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Before the Vote
Monday's Council agenda, and how much the city showed you
Milton City Council meets Monday, Oct. 19 at 6 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Here is every item on the agenda, how it got there, and a Sunshine score for how much of it the city put in front of you.
Packet posted Thursday, Oct. 15, about 6:33 PM, four days before the meeting · 427 pages ·
Agenda ·
Full packet ·
Watch live
Storm warnings
When the city's own records conflict with its charter, its code or its own written policy, it goes here: the rule, the record, who signed off, and the city's answer. We found none on Monday's agenda.
Fiscal 2027 so far (since Oct. 1)
0storms on Monday's agenda
3approvals sought after the fact
4.0Sunshine score, Oct. 19
Still open from fiscal 2026: police camera records
Camera records kept 365 days; the department's July 2025 policy says 30Milton Police policy 500-016 (July 24, 2025)
The rule
The policy says the record of your car passing a Milton camera is deleted after 30 days.
The record
Milton's Flock page shows 365 days; the 2022 contract Council approved said 30. We found no Council vote on a year in the agendas and minutes posted since 2021. The department points to a one-line budget-book entry on extending retention, which gives no number of days. Flock's own written policy has required an elected official's or governing body's approval for keeping data that long since at least April 2025, six months before Milton's change. Our copy of the policy came from the attorney for Randy Dula, a former Milton officer, and the city hasn't confirmed it.
Who signed off
Police Chief Jason Griffin and City Manager Steven Krokoff approved the 365-day setting, the department says.
The city's answer
Sept. 18, the department: the year began in October 2025 as part of an upgrade “authorized by the Chief and the City Manager,” and it “appears in our published budget book.” The period “was selected based on investigative experience,” because “relevant vehicle information may not emerge within seven or 30 days,” particularly while investigators wait on cell-phone records. The city “will seek further guidance.”
Status
Open. The policy's approval records were requested Oct. 15 (PRR-563, due Oct. 20). Our story
For anyone at the podium, and for the seven people at the dais.
The charter lets the City Manager sign contracts up to $50,000 if Council ratifies them afterward. Three ratifications have reached Council in 2026. How many contracts has he signed under that authority this year?
Council is asked to approve a $691,000-a-year Tri Scapes contract that isn't in the packet; the memo says it is “subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney.” Will Council see the final agreement before it's signed, and what is the five-year total with extras?
City code calls for three written quotes on most purchases over $5,000 and up to $50,000, with exceptions. How was the $7,250 festival stage company chosen, and which rule applied?
The traffic signal contract expired Sept. 30, and its extension is dated back to Oct. 1. Was any signal work done before Monday's vote, and what kept the extension off the Oct. 5 agenda?
Why expand the Development Authority twice in two weeks, and how are new directors chosen? Will Council see the corrected resolution before it votes?
The meeting's Sunshine score
4.0 of 5
Average of 17 scored items
Ordinances, resolutions and hearings 4.8
Contracts on the consent agenda 3.1
Eight of the 17 scored items earned a perfect 5. The clouds gather on the consent agenda, where ten
items pass in one motion unless a member pulls one: two contracts the City Manager signed before Council saw them, one
extended after it expired, and the biggest, a $691,000-a-year parks contract, without the contract itself.
How to speak Monday
General public comment is item 5, near the start of the meeting, before the consent agenda.
Public hearings on the Stone House Tap license (9A) and the Deerfield moratorium (9B), where anyone may speak on that item.
Fill out a public comment card and give it to the city clerk before your item is called. Once the clerk calls it, no more cards. Turning it in before the meeting starts is safest.
Five minutes, once. General comment covers consent items and first readings too, including any contract on the consent agenda. Public hearings and new business: five minutes each.
Final votes on unfinished business (the election code and the tax rate): each side gets at least ten minutes.
Can't stay? Written comments are read only if you're there. For emails marked for the record (300 words or fewer), the clerk reads your name, address and position, and the full text only if you attend or show you can't.
Speaking for a group takes a notarized affidavit first.
Shown Partly shown Not shown Record conflicts with a written ruleHow the score works
A cloud is not a finding that the city broke the Sunshine Laws or any other law. It marks what the packet didn't show.
6CNo. 26-317Consent agendaPresented by Sara Leaders, Community Development and Public Works Director
Providence Lake Drive culvert: engineering help through construction, $40,491
Finance: Bernadette Harvill (Oct. 12)Legal: Jennifer McCall, Jarrard & Davis (Aug. 14)City Manager: Steven Krokoff (Oct. 14)
4½ of 5
On consent
$40,491
$40,490.64 from the stormwater capital account.
Garver designed the new culvert under a July 2025 agreement; this keeps the designer on through bidding and construction.
Providence Lake Drive is the only road into about 97 homes. One lane stays open during the work.
