Public Meetings - Johns Creek, Georgia

The Johns Creek City Council met on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 7:08 PM at City Hall. The meeting included approval of minutes, consent agenda, recognition of the Johns Creek Aquatic Team, a manager's report, and new business items including appointments and a construction contract for the Cauley Creek Makerspace. Discussions also touched on the upcoming performing arts center bond referendum and city project oversight. Consent Calendar - Newtown Park Community Clubhouse Renovation: Council approved a design/build construction contract (Item G.1). The motion passed with one opposing vote (Councilmember Aramelli cited lack of community space; Councilmember Skinner also expressed concerns but voted in favor). Public Comments & Testimony - Stephanie Andres (resident) spoke against the consent agenda item (Newtown Park clubhouse), arguing it failed to fulfill the original vision of a holistic veterans' support facility. She urged the council to prioritize veterans over entertainment. - Mark Onders (resident) criticized past city projects (boardwalk, amphitheater, City Hall) for cost overruns and poor execution. He argued the clubhouse and other projects lack proper planning and would drain city resources. - Later public comment: Mr. Onders returned, asserting that the council's inability to agree on the makerspace proves they should not manage a performing arts center bond referendum. He accused the council of naivety and urged them to stick to core services (roads, lights). - Another speaker expressed appreciation for moving forward with the makerspace, highlighting the need for robotics team practice space and noting that the Northview Techno Titans have had to travel to Marietta for facilities. Discussion Items - Recognition of JCATS: The Johns Creek Aquatic Team (JCATS) received recognition for achievements at state championships, including multiple first-place finishes and a medley relay win. - Manager's Monthly Report (July): City Manager Greer highlighted: July 4th event attendance (12,000–15,000); public safety recruitment (5 firefighter recruits, 4 police cadets); construction of Fire Station 63 and Police South substation; economic development (120 business visits); recreation programs; and transportation grants (GDOT $134,000 safety action plan, USDOT $12.8 million for Old Alabama Road bridges). Councilmember Coughlin questioned neutrality of FAQ questions on the performing arts center bond referendum; Manager Greer offered to adjust wording in coordination with the city attorney. - Resolution R2025-08-21 – Appointment to Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee: Council unanimously approved the appointment of Elizabeth Burton. - Cauley Creek Makerspace Construction Contract (Item M.2): Assistant City Manager Haggard presented an addendum for a new building with HVAC, costing $400,000 additional (total $2.4M). Council debated: supporters cited efficiency and long-term savings; opponents raised concerns about higher cost per square foot, unanswered operational questions, and the design-build process. A motion to approve passed 4–3 (Councilmembers Coughlin, Elwood, Tunkey, and Mayor Bradbury in favor; Councilmembers Aramelli, DiBiase, and Skinner opposed). Key Outcomes - Minutes: Approved unanimously (July 28, 2025 work session and council meeting). - Agenda: Approved as presented. - Newtown Park Clubhouse: Consent agenda approved (1 opposed). - RPAC Appointment: Elizabeth Burton appointed unanimously. - Cauley Creek Makerspace Contract: Approved 4–3. - Executive Session: Council adjourned to executive session to discuss land and legal matters, then returned and adjourned the meeting.

