CITY OF WALTHOURVILLE The Honorable Mayor Sarah B. Hayes, Presiding July 8. 2025 @ 6:00 PM Walthourville Police Department Elected Officials City Administration Luciria L. Lovette, Mayor Pro Tem Nicolas Maxwell, Fire Chief Mitchell Boston Mrs. Ivy Norris, Finance Manager Patrick Underwood Christopher Reed, Police Chief Bridgette Kelly Mr. Dave Martin, Public Works Administrator Robert Dodd Mr. Luke R. Moses, City Attorney Ms. Shana T. Moss, City Clerk AGENDA I. Call to Order Mayor Sarah B. Hayes II. Roll Call City Clerk III. Invocation Appointee IV. Pledge of Allegiance In Unison V. Adoption of Meeting Agenda Councilmembers VI. Adoption of Meeting Minutes Councilmembers June 10, 2025, Regular Meeting June 24, 2025, Regular Meeting was canceled due to GMA Conference in Savannah, GA. VII. Presentation(s) City of Walthourville Mayor Hayes and Councilmember Underwood. VIII. Agenda Item(s) 1. LCPC Mrs. Lori Parks Special Event Permit. 2. LCPC Mr. Jeff Ricketson 2025 Comp Plan Update-Information Only. 3. City ofWalthourville Ms. Shana T. Moss Office of the City Clerk-November 2025 Regular Meeting. 4. City of Walthourville Chief Nicolas Maxwell Fire Recovery Ordinance. This item was initially presented to the Mayor and Council at the March 11, 2025, meeting as informational. 5. City of Walthourville Mayor and Council Impact Fee Discussion. 6. City of Walthourville Mayor and Council TSPLOST Discussion for Road Enhuncememulimpovemem: 7. City of Walthourville Mayor and Council SPLOST Allocation for Johnnie Frasier Park. 8. City ofWalthourville Mayor and Council Training. IX. Department Comments City of Walthourville Water Department Mr. Patrick Golphin Fire Department Chief Nicolas Maxwell Police Department ChiefChristopher Reed X. Citizens Comments Walthourville Citizens XI. Mayor's Update Mayor Sarah B. Hayes XII. Elected Officials' Comments City ofWalthourville Mayor Pro Tem Luciria L. Lovette Councilmember Mitchell Boston Councilmember Patrick Underwood Councilmember Bridgette Kelly Councilmember Robert Dodd XIII. Executive Session Attorney Luke R. Moses XIV. Adjournment Mayor and Council When an Executive Session is warranted, it is called for the following: (Litigation, Personnel and Real Estate) City of Walthourville PRESENTATION Mayor Hayes & Councilmember Underwood Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission - Report Governing Authority: The City of Walthourville Consol LCPC - EL Mayor & Council Date: July 8, 2025 Business License: One Time Event Permit = Sky Walker Day Business Owner: Floyd Morris Property Owner: Con Sabor Boricula LLC, Raul Rios, Jr. Address: 4850 W. Oglethorpe Hwy. Parcel 050B045 Zoned: C2 (General Commercial) Comments: Needs Mayor and Council Approval for this One Time Event Permit. It's a family event in Memory of Mr. Floyd's brother. Recommendation: APPROVAL LCPC Staff: fhbe ri 7-1-35 Lori Parks Date Zoning Administrator City of Walthourville Business License Division SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT This application must be completed and submitted 21 Days Prior to the Outdoor Event Please do not begin advertising your event until your application is approved. 2L RVI Applicant information Name: Flovd most Event Name: Shwalner Sen Business: 4 Irkia k Business Address_ Mailing Address HEwa hC City S-5u7 State_ 6a Zip 31545 Home Address Scye City_ State_ Zip Email Address_ Morr:shom u'sars 4saome. cem Address of Outdoor Event: 44So weSF OSIAoL Date/Time of Outdoor Event: Beginning Date: $-13-75 End Date: 3-33.35 Event Time: 1v.00 AM / PM until 1o AM / PM Set-Up Time: 7cn AM/F PM Break-Down Time: 999h AM /P PM Event Type: Private *no more than three (3) days duration in which alcohol is served/sold. by a Licensed Alcoholic Beverage Caterer or bona fide nonprofit organization* Public *no more than three (3) days duration* Anticipated Number of Participants: &or 300 Alcohol will be: Sold Served NO Food Will Be: Sold Served Onsite Cooking Yes No Has a Food Service permit-been, granted? Ves No By The Department of Public Health N/A Will Tents be used? Yes No How many?, Will sound amplification equipment be used? YesC No Will artificial lighting be used? Yes No Will a sign or other type of display be used? Yes[ No Detailed Description of Outdoor Event: (Include information about activities, structures, vendors, merchandise, etc.) I, G foniy w eenr in * Mnof of py Brorkr who Pessd CwC he wi be Dunheser frihe ine I- Ps Rmes, Gyd G Cerslow iso w 1t r 5w4 fwr H.5 Ryut PRINTED NAME AND: SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: FbJ vo, C-9 Ae DATE: 6 135 lacknowledge and affirm that this Outdoor Event will occur in accordançé with the terms and conditions. stipulated therein of the permit. 