2023 CITY COUNCIL MIDTERM ELECTIONS
Half of South Fulton Councilmembers Up for Re-election This November
left to right: Councilpersons Rowell (District 1), Willis (District 3), Reeves (District 5) and Pritchett (District 7) are up for re-election.
Several candidates have already announced their intentions to run for these offices. More information on them in available in the section below.
Running for Office
Wednesday, June 7 — Here in South Fulton, we have an election every year in November. We vote for State & Federal representatives during even years and City Council during odd years. Unlike Atlanta, which elects all its City Councilmembers the same year citizens elect their Mayor, the City of South Fulton holds Midterm Elections halfway through the Mayor's term.
The first Tuesday in November is Regular Election Day. In Georgia there are 3 weeks of early voting before each regular election, including Saturday & Sunday voting every weekend EXCEPT the weekend before Election Day Tuesday.
This year, half the South Fulton City Council is up for election. EARLY VOTING BEGINS MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023. Though each of these incumbents have not formally announced their intentions to run for re-election, it is presumed that each of them will run again. Information on all individuals who have announced their intentions to run for these seats can be found in the section below.
To run for City Council in the City of South Fulton, you must be:
The first Tuesday in November is Regular Election Day. In Georgia there are 3 weeks of early voting before each regular election, including Saturday & Sunday voting every weekend EXCEPT the weekend before Election Day Tuesday.
This year, half the South Fulton City Council is up for election. EARLY VOTING BEGINS MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023. Though each of these incumbents have not formally announced their intentions to run for re-election, it is presumed that each of them will run again. Information on all individuals who have announced their intentions to run for these seats can be found in the section below.
To run for City Council in the City of South Fulton, you must be:
- At least 21 years of age by August 25, 2023
- A resident of the City of South Fulton since November 7, 2022 (one year prior to Election Day)
- A resident of the City Council District for which you intend to run since February 25, 2022 (6 months prior to qualifying, see below)
You do not need to own a home, have a degree or any specific certifications to run for elected office. A truly "representative" elected body should have members who represent all aspects of a community: young & old, rich & poor, married & single, white & blue collar, male & female, heterosexual & queer, American-born citizens & immigrants, renters & homeowners. It takes everyone to represent everyone.
Restoration of Rights to Vote & Run for Office
Desmond Meade and his Florida Rights Restoration Coalition have led the fight to restore Voting Rights for former Felons in Florida and led them to become a major voting block.
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Anyone who meets the qualifications can run for office — even convicted felons, IF they have completed their sentence five years prior to election (August 25, 2018) and had their rights restored.
Click the links below to learn more about what former felons need to do to run for office in Georgia and nationwide. |
The final time for anyone to announce they are running for office is called the Qualifying Period. The Qualifying Period for South Fulton's 2023 City Council Elections is Monday, August 21 at 8:30 a.m. to Friday, August 25 at 4:30 p.m. During this week, South Fulton City's Clerk will verify that each candidate meets South Fulton's residency and eligibility requirements. Each person running for office must pay $830.28 (three percent of the total salary for the office) to the South Fulton City Clerk to go through this process and have their name placed on the ballot.
Those wishing to run for any elected office may announce their intentions long before the qualifying period. All they must do at this time is fill out a FREE Declaration of Intent Form and deliver it to the South Fulton City Clerk.
The final time for anyone to announce they are running for office is called the Qualifying Period. The Qualifying Period for South Fulton's 2023 City Council Elections is Monday, August 21 at 8:30 a.m. to Friday, August 25 at 4:30 p.m. During this week, South Fulton City's Clerk will verify that each candidate meets South Fulton's residency and eligibility requirements. Each person running for office must pay $830.28 (three percent of the total salary for the office) to the South Fulton City Clerk to go through this process and have their name placed on the ballot.
Those wishing to run for any elected office may announce their intentions long before the qualifying period. All they must do at this time is fill out a FREE Declaration of Intent Form and deliver it to the South Fulton City Clerk.
Interested in Running for Local Elected Office?
Here is How to Get Started.
South Fulton City Council is a part-time position. Most South Fulton City Councilmembers have full-time jobs. In addition to a part-time salary of $27,000 per year, each South Fulton City Councilmember receives free physical, vision, dental and mental health insurance; a 10 percent salary match in employee retirement; and a budget of over $150,000 per year for local events & initiatives, full-time administrative staff, interns, travel & training.
Local electeds like City Council, County Commission and School Board make more decisions that impact our daily lives than the President or Congresspeople we see on national news — from what your children art taught (or not taught) in school to what protocols local police must follow. Running for local office is not as expensive or difficult as you may think. South Fulton Mayor khalid breaks down the costs, considerations and first steps to getting your name on the ballot. Click the matching link below to learn more.
Local electeds like City Council, County Commission and School Board make more decisions that impact our daily lives than the President or Congresspeople we see on national news — from what your children art taught (or not taught) in school to what protocols local police must follow. Running for local office is not as expensive or difficult as you may think. South Fulton Mayor khalid breaks down the costs, considerations and first steps to getting your name on the ballot. Click the matching link below to learn more.
Announced Candidates
This year, half the South Fulton City Council is up for election. Though each of these incumbents have not formally announced their intentions to run for re-election, it is presumed that each of them will run again. Here is a first look at the 2023 Midterm candidates.
Click on Zoomable Maps of each Voting District to see where your neighborhood sits. Click on each candidates' picture to learn more about them.
Click on Zoomable Maps of each Voting District to see where your neighborhood sits. Click on each candidates' picture to learn more about them.
South Fulton Council District 1
Cascades, Loch Lomond, Fulton Industrial Blvd, Sandtown
Incumbent Councilwoman Catherine Rowell is up for re-election in November 2023 for South Fulton District 1, which includes the Cascades, Loch Lomond, Fulton Industrial Boulevard (FIB) and Sandtown. She currently has two challengers: education advocate and mother of 5, Angel Gaines-Dingle and longtime Community Advocate, Pamela Harris.
South Fulton Council District 3
Welcome All, Red Oak, Roosevelt Hwy
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One of South Fulton's most outspoken Councilmembers, Incumbent Helen Z. Willis currently has no challengers for her 2023 Election for City of South Fulton Council District 3, which includes Welcome All, Red Oak, Roosevelt Highway. Community advocate Luetrell Langston filed a Declaration of Intent to challenge Willis but was drawn out of the district by City Council during 2022 Redistricting.
Willis has been a vocal supporter of South Fulton Police and led the initiative to institute South Fulton's new citywide trash service; as well as legislation to defund the South Fulton's Juneteenth Celebration and lawsuits to limit Public Comments and stop the Mayor from recording City Council Executive Sessions. |
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South Fulton Council District 5
Flat Shoals, Feldwood, Buffington Road
Incumbent Councilmember Corey A. Reeves (top right) is up for re-election in November 2023 for South Fulton District 5, which includes Flat Shoals, Feldwood and Buffington Road. He currently has two challengers: Community advocate and sister of Real Housewives star Phaedra Parks, Keosha Bell and father, coach and longtime Community Organizer, Kalvin Bennett.
South Fulton Council District 7
Jonesboro Rd/Hwy 138, Oakley Industrial, Fife
Incumbent Councilmember B. Linda Pritchett (top right) is up for re-election in November 2023 for South Fulton District 7, which includes Jonesboro Rd/Hwy 138, Oakley Industrial, Fife. She currently has two challengers: Businessman and Oakley Township Resident, Mario Clark and longtime community advocate and former Fulton County Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Alvin Reynolds.
