Milton City Council To Take Up Several Key Issues Wednesday

MILTON, GA — Milton City Council will meet Wednesday night to take up a variety of key issues.

Milton’s City Council include an update on the creation of a local road safety plan as well as other key developments – including the city’s recent honor for its environmental efforts.

Mayor Peyton Jamison and Council members will also vote on several matters when they convene at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

People can attend in person or watch live online at this link.

Here are just some of the things on the agenda for Wednesday night:

CONSENT AGENDA

• Approval of the December 20, 2021, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. The Council will vote on approving its meeting “minutes” – or official written record – from Dec. 20, 2021. The meeting was Joe Lockwood’s last as mayor, as well as the final one for now-former Council members Laura Bentley and Joe Longoria. In addition to bidding farewell to these leaders, the Council tackled a long list of topics including advancing a proposal related to senior homestead exemptions, delving into seven zoning-related text amendments, and celebrating Milton’s award-winning Parks and Recreation Department. The full recap of this Dec. 20 meeting can be found HERE. The video for this meeting is viewable HERE.
• Approval of the January 3, 2022, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. These “minutes” reflect the first meeting of the new year, the new council, and the new Mayor. Peyton Jamison was sworn in as mayor, as were incoming Council members Jan C. Jacobus, Juliette Johnson and Andrea Verhoff. The Council also approved the appointments of dozens of members to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Board, Equestrian Committee, and Planning Commission. The Council also approved a contract for mold remediation work at Fire Station 41. You can read a recap of the Jan. 3 meeting HERE. And you can watch it on video HERE.
• Approval of a Concessions Contract Agreement Between the City of Milton and Top Shelf Food and Beverage Management d/b/a Top Shelf Concessions to Provide Concessions Services at Bell Memorial Park. This item is for a City contract with Top Shelf Concessions to provide food, drinks and services at the concession stand in Bell Memorial Park. Under this contract, Top Shelf would share 15% of its concession revenues with Milton’s Parks and Recreation Department (compared to 3% with the City’s previous concessionaire).
• Approval of a Recreation Provider Agreement Between The City of Milton and Rush Union Soccer, Inc. to Provide Recreational Adult Soccer Programming. Rush Union has partnered with the City of Milton’s Parks and Recreation Department for multiple years, offering adult soccer leagues playing out of the Cox Road athletic facility and Bell Memorial Park’s fields. This agreement would extend that relationship between Rush Union and the City another year.
• Approval of an Agreement for Services for First Due Size Up a Comprehensive Emergency Response Platform and Record Management System Services Agreement with Locality Media, Inc. d/b/a First Due. If this item is approved, the Milton Fire-Rescue Department will utilize First Due software to manage and improve its operations. First Due is a system of online applications focused on Fire and EMS services employed by public safety agencies around North America. First Due would replace the software, Fireworks, that Milton Fire now uses and allow the Department to more efficiently consolidate several programs (including records management) under one system.
• Approval of Grant Funding from the State of Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), for Use of Force and De-escalation Training. Last year, the Milton Police Department was awarded a State grant to offer officers' simulated scenarios to bolster their de-escalation and defensive tactics knowledge, skillset and philosophy. You can learn more about that grant – among the first of their kind from the State of Georgia's Criminal Justice Coordinating Council – by clicking HERE. Milton Police used its funding for scenario-based and defensive tactics training that aligns with the Department's priority of de-escalation and utilizing the least amount of force possible. More recently, Milton Police were awarded another $39,000-some in grants from the same State agency. This grant money will allow for more relevant training along these same lines. The Council will vote Monday night whether or not the City accepts this additional grant.

REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS

• Update on the Local Road Safety Plan: The City of Milton is in the process of creating a Local Road Safety Plan, a key document to chart out priorities, strategies and actions to make Milton’s roadways safer for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians. Citizens helped create this Plan’s foundation with their participation early last year in a detailed survey, and they’ll have further opportunities to learn and share their views in public forums planned for the coming weeks.Public Works Director Sara Leaders on Monday will update the Council on the Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP), which is about halfway complete. She’ll explain the LRSP’s vision, mission as well as the City’s ongoing stakeholder and community engagement efforts. The City’s partner in this endeavor, Andrew Antweiler, from the City’s partner at KCI, will then lay out the six “emphasis areas” identified thus far for the Local Road Safety Plan to focus on. A draft of Leaders’ presentation can be found HERE. (https://www.cityofmiltonga.us/home/showdocument?id=5600...). The interim report showing the current status of the LRSP can be viewed HERE (https://www.cityofmiltonga.us/home/showdocument?id=5602...).