“Garver prepared the design for replacement of the existing culvert. Continuing with the design consultant would maintain continuity as the project advances to construction and provide technical support to City staff and the selected contractor.”
The memo says keeping Garver on keeps continuity. What has the firm been paid on this project so far?
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
Up for approval before the work starts. Not a ratification. packet p. 22
Seen before the vote Partly shown
This contract is new on Monday's consent agenda. The project was on the Sept. 9 consent agenda (a change order to Garver's design contract and a surveying contract).
The real document Shown
The agreement itself is in the packet.
The whole price Shown
$40,490.64, one job, paid from the stormwater capital account. packet p. 22
How and why Shown
Not bid out, and the memo says why: the firm that designed it stays on for continuity. packet p. 22
How it got here
April 2024 The city hires Lowe Engineers to inspect the culvert; the inspection finds sinkholes, spalling concrete and exposed steel.
July 2025 The city hires Garver to design the replacement.
Sept. 9, regular meeting Consent agenda: Approval of Change Order #1 to the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Garver, LLC for Design Services for the Providence Lake Drive Culvert Replacement Project (No. 26-259).
Sept. 9, regular meeting Consent agenda: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Terramark Land Surveying, Inc. for Right-of-Way Acquisition Support Services for the Providence Lake Drive Culvert Replacement Project (No. 26-260).
Oct. 19 Consent agenda, Monday's meeting.
Money trail
The city has paid Garver $122,035 since October 2020, across 10 checkbook lines.
FY25$2,400
FY26$119,635
City fiscal years run October to September. FY26 runs through June 25, the latest entry in our copy of the city's checkbook. All payments to this vendor, not only this contract.
Official title: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Garver, LLC for Construction Phase Services for the Providence Lake Culvert Replacement Project.
6DNo. 26-318Consent agendaPresented by Sara Leaders, Community Development and Public Works Director
Traffic signal upkeep: an expired contract, extended back to Oct. 1
Finance: Bernadette Harvill (Oct. 12)Legal: Jennifer McCall, Jarrard & Davis (Sept. 24)City Manager: Steven Krokoff (Oct. 14)
2½ of 5
On consent
Retroactive
The 2021 contract with GTG Traffic Signals expired Sept. 30, 2026.
Change order #1 runs it to March 31, 2027 while the city rebids the work.
The memo says the extension itself has no direct cost.
“Change Order #1 would extend the agreement by six months, through March 31, 2027, to maintain continuity of signal maintenance and repair services while the City completes a new competitive procurement process.”
The extension has “no direct financial impact,” the memo says; work in the extra six months is paid by purchase order from Public Works maintenance accounts. It gives neither the contract's value nor what six more months will cost. packet p. 63
How and why Shown
Awarded to GTG on Sept. 20, 2021, and the city is rebidding the work now. packet p. 63
How it got here
Sept. 20, 2021 The city awards GTG the five-year signal maintenance contract.
Sept. 30 The contract expires.
Oct. 19 Consent agenda, Monday's meeting.
Money trail
The city has paid GTG Traffic Signals $121,968 since October 2020, across 137 checkbook lines.
FY22$7,068
FY23$65,735
FY24$24,035
FY25$20,320
FY26$4,810
City fiscal years run October to September. FY26 runs through June 25, the latest entry in our copy of the city's checkbook. All payments to this vendor, not only this contract.
How many companies bid, and is the contract three years or four?
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
Up for approval before it is signed. Not a ratification. packet p. 67
Seen before the vote Not shown
On the consent agenda, approved with the others in one motion unless a member pulls it, and not on any earlier 2026 Council agenda.
The real document Shown
The agreement and the bid documents are in the packet. packet p. 67
The whole price Partly shown
$21,998.42 a year. The memo says three years at that price; the bid invitation describes three automatic one-year renewals, which would make four. packet p. 67
How and why Partly shown
Bid out, “lowest qualified bidder,” but the packet doesn't say how many companies bid. packet p. 67
How it got here
Oct. 19 Consent agenda, Monday's meeting.
Money trail
No payments to Illuminating Design (the name on its bid papers) in the city's checkbook since October 2020.
Official title: Approval of a Services Agreement with Illuminated Design, Inc. for Holiday Lighting & Décor Services.
6FNo. 26-320Consent agendaPresented by Sara Leaders, Community Development and Public Works Director
Mid Broadwell Road realignment at the District at Mayfield: final design, $80,727
Finance: Bernadette Harvill (Oct. 12)Legal: Jennifer McCall, Jarrard & Davis (Oct. 7)City Manager: Steven Krokoff (Oct. 14)
5 of 5
On consent
$80,727
$80,727 from TSPLOST project TS2-2710.
Final design (100% plans) for Phase 1, plus a bid package.
When Council saw the concept, it asked for a fuller development plan and more certainty on greenspace before construction or closing the road.
“The proposed realignment is intended to maintain access while creating a smaller-scale, lower-speed street that improves pedestrian connectivity and supports the District's planned character.”