2022 City Hall Portrait by: IKON Filmworks
Marc Wilson's Legal Defense Fund
24 year-old Marc Wilson faces up to 10 years in prison after defending himself against racially-motivated attack. Mayor khalid is partnering with the Black Man Lab to raise money for the Wilson family, who face legal fees of over $150,000.
2022 City Council Redistricting Maps
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Just as Congressional, State House and County voting districts are redrawn after every decennial census, so are the districts for City Council. South Fulton's City Council will vote on its new districts this Tuesday, October 25. These will be the Council Districts used in the 2023 Election for Council Districts 1, 3, 5 & 7 — and all elections after until until 2030.
Some of the most noticeable changes in the new South Fulton City Council districts include the drawing of former Councilwoman Rosie Jackson's Melanie Manor neighborhood out of District 5 and into District 7 and the moving of Pointer Ridge from District 7 into District 5; and the inclusion of recently incorporated areas of Fulton Industrial Boulevard into District 1. Click the picture above to view a District Map that is zoomable to street-level detail. 
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Next City Council Meeting
Tuesday, Dec 13 • 6PM
Mayor khalid Unites Black Male Leaders
to Knock Doors in Troubled Communities
Mayor khalid and South Fulton Police sprung to action after recent shootings in Pine Tree Condominiums off Old National Highway rocked the community of Creel Park. Police have increased patrols of the area and are investigating the source of the shoots. April 9, South Fulton Mayor khalid joined a coalition of Black Men to go door-to-door in both Pine Tree and nearby Pointer Ridge, recruiting at-risk young men into community programs. Called #WeLoveYallTooMuch, the coalition of local groups provides mentorship, criminal diversion and job placements for young men across metro Atlanta.
Watch the video above and connect the young men in your community to the programs listed below.
Watch the video above and connect the young men in your community to the programs listed below.
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The Black Man Lab
(312) 550-6364 marty@blackmanlab.org Meets Every Monday at 6:30 pm Southwest YMCA 2220 Campbellton Rd SW, 30331 Gangstas To Growers (The Come Up Project) (770) 609-5927 1555 S, Gordon St SW, 30310 Let Us Make Man (877) 538-1626 info@letusmakeman.net Urban Pro College Education https://www.upcen.org/ |
Next Level Boys Academy
(678) 800-1689 gdavis@nextlevelboysacademy.com Meets Every Saturday at 8 AM 6325 Shannon Parkway, 30291 I'm A Father F1rst (404) 951-8057 info@ImaFatherF1rst.com Summer Safe Atlanta (678) 800-1689 subscribers@summersafeatlanta.com Cure Violence Atlanta/Chris 180 (470) 562-8876 cureviolence@chris180.org 1700 Lakewood Ave SE, 30316 |
South Fulton 2022 Inaugural Worship Service
Sunday, January 9, 2022
Kingdom of God International Ministries
New South Fulton Mayor khalid hosts the city's 2022 Inaugural Interfaith Worship Service at Kingdom of God International Ministries in Welcome All Park, South Fulton, Georgia.
City Council Retaliates Against Mayor khalid for Whistleblowing Corruption
at Friday, July 22 Special Called Meeting
Friday, July 22 — South Fulton City Council has called a Special Meeting to respond to Mayor khalid's Monday Press Conference in which made several claims of corruption, from a Police Department investigation in which the head of SFPD's Narcotics Unit confessed to mishandling confiscated funds to obstructing and overcharging for Open Records Requests. Sources inside City Hall say Council plans to take action to have the Mayor removed from office.
Mayor khalid's critics argue his document dump constitutes a violation of Executive Session. The Mayor argues the documents he released were sent to him via emails which are subject to Open Records Requests.
Mayor khalid's critics argue his document dump constitutes a violation of Executive Session. The Mayor argues the documents he released were sent to him via emails which are subject to Open Records Requests.
May 3, 2022 South Fulton's HR Director documents bullying by Councilmember
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May 4, 2022 City Manager notifies entire City Council about intimidation.
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Parks Director becomes 119th resignation in one year, citing "unethical" & hostile work environment.
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Georgia's Attorney General investigates exorbitant fees for Open Records Requests
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Records reveal that South Fulton's City Manager notified City Council of attempts by Councilmember Helen Z. Willis to stop an investigation into the South Fulton Police Department. An independent investigation conducted by Smyrna Police confirmed the allegations of over a dozen South Fulton Police officers. However, South Fulton Chief Keith Meadows allowed the narcotics officer who confessed to resign quietly while publicly placing several of the officers who testified against them on Administrative leave.
Mayor khalid says he held Monday's Press Conference because the demotion or termination of several of those officers was imminent, and because "failure to expose corruption wherever discovered" is one of the reasons for removal listed in the City Charter. The matter has been referred to the Office of Georgia's Attorney General, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) and others.
The police investigation and attempts by some to suppress it highlight a hostile work environment within South Fulton City Hall, further evidenced by the Exit Interview of the city's most recent department head. More than 118 South Fulton staff members have resigned in the past year.
Mayor khalid is urging employees with similar concerns to come forward. "There is safety in numbers," says khalid. "If you have been a victim of witness to bullying or corruption, now is the time to publicly report it."
Mayor khalid says he held Monday's Press Conference because the demotion or termination of several of those officers was imminent, and because "failure to expose corruption wherever discovered" is one of the reasons for removal listed in the City Charter. The matter has been referred to the Office of Georgia's Attorney General, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) and others.
The police investigation and attempts by some to suppress it highlight a hostile work environment within South Fulton City Hall, further evidenced by the Exit Interview of the city's most recent department head. More than 118 South Fulton staff members have resigned in the past year.
Mayor khalid is urging employees with similar concerns to come forward. "There is safety in numbers," says khalid. "If you have been a victim of witness to bullying or corruption, now is the time to publicly report it."
In response to recent controversies regarding possible violations of Georgia Open Meetings laws — including an investigation by Georgia's Attorney General into overcharging of fees for Open Records Requests — Mayor khalid partnered with the First Amendment Foundation & the University of Georgia (UGA) School of Law to offer citizens a full course on Open Meetings & Executive Session laws. The university Law professors offered a profoundly different opinion from South Fulton's City attorney about what is allowed to be discussed in Executive Session and shared with the public about it. South Fulton City Council holds Executive Sessions at nearly every Work Session and Regular Meeting — often lasting an hour or more — a practice uncommon in any of Georgia's other 536 cities.
Watch Full Meeting Here (Parts 1 & 2)
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Courageous Conversations:
Open Government
Thursday, September 15
Mayor Pushes Back Against City Council Power Grab
Tuesday, October 25 • 4PM
Sunday, October 23 — At the top of this month's Agenda is a record number of vetos from South Fulton Mayor khalid. Before he was even sworn into office, Edwards loyalists on City Council began changing South Fulton's City Charter to reduce the new Mayor's powers — to appoint department heads, veto items and make the agendas for Council Meetings.
City Councilmembers have silenced their critics, blocking and reporting those who dissent on Facebook and NextDoor (see above); voting — in an unpublished Agenda at a Council Retreat outside city limits — to remove comments from YouTube broadcasts of City Council meetings; and passing a Resolution limiting who can speak during Public Comment at City Council meetings and what they can speak about.
