meeting Archives - ForsythForsyth

Gulledge to deliver economic update at Development Authority meeting

News August 15, 2022 , by Bill Johnson

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Slade Gulledge, vice president of economic development for the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, will deliver an update on the county’s economic development Thursday during the Development Authority meeting.

Slade Gulledge

The meeting will be held in the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Cumming starting at 930 am.

Assistant County Manager Brandon Kenney will discuss some of the recent developments in County government.

The agenda also includes the following items:

Review and discuss Forsyth County Economic Development Ordinance.
Review and discuss the Pendleton Contract.
Winners’ Circle project update.

92-lot subdivision on Board’s agenda Thursday

News March 16, 2022 , by Bill Johnson

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — MKW Capital, LLC will ask the Board of Commissioners to approve a plan to build a 92- lot residential subdivision on 104.31 acres on Environmental Campus Drive near the intersection of Bethelview Road when it meets Thursday at 5 p.m. in the County Administration Building in Cumming.

The applicant is requesting to rezone from Agricultural District (A1), Single Family Community Residential District (CR1) and Single Family Residential Restricted District (R2R) to Single Family Residential District (RES2) Conservation Subdivision.

MKW will also ask for five variances, including a reduction in a buffer and an exterior buffer and front and rear setbacks.

Public hearings scheduled:

The proposed abandonment of a portion of right-of-way identified as “Old Tribble Road” a/k/a “Era Road” identified right-of-way within Land Lot 944 of the 3rd District, 1st Section of Forsyth County;
The approval of a Sketch Plat for Forsyth County Board of Education – Parcel 192-185 – SP210012;
The County-Initiated request for an Amendment of Zoning Conditions on ZA1421 (Technology Park/Atlanta, Inc.) by Forsyth County Board of Commissioners – Parcel 140-072 – AZ220006;
The County-Initiated request for a Conditional Use Permit to conduct around the clock business hours in a 60,000 sq. ft. warehouse on 13.57 acres currently zoned Restricted Industrial District (M1) with the following variance to: 1.) Reduce the number of parking spaces from 60 to 50 spaces (UDC Table 17.1) – Parcel 140-072 – CP220008;
The request for an Amendment of Zoning Conditions on ZA2699 (Aaron J. Land) by Chris Cowart Properties, LLC on property located along Ga Hwy 400 – Parcel 063-057;
The approval of a Sketch Plat for Forsyth County Board of Education and a variance to UDC Table 17.1 – Parcel 039-063 – SP210013;
The County-Initiated request to rezone from Single Family Community Residential District (CR1) to Single Family Residential District (RES2) Conservation Subdivision on 36.6895 acres – Parcel 081-666 – ZA4042
The County-Initiated request for a variance to: 1.) Reduce the exterior setback from 50 ft. to 3 ft. (UDC Table 11.2(a)) – Parcel 071-067 – VA220022;
The approval of a Sketch Plat for Hudgens Properties, LLC – Parcel 271-016 – SP220001.

Old Business:

The request for an Amendment of Zoning Conditions on ZA3022 (Eastbrooke Properties LLC) by Aqua Design Pools & Spas, LLC and variances to UDC Table 11.2(b) and UDC 18-11.2(B) – Parcel 032-511 – AZ220001;
The request by Warehouse One-Cumming, L.L.C. – ZA4027 – to rezone from Single Family Residential District (R1) to Restricted Industrial District (M1) on 8.859 acres for an 8,000 sq. ft. office and a 50,000 sq. ft. office/warehouse with 137 parking spaces with the following variances to: 1.) Reduce the zoning buffer along the northern, eastern and western property boundaries from 60 ft. to 0 ft. (UDC Table 14.2); 2.) Increase the maximum number of parking spaces from 107 to 137 (UDC Table 17.1); and, 3.) Reduce the required number of loading spaces from 4 to 2 (UDC 17-3.3) – Parcels 099-255 and 099-014 – District 1 – Director, Department of Planning and Community Development
A request by Dinesh B. Thampi – CP210025 – to operate a kennel (dog breeding) in 750 sq. ft. of an existing 4,092 sq. ft. home with 3 parking spaces on 1.147 acres currently zoned Agricultural District;
A request by Toll Brothers, Inc. ZA4038 – to rezone from Agricultural District (A1) and Commercial Business District (CBD) to Single Family Residential District (RES2) on 33.663 acres for 35 residential lots with a density of 1.04 units per acre on Castleberry Road;
The request for an Amendment of Zoning Conditions on ZA2643 (THE RYLAND GROUP INC) by Vinod Pillai – Parcel 157-538 – AZ220003;