$80,727 cap for this task. Construction administration “may be considered under a separate future authorization,” the memo says. packet p. 177
How and why Shown
RFP 25-PW01 drew three proposals; Moffatt & Nichol won the concept work in April 2025, and this keeps the same firm. packet p. 177
How it got here
June 19, 2023 Council adopts the District at Mayfield plan.
Jan. 30, 2025 The city asks for proposals (RFP 25-PW01) and gets three.
April 14, 2025 Moffatt & Nichol is hired for the concept design.
Sept. 9, regular meeting Reports and presentations: Presentation of Concept Plan for Mid Broadwell Road Realignment Project for the District at Mayfield (No. 26-267).
Oct. 19 Consent agenda, Monday's meeting.
Money trail
The city has paid Moffatt & Nichol $727,706 since October 2020, across 61 checkbook lines.
FY23$45,650
FY24$284,851
FY25$126,175
FY26$271,030
City fiscal years run October to September. FY26 runs through June 25, the latest entry in our copy of the city's checkbook. All payments to this vendor, not only this contract.
Official title: Approval of a Task Order # 1 with Moffatt & Nichol, Inc. for Final Engineering Design of the Mid Broadwell Road Realignment Phase 1 in the District at Mayfield.
6GNo. 26-321Consent agendaPresented by Tom McKlveen, Parks and Recreation Director
Crabapple Fest stage and sound: $7,250, ratified after the festival
Finance: Bernadette Harvill (Sept. 14)Legal: Jennifer McCall, Jarrard & Davis (Sept. 4)City Manager: Steven Krokoff
1½ of 5
On consent
Ratification
$7,250, paid by a festival sponsor the memo doesn't name.
The City Manager signed it Oct. 1, two days before the Oct. 3 festival.
The vendor's invoice in the packet is dated May 20, 2026, “Due on receipt.”
“New for 2026, the City added a dedicated stage and expanded live music component to the festival.”
Did the three-quote rule apply to the stage, and if so, were quotes collected?
The vendor's invoice in the packet is dated May 20. When did the city commit to this vendor?
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Not shown
A ratification: “executed by the City Manager prior to the event,” and Council approves it now. packet p. 185
Seen before the vote Not shown
On the consent agenda and on no earlier 2026 agenda, though three other Crabapple Fest agreements went to Council before the festival (June 15 and Sept. 9).
The real document Shown
The agreement and the vendor's invoice are in the packet. packet p. 188
The whole price Partly shown
$7,250 in the contract, but the memo's summary says $7,520, and the sponsor paying for it isn't named. packet p. 185
How and why Not shown
The packet doesn't say how the company was chosen.
How it got here
May 20 The date on the vendor's invoice in the packet, “Due on receipt.”
Sept. 4 and Sept. 14 Legal and finance reviews of the staff memo, which is headed for the Sept. 21 meeting.
Oct. 1 The City Manager signs the agreement.
Oct. 3 Crabapple Fest.
Oct. 19 Consent agenda, Monday's meeting.
Money trail
The city has paid Southeast Elite Entertainment $17,000 since October 2020, across 17 checkbook lines.
FY23$2,150
FY24$3,995
FY25$7,415
FY26$3,440
City fiscal years run October to September. FY26 runs through June 25, the latest entry in our copy of the city's checkbook. All payments to this vendor, not only this contract.
Official title: Ratification of a Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Southeast Elite Entertainment LLC to Provide Event Production Services and Equipment for Crabapple Fest 2026.
6HNo. 26-322Consent agendaPresented by Tom McKlveen, Parks and Recreation Director
Parks maintenance: Tri Scapes, $691,000 a year, with up to four automatic renewals
Finance: Bernadette Harvill (Sept. 29)Legal: Jennifer McCall, Jarrard & Davis (Sept. 14)City Manager: Steven Krokoff (Oct. 13)
2 of 5
On consent
$691,000 a year
Contract not in packet
Auto-renews
$691,000 a year base for seven full-time staff.
One year, plus up to four automatic one-year renewals.
Extra staff, equipment and materials are “billed separately when authorized,” with no cap stated.
Four proposals came in (RFP 26-PR03); the highest-rated firm was invited to interviews, the memo says.
The memo doesn't mention that Tri Scapes already holds a city maintenance agreement; the March 16 agenda shows its Facilities, Trails and Parks Maintenance Agreement at its fifth change order. The memo cites its “familiarity with the City's park system.”
“Tri Scapes demonstrated significant municipal parks maintenance experience, familiarity with the City's park system, qualified supervisory personnel, appropriate equipment resources, and the ability to provide dedicated active and passive park maintenance crews.”
Who were the other three bidders, and how did they score?
What does the current parks contract cost, and what is the five-year total of this one, including extras?
Will Council see the final agreement before it is signed?
