OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Clayton County Board of Commissioners Regular Business Meeting – January 20, 2026

Board of Commissioners — Tuesday, January 20, 2026
BodyClayton County, Georgia
SessionBoard of Commissioners
DateTuesday, January 20, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:53:46

Transcript — Verbatim
0:12

I heard you did a good job today.

0:22

Okay.

0:36

We just don't go to his lead.

0:38

Does he want to pull it up?

0:40

Okay.

0:41

Oh, you're gonna speak to it.

0:43

Number eight.

0:44

Okay.

0:55

Good evening, everyone.

0:57

All right.

0:58

Welcome to the Clayton County Board of Commissioners meeting.

1:01

Um it the date is Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and the time is 6 o'clock p.m.

1:08

Next we will have roll call, District 1.

1:11

District 3.

1:12

Present.

1:13

District 2.

1:14

And District 4.

1:15

Present.

1:16

Thank you.

1:16

And Madam Chair is present.

1:18

Next we will have item three, which is our which is our invocation and pledge of allegiance.

1:22

Our invocation tonight will be done by Reverend Teresa Pugh, Senior Pastor with Trinity Community Church in Hampton, Georgia.

1:30

She will come up and do our invocation, and thereafter we will stand for our Pledge of Allegiance.

1:35

We will continue standing for our Pledge of Allegiance to the sta to the flag.

1:38

Will you please stand for our invocation and pledge of allegiance?

1:48

Will you bow your heads with me?

1:52

Dear wise and loving Father.

1:54

First, let me say thank you on behalf of all who are gathered here today.

1:59

Thank you for your many and abundant blessings.

2:02

Thank you for life itself, for the measure of health.

2:07

We need to fulfill our callings for sustenance and for friendship.

2:13

Thank you for all who accepted the call to serve and understand it is a privilege that you alone give.

2:19

Let them embrace the ability to be involved in useful work and for the honor of bearing appropriate responsibilities.

2:27

Thank you for loving us, even so, from your boundless and gracious nature.

2:34

In the scriptures, we have said, you have said that citizens ought to obey the governing authorities, since you have established those very authorities to promote peace and order and justice.

2:46

Therefore, I pray for our county commissioners, for the various levels of county officials, and in particular for this assembled council.

3:16

Give them a thirst for justice and rightness, even in the face of adversity, regardless from where it may come.

3:24

Give them confidence in what is good and fitting for the entire community, not just those in their districts, the ability to work together in harmony, even when there is honest disagreement, personal peace in their lives and joy in their tasks, give their families the understanding of the weight of their positions, not to ignore their needs, but to be an example for them to follow in serving others.

3:49

But most of all, guide them in acknowledging that leadership is not a title but a service.

5:00

And also it was placed on the agenda because of an error, and then your attorney, you'll come up and inform us about uh items 13 and 20.

5:09

And I will vote on that.

5:13

Goody.

5:16

Yes.

5:16

Good evening.

5:17

Good evening, Ms.

5:18

Reed.

5:20

It's actually items uh thirteen and sixteen on your agenda.

5:27

Um there uh nothing um, so item is item so item 20 was put on um was put on mine.

5:36

So is it 13 and 16?

5:38

Yes, it's okay.

5:39

Um resolution 2026 17.

5:42

First, that one uh just in the body of the resolution, it had uh incorrect um dollars, but the synopsis on the agenda is correct.

5:53

Okay and then item uh 16.

5:57

Uh there was a change to the amount to be um to apply for and that amount is six million seven hundred and seventy thousand dollars.

6:12

Um and the breakdown is five million four hundred and sixteen thousand and from the federal uh government and with a match of one million three hundred and fifty-four thousand uh funded through SPLOST programs, and the and the reason for that discrepancy is that we actually had an updated uh estimate from the engineer on what the actual cost would be uh based on the right-of-way that's to be uh enhanced on both sides of the street.

6:46

So nothing for you to add, it was just really just to make it plain to um to the citizens that those two changes that will be uh adopted if you all uh do so adopt.

