Bekki Fox

This special session was held prior to the regular meeting for a celebration of Black History Month, where proclamations were presented recognizing three industries/families and six individuals for their contributions. The regular meeting included a presentation by a citizen regarding the separation of powers and legislative decision-making, and another citizen addressed the topic of data centers, requesting a public referendum and suggesting water usage estimation requirements. A third citizen spoke in support of House Bill 968 concerning kratom products, which the Commission subsequently adopted a resolution of support for. The Commission unanimously approved a rezoning request (Z26-02-03) for properties on Waddell, Nelm, and Stonewall Streets, allowing for up to fourteen multifamily residential units under specific conditions, including improved water flow/pump requirements. A Coin Operated Amusement Machine (COAM) waiver request for a Stop N Go location was tabled until the next meeting to allow notification to nearby church and residents. Announcements were made regarding multiple upcoming committee meetings. The Commission also unanimously authorized the purchase of additional Tyler Technologies software for the Building Inspection Department, to be funded through the Enterprise Fund.

Key discussions included a joint City/County proclamation recognizing Arbor Day 2026. Several citizens addressed the Commission regarding the potential water consumption and environmental impact of proposed data centers, with one presentation detailing current water usage versus production capacity and estimations for future data center demands. Another citizen raised concerns regarding alleged Open Meetings Act violations by the Rome/Floyd Development Authority. The Commission adopted a resolution to extend Rome's certification as a Georgia Municipal Association's City of Civility and also adopted a resolution cancelling the moratorium prohibiting the development of new convenience stores and gas stations, given new development standards were adopted in January 2026. The first reading was held for a rezoning request (Z26-02-03) for multiple properties to Multi-family Residential, with a public hearing set for the next meeting. The City unanimously approved a new, simplified mechanical permit fee schedule for the Rome and Floyd County area, resulting in lower permit fees for residential applications. Additionally, the City approved payments for the fourth quarter 2025 operating deficit of the Recycling Center.

The meeting commenced with the election of Scotty Hancock as Chair and Elaina Beeman as Vice Chair by common consent. Departmental reports were presented by Building Inspection, Keep Rome/Floyd Beautiful, ECO Center, and Planning, Transportation/Trails. Building Inspection discussed permit and code enforcement numbers, including an update to flat fees for mechanical permits (residential $90, non-residential $250), with a motion passed to bring this request for review to the Rome City Commission and Floyd County Commission. They also discussed obtaining a price quote for the Tyler Munis permitting software. Keep Rome/Floyd Beautiful focused on education programs and volunteer involvement for 2026, mentioning Arbor Day and the 50-year celebration. The ECO Center noted that Spring and Summer education bookings are full. The Planning department provided an update on ULDC revisions. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

The meeting addressed several action items, including the approval of the January 2026 minutes and financials, specifically noting the closure of Truist and Synovus accounts which are now processed through the finance department. The board also approved the BID budget and conducted officer elections, confirming roles for president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. Furthermore, the board approved a proposed Tourism mural for the parking deck at no cost to the DDA. Discussion topics included the Sidewalk Ordinance, with plans for an open forum on February 26th, and the scheduling of a Strategic Planning Meeting for March 10th and 11th. The board also decided to reschedule the June 5th First Friday event due to a conflict with a concert and discussed organizing a block party style event with a car show.

Key discussions involved the presentation of service pin awards to three Public Works Division employees. The committee granted permission to the Daughters of the American Revolution for laying wreaths on veteran graves in December. Updates were provided on the Pennington sidewalk repair project, which was recently contracted out for $30,000. A potential Tribune Street closure for a County SPLOST project involving a crane was discussed, emphasizing coordination for traffic safety plans. Approval was granted for One Community United to use the pedestrian bridge for their annual event. Other follow-up items included confirming the use of a $600,000 LMIG grant for paving Technology Parkway, confirming guard rail installations at several locations, reporting that specifications are out for bid for a $1.5 million project to replace underground storage tanks with above-ground tanks, and noting that trail extension plans remain in the design phase. The Traffic Commission reviewed the January Accident/DUI report, noting slight increases in total accidents but decreases in injuries, and discussed an upcoming bid opening for a Riverside Pkwy project at the loop. Furthermore, Atrium offered to fund half the cost of a traffic study on W. 3rd Street. The groundbreaking for the Pump Track project was scheduled for the following Wednesday.