5 PRINTED NAME AND. SIGNATURE OF PROPERTY OWNER owner Signed in Date:_ 6 27 2 wiong space Mailing Address: P.O Box K, Walthourville, GA 31333 Phone: (912) 368-7501 Office Location: 222 Busbee Road, Walthourville, GA 31333 Web site address: ownohaltewnvlecon THE JOINT LIBERTY COUNTY COMPRDEIENSIVE PLAN Liberty County Joint Comprehensive Plan Liberty County, Allenhurst, Flemington, Gum Branch, 2025 Hinesville, Midway, Riceboro, Walthourville Liberty County . Allenhurst . Flemington . Gum Branch . Hinesville . Midway . Riceboro . Walthourville Public Hearings A public hearing was held on January 18, 2024. The Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission delivered aj presentation introducing the Comprehensive Planning process and the purpose ofupdating the Plan. The presentation discussed the minimum planning requirements as defined by the DCA, the general benefits of planning, and the opportunities the County will use to engage and involve residents and other key players in the community. After the draft Comprehensive Plan was completed, two final public hearings were held on July 15, 2025 during the Liberty County Planning Commission meeting and on July 17, 2025 during the Liberty County Board of Commissioners Meeting to collect public comments. Table. 1. Stakeholder meetings schedule and discussion topics. Date Topic December 12, 2024 This meeting was toi inform the: stakeholders oftheir purpose int the planning process. Census demographics data was presented. Stakeholders discussed their visions for the County. January 15, 2025 The Committee: reviewed and discussed the vision and goals. February 13, 2025 This meeting focused on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the County. February 27, 2025 This meeting focused on reviewing and updating the Future Land Use and Character. Area maps, descriptions, and regulations. April 22, 2025 This meeting focused on reviewing the community work program, and revisiting the County's vision and goals. hs - - Table: 2. Community planning meeting schedule. Date Subarea Location February 26, 2024 Flemington Liberty County Performing Arts Center March 25, 2024 Fleming Fleming Baptist Church April 22, 2024 Mclintosh/Holmestowm Dorchester Academy & Museum May 20, 2024 Riceboro Riceboro Youth Center June 24, 2024 Midway Liberty County East End Complex July 22, 2024 Walthourville Liberty College and Career Academy August 26, 2024 Allenhurst Allenhurst Presbyterian Church September 23, 2024 Gum Branch/ Rye Patch Gum Branch Baptist Church October 28, 2024 Hinesville West Crossroads Holy Church of God November 18, 2024 Hinesville Mid Cherokee Rose Country Club December 12, 2024 Hinesville East Hinesville City Hall January 27, 2025 Sunbury/lslands Dorchester Civic Center Figure 30. Subarea map. N Fort Sewort Subarea Subarea Gum Fleming Branch/Rye Patch Bovon Couety F > Gathan Caunty Subarea Midntos/Holmestown boro Subares Sunburv/ltlands tong County Mtentosn Caonty 25 10 Mins Legend Pubished: 5/19/2025 Rairoad Subarea -Fleming Hinesvile (East) McintashHalmestoAn. a Sunburyrlslands pcryL Limils - Allenhurst : Flamingion 37 Hnesvile (Md) Midway Wathourvile - Fort Stewart Gum BranchyRye Patch Hinesvile (West) Riceboro PPEEA e - - : :TE4 T Asoe 3 : - e sa a on - - - pano - nepr - Figure 1. Total population. Figure 2. Population projection of Liberty County. Walthourville 3,770 84K 82,028 Riceboro 935 82K 80K Midway 2,173 78K Hinesville 35,282 76K Gumbranch 293 74K Flemington 1,324 72K Allenhurst 714 70K Unincorporated 22,335 9 9 p pP Ap p9 2 ape 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 Source: Georgia Governor's Office of Source: U.S. Census Bureau. "ACS Demographic and Housing Planning and Budget "County Residential Estimates. American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Data Population 2024 Long-Term Population Profiles, Table DP05, 2023. Projections." Figure 10. Median household income. $100K $80K $60K 95K $40K 64K 59K 70K 54K $20K 45K 46K $K Allenhurst Flemington Gum Branch Hinesville Midway Riceboro Walthourville Liberty Georgia iource: U.S. Census Bureau. Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2023 Inflation. Adjusted. Dollars)." American Community urvey, ACS5-Year Estimates. Subject Tables, Table. S1901, 2023. Figure: 13. Industry ofo civilian employment. Educational. services, and health care and: social assistance 21% Retail trade 14% Profesiona/scienufie/ n managem meyAdmiasratwewate- 12% Ars/enteraimmen/reccommodation/loodservices 10% Public administration 9% Transportation: and warehousing, and utilities 9% Manufacturing 8% Construction 5% Finance: and insurance, and real estate: and rental and! leasing 5% Other services, except public: administration 4% Wholesale trade 2% Information 1% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and! hunting, and mining 1% 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 Source: U.S. Census Bureau. "Industry by Occupation, for the Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over." - American Community. Survey, ACS5 5-Year Estimates. Subject Tables, Table 52405, 2023. Figure 22. Housing unit structure types. 100% 8% 16% 25% 31% 80% 39% 44% 69% 60% 95% 40% 64% 64% 62% 61% 55% 20% 39% 31% 0% / / / / A / a 1-unit, detached a 1-unit, attached 21 units a 3 or 4 units a units / 15to9u L - 10 to 19 units 20 or more units a Mobile home Boat, RV, van, etc. Source: U.S. Census Bureau. "ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates." - American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Data Profiles, Table DP04, 2023. 3.2 Goals and Policies Goals Policies Economic Development Support a diverse and Encourage a mix ofi industries and businesses from different sectors. resilient economy Attract and retain businesses. Promote workforce Collaborate with local schools, colleges, and workforce agencies to align development and training with industry needs. education Expand access to vocational, technical, and continuing education opportunities. Encourage internships, apprenticeships, and youth employment programs. Encourage Attract and support local businesses. entrepreneurship and small business growth Promote incubators and co-working spaces. Foster revitalization Encourage development at I-95 Exit 67 and Exit 76. and investment in key areas Invest in infrastructure improvements that support economic activity. Natural and Cultural Resources Conserve and enhance Protect environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, floodplains, natural resources and watersheds. Preserve existing tree canopy and support tree preservation initiatives. Promote coastal Incorporate climate adaptation strategies into land use and resiliency infrastructure planning. Support public education on coastal resiliency and sustainable living. Preserve cultural and Identify and protect historically significant structures, sites, districts, historic resources and landscapes. Support adaptive reuse of historic buildings to maintain cultural continuity. Goals Policies Support historic preservation entities, such as the Liberty County Historical Society, Hinesville! Historic Preservation Commission, and the Liberty County Cultural and Historical Resources Committee. Promote, educate, and celebrate Liberty County's cultural and historic significance. Ensure public access to Promote: ande encourage the use ofv walking and nature trails. naturala and cultural resources Preserve: and encourage: recreational use of greenspaces. Community! Facilities and Services Ensure: adequate and Plan for facilities based on current and projected population needs. equitable public facilities and services Increase access to recreational: and entertainment: facilities. Promote downtowns: and town centers. Provide safe, reliable, Maintain. and improve water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure to and efficient accommodate growth. infrastructure Expand: and enhance wastewater reuse efforts and infrastructure. Foster Collaborate. and: share: services and facilities across jurisdictions. intergovermmental. and regional collaboration Pursue and engage in shared service agreements for infrastructure projects with cross-jurisdictional. benefits. Land Use: andl Development Promote efficient and Coordinate land use planning with transportation, utilities, and public sustainable growth services. Guide new development towards areas with existing infrastructure: and services. Promote brownfield: and greyfield sites for mixed-use developments. Preserve community Maintain transitions and buffers between incompatible. land