Summary of Proceedings
Clayton County Board of Commissioners Regular Business Meeting - October 20, 2026
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners held a regular business meeting on October 20, 2026, convening at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a proclamation, public comments, approval of a consent agenda, multiple regular agenda items, zoning public hearings, board appointments, and an executive session. Key actions included approval of ordinances strengthening termination requirements for senior staff, rejection of a lobbying contract, and a mix of approvals and delays on zoning requests.
Consent Calendar
The consent agenda (Items 1–27) was approved without objection. It encompassed routine approvals including:
- Approval of the October 6, 2026, meeting minutes.
- Monthly purchasing report.
- Contract amendments for architectural and construction services (International Park Amphitheater, Fire Station #2, District 2, 3, and 4 Pocket Parks).
- Purchase of a bidding system subscription (BidNet, $138,151.54).
- Award of the Lake Jodeco Road Bridge Rehabilitation and Dam Repair contract ($2,612,400.00).
- Annual contract for public safety uniforms and accessories.
- Professional services agreements for legal representation in dependency proceedings.
- Software-as-a-Service subscription for CodeRED critical communications.
- Culture Amp Access for staff engagement ($78,750.00).
- Budget amendments for sheriff seized vehicle repair ($20,000) and film tourism initiative ($50,000).
- Monthly settlement report (April–September 2026).
- Cash bond refund ($500) and permit refund ($110).
- Street acceptance for Temple Rowhomes Subdivision (91 lots).
- Resolutions: Landfill holiday schedule (2026-241); Board of Ethics Articles of Agreement (2026-242—moved to regular agenda); Upper Payment Limit award for EMS ($1,120,332); Memorandum of Understanding with Luv Scoops Ice Cream; Victims of Crime Act Grant application for Juvenile Court ($32,709); legislative priorities for 2026-2027; and initiation of a text amendment for Ellenwood PUD senior housing.
Presentations & Proclamations
- National Friends of the Library Week (October 18–24, 2026): Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry presented a proclamation recognizing the Friends of the Library Clayton County for more than four decades of support. Library board members and staff accepted, emphasizing the value of literacy and community resources.
Public Comments & Testimony
Ten citizens addressed the board within the 30-minute public comment period. Remaining speakers were deferred to the next meeting. Key comments included:
- Teresa Talley (District 4): Urged the county to establish a pediatric urgent care or hospital, noting her grandson’s emergency transport to Atlanta and citing a lack of such facilities despite many subdivisions and schools.
- Dr. Henry Anderson (District 3, Hampton): Expressed concern about a potential $3.5 billion financing agreement between the Development Authority and CoreWeave for a data center, questioning board awareness and arguing that data centers should not receive financing.
- Hugh Bivens (District 1): Complained about a large pothole at Rex Road and Highway 42 that has remained unfixed for four to five months, creating a safety hazard.
- Antoinette Montgomery (District 1, retired educator): Opposed “pad splits” (rooming houses) for families with children, arguing they lack stability; noted the contradiction of raising property taxes while promoting such housing; and requested more fall break activities for youth.
- Olga Rodriguez (District not specified, mother of deceased Nazareth Angel Alford): Sought transparency from the District Attorney regarding bond revocation delays and refused to sign an NDA for a meeting; expressed concerns about decisions that may have contributed to her son’s death.
- David Hamrick (candidate for State House District 79): Highlighted over 3,000 eviction filings in Clayton County, calling it the #1 metro area for evictions; criticized subsidized housing without job creation and urged a fair share of airport tax revenue ($30 million).
- Van Shreves (scientist/teacher): Opposed data centers citing health risks from electromagnetic fields, potential reduction in property values, and negative impacts on children and businesses.
- Mickey Garber (District 1, Rex): Commended Commissioner Davis for proposing a four-vote requirement to fire certain officials; urged expanding protections to all department heads not under civil service.
- Ernek Ema (District 4, disabled voter): Complained about MARTA Mobility services—252 complaints filed, recent accident, poor treatment; called for improvement.
- Morgan Baxter (District 3, Chairwoman, Clayton County Youth Commission): Announced upcoming youth events: ACE exam prep on Oct 24, youth homelessness drive (Nov 2–13), and youth town hall on Nov 7.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 2026-242 (Board of Ethics Agreement): Commissioner Hambrick moved this from the consent agenda. The resolution authorized a $200,000 budget transfer to the independent Board of Ethics as required by state law. Staff explained that the county provides the funding and administrative support but has no oversight. The resolution passed.
- Ordinances 2026-234, 235, 236 (Second Reads): These ordinances amend the county code to require an affirmative vote of four commissioners to terminate the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and County Attorney. All three ordinances passed with some opposition (nays recorded).
- Resolution 2026-237 (Lobbying with GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group): Authorized a professional services agreement at $10,000 per month for one year. Approved.
- Resolution 2026-247 (Personal Care Home/Boarding Home Standards): Would initiate zoning amendments to reduce minimum site area and distance requirements for these uses in residential areas. After discussion and a request by Commissioner Hambrick for future work sessions on such impactful issues, Commissioner Reaves made a motion, which died for lack of a second.
- Resolution 2026-248 (Places of Worship Housing): Would initiate amendments to allow housing on church property, inspired by “Yes in God’s Backyard” initiatives. Commissioner Reaves noted the housing shortage and that 20,000 units are needed. Motion died for lack of a second.
- Resolution 2026-249 (Lobbying with Peachtree Government Relations): A motion to approve failed with a majority of nays (3-2).
