Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission Voting Meeting — September 1, 2026

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission held its monthly voting meeting on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in the City Hall chamber with online participation. The meeting began shortly after 6:00 p.m.; the mayor announced a 15-minute break would occur at 8:15 p.m. if business had not concluded. The agenda covered a 15-item consent calendar, five planning and zoning items (Items 16–20), and ten items of old and new business (Items 1, 21–30). Highlights included two affordable housing rezonings, special use permits for the Pinewood Estates and Country Corners manufactured-home communities, three homelessness-related grant applications, acceptance of the 2026 Athens in Motion bike/pedestrian plan update, and authorization to sell the Kelly Diversified property in the arena district. The most contested vote was Item 23, the HUD Youth Homelessness System Improvement grant application, which passed 6–3.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the August 4 and August 18 voting meetings and the August 11, August 18, and August 24 non-voting meetings were approved (motion Commissioner Fisher, second Commissioner Myers).
• Items 2–15 were approved as a block, including an FY 2027 budget amendment to accept a FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant for a fire safety trailer (Item 2), an FY 2027 budget amendment for additional fire equipment funding (Item 3), and a SPLOST 2020 program budget amendment for Park Facilities Improvements (Item 4). Attorney Drake read the ordinances for Items 2–4.
• Commissioner Johnson removed Item 1 (ARPA match contribution) for discussion; see Old & New Business below.
• Public comment: Michael McClendon (201-9 Hamilton Road) opposed the ARPA refunding item, asserting the county "knew... it was throwing money down a rat hole," that the proposed 10% allocation increase rewards organizations that cannot spend their funds, and that ARPA-funded positions rolled into the general fund should be terminated. Hattie Thomas Whitehead thanked the commission on behalf of the first descendants of Lunatown and the community for support of the Walk of Recognition, calling it historic for Athens and for future generations. A point of order from Mr. Miller noted that Item 13's audit should be "accepted," not "approved"; Attorney Drake confirmed the correction.
• Dr. Maddox thanked the commission for continued support of Destin Incorporated and the community's young people.

Planning & Zoning — 490 Clover Street (Item 16)

• Public speakers all supported the proposal to convert two neglected buildings into two duplexes: Franklin Frost (180 Endale Avenue, project team member), Zeb Brookshire (620 Sunset Drive, five-year homeowner), Eva Claire Schwartz (a young professional social worker who said her housing search left few neighborhood options on an entry-level professional budget), and Andrew Gross (335 Clover Street).
• Commissioner Link's motion added a CDO with conditions requiring the redevelopment to retain the same height and setback restrictions as the surrounding RS-8 neighborhood; he also noted potential near-term items: removing yellow curbing and a voluntary traffic-calming process for the street.
• Approved unanimously: future land use change of 0.308 acres from neighborhood residential to mixed density residential, and rezoning of 0.38 acres from RS-8/CG to RM-2.

Planning & Zoning — 940 College Avenue (Item 17)

• Bret Nave (Studio BNA Architects) and Ed Lane (SPG Planners and Engineers) spoke in support, emphasizing reclamation of a decades-old concrete plant site with small-to-medium-scale buildings creating a transition from downtown density to neighboring historic residential areas; Lane commended fire, public utilities, and public works staff for collaborative problem-solving on infrastructure.
• Commissioner Link called it a beautifully designed project that contributes to the tax allocation district, adds housing near downtown, and will fix the rail trestle that regularly damages trucks; the site is scraped clean and will gain trees.
• Rezoning of 7.839 acres from EI (Employment Industrial) to RM-3 PD approved 8–1; Commissioner Taylor opposed.

Planning & Zoning — 4320 Atlanta Highway (Item 18)

• Scott Haynes (WA Engineering, representing Aloine Enterprises and Dominium) used the 10-minute proponent slot: the 18.57-acre site has been vacant for nearly 25 years; the rezone from EO to RM-3 includes a binding proffered condition of 100% affordability at 60% AMI for 30 years, which he said means over 700 affordable beds. Phase one environmental assessment is complete and phase two is underway; contamination, if found, will be remediated per DCA funding requirements. The site needs a sewer extension that would also benefit adjacent ACC-controlled parcels earmarked for economic development. DCA's annual funding deadline is the end of the month, so approval now advances affordable housing by about a year.
• Catessa Archer (Dominium vice president and project partner) said the site is highly amenitized with strong demographics; units would serve residents earning roughly $42,000–$70,000 per year, with one- to four-bedroom options.
• Caroline Connerly (counsel for CarMax, owner of the adjacent 4300 Atlanta Highway property) said CarMax was not originally aware of the application but appreciated the applicant's ongoing engagement; CarMax will continue working toward a final access plan that preserves its drive access.
• Approved unanimously (motion Commissioner Johnson, second Commissioner Wright). Commissioner Wright said she appreciated the outreach since the agenda-setting meeting, which addressed her concerns about CarMax.