New Business:

A request by Puja Rathore for a conditional use permit- CP210027 – to operate a 2,500 sq. ft. personal service establishment (tutoring) in an existing building with 9 parking spaces on 5.79 acres currently zoned Office and Institutional District (O&I);
A request by Nagesh Chilakapati – ZA4026 – to rezone from Agricultural District (A1) to Commercial Business District (CBD) on 4.9152 acres for commercial buildings totaling 32,400 sq. ft. with 130 parking spaces – Parcels 059-531, 059-004, 059-532, and 059-003;
A request by Rajesh Chennuru – ZA4036 – to rezone from Single Family Residential Restricted District (R2R) and Agricultural District (A1) to Single Family Residential District (RES3) on 2.793 acres for 5 residential lots with a density of 1.79 units per acre – Parcels 153-022, 153-038, and 153-023;
A request by United Family Homes, LLC – ZA4044 – to rezone from Single Family Residential District (RES3) to Single Family Residential District (RES2) on 5.72 acres for 4 residential lots with a density of .70 units per acre with the following variance to: 1.) Eliminate the 5,000 ft. sewer distance requirement to facilitate the use of an on-site septic disposal system (UDC 18-5.18) – Parcel 079-003.

Administrative Hearings:

The Board will hold an Administrative Hearing in reference to a violation of the Alcohol Ordinance for Robert J. Russell, III, Inc. dba Red Barn Package Store – Named Licensee is Robert J. Russell III – AL01211;

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners LLC meeting MKW Capital

County is set to take the next step in construction of Lanierland Park Phase 2

News April 19, 2021 , by Bill Johnson

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners is expected to award the bid for construction of Lanierland Park Phase 2 to Astra Group, LLC in the amount of $14,820,000 plus a $200,000 contingency when it meets Tuesday (Apr. 20) at 2 p.m. in the County Administration Building, 110 East Main Street.

Astra Group will provide all materials, equipment and labor for the project, that will include bridges, baseball field facilities, tennis court facilities and equipment, sports lighting, site lighting, artificial turf surfacing, pavilions, a restroom/concession building, a restroom and special-purpose ballfield for players with disabilities with support buildings, scoring building, signage, landscaping, irrigation. The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2022.

Other items on Tuesday’s agenda include consideration of:

Purchase an Eventide Netlog 740 Recording System through Quality Recording Solutions, LLC for the E911 Department under a State of Georgia Contract in the amount of $208,396.34;
Purchase of replacement membranes for the Manor Water Reclamation Facility from Suez Water Technologies in the amount of $234,446.00;
Approval of a Task Order with NOVA Engineering and Environmental for Lanierland Park Phase 2 Geotechnical and Construction Inspections for the Department of Public Facilities in the amount of $98,405;
Purchase of one new Crafco Super Shot Diesel Melter for the Department of Roads and Bridges from Reynolds Warren Equipment in the amount of $69,645.00;
Purchase of one new Compact Loader for the Department of Water and Sewer from Bobcat of Atlanta in the amount of $78,885.73;
Purchase of three new Front Loaders for the Department of Parks and Recreation from Mason Tractor in the amount of $88,466.44;
Purchase of three new Compact Loaders for the Department of Parks and Recreation. Staff Recommendation: award to Bobcat of Atlanta in the amount of $122,103.53
Approval to award the design/environmental services contract for a multi-use trail on Pilgrim Mill Road, Holtzclaw to Tidwell Park Entrance for the Department of Engineering to American Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $628,600.00;
Approval to award the bid for Audio Visual System Upgrades for two (2) Juvenile Courtrooms to Conference Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $64,161.94;
Approval of a Final Response Time to Reconciliation Letter between Jacobs and Archer Western Construction regarding the Fowler Water Reclamation Facility Expansion;
Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Improving Community Preparedness to Assist Victims of Mass Violence and Domestic Terrorism: Training and Technical Assistance (ICP-TTA) and Forsyth County;
Adoption of a Waterline Extension Policy to define a process for extending water service to existing, developed areas that do not currently have access to the Forsyth County public water system;
Approval to design and build a Customer Service Facility at the Sexton Hall Campus with authorization for this Project to be included in the existing contract for the Sexton Hall Site Master Planning with Lose Design. The new Facility will serve as the replacement for the Sharon Springs Tag Office and provide services for the Tax Assessors’ Office and Department of Water and Sewer to assist the residents in South Forsyth.The estimated cost for the Project is $2.5M;
A discussion and possible direction regarding amendments to the Unified Development Code related to Special Event Facilities and Agritourism;
A discussion and possible direction regarding proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code regarding Pools and Accessory Structures;
An offer from Georgia Transmission Corporation to acquire an easement across County property located at 7385 Browns Bridge Road;
A discussion and possible direction regarding moving alcohol application approvals to an administrative process;
Nominations and possible appointments of at-large members to the Forsyth County Development Authority;
A request by the Board of Registrations and Elections for an increased meeting per diem and monthly expense account;
A Right to Enter Agreement with Anson Logistics Assets, LLC to accommodate wall construction for Parcel 7 of the Ronald Reagan Boulevard Extension Project;
A review of a Short Term Rental Permitting Ordinance.