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
Approved before the new term starts. The current agreement is “approaching the end of its term.” packet p. 200
Seen before the vote Not shown
On the consent agenda, approved with the others in one motion unless a member pulls it, and not on any earlier 2026 Council agenda.
The real document Not shown
The contract isn't in the packet: just a four-page memo, and the agreement is “subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney.” packet p. 202
The whole price Partly shown
$691,000 a year and the renewal terms are shown, but not a five-year total or any cap on the extras. packet p. 200
How and why Partly shown
Four proposals came in, but the packet doesn't name the other bidders or show the scores. packet p. 200
How it got here
Oct. 2020 on The city's checkbook shows Tri Scapes paid for park upkeep, right-of-way maintenance and park construction (money trail below).
RFP 26-PR03 The city asks for proposals and gets four; the memo doesn't give the dates.
Jan. 5, regular meeting Consent agenda: Approval of a Maintenance Services Agreement with Tri Scapes LLC to Install New Endzone Netting at Bell Memorial Park (No. 26-004).
March 16, regular meeting Consent agenda: Approval of Change Order #5 to the Facilities, Trails and Parks Maintenance Agreement with Tri Scapes, LLC to Add Maintenance to the Milton City Park and Preserve’s Newly Constructed Trail/Greenspace and Provide a Dedicated Passive Parks Maintenance Crew (No. 26-079).
April 13, regular meeting Consent agenda: Approval of a Public Works Maintenance & Operations Services Agreement with Tri Scapes, LLC for Right-of-Way Maintenance, Including Routine Maintenance and Emergency Response Services for the Public Works Department (No. 26-099).
Oct. 5 The staff memo lists this meeting date, but the contract isn't on that night's agenda.
Oct. 19 Consent agenda, Monday's meeting.
Money trail
The city has paid Tri Scapes (Inc. and LLC) $12.58 million since October 2020, across 1,728 checkbook lines.
FY21$1,075,531
FY22$2,594,148
FY23$1,323,078
FY24$1,304,765
FY25$4,755,258
FY26$1,531,666
City fiscal years run October to September. FY26 runs through June 25, the latest entry in our copy of the city's checkbook. All payments to this vendor, not only this contract.
Official title: Approval of a Parks Maintenance Services Agreement Between the City of Milton and Tri Scapes, LLC for Dedicated Staffing and Maintenance of City Parks, Athletic Facilities, Trails, and Greenspaces.
6INo. 26-323Consent agendaPresented by Tom McKlveen, Parks and Recreation Director
Crabapple Fest restroom trailers: $9,049, ratified after the festival
Finance: Bernadette Harvill (Sept. 29)Legal: Jennifer McCall, Jarrard & Davis (Sept. 9)City Manager: Steven Krokoff
2½ of 5
On consent
Ratification
$9,049 from the FY27 Parks events budget.
The City Manager signed it Oct. 2, the day before the festival.
Staff solicited quotes; the packet doesn't say how many.
“Existing public restroom facilities located at Community Place alone are insufficient to support the attendance levels associated with Crabapple Fest.”
Did staff buy these off the state contract the vendor's quote cites, or collect quotes?
Three other festival contracts came to Council before the festival. Why not this one?
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Not shown
A ratification: the City Manager signed it Oct. 2, the day before the festival. packet p. 213
Seen before the vote Not shown
On the consent agenda and on no earlier 2026 agenda, though three other Crabapple Fest agreements went to Council before the festival (June 15 and Sept. 9).
The real document Shown
The agreement and the quote are in the packet. packet p. 207
“Staff solicited quotes,” the memo says, but not how many or from whom. The vendor's quote, dated May 18, cites a Georgia statewide contract (packet p. 215), which the code allows without quotes. packet p. 205
How it got here
May 18 The date on the vendor's quote in the packet.
Oct. 2 The City Manager signs the agreement.
Oct. 3 Crabapple Fest.
Oct. 19 Consent agenda, Monday's meeting.
Money trail
The city has paid United Rentals $16,426 since October 2020, across 2 checkbook lines.
FY25$8,213
FY26$8,213
City fiscal years run October to September. FY26 runs through June 25, the latest entry in our copy of the city's checkbook. All payments to this vendor, not only this contract.
Official title: Ratification of a Services Agreement between the City of Milton and United Rentals (North America) dba Reliable Onsite Services to provide temporary restroom trailers for Crabapple Fest 2026.
6JNo. 26-324Consent agendaPresented by Sara Leaders, Community Development and Public Works Director
Asphalt preservation in subdivisions across the city: $228,497, and one bidder again
Finance: Bernadette Harvill (Oct. 12)Legal: Jennifer McCall, Jarrard & DavisCity Manager: Steven Krokoff
4 of 5
On consent
$228,497
One bidder
$228,496.92 maximum, from the capital pavement management account.
Pavement Technology was the only bidder, and the city got one bid in each of its four previous tries.
