Milton’s City Council are set to vote Monday on two items – text amendments to City Code and a “Design Manual” to guide developers – in line with a community-driven vision to shape a vibrant, intentional, uniquely Milton future for Deerfield.

These are among several topics that will be taken up as part of the May 19 meeting, which will start at 6 p.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers. People can attend in-person or watch online at https://youtu.be/x53bacSGaxU. (An unexpected power issue caused a video glitch, though at least the entire audio and most of the video from this meeting can be accessed at the aforementioned link.) 

As is customary for Regular Meetings, the agenda for this one is split into distinct sections with their own ground rules. They are:

• The CONSENT AGENDA, which is home for routine items that are voted on collectively (so one yes-no note that covers all items)
• REPORTS AND PRESENTATION, where you’ll find proclamations, presentations, and the like that – while the Council could offer general direction – don’t come with decisive votes
• FIRST PRESENTATION, which is the place for certain types of items appearing on a Council agenda for the first time that cannot be voted on conclusively until a future meeting
• ZONING AGENDA, which is for zoning-related items that appeared on a past agenda that can be discussed and voted on decisively
• NEW BUSINESS, the part of the agenda for items that are on an agenda for the first time that can be discussed and voted on conclusively

Below are summaries of every item on Monday’s agenda.

• Approval of the May 5, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes.

  The Council will vote to approve the “minutes,” or official written record, from when it last convened two weeks earlier. At this meeting, the Council approved the Arnold Mill Small Area Plan (for info, go to www.miltonga.gov/ArnoldMill) as well as a new “hamlet overlay” to set the groundwork for a pair of activity nodes in that same section of southwestern Milton. Proclamations were also given out recognizing Police Week, Music Week, and Older Americans Month. For a full recap of this meeting, click here: https://www.miltonga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2966/1351.

   

• Approval of the Financial Statements & Investment Report for the Period Ending March 31, 2025.

  This is a measure to approve the City of Milton government’s financial statement and investment report from this last March.

   

• Approval of a Construction Services Agreement with Bridgeport Carpets D. E. F. Inc., to Replace Broken Tile at Milton City Park and Preserve’s Community Center.

  This is an agreement for Bridgeport Carpets to repair tile floors – including cracks and missing grout – in both bathrooms at Milton City Park and Preserve’s Community Center.  Early in this project, City staff identified issues with the flooring installation in 2021 and 2022 when this same building was remodeled. In light of that, the contractor involved in the earlier remodeling has agreed to reimburse the City for the repair costs (which will be done by Bridgeport Carpets).

   

• Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Fulton County Board of Education and the City of Milton for a Five-Year Agreement to use Northwestern Middle School for Recreational Purposes.

  This Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Fulton County Schools builds off a longstanding relationship regarding the use of Northwestern Middle School facilities for Milton Parks and Recreation-affiliated programs. The City has long utilized outdoor field space at Northwestern Middle for recreational programming. This new five-year agreement would give the City first-priority access to the school’s indoor facilities – specifically, its gymnasium – which will enable expanded basketball and other programming. The same agreement also would encompass outdoor spaces and have maintenance understandings.

   

• Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Milton, GA and TerraMark Land Surveying, Inc. for Property Surveying and Platting Services at Birmingham Park.

  The City Council has asked staff to explore putting Birmingham Park under a conservation easement to preserve natural habitats and greenspace. This agreement, if approved, would be a pivotal step in that process by having TerraMark experts conduct a property survey and provide platting services for this roughly 200-acre City property that includes the park and facilities. This work (which includes clearly delineating boundaries, such as those around Fire Station 43 and Milton’s Public Works yard)  is needed to define the area of Birmingham Park to be placed in a conservation easement.

   

• Approval of a Service Proposal, Service Agreement, an GSA Approved Terms of Use between the City of Milton and Info-Tech Research Group, Inc. for IT Training and Advisory Services.

  With approval of this agreement, Milton’s Information Services Department will – through an Info-Tech Research Group-associated membership – have access to a comprehensive suite of IT-related resources. This will help the Department (which includes GIS) to make better informed decisions, optimize costs, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.

   

• Approval of a Parking Agreement Between the City of Milton and Greenleaf Investment Partners L118 LLC, Greenleaf Investment Partners L118A LLC, and Greenleaf Investment Partners L118B LLC. (Collectively referred to as “Greenleaf”), to Provide Additional Spaces Located at 13000 Deerfield Parkway for the Deerfield Active Park.

  In close collaboration with citizens, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, City Council, and other stakeholders, the City’s project team has been developing concept plans for a new 24-acre active park off Deerfield Parkway. (Visit www.miltonga.gov/DeerfieldActivePark to learn more about this project.) Maximizing space for fields and amenities has been a priority. This agreement – if approved – could be a significant help in that regard by providing visitors access to additional, critical parking spaces directly next to the park’s eastern border. The owner of this property – which was home to Milton’s original City Hall and police station – has agreed to allow use of approximately 150 additional parking spaces (with some time limitations) at no cost to the City.