uses. characterandi livability Incorporate public spaces, greenways, and pedestrian amenities into development projects. Ensure land use Protect sensitive natural areas such as wetlands and floodplains from decisions support inappropriate development. environmental stewardship Integrate and prioritize coastal resiliency inj planning and development. Housing Ensure housing Increase availability of attainable: and affordablel housing. affordability for all income levels Support the submittal ofl low-income housing tax credit applications to provide: additional multi-familyl housing. Provide: a diverse Support development of a variety of housing types, including single- range ofl housing family homes, townhomes, and multi-family: apartments, etc. options Promotel housing optionst that serve: alll household types,s such as seniors, individuals, students, families, and people with disabilities. Goals Policies Expand opportunities Encourage development of housing at various price points, including for homeownership starter homes, townhomes, and condominiums. across income levels Transportation Develop a safe and Prioritize roadway safety and improvement initiatives for all users, efficient transportation including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. system Evaluate impacts on traffic flow from new developments. Coordinate transportation improvements with future land use patterns and growth projections. Promote multimodal Expand and improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including transportation options sidewalks, multi-use paths, and trails. Enhance the visual Promote streetscape improvements and beautification efforts that quality and create attractive, safe, and inviting public spaces. functionality of roadways Improve roadway walkability and accessibility. 7 Land Use According to ther minimum standardsand procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning, communities with zoning or similar development regulations are required to include a land use element within their Comprehensive Plan. In 2023, the County and all Cities adopted the Liberty County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which updated and consolidated the zoning and subdivision regulations for Liberty Countya and its seven municipalitiesintoa: single document. The table below outlines twenty zoning districts in Liberty County. Table. 3. Zoning Districts. Category District District Name A-1 Agricultural Agricultural and Conservation Districts AR-1 Agricultural Residential DM Dunes and Marshes R-20 Single-Family Residential-20 R-12 Single-Family Residential-12 R-8 Single-Family Residential-8 Residential Districts ATR Attached Residential MFR Multi-family residential MHP Manufactured Home Park SFMH Single-Family Manufactured Home Commerda:Dstricts C-1 Central Business C-2 General Commerciall C-3 Hiplia ay Conimerchal OI Officel Institutional IC Interstate Corridor DD Downtown, Development Industrial Districts LI Light Industrial I-1 Industrial Planned Districts PUD Planned Unit Development PDD Planned Deve elopment Commercial This category isfor! landdedicated toi non-industridl! business uses, including retail sales, offices, services, and entertainment, facilities. Commercial uses may bel located as a single use in one building orgrouped togetheri inc a shopping center or office building. Regulations Commercial development must be compatible with adjacent land uses. Appropriate to traffic flow/access and must be supported by existing or planned infrastructure. Development should have ani internal parking: and pedestrian circulation: system. reatea a comprehensive design scheme for future development and redevelopment itec design should be pedestrian-oriented internally and between development and neighborhoods. Newc developments should be in: a planned commercial center. Fast food and other "drive-thru" windows should be discouraged except on mixed-use urban corridors. Commercial development should have requiredsitedesignt features that limit noise, lighting, and other activityt tor not adversely impact surrounding residential areas. Low-density office uses shall serve as a transitional land use between residential uses and uses of higher intensity. Compatiblez Zoning Districts C-1 (Central Business) OI (Office Institutional) C-2 (General Commercial) IC(Interstate Corridor) *through conditional use permits C-3( (Hghwa/Commercial) PUD (Planned