6:56

And then item six, do we need to vote to remove it?

7:00

No.

7:01

Um at this time I need a motion to remove item six from the agenda.

7:10

So move I'm gonna come back and ask y'all what y'all won't move to the the um the other to the um to the regular agenda as well.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use█████████████████████████████████████████41%
Public Comment██████████████14%
Procedural██████████10%
Economic Development███████7%
Public Safety██████6%
Public Engagement████4%
Public Hearing████4%
Mental Health Awareness██2%
Affordable Housing██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Clayton County Board of Commissioners Regular Business Meeting – January 20, 2026

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners held its regular business meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry presided, with Commissioners Gail Hambrick, Tashé Allen, DeMont Davis, and Vice Chair Felicia Reeves present. The meeting opened with invocation, pledge, and roll call. The agenda was adopted with a correction: Item 6 was removed, and Items 9 and 10 were moved to the regular agenda. The meeting included a lobbyist presentation, public comments, consent agenda approval, budget amendments, board appointments, extensive zoning hearings, executive session, and settlement approvals.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously: The consent agenda (Items 1–8, 11–17) as presented, including approvals of prior meeting minutes, monthly procurement reports, contract amendments, emergency change orders, new awards, budget amendments, and resolutions accepting grants and authorizing transportation projects. Specific items included:
    • Contract Amendment: ITB #24-26 Rivers Edge Greenway Phase 3 & 4 (Change Order #1, $365,404.60, term extension to March 27, 2026).
    • Emergency Change Order: ITB #24-76 Fire Station #1 (Hogan Construction Group).
    • Award: ITB #25-26 District 3 Pocket Park & Administrative Complex Early Site Package (Hogan Construction Group).
    • Awards for furniture purchase (Palmer Hamilton), Medical Director (Dr. Karen Bowers), Attorney Services (Nicole Jones).
    • Budget Amendment 2-25 ($45,000 for certified mail for red light tickets; $25,000 for guardrail; $25,000 for traffic signal repairs).
    • Budget Amendment 2-55 (additional claims expense for workers’ compensation fund).
    • Resolutions: 2026-15 (Library grant for America250), 2026-16 (Police Cadet Internship grant), 2026-17 (Resurfacing Program FY2027, up to $5,000,000 federal, 20% local match), 2026-18 (Stormwater maintenance agreement with Clayton County Water Authority), 2026-19 (Library grant for Black/BIPOC contributions), 2026-20 (Tara Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Project, up to $5,697,000 federal, 20% local match), and LS-2507-0187 (Street acceptance for Crescent Towns Subdivision).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dr. Henry Anderson (District 3): Praised Commissioner Allen for creating the first District 3 Citizens Academy and listed six community events. Presented a “green folder of success.”
  • Teresa Talley (District 3): Raised concerns about unauthorized signage for a Henry County subdivision on Tara Boulevard and about dangling utility wires posing safety hazards. Requested removal and enforcement.
  • Judith Cotton (District 4): Questioned Commissioner Davis’s vote against a forensic audit of the Sheriff’s Office, implying conflicts of interest. Demanded accountability and transparency.
  • David Hammery (District 3): Criticized county officials for lack of accountability and questioned the proliferation of townhouses given low affordable housing availability. Noted increasing poverty levels and urged a six-month extension of the building moratorium.
  • Mickey Garber (District 1): Supported seeking grants for Fort Gillem by including National Guard and reserve personnel to meet the 5,000-person threshold.
  • China McLean (District 3): Spoke about gun violence prevention, referencing her son’s death. Called for county acknowledgment of Gun Violence Awareness Month and better support for victims’ families.
  • Joy Tellis Cooper (District 1, School Board): Invited the community to the third annual Heart Health Expo on February 28, 2026, in partnership with Morrow City Council.
  • Brian Cheeks (District 1): Requested lowering the speed limit on Riverdale Road from 45 mph to 40 mph after a 10-year-old was killed crossing the street on December 28, 2025. Asked for a memorial bench.
  • Daniel Milwey (Jonesboro): Complained about animal control not picking up stray dogs since October, creating safety risks. Referred to Chief Roberts.
  • Demetrius Collins (District 1): Expressed concern about the vote against making financial records public. Asked Commissioner Reeves to explain her reasoning, emphasizing that audits build trust.
  • Aiden Brooks (District 4, Youth Commission): Invited youth to the 11 Identity Summit (Feb 7) and to apply for the 2026-2027 Youth Commission term.

