Derek Bryan

The work session meeting addressed procedural matters related to case number P2025RZ-002-10, initiated by the city of East Point concerning property rezoning at 2418 Millage Street. The original request to rezone the property to MXCI (Mixed-Use Industrial) was tabled previously. Staff proposed withdrawing the MXCI application and simultaneously submitting a new application to rezone the property to CL (Commercial Limited). Commissioners discussed the permitted uses under the CL classification, noting that while specific uses like art galleries and offices were recommended, broader CL uses such as indoor/outdoor amusements or a cafe/dog park concept were considered based on the property's location and topography, which slopes significantly. The discussion included the proximity of the site to residential areas and the need to balance property owner flexibility with community welfare.

The meeting commenced with roll call, establishing a quorum, followed by an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda adoption and approval of previous minutes (from the work session and the regular meeting of January 5th, 2026) were conducted. There was no public hearing scheduled. Public comments focused on several key areas: concerns regarding the city attorney's contract and compensation, the city manager's scope of authority, and financial oversight, including budgeted event expenditures. Residents also provided safety recommendations, such as maintaining property/renters insurance, filing homestead exemptions with the city, ensuring home address visibility for emergency services, and storing the non-emergency police number due to potential 911 routing issues near city borders. Another speaker addressed the six-month moratorium on data center construction, emphasizing concerns about noise pollution and its impact on property values and quality of life, while acknowledging potential revenue benefits. A final speaker expressed concern over the Police Chief participating in a panel discussion with Homeland Security regarding ISIS presence, advocating for local law enforcement to clearly delineate policies regarding cooperation with ICE to protect vulnerable neighbors.

The work session began with a roll call confirming a quorum, though one council member was absent. The primary discussion revolved around procedural matters concerning the number of presentations allowed (limited to three under the current work session policy, though five were listed) and whether to suspend those rules. Consensus was reached to proceed with three presentations initially, with others potentially being addressed later. Several agenda items were deferred to the next work session, including the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption, repeal of the domestic partnership chapter, grievance and whistleblower policy, conflict of interest policy, and the investment policy. Discussions were held regarding city credit card and travel policies. New agenda items included consideration of the MOA 2025 Southton Comprehensive Transportation Plan, procurement items eligible for consent, and other items requiring discussion such as the Vertical Earth Desert Drive milling and resurfacing, Silver Silven Road North sidewalk, Connelly Drive sidewalk LMIG project, a rezoning application, the Fulton County Arts Grant (which was deemed time-sensitive), Airport West C 2025 expansion resolution, East Point day at the capital, standardized transportation and training process, and the Rigs Drive guard rail safety issue. Emergency storm line repairs (Items 19 and 20) were held pending clarification on whether work had already commenced. The Golden Year Senior Fair item was also discussed.

The work session agenda included reviewing previous and new agenda items. Key discussions involved the city council credit card policy and travel policy, and the status of the city council whistleblower policy and conflict of interest policy, which were directed to the Human Resources committee after coordination with the City Attorney. The council addressed an ordinance to lower the age requirement for senior homestead property tax exemptions from 70 to 65, deciding to move it to March for further action while noting timeline constraints for 2027 effectiveness. Discussions also covered developing a citywide litter prevention and enforcement plan. Presentations were scheduled concerning investment policy, featuring representatives from OZK and Regions Bank, as well as items related to emergency repairs for a sinkhole/erosion issue affecting a water tank valve and an emergency water main repair. Several vendor-related items, including cooperative agreements and annual maintenance approvals, were addressed, alongside reviews of council meeting protocol and procedures for work session agendas.

The proceedings began with an invocation by Pastor Katherine Mitchell Sharp from Victory Baptist Church, focusing on remembrance, gratitude, and hope in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy, emphasizing service and giving back. The event featured a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by Ladonna Ferguson. The main discussion involved welcoming the honored speaker, Dr. Daniel Black, an author and professor of African-American studies at Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Black delivered a powerful address emphasizing self-love as a revolutionary act, challenging institutions towards dignity and accountability, and asserting the enduring strength and mission of Black people despite historical attempts at subjugation. The address concluded by posing the question of what role each attendee will play in the ongoing revolution, urging action, courage, and leadership.