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Lanierland Park Phase 2 meeting

BOC approves McFarland Parkway development

News April 16, 2021 , by Bill Johnson

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A new mixed-use development that includes 59 townhomes and 51,000 square feet of commercial space will soon become a reality. The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Liu Investment Partners request to rezone 18.534 acres at 100 McFarland Parkway to Master Planned District at Thursday’s meeting.

Christopher Light, representing Liu Investment Partners said his client had reduced the number of townhomes from 67 to 59 and increased the commercial space from 44,000 to 51,000 which would include a commercial building that exists on the property and will be renovated to code standards.

The development is also expected to include 233 parking spaces and amenities like a playground, and walking trails.

Following public hearings, the Board approved:

The request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer) and wine for consumption on the premises for Moto Asian Cuisine Inc. located at 655 Atlanta Highway;
The request for an alcohol license to have a farm winery on the premises for Stoney J’s Farm and Orchard, LLC located at 1506 Stoney Point Road;
The request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer) and wine for consumption on the premises for Southern Grit + Grace, LLC dba Board and Brush located at 6655 Town Square, Suite 1210;
The request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer), wine, and distilled spirits by the package on the premises for Robert J. Russell, III, Inc. dba Red Barn Package Store located at 4310 Settendown Village Road;
The request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer), wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises for La Mara XVI, Inc. dba Laredos Taqueria and Grill located at 5310 Matt Highway, Suite 101;
The County-Initiated request for agritourism and agricultural sales on 25.4 acres currently zoned Agricultural District (A1);
Postponed a vote regarding the County-Initiated variance request to: 1.) Reduce the exterior setback from 50 ft. to 15 ft. adjacent to the +/- 6.0 acre outparcel proposed to be subdivided from the property which is proposed to remain zoned A1 and as shown on the submitted concept plan on file with the County (UDC Table 11.2(b)); 2.) Reduce the exterior buffer from 25 ft. to 0 ft. adjacent to the +/- 6.0 acre outparcel proposed to be subdivided from the property which is proposed to remain zoned A1 and as shown on the submitted concept plan on file with the County (UDC Table 11.2(b)) – Parcel 169-135 – 5690 Hendrix Road, Cumming, GA;
Approved amendments to Chapters 3, 8, 11, 16, 18, and 21 related to light pole height variance within the Unified Development Code of Forsyth County;
Approved amendments to Chapter 19 related to conservation subdivisions within the Unified Development Code of Forsyth County;
Approved amendments to Chapters 3, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 21 related to backyard chickens within the Unified Development Code;
Approved a request to operate a 1,636 sq. ft. short-term rental for 6 overnight guests with 3 parking spaces on 1 acre currently zoned Agricultural District and located at 3930 Aaron Sosebee Road, contingent upon the Board’s adoption of a Short Term Rental Ordinance;

Under New Business, the Board:

Approved a request by Domain Realty, Inc. to rezone from Agricultural District (A1) to Single Family Residential District (RES2) 11.16 acres for 8 residential lots with a density of .72 units per acre with the following variance to: 1.) Eliminate the 5,000 ft. sewer distance requirement to facilitate the use of an on-site septic disposal system (UDC 18-5.18). Property is located at 7010, 7012, 7014, 7016, 7024, and 7026 Dickerson Road, Cumming;
Postponed GPB Properties, LLC request to operate an open storage yard with 82 parking spaces with an existing 2,479 sq. ft. accessory office on 2.71 acres currently zoned Agricultural District (A1). Property is located at 5060 Dawsonville Highway and 7835 Knight Road, Gainesville;
Ratified the enactment of an emergency temporary moratorium, imposed on April 6, 2021, to bar all rezoning applications (until May 7, 2021) to the Res6 zoning designation, where the requested density for such rezoning is to a density that is greater than 4 units per acre.

Under announcements and reports, Chairwoman Cindy Mills read a proclamation declaring the month of April 2021 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Forsyth County.

