Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

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

invocation was given by Councilmember Johnson.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Grant.

Members Present:

Mayor Bill Grant

Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Tolan

Councilmember Farris Yawn

Councilmember Sandy McGrew

Councilmember Dwayne Waterman

Councilmember Bryan Roach

Councilmember Travis Johnson

Mr. Billy Peppers, City Manager

Mr. Bobby Dyer, City Attorney

Mr. Nathan Ingram, Assistant City Manager

Mr. Marty Ferrell, Police Chief

Mr. Alec Robles, Crime Analyst

Mr. Kevin Turner, Community Development Director

Mr. Ken Patton, Housing Initiatives Director

Mr. Merrick McClure, Code Compliance Manager

Mr. Tyler Peoples, Planning Tech

Ms. Brittany Anderson, City Planner

Mr. Steve Green, Zoning Administrator

Ms. Bethany Watson, City Engineer

Mr. Ryan Luckett, Finance Director

Ms. Lauren Johnson, Communications Manager

Ms. Kristin Norton Green, Theatre Events & Facilities Director

Mr. Jacky Cheng, Digital Content Specialist

Ms. Aundi Lesley, Economic Development Manager

Mr. Mike Morgan, Information Technology Director

Ms. Annie Fortner, City Clerk

Absent:

None

Consideration to Approve Agenda

City Manager Billy Peppers requested to add an item to Old Business for

discussion and possible action on an agreement with the Canton Housing

Authority for the $500,000 loan to TBG Residential for their low-income housing

tax credit application. Councilmember Yawn made a motion to approve the

agenda as amended. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, and it was

approved unanimously.

Guests and Visitors

Presentation of Proclamation for Historic Preservation Month

Mayor Grant read a proclamation for Historic Preservation Month and presented

it to Brittany Anderson, City Planner and staff liaison to the Historic Preservation

Commission.

Presentation of Proclamation Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of History

Cherokee

Mayor Grant read a proclamation celebrating the 50th anniversary of History

Cherokee and presented it to Executive Director Stefanie Joyner who is also

celebrating her 20th anniversary with the organization.

Presentation of 2024 Annual Report from the City of Canton Police

Department - Crime Analyst Alec Robles

2024 CPD Annual Report

Attachments:

Crime Analyst Alec Robels provided the Council with the 2024 annual report.

Mr. Robles reviewed information regarding the City’s population and growth,

total calls for service, Group A crimes, accidents, and arrests. Mr. Robels spoke

about the Criminal Investigations Division’s total cases and the intake and

disposition of property and evidence. Mr. Robles informed of the number of

training hours received by the department, promotions, and citizens served by

the Records Department.

Consideration to Approve Minutes

Council Meeting Draft Minutes - April 17, 2025

Minutes - Council Meeting - April 17, 2025

Attachments:

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

Waterman seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Informational Items

Review of March Financials - Finance Director Ryan Luckett

March Financials

Attachments:

Finance Director Ryan Luckett highlighted fiscal activity in the City’s major fund

sources for the month of March.

Review of Community Redevelopment Tax Incentive Program - Code

Enforcement Manager Merrick McClure

Tax Incentive Program

Attachments:

Code Compliance Manager Merrick McClure provided an overview of the current

Community Redevelopment Tax Incentive Program ordinance. Mr. McClure

informed that the ordinance defines blight as meeting two or more conditions as

noted in Section 54-160. Mr. McClure discussed the review and appeal process

and stated the next step would be to start identifying properties which meet the

ordinance’s definition of blight.

Information Only - Case ZCA2504-001 - Request to Eliminate Zoning

Conditions on the Property Located at the End of Joe Green Lane - Zoning

Administrator Steve Green

ZCA2504-001 Documentation

Attachments:

Zoning Administrator Steve Green stated that 30.54 acres was annexed into the

City limits in 2005. This property was rezoned to R-2 (now zoned R-10 with the

updated City Zoning Map) for the development of a single-family subdivision

containing no more than 69 residential units. Mr. Green noted that numerous

conditions were placed on the property that are related to the development of the

project. The current owner of the property is requesting the elimination of these

conditions so that he can build one, single family detached home with an

attached accessory dwelling.