Planning & Zoning — Pinewood Estates Special Use Permit (Item 19)

• Jeff Carter (Carter Engineering Consultants) reported that all permits are obtained and pipe material arrived the day of the meeting; water replacement (domestic and fire protection) is imminent. He noted three-bedroom homes in the community are priced from $90,000 to $120,000.
• Pamela Garcia (530 King Avenue) spoke in support on behalf of the families she works alongside in Pinewoods and Country Corners, saying the vote is "about dignity" and would give 750 families stable affordable housing with reliable infrastructure; she said her own family's mobile home ownership built credit and an asset that later helped them buy a traditional home.
• Mike Warren (management/ownership) said the projects have already started, and described the work as "developing upside down."
• Commissioner Thornton read a letter from Commissioner-elect Tracy Smith (District 9) supporting the permit because it addresses water infrastructure without placing unreasonable financial burdens on residents, many of whom depend on Pinewood for affordable housing.
• Commissioner Thornton emphasized that the approval opens the door for manufactured homes, shared photos from a visit to Flamingo Homes to counter stereotypes, and characterized the effort as a model public-private partnership. Commissioner Myers noted this project plus the Atlanta Highway project represent a potential 529 new affordable units.
• Special use approval for five parcels at 1465, 1465-A, 1200, and 1295 U.S. 29 Highway North approved unanimously (motion Thornton, second Fisher).

Planning & Zoning — Country Corners Special Use Permit (Item 20)

• Jeff Carter said the project is nearly identical to Pinewood Estates except that Country Corners is already connected to domestic water; it will bring the same three-bedroom affordable units.
• Approved unanimously: special use approval for three parcels at 1495, 1499, and 1525 U.S. 29 Highway North (motion Thornton, second Fisher).

Old & New Business — Item 1: ARPA Match (Held from Consent)

• Commissioner Johnson flagged that the agenda packet describes a $5,200 contribution as a mandatory 10% match, but that amount does not equal 10% of the stated $56,264 federal award nor 10% of the $61,464 total project amount. She moved to hold the item for 30 days; since the application is already filed, the math can be resolved before any award. Motion approved unanimously (motion Johnson, second Taylor).

Old & New Business — Item 21: Fairview Street Sanitary Sewer Exception

• Fred Smith (435 Rivermont Road) and Buck Bacon (EADC program manager) requested Option 1 — an exception to public utilities policy WS-11 allowing a gravity sewer line in lieu of the current sewer pump at 228 Fairview Street. EADC acquired the parcels in 2008–2009, recombined them in 2023 into three single-family lots, and completed two energy-efficient, solar-equipped homes in 2025 with ARPA support. The gravity sewer would have required raised foundations conflicting with accessibility needs and East Athens neighborhood character; removing the pump will lower family utility costs.
• Commissioner Taylor recused herself due to a personal relationship with EADC.
• Option 1 approved unanimously (motion Wright, second Link).

