[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6668911,"mediaKeyId","2216046-8a15d1680310c078f89801a64e4f5501","parentId",2216046,"title","Coaches, parents tell Forest Park council canceled rec-center practices are disrupting youth programs","audioSeconds",526,"startMs",5113000,"endMs",5639000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2216046-8a15d1680310c078f89801a64e4f5501&start=5113&end=5639","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2216046-8a15d1680310c078f89801a64e4f5501/thumbnail_5113000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6668911/Forest-Park/Clayton-County/Georgia/Coaches-parents-tell-Forest-Park-council-canceled-rec-center-practices-are-disrupting-youth-programs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668911-64098dcc6e2caea7c55ce022b1b2b5b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776494045&Signature=I9xKsFn5P84dzkaaegaD-nGQ88Cz48ccjAxOLYPPKIkwhK6DsK8uY-u54mc1SRZe824DxpK3BhDh6GrPjLX5YNl8OIeFnlRb3R71W1JuFq~Nqsx5SYmKtWrMuH-wjN6i4w5uXeFV7QO4fGDZgDPet6Mv7lDDhO73IDkf9XZ~H9b~j8fi5iWSyKm2I-v4sB-nJ4xgoDge25DYKIsZC6NRawBDCnx5bGHpIkn54Y9KzCOMgvanLA9i-daNbHm5EnrvQaIJRjsjKSjJ5JYLEIi~NOf7x3jJoEP2Kmdk2zAV91VUx~Du6AxPNLXxOxkGf-4uzCXrjLNid6~BwX8uFsmVXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Forest Park ","date","2025-02-04T01:09:36.073Z","article","Three coaches and residents raised concerns at the Feb. 3 meeting about canceled practices at Forest Park recreation facilities and problems with logistics at off-site games.

Lester Turner, a volunteer coach at the Forest Park Recreation Center, said the program had been told \"there will be no more practices for the rest of the year\" though teams were only two games into the season. \"With only practice, you literally can't get the message across, not just about basketball, just about life, resilience,\" Turner said, asking the city to provide alternate gym space so teams can continue practices.

Dr. Falami (transcript spelling appears as \"Filami\" in another line), also a volunteer, said parents were demanding refunds because they felt they were not receiving the services they paid for. He described facility problems during recent games at a partnered high school gym — no visible clocks and difficulty for coaches to manage games — and said communication with staff had been poor: \"My parents are calling me because whomever they spoke with here allegedly told them to talk to the coach,\" he said.

Resident Laverne Mitchell also spoke about how to contact the city during a ward vacancy and asked whether candidate biographies for upcoming elections are available online; City Manager Clark responded that candidate materials are posted on the city's site but the city does not publish campaign materials directly.

Response and next steps

City Manager Clark thanked speakers and said he would gather additional information from staff and provide a comprehensive report to the governing body; he said he was \"not aware either\" of the situation and did not want to respond without getting all sides. Council members, including Hector Gutierrez and Latressa Akins Wells, emphasized the importance of recreation programming for youth development and asked staff to convene meetings with coaches and parents to resolve the issues.

No formal policy change or refund process was adopted at the meeting; staff will follow up and return findings to the council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Forest Park Council Meeting 2/3/25","oneSentenceSummary","Coaches and volunteers said they were told practices would be canceled for the rest of the recreation season; the city manager said staff will investigate and report back.","taxTitle","Forest Park, Clayton County, Georgia","taxId",55072,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6668917,"Forest Park staff seeks continuation of countywide lobbying contract covering jet-fuel tax recoupment",240,1325000,1565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2216046-8a15d1680310c078f89801a64e4f5501&start=1325&end=1565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2216046-8a15d1680310c078f89801a64e4f5501/thumbnail_1325000.jpg","/articles/6668917/Forest-Park/Clayton-County/Georgia/Forest-Park-staff-seeks-continuation-of-countywide-lobbying-contract-covering-jet-fuel-tax-recoupment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668917-9fd72db0b5e7bc353facae5289b270ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1776494045&Signature=RN65Tlhl1hEtj5hXPpOk56ovOdqNvpvDqLGlGiKr1dpTZrl9DWeKta-RVMLiwlu0hlNR-LFg4x-GeQFuWa3wcKC9bSLfO8n6TpTi3A5bfMR7PBSkXZ7rwVBX74WkAxvyRhDqSEoeO-KYRYDSEzl~u~gnOTrgYplaHYc3Cf2IzIQQ9aDEoCJfDShLKGsW~Ys5dyMzb7lBI0YksY4dtngmEMuyn3KtZ4AGEBlvlrB7Kr4ztwfOr9d8y3A2ED4nde12tcKvtcgDrrIo-h3zpn0wYc57aEtMw40I7h4QgdzX-DbXYefVuKecn2OBuBrmAJDWTgnnyN889nEjyx2Ccx6wkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Clark briefed the council in the work session on the city's ongoing participation in a Clayton County cooperative lobbying arrangement with Capri and Clay LLC aimed at recouping a portion of the jet-fuel (aviation fuel) tax and pursuing related federal funding changes.

