The Mayor and all Councilmembers were present.
Approval of the agenda – The agenda was approved as presented, 6-0.
- Approval of the minutes from the council meeting held on September 21, 2026 – The minutes were approved unanimously, 6-0.
Public Hearing for a Conditional Use Permit for Megan Yawn, Parcel 041 015A, Hwy 41 – Community Development Director Dean Nelson provided the staff report for Ms. Yawn’s conditional use application for the use of a kennel in the Manufacturing-Industrial zoning district. The proposed request would allow Ms. Yawn to open a dog grooming business, which falls under the definition of "Kennel" in the Forsyth Zoning Ordinances, on Monroe County Tax Parcel 041 015A, consisting of .63 acres. A Conditional Use Permit for a kennel would also permit dog boarding in the future.
Mr. Nelson stated that the proposed use is not in conflict with adjoining or nearby uses, is non-egregious and complementary to the Comprehensive Plan, and provides an acceptable transition between R-3 zoning to the east and Manufacturing-Industrial Zoning to the west. Following the previous public hearing for this item on September 28, 2026, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-0 to recommend approval of the request.
Ms. Yawn, the applicant, spoke in favor of her Conditional Use application.
No one present spoke in opposition to the application.
Following a motion by Councilman Goodson, Council voted unanimously to approve the Conditional Use Permit.
Public Hearing for a Variance Request for Wes Cone, Crook Construction, Parcel F14 007 – Community Development Director Dean Nelson provided the staff report for Mr. Wes Cone’s variance application requesting a relaxation in the minimum heated floor area for a potential single-family dwelling on parcel F14 007, zoned R-2. Required minimum heated floor area for a single-family dwelling within the R-2 Zoning District is 1,800-SF, and the applicant’s request is to allow for a minimum area of 1,254-SF due to a hardship created by the topography of the lot and the presence of an easement.
Mr. Nelson determined that a hardship exists that is not the fault of the applicant due to a ravine limiting the usable area of the lot. He also stated that the request presents no adverse public health, safety or public welfare impacts, will not create a traffic or utilities burden, and is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Following the previous public hearing for this item on September 28, 2026, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-0 to recommend approval of the variance request.
Mr. Wes Cone, the applicant, spoke in favor of his application and provided more information on the current state of the property and his plans to rent out the home he builds on the property.
No one present spoke in opposition to the application.
Councilman Wilder made a motion to approve the variance request, and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
Approval of Dump Truck Purchase for Public Works – Chief Bunn, who also serves as the Public Works Director, presented a request for $155,000, including contingency, for the purchase of a non-CDL, 10-ton dump truck. Funds will be provided through T-SPLOST.
Councilman Wilder made a motion to approve the request. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
Approval of a bid award for the Morse Street Sanitary Sewer Project – Utilities Director Mike Batchelor presented the three bids received for the scope of work, which includes removing an existing 4” sewer lateral and manhole structure, installing a new 6” sewer lateral and cleanout, and repairing or replacing any asphalt disturbed during the project, and, if necessary, replacing the manhole located on Morse Street. Mr. Batchelor requested the bid be awarded to DPC Services, the lowest bid in the amount of $21,596. The project qualifies for SPLOST funding, and all work will be contained within the city right-of-way.
Councilman Hill made a motion to approve the request. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
Approval of engineering services for the Sharp Street Sewer Main Extension – Utilities Director Mike Batchelor presented a request for approval for engineering services from Hofstadter and Associates in the amount of $33,569 to determine a feasible route and scope of work for the proposed extension of the Sharp Street Sewer Main.
Councilman Wilder made a motion to approve the request. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
Approval of Water Treatment Plant Caustic Feed Upgrade – Utilities Director Mike Batchelor requested approval in the amount of $23,423 to purchase equipment and materials to upgrade the caustic chemical feed system at the City’s Water Treatment Plant. As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce manganese concentrations in the water system and improve overall water quality, the caustic feed is being rerouted to introduce earlier in the treatment process a chemical that makes it easier for the plant’s sand filters to remove manganese. Previous testing of the proposed process has produced favorable results.
Councilman Hill made a motion to approve the request. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
Hotel/Motel Tax Update – Attorney Brian Causey provided an update regarding the City’s collection of appropriate hotel/motel taxes from Forsyth Station RV Resort, previously the KOA Campground. After researching, Mr. Causey recommended the City update the Code of Ordinances to dispel any questions as to what is included in the City’s Hotel/Motel Tax.
Councilman Dodd made a motion to review and update the Code of Ordinances regarding the Hotel/Motel Tax and then to bill any campground accordingly. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.