Old & New Business — Items 22–24: Homelessness Grants

• Item 22 (2026 Continuum of Care homeless assistance grant): Alice Stangle (COC vice chair) urged approval, saying funds continue programs such as Shelter Plus Care for people with severe and persistent mental illness; losing the funds would risk currently housed people returning to the streets. Sparrows Nest has applied for new supportive funds. Approved with Commissioner Johnson abstaining (motion Link, second Wright). Johnson's earlier requests for grant detail had been sent in a deputy city manager's update; commissioners asked for more accessible email links.
• Item 23 (HUD Youth Homelessness System Improvement grant application): Michael Bean (Athens Homeless Coalition executive director) said 40% of Georgia children aging out of foster care exit directly into homelessness by age 19 — twice the national rate. The roughly $1 million, three-year grant is not for shelter, beds, or direct services; it would fund a youth action board with Lydia's Place and UGA and data/evaluation support from the Athens Wellbeing Project. In public comment, Michael McClendon alleged the application lacks integrity and data support. Commissioners Fisher, Johnson, and Thornton opposed, arguing duplication of services, a preference for transitional housing and direct services, and too many studies. The mayor cited roughly 460 Clarke County School District students in the federal McKinney-Vento program, with about a quarter in hotels or places not meant for habitation. Commissioner Wright referenced the ACE system's identification of 40 homeless veterans versus the VA's local list of 10. Passed 6–3 (opposed: Fisher, Johnson, Thornton).
• Item 24 (HUD Pathways to Removing Obstacles — PRO grant): Approved unanimously. The roughly $8.5 million, six-year grant supports affordable housing development, reduced construction costs and timelines, down payment assistance, preservation of existing affordable owner-occupied housing, and fair housing education, including funding for three full-time grant positions in Housing and Community Development.

Old & New Business — Items 25–27

• Item 25 (Section 539 grant for transit fleet replacement): Approved unanimously. Commissioner Taylor praised transit leadership and the value of free transit for residents getting to work and students getting to school; Commissioner Fisher noted expanded routes and suggested future coordination with the school district. The county manager said a UGA partnership strengthens the application.
• Item 26 (comprehensive performance audit of the emergency management function): Accepted unanimously. Commissioner Myers noted every audit includes a one-year review of whether recommendations have been implemented.
• Item 27 (2026 Athens in Motion Bike & Pedestrian Master Plan update): Public speakers Lauren Blaise (chair, Athens in Motion Commission) and Alan Jones (195 Xavier Drive) supported acceptance. Blaise said one in nine households in Athens has no vehicle access, micromobility use has surged since 2018, and 30,000 additional residents are expected over the next two decades; Jones said safety now receives the greatest project-prioritization weight, and noted people walking and biking account for about 2% of crashes but 22% of fatalities and serious injuries. Commissioners discussed plan implementation and scoring (safety 40%, connectivity 30%, equity 20%, encouragement 10%). Commissioner Myers stated the plan would add 76 miles of sidewalk for a total of 311, and 120 miles of bike facilities for a total of 167; she also referenced Athens having almost 13,000 miles of roads at present. Commissioner Davenport raised missing sidewalks on Winterville Road near the airport and cyclists on Morton Road and Robert Hardwin Road. Commissioner Johnson urged crosswalk, crossing guard, beacon, and sidewalk improvements at the Talasee Road school corridor (45 mph zone); the county manager said staff is working on options and will respond.
• Accepted unanimously (motion Link, second Myers).

Old & New Business — Item 28: Kelly Diversified / Willis Street Property Sale Authorization

• The mayor explained the arena district steering committee's recommendation is consistent with the original 2019–2020 arena financing plan, which always contemplated monetizing public properties to support bond repayment; if authorized, a second intergovernmental agreement would set funds aside through 2028–2029 to ensure bond payments before development generates revenue.
• Commissioner Wright (property committee chair) noted the property was surplused in 2007 and prior sale opportunities in 2020 and 2023 did not materialize; the committee includes two commissioners, two Downtown Development Authority members, and two Classic Center Authority members, chaired by the mayor. Commissioner Myers emphasized this was part of original financing predating her 2021 arrival. Commissioner Fisher asked about the sale price; a formal evaluation is still pending.
• Approved with Commissioner Johnson opposed (motion Wright, second Myers).

Old & New Business — Items 29–30

• Item 29 (nominating committee report): Appointments approved unanimously, including Kim Matthews (Industrial Development Authority, two-year term), David Lynn (Board of Tax Assessors, six-year term), Sekanda Sturdevant (Division of Family and Children's Services), Kamisha Pete (Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Region 2 Advisory Council, partial term), Chris Gasley (Hearings Board), Shaka McCoy and Stephanie McMullen (Human Relations Commission), Elizabeth Swift and Samuel Stabler (Joint Development Authority of Athens-Clarke County and Winterville), Tori Sandberg (Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board), Joe Weisenbacher (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly Authority), and Taylor Madeline Myers, Starry Nowells, and Susie Nowells (Solid Waste Advisory Council).
• Item 30 (parking regulations text amendment for mobile payment): Approved unanimously (motion Hamby, second Myers). Commissioner Hamby said the amendment aligns code language with the mobile parking app; Commissioner Myers noted vandalism of parking signage and the installation of taller, photo-friendly signs; Commissioner Davenport shared an example from Savannah about unpaid mobile parking charges.