Now, they have now set their sights on the city's administrative staff; moving oversight of the City Clerk (keeper of South Fulton's official records) to Council; giving the City Manager — whom City Council can fire — authority to sign contracts & agreements City Council enters into that the Mayor will not sign; and creating new city departments (against the recommendations of the City Manager) to control City communications, its hiring of temporary staff and conduct of financial investigations.
Now, they have now set their sights on the city's administrative staff; moving oversight of the City Clerk (keeper of South Fulton's official records) to Council; giving the City Manager — whom City Council can fire — authority to sign contracts & agreements City Council enters into that the Mayor will not sign; and creating new city departments (against the recommendations of the City Manager) to control City communications, its hiring of temporary staff and conduct of financial investigations.
DICUSSION OF INTERNAL AUDITOR ($250,000) & MAYOR'S CITY CREDIT CARD (P-CARD)
Click to view 2020-21 City Credit card purchases across multiple city departments.
Click to learn more about how Local Options Sales Tax (LOST) negotiations affect City Budgets.
It's one thing for us on City Council to make public allegations against each other, but using taxpayer dollars for our mudslinging — at a price tag of $500,000 for Auditors & Public Affairs Officers — is unconscionable.
-Mayor khalid
-Mayor khalid
MAYOR'S VETO DELAYS MOVE OF SOUTH FULTON POLICE HQ OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS TO ALLOW FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
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Click the pictures here to read the Mayor's Veto & the entire independent investigation by Smyrna Police into South Fulton Police misconduct.
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Friday, October 14 — South Fulton Mayor khalid has postponed the proposed move of police department headquarters outside of City Limits. The move, by Mayoral Veto, places the item on the Agenda for the City Council's next in-person, Public Meeting, which will take place Tuesday, October 25 at 6 p.m. at Welcome All Park: 4255 Will Lee Road, 30349. The Council Meeting will be preceded by a Work Session (also open to the public) which begins at 4:00 p.m.
In his letter to Council regarding the move, the Mayor wrote:
Personally, it concerns me that a police department still under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) — in which multiple officers, in polygraphed statements, affirmed that inappropriate conduct and evidence tampering were reported up the chain of command — would have that same command staff move their offices further from the supervision of our City Manager to a site outside the city.
In his letter to Council regarding the move, the Mayor wrote:
Personally, it concerns me that a police department still under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) — in which multiple officers, in polygraphed statements, affirmed that inappropriate conduct and evidence tampering were reported up the chain of command — would have that same command staff move their offices further from the supervision of our City Manager to a site outside the city.
As an official sworn to uphold our democracy, it troubles me that a decision of such import and expense would be made at a Special Called Meeting without Public Comment. As has often been the case throughout this year (and emails below show) my attempts to raise these issues with Council "behind closed doors" fell on deaf ears. Many of the media storms battering our city have been created by our own failure to listen to each other — and our citizens — before taking action.
I am certain this veto will be overridden at our Public Meeting October 25, signed by the City Manager that night, and South Fulton Police Department (SFPD) command staff will be able to assume the lease beginning November 1. But first, our citizens will have their say — as is their inalienable right
I am certain this veto will be overridden at our Public Meeting October 25, signed by the City Manager that night, and South Fulton Police Department (SFPD) command staff will be able to assume the lease beginning November 1. But first, our citizens will have their say — as is their inalienable right
CRISIS IN CAMELOT: MAYOR & RESIDENTS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY,
AIR CONDITIONING FOR 33 DAYS
Tuesday, July 5 Update — South Fulton Mayor khalid and a half-dozen other residents went without air or electricity or air conditioning in the Camelot Condominiums on Old National Highway for 33 days. In that time, a young mother was shot in front of her 4 year-old child in one building, a resident was found overdosed in the hallway of another; and a third resident was attacked by an off-leash pit bull. The condominium complex has a $1.3 million water bill with the City of Atlanta. In 2020, Camelot's Homeowner's Association (HOA) received a $1.5 million insurance payout for a building destroyed by fire. The board says that money is gone though the buildings was never rebuilt. A recent inspection by the City of South Fulton structural engineers, blocked by property managers until the City received a warrant from a judge, revealed buildings with black mold.
See these full inspection reports below.
See these full inspection reports below.
Clockwise from top left: (1) Code Enforcement June 2022 Comprehensive Report. (2) City Engineer's June 2022 Structural Report. (3) $1.3 Million past due bill from Atlanta Watershed. (4) $1.5 Million Insurance Payment for Burned Building.
Beyond health and safety concerns, Camelot's 40-acre of blight is bringing down property values and tax revenues in the city's most densely populated commercial district. A Code Enforcement Court Date has been set in the City of South Fulton's Municipal Court for Monday, August 8 at 10AM.
Mayor Places Parks, Public Works & Trash Service on Next City Council Agenda
Click to view PDF
City Council Avoids Discussion of Camelot, Wolf Creek and Decorum at Contentious June Meeting
The livestream was viewed by over 1,000 the night of June 14.
June 15, 2022 —South Fulton's City Council set supposed to discuss Camelot, Wolf Creek and its own Decorum issues at last night's Special Called Meeting. But in a move that surprised citizens and the Mayor himself, they voted to avoid public discussion of all these items. Lead by City Councilwomen Helen Z. Willis and Natasha Williams, under the advice of City Attorney Vincent Hyman, they removed discussion of all high-profile issues from the Agenda.
"Attorney Hyman, why am I just hearing about this issue now as the meeting is starting?" questioned Mayor khalid. "I've been in my office all day... and you were at last week's Agenda meeting, providing us legal counsel, when this agenda was created."
Councilwoman Willis, the only member of the body to speak for the group, responded with concerns about hurt feelings that City Council was not included in conversations about the Agenda's creation and frustration that this June Special Called Meeting was "only supposed to be for zoning cases."
At the May 25 meeting of South Fulton City Council, members of council who refused to give city employees Summer Fridays off voted to give themselves a two-month summer vacation, with no more Council Meetings planned until August. After pushback from city administrators about the glut of unheard zoning issues a two-month hiatus would create, City Council relented to holding a June 14 Special Called meeting to hear these cases.
Yet during the very May 25 meeting where this was being decided, a young mother in Camelot was being murdered in front of her four year-old child Mayor khalid revealed last night. In the three weeks leading up to the June 14 meeting, a second woman who overdosed on drugs was found in the breezeway of another Camelot building; an unleashed dog, who twice attacked individuals but was allowed to remain on the property, attacked a third person; and Georgia Power began shutting off power —including air conditioning — in units across the complex due to dangerous and illegal wiring issue.
In the time between meetings, City Manager Tammi Saddler Jones requested to add an item to the June Agenda regarding Wolf Creek Amphitheater. The announcement of the signing of a six-month lease of the Amphitheater from Fulton County has lead to a rush of requests for the venue from residents and promoters. However, the city currently has no plan in place with promotion or ticketing companies and no staff in place to maintain the theater. The City Manager was set to introduce a preliminary plan to address these issues.
Since the city's inception, City Council's meeting agenda has been made by the Mayor in concert with the City Manager. But after the 2021 Election of Mayor khalid, some councilmembers — especially those who previously had the ear of the old Mayor and were able to get their issues prioritized — pushed to be included in the creation of agendas, even proposing changes to the City Charter to get their way.