Other Announcements

Mayor Pro Tem Tolan discussed that the Georgia Initiative for Community

Housing Team recently had a great retreat and are in the process of identifying

homes to provide assistance.

Ten Minute Public Input

None.

Consent Agenda

None.

10.

Old Business

Discussion and Possible Action on Canton Water Pollution Control Plant

Expansion to 6 MGD Project Schedule Extension and Additional Construction

Management and Residential Project Representative Services Request by

AtkinsRealis in the Amount of $495,469.00 - City Engineer Bethany Watson

WPCP Project Schedule Extension

Attachments:

Mr. Peppers stated that staff and the City Attorney are still reviewing the request

and documents provided. Staff would request that Council take no action at this

time.

Discussion and Possible Action on the Election of a Voting Delegate for

Georgia Municipal Association - City Manager Billy Peppers

District 3 North Ballot

Attachments:

Mr. Peppers stated that a voting delegate is needed for the business meeting at

the Georgia Municipal Association convention this June as well as to cast the

ballot for the District 3 North officers. Councilmember Roach made a motion to

appoint Councilmember Waterman as the City’s voting delegate.

Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, and it was approved

unanimously.

Item 10C - Discussion and Possible Action on an Agreement with the Canton

Housing Authority for the $500,000 Loan to TBG Residential for Their

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Application:

Mr. Peppers discussed that the agreement must be approved by the City as well

as the Housing Authority. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

applications are due on May 16th which is the reason it was requested to be

added to the agenda. Mr. Peppers noted that it is the same agreement that the

City had last year with the Housing Authority with two exceptions. The first

exception is the removal of references to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

funding. The second exception being that a condition was added to the

agreement which states the project by TBG Residential must obtain a permit

within 24 months of being awarded the LIHTC project. Mayor Pro Tem Tolan

made a motion to approve the agreement with the Canton Housing Authority for

a loan of $500,000 for TBG Residential’s Riverstone LIHTC application.

Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, and it was approved

unanimously.

11.

New Business

Discussion and Possible Action to Install an Interactive Kiosk in Cannon Park

- Canton Main Street Board Secretary Dave Hatabian

Kiosk in Cannon Park

Attachments:

Canton Main Street Board Secretary Dave Hatabian discussed that the new kiosk

would improve wayfinding in downtown. The kiosk would be installed on City

property and turned over to the City upon completion. Mr. Hatabian noted that

staff will be able to update the kiosk in real time. Mayor Grant asked about

power to the kiosk and about costs. Mr. Hatabian stated they are waiting to hear

back from Georgia Power and described how the kiosk will be interactive and

facing into Cannon Park. Mayor Grant asked for additional information

regarding the installation of power and costs for the kiosk.

Discussion of Public Art Project at Heritage Park and Waleska Street Bridge -

Theatre Events and Facilities Director Kristin Norton Green

Public Art Project - Heritage Park & Waleska Street Bridge

Attachments:

Theatre Events & Facilities Director Kristin Norton Green stated that in March,

Cultural Arts Commission Chair Jamie Foster presented a proposal for Public Art

Sculpture project along the trail in Heritage Park on either side of the Waleska

Street Bridge. The Cultural Arts Commission recommends two related pieces of

sculpture on either side of the bridge. Ms. Norton Green stated the Cultural Arts

Commission has determined a budget estimated between $23,000 and $53,000 for

the project. A donation of $25,000 from developer The Residential Group

(Apartments at the Mill on Etowah) has been pledged for Public Art in the area

that the CCAC would like to utilize to fund the project. Mayor Grant noted that

the project complies with the City’s Public Arts Master Plan. Council asked what

would happen in the event of work being completed to the underpass or during

flooding. Ms. Norton Green stated the art would be installed so that it could be

moved if needed and made of suitable materials.

