Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

The Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag was led by Mayor Grant and an

invocation was given by Mayor Pro Tem Waterman.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Grant.

Members Present:

Mayor Bill Grant

Mayor Pro Tem Dwayne Waterman

Councilmember Farris Yawn

Councilmember Shawn Tolan

Councilmember Sandy McGrew

Councilmember Bryan Roach

Councilmember Travis Johnson

Mr. Billy Peppers, City Manager

Mr. Bobby Dyer, City Attorney

Mr. Nathan Ingram, Assistant City Manager

Ms. Melissa Forrester, Finance Director

Mr. Steve Green, Zoning Administrator

Mr. Ken Patton, Housing Initiatives Director

Ms. Bethany Watson, City Engineer

Ms. Brittany Anderson, City Planner

Mr. Kevin Turner, Community Development Director

Mr. Marty Ferrell, Police Chief

Ms. Kristin Norton Green, Theatre Events and Facilities Director

Ms. Lauren Johnson, Communications Manager

Mr. Mike Morgan, Information Technology Director

Ms. Annie Fortner, City Clerk

Absent:

None

Consideration to Approve Agenda

Mayor Pro Tem Waterman made a motion to approve the agenda.

Councilmember Tolan seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Guests and Visitors

Presentation of Cherokee County Fire & EMS Updates - Fire Chief Eddie

Robinson - Attachment 4A

Cherokee County Fire & EMS Updates

Attachments:

Fire Chief Eddie Robinson provided Council a presentation highlighting

achievements such as celebrating 50 years as a department, receiving

international accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation

International (CFAI) as well as national accreditation through the Committee on

Accreditation for the EMS Profession (CoAEMSP), and numerous personnel

accomplishments. Chief Robinson discussed how the department was

reorganized during 2023 and spoke about the functions of Personnel Services,

Field Operations, Support Services, and Community Risk Reduction. Chief

Robinson announced that Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services has

maintained a 2/2Y Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification

(PPC) rating and the future site of Fire Station 16 has been selected in downtown

Canton.

Public Hearing

Public Hearing of 2024 Millage Rate - Finance Director Melissa Forrester -

Attachment 5A

2024 Millage Rate

Attachments:

Finance Director Melissa Forrester provided a presentation on the millage rate

which reviewed the importance of property taxes as a revenue source for the City,

requirements for advertising, twenty-year history of the City’s millage rate,

current tax digest, history of County Fire Tax Rates, calculations for property

taxes, upcoming public hearings, and timeline for adoption. Mayor Grant

opened the public hearing and called for anyone wishing to speak. Mr. Thomas

Weaver spoke discussing concern with the City’s Senior Exemption, maintaining

a low millage rate, and providing high level services. Mayor Grant closed the

public hearing. Mayor Grant noted that Cherokee County is to adopt their

millage rate at their upcoming meeting on July 16th. City Manager Billy Peppers

stated the City will continue to provide updated information to the community

and discussed a handout provided to Council which compares the millage rate of

the County and all municipalities within the County. Council and staff discussed

the four possible fire rates to be adopted by Cherokee County and how the City

would make up the gap from any increase using another revenue source.

Consideration to Approve Minutes

Council Meeting Draft Minutes - June 6, 2024 - Attachment 6A

Minutes - Council Meeting - June 6, 2024

Attachments:

Councilmember Yawn made a motion to approve the minutes. Mayor Pro Tem

Waterman seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Informational Items

Information Only - MPA2404-010 - Request to Remove the Requirement of a

Water Tank within the Laurel Canyon Development - Zoning Administrator

Steve Green - Attachment 7A

MP2404-010 Documentation

Attachments:

Zoning Administrator Steve Green stated the applicant seeks to remove the

requirement placed in 2005 of a water tank to be constructed in Pod 2. The

public hearing will be held on August 1st.