"This Council is being governed by hurt feelings, and our citizens suffering for it," said a clearly frustrated Mayor khalid after last night's meeting. Here is what was to be discussed last night — and where citizens can find information on topics removed from the agenda:
"Attorney Hyman, why am I just hearing about this issue now as the meeting is starting?" questioned Mayor khalid. "I've been in my office all day... and you were at last week's Agenda meeting, providing us legal counsel, when this agenda was created."
Councilwoman Willis, the only member of the body to speak for the group, responded with concerns about hurt feelings that City Council was not included in conversations about the Agenda's creation and frustration that this June Special Called Meeting was "only supposed to be for zoning cases."
At the May 25 meeting of South Fulton City Council, members of council who refused to give city employees Summer Fridays off voted to give themselves a two-month summer vacation, with no more Council Meetings planned until August. After pushback from city administrators about the glut of unheard zoning issues a two-month hiatus would create, City Council relented to holding a June 14 Special Called meeting to hear these cases.
Yet during the very May 25 meeting where this was being decided, a young mother in Camelot was being murdered in front of her four year-old child Mayor khalid revealed last night. In the three weeks leading up to the June 14 meeting, a second woman who overdosed on drugs was found in the breezeway of another Camelot building; an unleashed dog, who twice attacked individuals but was allowed to remain on the property, attacked a third person; and Georgia Power began shutting off power —including air conditioning — in units across the complex due to dangerous and illegal wiring issue.
In the time between meetings, City Manager Tammi Saddler Jones requested to add an item to the June Agenda regarding Wolf Creek Amphitheater. The announcement of the signing of a six-month lease of the Amphitheater from Fulton County has lead to a rush of requests for the venue from residents and promoters. However, the city currently has no plan in place with promotion or ticketing companies and no staff in place to maintain the theater. The City Manager was set to introduce a preliminary plan to address these issues.
Since the city's inception, City Council's meeting agenda has been made by the Mayor in concert with the City Manager. But after the 2021 Election of Mayor khalid, some councilmembers — especially those who previously had the ear of the old Mayor and were able to get their issues prioritized — pushed to be included in the creation of agendas, even proposing changes to the City Charter to get their way.
"This Council is being governed by hurt feelings, and our citizens suffering for it," said a clearly frustrated Mayor khalid after last night's meeting. Here is what was to be discussed last night — and where citizens can find information on topics removed from the agenda:
CAMELOT CONDOMINIUMS
Camelot Condominiums on Old National Highway
For decades, the Camelot Condominiums at 5565 Old National Highway have fallen ever deeper into disrepair, becoming one of South Fulton's most blighted and crime-ridden communities. Mayor khalid, who has previously advocated for the demolition of the complex, kept a promise to move to Camelot for 6-12 months to personally evaluate the living conditions there — and the consequences of condemnation.
Last month, Georgia Power disconnected electricity from a dozen dangerously wired units — including the Mayor's own home. The Mayor is still without power. Georgia Power Revenue Protection officers reported unknown persons had been "stealing power" from the Mayor and others for several weeks.
In June, building engineers joined South Fulton's fire, police and code enforcement departments in a routine "code sweep" of Camelot. However this time, with administrative warrants from a city judge obtained at the urging of the Mayor, officials were able to conduct more thorough inspections than ever before.
Mayor khalid has met with those on all sides of the issue but remains focused on the safety of residents. "The City's job is to ensure our citizens are living in buildings that are safe, structurally sound and sanitary," he told reporters. "And if they are not, it is our duty to act."
Affordable housing has become a hot topic, nationally. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) is now running a 3-part series called Dangerous Dwellings, which chronicles a pattern of neglect by owners of low-income housing in the metro area.
Mayor khalid says calls the series "further evidence that we cannot leave it to 'the free market' to provide affordable housing." In response to rising inflation and housing costs, Mayor khalid is proposing raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour for the city's lowest-paid employees. Click the images below to read Mayor khalid's Resolution and the AJC articles.
Mayor khalid says calls the series "further evidence that we cannot leave it to 'the free market' to provide affordable housing." In response to rising inflation and housing costs, Mayor khalid is proposing raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour for the city's lowest-paid employees. Click the images below to read Mayor khalid's Resolution and the AJC articles.
WOLF CREEK AMPHITHEATER
After 5 years of negotiations, Fulton County is still refusing to hand over Wolf Creek Amphitheater, offering instead to lease the facility back to the City of South Fulton — whose taxpayers paid for its construction. The County alleges they must remain in control of the Amphitheater as the lots adjacent to it are part of an unlined landfill where dangerous waste burned underground for years (similar to what is happening now at the Bishop Road landfill in District 4).
Mayor khalid is skeptical of the Lease Agreement, which requires the City to cover all maintenance costs and only runs for six months, until December 31, 2022. The mayor's questions about taking on the responsibility of running an amphitheater extend beyond the lease agreement, however. He summed up months of concerns in a recent letter to City Council:
"Our priorities are out of order. We have yet to negotiate an agreement on the maintenance of 33 detention ponds maintained for decades by Fulton County. The one-time cost of cleaning these ponds could run as high as $500,000, not counting new fencing and future maintenance which will also be needed. This could be covered by the $3.7 million in Insurance Premium Tax payments owed to us by Fulton County since 2017 — another issue placed on the backburner in our quest to control Wolf Creek.
Even if all those issues were resolved, America appears to be headed into an inflation-induced recession. Our City is already in the middle of multi-year plan to set up its own public works department and overhaul our sanitation services. I think we have enough on our plate without taking on an Amphitheater."
City Council voted to move forward with leasing the Amphitheater and ask the City Manager to present plans for programming at the facility for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. City Manager Tammi Saddler Jones will present preliminary plans at Tuesday's meeting, followed by a discussion of the calendar for creating next year's City Budget. The City's next fiscal year (FY2023) begins October 1.
Mayor khalid is skeptical of the Lease Agreement, which requires the City to cover all maintenance costs and only runs for six months, until December 31, 2022. The mayor's questions about taking on the responsibility of running an amphitheater extend beyond the lease agreement, however. He summed up months of concerns in a recent letter to City Council:
"Our priorities are out of order. We have yet to negotiate an agreement on the maintenance of 33 detention ponds maintained for decades by Fulton County. The one-time cost of cleaning these ponds could run as high as $500,000, not counting new fencing and future maintenance which will also be needed. This could be covered by the $3.7 million in Insurance Premium Tax payments owed to us by Fulton County since 2017 — another issue placed on the backburner in our quest to control Wolf Creek.
Even if all those issues were resolved, America appears to be headed into an inflation-induced recession. Our City is already in the middle of multi-year plan to set up its own public works department and overhaul our sanitation services. I think we have enough on our plate without taking on an Amphitheater."
City Council voted to move forward with leasing the Amphitheater and ask the City Manager to present plans for programming at the facility for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. City Manager Tammi Saddler Jones will present preliminary plans at Tuesday's meeting, followed by a discussion of the calendar for creating next year's City Budget. The City's next fiscal year (FY2023) begins October 1.
DECORUM
At South Fulton's May 25 City Council meeting, during an exchange about the City Attorney's office amending a Resolution to create a Charter Review Commission, Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis remarked, "I'm sick of his sh*t" over an open mic. The comment was overheard both by citizens in the audience and those watching a live stream of the meeting.
