Brian Epstein

The City Council received a comprehensive presentation regarding the Middle Chattahoochee Regional Water and Sewer Authority. The discussion covered the authority's history, legislative background, intergovernmental agreements, and the evolution of its water supply projects, specifically the transition from a proposed reservoir project to a direct withdrawal project from the Chattahoochee River. The presenters explained the impact of changing federal regulations on permitting, the status of current water quality and quantity studies, and ongoing efforts to explore financial partnerships with neighboring counties and other stakeholders to support the project's development.

This document outlines the update of the City of Fairburn's 2025 Comprehensive Plan, which serves as a strategic blueprint to guide the city's growth and development for the next decade. It addresses critical issues such as housing, transportation, economic development, public safety, parks and recreation, and infrastructure improvements. The plan aims to ensure smart growth, attract new businesses, create jobs, enhance quality of life, and maintain eligibility for state and federal funding by remaining a thriving, sustainable, and desirable place to live, work, and visit.

The board discussed ongoing preparations for Inspire inspections and the schedule for upcoming annual plan meetings. There was a review of unit improvements, specifically the transition from an office expansion plan to a renovation and facelift of existing space to conserve funds. The meeting also included an update on the management team transition at the Oslo development and featured developer presentations from One Street Residential and Radiant Development Partners. Furthermore, the board reviewed the strategic plan, noting the recent approval of a non-profit entity to assist with future development structures and explored options for 4% and 9% tax credit applications.

The City Council Work Session included a presentation of the fiscal year 2025 financial audit by an external firm. The audit received a clean, unmodified opinion on financial statements, compliance, and internal controls. Key discussion points included financial trends in the general fund and utility funds, as well as recommendations for improvements to internal procedures such as bank reconciliation reviews and the documentation of procurement transactions. Council members specifically inquired about the status of long-outstanding checks and the formalization of internal controls to prevent future segregation of duties issues.

The meeting included the review and approval of a primary variance request for a 300 square-foot in-ground swimming pool at 365 Sawgrass View, involving a reduction in the rear setback from 30 feet to 10 feet. Additionally, the Commission reviewed and approved a city-initiated text amendment to make community meetings a formal requirement for rezoning requests, comprehensive plan amendments, and special use permits.