Shalonda Brown

The meeting addressed the approval of minutes from the previous board meeting held on September 19th. The primary focus of the agenda was new business concerning design and remodel applications. The first application involved exterior paint approval for a single-family home at 5217 Lindell Circle, which staff recommended for approval, noting the work was already completed possibly due to a code compliance issue. The second significant agenda item was a design and remodel review for an existing storefront liquor store at 530 East Main Street, intending to expand its unit capacity by combining adjacent suites. Staff recommended approval contingent upon several stipulations to enhance the building's long, rectangular facade, including designing a staggered facade or using architectural elements like boxed windows or panels to break up the scale. Staff also recommended resurfacing the parking lot, clearly delineating the sidewalk from the driveway, and extending the red brick paver sidewalk treatment along the property front. The applicant's architect noted that structural constraints made achieving a truly staggered facade challenging and costly, but alternative visual treatments like canopies and pilasters were discussed to provide facade relief and visual interest, with the sidewalk improvement being noted as potentially more expensive than facade enhancements.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the city's mission statement. The primary focus of the session was a discussion regarding the Forest Park Police Department's asset forfeiture accounts, specifically addressing the unspent funds, which an audit suggested could have been used for hiring, projects, or equipment. The Chief of Police provided clarification on federal guidelines, emphasizing that these funds generally cannot be used to supplant the police department budget or hire regular staff, although limited use for specialized positions or matching grants is permissible. Concerns were raised regarding the utilization and visibility of E911 funds, which were reportedly zeroed out or diverted to the general fund previously, contradicting reports that approximately $1.2 million should be accrued. Discussion centered on the appropriate, non-revenue-generating use of the existing forfeiture funds for necessary equipment and training needs.

The work session began with roll call, noting Mayor Butler's absence and confirming a quorum. The City Manager presented a monthly operations report, recommending future reports be delivered monthly instead of bi-weekly, focusing on the 'One Forest Park' initiative which includes revenue recovery, operational efficiency, sustainability, and economic development. Updates covered facility tours, revenue totals from Recreation and Leisure, and upcoming events like the Bayou Bash and pickleball tournament. The Economic Development Office reported on industrial prospects, the Fort Gillum project, and the issuance of two facade grants. Human Resources is preparing an employee survey. Public Works statistics were shared in recognition of National Public Works Week. The Fire Department reported call volumes, and the Emergency Management Office is exploring using city spaces for a potential American Red Cross recognized shelter location. The Police Department provided crime statistics, noting an emphasis on public education regarding larcenies, and announced a hiring event and four conditional office offers. The Planning, Building, and Zoning Department is pursuing a turnkey solution for permitting processes. Following the work session, the Council entered and exited an executive session to discuss Personnel, litigation, or real estate matters before adjourning the work session and moving into the regular meeting.

The work session covered several agenda items, including the second and final adoption of a Charter Amendment to establish new Ward lines, which requires two consecutive meetings for amendment. Discussion also involved a minor amendment to the agreement with the county for running elections, specifically regarding the city's responsibility for notifying residents of district changes. Furthermore, the council discussed the conditional use permit for a self-storage facility at 4140 Jonesboro Road, which was previously vetoed by the Mayor due to non-compliance issues, including outstanding business licenses and lack of a lighting plan for the proposed entrance/exit. Finally, there was extensive discussion regarding a contract change order for the Main Street Streetscape Project, necessitated by unforeseen conditions, utility relocations, and prior scope changes, totaling approximately $142,267.38, which required council approval as it exceeded the City Manager's authority. The Elmg Street Paving project, utilizing GDOT funds, also generated discussion concerning budget adjustments required for the city's required 30% match for FY2020 and FY2022, and the potential risk of losing funds due to multi-year carryover restrictions related to county delays in road work execution.

The primary discussion centered on municipal redistricting, necessitated by federal and state jurisprudence requiring substantially equal populations among wards every ten years. The city manager initiated contact with the Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office. A presentation was given detailing proposed ward boundary revisions based on the 2020 Census data to address existing population deviations, which ranged from 7.20% to -7.78% initially, with proposed revisions aiming for an average deviation of 0.033%. Key concerns raised by council members included the timing of adoption relative to upcoming elections and the process for notifying residents of boundary changes, which the city manager committed to handle comprehensively through multiple notification methods and a subsequent town hall meeting.