Later in the meeting, Councilwoman Willis is overheard telling Mayor Pro tem Corey A. Reeves to "stop talking so I can leave." This exchange occurred when Mayor khalid momentarily walked off stage. Several citizens have questioned why City Council has not responded to these events by enforcing its Decorum Ordinance, written by Councilwoman Catherine Rowell and passed in April of this year.
Later in the meeting, Councilwoman Willis is overheard telling Mayor Pro tem Corey A. Reeves to "stop talking so I can leave." This exchange occurred when Mayor khalid momentarily walked off stage. Several citizens have questioned why City Council has not responded to these events by enforcing its Decorum Ordinance, written by Councilwoman Catherine Rowell and passed in April of this year.
Total Raised From Speed Cameras
Mayor khalid Vows to Remain in Camelot; Says City Must Act
Mayor khalid Moves to Decriminalize Abortion in South Fulton
Mayor Issues First Veto... Sort Of
Mayor's 1st Veto: Click to View Complete Document
Wednesday, January 26 — South Fulton Mayor khalid's First Veto is a display of both "power and restraint," in which he accepts his City Councils' reprimand even though he disagrees about the legal assumptions on which the Resolution was written. At issue is the Mayor's Inaugural Address, in which he announced a request for Letters of Resignation for mayoral appointees. (More on the Mayor's Inaugural Address below.)
Unlike Atlanta and many other large cities, the terms of most of the Mayor & Council's appointments do not end with the terms of the elected officials appointing them. Though South Fulton Mayor Bill Edwards lost a citywide election in 2021, many of his appointees — including the City Manager, Development Authority Chairs and others — remain in place; and could stay in their seats for years to come.
Members of City Council who endorsed Edwards have been at odds with Mayor khalid since before he was sworn in. Their first Ordinance, presented just days after the election, seeks to reduce Mayor's khalid power to make appointments and changes the process for which he could be removed from office. City Council's first Resolution of the new term was a Resignation of Reprimand — in which they propose that simply asking for letters of resignation is a violation of South Fulton's City Charter.
Unlike Atlanta and many other large cities, the terms of most of the Mayor & Council's appointments do not end with the terms of the elected officials appointing them. Though South Fulton Mayor Bill Edwards lost a citywide election in 2021, many of his appointees — including the City Manager, Development Authority Chairs and others — remain in place; and could stay in their seats for years to come.
Members of City Council who endorsed Edwards have been at odds with Mayor khalid since before he was sworn in. Their first Ordinance, presented just days after the election, seeks to reduce Mayor's khalid power to make appointments and changes the process for which he could be removed from office. City Council's first Resolution of the new term was a Resignation of Reprimand — in which they propose that simply asking for letters of resignation is a violation of South Fulton's City Charter.
Mayor khalid explains his request for resignations and promises not to contract with anyone past the end of his mayoral term.
Mayor khalid stated in multiple interviews that while he does not have the power to fire anyone, there is no law prohibiting him from requesting letters of resignation. "Every Mayor should have the right to assemble administration that shares a vision for the city created by that Mayor and the voters who sent him to that office." he said. "And to be bound to decisions made by previous Mayors and Council is to work with your hands tied."
Mayor khalid has responded with a line-item veto that challenges the allegations of violating the Charter while "recognizing City Council's hurt" over the disagreement. In an email to City Council, proposing this partial veto as a compromise, he laments that those who endorsed the previous Mayor are still fighting battles from the campaign. "It troubles me greatly that both the First Ordinance and First Resolution passed by our City Council in our New Year focused on us (City Council) and not our citizens, our People; are divisive and not unifying; and created negative and not positive press for our city," he writes.
Mayor khalid has responded with a line-item veto that challenges the allegations of violating the Charter while "recognizing City Council's hurt" over the disagreement. In an email to City Council, proposing this partial veto as a compromise, he laments that those who endorsed the previous Mayor are still fighting battles from the campaign. "It troubles me greatly that both the First Ordinance and First Resolution passed by our City Council in our New Year focused on us (City Council) and not our citizens, our People; are divisive and not unifying; and created negative and not positive press for our city," he writes.
Mayor's 1st Veto Email: Click to Read Entire Email
Mayor khalid's Inaugural Address
With the City of South Fulton’s 2022 Inauguration postponed indefinitely, new Mayor khalid used a semi-private Swearing-In Ceremony on January 4 to make his Inaugural address. While South Fulton’s other newly elected swore in behind closed doors, the “elected activist” Mayor invited citizens to meet him outside on the steps of City Hall.
In his fifteen-minute speech, Mayor khalid introduced four bold initiatives for his first 100 days in office:
1. Office of the Public Advocate
Mayor khalid is creating an Office of the Public Advocate whose sole job is to shepherd residents with issues and concerns through South Fulton's various departments and government agencies until their issue is completely resolved. "It is now going to be someone's full-time job at City Hall to take citizens' calls and emails and get them the things they need." says Mayor khalid. The Public Advocate will also work to educate residents on how to resolve their own issues.
2. Transition Commission
The Commission will research and recommend best practices for South Fulton's first and future transitions of power. In addition to developing transition protocols for elected officers and recommending transition-related charter changes, Mayor khalid is calling for an audit of all city finances and contracts. The Commission will work through the first 100 days of Mayor khalid's administration and present its finding in a Final Report, scheduled to be published on the City of South Fulton’s 5th Anniversary, May 1, 2022.
In his fifteen-minute speech, Mayor khalid introduced four bold initiatives for his first 100 days in office:
1. Office of the Public Advocate
Mayor khalid is creating an Office of the Public Advocate whose sole job is to shepherd residents with issues and concerns through South Fulton's various departments and government agencies until their issue is completely resolved. "It is now going to be someone's full-time job at City Hall to take citizens' calls and emails and get them the things they need." says Mayor khalid. The Public Advocate will also work to educate residents on how to resolve their own issues.
2. Transition Commission
The Commission will research and recommend best practices for South Fulton's first and future transitions of power. In addition to developing transition protocols for elected officers and recommending transition-related charter changes, Mayor khalid is calling for an audit of all city finances and contracts. The Commission will work through the first 100 days of Mayor khalid's administration and present its finding in a Final Report, scheduled to be published on the City of South Fulton’s 5th Anniversary, May 1, 2022.
3. Requiring Legislation to Go Through City Council Committees
According to Georgia House Bill (H.B. 1019, 2020), written by State Representatives Debra Bazemore and Roger Bruce to change South Fulton's City Charter, the Mayor now has the power to "appoint City Council committees... and appoint Councilmembers to oversee and report on the functions of various departments of the City." (City Code Sec. 3.22) In this month's Council Meetings, Mayor khalid is proposing to create the following Committees. 1) Admin, Comms, IT, HR
2) Zoning/Planning + Economic Development
3) Public Safety & Courts
4) Parks, Culture & Events
5) Public Works, Sanitation + Code Enforcement & Environmental Protection
6) Budget & Finance
7) Charter, Redistricting & Name Change (Temporary)
The meetings of these committees will be open to the public; and Mayor khalid promises, once these Committees have been set up, he will not allow any legislation on City Council Meeting Agendas that has not gone through this public, committee process.
