Hoschton council names planning and zoning members, breaks tie to add DDA member

The Hoschton City Council moved to fill multiple board vacancies, appointing Chris Harding and Mike Osborne to the Planning & Zoning (P&Z) board and breaking a tie to add Clay Meek to the Development Authority of Hoschton.

Councilmembers discussed multiple P&Z applicants and raised an objection to one nominee on conflict-of-interest grounds. “I just wanna reiterate that I am opposed to this one,” Councilmember Tina said, explaining she wanted to “avoid all appearance of impropriety” because the nominee, Megan Reed, is related by marriage to a business partner of someone who has had multiple requests before the P&Z board. Tina said she feared Meadow Reed might need to recuse herself or create an appearance of favoritism. Councilmember Dave said he agreed with Tina’s concerns.

The motion to appoint Megan Reed resulted in a tie vote; the council described the tie as a failed motion, and the seat remained open. The council then moved to appoint Mike Osborne to P&Z, a motion that carried. Councilmembers voted to appoint Chris Harding to P&Z earlier in the meeting.

The council also broke a tie from the DDA’s own meeting: the DDA had been split between Clay Meek and Anita Boyd. At the council meeting, a motion to add Clay Meek to the DDA passed; councilmember JJ was recorded as voting yes during the roll call.

Several nominations and one resignation on the P&Z board were discussed; councilmembers agreed to leave one vacancy open rather than rush another appointment. The council did not adopt additional rules on recusals during the meeting; councilmembers said they prefer to avoid appointments that create an appearance of conflict when alternative candidates are available.

By approving these appointments, the council filled two P&Z spots and one DDA seat and left at least one P&Z opening for a future meeting.