Clayton County Board of Commissioners Regular Business Meeting – February 12, 2026

This was the final regular business meeting for Chairman Jeffrey E. Turner, who retired after 35 years of service. The meeting included a proclamation honoring him, public comments, approval of a consent agenda, a stream buffer variance for a data center, rescission and re-approval of a subdivision plat, several zoning decisions, executive session, and budget actions. The board adopted the agenda with amendments, including holding one resolution and removing a contract award, and added an emergency resolution for a holiday event at a recreation center.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the December 3, 2024 regular business meeting minutes.
• Approved monthly report of contracts and change orders.
• Approved multiple recommendations for insurance brokerage services (RFP #23-14) – items 3,4,5,16,17,18,19.
• Approved award for Design/Build Services for a Medical Examiner’s Office (RFP #24-158).
• Approved award for 2025 SPLOST milling and resurfacing (ITB #24-179).
• Approved award for front canopy replacement at Shelnutt Senior Center (ITB #24-192).
• Approved award for Food Service Operations for Senior Services (SP #24-218).
• Approved award for PTSD Program for First Responders (SP #24-224).
• Approved renewal of property liability insurance for policy period January 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 (item 11).
• Approved contract amendment for architectural services (RFP 15-11, W.A.R. #2021-01).
• Approved contract amendments for IT products (ITB #19-194).
• Approved award for ESRI Enterprise Agreement subscription (SS #24-133).
• Approved award for Bay Shared Server purchase and installation (CP #24-172).
• Approved award for Financial Services annual contract (PSA #24-225) – removed from agenda earlier but later added back? Actually it was removed, so not on consent.
• Approved Budget Amendment 2-15 (FY25 ARPA) and Budget Amendment 4-12.
• Approved Resolution 2024-278 (Collaboration Agreement with American Heart Association).
• Approved Resolution 2024-279 (take-home vehicles for five employees).
• Approved Resolution 2024-280 (initiate Medical Center District Overlay zoning map amendment).
• Approved Resolution 2024-281 (sale of firearms by Police Department).
• Resolution 2024-282 (workforce training funding with Development Authority) was held and not approved.
• Approved Resolution 2024-283 (emergency item – use of Carl Wright Recreation Center for holiday event).

During discussion of the consent agenda, Commissioner Reeves asked about adding the Parks and Recreation Director to the list of employees authorized to drive county vehicles home. The Director indicated she was interested but needed further discussion on financial implications. The board agreed to bring the matter back with more information. The consent agenda passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Orlando Gooden (District 3): Commended Commissioner Davis’s town hall and the 23% drop in crime reported by Chief Roberts. Questioned legal requirements for funding Sheriff’s requests. Read definitions of malfeasance and misfeasance, and warned of a new ethics board in January. Criticized commissioners for moving public comments to end of meeting and reducing time.
• Nancy Howard (District 4): Invited to tree recycling event on January 4, 2025, hosted by Keep America Beautiful.
• State Representative Rhonda Bernal (District 77): Thanked Chairman Turner for his service as police chief and chairman.
• Timothy Vondale Jefferson (unincorporated Clayton County): Recalled meeting Chairman Turner years ago during community marches. Praised his integrity and the Chairman’s Ball that raised $21,000 for GG’s House. Thanked him for a legacy of integrity.
• Ken Wainwright (lobbyist): Discussed three bills at the Capitol – minority labor caucus, safety measures for financial apps, and supporting churches. Asked for board support.
• Mickey Garber (unincorporated Rex): Expressed admiration for Chairman Turner, listing five specific contributions. Opposed a third variance for an information center on I-675, citing harm to legacy residents.
• Carol Yancey (Rentz, Georgia): Criticized Commissioner Reeves for flip-flopping on data center decisions, warning of potential lawsuits. Thanked Chairman Turner for his leadership and support, and presented him with an appreciation plaque from Oakwood Trails neighborhood.

