Lois D. Salter

The Council reviewed and approved several items, including the appointment of a board member to the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the adoption of the Peachtree Industrial Small Area Plan, and the approval of a proposal for an updated Pedestrian Safety Study. The Council also held a work session to review land use, zoning, and comprehensive planning practices. Additionally, the document includes financial reports and preliminary budget amendment information.

The agenda for the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting included the approval or changes to the agenda, and the approval of minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting. New business items scheduled for discussion involved a variance request (PZV-26-01) concerning a septic system setback reduction from the shoreline of Lake Berkeley, and the election of officers, specifically the Chair, Vice-chair, and appointment of a Secretary.

This Small Area Plan for Berkeley Lake's Peachtree Industrial Boulevard corridor, developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology City Planning Studio, aims to guide future development, public investments, and zoning updates. The plan focuses on transforming the corridor into a functional and attractive gateway while preserving the city's quiet, wooded character. Key priorities include placemaking, greenspace preservation, enhancing connectivity and transportation, updating zoning regulations, and proposing specific site designs for mixed-use developments, senior living, and retail. It emphasizes environmental stewardship, support for small-scale local retail, improved pedestrian safety, and long-term economic stability.

The meeting included a Work Session and a Formal Session. Key agenda items discussed were the potential Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Board Member Position, a discussion regarding 4477 PIB (related to a proposed sports club facility requiring zoning updates), the Peachtree Industrial Corridor Small Area Plan developed with Georgia Tech Design Studio, and an update on the Pedestrian Safety Study. During the formal session, the Council ratified the Code of Conduct for 2026, elected the Mayor Pro Tem, approved mayoral appointments for various city roles and liaisons, and amended the fee schedule, primarily affecting building permit fees and occupation tax certificate administrative fees.

The meeting included a Work Session featuring the swearing in of newly elected officials for Council Member At-Large positions. The Formal Session's Consent Agenda covered the minutes of previous meetings, November 2025 financial statements, and an Atlas contract for Dam Inspection. Old Business involved the adoption of the 2026 Proposed Budget (O-25-259) and the adoption of an ordinance (O-25-260) amending the code regarding the discharge of bows in compliance with state law. New Business included an affirmation of the Code of Conduct, the election of the Mayor Pro Tem, and consideration of Mayoral Appointments and a Fee Schedule Amendment. Additionally, the Council approved an addendum to the Waste Management Contract for 2026-2028 services and an amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement with Gwinnett County for tax collection services, which increased the per-parcel rate.