“These are some special people in our community that do a lot to help kids,” Mills said. “We’re thankful they are with us today and for all they do.”

Chairwoman mills honored Forsyth County citizens who work to make lives of children safer and read a proclamation declaring the month of April 2021 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Forsyth County.

The Board also recognized the Forsyth County Parks Foundation for its efforts to promote healthy and active lives by creating awareness and financial support to Forsyth County. Mills read a resolution recognizing Linda Duncan, a member of the Foundation who will be leaving soon.

Commissioners also announced that the second week in April is recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunicators week in honor of public safety personnel for their commitment, service and sacrifice

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Liu Investment Partners McFarland Parkway meeting

BOC expected to decide fate of McFarland Pkwy. mixed-use development Thursday

News April 14, 2021 , by Bill Johnson

FORSTH COUNTY, Ga. – It has taken five years, but a proposed McFarland Parkway mixed-use development featuring 67 townhomes and 44,000 square feet of commercial buildings may finally get an up or down vote when the Board of Commissioners meets Thursday (Apr. 15) at 5 p.m. in the County Administration Building.

Liu Investment Partners, LLLP has requested the Board rezone the 18.534 acres located at 100 McFarland Parkway from Commercial Business District (CBD), Office and Institutional District (O&I) and Single Family Residential District (R1) to Master Planned District (MPD).

If approved, the property would have 67 attached residential units with a density of 3.62 units per acre and proposed commercial buildings with 233 parking spaces. The developer has indicated here will be a number of amenities like walking trails, a playground and picnic area. The Planning Commission recommended approval by a 4-1 vote with Stacy Guy opposed.

The Board will hold the following public hearings:

An alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer) and wine for consumption on the premises for Moto Asian Cuisine Inc. located at 655 Atlanta Highway;
A request for an alcohol license to have a farm winery on the premises for Stoney J’s Farm and Orchard, LLC dba Stoney J’s located at 1506 Stoney Point Road;
A request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer) and wine for consumption on the premises for Southern Grit + Grace, LLC dba Board and Brush located at 6655 Town Square, Suite 1210;
A request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer), wine, and distilled spirits by the package on the premises for Robert J. Russell, III, Inc. dba Red Barn Package Store located at 4310 Settendown Village Road;
A request for an alcohol license to sell malt beverages (beer), wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises for La Mara XVI, Inc. dba Laredos Taqueria and Grill located at 5310 Matt Highway, Suite 101;
The County-Initiated request for agritourism and agricultural sales on 25.4 acres currently zoned Agricultural District (A1) – Parcels 291-043 and 291-044 – CP210006;
The County-Initiated variance request to: 1.) Reduce the exterior setback from 50 ft. to 15 ft. adjacent to the +/- 6.0 acre outparcel proposed to be subdivided from the property which is proposed to remain zoned A1 and as shown on the submitted concept plan on file with the County (UDC Table 11.2(b)); 2.) Reduce the exterior buffer from 25 ft. to 0 ft. adjacent to the +/- 6.0 acre outparcel proposed to be subdivided from the property which is proposed to remain zoned A1 and as shown on the submitted concept plan on file with the County (UDC Table 11.2(b)) – Parcel 169-135 – 5690 Hendrix Road, Cumming;
Amendments to Chapters 3, 8, 11, 16, 18, and 21 related to light pole height variance within the Unified Development Code of Forsyth County – Planning Manager, Department of Planning and Community Development; (9) Public Hearing and possible vote regarding amendments to Chapter 19 related to conservation subdivisions within the Unified Development Code of Forsyth County – Planning Manager, Department of Planning and Community Development;
Amendments to Chapters 3, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 21 related to backyard chickens within the Unified Development Code of Forsyth County – Planner II, Department of Planning and Community Development.Under Old Business, the Board will consider:

A request to operate a 1,636 sq. ft. short-term rental unit for six overnight guests with 3 parking spaces on one acre currently zoned Agricultural District located at 3930 Aaron Sosebee Road, Cumming;
A request to rezone from Agricultural District (A1) to Single Family Residential District (RES2) on 11.16 acres for eight residential lots with a density of .72 units per acre with the following variance to: 1.) Eliminate the 5,000 ft. sewer distance requirement to facilitate the use of an on-site septic disposal system (UDC 18-5.18). Property is located at 7010, 7012, 7014, 7016, 7024, and 7026 Dickerson Road. The property is also located immediately north of property known as 7014 Dickerson Road;
A request to operate an open storage yard with 82 parking spaces with an existing 2,479 sq. ft. accessory office on 2.71 acres currently zoned Agricultural District located at 5060 Dawsonville Highway and 7835 Knight Road, Gainesville;
Ratification and enactment of an emergency temporary moratorium, imposed on April 6, 2021, to bar all rezoning applications (until May 7, 2021) to the Res6 zoning designation, where the requested density for such rezoning is to a density that is greater than 4 units per acre.