Discussion Items

  • Lobbyist Presentation (Georgia Public Link Affairs): Mr. Edge and Mr. Pettit reported on legislative priorities. They met with the Clayton delegation and state officials regarding mental health services (Commissioner Kevin Tanner), job training (Commissioner Greg Dozier), and transportation projects (GDOT). They noted House Bill 932, which could provide tax credits/grants for areas with federal military installations, and suggested amending it to include former bases like Fort Gillem. They requested a unified priority list for transportation and dates for meetings. Commissioners asked to include the list in the upcoming board retreat.
  • Budget Amendment 2-25 (Item 9): Revenue from red light camera fines funds certified mail costs ($45,000) plus guardrail and signal repairs. Approved unanimously after clarification that it is not from fund balance.
  • Budget Amendment 2-55 (Item 10): Workers’ compensation fund claims expense for FY2025. Approved unanimously after explanation that late invoices were accrued back.
  • Board Appointments (Items 18–25):
    • Item 18 (Board of Appeals): Held until Feb 17, 2026.
    • Item 19 (Board of Health): Motion to reappoint Dr. Richard Wright was withdrawn pending review of attendance issues. Held until Feb 17.
    • Item 20 (Code Enforcement Board): Appointed Ms. Marie Grisby (unanimous).
    • Item 21 (Behavioral Health Board): Held until Feb 17.
    • Items 22–23 (Sports & Entertainment Council): Appointed Ms. Linda Browning (1-year) and Mr. Malcolm Mackey (2-year) (both unanimous).
    • Item 24 (Veterans Advisory Board): Appointed Mr. Kennedy Gilmore (unanimous).
    • Item 25 (Veterans Advisory Board): Held until Feb 17.
  • Zoning Hearings (Items 26–41): Numerous public hearings were held with detailed debate:
    • Items 26–27 (McDonough Rd FLUM & Rezoning): Applicant Battle Law, PC sought 117 single-family detached lots. Planning staff and ZAG recommended denial due to design clarity, rural character protection, and lack of second ingress/egress. Commissioner Allen moved to deny, citing flooding concerns and inability to enforce conditions on private property. Denied unanimously (both items).
    • Items 28–29 (Withdrawal requests for daycare & salon): Withdrawals accepted unanimously.
    • Items 30–31 (Cullen Dr FLUM & Rezoning): Applicant requested tabling to March 17; granted unanimously.
    • Items 32–35 (Highway 138 FLUM & Rezoning, multiple parcels): Applicant requested withdrawal; accepted unanimously.
    • Items 36–37 (Highway 54 PUD): Applicant (Bridgeway Homes) requested tabling to March 17; granted unanimously.
    • Items 38–40 (5850 Riverdale Rd mixed-use development):
      • Item 38 (FLUM): Approved unanimously after presentation of a revised plan with 370 apartments, retail, and conditions including parking variance. Commissioner Hambrick supported as a “crown jewel.”
      • Item 39 (Rezoning): Tabled to Feb 17 after failed attempt to resolve parking shortage (42 spaces short). Applicant agreed to meet and potentially reduce units.
      • Item 40 (Conditional Use Permit): Tabled to Feb 17, with agreement to add conditions prohibiting nail salons, barber shops, and vape shops.
    • Item 41 (Ellenwood PUD amendment): County-initiated change from Mixed Use to Multifamily for senior housing on 11.71 acres. ZAG recommended denial to retain commercial land, but the Board approved (unanimous) after hearing from broker and supporters who noted the site’s suitability for senior housing and difficulty attracting mixed-use developers.
  • Executive Session: Held for litigation discussion.
  • Settlement Approvals: Two settlements were approved unanimously: (1) Jericho Willis et al. vs. County (auto accident) – $41,000, $4,100, $4,600 respectively; (2) CW Matthews vs. County (Valley Hill Road bridge project) – $75,000, with mutual dismissals.