   

• Approval of an Agreement between the City of Milton and Wishart Walk, LLC. for a Temporary License Agreement to Allow Lecoma Trace to be Utilized as Event Space for Crabapple Fest.

  This is a temporary agreement for City event staff to use a portion of Lecoma Trace (which is part of the Crabapple Market development) during Crabapple Fest at no cost to the City. The 2025 edition of this popular arts, food, antiques, and more street festival is set to take place on Saturday, October 4. For information about this event, go to www.miltonga.gov/CrabappleFest.

   

• Approval of Subdivision Plats & Revisions.

These minor plats, if approved, would:

+ Reconfigure the property lines for three existing tracts (at 15055 Birmingham Highway, 15075 Birmingham Highway, and 604 Glenover Drive that collectively total 8.84 acres)

+ Combine two existing parcels at 3501 Bethany Bend into a single, 5.02-acre parcel with the the Milton Montessori School campus

• Proclamation Recognizing May 26 as Memorial Day in Milton.

  What’s now Memorial Day dates back to soon after the Civil War, when people began putting flowers on the graves of slain troops to honor their sacrifice. Today, it’s an opportunity to pay tribute to members of all U.S. military branches – including those serving from the Revolutionary War to more recent conflicts in places like Afghanistan – who have died after heroically serving our country. In addition to this proclamation, the City will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, on the Green at Crabapple Market. (If there’s inclement weather, the event could move inside Council Chambers.) For more about this event, visit: https://www.miltonga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2981/1351.

   

• Proclamation Recognizing EMS Week in Milton.

  Every Milton firefighter is an emergency medical services (EMS) professional, either as paramedics or EMTs. They routinely demonstrate expertise, urgency, compassion, and effectiveness while providing critical and sometimes life-saving medical care. This proclamation honors them, and others like them, by recognizing May 18 through 24 as EMS Week. Paramedics and EMTs are on the job 24 hours a day and 365 days a year ready to respond to 911 calls. With support from the City Council and community, Milton Fire-Rescue has been proactive – and, in cases like cardiac arrest survival rates, successful – in their multi-faceted efforts to improve medical outcomes.

   

• Proclamation Recognizing Public Works Week in Milton.

Milton’s Public Works Department plans, designs, acquires, inspects, builds, operates, maintains, and manages key infrastructure and services around the city. It takes the lead in transportation – including overseeing 13 miles of gravel roads, 14 roundabouts, 16 traffic signals, 98 miles of sidewalks and trails, and 179 miles of paved City-owned roads – as well as managing several facilities and hundreds of acres of greenspace. This team places the highest priority of being responsive and effective, which is one reason why Milton has ranked No. 1 among cities nationwide in customer service. This proclamation recognizes May 18 through 24 as Public Works Week to showcase the department’s outstanding individuals and the important services they provide our community.

• Consideration of an Ordinance to Modify the Council's Internal Rules of Procedure to Remove Language Prohibiting Official Action During the Public Hearing Agenda.

  The “Public Hearing” section of a City Council agenda allows community members to attend and participate in public comment, where all discussion and deliberation take place. However, formal action is then delayed until the New Business portion of the meeting—an inefficient process with no legal necessity. If approved, this ordinance change would allow the Council to take votes or make decisions during the public hearing item itself. The goal is to streamline proceedings while still ensuring the public’s input is heard and considered in real time.

   

• Consideration of RZ25-05 - Article 8 Use Provisions, Sec. 8.2.1 Use Table for All Districts Except Form Based Codes Regarding Assembly Hall, Event Facility to the Unified Development Code for the City of Milton, Georgia.

  With approval of this item, the Unified Development Code would be amended to specify that Use Permits would be required for assembly halls/event facilities in all districts except those covered under Form-Based Codes (in Deerfield and Crabapple). Currently, assembly halls/event facilities are allowed “by right” (meaning a Use Permit isn’t needed) on properties zoned C-1 (Community Business) and MIX (Mixed Use). The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of this item.

   

• Consideration of RZ25-06 - Article 2 General Provisions, Article 6 Special Purpose Districts, Article 7A Crabapple Form Based Code, Article 7B Deerfield Form Based Code, and Article 9 Site Development Regarding Stormwater Facilities to Correct References within the Above Articles to the Unified Development Code for the City of Milton, Georgia.

  The intent of this proposed change is to ensure that various Overlays and Form-Based Code area are consistent when it comes to the design and development of stormwater facilities. The text amendment would alter references to stormwater detention in various parts of Milton’s Unified Development Code so that the descriptive language is the same throughout.

    

  ZONING AGENDA

• Consideration of U25-01 Located at 12900 Arnold Mill Road zoned AG-1 (Agricultural) to Request a Use Permit for a Rural Event Facility (Sec. 8.7.1.H of the UDC) for a Maximum of 300 Attendees Within the Existing 23,000 Square Foot Activity Center on a 6.61-Acre Property. (Public Hearing held on the May 5, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.  Zoning Agenda Vote Deferred at the May 5, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting to the May 19, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.)

