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January's Council Meetings Recap

  • Writer: Jimmy Furst
    Jimmy Furst
  • Feb 2
  • 3 min read

Below is my recap of the latest Council Meeting with my thoughts, which don't represent the Mayor or the rest of the Council.


You can find the agenda and video for this month's Council meetings by clicking here.



 

New Business

Ordinances - 1st Read

Nuisance Commercial Property Ordinance-

This will amend our UDO to define a "nuisance commercial property" to mean any commercial real property where unlawful commercial activity has occurred and continues to occur for more than 10 days after the owner of the property has received written notice from the city of the unlawful activity.


The nuisance commercial property provision allows for a process in which the property owner and the business owner are held directly responsible for unlawful activities. Further, it outlines a notification process on behalf of the city to the property owner, not just the business owner, of illegal activities. This provides an opportunity for the property owner to remedy the activity. This will give the City more teeth to go after problem businesses and hold them accountable. This moved to 1st read and the 2nd read will be in February.

 

Staff Action Items


Appointment of the Economic Development Director

The Council appointed Ashely Youmans as the Economic Development Director.

As Chamblee’s Economic Development Director, Youmans will serve as Chamblee’s chief economic development strategist and will market Chamblee as a prime destination for business. She will also lead and facilitate inclusive and strategic economic development initiatives to grow and maintain jobs and increase the business tax base for the city, including commercial and industrial recruitment and support services for existing businesses. Welcome to Chamblee!



2025 General Administrative Annual Appointments

I was honored to be selected by the Council to continue as the Mayor Pro Tem in 2025!

2025 Ethics Annual Appointment Resolution

Congrats to Omar Esposito, Art Hofmeister, Lizz Norman, Anishah Pradhan, Lane Holman, Lee Nation, Lynn Henstenberg, Paul Andrews, Chelsea Cerame, Carolyn Weber, Neta Weber, and Gabrielle McGrath for being appointed to the Ethics Board!


2025 Public Art Commission Annual Appointments

Congrats to Brittany Harper, Shan Willoughby, and Jermey Gibbs on being appointed PAC!


2025 Design Review Board Annual Appointments

Congrats to Kate Henry, Joshua Ward, and Holly Jefferys on being appointed to the DRB.


Resolution to Add Membership in a Fund of Georgia Interlocal Risk

Management Agency (GIRMA)

State law changed and it now requires municipalities like Chamblee to provide coverage for PTSD for First Responders. We are adding this to our current insurance, GIRMA.

City of Chamblee – Medical Services Director Contract

Due to our involvement in North Metro SWAT, we are required to enter an MOU with a Medical Services Director. This director gives medical input and suggestions during incidents involving SWAT and there is a monthly fee required. This item was APPROVED by the Council.


Real-Time Crime Center Build-Out

An RFQ went out for the build-out of the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) in the Public Safety building. Sunbelt Contractors was selected as the winner and the cost will not exceed $500k. This money was asked for and granted during the budgeting process last year. We were asked to approve the said contract and was APPROVED by the Council. Quick note: Chamblee won a grant to equip the RTCC saving us ~$1.3 million.


Pineapple Xpress Smoke Shop Variance Application

Our code does not allow two vape shops to operate within .5 miles of each other, hence Pineapple Xpress requested a variance even though they have been operating for ten years. Why? They received 4 violations for operating without the correct business license. When they finally applied for the correct use, another vape shop finished the application process effectively blocking Pineapple Express. This was DENIED by the Council.

3588 Broad Street – Dumpster Enclosure Variance

The applicant asked for a variance to build a dumpster in the front of the property due to not having room in the back of the business. Council APPROVED the variance.

 

Please send me your questions, comments, or concerns.



Mobile: 770-901-1121


 
 
 

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