordinance (new business item b)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will vote to select a Vice Chair and discuss creating a budget for operations. The board will also review a presentation on legal funding limits and discuss a revitalization plan for downtown Clarkston.

• Vote for Vice Chair position
• Discussion on basic Budget for operations
• Presentation on legal limits on City Funding
• Presentation on real estate development process
• Discussion of Revitalization/Redevelopment Plan

City Council

The Clarkston City Council will confirm the 2024 SPLOST II resurfacing project list and vote on three matching‑fund resolutions: $100,000 for an Atlanta United GA 100 Pitch Grant, $61,332.95 for Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant projects, and $250,000 for the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act "Safe Streets For All" transportation planning grant. New business includes deferring a liquor‑license transfer for Lulu’s Package, reviewing a liquor‑license change for Ponce Café at 3652 Market St., extending audio‑visual services with Ikon Filmworks up to $30,000, and appointing a member to the Historic Preservation Commission.

• Resolution confirming the 2024 SPLOST II Resurfacing Project List
• Resolution committing $250,000 matching funds for the IIJA "Safe Streets For All" grant
• Resolution committing $100,000 matching funds for the Atlanta United GA 100 Pitch Grant for Milam Park Soccer field lights
• Resolution committing $61,332.95 matching funds for 2023‑2024 Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant projects
• Consideration of a change of ownership alcohol license for Yetayal Enterprise d/b/a Ponce Café, 3652 Market St., Suite C2

City Council

The City Council will discuss resolutions to commit matching funds from SPLOST II for several grant opportunities, including $250,000 for the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act “Safe Streets For All” Transportation Planning Grant, $100,000 for the Atlanta United GA 100 Pitch Grant to install lights at Milam Park Soccer field, and $61,332.95 for the 2023‑2024 Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant. New business items include change‑of‑ownership alcohol license applications for Lulu’s Package at 3900 E. Ponce De Leon Ave. and for Ponce Café at 3652 Market St., a contract to continue audio‑visual services with Ikon Filmworks up to $25,000, and appointing a member to the Historic Preservation Commission.

• Resolution to match $250,000 for IIJA “Safe Streets For All” Transportation Planning Grant (funded from SPLOST II)
• Resolution to match $100,000 for Atlanta United GA 100 Pitch Grant for Milam Park Soccer field lighting (funded from SPLOST II)
• Resolution to match $61,332.95 for 2023‑2024 Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (funded from SPLOST II)
• Change of ownership alcohol license application for Mansi 7311, LLC d/b/a Lulu’s Package, 3900 E. Ponce De Leon Ave.
• Contract continuation for audio‑visual services by Ikon Filmworks, not to exceed $25,000, funded from Professional Services

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will hold its regular meeting on August 21, 2024. The agenda includes approval of the agenda and the July 17, 2024 meeting minutes, a chairman’s report on a downtown tour, and new business to discuss historic preservation ordinances and the identification of historic buildings, neighborhoods, landmarks, and resources. Public comments are also scheduled.

• Approval of agenda and July 17, 2024 meeting minutes
• Chairman report on tour of designated downtown area
• Discussion of a historic preservation ordinance
• Identify designated historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landmarks
• Identify historic resources to protect against inappropriate alterations, incompatible construction, and demolition

Planning & Zoning Board

The Planning & Zoning Board will discuss design guidelines and note the withdrawal of a variance request for a Cottage Housing Development at 1601 Jolly Avenue (Case PZB-24-06-001). Public comments will be accepted, limited to three minutes per speaker. The meeting also includes a chairman’s report on a downtown tour and the introduction of a new board member.

• Discussion of design guidelines
• Withdrawal of variance application for Cottage Housing Development at 1601 Jolly Avenue (Case PZB-24-06-001)
• Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker)
• Chairman report of tour of designated downtown areas
• Introduction and onboarding of new board member

City Council

The Clarkston City Council will consider several items, including amending Ordinance No. 493 to allow late‑night alcohol sales, a $2,840 change order for driveway work at 1056 Vaughan Street, and multiple contracts and initiatives. They will vote on a renovation contract up to $480,000 for 736 Park North, a $39,750 demolition contract at Forty Oaks Nature Preserve, a $100,000 SPLOST II matching grant for the Atlanta United GA 100 Pitch Grant, and an art installation agreement for Trailside Green Park.

• Ordinance No. 493 amendment to permit late‑night on‑premises alcohol sales
• Change Order $2,840 for additional work at 1056 Vaughan Street driveway apron (SPLOST I funded)
• Resolution approving up to $480,000 contract with Paryani Construction for renovations at 736 Park North (General Fund, Federal Seizure Fund, Tenant Improvement Allowance)
• Resolution awarding $39,750 contract to Southern Demolition, LLC for demolition at Forty Oaks Nature Preserve (SPLOST II funded)
• Resolution allocating $100,000 SPLOST II matching funds for the Atlanta United GA 100 Pitch Grant

City Council

The Clarkston City Council Work Session will discuss an amendment to Chapter 3 of the Code to allow late‑night alcohol sales for on‑premises consumption. Council members will also review a resolution to approve a contract with Paryani Construction, Inc. for renovation work at 736 Park North up to $480,000 funded from the General Fund. Additional items include a demolition contract for the Forty Oaks Nature Preserve, a change order for driveway work at 1056 Vaughan Street, and a presentation of the final Greenway Trail Phase I plan.

• Discussion of Ordinance No. 493 to allow late‑night alcohol sales on premises
• Resolution approving a contract with Paryani Construction, Inc. for up to $480,000 renovation at 736 Park North
• Resolution awarding Southern Demolition, LLC a $39,750 contract to demolish a house at Forty Oaks Nature Preserve
• Change Order for additional work at 1056 Vaughan Street driveway apron costing $2,840
• Final Greenway Trail Phase I plan presentation and implementation

Planning & Zoning Board

The Planning & Zoning Board meeting scheduled for July 16, 2024, was canceled. The agenda had included items for design guidelines and new member onboarding.