4. Requesting Letter of Resignation for City Manager & City Attorney
Stating his belief that every new Mayor is entitled to create an administration that shares the vision of that Mayor and the voters who elected her or him, Mayor khalid has asked for Letters of Resignation for the City Manager and City Attorney. This is a common practice in transitions of government administration, from United States President to local mayors. In 2018, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms asked her entire cabinet to resign. Some of those department heads were later re-appointed. "But each Mayor should have that choice," says Mayor khalid.
According to Georgia House Bill (H.B. 1019, 2020), written by State Representatives Debra Bazemore and Roger Bruce to change South Fulton's City Charter, the Mayor now has the power to "appoint City Council committees... and appoint Councilmembers to oversee and report on the functions of various departments of the City." (City Code Sec. 3.22) In this month's Council Meetings, Mayor khalid is proposing to create the following Committees. 1) Admin, Comms, IT, HR
2) Zoning/Planning + Economic Development
3) Public Safety & Courts
4) Parks, Culture & Events
5) Public Works, Sanitation + Code Enforcement & Environmental Protection
6) Budget & Finance
7) Charter, Redistricting & Name Change (Temporary)
The meetings of these committees will be open to the public; and Mayor khalid promises, once these Committees have been set up, he will not allow any legislation on City Council Meeting Agendas that has not gone through this public, committee process.
4. Requesting Letter of Resignation for City Manager & City Attorney
Stating his belief that every new Mayor is entitled to create an administration that shares the vision of that Mayor and the voters who elected her or him, Mayor khalid has asked for Letters of Resignation for the City Manager and City Attorney. This is a common practice in transitions of government administration, from United States President to local mayors. In 2018, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms asked her entire cabinet to resign. Some of those department heads were later re-appointed. "But each Mayor should have that choice," says Mayor khalid.
Next Council Meeting
IN PERSON & Online (YouTube)
Tuesday, March 26 • 4PM
Click to Download PDF of Work Session Agenda
Burdett Park Gym
2945 Burdett Road, 30349
You can watch the previous Planning Commission Meeting on this issue, and all other Zoning Hearings, at the link below.
Total Raised From Speed Cameras
South Fulton Mayor khalid vetoed another attempt by Councilmembers to cancel in-person meetings.
Sunday, March 6 — With his latest veto of online-only meetings, Mayor khalid is moving South Fulton forward towards in-person Council Meetings. "It is hypocritical to require City of South Fulton employees to come to work in person 5 days per week but refuse to meet in-person with our employers (the People) twice a month," the Mayor wrote in his veto.
Parks & Arts Town Hall
Kingdom of God Church • 4590 Welcome All Road, 30349
Wednesday, March 9 • 7PM
CITY COUNCIL
Next Council Meeting
IN PERSON & Online (YouTube)
Tuesday, March 8 • 4PM
Click to Download PDF of Work Session Agenda
Burdett Park Gym
2945 Burdett Road, 30349
Watch LIVE Here
Work Sessions usually occur the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Work Sessions will not run longer than two hours, from 4PM to 6PM. City Council does not vote in Work Sessions, but uses them to discuss complex issues in deep detail.
The first item on February's Work Session Agenda is a discussion of a forensic and operational audit, called for by several citizens since the 2021 Election and promised by Mayor khalid in his Inaugural Address.
This will be followed by a plan, presented by City Manager Tammi Saddler-Jones, to return to in-person Council Meetings on February 22. This will be the first time South Fulton's City Council will meet in-person in two years. Some members of City Council opposed the idea, but have been attending in-person conferences in and traveling out-of-state. Additionally, the City required all other employees to return to in-person work in August last year.
Next will be a discussion on retention bonuses & benefits for all City employees, in response to Mayor khalid's highly publicized veto of bonuses for police only. Last year Fulton County and Atlanta used its American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds in part to offer a 3 percent salary bonus to all its employees. DeKalb used ARP funding to offer a flat $2000 retention bonus to their employees. Athens-Clarke County gave out $1,000 checks to all its employees. South Fulton Police and Firefighters are already receiving $1,000 checks under a program created by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
The first item on February's Work Session Agenda is a discussion of a forensic and operational audit, called for by several citizens since the 2021 Election and promised by Mayor khalid in his Inaugural Address.
This will be followed by a plan, presented by City Manager Tammi Saddler-Jones, to return to in-person Council Meetings on February 22. This will be the first time South Fulton's City Council will meet in-person in two years. Some members of City Council opposed the idea, but have been attending in-person conferences in and traveling out-of-state. Additionally, the City required all other employees to return to in-person work in August last year.
Next will be a discussion on retention bonuses & benefits for all City employees, in response to Mayor khalid's highly publicized veto of bonuses for police only. Last year Fulton County and Atlanta used its American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds in part to offer a 3 percent salary bonus to all its employees. DeKalb used ARP funding to offer a flat $2000 retention bonus to their employees. Athens-Clarke County gave out $1,000 checks to all its employees. South Fulton Police and Firefighters are already receiving $1,000 checks under a program created by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
In addition to financial payouts, Mayor khalid has proposed more cost-effective — and in some cases, revenue-neutral — incentives for City employees. He proposes offering Summer Fridays to compete with modern workplaces for millennial employees; and making the City of South Fulton the first in the State to recognize Kwanzaa as an official City Holiday.
The final item on the agenda is a discussion of Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. The IRP is a months-long process in which energy companies make decisions on energy production. IRP decisions can have an effect on citizens' energy bills. In 2020, the Public Service Commission (which regulates power companies and approves their resource plans) approved a Georgia Power IRP that passed on $525 million coal ash clean-up to its customers by raising the prices of your heating bill. Wan Smith of Georgia Conservations Voters will present a plan that makes the City of South Fulton part of the IRP process to support clean energy production and stop rising energy bills.
This final item may not be heard until after the 6PM Zoning Hearing.
The final item on the agenda is a discussion of Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. The IRP is a months-long process in which energy companies make decisions on energy production. IRP decisions can have an effect on citizens' energy bills. In 2020, the Public Service Commission (which regulates power companies and approves their resource plans) approved a Georgia Power IRP that passed on $525 million coal ash clean-up to its customers by raising the prices of your heating bill. Wan Smith of Georgia Conservations Voters will present a plan that makes the City of South Fulton part of the IRP process to support clean energy production and stop rising energy bills.
This final item may not be heard until after the 6PM Zoning Hearing.
Zoning Hearing • 6PM
City Council Work Sessions are mandated to end at 6PM in order to open a Zoning Hearing. You can watch the previous Planning Commission Meeting on this issue, and all other Zoning Hearings, at the link below.
Items included on Tuesday's Zoning Hearing & Alcohol hearings include:
Total Raised From Speed Cameras
Town Hall & Work Session on
Banneker High School Violence
Wednesday, February 9 • 7PM
Banneker High School
6015 Feldwood Road, 30349
Banneker High School graduates Torrey & Tiffaney Tomlinson revive their top-rated talk show to join South Fulton Mayor khalid for a Town Hall & Work Session with community leaders about the Banneker High School stabbing and how to build stronger ties between the school system, "the streets" and city government.
South Fulton Hosts Genealogy Research Class for Black History Month
Saturday, February 12 • 10AM
—Online--
Are you thinking about building your family tree or maybe you have started but need help on where to look next? In celebration of Black History Month, the City of South Fulton invites you to a free, virtual genealogy workshop. Join us for our first virtual African American genealogy workshop with a presentation from genealogist Andre Kearns and a live discussion and Q&A session on your genealogy journey.
