City Council is set to vote Monday on the Milton government’s budget for the coming fiscal year, including a handful of new positions like firefighters to man the soon-to-be-new Station 45.

That’s one of many items on the September 16 agenda, which also includes the City’s potential acceptance of donation of land along Arnold Mill Road that includes the historic McConnell-Chadwick house. Anyone can attend the meeting, which begins at 6 p.m., in City Hall’s Council Chambers. Or you can watch online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU0TVd69ltc.

Like other Regular Meetings, this agenda is divided into sections that each have their own ground rules. They are:

• The CONSENT AGENDA, for routine items that the Council considers collectively (so one yes-no vote that covers everything included)
• REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS, which is where you’ll find proclamation, reports, and presentations during which the Council can offer direction but not take votes
• FIRST PRESENTATION, the place for certain items appearing on an agenda for the first time that cannot be conclusively voted upon until a future Council meeting
• PUBLIC HEARING, which features a special public comment period for distinct types of items 
• UNFINISHED BUSINESS, the home for items that appeared under First Presentation on past agendas that can now by decisively voted on
• NEW BUSINESS, which is for items appearing on a Council the first time that can be discussed and voted on

Below are summaries of every agenda item.

• Approval of the September 4, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. 

  These are the “minutes,” or official written record, from the City Council’s last Regular Meeting on September 4. At that meeting, the Council approved measures so the Milton Montessori School could grow its campus with a new structure to accommodate 160 more students built on over 5 acres of land. They also proclaimed September as Milton Mental Wellness Month and approved a liquor license for Lily Sushi Bar in downtown Crabapple. Read a full recap of this meeting HERE: https://www.miltonga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2574/1351/.

   

• Approval of the September 9, 2024, Work Session Meeting Minutes.

  During this Work Session (at which officials could offer direction but not take conclusive votes), the Council discussed potential ordinance revisions related to developers utilizing private building inspectors and plan reviewers in compliance with State law. They also got updates from the heads of Milton’s Communications and Police departments. You can watch this meeting in its entirety at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLxy2z3RNiI.

   

• Approval of a Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Meer Electrical Contractors, Inc. for On-Call Electrical Services.

  The City occasionally needs to call on expert electricians to address significant, time-sensitive issues affecting City facilities, parking areas, grounds, buildings, and other locales. This item is an agreement with Meer Electrical Contractors to provide such on-call services as needed.

   

• Approval of a Construction Services Agreement for Phase I Repairs at the City’s Lackey Dam Facility in Lakhapani Preserve with JOC Construction, LLC.

  With approval of this agreement, JOC Construction workers will address issues with the Lackey Dam that contains a 2-acre pond on the City’s Lakhapani Preserve greenspace. Their work will involve removing trees, stabilizing the downstream slope, and repairing the dam’s primary outfall.

   

• Approval of a Construction Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Wilson Construction Management, LLC. for Construction Services Related to the Morris Road Widening Project.

  The City will soon widen Morris Road from its roundabout at Webb Road to where it meets McGinnis Ferry Road (which itself is being widened in connection with a new Georgia 400 interchange there).  This agreement paves the way for Wilson Construction Management to undertake this TSPLOST-funded project for the City, which will provide better connectivity between that new interchange and Milton’s Deerfield district. To learn more about this endeavor, click HERE: https://cleargov.com/georgia/fulton/city/milton/projects/1212/morris-road-improvements-_-tsplost.

   

• Approval of a Utility Relocation Agreement with Sawnee Electrical Membership Corporation for the Morris Road Widening Project.

  The aforementioned Morris Road widening project will require the relocation of some utilities. This agenda item pertains, specifically, to an agreement to move Sawnee EMC’s facilities along Morris Road so that they don’t end up under the new pavement and travel lane.

   

• Approval of Change Order #1 to the Construction Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Wilson Construction Management, LLC. for Bethany Bend Traffic and Pedestrian Improvements. 

