Sylvia Abernathy

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the treasurer's report. The treasurer detailed financial activity following a taxable revenue bond closing on February 18th, including deposits into the debit service account and the revitalization project account, alongside subsequent disbursements for closing costs and prior city expenses. A significant discussion centered on updating the mailing addresses for the Development Authority's bank statements. The board discussed changing the mailing address for all three accounts to 314 Northwest Broad Street, with two of those accounts specifically directed to the attention of Jenny Montoya in the finance department due to IGA oversight for Phase 2. The status of bringing on an independent accounting firm was also reviewed. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss real estate related to the revitalization project.

The primary discussion following the executive session concerned the Ren Park Series 2023 bond termination and associated property conveyance. This item served to inform the Development Authority and the Downtown Development Authority board of directors about the termination of the Series 2023 bond transaction and the conveyance of project property to South City Partners Ren Park Owners LLC. This action follows the board's prior unanimous approval on February 4th to terminate the bonds. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The meeting began with the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the adoption of the city council agenda and the approval of the minutes from the February 9, 2026, meeting. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to a public hearing regarding a use permit for a truck terminal at 7472 Graham Road, which is currently zoned M2 heavy industrial. Staff recommended approval subject to numerous supplemental regulations, including 24-hour security and restrictions on long-term trailer storage. Council discussed concerns related to public notification timing for hearings and the process for ensuring compliance among future users of the terminal. The council also discussed outlining objective criteria for the quasi-judicial decision-making process.

The Planning and Zoning Meeting addressed two primary items under new business. The first item involved a request for a use permit for a truck terminal located at 7472 Graham Road, which is currently zoned M2 (heavy industrial). Staff recommended approval, contingent upon adherence to supplemental zoning ordinance regulations for truck terminals. The second item concerned a text amendment request to Section 80-90 of the Highway 74 overlay district regarding drive-thru restaurant standards, specifically modifying spacing standards and requesting a reduction in the minimum indoor square footage requirement. Staff recommended against approving this text amendment, citing consistency concerns with the new comprehensive plan which emphasizes commercial development like sitdown restaurants and retail shops over drive-through facilities.

The event served as a Small Business Alliance meeting for the City of Fairburn, focusing on fostering collaboration among local entrepreneurs. Key discussions included supporting small businesses as a means to support dreams, opportunities, and jobs within the community. The Mayor addressed the attendees, emphasizing entrepreneurship and small business development as core priorities, with a focus on revitalizing the downtown area through partnerships and attracting benefactors. City representatives also detailed financing mechanisms and the recent city purchase of a long-vacant downtown property for redevelopment. Furthermore, the partnership with the Downtown Development Authority to launch 'Leadership Fairburn' was announced, a six-month program designed to provide capacity and professional development resources, including assistance with marketing, finances, and guarding against seasonalism for small businesses.