Shad Faulkner

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda, which required reversing the order of two New Business items related to Planning and Zoning. Key discussions involved a Proclamation celebrating National Beta Week for Excellence Christian Academy. In New Business, the Council unanimously approved a rezoning application for EP Hernandez, LLP to change property from M-1 to INST for an event facility, following a public hearing where parking details were addressed. A second rezoning application for Thomas McNaull to change property from R-1A to OP for a State Farm Insurance Office was also approved after a public hearing, subject to conditions regarding operating hours, parking, lighting, and landscaping buffers. A third rezoning application was postponed to the next meeting. Administratively, the Council approved adding Land Answers Consulting as a Demand Service Provider for surveying services at $135 per hour, based on competitive quotes. Additionally, an Ordinance Amendment pertaining to firearms in vehicles was approved to align with state law preemption. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss Real Property matters.

The key discussion point was the public hearing for Melda Duckworth Rezoning #2026008, which involved rezoning 0.79 acres from Office Professional (OP) to Single-Family Residential (R-1) to permit the construction of a single-family detached residence. Staff recommended approval contingent upon several conditions, including a minimum heated/cooled space of 1,500 square feet, a maximum height of 2 stories or 20 feet, specific building setbacks, mandatory masonry exterior siding, and direct driveway access only from Kelly Mill Road. The Commission unanimously approved the staff recommendation and voted to send the matter to the City Council.

The key discussion involved a public hearing regarding City of Cumming Variance #2026006. The variance sought to increase the building height from 60 feet to 70 feet and the floor area ratio (FAR) from 239,500 to 375,000 square feet for multifamily residential units in the Cumming City Center, necessitated by the site's topography. Staff recommended approval, noting that the overall density was still lower than what was originally approved in the Planned Unit Development (PUD). The motion to approve the variance with specified conditions carried unanimously. The agenda for the meeting was also adopted.

The meeting included the appointment of a moderator to preside over the session. Key discussions involved the adoption of the agenda for the current meeting. The authority approved a resolution concerning Covenants for the Residential Property related to an upcoming sale, authorizing execution of necessary documents. Additionally, a resolution was approved concerning Toro Tract 3 (previously Tract 2) to ensure accuracy for closing documents. An update was provided regarding the Cumming City Center, noting that 21st Amendment is vacating space for two new tenants, including Pieces and Peaches, and that the former Roxy Moxy space will be leased to a sports retailer. A new Cajun Fusion restaurant is expected to finalize its lease in February 2026.

The work session addressed the adoption of the agenda for the February 3, 2026 meeting. Key new business items included the approval of an Alcohol Beverage License Application for YAVA Kitchen and Brewhouse. The Council also approved an update to the City of Cumming Personnel and Procedures Manual to incorporate the City's Vehicle Use Policy. Furthermore, the proposal from Lang Signs for LED message board upgrades totaling $147,291.20 was approved. The Council also received direction regarding the offer of a 0.137 acre property conveyance at the intersection of Hutchinson Road and Castleberry Road. An Executive Session was held pertaining to Real Estate Acquisition.