Public Meetings - Johns Creek, Georgia

The City of Johns Creek held the second of three public hearings to set the millage rate for fiscal year 2026 on October 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Finance Director Harpreet Hora presented a brief update, noting that the detailed presentation had been given at the first hearing. No members of the public attended or offered comments. The final public hearing and adoption are scheduled for the same evening at 7:00 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present or offered comments during this hearing. Discussion Items - FY26 Millage Rate Presentation – Finance Director Harpreet Hora reviewed the estimated 2026 tax digest of $6.6 billion, an increase of $125 million (1.92%) from 2025. The advertised Maintenance and Operations (M&O) millage rate is 3.492 mills, unchanged from 2025, with a rollback rate of 3.434 mills. The parks bond millage rate remains at 2.50 mills, with a rollback rate of 0.247 mills. The 3.492 mills is the maximum rate the council can adopt without readvertising. Key Outcomes - The second public hearing was concluded without any public input or council questions. The third and final public hearing, where the millage rate will be adopted, is scheduled for 7:00 PM on the same day.

The Johns Creek City Council met at 7:02 p.m. on October 26, 2026, at 11360 Lakefield Drive. All five council members were present, a quorum was established, and the pledge of allegiance was led by Northview High School student Jonah Mann. The council approved the previous minutes, the meeting agenda, and the consent agenda; adopted FY2026 millage rates; approved a Chattahoochee River corridor certificate; and made a municipal court appointment. Consent Calendar - Approved the October 5, 2026 work session summary and council meeting minutes. - Approved the meeting agenda as presented. - Approved the consent agenda, including: an ordinance to amend the FY27 budget (O2026-10-22); an ordinance to amend Municipal Court solicitor provisions (O2026-10-23); an ordinance creating a mobile food vendor pilot program at The Boardwalk at Town Center (O2026-10-24); a resolution establishing pilot program fees (R2026-10-16); an engineering contract with Barge Design Solutions for the Medlock Bridge Road Trail in the amount of $623,877; authorization for the City Manager to execute renewals with Travelers, CFC, and Beazley for the city’s risk insurance; and a ground lease with Kelly Towers III for a wireless site at 6460 East Johns Crossing. Public Comments & Testimony - Tania Pope, 3DE Mayor Coordinator at Northview High School, spoke in support of Northview and its 3DE magnet program, highlighted the school’s achievements, and invited the council to the November 4 open house. - Jonah Mann, a Northview senior in the 3DE program, described how 3DE helped him start a company and expressed strong support for the program’s real-world learning model. - Rob Simon, a Seven Oaks resident, commended the council for its work-session discussion of stormwater and expressed concern that the current grant program only addresses a few homes and can push the issue downstream; he supported a corridor-focused approach and recommended staff develop a structured plan for event sponsorships. - During the first public comment period, no other speakers came forward. - At the millage rate public hearing, Bob Stevens spoke in favor of the proposed millage rate and the balanced budget prepared around the rollback rate. - At the MRPA public hearing, no one spoke for or against the application. - A second public comment period at the end of the meeting had no speakers. Manager’s Monthly Report - City Manager Greer presented the September 2026 report, noting progress on the council’s five strategic priorities. - Public safety highlights included staff promotions and the municipal court probation division passing its annual state audit with zero findings in its first year of in-house probation. - Transportation updates included a bridge project nearing reopening; completion of 5,400 linear feet of waterline on the Barnwell Road at Nibelake Drive and trail project; a water system tie-in planned for Rivermont on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; traffic shifts on Abbott’s Bridge Road; and continuing utility relocations at the McGinnis Ferry Road and Jones Bridge Road projects. - The city is transitioning to new financial reporting software called Gravity, launched a transparency portal, and will issue the first new-format monthly financial report in mid-November. - The city is planning a special celebration for the 20th anniversary of Johns Creek at the December 7 council meeting. Public Hearings & New Business - FY2026 Millage Rates: Director Hora presented the third and final public hearing on the millage rate. The 2026 net tax digest from Fulton County is $6.6 billion, an increase of $125 million (1.92%), with $111 million from reassessment and $14 million from new growth. The advertised rate was 3.492 mills for maintenance and operations (M&O) and 0.250 mills for the parks bond; the rollback rates were 3.434 mills and 0.247 mills, respectively. The presentation noted Johns Creek’s 3.492 M&O rate is the lowest among cities in Fulton County. Council members discussed the impact of holding the rate versus rolling back and noted an approximate difference of $19,000 in property tax revenue. The council approved both rollback rates. - MRPA Certificate RC-26-0003: Staff recommended, and the council approved, a Metropolitan River Protection Act certificate for a new deck at 9280 Riverclub Parkway. The property is within the 2,000-foot Chattahoochee River corridor. The new deck adds 1,264 square feet of impervious surface, bringing the total proposed land disturbance to 14,697 square feet and total impervious surface to 8,865 square feet. - Municipal Court Appointment: The council appointed Keisha Martin Chambless as Assistant Judge / Judge Pro Tem of the Johns Creek Municipal Court. Announcements - The mayor announced upcoming community events: a Veterans Day observance on November 7 at 9 a.m., a Diwali celebration November 7 from 4 to 8 p.m., and a literary fair November 14. - Council members also highlighted the October 29 Medley open house and thanked event sponsors for the Diwali drone show. