City of South Fulton Work Session Summary

The South Fulton City Council convened a work session on February 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM, presided over by Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs. The meeting featured two primary presentations: the Roosevelt Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Plan and an update on Animal Control services. No executive session was held, and the meeting adjourned at 4:41 PM.

Roosevelt Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Plan Presentation

Brian Dorelus, Vice President of Aerotropolis Atlanta, presented a request for a letter of support from the city for a grant application to the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) for a Roosevelt Highway LCI study. The study would focus on improving pedestrian access, connectivity, and multimodal transportation along the corridor, which spans six jurisdictions. South Fulton's portion is approximately 25% of the corridor, with an estimated local match of $40,000 out of an $800,000 total grant request. ARC would fund 80% of the total cost.

Mr. Dorelus reviewed Aerotropolis Atlanta's previous LCI studies, including the Aero Greenway plan and the Tara Boulevard corridor study, the latter of which won two awards. He also noted that a $64 million federal trail grant for the region was rescinded, but ARC committed $3.5 million to continue regional trail planning efforts.

Councilmember Helen Z. Willis expressed support for the study but voiced strong concerns about the implementation of past studies, emphasizing the need for tangible outcomes. Mr. Dorelus stated the study would include an implementation matrix and a task force to identify funding partners. Councilmember Willis also inquired about the regional trail network, often called the South Fulton Belt Line, and its updated timeline following the rescinded federal grant.

Councilmember Jaceey Sebastian asked which cities were participating and recommended the presenters contact the Oakley Industrial CID. Mr. Dorelus confirmed support from the Airport CID and South Fulton CID and identified Fairburn, Palmetto, College Park, East Point, and Union City as participating jurisdictions.

Animal Control Presentation

Captain Nikki Dwyer of the Fulton County Police Department Animal Services Division, alongside Vernon Sawyer, presented an update. Field services transferred fully to the Fulton County Police Department on December 17, 2025. Captain Dwyer reported 246 calls for service in the City of South Fulton since the start of 2026, with 768 calls in the last quarter of 2025. The most common call type involves stray or loose animals.

Captain Dwyer outlined significant operational changes following a review of past incidents, including a fatal dog attack and a severe mauling in South Fulton. Changes include increased officer staffing, extended training from 6 to 12 weeks, the use of Axon body cameras, a dedicated bite investigator, and a new chain of command for severe bite incidents.

On shelter operations, Captain Dwyer stated that Lifeline is managing a 13% increase in intakes. There are currently 78 dogs on court hold, awaiting prosecution. She noted there are over 500 animal cruelty cases awaiting prosecution countywide and that the division is working with Judge Cassandra Kirk to expedite hearings.

Councilmember Linda B. Pritchett raised concerns about a large coyote on Oakley Industrial Boulevard, describing it as a danger to the community. Captain Dwyer clarified that wild animals fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources, not Fulton County Animal Services.

Councilmembers Sebastian and Natasha Williams-Brown requested educational materials for the public explaining call priority levels. Captain Dwyer agreed to provide a flyer on this topic.

Key Outcomes

No formal votes were taken during the work session, consistent with its purpose. The request for a letter of support for the Roosevelt LCI study was presented for council consideration with a vote expected at a subsequent meeting. The council requested and received a commitment to provide educational flyers on animal control call priorities from the Animal Control division. No executive session was held.