The street list is on packet page 225.
“The agreement provides for application of Reclamite, an asphalt rejuvenation treatment, at the locations identified in the contract documents.”
Shown in full: the only bidder, and one bid in each of the city's four previous solicitations. packet p. 223
How it got here
Oct. 19 Consent agenda, Monday's meeting.
Money trail
The city has paid Pavement Technology $193,463 since October 2020, across 3 checkbook lines.
FY22$63,911
FY24$129,552
City fiscal years run October to September. FY26 runs through June 25, the latest entry in our copy of the city's checkbook. All payments to this vendor, not only this contract.
Official title: Approval of a Construction Services Agreement between the City of Milton and Pavement Technology, Inc, for the Asphalt Pavement Preservation and Rejuvenation Project.
8ANo. 26-326First readingPresented by Sara Leaders, Community Development and Public Works Director
Water-efficiency rules added to the plumbing code, as the regional water plan requires
Legal: Paul Frickey, Jarrard & Davis (Oct. 8)City Manager: Steven Krokoff
5 of 5
First reading
Vote Nov. 2
Adopts the Metro Water District's water-efficiency amendments to the state plumbing code.
Georgia's Environmental Protection Division flagged the gap in the city's 2026 Metro Water District audit.
First reading Monday; the adoption vote is scheduled for Nov. 2.
“This action is not a discretionary policy decision.”
The city's case: staff memo
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
Adopted before it applies. Nothing ratified after the fact.
Seen before the vote Shown
Read Monday, voted on Nov. 2: two public meetings.
The real document Shown
The ordinance is in the packet.
The whole price Shown
No direct cost to the city, the memo says.
How and why Shown
Why: the Metro Water District requires it, the state's environmental agency flagged the gap in a 2026 audit, and the state's community affairs department has reviewed it.
How it got here
July 6, regular meeting Consent agenda: Approval of a Resolution to Adopt Findings and Authorize Submission of Proposed Plumbing Code Amendment to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (No. 26-185).
Official title: Consideration of an Ordinance to Amend Section 10-22 (State Minimum Standards Adopted) of Chapter 10 (Building Regulations) of the Milton Code.
8BNo. 26-327First readingPresented by Sara Leaders, Community Development and Public Works Director
Car washes built since 2011 must recycle at least half their water, as the regional water plan requires
Legal: Paul Frickey, Jarrard & Davis (Oct. 8)City Manager: Steven Krokoff
5 of 5
First reading
Vote Nov. 2
Sets a 50% minimum recycling rate for in-bay automatic and conveyor car washes permitted and built after Jan. 1, 2011.
A June 10, 2026 audit letter from Georgia's Environmental Protection Division found Milton's rule named no minimum.
First reading Monday; the adoption vote is scheduled for Nov. 2.
“This action is not a discretionary policy decision.”
The city's case: staff memo
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
Adopted before it applies.
Seen before the vote Shown
Read Monday, voted on Nov. 2: two public meetings.
The real document Shown
The ordinance is in the packet.
The whole price Shown
No direct cost to the city, the memo says.
How and why Shown
Why: the Metro Water District's plan requires it, and the state environmental agency's June 10 audit letter flagged it.
Official title: Consideration of the Issuance of an Alcohol Beverage License to The Local Pour LLC dba The Stone House Tap, 12595 Crabapple Road, Milton, Georgia 30004.
9BNo. 26-329Public hearingPresented by Ken Jarrard, City Attorney
South Deerfield building pause: up to 60 more days
Legal: Ken Jarrard, City Attorney (Oct. 8)City Manager: Steven Krokoff
4½ of 5
Public hearing
Up to 60 days
Extends the 30-day moratorium Council adopted Sept. 21.
Ends 60 days after adoption (about Dec. 18, by our count) or sooner if Council acts.
Active permits, applications already accepted and vested rights are exempt.
The area lies between State Route 9, Webb Road, GA 400 and Windward Parkway.
“The City has announced the acquisition of property within the Study Area and activated the Deerfield Focused Development Authority to assist with economic-development activities and planning.”
What will the extra 60 days produce, and will residents get a public hearing on the plan before the pause ends?
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
Extends the pause before it runs out, after a public hearing. packet p. 379
Seen before the vote Shown
Council adopted the first 30-day pause in public on Sept. 21. packet p. 379
The real document Shown
The resolution and the study-area map are in the packet. packet p. 384
The whole price Shown
No direct cost, the memo says; any spending from the review would need its own approval. packet p. 379
How and why Partly shown
Why: a property purchase the city “has announced,” and its new Deerfield development authority. The packet doesn't name the property. On Sept. 21, the night Council adopted the first pause, its agenda also carried the purchase agreement for One, Two and Three Verizon Place. packet p. 380
How it got here
Aug. 3, regular meeting Consent agenda: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with ABFortner Incorporated dba Canvas Planning Group for the Destination Deerfield Urban Design Master Plan for South Deerfield Parkway (No. 26-219).