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes, agenda, and consent agenda unanimously. - Adopted the FY2026 M&O millage rate of 3.434 mills, as moved by Councilmember Coughlin and seconded by Councilmember Tunkey, with no opposition. - Adopted the FY2026 parks bond millage rate of 0.247 mills, with no opposition. - Approved MRPA certificate RC-26-0003 for 9280 Riverclub Parkway, moved by Councilmember Coughlin and seconded by Councilmember DiBiasi, with no opposition. - Appointed Keisha Martin Chambless as Assistant Judge / Judge Pro Tem, moved by Councilmember Skinner and seconded by Councilmember Tunkey, with no opposition.

The Johns Creek City Council held a work session on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting covered three main agenda items under ongoing projects: the 2027 Special Events Calendar, Stormwater Implementation Update and Options, and the Appeals Notification Process. Council members provided direction on each item, with discussions highlighting priorities for stormwater infrastructure, event programming adjustments, and improving notification of appeal rights for residents and businesses. 2027 Special Events Calendar - Recreation and Parks Director Michael King presented the ACE (Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment) Committee's recommendation to continue all successful 2026 special events in 2027, with five additional recommendations including splitting events between parks and adjusting dates. - Council members expressed support for continuing the events but raised several suggestions: - Councilmember Michael suggested moving the arts festival later in October to avoid heat and competing with the Duluth Festival. - Councilmember E. Michael proposed adding a jazz festival in August (replacing one concert-in-the-park) to fill a gap between August 6 and September. He also advocated for celebrating the city's 20th anniversary in 2027 by overlaying anniversary themes onto existing events. - Councilmember Stacey questioned combining events (e.g., Paws in the Park and Touch-a-Truck) to reduce staff workload, but staff noted these events serve different audiences and have been intentionally separated. - Stacey also suggested moving concerts to fall months to avoid heat, and inquired about sponsorship opportunities. Councilmember Tinkey shared that he has successfully secured over $50,000 in sponsorships for Diwali and encouraged others to solicit sponsorships. - The city manager clarified that a 20th anniversary celebration was already being planned behind the scenes, including a proclamation and video for the December meeting, with potential for a reception. - Consensus: Council asked that the jazz festival idea be referred to the ACE committee for further study, and that staff continue planning based on the feedback received. Stormwater Implementation Update and Options - Assistant City Manager Haggard presented an update on the stormwater utility, noting progress ahead of schedule. He asked council to prioritize among three initiatives discussed during the FY27 budget process: stormwater system improvements from the master plan, a stormwater grant program, and a pond dredging assistance program. - Council members had varied opinions but reached general consensus: - Councilmember Tinkey emphasized starting with system-wide improvements (upstream projects like stream bank restoration) as they address root causes and feed into dredging needs. He supported dredging as a priority but only after understanding the system-wide context. - Councilmember Coughlin expressed concern that the $188 million total need (from master plan) required a regional approach and that the grant program ($500,000/year) was insufficient. He preferred a work session to review the overall stormwater program, separating utility maintenance from master plan projects. - Councilmember Skinner agreed with prioritizing system improvements, followed by dredging, then the grant program. He suggested establishing parameters for the dredging program, such as focusing on ponds serving as regional detention facilities. - Councilmember Michael highlighted the need for a 10,000-foot view, pointing out that 20% of problems recur and that the current ERU rate may be low. - Staff clarified that system-wide improvements have been scored in the 2023 watershed master plans but need revisiting. The utility's 10-year, $32 million plan for pipe repairs (rating 4 and 5) is ahead of schedule. - Key outcome: Council directed staff to prioritize the system-wide improvements first and bring back a high-level scope and parameters for the dredging program, with an understanding that the grant program may be revised. Staff will synthesize feedback and return as soon as possible. Appeals Notification Process - Community Development Director Ben Song presented a review of current appeal notification processes, including a detailed appeals reference matrix and workflow. Staff proposed adding standardized language to