  With approval of this change order, Wilson Construction crews will make minor modifications to the roundabout at Bethany Bend and Bethany Creek Drive, add a stone façade to a concrete wall, and partially remove the concrete center island to allow for additional landscape improvements. For more on this TSPLOST-funded project, go to  https://cleargov.com/georgia/fulton/city/milton/projects/10801/ts2_2316-bethany-bend-at-bethany-creek-drive-mini-roundabout-_-tsplost-ii.

   

• Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Milton and MXI Environmental Services, LLC, for a 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event.

  This an agreement for experts from MXI Environmental Services to work with the City collecting, handling, packing, transporting, and disposing of – by recycling, reusing, or treating – household hazardous waste materials. The City regularly holds events in which citizens can get rid of materials such as batteries and certain chemicals at no cost and knowing they’ll be safely disposed of.

   

• Approval of a Services Agreement between the City of Milton and SiteMed North America, P.C. 

  With approval of this agreement, SiteMed will implement a comprehensive three-year medical and fitness evaluation program for members of the Milton Fire-Rescue Department. This will include preemployment physicals, annual medical exams, fitness assessments, and other services aimed at mitigating key health risks for firefighters such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and behavioral health issues.

   

• Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Milton and Fulton County for Water Line Relocation on the Morris Road Widening Project.

  Fulton County Water Services oversees water lines and related services around Milton. The County reviewed the City’s upcoming Morris Road widening project and requested that water line work be a part of it. This Intergovernmental Agreement calls for Fulton County to reimburse the City for related costs such installations, adjustments, and relocations of water lines.

   

• Approval of a Services Agreement between the City of Milton and United Rentals (North America), Inc. DBA Reliable Onsite Services for Crabapple Fest 2024.

  This is an agreement for Reliable Onsite Services to provide two restroom trailer, a water supply, as well as associated delivery, set-up, and staffing for the public’s use during Crabapple Fest. The 2024 edition of this family-friendly arts, antiques, crafts, and more festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Milton.

   

• Approval of a Recreation Provider Agreement Between the City of Milton and YTT Collective, LLC (Kim Saunders) to Provide Yoga Classes. 

  With approval of this agreement, YTT Collective will officially partner with Milton’s Parks and Recreation Department to lead yoga classes at City facilities.

   

• Approval of Impact Fee Credits for the Improvements to the Intersection - Crabapple at Birmingham (Heritage Walk & SR 372), McGinnis Ferry Interchange and Crabapple NE Connector Rd as Identified in the 2016 Capital Improvements Element Impact Fee Eligible Projects.

  Impact Fees are collected by local governments, like Milton, from developers to pay for certain public projects. The City can also grant “credits” to developers related to impact fees if their crews make improvements from the Capital Improvements Element on their own that benefit the wider community. This item, if approved, would authorize credits related to projects around Crabapple Road and Birmingham Highway/SR 372, the McGinnis Ferry Interchange, and the Heritage Walk extension between Birmingham Highway and Mayfield Road.

   

  REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS

• Proclamation Recognizing Financing and Accounting Appreciation Week and Milton's Invaluable Finance Team.

  As part of the City’s efforts to celebrate all elements of its workforce, this proclamation will represent Finance team members who serve critical roles in ensuring every element of Milton’s finances are meticulously managed and accounted for. This proclamation will recognize September 23 through 27 as Finance and Accounting Appreciation Week in the city.

   

• Proclamation Recognizing IT Professionals Day and Indispensable Experts who Maintain the City's Technology.

  The ingenuity, intelligence, and impressive work ethic of Milton’s IT team is vital to the smooth, efficient, and effective functioning of Milton’s government. This proclamation will recognize September 17 as IT Professionals Day while celebrating this team’s contributions to the City.

   

• Proclamation Recognizing Human Resources Professional Day and Those Providing These Vital Services in Our City.

  An organization is as strong as its people, and those people can only thrive if they’re given resources and support. Milton’s Human Resources Department strives every day to serve the needs of City employees as well as the City at large. This proclamation will recognize the vital services they offer and, specifically, September 26 as Human Resources Professional Day.  

   

  FIRST PRESENTATION

• Consideration of an Ordinance for an Amendment to City Code Chapter 10 to Authorize and Regulate Private Third-Party Plan Reviewers and Building Inspectors.

