On the agenda: Kingston Download — data center (Aug 3)

City of Kingston
30 West Main St., Kingston, GA 30145.
COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL
August 3, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.

Councilmembers in Attendance: Mayor Michael McFarland, Mayor Pro Tem Payton Silvers,
Councilman Reggie Applin, Councilwoman Patresha Northgraves, Councilwoman Kate Posey.

Staff in Attendance: Kelly Ensley, City Clerk, Chief TJ Sosebee, Sargeant Jonathan Cordell, Officer
Mason Ferrel, Officer Chris Barnes, Kevin Cardinal, Community Development, and Charlie Pecchio,
Finance Committee

Attendees: Twelve (12)

The Regular Session Meeting for August 20, 2026, Mayor Michael McFarland called meeting to
order at 6:59 pm.

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance led by Payton Silvers

Presentation

-Mayor formally thanked Patrol Officer Mason Farrel for his service and commitment to the police force
and community.

-The council recognized and thanked Sargeant Jonathan Cordell for 5 years (plus prior part-time service)
Of leadership, integrity, and public service; well-wishes were offered for his future.

Sign in te Speak-No one signed in

Approval of Minutes
-Patresha Northgraves made a motion to approve May 26, 2026, work session and Council meeting
minutes for June 1; 2026. Kate Posey seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda
-Patresha Northgraves made a motion to add first read of the Zoning Ordinance amendment Payton

Silvers seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

DDA Report

-DDA update noted active event schedule and preparations with marketing and entertainment support.

-The Kiddy Car Show (Kingston Kiddy Car Show) is scheduled August 22, 3:00-8:00 PM with live
bands (Donny Hammonds Band, No Chaser), strong advertising, and fast-moving vendor slots.

-Event included adult car prize categories and a kids category, a parade component for bikes, scooters

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Individuals with disabilities who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeling, or

who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or facilities are required to contact the ADA Coordinator at 770-336-5905

prompily to allow the city to make reasonable accommodations for those persons.

*“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.”

and power-wheels will be included.

-Merchandise is available and orders can be placed now.

-Planning is also underway for Trunk or Treat (Oct 17) and the Christman/winter event; DDA is actively
seeking trunks, volunteers and sponsors.

-Outlook: DDA expects a high-impact season and asked council and community to help recruit trunk
vendors, volunteers and sponsors.

Unified Zoning Board proposal of rezoning application Z-26030; The applicant Kingston
Downtown, LLC, 51 West Main Street.

-Jeanette Perkins-Graves of the Unified Zoning Board met July 30 and recommended changing the
parcel zoning from C-1 (downtown commercial, requested by applicant) to C-N (commercial
neighborhood) from R-1 (Residential Single Family). A favorable zoning-board recommendation to
change from R-1 to C-N.

Review, select and approve Employee Insurance for 2027

-Council reviewed insurance options and cost deltas across plan designs; discussion focused on
deductibles and ancillary benefits.

-Payton Silvers made a motion to retain the $500 deductible option and add on Employee Assistance
Program (EAP) priced at $1.85 per employee per month.

-The EAP was described as covering mental health, financial and caregiver guidance, childcare/eldercare
coordination, and other support services to increase employee well-being. Patresha Northgraves
seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

First Read of Zoning Ordinance Amendment

- First reading covered ordinance text additions including the formal definition of "data center"
(technology/information systenis, hosting, processing, storage, related services).

~ The amendment adds data centers to the use table: permitted in A-1 (agricultural) and L-1 with a
special use permit where applicable; related A-1 district rules and lot/height/setback standards were
also read.

- Council discussed potential complications for subdivision/development and noted possible need for
‘development agreements and community benefits language to avoid past subdivision issues.

- Decision path: ordinance is on first reading and will move to the next meeting; council requested the
draft be returned to the city attorney for additional drafting and to incorporate any added
testing/conditions prior to final consideration.

Mayor, Council Comments
-Mayor McFarland thanked council members and staff, noted the team effort to advance community
initiatives.

Assisted by Summary AT

Individuals with disabilities who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or
who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or facilities are requtred to contact the ADA Coordinator at 770-336-5905
promptly to allow the city to make reasonable accommodations for those persons.

*“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.”

Adjournment
-Payton Silvers made a motion to adjourn meeting at 7:30 pm. Patresha Northgraves seconded the
motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Michael McFarland, Mayor Kelly L. Ensley, City Clerk

Assisted by Summary AI

Individuals with disabilities who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or
who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or facilities are required to contact the ADA Coordinator at 770-336-5905
promptly to allow the city to make reasonable accommodations for those persons.

*“USDd is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender,”