written notifications informing recipients of their right to appeal, along with a link to a dedicated webpage. - Councilmember Aaron, who raised the issue, argued for a clear, written notice (similar to Miranda rights) to ensure a level playing field. He suggested language such as: "You have a right to an appeal. For more information, visit [website] or email [staff contact]." - Councilmember Stacey supported written notice but cautioned that people may ignore fine print. She proposed verbal confirmation in some instances, though the city manager advised against this due to legal implications. - Councilmember Tinkey noted the matrix is a valuable reference tool and suggested creating a dedicated "Appeals" section on the city website. - Council members broadly agreed on the approach: add a standardized disclaimer to all appealable administrative decisions (e.g., permit denials, final interpretations) with a link to the online appeals matrix. Director Song will work with the city attorney to finalize language and with communications to create the webpage. - Key outcome: Staff directed to implement the changes (standardized language and web link) without requiring a return to council for approval; they will circulate the final product by email. Key Outcomes - Special Events Calendar: Council referred the jazz festival idea to the ACE committee; staff will proceed with planning based on discussion feedback. - Stormwater: Staff will prioritize system-wide improvements from the master plan and bring back a high-level outline for the dredging program, with goals of returning quickly and avoiding further work on items lacking council support. - Appeals Notification: Staff will add standardized appeal notification language to applicable written decisions and create a dedicated webpage; implementation will proceed administratively. - Meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss land, legal, and personnel matters, followed by adjournment.

The Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals met on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, Georgia. A quorum was present; Mr. Sandip and CHAP were absent. The board approved the September 15, 2026 minutes and acted on one variance case, V-26-0015, approving it unanimously with conditions. Consent Calendar - The board approved the agenda and the September 15, 2026 meeting minutes as presented by unanimous voice vote. The motion to approve the minutes was made by board member Krishnan and seconded by board member Jean. Public Comments & Testimony - Applicant Neil Smith, of 10390 Forest Bridge Drive, testified in support of the variance. He said the yard is sloped, he and his wife are in their 60s, and they have fallen on the slope while trying to reach the lower yard. He described the rear feature as a dry creek bed, noted the new buffer bisects the house, and stated the buffer consumes roughly 50% of the lot. He respectfully asked that the stone steps be approved. - No members of the public spoke in opposition. Discussion Items - Staff planner Ruchi Agarwal presented Case V-26-0015. The subject property is approximately 0.415 acres in the Cameron Forest subdivision, zoned R-3 Conditional, and was platted by Fulton County in 1985 with a 30-foot drainage and sanitary sewer easement along the rear property line; the creek was not identified on the recorded plat. The applicant requested approval to maintain stone steps within the city's 75-foot stream buffer. - The proposed variance would allow a 50 linear foot encroachment into the stream buffer based on the limits of disturbance. Proposed improvements would result in 128 square feet of new disturbance, 2,120 square feet of total impervious surface in the stream buffer, and a 15 square foot net increase in impervious surface. No land disturbance is proposed within the state's 25-foot stream buffer. - The applicant proposed a mitigation area of 144 square feet of planting, including one small tree, two shrubs, and three groundcover plants. - Staff analysis stated that strict adherence to the buffer requirements would create an extreme hardship because 49% of the property now falls within the 75-foot stream buffer and an approximately 5-foot grade difference necessitates steps to access the lower yard. Staff recommended approval with conditions limiting the encroachment and requiring the submitted mitigation plan at the time of the minor land disturbance permit. - In response to board questions, Mr. Smith clarified that the retaining wall was existing and had not been removed, that the previous flagstone steps had been replaced with the new stone steps, and that the only new element in the buffer is the proposed steps. Key Outcomes - Board member Green made a motion to approve V-26-0015, seconded by board member Jean. The board agreed to approve with the conditions presented by staff, including the additional vegetation mitigation. - The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, with no opposition. - V-26-0015 was approved with staff conditions: the development shall not exceed the 50 linear foot encroachment, 128 square feet of new disturbance, or 2,120 square feet of impervious surface, including the 15 square foot net impervious surface associated with the steps; and the applicant must implement the submitted mitigation plan when applying for the minor land disturbance permit. Departmental Updates - Staff advised that the next Board of Zoning Appeals meeting will be November 17, 2026, with two variance cases scheduled. The chairman may return, and board member badges will be activated. Adjournment - The board voted to adjourn after completing the agenda.