  This ordinance amendment to City Code would contain Milton-specific guidelines pertaining to a State law to allow developers to retain private building inspectors and plan reviewers. It would authorize and regulate third-party plan reviewers and building inspectors, including requiring them to be properly licensed and certified as well as annually apply with the City. Fees would be paid to the City even for private inspections, with the expectation that Milton would end up collecting about 100% of what is currently charged.

   

• Consideration of U24-02/VC24-02 - 900 Pleasant Hollow Trail by Keith (Andy) Campbell and Courtney Bartik for a Use Permit to utilize the existing Accessory Structure as an "Artist Studio". (Milton Unified Development Code Sec. 8.5.14.C) with a Four-Part Concurrent Variance:

  (1) To allow the existing accessory structure to remain in front of the primary residential structure (Milton Unified Development Code Sec. 3.1.4)

  (2) To allow the existing accessory structure to remain as is, without being designed in accordance with the predominant commercial building types. (Milton Unified Development Code Sec. 6.3.4.H.a)

  (3) To allow the existing accessory structure to remain as is, without having a ratio of opening to solids from 30% to 50%. (Milton Unified Development Code Sec. 6.3.4.H.4.a)

  (4) To allow the existing accessory structure to remain as is, without the existing accessory structure having the same window arrangement as the side with the principal entrance. (Milton Unified Development Code Sec. 6.3.4.H.4.e)

  The applicant is seeking a Use Permit and four-part concurrent variance pertaining to a 3.32-acre property at 900 Pleasant Hollow Trail, which is in Central Milton off Providence Road. The Use Permit would allow an existing barn-like accessory structure to be considered an “Artist Studio” (for use by the applicant’s bookbinding and leather goods businesses).

  The variance requests are to allow this same existing accessory structure to:

1. Remain in front of the property’s primary residence
2. Not have to be redesigned in accordance with predominant commercial building types
3. Not have to be redesigned to add more openings (to make the ratio of openings to solids 30% to 50%)
4. Not have to be redesigned so its window arrangements mirror the side with the principal entrance

   The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the requested Use Permit and all parts of the concurrent variance.

    

   PUBLIC HEARING

• Consideration of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Milton, Georgia, to Adopt the Fiscal 2025 Budget for Each Fund of the City of Milton, Georgia Appropriating the Several Items of Revenue Appropriations, Prohibiting Expenditures to Exceed Appropriations and Prohibiting Expenditures to Exceed Actual Funding Available. (First Public Hearing at the 9.04.2024 Regular City Council Meeting) (Second Public Hearing at the 9.16.2024 Regular City Council Meeting)

  This is the second of two required Public Hearings related to the adoption of the City government’s budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which starts on October 1, 2024, and ends on September 30, 2025. Deputy City Manager Bernadette Harvill will summarize what was presented at an August 12 City Council Work Session and September 4 Regular Meeting (when this same proposal was on the agenda under First Presentation), both of which followed related public presentations and discussions in June and July.  Her presentation can be viewed at https://www.miltonga.gov/home/showdocument?id=7771.

   

  UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• Consideration of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Milton, Georgia, to Adopt Amendments to the Fiscal 2024 Budget for Each Fund of the City of Milton, Georgia Amending the Amounts Shown in Each Budget as Expenditures, Amending the Several Items of Revenue Appropriations, Prohibiting Expenditures to Exceed Appropriations and Prohibiting Expenditures to Exceed Actual Funding Available.

  The City budget requires amending from time to time as it is a dynamic, rather than a static, plan. The proposed budget amendments are an update to the Fiscal Year 2024 budget (which runs from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024). This Ordinance reflects recent changes recommended as a result of certain circumstances, opportunities, and recommendations. Because this same item was listed under First Presentation at the City Council’s last Regular Meeting, it can be voted on Monday.

   

• Consideration of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Milton, Georgia, to Adopt the Fiscal 2025 Budget for Each Fund of the City of Milton, Georgia Appropriating the Several Items of Revenue Appropriations, Prohibiting Expenditures to Exceed Appropriations and Prohibiting Expenditures to Exceed Actual Funding Available.

