Hoschton council approves rezoning, bids and appointments; multiple items tabled

The Hoschton City Council handled a mix of planning, procurement and administrative measures during its March 20 work session, approving several routine items while tabling two matters for further review.

The council approved two rezoning requests: Z‑24‑04 (city‑initiated rezoning of property on Peachy Road from R‑1 to institutional) and Z‑24‑05 (a rezoning request affecting property identified as Dr. Kumar's, changing a PUD orientation). Both motions received seconds and passed on voice votes.

Council also approved a Jackson County water purchase agreement and an IGA related to Hushton Park was discussed at length (see separate coverage). The council adopted Resolution 2025‑O8 updating personnel policy to add a new retirement plan, and approved Resolution 2025‑O9 recognizing Georgia Cities Week. A minor text amendment to the sign ordinance (Tax Amendment‑25‑O1) was approved and will be returned to planning and zoning for full review in April.

On procurement, the council voted to decline Bid 2025‑001 for Oak Street Park demolition. A separate bid for demolition at Mulberry Park (Bid 2025‑002) received an initial approval motion but council members subsequently voted to table that item until April to allow more time for potential developer interest and further discussion; staff noted the bid has no formal expiration but recommended follow‑up in about 60 days.

Traffic calming at Wildflower at Village was approved: the council authorized installation of three rubber speed cushions (referred to in the meeting as “speed tables”/“speed bumps”) after the neighborhood indicated support for the less‑invasive rubber option. Kevin (representing Wildflower) told the council residents accepted the rubber speed cushions.

The council approved adding two members to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA): Jessica Green (described as a part owner) and Kona (identified as owner of Juke and Jive). The appointments run through 2029 for Jessica Green per the minutes presented.

At the end of the session the council added an executive session for personnel and real estate to the agenda and recessed into executive session.

Votes at a glance (selected items) - Z‑24‑04 (Peachy Road rezoning to institutional): motion passed (voice vote). Details: applicant: City of Hoschton; ordinance number: not specified. - Z‑24‑05 (rezoning for property associated with Dr. Kumar): motion passed (voice vote); ordinance number: not specified. - Jackson County water purchase agreement: approved (motion passed). - Hushton Park IGA (40‑year proposed IGA): tabled after extended debate; initial approval motion was 2‑2 (Mayor Martin and Council Member Quarter in favor; Council Members Tina Brown and Dave Brown opposed). - Oak Street Park demolition (Bid 2025‑001): motion to decline bid passed. - Mulberry Park demolition (Bid 2025‑002): initial approval motion made; item ultimately tabled to April for further review. - Speed cushions for Wildflower at Village: approved (three rubber speed cushions). - DDA appointments (Jessica Green; Kona): approved. - Resolution 2025‑O8 (personnel policy retirement plan): approved. - Resolution 2025‑O9 (Georgia Cities Week): approved.

Council members and staff said several items will return to the next scheduled meeting in April for additional review or implementation steps.