FIRST PRESENTATION
The City Council discussed the next four items at its Jan. 10 Work Session, which came several weeks after the City of Milton’s Planning Commission considered them at its December 2021 meeting. The first four relate to the definition of an “Assembly Hall, Indoor Auditorium” in the Crabapple and Deerfield areas.

• Consideration of RZ21-15 - to Create a New Use Permit - Assembly Hall, Indoor Auditorium (Sec. 64-1846). When the Crabapple Form-Based Code was adopted in June 2012, it stated that an “Assembly Hall, Indoor Auditorium” would be allowed with a Use Permit – and yet no such Use Permit was created/adopted. This text amendment would create a Use Permit requiring that those seeking a Use Permit go through the public hearing process (of CZIM, Design Review Board, Planning Commission) before a final decision is made by the Mayor and City Council.
• Consideration of RZ21-16 - Article XIX Crabapple Form Based Code, Article 6.1 Definitions – To Define Assembly Hall, Indoor Auditorium. This text amendment would define “Assembly Hall, Indoor Auditorium” in the Crabapple Form-Based Code. This definition would reflect research on how other comparable, nearby jurisdictions define this term.
• Consideration of RZ21-17 - Article XX Deerfield Form Based Code, Article 5, Table 10 – Specific Function and Use. If approved, this would require applicants seeking an “Assembly Hall, Indoor Auditorium” in an area falling under the Deerfield Form-Based Code to obtain a Use Permit (rather than be permitted by warrant upon approval by Milton’s Community Development Director). It mirrors the item above for properties subject to the Crabapple Form-Based Code.
• Consideration of RZ21-18 - Article XX Deerfield Form Based Code, Article 6.1 – To Define Assembly Hall, Indoor Auditorium. Again, this text amendment echoes an item above – except this time pertaining to the Deerfield rather than the Crabapple area. It would define what exactly constitutes an “Assembly Hall, Indoor Auditorium” informed by research of how comparable jurisdictions define this term.

The next three proposed text amendments – also discussed at the Jan. 10 Work Session – relate to rules and definitions regarding fences in Milton.

• Consideration of RZ21-19- Consideration of a Text Amendment to Modify Fence and Wall Specifications, Exemptions, (Sec. 64-212). This would clarify regulations regarding fence heights, state that intercoms for private gates must be at least 15 feet from the public right of way, prohibit chain link fences around stormwater facilities, and streamline certain requirements for an “Equestrian Fence.”
• Consideration of RZ21-20 – Consideration of a Text Amendment to Article VI – Zoning Text, District Classifications and Boundaries – To Amend Sections on Fencing. This could slightly alter fence regulations in multiple zoning districts. For details on exactly how, follow this December 2021 Planning Commission link -- https://www.cityofmiltonga.us/.../5478/637747489164251710 -- and review pages 17-24.
• Consideration of RZ21-21 - Consideration of a Text Amendment to Update the Definition of Fence Equestrian with Exhibits (Sec. 64-1).

This text amendment would update the definition of “Equestrian Fence” to articulate the acceptable placement of galvanized, welded wire.

PUBLIC HEARING

• Consideration of a Resolution of the City of Milton Extending Existing Moratoriums on the Acceptance of New Alcohol Applications for Craft Beer and/or Wine Markets, Limited Tap Establishments, Limited Service Restaurants, Breweries, Micro-Breweries, Distilleries, Micro-Distilleries, and Consumption On-Premises other than Incidental Service, BYOB, Farm Wineries, Golf Courses, Hotels, Special Events Facilities or Eating Establishments in the City of Milton, and on the Acceptance of Applications for Development Permits, Building Permits, Rezonings, Modifications, Variances, Use Permits, Warrants, or any other Permit Provided in The Zoning Ordinance for Use of Property for Craft Beer and/or Wine Markets, Limited Tap Establishments, Limited Service Restaurants, Breweries, Micro-Breweries, Distilleries, Micro-Distilleries, and Consumption On-Premises other than Incidental Service, BYOB, Farm Wineries, Golf Courses, Hotels, Special Events Facilities or Eating Establishments in the City Of Milton.