  With the conclusion of the second Public Hearing earlier in Monday’s meeting, the Council will be set to vote on the Milton government’s budget for Fiscal Year 2025. If approved, this budget will go into effect on October 1.

   

  NEW BUSINESS

• Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of an Award from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant to Construct Six Tennis Courts with a Viewing Pavilion, a Playground and the Reconstruction of the Parking Lot at the Active Portion of Milton City Park & Preserve.

  The City plans to improve key elements of Milton City Park and Preserve’s active area including reconfiguring and redoing its parking area, adding a playground, and expanding its tennis area (adding two courts, for six in total, as well as a viewing pavilion). These changes are outlined in this park’s master plan.

  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently informed the City it could receive  $500,000 (specifically a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant) for this project. This agenda item is a resolution to officially accept the DNR grant, which requires a 50% City match.

   

• Consideration of a Land Donation Agreement between Larry Neil Chadwick and the City of Milton for the McConnell-Chadwick House and 1.8516 Acres Located at 13705 Arnold Mill Road. 

  This is an agreement for the City to accept the donation of 1.85 acres along Arnold Mill Road (near the Little River/Cherokee County line) that contains the historic McConnell-Chadwick House.

  This one-story, Greek revival cottage home with a brick chimney, clapboard siding and a nearby weatherboard well house was built around the late 1830s for former Brigadier General and State Senator Eli McConnell. Georgia Gov. George Troup had authorized Eli McConnell to move to this area to sell Cherokee Indian property seized after members of that Native American tribe had been forced from the area. McConnell did that as well as constructed the area’s first merchant flour mill and, as a state legislator, proposed the creation of Milton County. The property later passed through the Arnold, Chamblee, and Chadwick families.

  The Milton Historical Society has been involved in an effort to preserve the historic structure from further deterioration or destruction by development. The Society also pushed for this structure to be named as one of nine “2023 Places in Peril” by The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, a distinction that could open doors to grant funding.

   

• Consideration of a Land Donation Agreement between Adair Park Homes, LLC and the City of Milton for Areas West and North of Heritage Walk at 12780 Lecoma Trace.

  With approval of this item, Adair Park Homes would donate an area between Heritage Walk and Lecoma Trace at 12780 Lecoma Trace to the City. As part of the agreement, the City will install a new speed table/raised pedestrian crosswalk in the area.

  . As part of the agreement, the City will install a new speed table/raised pedestrian crosswalk in the area.

   

• Consideration of a Resolution to Condemn Property Rights Needed for Big Creek Greenway Project, Parcel 17 (0.034 Acres of Fee Simple Right of Way; 1,751.38 Square Feet of Permanent Easement for Construction and Maintenance of Slopes; and 5,672.73 Square Feet of Temporary Easement for Construction of Slopes); Owner: Keegan O’Reilly.

  This resolution relates to acquiring a relatively small amount of property needed for the Big Creek Greenway Connection Project. Specifically, it authorizes a condemnation so this project can proceed. Such an authorization does not  mean negotiations between the City and property owners cannot continue to work towards a mutually agreed-upon acquisition price. In fact, none of the four condemnation resolutions approved at a September 4 Council meeting needed to be filed in court because mutual agreements were reached before then.

  This project will feature multi-use paths as part of a trail network so that people can safely walk or bike from the Cambridge High School area to the Big Creek Greenway.  For more information, go to: https://cleargov.com/georgia/fulton/city/milton/projects/1195/big-creek-greenway-trail-connection.

   

• Consideration of a Resolution of the City of Milton, Georgia to Provide for an Occupation Tax Abatement for Certain Qualifying Businesses within the Deerfield/Highway 9 Area.

The City is focused on doing  what it can to promote the vibrancy and economic sustainability of the Deerfield area, which includes the Milton segments of Highway 9, Windward Parkway, Morris Road, Deerfield Parkway, and that general area. This resolution would create a tax abatement (related to the Occupational Taxes) aimed at attracting businesses to and reducing vacant commercial office space in Deerfield.