Information Only - Annexation, Rezoning, Master Plan, and Conditional Use

Permit Requests Submitted by Pearidge Land Investments LLC - Zoning

Administrator Steve Green - Attachment 7B

Pearidge Land Investments LLC Documentation

Attachments:

Mr. Green stated the applicant wishes to construct 196 single family detached

units as well as 32 townhome units and have a 1.4-acre site for commercial retail

space. The public hearing will be held on August 1st.

Review of May Financials - Finance Director Melissa Forrester - Attachment

May Financials

Attachments:

Ms. Forrester stated there is a decline in the General Fund due to the annual

renewal of property and liability insurance and the annual payment of the fire

tax. Ms. Forrester discussed an increase in retirement payments. This is a good

increase as it shows employees are participating in the City’s retirement plan.

Other Announcements

Councilmember McGrew informed that Ms. Jacki Wickersham, Canton Tourism

Board member, has passed away and offered sympathy and condolences to her

family. Councilmember McGrew stated an appointment to that board will be

made at an upcoming meeting.

Ten Minute Public Input

None.

10.

11.

Consent Agenda

None.

Old Business

Discussion and Possible Action on Case MPA2404-001 - Master Plan

Amendment Request to Add Residential as an Allowed Use in Riverstone Pod

B and Variance Request to Reduce Required Buffer - Zoning Administrator

Steve Green - Attachment 11A

MPA2404-001 Documentation

Attachments:

Mr. Green stated the applicant requests to add residential as an allowed use

within Pod B of the Riverstone development to construct four duplex buildings

for a total of eight living units as well as requests reducing the 50-foot required

buffer/setback line to 10 feet. Staff has recommended approval of this

application with the following two conditions: 1) The owner/developer shall

install an eight (8) foot tall screening fence adjacent to the RA-6 zoned

properties; 2) The requested number of living units be reduced from eight (8) to

six (6) to keep the development within the suggested dwelling units per acre as

recommended by the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Grant confirmed that

there was no one to speak in opposition of this application at the public hearing

or the community input meeting. Mr. Green stated that was correct. Mr. Green

noted he does not believe the two additional units would have any negative

impacts on the area. Councilmember Tolan asked if the setback and buffer

reductions were due to the property being thin and unusable with those

requirements. Mr. Green confirmed that to be true. Councilmember McGrew

made a motion to approve the Master Plan Amendment with eight (8) living units

and the one condition that the owner/developer shall install an eight (8) foot tall

screening fence adjacent to the RA-6 zoned properties. Councilmember Roach

seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

12.

New Business

Discussion of Resolution to Establish a Standard Cable and Video Franchise

Fee of 5% - Finance Director Melissa Forrester - Attachment 12A

Resolution for Cable Franchise Fee

Attachments:

Ms. Forrester stated that the City is a participant of the Georgia Municipal

Association's Telecommunications & Right of Way Management program. The

advisor is auditing cable and telephone franchise fee payments and contracts and

recommends passing a resolution to establish a standard cable franchise fee rate

of 5% within the City for future and existing service providers. Ms. Forrester

stated the City has been operating with a franchise agreement

solely with Comcast which has recently expired and is automatically renewing on

a month-to-month basis.

Discussion of Request for an Appeal Hearing by the Canton City Council for

the Denials of Variance Applications by the Board of Appeals - Zoning

Administrator Steve Green - Attachment 12B

Request for Appeal - Hospital Road

Attachments:

Mr. Green stated the developer of the townhome project on Hospital Road

submitted five variances to the Board of Appeals. All the variance requests were

denied. Mr. Green stated the applicant is appealing two of the denied variance

requests: 1) Request to reduce the required buffer from 50 feet to 10 feet; 2)

