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Votes at a glance: Forest Park council adopts consent agenda, appointments, election arrangements and confirmations
Summary
The Forest Park Mayor and Council on Dec. 16 adopted the consent agenda and approved multiple administrative and election-related items, including appointments, a special election call for Ward 2, a budget amendment and confirmation of a new public works director.
The Forest Park Mayor and Council on Dec. 16 took multiple formal actions during their work session and regular meeting. The council recorded votes on the consent agenda, board appointments, election administration, a special election call for Ward 2, a budget amendment and confirmation of a public works director.
Summary of recorded outcomes
- Consent agenda: Adopted. Motion by Councilwoman Kimberly James; second by Councilmember Mears. Roll call recorded yes votes from Councilmember James, Councilmember Gutierrez, Councilmember Akins Wells and Councilmember Mears.
- Downtown Development Authority appointment: Jay Evans appointed to the Downtown Development Authority to a term expiring Dec. 19, 2028. Motion by Councilwoman James; second by Councilmember Mears. Roll call recorded unanimous yes votes among members present.
- Delegation of municipal elections to Clayton County Board of Elections: Council approved a memorandum of agreement to have Clayton County conduct City of Forest Park elections, consistent with the county-managed approach used previously. Motion by Councilwoman James; second by Councilmember Gutierrez. Roll call recorded unanimous yes votes among members present. Staff said the city clerk will continue to serve as qualifying officer and the city will finalize costs with the county.
- Call for special election to fill Ward 2 vacancy: The council issued the official call for a special election to fill the Ward 2 vacancy and set a qualifying period in the regular session vote. The final recorded motion specified a qualifying period of Jan. 6–8, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the election was scheduled for March 18, 2025 per earlier staff presentation. Motion by Councilwoman James; second by Councilmember Mears. Roll call recorded yes votes from Councilmember James, Councilmember Gutierrez, Councilmember Akins Wells and Councilmember Mears.
- Budget amendment for FY 2024–25 (general fund and special revenue): Approved. Motion by Councilwoman James; second by Councilmember Mears. Roll call recorded unanimous yes votes among members present. Summary of fiscal impacts provided by staff: approximately $597,966 added to operating revenue estimates, $436,781 transferred to fleet fuel accounts, and $110,000 added to a police special fund for training (bringing that special fund to $118,000).
- Ordinance requiring employees to resign upon qualifying for office: Approved. Motion by Councilwoman Kimberly James; second by Councilmember Mears. Roll call recorded votes of yes (James), yes (Gutierrez), no (Akins Wells), yes (Mears); ordinance passed.
- Confirmation of public works director: Alton Matthews confirmed as public works director. Motion by Councilwoman James; second by Councilmember Mears. Roll call recorded yes votes from Councilmember James, Councilmember Gutierrez and Councilmember Mears; one member recorded as "No" in the roll call readback (as read during the meeting record). The confirmation passed by recorded vote.
How the council recorded votes
Roll-call votes were read by the city clerk (Miss Hood) after motions; the transcript captures each councilmember's recorded response for each item. Several agenda items were discussed in the work session and later taken up on the regular meeting agenda, where recorded roll-call votes were taken.
Items noted but not requiring formal council action
City staff presented routine reports including the city manager's report, finance monthly snapshot and introductions of new staff; the council recognized the city's U-12 soccer team and several new hires. Two members of the public made comments about animal-surrender options and transportation for HR staff; those comments were heard during public comment and acknowledged by the mayor for follow-up.
Next steps and follow-up
- Staff will finalize a memorandum of agreement with Clayton County for election administration and confirm county costs; the city clerk will continue to serve as qualifying officer. - Finance, fleet and police departments will execute the budget transfers and document them for the year-end audit. - Human Resources and the city attorney will implement and publish guidance for the newly codified resignation-upon-qualifying ordinance.
Recorded actions from this meeting appear in the council minutes and were adopted on Dec. 16, 2024.