CITY COUNCIL
Next Council Meeting - IN PERSON
Tuesday, February 22 • 4PM
Click to Download PDF of Work Session Agenda
Next Council Meeting - IN PERSON
Tuesday, February 22 • 4PM
—Online Only--
Watch LIVE Here
Work Sessions usually occur the 2nd Tuesday of each month (see 2021 schedule above). Work Sessions will not run longer than two hours, from 4PM to 6PM. City Council does not vote in Work Sessions, but uses them to discuss complex issues in deep detail.
The first item on February's Work Session Agenda is a discussion of a forensic and operational audit, called for by several citizens since the 2021 Election and promised by Mayor khalid in his Inaugural Address.
This will be followed by a plan, presented by City Manager Tammi Saddler-Jones, to return to in-person Council Meetings on February 22. This will be the first time South Fulton's City Council will meet in-person in two years. Some members of City Council opposed the idea, but have been attending in-person conferences in and traveling out-of-state. Additionally, the City required all other employees to return to in-person work in August last year.
Next will be a discussion on retention bonuses & benefits for all City employees, in response to Mayor khalid's highly publicized veto of bonuses for police only. Last year Fulton County and Atlanta used its American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds in part to offer a 3 percent salary bonus to all its employees. DeKalb used ARP funding to offer a flat $2000 retention bonus to their employees. Athens-Clarke County gave out $1,000 checks to all its employees. South Fulton Police and Firefighters are already receiving $1,000 checks under a program created by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
The first item on February's Work Session Agenda is a discussion of a forensic and operational audit, called for by several citizens since the 2021 Election and promised by Mayor khalid in his Inaugural Address.
This will be followed by a plan, presented by City Manager Tammi Saddler-Jones, to return to in-person Council Meetings on February 22. This will be the first time South Fulton's City Council will meet in-person in two years. Some members of City Council opposed the idea, but have been attending in-person conferences in and traveling out-of-state. Additionally, the City required all other employees to return to in-person work in August last year.
Next will be a discussion on retention bonuses & benefits for all City employees, in response to Mayor khalid's highly publicized veto of bonuses for police only. Last year Fulton County and Atlanta used its American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds in part to offer a 3 percent salary bonus to all its employees. DeKalb used ARP funding to offer a flat $2000 retention bonus to their employees. Athens-Clarke County gave out $1,000 checks to all its employees. South Fulton Police and Firefighters are already receiving $1,000 checks under a program created by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
In addition to financial payouts, Mayor khalid has proposed more cost-effective — and in some cases, revenue-neutral — incentives for City employees. He proposes offering Summer Fridays to compete with modern workplaces for millennial employees; and making the City of South Fulton the first in the State to recognize Kwanzaa as an official City Holiday.
The final item on the agenda is a discussion of Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. The IRP is a months-long process in which energy companies make decisions on energy production. IRP decisions can have an effect on citizens' energy bills. In 2020, the Public Service Commission (which regulates power companies and approves their resource plans) approved a Georgia Power IRP that passed on $525 million coal ash clean-up to its customers by raising the prices of your heating bill. Wan Smith of Georgia Conservations Voters will present a plan that makes the City of South Fulton part of the IRP process to support clean energy production and stop rising energy bills.
This final item may not be heard until after the 6PM Zoning Hearing.
The final item on the agenda is a discussion of Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. The IRP is a months-long process in which energy companies make decisions on energy production. IRP decisions can have an effect on citizens' energy bills. In 2020, the Public Service Commission (which regulates power companies and approves their resource plans) approved a Georgia Power IRP that passed on $525 million coal ash clean-up to its customers by raising the prices of your heating bill. Wan Smith of Georgia Conservations Voters will present a plan that makes the City of South Fulton part of the IRP process to support clean energy production and stop rising energy bills.
This final item may not be heard until after the 6PM Zoning Hearing.
Zoning Hearing • 6PM
City Council Work Sessions are mandated to end at 6PM in order to open a Zoning Hearing. Mayor khalid has proposed adding an hour to Work Sessions and begin Zoning Hearings at 7PM to provide more time for discussion on topics like the ones above.
The only item on Tuesday's Zoning Hearing is a permit for a Nail Salon at Camp Creek Village — 3220 Butner Road, 30331 (U21-006). You can watch the previous Planning Commission Meeting on this issue, and all other Zoning Hearings, at the link below.
The only item on Tuesday's Zoning Hearing is a permit for a Nail Salon at Camp Creek Village — 3220 Butner Road, 30331 (U21-006). You can watch the previous Planning Commission Meeting on this issue, and all other Zoning Hearings, at the link below.
Total Raised From Speed Cameras
CITY COUNCIL
Next Council Work Session
Tuesday, February 8 • 4PM
Click to Download PDF of Work Session Agenda
—Online Only--
Watch LIVE Here
Work Sessions usually occur the 2nd Tuesday of each month (see 2021 schedule above). Work Sessions will not run longer than two hours, from 4PM to 6PM. City Council does not vote in Work Sessions, but uses them to discuss complex issues in deep detail.
The first item on February's Work Session Agenda is a discussion of a forensic and operational audit, called for by several citizens since the 2021 Election and promised by Mayor khalid in his Inaugural Address.
This will be followed by a plan, presented by City Manager Tammi Saddler-Jones, to return to in-person Council Meetings on February 22. This will be the first time South Fulton's City Council will meet in-person in two years. Some members of City Council opposed the idea, but have been attending in-person conferences in and traveling out-of-state. Additionally, the City required all other employees to return to in-person work in August last year.
Next will be a discussion on retention bonuses & benefits for all City employees, in response to Mayor khalid's highly publicized veto of bonuses for police only. Last year Fulton County and Atlanta used its American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds in part to offer a 3 percent salary bonus to all its employees. DeKalb used ARP funding to offer a flat $2000 retention bonus to their employees. Athens-Clarke County gave out $1,000 checks to all its employees. South Fulton Police and Firefighters are already receiving $1,000 checks under a program created by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
The first item on February's Work Session Agenda is a discussion of a forensic and operational audit, called for by several citizens since the 2021 Election and promised by Mayor khalid in his Inaugural Address.
This will be followed by a plan, presented by City Manager Tammi Saddler-Jones, to return to in-person Council Meetings on February 22. This will be the first time South Fulton's City Council will meet in-person in two years. Some members of City Council opposed the idea, but have been attending in-person conferences in and traveling out-of-state. Additionally, the City required all other employees to return to in-person work in August last year.
Next will be a discussion on retention bonuses & benefits for all City employees, in response to Mayor khalid's highly publicized veto of bonuses for police only. Last year Fulton County and Atlanta used its American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds in part to offer a 3 percent salary bonus to all its employees. DeKalb used ARP funding to offer a flat $2000 retention bonus to their employees. Athens-Clarke County gave out $1,000 checks to all its employees. South Fulton Police and Firefighters are already receiving $1,000 checks under a program created by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
In addition to financial payouts, Mayor khalid has proposed more cost-effective — and in some cases, revenue-neutral — incentives for City employees. He proposes offering Summer Fridays to compete with modern workplaces for millennial employees; and making the City of South Fulton the first in the State to recognize Kwanzaa as an official City Holiday.