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Master Planned District McFarland Parkway meeting

BOC expected to renew Legacy Link agreement today

News February 23, 2021 , by Bill Johnson

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners will consider approval of the 2021 Legacy Link/Area Agency on Aging Grant Program when it meets Tuesday (Feb. 23) at 2 p.m. in the County Administration Building, 110 East Main Street.

The program includes Federal and State funding totaling $448,836 with local share match of $11,450, and approval of Addendum #1 in the amount of $337,708 and a budget resolution. Total award compensation amount is $786,544.

This funding provides for homebound meals, congregate meals and activity programs, and respite care for almost 400 County participants.

Other agenda items expected to be considered by the Board include:

The Atlanta Gas Light Company Non-Residential Gas Extension Contract and Addendum for the new Forsyth County Fire Station #9 located at 8420 McBride Lane; cost of $8,206.75 will be funded under Fire Station #9’s Construction Project;
Approval of the updated Surplus Policy and Procedures for the Department of Procurement;
Approval to renew the Annual Pricing Agreement for Turnout Gear for the Fire Department with Bennett Fire Products Co. for the 2021 calendar year;
Approval to purchase a new Pierce Arrow XT Pumper for the Fire Department at a cost of $690.477;
Approval to renew the Annual Agreement with Gainesville Waste & Recycling for Sludge Removal Services at an estimated cost of $45,960;
Approval of an annual expenditure of $750,000 with Lanier Contracting and Western Summit, for the Department of Water and Sewer;
Authorization to renew the one-year Motorola Service Agreement for the tower locations and radio equipment at a cost of $615,983.16;
Authorization to award North Georgia Fuel Co-Op Pricing Agreements for Gasoline and Diesel Shipments to Forsyth County Fuel Sites to Colonial Oil Industries, Inc., and Petroleum Traders Corporation in the estimated amount of $943,600;
Authorization for the sole source purchase of replacement Kubota Membranes for the James Creek Wastewater Reclamation Facility at an estimated cost of $554,000;
Authorization for the sole source purchase of a Suez Back-Up Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for the Antioch Water Treatment Plant at an estimated cost of $78,205;
Approval of a bid for as-needed aggregate for the departments of Roads and Bridges and Water and Sewer at an estimated expenditure of $70,000;
Approval of a bid to provide and install a retaining wall at the Sheriff’s South Precinct for the Department of Public Facilities in the amount of $57,575;
Approval of a bid to install artificial turf replacement on the lower field at Midway Park for the Department of Parks and Recreation to ITS-Sprinturf Holdings, LLC in the amount of $235,780.00 with an additional $50,000.00 contingency in the case of needed rock and/or nail boards;
Approval to award a contract for the renovation of Sawnee Mountain Park to Buildline General Contractors in the amount of $1,070,732.00;
Acceptance of bid to provide as-needed repairs and completion of Punch List Items for roadway projects in the amount of $19,999.99 to Blount Construction Company, Inc. and Martin Contracting, Inc.;
Approval of a task order with ESG Engineering, Inc. to provide various engineering support services for the Department of Water and Sewer in an amount not to exceed $334,000;
Acceptance of a Foundation Grant in the amount of $5,000 with approval of a budget resolution grant by the Thanks Mom & Dad Fund, requires no match;
Authorization for the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency to apply for a Vaccine Dispensing/Administration Costs Grant with FEMA;
Approval of a Memorandum of Agreement for WaterFirst Recertification;
Approval of the Expedited Enforcement Compliance Order and Settlement Agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $13,727;
Approval of a resolution regarding the Defense Attorney for the Accountability Courts;
An amendment to the County Manager Contract Amendment;
Authorization for the Chairman to execute the bylaws of the Georgia Mountains Local Workforce Area, and the Local Elected Official MOU regarding the Georgia Mountains Workforce Development Area;
Ratification of the Purchase Agreement for 2,002.36 square feet of fee simple right of way and 2,722.34 square feet of temporary construction easement in the amount of $25,000 needed for parcel 23 of the Old Atlanta Road Widening Project;
Ratification of Purchase Agreement for 14,007.90 square feet of temporary construction easement and one temporary driveway easement in the amount of $44,400;
Authorization for the Chairman to sign the annual Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification;
Acceptance of Emergency Rental Assistance Program Funding in the amount of $7,352,189.60;
Acceptance of the following appointments to the Development Authority:
Lynn Jackson: 4-year term expires on March 4, 2021;
David Seago: 4-year term expires March 4, 2021;
Ben Knight: 4-year term expires April 1, 2021;
Appointment of a Representative for the Region One Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Advisory Council whose 3-year term will begin immediately and expire on February 4, 2024;