No other public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Stream Buffer Variance (Resolution 2024-266) – Data Center at 4350 East Tanners Church Road: Commissioner Reeves made a motion to approve, stating that a variance is a modification, not a lowering of standards. She noted that the property slopes create a creek that fills during rain, and any building would require the same variance. The Ellenwood planned unit development was designed in early 2000s. She emphasized listening to residents’ frustrations. Commissioner Davis expressed concern about the type of data center (edge vs. hyperscale) and noise levels; he wanted to know the end user. Reeves responded that decibel levels are limited to 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at property line, and that the board had already approved decibel limits in October 2024. The variance was approved 3-2, with Commissioners Allen and Davis opposed.
• Board Appointments:
  • Veterans Advisory Board: Held until January 2025.
  • Board of Health: Held (Forest Park Mayor not ready).
  • Parks and Recreation Advisory: Reappointment of Ayanta Burks rescinded (term would have begun January 1, 2025, violating state law O.C.G.A. § 36-3-63 that prohibits binding a successor).
  • Solid Waste Management Authority: Appointment of Marcus Flew Allen rescinded for same reason.
  • Tourism Authority: Appointment of Tamaris Scott rescinded for same reason.
• Walden Park Final Plat (Items 34 & 35): The December 3, 2024 approval had an incorrect lighting plan (11 lights instead of 32). The board rescinded that approval (Item 34) and approved the revised plat with 32 lights (Item 35), confirmed by Georgia Power. Both votes were unanimous.
• Conditional Use Permit – Convenience Store (BOC-2407-0433): Request to redevelop an existing convenience store with fuel sales at 6720 Mt Zion Blvd. Staff and Zoning Advisory Group recommended approval with conditions. Applicant agreed to operate 24 hours with a security guard overnight. Board approved unanimously with modified condition (24-hour operation with security guard).
• Conditional Use Permit – Accessory Dwelling Unit (BOC-2410-0453): Request for a pre-existing structure (built 1957) at 1511 E Fayetteville Rd. The property owner wanted to renovate interior for his son. Commissioner Hambrick was not prepared to vote and moved to table until January 21, 2025. The applicant opposed tabling, but board voted unanimously to table.
• Conditional Use Permit – Car Wash (BOC-2410-0455): Request to add an automatic car wash to an existing convenience store/gas station at 400 Conley Rd. Staff recommended approval with five conditions. Applicant agreed. Commissioner Hambrick spoke in favor, noting it would be a service for the community. Motion to approve passed 3-2.
• Acceptance of Public Improvements – Trellis Park Subdivision (Item 37): Unanimously approved.
• Acceptance of Public Improvements – Thomas Estates Subdivision (Item 39): Unanimously approved (previously tabled).

Key Outcomes

• Stream Buffer Variance approved 3-2 (Commissioners Allen and Davis opposed) for data center at 4350 East Tanners Church Road.
• Three board appointments rescinded due to violation of state law (O.C.G.A. § 36-3-63) – Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste Management Authority, Tourism Authority. Votes: Parks rescission passed 4-1 (Commissioner Davis nay? Actually he said nay, so 4-1). Solid Waste unanimous. Tourism passed 4-1 (Commissioner Davis opposed).
• Walden Park Final Plat rescinded and re-approved with correct lighting plan (32 lights).
• Convenience store CUP approved with 24-hour operation conditional on security guard.
• ADU CUP tabled to January 21, 2025, for decision only.
• Car wash CUP approved 3-2.
• Executive session held for litigation; motions made to approve settlement agreements: (1) $42,000 for Michael Anthony Richardson (auto collision with police) – approved unanimously. (2) $200,000 for former employee Terry Evans vs. Sheriff Levon Allen – approved with one abstention.
• ARPA fund supplements for magistrate court judges: total $18,065.39 approved as last allocation of ARPA funds. Commissioners noted the magistrate court has the third busiest caseload in Georgia.
• Office of Resiliency and Sustainability equipment purchase of about $100,000 will be handled via emergency purchase and ratified in January.
• Meeting adjourned after executive session.