Unit Development) ER4s WB - Residential, Low-Density The predominant use ofland within this residential category is fors single-fomilydivelings Regulations Encourage a variety of compatible housing options. Use road networks in residential areas to promote safety and connectivity with existing and future developments. The size, scale, design, and material of duplexes/townhomes must be compatible with the established neighborhood character and located preferably along collector or local roads. Public pedestrian or multiple-use trails are encouraged to provide a connection between neighborhoods and parks or other destinations. Allow home occupation (professions and services, but not retail sales) by permitting the employment of one full-time equivalent individual not residing on the premises. For new developments, require buffering for controlling visual, noise, and activity impacts between residential and commercial uses. Compatible Zoning Districts . A-1 (Agricultural) R-20 (Single-family. Residential-20) AR-1 (Agricultural Residential) ATR (Attached Residential) R-8 (Single-family Residential-8) SFMH Single-family. Manujactured Home) R-12 (Single-family Residential-12) PUD (Planned Unit Development) 51 Liberty County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2025 Land Use Figure 16. Future Land Use Map. N Forts Stewort Bryon County Chathans County tang Counry Meintosh County 2.5 10 Miles Legend Published: 5/22/2025 Railroad Future Land Use Commercial a Mixed Use a Public/institutional aciy Limits Agiculure/foresty a Conservation Mixed-Use Urban Corridor BF Residential High-Density Fort Stewart a Industrial ParkRecreation aF Residentiall Low-Density nma de riw y a - . TES t A a s as a : marcer - t sajen len E disas G - n a3 aa S - L Future Land Use Liberty County . Subarea: Riceboro - Screven Fork Rd Sunbury Rd a Lewis Frasier Rd Subarea: / e Subarea: Mcintosh/Holmestown a Midway a - / VIee Rd & Mare BparIy fort M, Subarea: She Sunbury/lslands & s 5A - & Epne Long County I nk, / / Ra, Mcintashg nty N 4,500 9,000 18,000 Feet Legend Published: 5/19/2025 Wetlands EISubareas Future Land Use Commercial - Industrial Mixed-Use Rural Corridor ParkRecreation Residentiall High-Density Ecity Limits Agriculture/Forestry Conservation Mixed Use Mixed-Use Urban Corridor - Public/institutional Residentiall Low-Density Liberty County Jointo Comprehensive Plan 2025 Land Use 7.3 Character Areas The Character Areas Mapisc defined! byt thel Department ofCommunity. Affairs (DCA)asas specific geographic area or district within a community that possesses unique or special characteristics that should be preserved ore enhanced, such as a downtown, historic district, neighborhood, or transportation corridor. It mayalsor represent an: area with thej potential to evolve into a distinctive: area through intentional; guidance of future development, facilitated by adequate planning and implementation, like a strip commercial corridor that could be revitalized into a more attractive village development pattern. Additionally, a character: area may require special attention due to unique development issues,including rapido changes in development patterns ore economic decline. The County has identified the following character areas, which are shown on the map in this chapter. Detailed: zoomed in maps for each: subarea are included in AppendixA. Traditional Neighborhood Downtown Historic Preservation Residential Neighborhood Commercial Center Other/Special Transitional Neighborhood Neighborhood Commercial Light! Industrial Area Scattered Residential Marketplace Corridor Regional Employment Center Rural Residentiall Preservation Gateway Corridor Agriculture/Farmland Rural Residential Bypass Corridor Greenspace Town Center Rural Crossroads Traditional Neighborhood These are established residential areas characterized by walkable, compact development) patterns with a strong traditional southern coastal character and sensed ofA place. These neighborhoods are typically close to community amenities such ass schools, parks, services, and shops. These areas often reflect historico or, pre-suburban development patterns and are vitalt toc a community's identity, offering a high quality oflife, architectural character and close-knit community dynamics. FmmemntaiDeiagmeal Patterns - Promote infill development. Additional pocket and passivep parks. B Encourage the preservation ofe existing trees. Provide affordable housing development E HE incentives. Strong bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to encourage residents to walk or bike to work and shopping. Incorporate sidewalks for all new developments andr retrofit existings sidewalks. Service retail should be encouraged,: such as dry-cleaning, convenience stores, salons, or similar retail services. Higher-density developments should have direct access to: arterial streets. Incorporate landscape buffers toy preserve the traditional coastal: southern natural character Liberty County joint Comprehensive Plan 2025 Land Use Figure. 