Public Input on Non-Agenda Items

• Tim Denson (483 Quailwood Drive) opposed continued use of Flock automated license plate readers (ALPRs), citing about 150 active cameras, the recent firing of the intelligence analyst supervisor who ran the system, and dozens of similar firings across Georgia; he said Florida and Texas are barring the cameras and Athens should lead rather than wait for more trust-damaging mistakes.
• Hampton Barano (255 Deep Preserve Lane) cited a same-day report by Atlanta News 4 of a Georgia Department of Corrections special agent arrested for allegedly misusing the Flock system, described the issue as systemic, and said more than 149 cities have canceled contracts, banned ALPRs, or turned off cameras; he urged the commission to remove Flock from Athens.
• Ya Semin (310 Rogers Road) introduced herself as a researcher connecting policymakers with child and family policy research, funded by the William T. Grant Foundation, and said follow-up emails would offer free research support.
• Alan Jones (District 7) requested a public work session on AI safeguards, noting a new chief information officer begins this week with a plan for a comprehensive review of organizational AI use; he raised concerns about public records and personal information being transmitted outside county systems through personal AI tools, and noted AI is increasingly embedded in decisions involving housing, homelessness, transportation, workforce development, and public safety.

Reports & Announcements

• ALPR/real-time crime center update: The county manager said commissioners received a vulnerability overview (noting the misconduct occurred roughly a year ago, before the real-time crime center came online), a revised executive order (version 2) substantially restricting when and by whom ALPR data can be accessed, and the Flock contract and MOU — none confidential. An internal team will report remaining vulnerabilities within two to three weeks, and some restrictions may become permanent. Police Chief Jerry Salters said access now requires a missing/endangered person case or major felony, lieutenant-level access with captain approval, a case number, and CAD reference; two work groups are reviewing access, accountability, and permissible crimes. Commissioner Myers thanked the chief for acting within hours of last Thursday's report; the chief noted the audit process began December 15, 2025, and positions were changed before this incident came to light.
• The chief also recognized by name the first responders (including personnel from Rescue 4, Engine 22, Engine 24, Battalion 1, and Medical One) who assisted surgeons performing field medical work after a recent construction accident; the patient survived.
• The mayor thanked Clarke County School District staff for a strong school opening, noted the first home football game Saturday and the near-complete College Square.
• Commissioner Fisher said everyday commerce already involves surveillance and that the right safeguards, plus trust in officers, are needed. Commissioner Link asked whether the county can assess the energy consumption and data-center impacts of AI-based systems; the chief said he would get a technical response.
• Commissioner Davenport reported town halls, including one with more than 80 residents at the Village at Jennings Mill, and offered condolences for Bailey Davenport, a former UGA building services leader. Other commissioners acknowledged staff, a recent county baseball game at Bishop Park, and the September 28–29 commissioner retreat in town.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (Items 2–15) approved; Item 1 held for 30 days.
• Item 16 (490 Clover St): land use change and rezoning approved unanimously with CDO conditions.
• Item 17 (940 College Ave): rezoning approved 8–1 (Taylor opposed).
• Item 18 (4320 Atlanta Hwy): rezoning approved unanimously with 100%-affordable proffered condition.
• Item 19 (Pinewood Estates SUP): approved unanimously.
• Item 20 (Country Corners SUP): approved unanimously.
• Item 21 (Fairview St sewer exception, Option 1): approved unanimously (Taylor recused).
• Item 22 (COC grant application): approved; Johnson abstained.
• Item 23 (HUD youth homelessness grant): approved 6–3 (Fisher, Johnson, Thornton opposed).
• Item 24 (HUD PRO grant): approved unanimously.
• Item 25 (transit fleet grant): approved unanimously.
• Item 26 (emergency management audit): accepted unanimously.
• Item 27 (Athens in Motion update): accepted unanimously.
• Item 28 (Kelly Diversified property sale authorization): approved; Johnson opposed.
• Item 29 (appointments): approved unanimously.
• Item 30 (parking regulations text amendment): approved unanimously.