Forest Park council approves sound‑equipment renewal, two stormwater waivers and an ordinance creating ward fund accounts

The Forest Park mayor and council voted on four formal items at the July 21 regular meeting. All four measures were approved by roll-call vote.

Votes at a glance

1) Sound equipment services contract — Digital World Live LLC (12‑month renewal) - What the council approved: A resolution authorizing the first annual renewal of a 12‑month sound equipment services agreement with Digital World Live LLC so the vendor will provide sound equipment and technician services for city events under the previously negotiated prices, terms and conditions. - Fiscal detail: The total cost for the 12‑month renewal is $77,850 charged to the general fund. - Motion: Moved by Councilwoman Kimberly James; seconded by Councilman Meyers (recorded second at the meeting). - Vote (roll call): Yes — Mayor Butler; Councilmember James; Councilmember Gunn; Councilmember Gutierrez; Councilmember Akins Wells; Councilmember Meyers. Outcome: approved.

2) Stormwater management waiver — Waldrop Drive sidewalk project - What the council approved: A resolution waiving certain Clayton County stormwater requirements (including runoff reduction, detention and some water-quality measures) for the Waldrop Drive sidewalk project because site constraints and limited right-of-way make the required facilities impractical. - Project notes: Work includes new sidewalks, curb and gutter, handicap ramps and drainage improvements; staff and consultant said adding full detention and runoff-reduction measures would significantly affect adjacent properties and utilities. - Motion: Moved and seconded on the floor (mover/second recorded during meeting). - Vote (roll call): Yes — Mayor Butler; Councilmember James; Councilmember Gunn; Councilmember Gutierrez; Councilmember Akins Wells; Councilmember Meyers. Outcome: approved.

3) Stormwater management waiver — Metcalf Road extension - What the council approved: A resolution waiving runoff-reduction requirements for the Metcalf Road extension project after a practicability analysis concluded runoff-reduction facilities were not feasible at portions of the site because of steep topography, stream buffers, wetlands and floodplain constraints; staff noted two stormwater ponds were placed on the west side of the new roadway where space allowed. - Motion: Moved and seconded on the floor. - Vote (roll call): Yes — Mayor Butler; Councilmember James; Councilmember Gunn; Councilmember Gutierrez; Councilmember Akins Wells; Councilmember Meyers. Outcome: approved.

4) Ordinance to establish ward fund accounts (Title 2, Article E amendment) - What the council approved: An ordinance to codify regular ward fund accounts and capital ward fund accounts for elected officials. The ordinance defines permissible and impermissible uses, and states that fund amounts will be set annually as part of the municipal budget process. - Purpose: Staff said the ordinance largely codifies existing practices and provides additional guidance on allowable expenditures and procedures for ward accounts. - Motion: Moved by Councilwoman James; seconded by Councilwoman Gunn. - Vote (roll call): Yes — Mayor Butler; Councilmember James; Councilmember Gunn; Councilmember Gutierrez; Councilmember Akins Wells; Councilmember Meyers. Outcome: approved.

Notes on procedure and record - Motions and roll-call votes were recorded during the meeting. Where specific mover/second was announced on the record, that information is included above. Vote tallies reported by the city clerk were recorded aloud at the meeting and reflected unanimous support among the council members present for each listed approval.

What the approvals mean - The sound contract will continue for 12 months under the negotiated terms at a general-fund cost of $77,850. - The two stormwater waivers permit sidewalk and roadway work where full detention or runoff-reduction facilities cannot be added without affecting adjacent properties or utilities; staff and consultant reports justified the waivers on practicability grounds referenced to Clayton County Water Authority guidance and the Georgia stormwater management manual. - The ward fund ordinance establishes procedures that will govern how individual councilmembers access and spend funds for ward-level public services and capital projects (subject to annual budget appropriation).

Ending: Council members asked staff and consultants to continue providing practical details (design constraints, pond locations, and maintenance implications) as project approvals move into design and construction phases.