The latest annexation request before the McDonough City Council was considered but not approved.
The vote to approve an annexation and lateral zoning for about five acres of property at 419 Parker Road was 3-2, one short of the number of votes needed to pass. Two council members were absent from the meeting.
The site is currently zoned residential-agricultural in the unincorporated Henry County, and the request was previously approved by the city’s planning commission.
In a separate development matter, a rezoning that involves a proposed new Chick-fil-A location was approved. The 1.8-acre site in question is the current QuikTrip location at 50 Willow Lane, at the intersection of Hwy. 20/81 just east of I-75.
The site’s zoning has changed from central commercial to highway commercial for the planned “drive-thru restaurant,” as it was described in a city staff report. One citizen spoke in opposition to the request during the public hearing, and the vote to approve the rezoning was 4-1.
In other business, two wastewater plan expenditures were approved by the council. An emergency replacement submersible pump for a return well will cost $12,482. A replacement pump at the Head Works lift station is $30,925 and is in the city’s budget. Officials said it is the largest station in the city and having a backup there is recommended.
The city’s Internet, phones and circuits subscription with Charter is being renewed at a price reduction. The council approved a three-year agreement at $2,724 per month, after officials said the new price was negotiated down from the previous deal at $3,384 per month. The previous contract expired in June and the city has been under a month-to-month arrangement since then.
The council approved a resolution for an intergovernmental agreement with Henry County for improvements at or about the intersection of Racetrack Road and Iris Lake Road to be funded by county SPLOST and T-SPLOST money not to exceed $1,132,536.
The $56,381 purchase of a 2022 Chevrolet truck from Bellamy Strickland in McDonough for the Water/Sewer Department was approved by the council. According to officials, it is intended to replace a 2002 truck that is inoperable and no longer in service and is in the 2022-2023 budget.
An ordinance was approved amending the city code to add a section regarding the municipal cemetery. Also approved was a resolution authorizing the appointment of commissioners to the McDonough Urban Redevelopment Agency and the designation of its officers. The URA consists of the city’s governing body along with two citizen seats.
After an executive session, the council approved year-end premium pay as well as its own 2023 meeting schedule and the city’s holiday schedule for the year, with the addition of Juneteenth.