Following the Executive Session, the Board will consider:

A resolution to Condemn 0.087 acres of fee simple right of way and 10,528.67 square feet of permanent easement for construction and maintenance of slopes and drainage in connection with Old Atlanta Road;
A resolution to condemn certain site improvements including a Subdivision Monument Sign and Landscaping located at 920 Preston Court, Suwanee, Georgia;
Approval of agreement for sale of realty between Forsyth County, as Buyer, and Capstone Gateway 1, LLC and Capstone Gateway 2, LLC, as Seller, for 5.186 acres of real property located at 1721 Trammel Road.

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Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Legacy Link meeting

County commissioners file objection to City annexation along Antioch Road

News February 11, 2021 , by Bill Johnson

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to file an objection to the City’s proposed annexation of 21.259 acres along Antioch Road for use as a construction operation. The annexation would require a change of zoning from Residential 1 to Heavy Business.

The proposed use anticipates redevelopment of existing structures on the site, construction of an office, a shop to the rear and storage yard for heavy equipment. County Attorney Ken Jarrard is expected to deliver the county’s objection to city officials today.

Commissioner Molly Cooper noted that Antioch Road is mostly residential and added, “this is the wrong product for the wrong place. That heavy equipment is going to tear that road up like nobody’s business and we all know it.”

The Board also approved a consent order in connection with the McGinnis Ferry Road Interchange project that requires the county to pay $214,700 above the $17,000 already paid into the court registry.

In other business, commissioners:

Awarded RFP 20-146-1620 for Electronic Message Boards, Directories, Kiosk Design, and Installation for the Department of Public Facilities to Frontier Vision Technologies, dba Evogence in the amount of $40,302;
Awarded Bid 20-155-2920 to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) items as needed for Forsyth County departments and offices to My Medical, Norfleet Distributors, Avenue Medical Equipment, Inc., Office Depot, and LT Printing & Promotions;
Approved a new three-year agreement with Microsoft Enterprise in the amount of $576,409.19 annually;
Approved a sole-source purchase for four Model 4 Wireless Earthlift Control lifts through Steril-Koni for the Department of Fleet Maintenance in the amount of $49,382.62;
An agreement with the City of Cumming for sewer for 84,000 gallons per day (gpd) with authorization for the Department of Water and Sewer to purchase the sewer capacity from the City of Cumming at a rate of $30 per gallon;
An approval of updated modifications to the existing County Vehicle Replacement Policy;
Approval of EMS Affiliation Agreements with Emory Johns Creek Hospital (EJC) and Central Emergency Medical Services that will allow new recruits to obtain the required clinical hours and skills checks required by the state of Georgia;
Request for authorization to apply for the FY2020 grant to replace old gear, washer-extractors, and dryers whose useful life have expired in the amount of $67,795, which includes Federal Funding Assistance in the amount of $61,632, with a required match of $6,163;
Approved a Budget Resolution in the amount of $22,500 to allocate insurance proceeds towards the replacement of one Sheriff’s Office Total Loss Vehicle;
Approved Board generated rezoning for ZA3919, The Estate of Paul Harley Reed, Jr. In accordance with UDC 8-5.5(I);
Approved amendments to the Unified Development Code related to Public Participation Meeting Requirements;
Approved a Conservation Easement between Toll Southeast LP Company, Inc., Lakehaven HOA, Inc., and Forsyth County for the Lake Haven subdivision;
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Antioch Road City annexation Commissioner Molly Cooper Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meeting

Information Systems employees create system for COVID-19 shot appointments

News, Press Release February 10, 2021 , by Bill Johnson

PRESS RELEASE

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — During the Board of Commissioner’s Feb. 4 meeting, County Manager Kevin Tanner recognized two employees from the Information Systems & Technology Department for creating and maintaining an appointment system for people to register for COVID-19 vaccinations as well as to retrieve needed documentation after making the appointment.

Database Administrator Stephen Croft was recognized for his role in creating an online appointment system for people to register for COVID-19 vaccinations within 12 hours of receiving the assignment. Software Administrator Justin Wilson was recognized for providing solutions for residents to retrieve appropriate documentation for vaccines and maintaining the appointment system.