This was the first of three required public hearings on the proposed fiscal year 2026 millage rate for the City of Johns Creek, held on October 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM. No vote was taken; the hearing was for public input only. The Finance Director presented the tax digest, historical rates, and the advertised rates. No members of the public spoke. Presentation and Background Finance Director Hora explained that the tax digest is set by Fulton County at 40% of fair market value. The 2026 net tax digest is $6.6 billion, an increase of $125 million (1.92%) over 2025, with $11 million from reassessment and $14 million from new growth. The advertised maintenance and operations (M&O) millage rate is 3.492 mils, unchanged from 2025. The rollback rate (the rate that would collect the same revenue as last year given digest growth) is 3.434 mils. The parks bond millage is advertised at 0.250 mils, with a rollback of 0.247 mils. The city's combined M&O and bond millage is the smallest portion of a property owner's total tax bill—the school board (over 17 mils) and Fulton County (8.87 mils) being the largest components. Among Fulton County cities, Johns Creek has the lowest M&O millage rate. Property tax revenue makes up approximately 28% of the city's general fund, funding public safety, administration, and capital projects. Discussion Items A council member raised concerns about the delay in receiving the certified digest (received September 14, 2026), which pushed the millage hearings later than usual (past July/August). They noted that a temporary collection order was issued to avoid a cash flow problem. The council member stated a philosophical view of restraining taxes but acknowledged practical constraints: keeping the rate at 3.492 avoids the cost and confusion of issuing refunds and an additional addendum bill to residents if the rate were rolled back. They asked about the soft costs of the delay and whether Fulton County would reduce its collection fee (currently about $250,000–$275,000 annually). The Finance Director confirmed there is no provision in the intergovernmental agreement to withhold fees, but the revenue commissioner could enforce a reduction. The council member suggested that Fulton County should reduce the fee as a gesture of partnership. The Mayor emphasized that clear communication to the public about the billing situation is important. The council member also mentioned exploring the possibility of the city handling its own tax billing in the future, as Roswell does. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken at this hearing. The millage rate will be adopted at the final public hearing on October 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., following a second hearing on the same day at 11:00 a.m. - Staff will calculate the potential cost and confusion of a rollback and report back to council before the final hearing. - Council expressed intent to request that Fulton County reduce its administrative fee for this year and to communicate clearly with residents about any addendum bills.

The City of Johns Creek Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment (ACE) Committee met on October 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA. The meeting covered the City Update, the final discussion of the Public Art Master Plan, and the proposed 2027 special events/program calendar and 2027 ACE meeting calendar. The meeting was open to the public and included a public comment period. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was listed on the agenda for this meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the public comment period. Reports & Presentations - City Update: Staff provided updates on upcoming city events, including the Oct Adaptive Recreation Field Day (Oct 10, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Newtown Park), Trunk-or-Treat (Oct 21, 6:00-8:00 PM, City Hall Parking Lot), Honoring our Veterans (Nov 7, 9:00-10:00 AM, Newtown Park), Diwali Celebration of Lights (Nov 7, 4:00-8:00 PM, The Boardwalk @ Town Center), Literary Fair (Nov 14, 3:00-7:00 PM), and Holly Jolly Block Party (Dec 4, 6:00-8:00 PM). Staff also highlighted the success of Arts on the Boardwalk, thanking artists, performers, vendors, volunteers, and attendees for their participation. Public Art Master Plan – Final Discussion - Staff Presentation: Special Projects Coordinator Amanda Bock presented the final draft of the Public Art Master Plan, intended as a long-term vision and guiding document to promote cohesiveness throughout the City, with a focus on permanent visual art. She clarified that outreach to community stakeholders had not yet begun and asked the Committee to provide final feedback. - Committee members recommended incorporating community partnerships (e.g., Johns Creek Chamber, Keep North Fulton Beautiful), discussing the 1% for Art program, ensuring contextual compatibility between nearby installations, and encouraging environmentally conscious materials. Members also expressed support for a mix of timeless and interactive art, unity-themed pieces, art integrated with landscaping, and smaller installations for placemaking. Public Comment - None. New Business Approval of Minutes from August 13, 2026 Meeting - [Minutes approval result] Public Art Master Plan – Final Discussion - [Discussion content] 2027 Special Events/Program Calendar - [Discussion content] 2027 ACE Meeting Calendar - [Discussion content] Other Business - [Items if any] Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned by Chair Hahn. --- Note: Details from the draft minutes for the August 13, 2026 meeting were included only to provide context on prior discussion. The current meeting's transcript will provide the final details.