Request to reduce the required setback along the external property lines from 50

feet to 10 feet. Mr. Green noted that the City’s Unified Development Code

requires the applicant to first petition the Mayor and City Council to hear an

appeal of the denials. If the Mayor and Council decides to hear the appeal, a

public hearing will be scheduled. If the Mayor and Council decides not to hear

the appeal, the applicant then can take their appeal to the Superior Court of

Cherokee County. Councilmember Roach made a motion to hear the two

variance appeal requests for the buffer and setback reduction. Councilmember

Tolan seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Discussion of Request for Right-of-Way and Alleyway Abandonment along

Teasley Street and Short Tanyard Street - Zoning Administrator Steve Green -

Attachment 12C

Alleyway Abandonment Request

Attachments:

Mr. Green stated the requester has submitted a request for the abandonment of

two alleyways and one right-of-way. Mr. Green discussed the location of the

alleyways and right-of-way. Abutting property owners have been notified and

Mr. Green stated he has received one phone call in opposition to the request.

City Attorney Bobby Dyer stated upon further review one of the alleyways has

already been abandoned by the City. Mayor Grant asked that the information be

clarified for the next meeting as to which alleyway has already been abandoned

and what is still being requested.

Discussion of the Award of Task Order 6 Addendum 1 for Supplemental

Services for Brown Industrial Booster Pump and Waterline to Black & Veatch

in the Amount of $39,716.00 - City Engineer Bethany Watson - Attachment

12D

Black & Veatch Task Order 6 Addendum 1

Attachments:

Agenda Items 12D and 12E were discussed together. City Engineer Bethany

Watson discussed the original Task Orders and noted that due to unforeseen

issues with a water main that runs under I-575, addendums are necessary for

additional designs and permitting.

Discussion of the Award of the Task Order 9 Addendum 1 for Supplemental

Services for SR 20/I-575 Water Main Replacement to Black & Veatch in the

Amount of $27,103.00 - City Engineer Bethany Watson - Attachment 12E

Black & Veatch Task Order 9 Addendum 1

Attachments:

See item 12D.

Discussion of the Proposal to Provide Wall Foundation Investigation for the

River Mill Pedestrian Bridge at The Mill on Etowah from Heath & Lineback in

the Amount of $26,200.00 - City Engineer Bethany Watson - Attachment 12F

Heath & Lineback Proposal

Attachments:

Ms. Watson stated the City is moving forward with Alternate 1 for the River Mill

Pedestrian Bridge as approved by Council. Ms. Watson stated as part of this

project a soil nail wall is included. A Wall Foundation Investigation (WFI) needs

to be performed by the City’s geotechnical subconsultant.

Discussion of the Award of Task Order 7 for Reinhardt College Parkway

Utility Relocation SR 5 Connector at Highway 140 Intersection Improvement

Project to Keck & Wood in the Amount of $43,750.00 - City Engineer Bethany

Watson - Attachment 12G

Keck & Wood Task Order 7

Attachments:

Ms. Watson discussed that this project is for the roundabout at Reinhardt College

Parkway and Highway 140. The City’s utilities seem to conflict with the plans.

Ms. Watson stated this Task Order would include the design and relocation of the

City’s utilities.

Discussion and Possible Action on a Quitclaim Deed at 142 Reinhardt

College Parkway to Signet Clinical, LLC - City Attorney Bobby Dyer -

Attachment 12H

Reinhardt College Parkway Quitclaim Deed

Attachments:

Mr. Dyer discussed that as part of the redevelopment of property in the

Riverstone Master Plan, the City abandoned certain aging utility infrastructure

and easements. As the properties are being sold, the buyers are requesting

Quitclaim Deeds for those areas from the City. Mr. Dyer stated the City has

completed this process several times. Signet Clinical, LLC is seeking to build at

142 Reinhardt College Parkway and needs the Quitclaim to complete the

purchase. Councilmember Johnson made a motion to approve the Quitclaim

Deed for 142 Reinhardt College Parkway to Signet Clinical, LLC.

