South Fulton City Council Regular Council Meeting

The City Council of South Fulton, Georgia, held its regular meeting on April 15, 2026. Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs presided. The council unanimously approved a substantial consent agenda, multiple procurement contracts, and a budget amendment. First readings were held for several ordinances, including regulations on cigar lounges and wine tasting rooms. Public comments addressed HOA reform and city contracting practices, while council members recognized community advocates and provided updates on district activities.

Consent Calendar

• Proclamations were spread on the minutes for nine individuals, including Isadora Victoria Belle and Jacquelyn H. Barrett-Washington.
• The council accepted a donated bullet and stab protective vest for SFPD K9 Tir, valued at approximately $1,800.
• Georgia Cities Week (April 20-25, 2026) was recognized via resolution.
• An intergovernmental agreement with Fulton County for election services for the May 19, 2026 Special Election and June 16, 2026 Runoff was approved.
• Grant funds were accepted: $10,000 from the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority for a Senior Body Sculpting Program; a $22,000 GOHS grant for police technology equipment; and three FY25 State Homeland Security Program grants totaling $198,435 for fire rescue equipment ($68,196), SWAT equipment ($60,239), and cybersecurity training ($70,000).
• Donations totaling $4,000 from Randomize Now, Inc., Douglas Selby, and Piper Sandler were accepted for the Women's History Month R.E.S.T. Event.
• The D4 Men's Health Month Event (June 6, 2026, at Fire Station #6) was approved.
• The FY26 Proposed Audit Plan was approved.
• Multiple board appointments were confirmed: Ron Coleman (Code Enforcement), Esma Fox (Public Arts), Andrea Ward (Code Enforcement), Jackie Barrett Washington (Planning Commission), and Peni Webster Lewis (Veterans Advisory Committee).

Walk-On Items

• Events: Screening of the Effect of Social Media on Youth (May 2), City of South Fulton All-White Legacy Brunch (May 15), and Teen Park After Dark (June 12) were approved.
• Donations: Additional donations for the Women's History Month R.E.S.T. Event were accepted from 9606 Capital ($2,500), Whisk Breakfast and Brunch ($1,000), and Latham Home Sanitation ($2,500).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Connie Johnson (District 2): Praised the passage of Senate Bill 406 for HOA reform and urged the city to establish an advisory board for HOAs to improve coordination and oversight.
• Mike Johnson (District 4): Questioned a $150,000 contract with Lexicon Strategies, arguing the funds could be better used internally within the police department and expressing concern about city oversight of contracts.

Council Announcements & Presentations

• Councilwoman Linda Pritchett presented plaques to five residents for their advocacy work on Senate Bill 406 (HOA reform).
• Councilmembers provided extensive community updates on district events, street dedications, and parks programs.
• Councilwoman Pritchett noted the one-year anniversary of the passing of Officer Elio Edmundo Garcia.

Agenda Items

Administration:

• A resolution amending the FY2026 Operating and Capital Budget was approved.
• A resolution amending the Elected Official Vehicle Usage Policy was approved. Procurement and Contracts:
• Cooperative purchasing agreements were authorized for vehicle upfitting (Dana Safety Supply, up to $2M), petroleum (Colonial Oil, up to $400K), and solar lighting (Fonroche Lighting, up to $3M/year).
• The Senior Homeowner Rehabilitation Program (RFQ 26-10) was awarded to Nehemiah ($734,631 initial funding).
• The IDIQ construction contract with Public Facilities and Services Inc. was amended ($3M to $8.5M), and the Campbell Welcome Center project was authorized ($5.15M GMP). (Note: The meeting minutes record a 335-day construction duration, while the agenda listed 275 days.)

First Read Ordinances

• Board Eligibility: Establishing eligibility requirements and requiring vacation of office upon qualifying as a candidate for elected office (Sebastian, Williams-Brown).
• Cigar Lounges: Authorizing and regulating cigar lounges with a limit of five licenses (Rowell, Bell, Williams-Brown, Johnson).
• Wine and Tasting Rooms: Creating regulations for wine and tasting rooms (Rowell).
• Purchasing Cards: Repealing previous ordinances and replacing with new regulations.
• Zoning Case Z26-005/CDP26-002: Rezoning request for a 41-home development on Jonesboro Road, with Staff and Planning Commission recommending denial.

Key Outcomes

• Meeting called to order at 7:43 PM and adjourned at 8:29 PM (per minutes; transcript notes 8:39 PM).
• All votes and actions were by unanimous consent.
• No executive session was held.