The Johns Creek City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026, beginning at 7:06 p.m. The agenda included the approval of prior meeting minutes, a consent agenda covering routine business, a detailed manager’s report on strategic projects and city finances, and community announcements. Consent Calendar - 2027 Meeting Schedule: An ordinance adopting the 2027 meeting schedule was approved. - Legal Services Agreement: An amended agreement with Carothers and Mitchell, LLC for legal services was approved. - Employee Benefits Renewal: The annual renewal of employee health and other benefits was approved. Councilmember Tunkey commended staff for negotiating an approximate $900,000 cost savings on health benefits, a sentiment echoed by the Mayor who praised the favorable terms secured without reducing services. Public Comments & Testimony - Youth Resident Leo: Leo addressed the Mayor, asking if he was a fish based on a cartoon he watches. The Mayor responded good-naturedly. No other members of the public provided comment. Discussion Items - Manager’s Monthly Report: The City Manager presented updates on the city’s five strategic priorities. - Public Safety: Citizen’s Public Safety Academy graduation, FIRA forcible entry training, police shield and shooting training, and the addition of credit card bond payments at the jail. - Economic Development: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Beringer Ingleheim’s new U.S. headquarters, which also sponsored the Police Canine Unit’s NexGard supply. - Recreation and Parks: Free outdoor fitness programs and pickleball court striping at OC Park. Council requested a directional fan blade sign for restrooms and a sign for e-bike parking at Newtown Park. - Transportation and Connectivity: Project updates were provided. - On schedule: Abbott’s Bridge, Barnwell Road, Johns Creek Parkway (punch list phase), McGuinness Ferry Road, and Nesbitt Ferry at Colony Club. - Behind schedule: Jones Bridge Road at Sgt. Douglas (due to utility pole relocations) and Vice Road Bridge (missed September 30 reopening target due to incomplete concrete work). The City Manager acknowledged both delays. - Comprehensive Plan Update: In response to Council inquiries, the City Manager stated the RFP for the comprehensive plan update is planned for January/February 2027, with community engagement considered as an add alternate. A call for community volunteers will follow the selection of a consultant. - Bulky Recycling Day: Council discussed the event’s high turnout which resulted in some residents being turned away due to capacity. The City Manager noted the single-day event costs the city approximately $70,000. Discussion centered on expanding the event’s hours rather than adding a second date. A follow-up discussion is planned for the council retreat. - Sales Tax Projections: The City Manager reported that sales tax revenue is tracking positively and meeting or exceeding expectations. A detailed follow-up on projections was promised to Council. Announcements and Key Outcomes - Votes and Approvals: - Approved: September 14, 2026 Work Session Summary and Council Meeting Minutes. - Approved: Meeting agenda. - Approved: Consent Agenda (2027 Schedule, Legal Services, Employee Benefits). - Meeting Cancellations: The October 6 Planning Commission and October 8 Zoning Public Participation meetings have been canceled. - Upcoming Events: - Military Hearing (Oct 15, 6 p.m.) - Board of Zoning Appeals (Oct 20, 7 p.m.) - Johns Creek Diwali Festival (Nov 7, 4-8 p.m. with drone show), announced by the Mayor, thanking Macy’s Technologies as the presenting sponsor and Councilmember Rotunke for facilitating the sponsorship. - Next Council Meeting: Monday, October 26, 2026, featuring a Millage Hearing (11 a.m.), Work Session (5 p.m.), and Council Meeting (7 p.m.).

