06/05/2026
City Council Meeting Recap: June 1, 2026
• Approval of an alcohol license for 79 N. Lee St., Palak Patel of Sita Ram 8, Inc. –
Councilman Dodd moved to approve the alcohol license for Palak Patel of Sita Ram 8, Inc., doing business as Dev Foods. The motion passed 6-0.
• Ms. Annie Biers –
Ms. Biers of Arena Counseling addressed Council to raise awareness regarding Arena Counseling’s partnership with Monroe County Schools and a mental health awareness campaign, Light in the Dark.
Ms. Biers reported that 70 Monroe County schoolchildren were provided with counseling sessions between the months of October and May thanks to a grant procured by Monroe County Schools. Although many more sessions are needed, all funds from the grant have been expended. Ms. Biers has plans for Arena Counseling to gain nonprofit status so that additional funding avenues can be explored to continue providing these vital counseling services. Monroe County Schools plans to reapply for the same grant when it becomes available.
Ms. Biers also shared details about Light in the Dark, a community campaign to raise youth mental health awareness. A candlelight ceremony and community walk will be held at the Monroe County Recreation Department on Friday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. Residents and businesses can also show support for the campaign by displaying a green light at their home or business for the month of June.
• Mr. Glenn Dorner –
Mr. Dorner informed Council that he is currently researching and writing a book about the history of the Forsyth Fire Department. Mr. Dorner previously published a book detailing the history of Monroe County Emergency Services. He thanked Chief Bunn and Lisa Cannon for assisting with access to records.
Mr. Dorner stated that he has been reviewing meeting minutes dating as far back as 1907 and emphasized the importance of recognizing the commitment and bravery of firefighters. He also commended Chief Bunn and the Forsyth Fire Department’s ISO Class 2 Rating. Mr. Dorner expects to complete the book in two years.
• Approval of an event permit on July 18, 2026, for Community Unity Day –
Mr. John Walton appeared before Council to request an event permit for Community Unity Day. Mr. Walton shared his longstanding connection to Forsyth and noted that this marks the 14th year the event will be held.
The event will feature basketball and softball tournaments along with other family-friendly activities and will run from noon until the park closes. Mr. Walton met with City staff in advance to coordinate event logistics.
Councilman Wilder made the motion to approve the permit, which passed unanimously, 6-0.
• Public Hearing for a Variance Request for a side setback at 86 W. Main St., Monroe County Memorial Chapel, Parcel F26 056 –
Community Development Director Dean Nelson explained that the request, submitted by Robert Ivey of Ivey Builders, Inc. on behalf of owner Milton Heard, sought approval for an encroachment into the required 25-foot side setback for an addition extending from the back of the Memorial Chapel.
The proposed addition includes a 304-square-foot storage room and a 600-square-foot carport. Mr. Nelson also summarized the Planning and Zoning Commission’s May 19 public hearing, where the request received a unanimous 5-0 recommendation for approval.
Mr. Robert Ivey spoke in support of the variance request. Mr. Ivey said the funeral home needs an additional storage area with a concrete floor and HVAC to properly store and preserve important documents, and there is no other place on the property suitable for a structure that would meet the needs of the business.
Councilman Hill asked Mr. Ivey if he has spoken to the adjacent property about the encroachment. Councilman Dodd, who owns the adjacent property, stated that he and his tenants do not object to the encroachment.
Mr. Milton Heard, the owner of the funeral home, also spoke in support of the request. Mr. Heard stated that there is no alternative option for storing the files on the property.
No one spoke in opposition to the request.
Councilman Holmes expressed concerns that the request did not meet the hardship requirement and agreed with the staff’s recommendation that the variance not be approved.
Councilman Goodson moved to approve the variance request, and the motion passed 4-1-1, with Councilman Dodd abstaining.
• Approval of Georgia Department of Corrections Work Detail Agreement –
Utilities Director Mike Batchelor requested approval of the annual agreement for two inmate work crews through the Georgia Department of Corrections for the period of July 2026 through June 2027.
Councilman Wilder made the motion to approve the agreement, which passed unanimously, 6-0.
• Approval of bid award to East Coast Grading for the Boxankle Road repair –
Mr. Batchelor presented the staff request to award an asphalt repair and resurfacing project to East Coast Grading, and explained that although this is a county roadway, the repair is necessary due to multiple patches associated with repairs to the city water line. Bids were solicited and four proposals were received, with East Coast Grading’s bid being the lowest at $9,000. The project is funded by TSPLOST.
Councilman Wilder moved to approve the contract award, and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
• Approval of street sign purchase –
Mr. Batchelor presented the request for Council to approve a purchase in the amount of $7,678 for street signs from Safety Products. The signs are part of an ongoing project, funded by TSPLOST, to replace all street signs throughout the City with blue signs with a Forsythia flower decal.
Councilwoman Allen made the motion to approve the purchase, which passed unanimously, 6-0.
• Approval of Requisitions Greater than $6,000 –
Core and Main, LP, $9,752.80 – Councilwoman Allen made the motion to approve the requisition. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0.
• City Manager Report –
Mr. Mims reported that the next concert in the Main Street Concert Series will take place on Saturday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m.
• Mayor’s Report –
Mayor Goolsby announced that the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has recognized Forsyth Main Street as a 2026 Accredited Main Street Community. The Mayor commended the downtown community, and he and Mr. Mim’s both recognized Forsyth Main Street Director Kemie Childs for her leadership and contributions.
• Executive Session –
Council entered executive session to discuss a real estate matter following a motion by Councilman Wilder, which passed unanimously, 6-0.
Upon returning from executive session, Councilman Wildered moved to direct the City Manager to begin discussions on behalf of the City regarding three properties. The motion passed unanimously, 6-0.