Councilmember Yawn seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Discussion of Intergovernmental Agreement with Cherokee County for

Maintenance of Technology Ridge Parkway Phase I - Assistant City Manager

Nathan Ingram - Attachment 12I

IGA for Technology Ridge Parkway

Attachments:

Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram stated that Cherokee County recently

completed Technology Ridge Parkway. Cherokee County wishes to enter into an

Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for City maintenance of that roadway. Mr.

Ingram noted that under the IGA, the City would be responsible for maintaining

all rights-of-way, including the sidewalks, trails, curb, gutter, drainage pond and

roadway. The City will also handle all permitting along the roadway for future

curb cuts.

Discussion of Request by Northside Hospital Cherokee for City Contributions

to the Construction of a New Traffic Signal at the Hospital - Assistant City

Manager Nathan Ingram - Attachment 12J

NHC Request for Traffic Signal Funding Assistance

Attachments:

Mr. Ingram discussed that Northside Hospital Cherokee (NHC) is planning to

construct a second entrance to the hospital campus along Northside Cherokee

Boulevard south of the current entrance. Mr. Ingram stated NHC anticipates the

cost to signalize the intersection to be $600,000 or less and is requesting the City

contribute one-third of the cost (not to exceed $200,000) upon completion of the

work. Mr. Ingram noted that the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners have

already committed one-third of the cost (not to exceed $200,000) upon

completion of the work.

Discussion and Possible Action to Dispose of Property Located at Short

Drive and Accept the Purchase and Sales Agreement from Generations

Church of God, Inc. in the Amount of $5,969.00 - Assistant City Manager

Nathan Ingram - Attachment 12K

Short Drive Property

Attachments:

Mr. Ingram stated the City owns a very small piece of property located on Short

Drive which is off Old Vandiver Road near Ball Ground Highway. Mr. Ingram

noted the site does not include any infrastructure and is no longer in the City's

water and sewer service area. The property is surrounded by a parcel of land

totaling 40 acres owned by Generations Church of God, Inc. Mr. Ingram stated

the adjacent property owner approached the City a year ago about selling it the

City's lot. At that time, it was determined through the City Attorney that the

options for disposal would be a public bid or the adjacent owner could purchase

the property for a fair market price. Mr. Ingram informed that the adjacent owner

has their property under contract for sale and the offer for its acreage was

prorated based upon the .15 acres owned by the City for a fair market price of

$5,969.00. Mr. Ingram stated the adjacent property owner is hoping to close on

their property soon which is why action is requested now. Mayor Pro Tem

Waterman made a motion to approve the disposal of the property located on

Short Drive and accept the Purchase and Sale Agreement from Generations

Church God, Inc. in the amount of $5,969.00. Councilmember Johnson

seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

13.

City Manager's Report

Mr. Peppers discussed the recent Georgia Municipal Association’s Annual

Convention and provided updates on City projects including paving and

demolition of the old Tippens School site. Mr. Peppers spoke about the 4th of

July and First Friday events, giving special thanks to the Public Works

Department, Police Department, and Downtown Development Manager Velinda

Hardy for all their hard work. Mr. Peppers also thanked City Planner Brittany

Anderson, Community Development Director Kevin Turner, and Communications

Manager Lauren Johnson for their efforts to complete the Historic District

Residential Design Guidelines. Mr. Peppers recognized Court Services

Representative Amy Lutz as being named the Team Member of the Month for

June.

14.

15.

Council Introduced Items

None.

Mayor's Report

Mayor Grant congratulated Ms. Amy Lutz as being recognized as Team Member

of the Month for June and seconded the praise of Team Canton for their efforts

during the holiday festivities. Mayor Grant also thanked the Historic Preservation

Commission members for their hard work on the Historic District Residential

Design Guidelines.

16.

Adjourn

Mayor Pro Tem Waterman made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Johnson

seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

_______________________________________

Bill Grant, Mayor

Attest:

_______________________________________

Annie Fortner, City Clerk

_______________________________________

Dates Minutes Approved by Council