The Johns Creek City Council held a work session on Monday, October 5, 2026, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance and Mayor's remarks. During the session, Council reviewed three ongoing projects: a proposed mobile food vendor pilot ordinance at Town Center's Boardwalk, landscape enhancements along Johns Creek Parkway, and pedestrian lighting around high schools. No minutes were available; the agenda and transcript were used. After the open-session discussions, Council moved into executive session for land, legal, or personnel matters. Mayor's Remarks - Mayor announced the millage rate hearing scheduled for that evening at 6:00 p.m. was rescheduled to October 26, 2026, with hearings at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Citizens were still invited to share opinions during the council meeting. Strategic Priorities - No items were reported under strategic priorities. Ongoing Projects Mobile Food Vendors Ordinance - Staff presented a proposed 12-month pilot program to allow independent mobile food vendors and push carts at the Boardwalk at Town Center. Independent vending is not currently authorized in city parks; this would be the city's first authorization. The proposed ordinance covers location, hours, permitting, safety, insurance and indemnification, and does not authorize alcohol. - Several council members expressed strong support, calling it a good step for activating the Boardwalk and Town Center. Questions included how vendors would be vetted and selected, consistency and commitment requirements, the $1 million liability insurance requirement, enforcement, trash, scooter and pedestrian conflicts, and whether success could be measured quantitatively. - Staff said the ordinance would rely on an administrative permitting process rather than setting detailed criteria in the ordinance; Sugar Hill and Roswell were cited as model jurisdictions. Success could be measured by applications, vendor types, frequency, complaints, safety incidents, and surveys; actual pedestrian counts were more difficult without additional technology or cost. - Council consensus was 7-0 to proceed. Staff will take the ordinance to the next council meeting for adoption, with a public hearing on October 26, 2026; it was described as potentially consent-calendar material. Landscape Policy Implementation – Johns Creek Parkway - Staff reminded Council that the roadway landscaping and tree replanting policy was approved on August 24, 2026. The current request was for direction on whether to add enhanced landscaping in any of three identified areas along Johns Creek Parkway. With a mix of trees and bushes, all three areas were estimated at less than $100,000, using existing budget or possible tree-fund allocations. - Council generally supported moving forward, while asking staff to preserve sight lines, coordinate with Medley, keep future uses in mind, including possible farmer's market or linear park plans on adjacent land, and consider the roundabout as a potential location for public art. Some council members were comfortable leaving design details to staff and a landscape architect; others asked about design presentation and consistency with Town Center. - No formal action was required; staff was directed to develop a layout, secure bids, and complete installations during the upcoming planting season. Lighting at Major Intersections - Staff evaluated pedestrian lighting within a quarter mile and half mile of the three high schools in the city. Option 1 would add street lights to existing utility poles through the city's utility agreement; Option 2 would build a city-owned pedestrian-scale lighting system. Staff recommended starting with Option 1 within a quarter mile. - Council discussion included strong support for Option 1, with many council members supporting the half-mile radius. Some council members questioned calling it a pilot and preferred treating it as a phased approach; others cautioned that many residents prefer dark, rural-feeling neighborhoods and wanted broader lighting direction considered during the comprehensive plan update. Staff clarified that the city can request light shades to reduce light spill and glare. - Council directed staff to proceed with Option 1, adding lights to existing utility poles within a half mile of each high school. No formal action was needed. Routine Business - The agenda listed non-discussion routine business items: Insurance Renewals; FY27 Budget Amendment 1 – Fire Station 61 Renovation; Code Update for Solicitor; and Medlock Trail Engineering Contract. These were not discussed during the open work session. Executive Session - Council voted to adjourn to executive session to discuss land, legal, or personnel matters. Upon returning, the Mayor reported that the executive session covered five land matters and one legal matter. Key Outcomes - Directed staff to proceed with the mobile food vendor pilot program, with a public hearing and adoption scheduled for October 26, 2026. - Directed staff to proceed with Johns Creek Parkway landscaping enhancements, coordinated with Medley and a landscape architect, within available budget. - Directed staff to implement Option 1 pedestrian lighting on existing utility poles within a half mile of the three high schools. - Rescheduled the millage rate hearing to October 26, 2026. - Convened and concluded executive session; no votes were taken in open session on routine business.

