Bo Garrison

The Austell City Agriculture Plan aims to unite residents, growers, and city leaders to establish a resilient and equitable local food system. It is structured around four key priorities: cultivating a supportive policy environment for local food and agriculture, empowering the community through a sustainable, year-round local food system, developing holistic agriculture education programs, and engaging neighbors through events and inclusive communications. The plan provides guidelines for integrating local food and agriculture into city policies and programs, fostering community connection, education, and sustainable practices for future generations.

The council meeting included discussions and updates from various departments, including the Gas System, Finance, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Parks. Key actions included approving the Threadmill Complex HVAC Replacement bid, adopting the Austell Powder Springs Multi-Use Trail Concept Report, and approving alcohol privilege licenses for Maxham BP, Inc. & Pat Maxwell's Place. Additionally, the council addressed an ethics resolution, an independent contractor agreement, and a franchise agreement with the City of Mableton & Austell Gas System. The Mayor reported on a civility resolution and a request for funds from A.A.C.I.C. The council also entered an executive session for an employee matter and litigation.

The meeting included reports from various departments such as Finance, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Community Affairs. The Community Affairs agenda included a Code Enforcement Report and discussion around Special Land Use Permit requests, one of which was tabled until the next meeting. Another Special Land Use Permit request was approved with stipulations after closing a public hearing.

The council meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The council conducted public hearings regarding underage alcohol sales at Fat Cats, placing the establishment on probation, and a request to waive the ten-year rule for an alcohol permit. Further public hearings were held for unsafe building abatements at multiple addresses, with decisions made to file petitions in municipal court for properties not brought up to code. The council also approved a Solid Waste Management Plan Resolution, agreed to participate in a Powder Springs Creek Study, and awarded a contract for the removal of a water tower. Amendments to the Soil Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution Control Ordinance were re-adopted, and the 2009 Annual Water Quality Report was approved for distribution.

The meeting included a citizen's report where concerns were raised about the 2022 Comp Plan, police department staff turnover, parking permissions for a resident, and potential health hazards from standing water on a property. The Gas System is preparing for winter, and the council discussed the monthly financial report, police department crime stats, fire report, public works agenda, parks department activities, and code enforcement. A Special Land Use Permit request by M&M Waste, Inc. was approved with stipulations. An executive session was held regarding a personnel matter. The Mayor reported on the CMA Meeting.