17. Character, Areas Map. N Fort Stewart Bryan County Chatham County a lang County Mointosh County 2.5 10. Miles Legend Published: 5/12/2025 Raircad CharacterA Areas Commercis Canter BC Grenapace DN Memorial Drive Distict ERedavebopnant a Ruw Residential Growth Ocly! Lmits BA AgricutureF. ammand Decinng Neghborhood BH Hatonc Preservatien Natural Conservaton BF Regional Emplcyment Center - F Rues Residentisl Preserntion Toan Certer Forts Stewart DDypass Comdor 60 Dourtown LightindustiolA Area 7F B Neghbarhood Cermercal Residental Neigogthood Scabered Resderbal DTainemallegeshons a Getewsy Corndor Merteplace Corisor 7 OmerSpeciai a Rurai Crossroads 3: Scenc Coridor 1 Transitions' Neighterood 5EAEA EE : le - - yt - ar - n - Character Areas Liberty County- Subarea: Walthourville Toar Subarea: Hinesville (Mid) Subarea: Hinesville (West) 33 Subarea: * s Allenhurst - - Subarea: Mdihto:h/liolmestown I2 - Sg N 5001,000 - 2oe - Legend PEisNe? 7252024 cyL Limits Character Areas - Greenspace Neighbarhcod Commercial a Rural ResidentialF Preservation pisiemea! a AgrcumurefFamiand Lightir IndustrialA Area Other/Special Scattered Residental Bypasso Comdor Marketplace Cordor Residential Neghbonood E Towno Center Gateway Coridor a Natural Conservation & Rural Residental - Transitionall Neighborhood - 1 Liberty County Joint Comprehensive Plan: 2025 Community' Work Program Table 10. Hinesville Work Program. Timeframe Action Item 5 - Responsible Estimated Funding (Hinesville) E 3 a 5 € Party Cost Source Economicl Development Expand Business Incubator x x x x X City Council $31 Million SPLOST,GF, Grants Natural & Cultural Resources City Council, Renovate Hineshaw Friends of Hines SPLOST, GF, Building X x X x x Shaw TBD Grants Foundation, Historical Society Community Facilities & Services Redevelop: andi redesign the Amphitheater and park X x City Council, $1.5 Million GF,SPLOST entrance at Bryant HDDA Commons Improvements: atl Irene B HUD Thomas Park X X City Council TBD Entitlement Fund Expand Public Works! facility x x x City Council $21 Million SPLOST, Grants City Council, SPLOST, Establish an Event Center X x x x x LCBOC Hotel/Motel Tax Establish Entertainment al Family Center x x x x x City Council Hotel/Motel Tax Expand fire: servicest tot the GF,SPLOST, new developments on the x City Council TBD east: side of Hinesville Impact Fees Land Use & Development Developa al Development x City Council $90,000 GF Impact Fee Ordinance Update Code ofOrdinances x x x x x City Council StaffTime GF Housing Conductal Housing Study x City Council TBD GF GF, Complete Phase 3B of Revolving Azalea Street x City Council $2.1 Million Loan Fund, Redevelopment Project CDBG, CHIP, Citizen Questions? www.thelcpc.org * LCPC) * lin ze Comm ALI CITY OF WALTHOURVILLE V MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM * ou RVILLE & AISANS K7 MG II ILEI IMIHE M: SUBJECT: November 2025 Mayor and Council Meeting AGREEMENT 0 POLICY / DISCUSSION OCONTRACT ORDINANCE RESOLUTION/PROCLAMATION (X) OTHER SUBMITTED: 07-01-2025 Council Meeting: 07-08-2025 DEPARTMENT: Office of the City Clerk BUDGET IMPACT: NA PUBLIC HEARING? ( ) Yes (X)No PURPOSE: The City of Walthourville only has one regular meeting in November. The regular meeting (November 11, 2025) occurs on the Veterans Day Holiday. The City will be closed for this recognized holiday and the meeting will not be held. HISTORY: Veterans Day is a City recognized Holiday. FACTS and ISSUES: NA. RECOMMENDED ACTION: For the Mayor and Council to determine a different meeting date or cancel the entire meeting. Office ofthe City Clerk 5 2 - 8 4 4 7 2 Y 6 5 a 3 / 2 NALI CITY OF WALTHOURVILLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Pu RVILLE. G > ISA SUBJECT: Impact Fee Discussion AGREEMENT (X) POLICY DISCUSSION CONTRACT ORDINANCE ) RESOLUTIONPROCLAMATION OTHER SUBMITTED: 07-01-2025 Council Meeting: 07-08-2025 DEPARTMENT: Mayor and Council BUDGET IMPACT: NA PUBLIC HEARING? ( ) Yes (X)No PURPOSE: Impact Development Fees are one-time charges imposed by local governments on new construction to help fund the expansion of public infrastructure needed to serve the new development. HISTORY: The Georgia Development Impact Fee Act (DIFA) was enacted into law in 1990. It sets rules for local governments that wish to charge new development. FACTS and ISSUES: Discussion Only RECOMMENDED ACTION: Informational Mayor and Council Georgia Impact Fees: Purpose, Calculation, and Legal Framework Explore the role, calculation, and legal aspects of Georgia's impact fees in urban development and infrastructure funding. Georgia's impact fees are crucial in managing community growth by ensuring new developments contribute to necessary infrastructure. These fees offset costs associated with increased demand for public services like roads, schools, and parks. Understanding Georgia's impact fees involves examining their purpose, calculation methods, legal framework, and howfunds are utilized, which is vital for stakeholders in urban planning, real estate, and local governance. Purpose and Application of Impact Fees In Georgia, impact fees ensure that new development costs aren'tunfairly placed on existing residents. These fees fund public infrastructure expansion needed for new growth. The Georgia Development Impact Fee Act (DIFA), enacted in 1990, provides the framework for these fees, allowing local governments to impose them for facilities such as transportation, water supply, and public safety. Impact fees are guided by the principle of proportionality, ensuring fees relate directly to the needs created by development. For example, a new residential subdivision may be assessed fees to contribute to road construction, reflecting increased traffic. Local governments must develop a comprehensive plan outlining anticipated growth and infrastructure needs, updating it regularly. Public participation is crucial, with governments required to hold hearings and solicit community input before adopting fee ordinances. Legal Framework Governing Impact Fees The Georgia Development Impact Fee Act (DIFA) grants local governments authority to impose fees on developers to finance public infrastructure for new developments. DIFA mandates that impact fees be used solely for system improvements, not maintenance, ensuring funds accommodate new growth. Georgia law requires a methodical approach to calculating and assessing impact fees, emphasizing a detailed capital improvements plan. This plan must identify infrastructure improvements and estimated costs. DIFA mandates that the calculation be based on a rational nexus, ensuring a direct connection between fees and development needs. This connection is vital to avoid legal challenges. 1 Compiled for City ofWalthourville Mayor and Council Meeting-July 8, 2025-STM DIFA requires local governments to maintain separate accounts for collected fees, preventing commingling with other funds and ensuring fees are spent within six years, barring exceptions. This ensures transparency and accountability, maintaining public trust. Governments must provide annual reports detailing fee use, aiding public oversight and compliance. Calculation and Assessment The calculation and assessment of impact fees in Georgia ensure new developments equitably contribute to infrastructure needs. Local governments must develop a detailed methodology reflecting specific demands on public facilities. The Georgia Development Impact Fee Act (DIFA) requires this calculation to be rooted in a comprehensive capital improvements plan, identifying required projects and costs. A critical aspect is the concept of a rational nexus, requiring a connection between the fee and the development's impact. This was underscored in the Georgia Supreme Court case of Home Builders Association of Georgia, Inc. V. City of McDonough, emphasizing careful alignment with infrastructure needs. Local governments must ensure calculations are transparent and justifiable, often using studies and data analysis to project growth and infrastructure demands accurately. The assessment involves public participation to maintain transparency and fairness. Governments must hold hearings and solicit feedback on proposed fee structures. This participatory approach enhances fee legitimacy and allows adjustments