Fleeta S. Baggett

The Mayor and Council meeting included several significant actions. The Council unanimously ratified a resolution enacting a limited moratorium until July 4, 2026, on applications for Data Center Development. Agenda items were added and subsequently denied regarding the annexation applications PAR25.0003 - Falcon Wood and PAR25.0004 - Alcovy Rise. Licenses were approved for on-premises and off-premises consumption for Headbangers Taphouse. The Council approved sole source partnerships with the Newton County Minister's Association for the annual Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway (2026-2030) and the Newton County Historical Committee on Black Heritage Preservation for African American Heritage community events (2026-2029). A Special Use Permit (SUP) was approved for a private Christian school within an existing Place of Worship, contingent upon meeting licensing and safety inspection requirements. Key financial approvals included requesting $1.3 million in grant monies for the Hwy 278 CID project, approving a large change order for the Utilities Complex to include concrete paving, and approving agreements related to natural gas mains and sales for new developments. The Council also waived competitive bid requirements to approve a substantial proposal for Program Management Services for the One Water Reuse System. Further actions involved approving the review of the parking ordinance and approving a Resolution to request a Homestead Exemption from Ad Valorem Taxes from the Georgia General Assembly. Appointments were made to the Covington Housing Authority Board and the Library Board. The City Manager provided updates on preparation for an anticipated ice storm and reminded attendees about an upcoming council retreat.

The meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to a new police officer. Key discussions and actions involved amending the agenda to include a discussion of Data Centers, and subsequently implementing a 180-day moratorium for Data Center permits, as well as initiating a text amendment regarding Data Centers. The Council approved an application to GDOT for the 2026 Local Maintenance Improvement Grant. Miscellaneous appointments for 2026 were approved, including the City Attorney, Municipal Court Judge, and City Physicians. Council appointments were made for Mayor Pro-tem and Mayor Pro-tem Elect for 2026. A Change Order was approved with an exception related to a turnaround area installation cost. During public comments, concerns were raised regarding personnel appointments, donation acknowledgments, and the impact/detour related to Data Centers and a DOT bridge repair project. The City Manager reported on securing a $240,000.00 Safe Roads Grant and announced an upcoming council retreat. The Mayor commended the Fire Department for extinguishing a large Michelin fire and invited attendance at the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Council members and a new Police Officer. Licenses for on-premises and off-premises consumption, as well as a brewery/brewpub license, were approved for several establishments. The Council approved a task order for RCP crossing replacement on Butler Ave and the purchase of ITRON Water ERTs. A Public Hearing was held, resulting in the approval of a Special Use Permit for a taphouse. Mayor Baggett was reappointed to the Parking Authority. The RFP for the Flat Rock Rd-Phase 2 project was awarded to Power Pros Power Line Solutions LLC, and a three-year contract with Flock for security camera integration was approved. The Council elected 100% to the Intermediate Term Portfolio for off-systems energy sales margins for 2026. A decision regarding adding stormwater fees to monthly utilities was tabled after discussion. Agreements concerning Water and Wastewater Capacity and Service with Amazon Data Services, along with related funding contribution contracts with Newton County entities, were approved. Employee salaries were approved to be set at 105% of the adjusted labor market. Council acknowledged receipt of several 2026 departmental appointments. A contract for the Georgia Department of Transportation acquisition of ROW in connection with the Hwy 278 CID was approved. Citizens voiced concerns regarding stormwater billing, pollution, and requested ordinances regarding data centers. Employee salary increases and the City Manager's retreat were acknowledged.

The council meeting included a mid-term update to the Downtown Master Plan. Licenses were approved for on-premises and off-premises alcohol consumption for various establishments. An agreement was approved with RS&H for the CVC Northwest Apron Crack Seal, Rejuvenation and Remarking Design project. Tres Thomas was designated as the voting delegate and Nathan Roper as the alternate for Electric Cities of Georgia, Inc. The best RFP from Dukes Root Control for Micro-Detection of RDII services was approved, as well as the low RFP from Triple R Paving and Construction LLC for paving and construction. Phase II of the Peach State Constructions design build contract for the City Pond & Williams Road Improvement Project was also approved. A resident requested city officials to address stormwater issues to prevent flooding.

The council meeting included discussions and actions on several key items, such as approving licenses for on-premises and off-premises consumption of alcohol, a license for wholesale distribution, and an art shop license. The council also approved purchases for an Eaton PST-9 Switchgear, an RFP from GWES for the Academy Springs Pond Rehabilitation, and an RFP from Newline Skateparks for a new Skate Park facility. Additionally, they approved task orders for stormwater pipe repair and the Conyers Street Stormwater Rehab project. The agenda was amended to include approval of a purchase for disk array replacement for City Hall. Other topics included revisiting and amending standards for a Taphouse, approving an amendment to the Ground Lease Agreement for a public bathroom at Academy Springs Park, approving an RFQ from RS&H for aviation consulting services, and approving a Final Design Phase Task Order for the Turner Lake Widening Project. The council also entered into an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation.