Tucker, GA — Tucker City Council hosted an adorable gaggle of preschoolers to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the March 14 meeting, and launched immediately into city business.

The city announced that two new staff members joined the city’s finance staff. Beverly Ragland is the new finance director and Erich Krahn is the new finance manager.

In other business:

– Mayor Frank Auman said 19 Occupational Tax Certificates have been issued for commercial and home-based businesses in the city of Tucker since February.

– City Council voted unanimously to a full cycle deferral for Chick-fil-A’s application to move to 4435 Hugh Howell Road, the former Greater Good BBQ lot.

– Chick-fil-A intends to add a second parcel and request a fourth variance, said city planner Kylie Thomas, a major change to the application which constitutes a full cycle deferral. Chick-fil-A engineer Bridgette Ganter said Chick-fil-A is “working very quickly to complete the due diligence for the extra parcel.”

– If the fast food restaurant succeeds in securing an additional parcel, the application process will start over with Planning Commission in April.

– City Council voted unanimously to hire Mercer Group for a $30,000 contract for Human Resources services. Mercer Group will perform duties including a review of the employee handbook, developing a five-year growth plan, enhancing the current review process and more.

“HR policies and procedures need to be finalized to ensure that the City can attract and retain qualified personnel as well as to ensure that the City is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations,” states a memo from City Clerk Lisa Owen.

– City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt recommended a contract with DAF Concrete for $74,890 to reconstruct four intersections at 1581 Juliette Road, Lewis Road at Roadhaven Drive, Greer Circle at Sarr Parkway and Hammermill Road at Auger Drive.

“There are a lot of other intersections we’d like to repair, but when you get into right of way, moving signs, utility poles and water meters it’s really expensive,” said Hildebrandt.

– City Attorney Brian Anderson presented a first read of an ordinance to amend city code on regulating parking for persons with disabilities. Amending the city code would simplify how a DeKalb Police Officer would issue a ticket. The fee runs about $200, said Anderson. Currently, a police officer has to reference the state law when issuing a parking violation, which is “cumbersome” said Anderson.

– John McHenry, assistant city manager, presented a first read of an ordinance to amend city code for wine, beer and liquor tastings in the city of Tucker. If city council approves the change, the city code would authorize retail wine, beer and distilled spirits establishments to hold tastings with some restrictions.

– Planning Commission was canceled this month because there is nothing on the agenda according to the city’s calendar.

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