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Record of Proceedings

Norcross City Council Regular Meeting - December 1, 2025

City Council & Urban Redevelopment Agency — Monday, December 1, 2025
BodyNorcross, Georgia
SessionCity Council & Urban Redevelopment Agency
DateMonday, December 1, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

Yeah um two minutes yeah um maybe uh you know we don't

Speaker 2

0:32

see an old man

Unassigned speaker

0:39

to let's be asking to go on uh

Speaker 1

0:57

anyway sending on the uh need to uh watch your house on the uh here was uh

Unassigned speaker

2:23

moving it

Speaker 1

2:24

doesn't matter in the public thing uh why

Unassigned speaker

2:34

uh yeah

Speaker 1

2:58

oh really yeah it's not good.

3:09

Good afternoon every time I will go ahead and just start and

Speaker 3

3:12

thank you all for being here uh uh as we head to the stretch of the Christmas season.

3:20

Everybody took time out to

Unassigned speaker

3:22

uh

Speaker 3

3:22

come and participate in specific government tonight.

3:25

Well we didn't the uh

Unassigned speaker

3:27

the

Speaker 3

3:27

meeting to call the order and the communication with council member buyers.

Speaker 1

3:33

Well called for another reflection.

3:40

Yeah, for the wisdom maybe it's offered team to have this council ensuring that every decision to be up with our community instead of the box and makers, let us find the security focus and

Speaker 3

3:57

both web.

Unassigned speaker

4:01

Uh

Speaker 1

4:05

uh individual.

Unassigned speaker

4:19

Thank

Speaker 1

4:19

you, Councilmember.

4:20

Let's uh move to Roll with the record

Speaker 3

4:23

show that all the president moving on down.

4:27

We have a really robust to do this, so we're gonna try to get through those expeditions to possible.

4:36

Presentation of previous minutes.

4:38

Um

Speaker 1

4:45

regular council meetings executive session and over special column and number one to policy work session and executive session.

Unassigned speaker

4:54

So have a motion and second to approve the minute says presenting any objection to moving questions.

Speaker 3

5:02

Seeing none all in favor saying aye.

5:06

I oppose this sending sign.

5:08

Motion passed.

5:10

Okay that's uh move down to item F and set the agenda for tonight uh this is the acceptance of the agenda and approval of the consent agenda.

5:21

I get you to move your eyes down to item L the consent agenda we'll go through each of these and eliminate which you want we would like further conversation or discussion on and we dispute the monitor of consent agenda item.

5:45

We'll start with number one consideration of adoption adopting of Dupert Highway safe streets for all safety action plan created by the city of Doorville Georgia.

Speaker 1

5:57

Consent

Speaker 3

6:00

number two public safety building Quarterola 911 radio equipment agreement

Unassigned speaker

6:10

item three

Speaker 3

6:13

cybersecurity grant opportunity requests for approval to move forward with accepting a state and a local cyber security grant.

6:24

Item four residential decorated decorative street lighting this is to approve continuing the current practice of replacing decorative decorative street lights with similar LED fixtures.

6:41

Okay.

6:42

Number five accept uh and appropriate grant funds for Norfolk 7 consent okay sits uh number six the ability to vote on select items at policy work sessions discussion item seven policy on the use of AI

Speaker 1

7:12

discussion

Speaker 3

7:15

number eight adopt a publication of news uh and news letters using a rough draft publication this is to approve a change in the city's newsletter publication to set to a set of mailed online materials distributed by rough graft rough draft in lieu of uh the current monthly newsletter and authorize mayor to sign an agreement that's it

Speaker 1

7:43

okay that was the last item

Speaker 3

7:57

we go over these make sure we are we're clear item one is consent um item two is consent three is consent four is consent five is consent six discussion uh seven is discussion and eight tickets consent yet a motion Mr.

