OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

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

Board of Commissioners — Thursday, February 12, 2026
BodyClayton County, Georgia
SessionBoard of Commissioners
DateThursday, February 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:44:55

Transcript — Verbatim
0:07

All right, it's so nice to see everyone out here tonight.

0:10

Welcome to everyone to the Clayton County regular business meeting.

0:14

The date is Tuesday, October 7th, 2025, and the time is 6 o'clock PM.

0:19

Next will be our roll call, District 1.

0:22

Here.

0:23

District 3.

0:24

Present.

0:24

District 2.

0:25

District 4.

0:27

Present.

0:27

All right.

0:28

And Mr.

0:28

Davis will be joining us.

0:31

Is he on the screen?

0:32

Okay.

0:32

Yep, we can see him.

0:33

All right.

0:34

Thank you.

0:35

Thank you.

0:35

Thank you.

0:36

I next will be item three, our invocation and pledge of allegiance to our flag.

0:40

Our invocation tonight will be done by Lee Pastor Prophet Jameson Eccleberger, 514 Valley Hill Road, Southeast, Riverdale, Georgia, 30274.

0:52

He will come up and do our invocation, and thereafter we will have the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.

0:58

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

1:07

Come forward.

1:12

Let us bow our heads.

1:21

We thank you for the gift of this day, this amazing opportunity to lead and the responsibility entrusted to us.

1:29

Grant us wisdom in our discussion, clarity in our decisions, and unity in our purpose.

1:36

In your word declares, I exalt, therefore, that first of all supplication, prayer, intercession, giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and for all those that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1:57

For there is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.

2:02

Bless the commissioners and his staff, members and citizens present, that together we may work with integrity, fairness, and compassion.

2:10

Help us to set aside personal interests and seek the greater good of all.

2:15

We ask for your guidance, your protection, and peace as we begin this meeting.

2:22

May our words be seasoned with wisdom and love.

2:26

Let our actions honor you and uplift the community we serve.

2:30

In Jesus' name we pray.

2:32

Amen.

2:32

Amen.

2:33

Thank you, Prophet.

2:34

That was a powerful prayer.

2:35

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

2:48

Amen.

2:51

All right.

2:53

Item four on our agenda is the adoption of the agenda.

2:56

Board members, before we adopt the agenda, I'd like to uh get a motion to pull item 27.

3:02

We've already um I've spoken with Miss Ambles.

3:04

We've already voted on that.

3:05

So again, can I get a motion to pull item 27 on off the agenda?

3:09

So move.

3:10

All right.

3:10

Can I get a second?

3:12

Second.

3:12

All right.

3:12

Any discussion at this time?

3:14

Are you ready for the vote?

3:15

All in favor say aye.

3:17

Aye.

3:17

All opposed.

3:18

Any abstentions?

3:20

The ayes have it, and the motion passes.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Development Impact Fees███████████████15%
Public Comment████████████12%
Procedural███████████11%
Budget Equity Analysis███████████11%
Homelessness████████8%
Building and Maintenance██████6%
Technology and Innovation█████5%
Ethics And Compliance█████5%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

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

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript all indicate this meeting occurred on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The date provided for this summary (February 12, 2026) conflicts with the source materials. The following summary uses the actual meeting date as recorded in the transcript and agenda, while the title reflects the instructed date.

The meeting included presentations, proclamations, public comments, a consent agenda, several discussion items, an impact fee public hearing, executive session, and settlement approvals.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of September 16, 2025, regular business meeting.
  • Approved contract amendments for: ITB #20-112 (construction materials testing), SWC #24-102 (jail/court management system), and ITB #24-135 (water bottle delivery).
  • Approved termination of ITB #24-135 (water bottle services) and PSA #25-35 (legal services with David Dreyer).
  • Approved sale of surplus property (#25-13).
  • Approved award for SP#25-161 (helicopter camera repairs).
  • Approved budget amendments: 2-11 (OGG), 2-12 (Buildings & Maintenance), 2-13 (Community Development), 2-14 (Landfill Fund), and 4-2 (SPLOST 2021).
  • Approved resolutions: 2025-210 (Juvenile Court VOCA grant), 2025-211 (Senior Services mental well-being pilot), 2025-212 (Water Authority sewer easement – later pulled to regular agenda), 2025-213 (Georgia Power reimbursement correction), 2025-214 (Tara Boulevard pedestrian safety), and 2025-215 (Community Garden Grant from Food Well Alliance).
  • Approved Ordinance 2025-216 (civil service system amendment – later pulled and removed from agenda).
  • Approved Order for Remission.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Getty Hilaire (Morrow resident) requested noise ordinance quiet hours begin at 9:30 p.m. instead of 11:00 p.m., citing ongoing disruptive noise from a neighbor.
  • Orlando Gooden (District 3) alleged violation of his First Amendment rights after being ejected from the September 16, 2025 meeting when the chair accused him of lying. He argued that the board’s protocol is unconstitutional.
  • Gwynn Gooden (District 3) accused board members of violating the county’s code of ethics and ordinance, citing conflicts of interest, nepotism, misuse of county assets, and abuse of power. She referenced an invisible consultant paid $54,000 and a director serving in dual roles.
  • Mary Lasonde (Terra Oaks resident) and Delaney Donovan expressed support for Hearts to Nourish Hope, describing its food distribution, housing, and transitional services. They asked the board to continue funding the organization.
  • Carol Yancey (Ritch, Georgia) alleged that Vice Chair Reeves engaged in stalking, harassment, and campaign finance violations, and that the chairwoman failed to report a campaign contribution. She also alleged that the chairwoman’s husband drove county vehicles at taxpayer expense.
  • Dr. Nicole Benton, Johnny Watkins, Lamar Price, Raheem, and Deborah Anglin (Hearts to Nourish Hope founder) spoke in favor of the organization, detailing its impact on youth, housing, food, and job assistance. Anglin provided statistics: 400 families received food in one day; 300 phone calls daily; 40 interest forms processed.
  • Julia Isaac (business owner) announced a Thanksgiving event partnership with the Sheriff’s Office.
  • Several signed-up speakers did not get to speak due to time; the board stated they would be heard at the next business meeting (October 21, 2025).