The final item on the agenda is a discussion of Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. The IRP is a months-long process in which energy companies make decisions on energy production. IRP decisions can have an effect on citizens' energy bills. In 2020, the Public Service Commission (which regulates power companies and approves their resource plans) approved a Georgia Power IRP that passed on $525 million coal ash clean-up to its customers by raising the prices of your heating bill. Wan Smith of Georgia Conservations Voters will present a plan that makes the City of South Fulton part of the IRP process to support clean energy production and stop rising energy bills.
This final item may not be heard until after the 6PM Zoning Hearing.
The final item on the agenda is a discussion of Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. The IRP is a months-long process in which energy companies make decisions on energy production. IRP decisions can have an effect on citizens' energy bills. In 2020, the Public Service Commission (which regulates power companies and approves their resource plans) approved a Georgia Power IRP that passed on $525 million coal ash clean-up to its customers by raising the prices of your heating bill. Wan Smith of Georgia Conservations Voters will present a plan that makes the City of South Fulton part of the IRP process to support clean energy production and stop rising energy bills.
This final item may not be heard until after the 6PM Zoning Hearing.
Zoning Hearing • 6PM
City Council Work Sessions are mandated to end at 6PM in order to open a Zoning Hearing. Mayor khalid has proposed adding an hour to Work Sessions and begin Zoning Hearings at 7PM to provide more time for discussion on topics like the ones above.
The only item on Tuesday's Zoning Hearing is a permit for a Nail Salon at Camp Creek Village — 3220 Butner Road, 30331 (U21-006). You can watch the previous Planning Commission Meeting on this issue, and all other Zoning Hearings, at the link below.
The only item on Tuesday's Zoning Hearing is a permit for a Nail Salon at Camp Creek Village — 3220 Butner Road, 30331 (U21-006). You can watch the previous Planning Commission Meeting on this issue, and all other Zoning Hearings, at the link below.
Total Raised From Speed Cameras
CITY COUNCIL
Next Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 25 • 4PM
Watch LIVE Here
Tuesday, January 25 — This Tuesday will be the first, regular City Council Meeting chaired by South Fulton's new Mayor. The agenda for the meeting reflects Mayor khalid's commitment to shorter, more orderly and transparent Council Meetings. View the entire Meeting Agenda at the black link above, and watch live at the blue link above.
The most obvious change is a shorter agenda — only 267 pages (down from the 800-1000-page agendas of the previous administration). Mayor khalid has set a goal of ending every Council Meeting by 9PM. In contrast to traditional meeting agendas — which often place the most controversial items at the end of the agenda — Mayor khalid is placing items he believes are of the greatest interest to voters near the top of each agenda.
Perhaps most importantly, this new agenda keeps a campaign promise made by the new Mayor to remove all contracts with spending over $100,000 from the Consent Agenda (which is voted on without discussion). He has also removed all items from the agenda that do not have a Financial Impact Statement.
Zoning Votes. After Proclamations, The first items on Regular Council Meeting Agendas are votes on zoning issues and liquor licenses. These items are heard in-depth at City Council's 2nd Tuesday Work Sessions (they were previously held before 4th Tuesday's Regular Meetings). Items being voted on at this meeting include:
Public Comment. Zoning Votes are followed by Public Comment. This is the only point in Council Meetings where citizens can ask questions or make comments directly to City Council about any topics on the meeting agenda, or any other item of city business. The Public Comment link below closes at 12:00 noon on the day of the Council Meeting, but you can still contact City Council to share your thoughts on these proposals using the link below.
If the Public Comment Form is closed by the time you read this, you can still submit your questions to the Mayor, Council and City Staff by contacting South Fulton's City Clerk, Corey Adams at the link below.
The most obvious change is a shorter agenda — only 267 pages (down from the 800-1000-page agendas of the previous administration). Mayor khalid has set a goal of ending every Council Meeting by 9PM. In contrast to traditional meeting agendas — which often place the most controversial items at the end of the agenda — Mayor khalid is placing items he believes are of the greatest interest to voters near the top of each agenda.
Perhaps most importantly, this new agenda keeps a campaign promise made by the new Mayor to remove all contracts with spending over $100,000 from the Consent Agenda (which is voted on without discussion). He has also removed all items from the agenda that do not have a Financial Impact Statement.
Zoning Votes. After Proclamations, The first items on Regular Council Meeting Agendas are votes on zoning issues and liquor licenses. These items are heard in-depth at City Council's 2nd Tuesday Work Sessions (they were previously held before 4th Tuesday's Regular Meetings). Items being voted on at this meeting include:
- M21-007 & CV2-1007: Increasing the number of townhouses to be built at the intersection of Campbellton & Stonewall Tell Roads (District 1, Sandtown) from 114 to 144 (pg. 95).
- U2-1007: Allowing for the leasing of space in the retail plaza at the entrance of the Hampton Oaks Subdivision (District 4, Cedar Grove) for "salon suites" to include barber, hair and nail salon services (pg. 141).
Public Comment. Zoning Votes are followed by Public Comment. This is the only point in Council Meetings where citizens can ask questions or make comments directly to City Council about any topics on the meeting agenda, or any other item of city business. The Public Comment link below closes at 12:00 noon on the day of the Council Meeting, but you can still contact City Council to share your thoughts on these proposals using the link below.
If the Public Comment Form is closed by the time you read this, you can still submit your questions to the Mayor, Council and City Staff by contacting South Fulton's City Clerk, Corey Adams at the link below.
Other Agenda Items. After Public Comment, City Council will debate and vote on the rest of the Agenda. These items include:
- A Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) in the amount of $1,163,120.52 to repave White Mill and Milam Roads (District 4, Cedar Grove) contingent on the City of South Fulton providing the required 30% match in the amount of $348,936.15 (pg. 215).
- Resolution and Conversation by Mayor khalid to continue holding Council Meetings online through the end of February (pg. 227).
- Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) with South Fulton’s Citywide (pg. 232) and Downtown Development Authorities (pg. 239).
- Amendment to City Charter changing the Process for Removal of Mayor & Council and Limiting the Mayor’s power to make CM & Attorney appointments (pg. 246).
Total Raised From Speed Cameras
CITY COUNCIL
First City Council Work Session of 2022
Watch LIVE here
Tuesday, January 11 • 4PM
Public Comment is the only point in Council Meetings where citizens can ask questions or make comments directly to City Council about any topics on the meeting agenda. Beginning in 2022, South Fulton's new Mayor khalid is introducing the practice of including a section for Public Comment in every City Council Work Session, Regular and Special Call Meeting.
When South Fulton's City Council met in person, citizens could arrive at the day of the meeting to make their Public Comments and ask questions of City Council and Staff. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, City Council moved to an online Public Comment Form. This form now closes at 5 p.m. the day before a Council Meeting — usually Mondays.
If the Public Comment Form is closed by the time you read this newsletter, you can still submit your questions to the Mayor, Council and City Staff by contacting South Fulton's City Clerk, Corey Adams at the link below.
When South Fulton's City Council met in person, citizens could arrive at the day of the meeting to make their Public Comments and ask questions of City Council and Staff. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, City Council moved to an online Public Comment Form. This form now closes at 5 p.m. the day before a Council Meeting — usually Mondays.
If the Public Comment Form is closed by the time you read this newsletter, you can still submit your questions to the Mayor, Council and City Staff by contacting South Fulton's City Clerk, Corey Adams at the link below.
Total Raised From Speed Cameras