Croft and Wilson both received an Employee Exceeding Expectations Award, also known as a Triple E Award, for their work. Please find the attached images for use in your coverage. Croft is pictured with Tanner. Wilson attended the meeting virtually and can be seen on the projector screen.

Forsyth Board of Commissioners Information Systems and Technolog Justin Wilson Kevin Tanner meeting Stephen Croft

Board approves comprehensive design standards for South Forsyth

News December 4, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved comprehensive design standards for any new commercial development in south Forsyth Thursday, the goal of which is to ensure high-quality new development.

The standards also apply to all redevelopment or expanded sites where more than 25 percent of the disturbed area is affected. Schools, churches, clubs, lodges and instructional studios are exempt. Open houses were held in January and February to present the proposed standards and invite public participation.

New landscape and pedestrian standards require the front landscape (between the road and parking spaces) be 15 feet wide for roads 4-lanes or wider and 8 feet for roads no wider than 2 lanes. Landscape between parking spaces and the store-front sidewalk must be 8 feet. Outdoor amenities such as benches and trash receptacles must be placed every 100 feet.

Parking lots are required to have at least one landscaped island for every 10 parking spaces. At least one electric charging station is required for all parking lots with a minimum of 100 parking spaces. Nine percent must have a charging infrastructure but no charger.

Fencing material and retaining walls must be constructed of brick, stone or textured concrete and no higher than 20 feet.

Some outdoor displays are prohibited such as tires, automotive parts, kennels, sheds, pre-made structure. Self-storage facilities can be no more than three stories.

With regard to lighting, neon lights and LED lighting around windows are prohibited.

“I’m very pleased with what I see,” said Chairwoman Laura Semanson. “I think it will help drive a better sense of community pride to have all these things working together.”

The Board also unanimously approved motions to:

Amend Chapters 3, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 21 of the Unified Development Code to allow property owners to keep backyard chickens within certain zoning categories;
Allow an alternate design at 320 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming to allow conformity to the overlay that was in place when the building was being constructed rather than the current warehouse district;
A county-Initiated variance request to reduce the wait time to further divide land within a minor subdivision from three years to three days and to reduce the wait time to subdivide property abutting land that has been previously divided as a minor subdivision from three years to three days;
An amendment of Zoning Conditions on ZA3791 regarding a front porch requirement (Meritage Homes of Georgia, Inc.) by Toll Bros. Inc.
Extend the moratorium on the receipt of land disturbance permit applications for Res4, Res6, and Res3 multi-family and single-family attached products, to include the possible allowance for certain exceptions from the moratorium.

The Board postponed

ZA3807, CBD & A1 to MPD;
The Board took no action on :
The Forsyth County Tree Protection and Replacement Ordinance, Forsyth County Ordinance 98;
The Forsyth County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, Forsyth County Ordinance.

Chairwoman Laura Semanson design standards Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meeting South Forsyth

Commissioner to consider COLA and salary increases for staff during Thursday’s meeting

News November 18, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – County commissioners will consider adoption of the FY 2021 budget with the approval to apply a two percent COLA increase as budgeted and to apply an increase of one percent to the Salary Range Schedule to maintain competitive salary ranges when they meet in a voting session Thursday (Nov. 19) at 5 p.m.

Other items to be considered under New Business include Conditional Use Permits (CUP) and Rezoning Requests for the following:

Midwest Haybale Blinds, LLC – CP200013 – to operate an open storage yard on 2.791 acres currently zoned Agricultural District (A1). Property is located south of Francis Road, approximately 300 ft. east of the intersection with Clark Drive;
Patriot Development, LLC – CP200020 – to operate an open storage yard with 37 parking spaces on 1.97 acres currently zoned Restricted Industrial District (M1) with variancesProperty is located approximately 300 ft. west of Ronald Reagan Boulevard approximately 325 ft. north of the intersection with Oak Industrial Lane;
Chris Livesay – CP200021 – to operate an open storage yard with a residence for a night watchman in an existing 2,142 sq. ft. structure on 0.802 acres currently zoned Commercial Business District (CBD) with variances. Property is located at 832 Atlanta Highway, Cumming;
Lizeth Cano – ZA3979 – to rezone from Lake Residential District (LR) to Agricultural District (A1) on 1.796 acres with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for an open storage yard associated with existing buildings totaling 1,125 sq. ft. with variance. Property is located approximately 350 ft. west of Little Mill Road, approximately 435 ft. north of the intersection with Browns Bridge Road;
An agreement regarding 5225 Shadburn Road, PIN 254-022, acquisition of 0.86 acres from William Waite Family for a future access road;
An agreement regarding 3910 Evans Road, Fire Station #4, PIN 031-058, GDOT acquisition of ROW for SR20;
An agreement regarding 1605 Canton Highway PIN 099-055, Greenway Trailhead location, GDOT acquisition for SR20 (Canton Highway) Widening;
An agreement regarding Canton Highway, PIN 064-036, Greenway Trail access to Canton Highway, GDOT acquisition for SR20 Widening.