Unassigned speaker

8:18

Mayor uh I guess I was thinking of that they decided we weren't ready on number seven yet but if that's just directing and the headquarters developing something then I'll I'd like to to agree with that consent on number seven as well council okay seven is now consent okay with that revision chair one or two motion that I'd like to make a motion to accept the agenda and approve the consent agenda second motion is second to accept and approve the consent agenda and you access to motion question seeing done all in favor that we known by raising your right hand saying aye aye opposed at same time motion okay that's um let's move down to item G there are no ceremonial presentations or recognition uh at this point and we'll move to item eight which is a floor opening floor to citizens design to address the council uh the governing authority if you have a uh comment that you would like to bring please come to the voting to be night and also we we do have our public hearing coming up where you will have the opportunity to speak I thought I would just get my over with but now Jeff Hopper 442 P Street Street chair of the architectural review board and I'll gonna be going over a couple of public hearing items that the architectural review board was actually directly involved in and so just for your consideration I just wanted to set forth uh starting with the uh historic demolition uh what we which we approved um of course they met here the qualifications of that one

Unassigned speaker

10:00

I thought I would just go by novel with but uh Jeff Hopper, 442 Street and Chair of the Architectural Review Board, and we're gonna be going over a couple of uh public hearing items uh that the architectural review board was actually directly involved in, and so on, just for your consideration.

Speaker 1

10:18

I just wanted to put forth uh starting with the uh historic demolition uh what we which we approved.

Unassigned speaker

10:26

Um

Speaker 1

10:27

of course they met the qualifications of outlined in the code, but what I really wanted to just uh say was you know there's no opposition at the meeting, which kind of surprised me as I came I came to the meeting ready for you know you know, a you know, a single level that you know, and there was no opposition, and then we were told, and of course this is a something I'm not a big thing of, but you know, the to get the property over sign-offs on on the whole situation.

10:58

So that's kind of the forced me to wear well, you know, what the neighbors want, I think that kind of swayed us in that direction, you know, in terms of the demolition.

11:07

So I just kind of wanted to uh throw that out there for your uh deli, you know, while you deliberate these things.

11:13

And then uh on the other end of Darton Street, uh, you know, over there at the park, uh, which will destroy and Gulba and Allington property, uh, I just kind of want to you know reiterate the obvious and say that you know we evaluate these things where you know it's strictly on the architectural integrity.

11:30

And yes, uh, you know, there was there was a lot of discussion about water runoff and topography and all that, but you know, we always operate on the assumption that you know uh you know, staff uh does the due diligence, they're gonna be able to resolve this in a way that you know makes sense for everybody, and so really that's kind of all we really focus on.

11:50

Although I will say that in terms of topography, uh we have in the past had elevations that just kind of didn't fit the topography, you know, and so you generally speaking, you know, they come back.

12:02

And so it's it's not unheard of at all, but like I said, I just kind of been without doubting to secure, you know, just like I say the obvious that it was strictly uh targetful dignity.

12:17

Uh yes, there's some concern about the territory of state,

Unassigned speaker

12:21

uh, but you

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning█████████████████████████████████████37%
Historic Preservation███████████████████19%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████16%
Procedural███████████████15%
Public Engagement███████7%
Miscellaneous██2%
Community Engagement██2%
Public Safety█1%
Environmental Protection█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Norcross City Council Regular Meeting - December 1, 2025

The Norcross City Council held its regular meeting on December 1, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of agenda items including multiple public hearings on zoning and historic preservation matters, approval of a consent agenda, board appointments, and a discussion on voting procedures at policy work sessions. All council members were present: Mayor Craig Newton, Mayor Pro Tem Marshall Cheek, Councilmembers Andrew Hixson, Josh Bare, Matt Myers, and Bruce Gaynor.

