Duluth WORK SESSION NOTES MAYOR AND COUNCIL CITY OF DULUTH, GA FEBRUARY 24, 2025 PRESENT: Mayor Whitlock, Council members Harkness, Thomas, Doss, Graeder, and Holloway, City Manager, Asst. City Managers, Department Directors, City Attorney Mayor Whitlock called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. I. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. II. DISCUSSION TEMS/PRESENTATIONS/UPDATES 1. COLEMAN MS 8TH GRADE STEAM PROJECT [AI Coleman Middle School 8th grade students created a proposal as part of their STEAM project-based learning: How can we as citizens make our community more efficient?" One of the requirements of oroject-Dased learning is students solving real-world, community problems and presenting their solutions to community partners, typically at our showcase events. This past semester, several student groups presented about the need for temporary storage in Downtown Duluth, specifically lockers that could be rented by members of the community while they enjoyed downtown. These students have compiled information on the need for temporary storage while people are having fun downtown, how having lockers can decrease theft of personal items, and how lockers can improve the overall look of downtown to be less cluttered. The students' idea is that individuals who use the lockers will pay a fee for them. Their proposal includes options for monthly, daily, and hourly rental fees. The money from the paymentsysupseriptions will go to paying for the lockers and maintenance fees. To determine desired locations for the lockers, they surveyed their peers. The survey results are as follows: near LR Burger (42.6%), near City Hall (24.1%), near the Library (22.2%), or near the restrooms (11.7%). A screenshot of the survey results from the students' website is included at the end oft this email. M&C Work Session Notes February 24, 2025 Page 2 of 3 2. STORMWATER ORDINANCE CHANGES (B] Staff has been developing potential language for policies to allow for mandatory special assessment districts. The City already has language in our ordinance that covers voluntary special assessments, and those have not been successful to date. Community Develcpmenvenginering Director Margie Pozin presented. She recapped the issues at hand regarding private pond repairs including scope of service, and requirements of HOAS to maintain their stormwater structures. Many of these repairs are very costly, and difficult to determine the exact proportions of causation and responsibility for causing drainage issues and therefore funding repairs. She outlined some of the options for special assessments, policy decisions to be made, and discussed the risk matrix for prioritizing funding. She also noted that formalizing a policy will also allow the City to apply for grant funding to assist the HOA's with repair costs. A special assessment does not have to be limited to detention ponds. It can include other private stormwater repairs such as ditch maintenance, in areas where flooding is a problem. These private projects (ditch reestablishment outside of the right of way) must be completed prior to public projects in some cases for our public projects to be effective. This may be where mandatory assessments are considered either now or in the future. Ms. Pozin provided draft language for creating voluntary and mandatory special districts for maintenance or maintenance and repair for Council's consideration and discussion. Staff would like comments back within 2 weeks. Council will discuss this further at the March 37st 5th Monday work session. 3. SHORT TERM RENTAL REGULATION UPDATE Planning staff has researched how our neighboring cities handle short term rental policy and presented information to Mayor and Council for discussion.lt was recommended to add references to "Homestead Exemptions, design factors and/or parking requirements to the current ordinance. This item to be placed on the next work session for further discussion. 4. BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Department Directors reported their vacancies and recommenendations for 2025 appointments. Councilmember Graeder suggested hosting an annual event with board members to get to know them better and/or express appreciation. Staff was authorized to place ordinances ofappointment on the March 70th council agenda for approval. M&C Work Session Notes February 24, 2025 Page 3 of 3 5. GWINNETT COUNTY EMA UPDATE [CI City Manager James Riker gave a brief overview of our actions and communications with Gwinnett County Emergency Management Agency relating to the last weather event. 6. UPDATE ON SOLID WASTE CONTRACT RENEWAL The City's solid waste contract with Republic Services requires they submit any proposed rate change request at least 60 days prior to expiration of the contract. Accordingly, they have submitted a requested 6% increase based on factors tied to indexes dentified within the contract. Staff provided an overview of the request. The contract amendment will be placed on the next agenda for approval. III. MATTERS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL Community Develcpmenvengnering Director Margie Pozin came forward to discuss the bridge and culvert on Pine Needle Drive. Because of the desire for connection to the Western Gwinnett Bikeway, she requested additional funding for widening. Councilmember Holloway was congratulated on her engagement. Councimember Thomas attended the funeral services in Puerto Rico for MPO Bahamundi. IV. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:50pm. Approved this lo day of Mac 2025. LL Mayor breg Whitlock ATTEST: Ls - - Asst. Cipy Mgr./City Clerk, Teresa Lynn