The Old Business Agenda includes consideration of the following:

The request for an Amendment of Zoning Conditions on ZA2915 (Coordinated Properties, Inc.) by Josef and Elizabeth Venable at 2430 Monet Drive, Cumming;
Request by Fam Group, LLC – CP200011 – to operate a 100 sq. ft. vehicle sales dealership in an existing building with 3 parking spaces on 2.196 acres currently zoned Restricted Industrial District. Property is located at 915 Branch Drive, Suite 100, Alpharetta;
Possible direction regarding Sketch Plat approval for RUS-AL (USA), Inc. and Variances to the UDC;
Possible direction regarding RUS-AL (USA), Inc., CP190014, to operate an open storage yard with 133 parking spaces associated with existing buildings totaling 18,000 sq. ft. with 26 parking spaces on 6.680 acres currently zoned Restricted Industrial District (M1).

Commissioners will make a series of announcements and reports, including the following;

Presentation of a Resolution to the Forsyth County Public Library Friends and Advocates who have been awarded the Fabulous Friends Award by the Friends of Georgia Libraries;
Presentation of a Resolution recognizing those who celebrated the Festival of Diwali on November 14, 2020;
Recognition of the 2020 Georgia Association of Water Professionals Awards received by the Department of Water and Sewer;
Recognition of the Department of Engineering’s Roads and Bridges Division for its hard work and commitment to the Forsyth County community during Hurricane Zeta;
Board recognition of Chris Grimes, Emergency Management Agency Director, for receiving the Charles F. Welch Citizenship Award;

A series of public hearings are scheduled for Thursday’s meeting, including:

A Sketch Plat approval for Ronald Reagan Corners LLC – Parcel 132-029 – SP200009;
The County-Initiated request to operate a vehicle sales dealership in an existing building on 2.074 acres currently zoned Commercial Business District (CBD) and variances to the UDC, Section 12-10.9, Section 12-10.15 and Table 17.1 – Parcel 234-024 – CP200031;
Sketch Plat approval for Rochester & Associates, Inc. – Parcel 319-015 – SP200011;
Proposed abandonment of public right of way in Southers Plantation Lane, as requested by Southers Plantation HOA, Inc.

COLA increase Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meeting public hearings salary increase

Commissioners approve contracts for Admin Building, Fire Department and SWAT

News October 28, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – During Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved several significant purchases aimed at improving lighting at the County Administration Building, the Sheriff’s Office SWAT operation, the county’s early warning system and the Fire Department Training and Logistics Center.

Commissioners approved a contract with Entrenzik LED, Inc. in the amount of $69,960 to purchase LED lighting for the Administration Building, Mason St. Parking Lot and 426 Canton Hwy.

Commissioners also improved the county’s warning system by awarding a contract to ATI Systems in the amount of $137,892 for the purchase of five additional outdoor warning sirens.

They awarded a contract to Croft & Associates in the amount of $61,140 for master planning the Fire Department Training and Logistic Center.

Opex Corporation received the contract to provide the Registration and Elections Office with a new ballot extractor at a cost of $35,280.

Commissioners unanimously approved a five-year agreement for Environmental Health to lease suites, 403, 404, 405 and 514 on West Maple for $4,400 monthly ($52,000) annually during Tuesday’s meeting.

There was a discussion regarding an agreement between the County, the Forsyth County Water & Sewer Authority, and Toll Southeast LP Company, Inc. (successor to Sharp Residential) related to the disposition and future purposing of 18.2 acres of property located at Forsyth County Tax Parcel No. 093-132, otherwise known as the Parkstone Water Reclamation Facility. A public hearing was scheduled for Nov. to give the public an opportunity to be heard.

Commissioners agreed to accept a Residential Substance Abuse Program Grant in the amount of $283,982 with a 25 percent county match that will fund five new positions at the County Detention Center and a State of Georgia Homeland Security Grant in the amount of $50,000 to enhance the Sheriff’s Office SWAT program.

The Board also approved an amendment to the Forsyth County-GDOT Connected Vehicle Technology Initiative Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and awarded $300 to the District 3 Beautification Fund.

Fire department Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Forsyth County Sheriff's Office SWAT meeting

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