Tucker’s Mayor and new City Council met twice during the month of January. The first meeting, which took place on January 11, was historic as Mayor Frank Auman and three new councilmembers took the oath of office. Councilmembers Roger Orlando (District 1), Cara Schroeder (District 2), and Alexis Weaver (District 3) all were sworn in, joining Virginia Rece (District 1), Noelle Monferdini (District 2) and Anne Lerner (District 3) on the City Council. The body got to work by electing Councilwoman Lerner as the new Mayor Pro-Tem. That role would have her conduct City Council meetings in the event that Mayor Auman is unable to be present.
They then cast four votes, the first of which revises the Downtown Development Authority boundary to include parts of the Northlake area. Next, they approved easement acquisitions for a sidewalk project along Old Norcross Road. They then awarded a contract for installation of bus pads, benches and other seating at seven MARTA stops around the City. Lastly, they voted to approve a pair of special land use permits (SLUPs) with amended conditions for a gas station development at 4114 Lavista Road.
Council held a special called meeting and work session on January 24. The big item on the agenda was the first read and public hearing for a SLUP that would allow the Chick-fil-A at Tucker Station to relocate across Hugh Howell Road to the site of the old The Greater Good BBQ. Because this land use case was before Council on a first read, there was no action taken. A second read and anticipated vote are scheduled for February 15.
They then voted to approve a handful of board appointments recommended by Mayor Auman. Those new board members will be filling vacancies on the Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority, Public Facilities Authority, Urban Redevelopment Agency and Zoning Board of Appeals. During the subsequent work session, Council received presentations from City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt on progress being made on the safety of Brockett Road, as well as upcoming road resurfacing, sidewalk and trail construction priorities.
The next meeting of the Mayor and City Council will take place on Tuesday February 15 at 7 p.m. at City Hall (1975 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 350B).