Discussion Items

  • Budget Amendment 2-11 (Item 9): $1,056,003 for justice complex repairs and sprinkler head repairs. Commissioner Allen asked if it duplicated earlier action. Staff clarified it covers remaining CGL contract costs and replacement of 50% vandalized sprinkler heads. Approved (vote not tallied; all in favor).
  • Budget Amendment 2-12 (Item 10): $116,436 for replacement of gateway signs ($58,673) and HVAC system at Virginia Gray Recreation Center ($157,763). Separated into two votes. Debate on signs: Commissioner Allen opposed pulling funds from tight building/maintenance budget; Commissioner Hambrick supported signs for economic development; Commissioner Davis suggested removal rather than replacement. Staff recommended replacement. First vote (gateway signs): approved (voice vote: ayes). Second vote (HVAC): approved.
  • Resolution 2025-212 (Item 16): Easement for Clayton County Water Authority to maintain sewer line for Walden Park development. Commissioner Davis asked if bonding was needed; staff confirmed developer pays installation. Approved.
  • Ordinance 2025-216 (Item 20): Amendment to add department directors to civil service system. Commissioner Davis moved to table, then changed to remove from agenda altogether. Approved (one nay).
  • Board Appointments: Nancy Howard appointed to Solid Waste Management Authority (4-year term). Vice Chair Reeves held the MARTA Citizens Advisory Board appointment. Donnie Skidmore appointed to Land Bank Board (term until April 16, 2028).
  • Stop Loss Reinsurance (Item 28): Renewal with Voya for self-funded medical benefits, capping per-individual claims at $200,000. Approved.
  • Impact Fee Public Hearing: DCLO Landry Merkison presented the maximum fee schedule (recommended by advisory committee) for new development to fund parks, libraries, public safety. Fees are per dwelling unit for residential, per square foot for non-residential. Only commercial/industrial pay public safety fees. The capital improvements element must be adopted before the ordinance. Second public hearing set for October 21, 2025. Public testimony: only Mickey Garber (Rex, GA) spoke, strongly in favor of impact fees.
  • Executive Session: Held to discuss litigation and real estate.
  • Settlement Agreements (post-executive session): Two settlements approved together: $30,000 to Keanu James Groover for injuries during incarceration (Nov 12-16, 2022); $15,000 to Christopher George for an accident at Tara Boulevard and Mundys Mill Road (Jan 16, 2024). Approved.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved unanimously.
  • Budget Amendment 2-11 approved.
  • Budget Amendment 2-12 approved in two separate votes: gateway signs replacement (58,673) approved; HVAC replacement ($157,763) approved.
  • Resolution 2025-212 (Water Authority easement) approved.
  • Ordinance 2025-216 removed from agenda (effectively killed).
  • Board appointments made for Solid Waste Management Authority and Land Bank; MARTA appointment held.
  • Stop loss reinsurance renewal approved.
  • Impact fee ordinance advanced to second public hearing on October 21, 2025.
  • Two settlement agreements approved totaling $45,000.
  • Commissioner Hambrick deferred Sports & Entertainment Council appointments to a later date.
  • Meeting adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

All right, it's so nice to see everyone out here tonight. Welcome to everyone to the Clayton County regular business meeting. The date is Tuesday, October 7th, 2025, and the time is 6 o'clock PM. Next will be our roll call, District 1. Here. District 3. Present. District 2. District 4. Present. All right. And Mr. Davis will be joining us. Is he on the screen? Okay. Yep, we can see him. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I next will be item three, our invocation and pledge of allegiance to our flag. Our invocation tonight will be done by Lee Pastor Prophet Jameson Eccleberger, 514 Valley Hill Road, Southeast, Riverdale, Georgia, 30274. He will come up and do our invocation, and thereafter we will have the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Will you please stand for the invocation and the pledge of allegiance to our flag? Come forward. Let us bow our heads. We thank you for the gift of this day, this amazing opportunity to lead and the responsibility entrusted to us. Grant us wisdom in our discussion, clarity in our decisions, and unity in our purpose. In your word declares, I exalt, therefore, that first of all supplication, prayer, intercession, giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and for all those that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For there is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. Bless the commissioners and his staff, members and citizens present, that together we may work with integrity, fairness, and compassion. Help us to set aside personal interests and seek the greater good of all. We ask for your guidance, your protection, and peace as we begin this meeting. May our words be seasoned with wisdom and love. Let our actions honor you and uplift the community we serve. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Prophet. That was a powerful prayer. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Amen. All right. Item four on our agenda is the adoption of the agenda. Board members, before we adopt the agenda, I'd like to uh get a motion to pull item 27. We've already um I've spoken with Miss Ambles. We've already voted on that. So again, can I get a motion to pull item 27 on off the agenda? So move. All right.

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