Clark said the county's municipalities have engaged Capri and Clay since about 2016 to pursue a fair share of funding tied to past jet-fuel tax disbursements. \"Our portion of the monthly bill for Capri and Clay is 5.86%, which equates to $278.35,\" Clark told the council. He described a prior lump-sum payment that local entities received from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs that did not restore recurring annual payments and said the lobbyist engagement continued to pursue a legislative remedy at the federal level.

Staff presented this as a continuation of an existing intergovernmental arrangement; Clark said the work includes monthly updates from the lobby firm on federal legislative activity. He asked the governing body to approve continued participation alongside other Clayton County municipalities.

Council members and the city attorney discussed procedural points about voting during work sessions and whether the mayor pro tem should vote in routine agenda-setting actions. The transcript records the brief staff presentation and procedural remarks but does not show a separate final vote on continuation of the Capri and Clay contract read into the regular meeting record. The item had been moved off the consent agenda during the work session so it could be discussed.

What to expect next

If the governing body chooses to authorize continued participation, staff would implement the monthly billing and continue to receive Capri and Clay's updates on federal efforts to restore recurring funding. The city manager indicated staff would bring follow-up materials and greater detail as requested by the council.","City Manager described Forest Park's ongoing participation with Capri and Clay LLC for countywide lobbying related to jet-fuel tax funds; staff requested approval to continue participation but the council did not record a specific separate vote on the item in the public transcript.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6668921,"Votes at a glance: Forest Park approves consent agenda items, zoning text amendment and two executive-session authorizations",6581,1023000,7604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2216046-8a15d1680310c078f89801a64e4f5501&start=1023&end=7604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2216046-8a15d1680310c078f89801a64e4f5501/thumbnail_1023000.jpg","/articles/6668921/Forest-Park/Clayton-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-Forest-Park-approves-consent-agenda-items-zoning-text-amendment-and-two-executive-session-authorizations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668921-a49daa1aad2dceb9bb1e7d229e4d5908/orig.mp4?Expires=1776494045&Signature=c1kovOMLu4Uh4kpvYbduH9Wqu2~oXbLK8HegATVduVM-MGEByHeaexIBujNNm0wHYse1k7ibCSo7wA7jBssQlD1gPzAKnmDp-zjn6ijcMAmMWojifTBUN510mLQkTrvVkt6KUBhXkaYz8P2YiQO1zrVqDqO6bGshQctOE-T7soWTxljUpC5D7GP85WHqS5d2OgjrBarev6TfMysMygXzc~bI6EkRRBPdQAh~qLV59fmHGErOEBgsibKfc1jzXyjjroFR0rjXbrkLZsyMYjkoBO~SUWfgVGws31QlimbseYxtGBHw6ftiscDRvdOGYdeE1W6ZpQu9yqKL6p0pFV816A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forest Park's City Council voted unanimously on multiple items Feb. 3, including approval of the consent agenda, adoption of a zoning text amendment to establish a Public Arts Review Board, and two authorizations that were discussed in executive session.

Key votes and outcomes

- Consent agenda: Approved unanimously. The consent agenda incorporated several items added in the work session and regular meeting; items specifically referenced on the record included blanket purchase orders for the Public Works Department, purchase of three fire staff vehicles, a budget amendment to transfer funds for a special election expense, an easement for electric vehicle charging infrastructure for the Police Department, the city's application and acceptance of future HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, approval of Police Chief Latasha Clemens to serve on the Clayton County Board of Health, task order FDC2025.01 for Falcon Design Consultants for bid assistance and construction administration on the Star Park project, and the Forest Park median landscape discussion and approval. Where the transcript did not specify details, the item description is recorded as not specified.

- Text amendment (TA-2025-01): Approved (see separate article). The council amended the proposed ordinance during a public hearing to set board composition and appointment procedures and then adopted the change unanimously.

- Executive-session authorizations: The council authorized (1) the general release and identification regarding 4135 O'Hara Road; and (2) authority for the city manager to execute a statement of work with IDX. Both motions were moved by Councilwoman Akins Wells, seconded by Councilman Mears, and passed unanimously.

Votes and motion-makers (as recorded)

- Motion to approve consent agenda: Moved by Councilwoman Latressa Akins Wells; second by Councilman Hector Gutierrez; outcome: unanimous approval of voting members present.

- Motion to approve text amendment TA-2025-01 as amended: Moved by Councilwoman Latressa Akins Wells; second by Councilman Alan Mears; outcome: unanimous approval of voting members present.

- Motion to authorize general release and identification for 4135 O'Hara Road: Moved by Councilwoman Latressa Akins Wells; second by Councilman Alan Mears; outcome: unanimous approval of voting members present.