Key Outcomes

  • Denied: Items 26 and 27 (McDonough Rd FLUM & Rezoning) – Motion by Commissioner Allen, seconded, unanimous.
  • Withdrawn: Items 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35 – Unanimous.
  • Tabled to March 17, 2026: Items 30, 31, 36, 37 – Unanimous.
  • Approved: Item 38 (5850 Riverdale Rd FLUM) – Unanimous.
  • Tabled to February 17, 2026: Items 39 and 40 (Rezoning and CUP for 5850 Riverdale Rd) – Unanimous; applicant will present revised parking plan.
  • Approved: Item 41 (Ellenwood PUD amendment to Multifamily for senior housing) – Unanimous.
  • Board Appointments: Marie Grisby (Code Enforcement), Linda Browning (Sports & Entertainment Council, 1-yr), Malcolm Mackey (Sports & Entertainment Council, 2-yr), Kennedy Gilmore (Veterans Advisory Board) – all unanimous; others held.
  • Budget Amendments 2-25 and 2-55: Approved unanimously.
  • Settlements: Approved unanimously.
  • Next Steps: Lobbyist to receive unified transportation priority list and meeting dates; applicant for 5850 Riverdale Rd to meet with Commissioner Hambrick on parking; board retreat to include legislative priorities.

Meeting Transcript

I heard you did a good job today. Okay. We just don't go to his lead. Does he want to pull it up? Okay. Oh, you're gonna speak to it. Number eight. Okay. Good evening, everyone. All right. Welcome to the Clayton County Board of Commissioners meeting. Um it the date is Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and the time is 6 o'clock p.m. Next we will have roll call, District 1. District 3. Present. District 2. And District 4. Present. Thank you. And Madam Chair is present. Next we will have item three, which is our which is our invocation and pledge of allegiance. Our invocation tonight will be done by Reverend Teresa Pugh, Senior Pastor with Trinity Community Church in Hampton, Georgia. She will come up and do our invocation, and thereafter we will stand for our Pledge of Allegiance. We will continue standing for our Pledge of Allegiance to the sta to the flag. Will you please stand for our invocation and pledge of allegiance? Will you bow your heads with me? Dear wise and loving Father. First, let me say thank you on behalf of all who are gathered here today. Thank you for your many and abundant blessings. Thank you for life itself, for the measure of health. We need to fulfill our callings for sustenance and for friendship. Thank you for all who accepted the call to serve and understand it is a privilege that you alone give. Let them embrace the ability to be involved in useful work and for the honor of bearing appropriate responsibilities. Thank you for loving us, even so, from your boundless and gracious nature. In the scriptures, we have said, you have said that citizens ought to obey the governing authorities, since you have established those very authorities to promote peace and order and justice. Therefore, I pray for our county commissioners, for the various levels of county officials, and in particular for this assembled council. Give them a thirst for justice and rightness, even in the face of adversity, regardless from where it may come. Give them confidence in what is good and fitting for the entire community, not just those in their districts, the ability to work together in harmony, even when there is honest disagreement, personal peace in their lives and joy in their tasks, give their families the understanding of the weight of their positions, not to ignore their needs, but to be an example for them to follow in serving others. But most of all, guide them in acknowledging that leadership is not a title but a service. And also it was placed on the agenda because of an error, and then your attorney, you'll come up and inform us about uh items 13 and 20. And I will vote on that. Goody. Yes. Good evening. Good evening, Ms. Reed. It's actually items uh thirteen and sixteen on your agenda. Um there uh nothing um, so item is item so item 20 was put on um was put on mine. So is it 13 and 16? Yes, it's okay.

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