Aug. 3, regular meeting Reports and presentations: Discussion of Development Authorities as an Economic Development Tool for Destination Deerfield (No. 26-229).
Aug. 17, regular meeting Reports and presentations: South Deerfield Parkway Urban Design Master Plan Progress Update (No. 26-240).
Aug. 17, regular meeting New business: Consideration of a Resolution to Initiate the Activation of the Deerfield-Focused Development Authority of Milton, GA (No. 26-243).
Sept. 21, regular meeting New business: Consideration of a Resolution of the City of Milton, Georgia Enacting for Thirty (30) Days a Temporary Moratorium within the South Deerfield Study Area Barring the Acceptance of Certain Zoning, Land Use, Site Plan, and Land Disturbance Applications; Providing for Limited Exceptions; Directing a Focused Review of the Area's Vision, Land Use, Development Standards, Infrastructure, and Implementation Tools; and for other Lawful Purposes (No. 26-291).
Sept. 21, regular meeting New business: Consideration of a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Cellco Partnership and GTE Wireless LLC for One, Two, and Three Verizon Place (No. 26-292).
Sept. 21, regular meeting New business: Consideration of a Resolution of the City of Milton Authorizing an Application for an Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant to Support Outdoor Recreation in the South Deerfield Area (No. 26-293).
Oct. 19 Public hearing, Monday's meeting.
Next About Dec. 18: the extension would end (our count; the resolution says 60 days).
Official title: Consideration of a Resolution Enacting and Extending for Up to Sixty (60) Days a Moratorium Within the South Deerfield Study Area Barring the Acceptance of Certain Zoning, Land Use, Site Plan, and Land Disturbance Applications; Providing for Limited Exceptions; Directing a Focused Review of the Area's Vision, Land Use, Development Standards, Infrastructure, and Implementation Tools; and for Other Lawful Purposes.
11ANo. 26-307Final votePresented by Stacey Inglis, Deputy City Manager
Election code cleanup: final vote
Legal: Karen Pachuta (Aug. 24)City Manager: Steven Krokoff
5 of 5
Second reading
Clerical and technical fixes to Chapter 16, the city's election rules.
Clarifies Fulton County's role in running city elections.
No change in election policy, the memo says.
“The amendments are intended as housekeeping revisions only.”
The city's case: staff memo
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
A regular adoption vote, not a ratification.
Seen before the vote Shown
First presented Oct. 5; this is the second reading.
The real document Shown
The ordinance is in the packet.
The whole price Shown
No financial impact, the memo says.
How and why Shown
Why: outdated references and unclear wording about Fulton County's role.
How it got here
Oct. 5, regular meeting First presentation: Consideration of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 16 of the Milton Code of Ordinances (Elections) to Make Certain Clerical, Technical, and Nonsubstantive Corrections; to Clarify Existing Provisions; and For Other Purposes (No. 26-307).
Official title: Consideration of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 16 of the Milton Code of Ordinances (Elections) to Make Certain Clerical, Technical, and Nonsubstantive Corrections; to Clarify Existing Provisions; and For Other Purposes.
11BNo. 26-288Final votePresented by Bernadette Harvill, Deputy City Manager
City property tax rate: 4.193 mills, unchanged
City Manager: Steven Krokoff
5 of 5
Final vote
Below rollback
4.193 mills for operations, the same as last year, plus 0.309 for the greenspace bond: 4.502 in all.
Below the 4.205 rollback rate, so the state's three-hearing rule doesn't apply.
The city's own table shows operating taxes up $367,792, or 2%.
“The City has advertised an M&O millage rate of 4.193 mills, which represents a 0% increase from the tax year 2025 millage rate of 4.193 mills.”
The rate is flat and below the rollback rate, so reassessed property alone would bring in 0.3% less, the memo says. The levy still rises 2%. How much of that is new construction?
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
A regular adoption vote, not a ratification. packet p. 396
Seen before the vote Shown
First presented Sept. 21 at the budget hearing. packet p. 396
The real document Shown
The full ordinance and the levy table are in the packet. packet p. 399
The whole price Shown
Rate, rollback rate and the levy table are all shown. packet p. 401
How and why Shown
Advertised in the Milton Herald Oct. 8, and the memo explains when extra hearings would be required. packet p. 398
How it got here
Sept. 14, work session Reports and presentations: 2026 Property Tax Temporary Collection Order Discussion.
Sept. 21, regular meeting First presentation: Consideration of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Milton, Georgia, to Establish the Ad Valorem Tax Rate of the City of Milton for Fiscal Year 2027 (Tax Year 2026); and for Other Purposes (No. 26-288).
