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“The resolution is designed specifically because the city has seen a significant increase in gas station and convenience store applications over the past six months, fueled in part by recent changes in state law in 2024 with different types of coin-operated amusement machines,� Govignon said.

According to Govignon, city officials during the permitting and zoning application processes are having trouble keeping up with the rapidly changing landscape of alcohol and THC product sales that are frequently marketed at convenience stores and gas stations.

“ItÐÔÊӽ紫ý moving faster than our current regulatory framework is able to handle,â€� Govignon said.

Govignon said national statistics show only one convenience store is needed per 2,200 residents of a community, while Calhoun has far more than that.

“We only have 18,000 people living in the City of Calhoun, and we are well overstocked with convenience stores,� Govignon said.

Applications already in process will be able to proceed as normal, according to the resolution, and long-term application needs can be considered under certain exemptions for those needing to get started on the process, even though no applications can be officially approved until the moratorium expires.

Other business

In other business, approved was a lease agreement between the city and New Cingular Wireless for land use on a portion of 380 Barrett Road for the installation for a new wireless communication facility to serve the surrounding area.

Also approved was a zoning change request by Siwei Hartill from R-1 Residential to C-1 Commercial for 0.65 acres at 2680 Highway 41. The measure came with a recommendation for approval from the Zoning Advisory Board, with the stipulation that any development of the property adhere to prescribed setback requirements.

A $262.245.90 bid was approved to be awarded to Northwest Georgia Paving for the Fiscal Year 2026 asphalt resurfacing and striping for the annual State of Georgia Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant program.

The council approved a resolution authorizing participation in an amicus brief in the Chang V. City of Milton appeal pending before the Georgia Supreme Court.

A request was approved from the Northwest Georgia Regional Library System was approved to reappoint Beth Holcomb for an additional three-year term for the Calhoun-Gordon County Public Library Board, while Sharon Nelson was approved to replace Kathleen Shirley on the board following eligibility issues. Mayor Jimmy Palmer expressed thanks to ShirleyÐÔÊӽ紫ý years of service on the board.

On a related note, Cliff Meadows was approved to replace Jim Gill on the Golf Advisory Board following a move out of town by Gill. Meanwhile, Tony Pyle was approved for a new five-year term on the Calhoun Housing Authority.

An intergovernmental agreement with the City of Chatsworth Water Works Commission was approved. The five-year term is lower than the previous agreement, and includes a lower minimum use, and a higher cost rate.

A traditional parade route request from Calhoun High School was given the green light for Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m., with a rain date of Oct. 3, at 3:30 p.m.

An event road closure was approved for the Boys and Girls Club for an event on July 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with Comcast.

Finally, a request was approved from the Purchasing ÐÔÊӽ紫ý to surplus concrete forms and accessories no longer used by the Sewer Maintenance ÐÔÊӽ紫ý.

All votes were 3-0 with council member Jackie Palazzolo absent.

The next scheduled regular meeting of the council is set for Monday, July 21, at 7 p.m., at the Depot, 109 S. King St. All meetings are open to the public.