- Board Appointments:
- Animal Control Board and Zoning Advisory Group: Appointments held until November 17, 2026.
- Code Enforcement Board Alternate: Brenda Harrison appointed (approved unanimously).
- Clayton County Water Authority: Nancy Howard appointed (approved with two nays).
- Executive Session: Held for litigation; no action reported.
- Post-Executive Session Actions:
- Approved a $40,000 settlement for a traffic incident (Lewis Polanco vs. Clayton County).
- Approved an amendment to the FY2027 budget for Mountain View TAD Fund, transferring $383,769.08 to the Development Authority. Commissioner Hambrick requested reporting on use of funds; discussion ensued. Approved.
Zoning & Public Hearings
- Decision Only – BOC-2606-0622 (CUP, Wireless Tower at 781 Mundy’s Mill Rd): Approved with condition to replant trees removed during construction.
- Decision Only – BOC-2403-0403 (FLUM Amendment) and BOC-2403-0404 (Rezone, 7327 Cullen Dr, 67 townhomes): Tabled 60 days (to December 15, 2026) at applicant’s request.
- Public Hearing – BOC-2605-0616 (CUP, Commercial Parking Lot at 4241 Old Dixie Hwy): Tabled 60 days (to December 15, 2026) at applicant’s request.
- Public Hearing – BOC-2605-0619 (CUP, ADU at 65 Christopher Pl): The applicant sought an ADU for her father. Opposition from a neighbor questioned owner occupancy and regulatory oversight. Tabled 60 days (to December 15, 2026) for further review.
- Public Hearing – BOC-2606-0621 (CUP, ADU at 7379 Windsor Ct): Applicant Maggie Malloy (homeowner) requested to convert a garage for her mother. Approved with condition: ADU occupied exclusively by family, not rented or leased. Commissioner Reaves acknowledged the need for streamlined ADU policies.
- Public Hearing – BOC-2607-0632 (CUP, Hair Salon at 47 Hwy 138): Applicant invested in renovations for a four-station salon. Tabled 30 days (to November 17, 2026) for area review.
- Public Hearing – BOC-2607-0634 (CUP, Lash and Brow Studio at 7420 Southlake Pkwy): Approved unanimously; no similar businesses within one mile.
- Public Hearing – BOC-2608-0638 (CUP, Auto Repair at 5262 Bouldercrest Rd): Motion to deny passed 3-2, citing Section 1310 F (economic use as zoned) and H (suitability for adjacent properties). Denial means the application cannot be brought again for one year.
Key Outcomes
- Three ordinances approved to require four commissioner votes to terminate the COO, CFO, and County Attorney.
- Lobbying contract with GeorgiaLink ($10,000/month) approved; contract with Peachtree Government Relations rejected; lobbyist with GeorgiaLink now retained.
- Board of Ethics funding ($200,000) approved and transferred.
- Two resolutions (Personal Care Homes, Places of Worship Housing) failed due to lack of a second; similar initiatives may be revisited through work sessions.
- ADU at 7379 Windsor Ct approved; ADU at 65 Christopher Pl tabled for further information.
- Wireless tower CUP approved; auto repair CUP denied.
- Hair salon CUP tabled 30 days; lash studio CUP approved.
- Future Land Use Map amendment and rezone at Cullen Dr tabled 60 days; commercial parking lot tabled 60 days.
- Board appointments: Code Enforcement Board Alternate (Brenda Harrison, approved). Animal Control Board and Zoning Advisory Group appointments held to November 17.
- Settlement approved for $40,000; Mountain View TAD Fund payment approved ($383,769.08).
Meeting Transcript
All right, the Clayton County Board of Commissioners Board meeting, regular business meeting is now called to order. The date is October 20th, 2026, and the time is 6 o'clock p.m. All right. Next we will move into item two, which is our roll call, District 1, District 3. Present, District 2, and District 4. Present. All right, Madam Chair is here. Next, we will move to item three, which is our invocation and pledge of allegiance to our flag. Our invocation tonight will be given by Afasa Amoris Carissa of Kingdom Life Center in Fayetteville, Georgia. She will come forward to deliver the invocation, and thereafter, we will have the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Will you please stand for the pledge and the invocation? Heavenly Father, we thank you for allowing us to come into this place today. Father, we surrender this atmosphere for your perfect plan, your perfect design for this county. Father, we thank you for allowing your leaders elected to serve the community of Clayton County to make decisions that will be pleasing to you, that will align with your purpose, and that will glorify your name. Father, we thank you for all that you're doing in this county. Thank you for the unity. Thank you for the innovation. Thank you for your resources. Thank you for the favor that rests upon this county. Father, we ask that you touch the commissioners, the entire board from the chairman to the administrators. Father, touch every department head, touch the community leaders and bring us together like never before. Only for your glory and for your honor in Jesus' name. Amen. Is she still not? Is she still? There's some more people trying to sign up. Okay. All right, no problem. All right, board members. Next, we will move on to item four, which is which is the adoption of the agenda. Board members, are there any items that um that are there that you would like to move to the regular agenda? Uh yes, madam chair. Commissioner Heimbrook. Uh number 22 resolution 2026 242. 22. Also, board members, are there any other items that you would like to move? All right, seeing none at this time, can we get a motion to adopt the agenda? So that's a good second. Second. All right. Any discussion at this time? Are you ready for the vote? All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed. Any abstentions? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Next, we will move to presentations and proclamations.
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