Oct. 5, regular meeting Unfinished business: Consideration of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Milton, Georgia, to Establish the Ad Valorem Tax Rate of the City of Milton for Fiscal Year 2027 (Tax Year 2026); and for Other Purposes (No. 26-288). Canceled, to be re-advertised for Oct. 19.
Oct. 8 The rate is advertised in the Milton Herald.
Official title: Consideration of an Ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Milton, Georgia, to Establish the Ad Valorem Tax Rate of the City of Milton for Fiscal Year 2027 (Tax Year 2026); and for Other Purposes.
12ANo. 26-330New businessPresented by Sara Leaders, Community Development and Public Works Director
Milton's 2040 plan, five-year update: adoption
Legal: Paul Frickey, Jarrard & Davis (Oct. 12)City Manager: Steven Krokoff
5 of 5
Adoption
Required by the state to keep Milton's Qualified Local Government status.
Since January: two public hearings, five advisory committee meetings, an open house and four Council briefings.
Updates the future land use map, policies, trails and the five-year work program.
“CPAC concluded that the existing Comprehensive Plan remains effective and recommended targeted updates to its goals, policies, character area guidance, and Short-Term Work Program, informed by community input.”
The city's case: staff memo
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
A regular adoption vote.
Seen before the vote Shown
Two public hearings and four Council briefings since January.
The real document Shown
The resolution is in the packet, and the plan is on the city's project website, as the memo notes.
The whole price Shown
No direct cost, the memo says.
How and why Shown
Why: the state requires the update, and a resident advisory committee shaped it.
How it got here
Jan. 5, regular meeting New business: Consideration of a Resolution Appointing Members to the Milton Citizens Advisory Committee for the City of Milton 2040 Comprehensive Plan, The Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) (No. 26-027).
Jan. 21, regular meeting Public hearing: Commencement of 5-Year Update to Milton's Comprehensive Plan per the Department of Community Affairs Regulations (No. 26-038).
July 6, regular meeting Reports and presentations: Comprehensive Plan Update Presentation (No. 26-191).
Aug. 3, regular meeting Public hearing: Public Hearing and Consideration of Authorization to Transmit the Draft Comprehensive Plan Update to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Atlanta Regional Commission. Project Site Link: http://www.miltonga.gov/2026CompPlanUpdate (No. 26-230).
Aug. 17, regular meeting Reports and presentations: Discussion of the Milton Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Update (No. 26-239).
August 2026 The draft goes to the regional commission and the state for review.
Sept. 9, regular meeting Reports and presentations: Discussion of the Working Draft Milton Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Update (No. 26-268).
Sept. 14, work session Reports and presentations: Comprehensive Plan Trail-Related Updates in Response to Public Input.
Sept. 21, regular meeting Consent agenda: Approval of Change Order #1 to the Agreement between the City of Milton and Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. for the Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Update (No. 26-284).
Oct. 5, regular meeting Reports and presentations: Discussion of the Working Draft Milton Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Update (No. 26-306).
Official title: Consideration of a Resolution Adopting the Five-Year Update to the City of Milton Comprehensive Plan 2040.
12BNo. 26-331New businessPresented by Ken Jarrard, City Attorney
Bethany at Providence roundabout: taking land by eminent domain
Finance: Bernadette Harvill (Oct. 13)Legal: Brittany Taylor, Jarrard & Davis (Sept. 30)City Manager: Steven Krokoff
5 of 5
Condemnation
$106,300 deposit
Parcel 04, owned by TTT Revocable Trust: 0.208 acres plus easements.
$106,300 estimated compensation deposit, from TSPLOST I.
The city has negotiated with the owner since July 2025 without agreement.
“Negotiations have not resulted in mutually acceptable terms, and staff has not identified engineering revisions that would eliminate the need for these property rights.”
How does the $106,300 deposit compare with the city's last offer, and will the appraisal be released when the case ends?
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
Before the taking; this vote starts it. packet p. 413
Seen before the vote Shown
Council approved acquiring land for the project in July 2024. packet p. 413
The real document Shown
The resolution and the declaration of taking are in the packet. packet p. 420
The whole price Shown
The $106,300 deposit, the city's estimate of compensation, is shown. The appraisal itself isn't; state law lets the city keep it private until the land is acquired (O.C.G.A. 50-18-72(a)(9)). packet p. 413
How and why Shown
Why: talks failed, and no design change avoids this land. packet p. 414
How it got here
July 2024 Council approves acquiring land for the roundabout (11 parcels).
July 2025 Negotiations with this owner begin.
March 2, regular meeting Consent agenda: Approval of Change Order #1 to Task Order # 1 between the City of Milton and BM&K, P.C. for Bethany at Providence Roundabout Project Right of Way Acquisition Services (No. 26-067).
Official title: Consideration of a Resolution to Condemn Property Rights Needed for Bethany Road at Providence Road Roundabout Project (Project No. PW-12), Parcel 04; 0.208 Acres of Fee Simple Right of Way; 980.12 Square Feet of Permanent Easement for Construction, Utilities, and Maintenance of Slopes; 5,474.58 Square Feet of Temporary Easement for Construction of Slopes; One (1) Temporary Driveway Easement. Owner: TTT Revocable Trust.