based on public input. Fees are subject to periodic reviews to ensure alignment with growth trends and infrastructure needs. Use of Collected Fees In Georgia, the use of collected impact fees is regulated to ensure funds enhance public infrastructure for new developments. Under DIFA, these fees are earmarked for system improvements, not routine maintenance, emphasizing the state's commitment to addressing growth demands. This ensures fees contribute to expanding or upgrading facilities like roads, parks, and public safety buildings, facilitating sustainable development. Strategic allocation requires careful planning and orioritization. Local governments must align capital improvement projects with needs identified in their comprehensive plans. If a community anticipates significant residential growth, fees might be allocated to expand schools or enhance transportation networks. This targeted approach ensures developments generating fees benefit directly from improvements, maintaining fairness. 2 Compiled for City of Walthourville Mayor and Council Meeting-July 8, 2025-STM Legal Challenges and Compliance Issues Navigating impact fees in Georgia involves addressing legal challenges and ensuring compliance with regulations. Disputes can arise over the proportionality and legality of fees, with developers challenging whether they are justified based on actual impacts. Such disputes can lead to court cases scrutinizing DIFA's interpretation. A key contention area is adhering to the rational nexus principle, requiring a clear linkage between fees and infrastructure needs. Failure to establish this connection can lead to claims of unlawful fee imposition. Compliance issues often surface around the proper use of collected funds. Local governments must maintain transparency and accountability, ensuring fees are used for system improvements within stipulated time frames. Addressing these challenges requires diligent planning, regular audits, and open communication with stakeholders to align fee implementation with statutory requirements and community expectations. 3 Compiled for City of Walthourville Mayor and Council Meeting-July 8, 2025-STM NAL CITY OF WALTHOURVILLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM * u RVILLE G MRN s KN ING TILE M SUBJECT: TSPLOST Discussion AGREEMENT (X) POLICY DISCUSSION CONTRACT ORDINANCE RESOLUTION/PROCLAMATION OTHER SUBMITTED: 07-01-2025 Council Meeting: 07-08-2025 DEPARTMENT: Mayor and Council BUDGET IMPACT: NA PUBLIC HEARING? ( ) Yes (X)No PURPOSE: TSPLOST stands for Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. It is a 1% sales tax that counties can use to fund transportation projects like roads, bridges, and public transit. HISTORY: TSPLOST funds are dedicated to transportation infrastructure improvements, including roads, bridges, airports, safety enhancements, transit systems, and maintenance. FACTS and ISSUES: Discussion Only RECOMMENDED ACTION: For the Mayor and Council to identify the roads in the City of Walthourville they wish to repair with TSPLOST Funds. Mayor and Council NAL CITY OF WALTHOURVILLE - MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL AGENDAITEM > ou RVILLE C AIRNISS MKNINE waI LE IMPEN SUBJECT: SPLOST Allocation for Johnnie Frasier Park AGREEMENT 0 POLICY / DISCUSSION ) CONTRACT ORDINANCE RESOLUTION/PROCLAMATION (X) OTHER SUBMITTED: 07-02-2025 Council Meeting: 07-08-2025 DEPARTMENT: Mayor and Council BUDGET IMPACT: NA PUBLIC HEARING? ( ) Yes (X)No PURPOSE: SPLOST is a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. It is a 1% sales tax that cities can use to fund transportation projects like roads, bridges, and public transit. HISTORY: July 1, 1985, Georgia law enabled local jurisdictions to use SPLOST proceeds for capital improvement projects. SPLOST must be approved by voters in a general referendum in order to be enacted and last for a maximum of 72 months (6years FACTS and ISSUES: Discussion Only RECOMMENDED ACTION: For the Mayor and Council to allocate SPLOST dollars to Johnnie Frasier Park. Mayor and Council NAL CITY OF WALTHOURVILLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL AGENDAITEM An U C S RVILLE ADAAIS KA NG ILE MT SUBJECT: Training AGREEMENT ) POLICY / DISCUSSION 0 CONTRACT ORDINANCE RESOLUTION/PROCLAMATION (X) OTHER SUBMITTED: 07-02-2025 Council Meeting: 07-08-2025 DEPARTMENT: Mayor and Council BUDGET IMPACT: NA PUBLIC HEARING? ( ) Yes (X)No - Mayor and Council