A Hampton resident with a background heavy on urban development and planning is set to be named the new Fayetteville city manager Thursday when the City Council makes a formal vote on the candidate that members already selected in a closed meeting.
Ray Gibson will start the job on Oct. 13, according to city documents. He was selected during a hiring process that is allowed to be private under Georgia law. A public vote is required to finalize the decision, however, and is scheduled for the council meeting that begins at 7 p.m. Thursday.
“A strong commitment to leadership and excellence make the city of Fayetteville a great place to live, work, and play,” Gibson said in a letter to the council, adding that “the great quality of life” he has witnessed during his numerous visits to the city during many years is why he chose to apply for the job.
Fayetteville Mayor Greg Clifton returned the compliment and said council members have received very good recommendations on Gibson’s work.
Gibson currently serves as administrative and community services director for Stockbridge, but also served as the city administrator there before taking the position of city manager in Cochran, Ga., according to a resume included in the council’s meeting agenda material.
Gibson has a degree in Urban Studies and worked in many planning and development positions before moving into city administration. Among his planning and development jobs is a five-year stint as director of the Henry County Department of Planning and Zoning. He also has worked in Canada, Massachusetts, Vermont and in Dalton, Ga.
The council is expected to approve a $95,000 salary for Gibson.
Gibson will replace current City Manager Joe Morton, who has held the job three different times. Morton served as Fayetteville City Manager from 1994-1998 and as Peachtree City Assistant City Manager and Director of Financial Services from 1998-2000. He returned as Fayetteville City Manager in 2000 and served in that capacity for nearly a decade and a half. Morton retired nearly two years ago, but returned to the position on a part-time basis.
Rezoning returns
Also on the council’s Thursday agenda is the second reading of a controversial rezoning request that would allow a senior citizen complex on a 13.73 acre parcel located at the intersection of West Lanier Avenue (Ga. Highway 54) and Meeting Place Drive. Current zoning calls for a mix of retail stores and restaurants with a spot designated for a grocery store, and residential units allowed on the second floor of the retail buildings.
The senior complex would include 24 quad-unit villas, 125 additional independent living units in a multi-story structure, and a separate building for 60 assisted living suites and 30 memory care units.
But neighbors and the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission want the council to take a wait and see approach. They have urged the council to vote against the proposed rezoning and make no changes to the parcel’s land use designation until an apartment complex is constructed nearby. They hope an increase in apartment residents will eventually spark commercial growth on the property.
Brian Wismer, director of community development for Fayetteville, thinks the process will take about two years – a year for apartment construction and another year to determine the results. “After it’s built, wait a year and see if it triggers anything,” Wismer said. “If not, move on.”
More firefighters on the way
During Thursday’s meeting, the council is also expected to give its OK to hiring nine new firefighters.
The federal Department of Homeland Security has approved a nearly $1 million grant for the city to use for salaries, benefits, and other costs associated with the force expansion for a two year period.
— Ben Nelms also contributed to this report.
