Steve Morgan has been promoted to the top administrative spot in McDonough.

He was named the new city administrator at the City Council’s February 20 regular meeting after an executive session.
A motion to authorize his promotion, with his new salary to be set by the mayor within the city’s classification and compensation plan, passed with a 6-0 vote and one council member absent from the meeting.

In other business, the council voted to request reimbursement from available American Rescue Plan Act funds to be applied to the city’s Sanitation Fund for $269,245 in qualifying expenditures as well as the Water and Sewer Fund for $1,226,397 related to work on the Turner Church Road force main.

The council approved an agreement regarding permitting and inspection activities for the former BB&T building in the city which was recently purchased by the county to expand office space for county judicial departments.

A proposed agreement with Southern Crescent Soccer Foundation and Atlanta United Community Fund was approved to develop a “mini pitch” at Alexander Park on the site of the old municipal swimming pool that was filled in years ago due to desegregation. The project was referred to as a celebration of the World Cup and Black History Month.

The council voted to approve a partnership with a nonprofit that will allow 200 boys and girls ages 5-16 who live in the city to participate in a basketball league during April and May. A representative of Life Athletics said the mission of the program is to “build leadership.” City funding for the program will total $15,000.

Also approved was the purchase of 100 new water meters at a total cost of $24,500 as well as an easement agreement and stormwater facility agreement with the Henry County Water Authority for the Enclave at Brookstone development.

The council voted to reinstall two speed humps at their previous locations on Heartwood Avenue. The discussion highlighted the fact that the roadway runs through residential areas and has become a cut-through for Westridge Parkway and Industrial Parkway. A speed study was conducted in 2020 which resulted in residents requesting speed humps, but officials said the proper procedure was not followed and the matter was required to come before the mayor and council for approval.

The renewal of a tower lease agreement with American Tower Corporation at Kalves Creek was approved, as was authorization for a software licensing bundle at an annual subscription rate of $15,984.40 and a one-time $8,000 setup fee.