This resolution would extend a moratorium for 120 days on certain new requests from a variety of businesses intending to have consumption of alcohol on premises. It combines two separately issued moratoriums – one for new alcohol license applications and regulations, the other for permitting, zoning, licensing and similar requests for those wishing to sell alcohol in their establishments – into a single one so there’s a common end date in the spring. This new consolidated moratorium would give City staff additional time to incorporate Council members’ feedback on possible changes, as well as to allow for public participation as part of the board and committee process.

Once approved, the Council could vote to end this moratorium at any time or extend it further. (The moratorium would not apply to eating establishments with at least 50% of their revenues coming food sales.)

This Public Hearing item is to allow citizens to share their viewpoints. A vote is slated for later in Monday’s meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

• Consideration of a Consent Final Order and Judgment in Civil Action No. 2019CV321909, pending in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Department of Transportation v. .011 acres of land, et.seq. This relates to a Georgia Department of Transportation condemnation of .011 acres along Highway 9 (by Watercrest Village at 631 North Main Street) related to the widening project there. The City of Milton is not directly involved in this sale, is not assuming control of any property, nor will it expend (or receive) any money. Still, this Consent Final Order is on the agenda because the City of Milton is named in the legal proceedings (since the City collects taxes on the property).
• Consideration of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Milton and the City of Roswell Regarding Fire Apparatus Fueling Services. In recent months, the City of Roswell Fire Department has proven an especially valued partner with the Milton Fire-Rescue Department. (To be specific, Roswell is hosting Milton firefighters and equipment at their Fire Station 26 while needed mold remediation is done at Milton’s Fire Station 41 off Arnold Mill Road.) And like other agencies who share borders with Milton, Roswell firefighters are sometimes called upon to respond to fires in Milton (much like Milton Fire may assist on a scene in Roswell or other neighboring communities). The intergovernmental agreement that the Council will consider on Monday would further solidify this relationship while serving Roswell and Milton residents. Specifically, it would allow for Roswell Fire apparatus to fuel up at Milton’s Fire Station 41. This would be at no added cost for Milton, as Roswell Fire would still pay for its fuel. And it would prevent Roswell crews from having to travel appreciably further to get its fuel.
• Consideration of an Approval of a Resolution Appointing Jarrard & Davis, LLP as City Attorney, to Include Modified Rate Structure. Jarrard & Davis, LLP, has provided legal representation to the City of Milton for the past 14 years. This firm has done so under a fee structure that has been in place since 2016. This past December, City Attorney Ken Jarrard notified the City of an impending increase in rates driven by current economic and market conditions that – if this item is approved – would take effect February 1, 2022. The Council’s approval of this resolution would continue the City’s relationship with Jarrard & Davis at this modified rate structure.
• Consideration of a Resolution Appointing the Chief Judge of the Municipal Court for the City of Milton, Georgia Pursuant to Article V of the City Charter. Brian Hansford currently serves as the Chief Judge in the City of Milton’s Municipal Court. This resolution, if approved, would reappoint Hansford to that position. Hansford is a U.S. Army veteran and graduate of John Marshall Law School. He also serves as partner and defense attorney at Miles Hansford Tallant, as well as the Chief Judge of Roswell Municipal Court. You can learn more about him HERE (https://www.cityofmiltonga.us/gove.../municipal-court/judge/).
• Swearing-in of the Chief Judge of the Municipal Court for the City of Milton. After the Chief Judge’s appointment, Hansford will be sworn in by Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison.
• Consideration of a Resolution of the City of Milton Extending Existing Moratoriums on the Acceptance of New Alcohol Applications for Craft Beer and/or Wine Markets, Limited Tap Establishments, Limited Service Restaurants, Breweries, Micro-Breweries, Distilleries, Micro-Distilleries, and Consumption On-Premises other than Incidental Service, BYOB, Farm Wineries, Golf Courses, Hotels, Special Events Facilities or Eating Establishments in the City of Milton, and on the Acceptance of Applications for Development Permits, Building Permits, Rezonings, Modifications, Variances, Use Permits, Warrants, or any other Permit Provided in The Zoning Ordinance for Use of Property for Craft Beer and/or Wine Markets, Limited Tap Establishments, Limited Service Restaurants, Breweries, Micro-Breweries, Distilleries, Micro-Distilleries, and Consumption On-Premises other than Incidental Service, BYOB, Farm Wineries, Golf Courses, Hotels, Special Events Facilities or Eating Establishments in the City Of Milton. A summary of this item can be found above as part of the “Public Hearing” portion of the Council agenda. That is an opportunity for citizens to weigh in. This particular, later agenda item is where the Mayor and Council will vote on the consolidated 120-day moratorium.