The Johns Creek Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC) met on September 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. Chair Jillian Phillips presided. Roll call showed near-perfect attendance (Paul Via and Christi Wynn absent). No public comments were offered. Chair Update Chair Phillips encouraged use of the JC Now app to report park issues (e.g., fallen trees) and announced the annual Boards and Committees Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday, September 22 at 6:00 PM (dinner at 6:30). She also highlighted the upcoming Fulton County Schools fall break and invited families to enjoy the parks, noting recent trail improvements at Autrey Mill. New Recreation and Parks Director Introduction Assistant City Manager Chris Haggard introduced Michael King as the new Recreation and Parks Director. King is a Johns Creek resident with 20 years of parks and recreation experience, most recently as director in Brookhaven. He holds two degrees in parks and recreation. King stated he wanted to serve the community where he lives and where his two daughters attend Abbots Hill Elementary (where his wife also teaches). Departmental Update (Michael King) - Park Place Senior Center: Programs and participation numbers for July/August 2026 were up compared to 2025, with thousands of participants. Activities included a trip to Wolf Mountain Winery and a sunflower farm. - Events: Independence Day 250 on July 3 drew an estimated 15,000 attendees; Movie in the Park (Zootopia 2) on July 10 had 300 attendees; Summer Concert Series (Guardians of the Jukebox) on August 7 had 2,000 attendees; Adaptive Dance (Galactic Gala theme) on August 21 had 50 attendees. - Programming: The JCAT swim team sent 36 swimmers to the GRPA state swim meet, bringing home 3 first place, 1 second place, and 8 third place medals. Free outdoor fitness had 485 participants in July and 464 in August. - Upcoming Events: Pup-a-Pallooza Sept 19 (12-3 PM at Newtown Park), Arts on the Boardwalk Sept 26 (1-4 PM), Summer Concert with Johns Creek Symphony Oct 3 (doors 6 PM, show 7 PM at Newtown Park), North Fulton Special Needs Field Day Oct 10 at Cauley Creek Park, and Trunk or Treat Oct 21 (6-8 PM at City Hall). Food vendors are not planned for the September events; the October concert may have vendors. Facilities Update (Chris Haggard) - Completed Projects: Ocee Park tennis and basketball court resurfacing; Ocee Park Lang Field turf (partnership with OPAA); Cauley Creek futsal fence extension; Autrey Mill Summerour House painting (deck repainted with a move toward consistent paint colors across park buildings); Newtown Park Clubhouse addition. - Under Construction: Cauley Creek parking lot expansion at the pickleball courts—rock placement next week, asphalt to follow. - Future Projects: Cauley Creek Makerspace (design plans under review, aiming for permit in weeks); Newtown Park bathroom renovation; Autrey Mill amphitheater seating modification (cutting a center aisle for weddings); wayfinding signage now installed at the Boardwalk and starting at Cauley Creek. - E-Bike Ordinance: Bike racks have been installed at park entrances in response to the council’s ordinance prohibiting e-bikes and e-scooters on park trails. Enforcement is ongoing with police assistance. Some public misunderstanding exists—the ordinance allows e-bikes on sidewalks and trails outside parks. The committee discussed signage and parking locations. - Park Acquisitions: The city acquired the historic Medlock Bridge Road property (not open to the public) and the Horse Farm on Jonesbridge Road (leased back to current operators for at least a year; possible future rec center discussions). Discussion Items - Cauley Creek Sidewalk Connection: Committee member Alan Varghese asked about extending the sidewalk from the soccer fields to the new pickleball parking lot. Haggard said no immediate plan but noted a long-term master plan for Cauley Creek is being developed this year at council’s request; the 5K trail currently connects the areas. - Rotating Park Visits: Haggard proposed holding every other meeting at a park for a tour. The committee agreed to begin with Cauley Creek. Because the regular October 21 meeting conflicts with Trunk or Treat, the committee decided to cancel that meeting and hold an informal quorum (announced to the public) on October 14 at 6:15 PM at Cauley Creek. City Clerk Allison Tarpley will send details and adjust calendars. Future park visits will be scheduled based on project milestones. Key Outcomes - July 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (motion by Lisa Burton, second by Martin Jelleme). - October Meeting Changed: The October 21 regular meeting is canceled; an informal park tour at Cauley Creek will take place on October 14 at 6:15 PM (no formal agenda, open to public). - New Director Welcomed: Michael King officially introduced and begins leading recreation and parks. - Projects Continue: Cauley Creek parking lot, makerspace, and other facility improvements are in progress; the committee will be briefed on makerspace plans at a future meeting. - E-Bike Enforcement: Staff will continue outreach about the ordinance and monitor for issues over the next 3-6 months. - Calendar Reminder: City Clerk will send draft 2027 meeting calendars for the committee to review. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.