Discussion of Street Acceptance for City Maintenance for Streets in River

Green Pod B4, The Retreat - City Engineer Bethany Watson

Street Acceptance - River Green Pod B4 The Retreat

Attachments:

City Engineer Bethany Watson stated the streets in River Green Pod B4 – The

Retreat have met the requirements of the Unified Development Code and are

ready to be accepted by the City for maintenance.

Discussion of Waste Pro's Request to Amend the City's Agreement for Solid

Waste Collection Services - Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram

Waste Pro of Georgia - First Amendment to Agreement for Solid Waste Colle

Attachments:

Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram informed that the City and Waste Pro are

coming to the end of their initial three year term to provide waste services to

Canton residents on September 30, 2025. After this initial three-year term, the

contract calls for an automatic extension of two years, unless other agreements

are met. Mr. Ingram reminded Council that the agreement with Waste Pro allows

for a CPI increase each year's anniversary on October 1st. Mr. Ingram stated that

Waste Pro opted to waive any rate increase during last year's anniversary on

October 1, 2024, which resulted in no service charges to Canton residents. The

proposed amendment to the contract by Waste Pro has been included in

Council’s packet. The amendment would extend the agreement for three years

and shows a proposed cap on this year's CPI to 2.5%. Council asked what the CPI

is proposed to be the following years if approved.

Discussion of Proposed Reimbursement Resolution - Assistant City Manager

Nathan Ingram

Reimbursement Resolution

Attachments:

Mr. Ingram stated that a reimbursement resolution allows the City to reimburse

funds already used, with future financing sources, should financing be required.

Mr. Ingram noted that this was used during the construction of the Water

Pollution Control Plant and will more than likely be needed during the

renovation of the downtown fire station and North Street project.

Discussion of Proposed Contract with Goodwyn Mills Cawood for

Architectural and Engineering Services on the Proposed Project Being

Considered along North Street - Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram

Goodwyn Mills Cawood - North Street Project

Attachments:

Mr. Ingram stated that Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) was the firm responsible

for the concept designs on the proposed multi-use project along North Street.

The City and County are eager to get this project moving forward. The City

requested that GMC provide a proposal for final architect, engineering, and

construction management. Mr. Ingram reviewed the Key Objectives as provided

within the proposal. Mr. Ingram noted that these are just estimates until once a

contractor has been selected. Mr. Peppers also stated that a portion of the costs

will be paid by the County. Mayor Grant stated that an Intergovernmental

Agreement and Tax Allocation District Agreement need to be in place before the

approval of this contract. Council and staff discussed the collaboration between

the City and the County as it relates to design and funding as well as the City

utilizing the Tax Allocation District as a funding source.

12.

13.

City Manager's Report

Mr. Peppers did not have a report.

Council Introduced Items

Councilmember Waterman asked Mr. Peppers if he had received any response

back from the Georgia Department of Transportation regarding the City’s request

to have a representative present at a Council meeting. Mr. Peppers stated that he

has still not received a response. Mr. Peppers suggested that he and Mayor

Grant draft a letter to the City’s GDOT Board Member and State Representative.

14.

15.

Mayor's Report

Mayor Grant appointed Ms. Ashely Carlile to serve on the Downtown

Development Authority. Ms. Carlile will replace Mr. Corey Shupert.

Councilmember McGrew seconded the appointment, and it was approved

unanimously.

Adjourn to Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate and

Litigation

Councilmember Waterman made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session to

discuss real estate and litigation. Councilmember Yawn seconded the motion,

and it was approved unanimously.

_______________________________________

Bill Grant, Mayor

Attest:

_______________________________________

Annie Fortner, City Clerk

_______________________________________

Dates Minutes Approved by Council