12CNo. 26-332New businessPresented by Ken Jarrard, City Attorney
Development Authority grows to nine members, with Samia Coker appointed
From: the City Manager's officeLegal: Ken Jarrard, City AttorneyDeputy City Manager: Stacey Inglis
3½ of 5
Fixes pending
Eight directors to nine; Samia Coker takes the new seat.
Staff recommends approval “subject to City Attorney confirmation of the appointment term and reconciliation of the title and operative language before adoption.”
The resolution ends her term Jan. 31, 2028; the memo notes that state law sets four-year terms for directors added beyond the original seven.
“Staff recommends expanding the Development Authority of the City of Milton from eight to nine directors and appointing Samia Coker to the additional seat.”
Why add a ninth seat two weeks after adding an eighth?
Was the new seat advertised, and who nominated the appointee?
Will Council see the corrected resolution before it votes?
See the record
The five tests
Before, not after Shown
An appointment made before the seat is filled. packet p. 424
Seen before the vote Partly shown
Debated on its own line Monday, but new: the ninth seat and Samia Coker appear on no earlier agenda. On Oct. 5, a nearly identical resolution added an eighth seat.
The real document Partly shown
The resolution is in the packet, but staff says the term needs the City Attorney's review before adoption, and the packet has no corrected version. packet p. 425
Why: “desirable and necessary,” the resolution says. It describes the appointee as a Milton taxpayer, which state law requires of directors (O.C.G.A. 36-62-5(a)). packet p. 426
How it got here
Aug. 3, regular meeting Reports and presentations: Discussion of Development Authorities as an Economic Development Tool for Destination Deerfield (No. 26-229).
Aug. 17, regular meeting New business: Consideration of a Resolution to Initiate the Activation of the Deerfield-Focused Development Authority of Milton, GA (No. 26-243).
Sept. 9, regular meeting New business: Consideration of an Appointment of Members to the City of Milton Development Authority (No. 26-272).
Oct. 5, regular meeting New business: Consideration of a Resolution Expanding the Development Authority Board to Eight Directors and Appointing Brandon Cox (No. 26-309).
Official title: Consideration of a Resolution Expanding the Development Authority Board to Nine Directors and Appointing Samia Coker.
Also on the agenda, not scored
6A Minutes of the Oct. 5 meeting No. 26-315
6B Financial statements and investment report through July 31 No. 26-316
7A Proclamation honoring retiring Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones No. 26-325
15 Executive session, listed "if needed" for land acquisition, personnel and litigation
How the Sunshine score works
Named for Georgia's Sunshine Laws. A cloud is not a finding that the city broke the Sunshine Laws or any other law. It marks what the packet didn't show. Every scored item gets five tests, and every mark comes from the city's own records:
Before, not after. Approved before the money or the rule takes effect. Ratifications and retroactive approvals get a cloud.
Seen before the vote. At an earlier public meeting, a first reading or a published notice. A consent item, passed in one motion with no earlier appearance, gets a cloud.
The real document. The contract, ordinance or resolution itself is in the packet, not just a staff memo.
The whole price. Enough to add it up: the amount, the term, renewals and extras.
How and why. How it was bought (who bid, the scores) or why it's needed.
Storm warnings. A storm means the city's own record conflicts with a written rule: the charter, the city code, state law or the city's own policy. Each one quotes the rule, shows the record, names who signed off and gives the city's answer. A rule question is a gap we've spotted and not yet put to the city; if the answer doesn't hold up, it becomes a storm. Fiscal years run October to September.
Why ratifications come to Council at all. Milton's charter (Sec. 6.30) says no contract binds the city unless Council authorizes it. Council may let the City Manager sign contracts up to $50,000, for no more than one fiscal year, “upon the requirement that such contracts be subsequently ratified by council.” So he can sign first, and Council must ratify after. Most of the time Milton does it the other way around: small contracts come to Council before anyone signs. The $50,000 lines apply to each purchase or contract, and a change order counts toward its procurement's total (Sec. 2-626(m)), so we add every change order to the original.
We watch for one big purchase split into smaller ones to stay under $50,000, where bids and a Council vote kick in. That's why we total what each company is paid each year. A big total alone doesn't mean it happened.
A sun means the city showed it, a half sun means it showed part, and a cloud means it didn't. The score grades openness, not the deal: the paving contract scores 4 even though it drew one bid for the fifth time running. If the city posts more, the score changes. Minutes, financial reports and proclamations aren't scored.
Sources: the 427-page packet (page numbers are PDF pages), the city's meeting page,
every 2026 Council agenda, and the city's checkbook (October 2020 to June 25). See something wrong? tips@readroundabout.com.
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