- Motion to authorize city manager to execute statement of work with IDX: Moved by Councilwoman Latressa Akins Wells; second by Councilman Alan Mears; outcome: unanimous approval of voting members present.

What the votes mean

Most items were approved with little debate and will follow routine administrative implementation. The text amendment to create a Public Arts Review Board generated the most discussion and was amended before passage. Executive-session matters were voted on publicly after the council reconvened; the transcript records authorization but does not include the underlying contracts or release text in the public record.","Council approved the consent agenda (items listed below), adopted the Public Arts Review Board text amendment, and authorized two executive-session actions including a general release for 4135 O'Hara Road and a statement-of-work with IDX.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6668925,"Forest Park council approves ordinance to create Public Arts Review Board with ward-appointed members",6088,1511000,7599000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2216046-8a15d1680310c078f89801a64e4f5501&start=1511&end=7599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2216046-8a15d1680310c078f89801a64e4f5501/thumbnail_1511000.jpg","/articles/6668925/Forest-Park/Clayton-County/Georgia/Forest-Park-council-approves-ordinance-to-create-Public-Arts-Review-Board-with-ward-appointed-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668925-cdd333e6c763cd88cd6e9a61ae36045d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776494045&Signature=e0e6t7XM4wbhU4AOv19geGrq8pqCWp9RdW1jh0OWoWXCVJv-Sq3HvzWIsSgsEGekQPMS8EyvkrfOYVyIH0YRWFoUA6n13Jm5AiDZkOYuQonttViKWJZMWSbeoPWFwq2O-fGGffVFiGzqui29OmgxQ0a~Ex~QEC9TfLaJP4lVr-muynEALNtchiekxt6JgcUGaBzd36zMHdsj-YN1A5rXRIi4Nvccml6PkhLkzxAfcL-hZ766Z1jtCU94eeK5yu1JvBQE6Qv9c~~HA70qwLzp4nFuhzX2uXq~XZ8~gxwLtrPtrf0n2AkZdlzpifoIfbcNM8UdcyrB1uavSmyNShLHzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forest Park's City Council on Feb. 3 approved a text amendment to the city's zoning code to create a Public Arts Review Board that will review and promote public art in the city.

The council voted to amend Title 8, Planning and Development, Chapter 8 (Zoning), Article F to add Section 8-8-169 establishing the board. City Manager Clark and Planning and Community Development Director Nicole Dossier presented the item and described the board's duties and membership during a public hearing. \"We are looking to establish this particular program so that we can select different items or variety of public art to distribute throughout the city,\" Dossier said during her presentation.

The amendment was revised in response to council direction during the hearing. Council members asked that the board mirror the city's approach used for other commissions by providing ward representation. Clark summarized the agreed changes on the record: \"The board shall consist of 7 total members. The main street manager shall serve as an ex officio member of the board. The 6 remaining members shall be . . . appointed by ward by the mayor and city council,\" he said. Council members clarified that the six appointees would be representatives ratified by the governing body; they need not all be city employees or nonresidents, but the text will mirror the city's beautification commission language with added ex officio arts partners.

Council members debated community representation and the application process. Councilman Hector Gutierrez urged greater resident participation, saying, \"I would like at least 3 community members, at least.\" Councilwoman Latressa Akins Wells and others said they preferred a transparent application process so the governing body could review candidates' backgrounds before appointments. City Attorney Matricardi advised that there is no legal requirement setting a minimum age but noted practical considerations about meeting schedules for minors.

During the public hearing, a resident who identified herself in favor of the amendment urged that appointments give priority to people who live, work and play in Forest Park and asked that the board respect local applicants. No speaker registered formal opposition.

Councilwoman Akins Wells moved approval of the text amendment as revised; Councilman Mears seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

What the ordinance does and next steps

The adopted amendment adds a Public Arts Review Board with seven seats, a Main Street program representative as an ex officio member, and six ward-appointed representatives ratified by the governing body; the final ordinance text will mirror the beautification commission format with the ex officio arts partners included. Staff said they will finalize the language and return the ordinance for the regular meeting as edited. The city will use an application process for applicants to be considered for appointment; staff stated they will provide the application materials to the governing body.

The council did not adopt implementation timelines or specific budget allocations during the meeting; staff said they would prepare the final ordinance and related administrative materials for the next regular meeting.","The City Council approved a text amendment to create a seven-member Public Arts Review Board, adding resident representation and ex officio arts partners after a public hearing and council edits to the proposed composition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Coaches, parents tell Forest Park council canceled rec-center practices are disrupting youth programs

Forest Park staff seeks continuation of countywide lobbying contract covering jet-fuel tax recoupment

Votes at a glance: Forest Park approves consent agenda items, zoning text amendment and two executive-session authorizations

Forest Park council approves ordinance to create Public Arts Review Board with ward-appointed members