Consent Calendar

  • 2025-317: Adopted the Buford Highway Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan created by the City of Doraville. (Unanimous)
  • 2025-328: Approved an agreement with Motorola to move/upgrade/add 911 radio equipment in the new public safety building, subject to legal review. (Unanimous)
  • 2025-281: Accepted a $417,000 GEMA Cybersecurity Grant (FY22), requiring the City to fund upfront with 90% reimbursement, net cost $41,700. (Unanimous)
  • 2025-326: Approved continuing replacement of decorative streetlights with matching LED fixtures and installation of light-blocking shields on residential LEDs. (Unanimous)
  • 2025-319: Accepted and appropriated a $30,000 grant from Norfolk Southern for Skin Alley Improvements ($20,000) and Cultural Arts Center Improvements ($10,000). (Unanimous)
  • 2025-323: Directed the City Manager, working with the City Attorney, to develop a proposed policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by City employees. (Unanimous)
  • 2025-329: Approved a change in the City’s newsletter publication to materials distributed by RoughDraft, replacing the monthly newsletter, and authorized the Mayor to sign an agreement. (Unanimous)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jeff Hopper, Chair of the Architectural Review Board, commented on items 2025-324 and 2025-325: For the historic demolition (324), he noted no opposition at the ARB meeting and that the adjacent property owner had signed off. For the appeal (325), he stated the ARB’s review is limited to architectural integrity and that the board assumes staff will address water runoff and topography.
  • Ian Lecroy, representing Stan Howington on item 2025-325, argued that the Certificate of Appropriateness had been granted and the appeal raised only stormwater concerns, not architectural issues. He offered to conduct a hydrology study.
  • Tixie Fowler, speaking on items 2025-324 and 2025-325, stated the proposed homes’ size and massing are incompatible with surrounding structures and referenced planning documents. She requested approval of the appeals and an independent inspection for item 2025-324.
  • Brady Rhinehart, appellant for item 2025-325, commented on the shared driveway arrangement and a verbal agreement with staff not documented in writing.
  • Jim Eyre expressed support for the reappointment of Lauren Summers to the DDA and supported the ability to vote on select items at policy work sessions, provided proper notice and citizen input opportunities are maintained.

Public Hearings

1. SUP2025-005 – Adult Daycare in M1 Light Industry Zoning (2211 Beaver Ruin Road, Suite 190)

The Council held a public hearing. The applicant spoke briefly. No public comments in support or opposition were made. A motion to approve with the five recommended conditions (hours of operation M-F 8:30 AM-1:30 PM, office hours M-F 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; comply with state and health department requirements; prohibit peddlers/parking lot sales; repair graffiti/vandalism within 72 hours) passed unanimously.

2. RZ2025-005 – Rezoning to M1 (Light Industry) District (5.24 acres at 5324 Old Norcross Road)

Staff and Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval with five conditions. The applicant requested removal of conditions 3 and 4 (buffer requirements) noting that a stream buffer variance would be needed separately. After discussion, Council approved the rezoning with the remaining three conditions: general conformance with site plan, 10-foot landscape strip along rights-of-way, and no auto-oriented commercial use. The applicant was advised to submit a separate application for the stream buffer variance. Motion passed unanimously.

3. RZ2025-004 – Rezoning to BH (Buford Highway) District (0.34-acre lot)

The applicant requested withdrawal without prejudice. The Council accepted the withdrawal unanimously.

4. COA2025-027 – Historic Demolition and New Home (146 Barton Street)

The applicant (Susan Tanner) requested demolition of a historic contributing structure built in 1920 and construction of a new home. After presentation and opposition testimony (including concerns about historic character and property size), the Council discussed options. A motion to table the item to the January 20, 2026 Policy Work Session passed unanimously.

5. City Council Appeal of ARB Approval of COA2025-037 (60 Barton Street)

This was a de novo appeal of the Architectural Review Board's approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness. The appellant (Brady Rhinehart) raised concerns about stormwater, retaining wall, trees, and shared driveway. The applicant’s representatives argued the ARB only reviews architectural standards and offered to conduct a hydrology study. The appellant noted the shared driveway agreement was not in writing. After extensive discussion about the scope of the appeal and the need for more information, a motion to table the item to the December 15, 2025 Policy Work Session passed unanimously.

6. Amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

Staff presented proposed changes to multiple UDO sections to improve clarity and consistency. Councilmember Bare requested that certain sections be tabled for further review (specifically Chapter 100 definitions, Chapter 200 accessory use standards, parking, and nonconforming situations). A motion to approve the amendments as presented, with the addition of Section 202-3 (Accessory Uses or Structures) to the tabled items, and to extend the existing ADU moratorium through the February 2, 2026 Regular Council Meeting (with possibility of earlier dissolution) passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Minutes Approved: Minutes of November 3 (Regular), November 10 (Special Called), and November 17 (Policy Work Session) were approved unanimously.
  • Consent Agenda Approved: All items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously, except item 25-7453 (Ability to Vote on Select Items at Policy Work Sessions) which was moved to discussion.
  • Board Appointments:
    • Downtown Development Authority: Reappointed Lauren Summers (term expires 12/1/2029) – Unanimous.
    • Norcross Housing Authority: Reappointed Pam Hopper and Melissa Leedy (term expires 12/1/2030) – Approved by Mayor Newton.
    • Norcross Public Arts Commission: Reappointed Michael MacManus (term expires 12/1/2028) – Unanimous.
  • Item 25-7453 (Voting at Policy Work Sessions): After discussion, a motion to approve the ordinance amendment to allow voting on select items at policy work sessions failed (2-3; Myers and Cheek in favor, Bare, Gaynor, Hixson opposed).
  • Adjournment: The meeting adjourned to executive session for real estate at 9:09 PM unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Yeah um two minutes yeah um maybe uh you know we don't see an old man to let's be asking to go on uh anyway sending on the uh need to uh watch your house on the uh here was uh moving it doesn't matter in the public thing uh why uh yeah oh really yeah it's not good. Good afternoon every time I will go ahead and just start and thank you all for being here uh uh as we head to the stretch of the Christmas season. Everybody took time out to uh come and participate in specific government tonight. Well we didn't the uh the meeting to call the order and the communication with council member buyers. Well called for another reflection. Yeah, for the wisdom maybe it's offered team to have this council ensuring that every decision to be up with our community instead of the box and makers, let us find the security focus and both web. Uh uh individual. Thank you, Councilmember. Let's uh move to Roll with the record show that all the president moving on down. We have a really robust to do this, so we're gonna try to get through those expeditions to possible. Presentation of previous minutes. Um regular council meetings executive session and over special column and number one to policy work session and executive session. So have a motion and second to approve the minute says presenting any objection to moving questions. Seeing none all in favor saying aye. I oppose this sending sign. Motion passed. Okay that's uh move down to item F and set the agenda for tonight uh this is the acceptance of the agenda and approval of the consent agenda. I get you to move your eyes down to item L the consent agenda we'll go through each of these and eliminate which you want we would like further conversation or discussion on and we dispute the monitor of consent agenda item. We'll start with number one consideration of adoption adopting of Dupert Highway safe streets for all safety action plan created by the city of Doorville Georgia. Consent number two public safety building Quarterola 911 radio equipment agreement item three cybersecurity grant opportunity requests for approval to move forward with accepting a state and a local cyber security grant. Item four residential decorated decorative street lighting this is to approve continuing the current practice of replacing decorative decorative street lights with similar LED fixtures. Okay. Number five accept uh and appropriate grant funds for Norfolk 7 consent okay sits uh number six the ability to vote on select items at policy work sessions discussion item seven policy on the use of AI discussion number eight adopt a publication of news uh and news letters using a rough draft publication this is to approve a change in the city's newsletter publication to set to a set of mailed online materials distributed by rough graft rough draft in lieu of uh the current monthly newsletter and authorize mayor to sign an agreement that's it okay that was the last item we go over these make sure we are we're clear item one is consent um item two is consent three is consent four is consent five is consent six discussion uh seven is discussion and eight tickets consent yet a motion Mr. Mayor uh I guess I was thinking of that they decided we weren't ready on number seven yet but if that's just directing and the headquarters developing something then I'll I'd like to to agree with that consent on number seven as well council okay seven is now consent okay with that revision chair one or two motion that I'd like to make a motion to accept the agenda and approve the consent agenda second motion is second to accept and approve the consent agenda and you access to motion question seeing done all in favor that we known by raising your right hand saying aye aye opposed at same time motion okay that's um let's move down to item G there are no ceremonial presentations or recognition uh at this point and we'll move to item eight which is a floor opening floor to citizens design to address the council uh the governing authority if you have a uh comment that you would like to bring please come to the voting to be night and also we we do have our public hearing coming up where you will have the opportunity to speak I thought I would just get my over with but now Jeff Hopper 442 P Street Street chair of the architectural review board and I'll gonna be going over a couple of public hearing items that the architectural review board was actually directly involved in and so just for your consideration I just wanted to set forth uh starting with the uh historic demolition uh what we which we approved um of course they met here the qualifications of that one I thought I would just go by novel with but uh Jeff Hopper, 442 Street and Chair of the Architectural Review Board, and we're gonna be going over a couple of uh public hearing items uh that the architectural review board was actually directly involved in, and so on, just for your consideration. I just wanted to put forth uh starting with the uh historic demolition uh what we which we approved.

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