  The newly constructed Pardue Family Center is on the Ebenezer Methodist Church property at the intersection of Arnold Mill and Cox roads. This facility features a large hall, stage, a commercial and warming kitchen, conference/meeting rooms, plus an outdoor area.

  The applicant is seeking a “rural event facility” Use Permit for the Pardue Family Center that, if granted, would allow a private business  to organize certain gatherings with no more than 300 attendees. The events could include weddings and receptions, concerts and plays, community and company gatherings, and classes.

  This item was discussed at the May 5 City Council meeting, with a vote on whether or not to grant the Use Permit deferred to this Monday’s meeting.

   

• Consideration of RZ25-07 Text Amendment to Article 1 Introductory Provisions, Article 7B Deerfield Form Based Code, Article 8 Use Provisions, Article 9 Site Development and Article 13 Definitions regarding changes to development requirements, uses, signage, incentives, and the Regulating Plan (Zoning Map) for the Deerfield Form Based Code.

  The City has been working for months to chart a future for Deerfield that is vibrant, sustainable, and uniquely Milton and reflects citizens’ and key stakeholders’ input. For more about this multi-faceted and important project, go to www.miltonga.gov/Deerfield.

  The proposed text amendments to City Code on Monday’s agenda would help make it possible for the vision in the Deerfield Implementation Plan to become a reality. These cover a lot of ground from the creation of “Sub Districts” to spelling out incentives that line up with key community goals to specifying requirements, and much more.

  To view all the potential changes, follow this link: https://mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/miltonga-meet-9c9fe81c55514e9c90095b81365659a7/ITEM-Attachment-001-eb9459cc384a47b6a8d8a95765c541d5.pdf.

  This item appeared under “First Presentation” on the City Council’s May 5 agenda, so it can be voted on decisively on Monday.

   

  NEW BUSINESS

• Consideration of a Conflict Waiver between the City of Milton, the City of Alpharetta, and Jarrard & Davis, LLP for a Medical Response Unit (MRU).

  This conflict waiver would allow Jarrard & Davis to represent both the cities of Milton and Alpharetta pertaining to the subsequent item about Medical Response Units provided by American Medical Response. (That law firm currently represents both municipalities generally.) The two cities’ fire departments will have their own vehicles and corresponding costs, but the terms of the related legal agreements are the same.

   

• Approval of a Medical Response Unit (MRU) Vehicle Use Agreement between the City of Milton, City of Alpharetta, and E.M.S Ventures, Inc. dba American Medical Response (AMR) to Enhance Emergency Medical Services in the North Fulton Area.

  This agreement – if approved – would give the Milton Fire-Rescue Department access to a new Medical Response Unit to supplement its emergency medical service coverage. This vehicle would come from American Medical Response (AMR), which per State law provides ambulance service in our region. There would be no cost to the City beyond whatever is needed to house, insure, fuel, and maintain this vehicle.

   

• Consideration of a Resolution of the City of Milton Accepting the “Destination Deerfield Urban Design Manual” to be Used as a Design Tool to Supplement the Deerfield Form Based Code and Help Guide the Look and Feel of Deerfield in the Future Development of this Area.

  A core goal of the Deerfield Implementation Plan was to give a clear sense of the desired look and feel for future developments and redevelopments in this pivotal part of southeast Milton. This clarity should align with consensus suggestions that came out of months of intensive civic engagement, some of which are also reflected in related City Code text amendments.

  The Destination Deerfield Urban Design Manual outlines these details in a single document to guide developers interested in undertaking projects in this area. It includes design types, standards, and other elements of what the community believes makes the most sense for Deerfield. This Manual can be a useful supplement to the Deerfield Form-Based Code and vital component in ensuring a vibrant, distinctive, and uniquely Milton appearance for Deerfield.

   

• Consideration of a Resolution of the City of Milton for an Amendment to the ARPA Georgia Fund 1 State Investment Pool Account to Update the Authorized Signers and the Contact Information.

   

• Consideration of a Resolution of the City of Milton for an Amendment to the General Georgia Fund 1 State Investment Pool Account to Update the Authorized Signers and the Contact Information.

   

• Consideration of a Resolution of the City of Milton for an Amendment to the TSPLOST Georgia Fund 1 State Investment Pool Account to Update the Authorized Signers and the Contact Information.

The City has three accounts with Georgia Fund 1, which is the public sector mutual fund created to allow local governments to consolidate and invest idle funds. The accounts relate to ARPA (for American Rescue Plan Act funds), TSPLOST (for the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax), and a general pool account.

The three items above refer to proposed amendments that, if approved, are needed for the exact same reasons and would do the exact same things for these separate accounts. Specifically, the amendments would remove from official documentation the names of Milton’s authorized representatives for these funds who no longer work for the City of Milton and, in their place, update the contact information with the names of the City’s currently employed authorized representatives.