On August 11, 2025, the Johns Creek City Council held a work session at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting focused primarily on the FY2026 budget, including revenue projections, growth assumptions, capital projects, and staff compensation. Discussions were marked by disagreements over revenue forecasting methodology and transparency, with several agenda items deferred to the next work session. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented for unanimous approval; the routine business item (Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract) was listed but not discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during this session. Discussion Items - FY2026 Budget Discussion (90-minute agenda item, extended to over two hours) - Growth Assumption (Property Tax Digest Growth): Council debated whether to increase the assumed property tax digest growth from the conservative $70 million (used historically) to $200 million, as recommended by staff based on a five-year average of $243 million. Councilmember Tunki proposed using the additional $440,000 in projected revenue to fund a 2.1% to 2.7% COLA adjustment ($153,000) and either Newton Park tennis/pickleball court lining ($300,000) or an adventure play area ($300,000). Councilmember Bob strongly opposed the $200 million growth figure, arguing it was overly optimistic and that the city has consistently operated with surpluses using the $70 million assumption. He noted that the five-year average was skewed by high growth in 2022 and 2023. Councilmember Chris supported $200 million, citing it as a conservative number relative to historical trends and a way to reduce large surpluses. Councilmember Stacey questioned the jump from $70 million to $200 million, preferring a more conservative approach. Councilmember Larry expressed support for a probabilistic method using standard deviations. A consensus emerged to request additional data from staff, including a model separating pre- and post-COVID trends. - COLA Adjustment: There was broad agreement to fund the CPI-U-based cost-of-living adjustment from 2.1% to 2.7%, consistent with the June 2025 CPI-U figure. Staff indicated a future policy amendment to align the reference month with the budget cycle. - LOST (Local Option Sales Tax) Revenue Projection: Staff projected $30 million for FY2026, based on current year trends. Councilmember Bob challenged this as aggressive, noting that the previous finance director had projected $28 million. Assistant City Manager Kay Love defended the $30 million figure as not the most conservative but based on actual data and multiple scenarios (ranging from $28.2 million to $30.6 million). Councilmember Chris and Mayor felt comfortable with $30 million, while Councilmember Stacey was indifferent pending more data. No final consensus was reached. - Building Permit Double Counting: Staff disclosed a potential $1.5 million overcount in the building residential and plan review line items, which may require downward adjustment in the proposed budget. - Surplus Allocation: The FY2025 projected surplus of approximately $2.9 million (to be added to unassigned fund balance) was discussed as a potential source to advance-fund FY2026 projects. Staff will provide updated figures by August 15, 2025. - Chamber of Commerce Funding: Councilmember Stacey proposed reallocating $25,000 from the Greater North Fulton Chamber regional program to the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, and increasing Leadership Johns Creek funding for three staff slots ($7,500). Other councilmembers requested more details on the regional program’s benefits and the Johns Creek Chamber’s proposal. - Unfunded Needs and Transparency: Councilmember Stacey presented slides showing unfunded requests from departments, including a fire transport vehicle ($500,000), lifesaving equipment ($106,000), police pay adjustment (3.4%), and compensation adjustments. She argued that the budget document did not include all departmental needs, accusing staff of filtering information. City Manager explained that the budget process involves a thorough prioritization by department heads, with many requests withdrawn after collective discussions and alignment with council priorities. Mayor and several councilmembers defended staff, asserting that the process is transparent and that Stacey’s claims were unfounded. - Multi-Modal Policy and Matrix (30-minute agenda item) - The item was deferred to the next work session due to time constraints. - Cauley Creek Parking Lot (15-minute agenda item) - Also deferred to the next meeting. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; consensus was reached on the COLA adjustment (2.7%) using part of the projected $440,000 additional revenue, pending final revenue numbers. - Staff will provide updated budget documents incorporating council feedback (including growth assumption analysis, capital project prioritization, and unfunded needs list) for the August 25 work session. - The FY2026 budget adoption is scheduled for September 8, 2025. - The Multi-Modal Policy and Matrix and Cauley Creek Parking Lot items were deferred to the August 25 work session. - The council directed staff to research franchise fee audits and street light LED conversion opportunities. - Tensions over transparency and the budget process were left unresolved; further discussion is expected at subsequent meetings.

The Johns Creek City Council met at 7:13 p.m. on July 28, 2025, at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting included a public hearing on the FY2026 budget, adoption of the FY2025 millage rate, approval of a zoning text amendment for cemeteries, a resolution opposing Fulton County property tax increases, and amendments to the tree preservation ordinance. Mayor Bradbury opened with remarks about ethics complaints filed against him, which he characterized as political distractions. The council approved the consent agenda as amended, with one item (tree preservation ordinance) moved to new business for separate consideration. Consent Calendar - Approved July 14, 2025 work session summary, millage rate public hearing minutes, and council meeting minutes (E.1) unanimously. - Approved the meeting agenda after moving item G2 (tree preservation ordinance) to new business. - Approved the consent agenda as amended, which included: Ordinance O2025-07-20 (FY2025 budget amendment), Resolution R2025-07-18 (signatories on Georgia Fund One), Resolution R2025-07-19 (amending employee fees), a $1,482,734 contract with TriScapes, Inc. for parks maintenance, a $513,265 contract with Michael Baker International for Old Alabama Road Bridges engineering, an intergovernmental agreement with Sandy Springs for fire station alerting equipment, and an intergovernmental agreement with Fulton County for conducting the 2025 election. All passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - FY2025 Millage Rate Public Hearing: Mr. Fitzgerald addressed the council, criticizing council members for not keeping campaign promises to keep taxes low and opposing a $40 million performing arts center. He urged adoption of the rollback rate. - No public comments were made during the FY2026 budget public hearing or the cemetery zoning text amendment hearing. Discussion Items - FY2026 Budget (First Public Hearing): Assistant City Manager Love presented the proposed $84,979,700 balanced general fund budget, which maintains current service levels, funds vehicle/equipment replacements, and does not use reserves. Revenue is driven by local option sales tax (35%) and property taxes (28%). Council members praised the budget; no public comments were received. The hearing was adjourned; further discussion will occur on August 11 and August 25, with adoption scheduled for September 8. - FY2025 Millage Rate (M&O and Parks Bond): Council debated setting the M&O millage rate. Councilmember Coughlin initially moved to set the rate at 3.485 mills (splitting growth with taxpayers). Councilmember Elwood moved a substitute to adopt the rollback rate of 3.492 mills. Supporters of the rollback argued that it returns excess revenue to taxpayers and that surpluses come largely from expenditure savings, not revenue overruns. The substitute motion passed 5-2. The main motion for 3.492 mills then passed. For the parks bond, the council approved a rate of 0.25 mills (rollback is 0.242), with discussion noting that the surplus in the fund earns interest, making it beneficial to maintain the higher rate. The parks bond motion passed 7-0. - Zoning Text Amendment A-25-004 (Cemetery as Accessory Use): Director Song presented a staff-recommended amendment to allow cemeteries as an accessory use to existing churches, temples, or places of worship in the Agricultural (AG) district, provided seven standards are met (e.g., minimum 20-acre property, 1,000 sq. ft. maximum area, 200-ft. setback, screening). The Planning Commission recommended approval. No public comments were made. Council approved the amendment unanimously. - Resolution R2025-07-20 (Opposition to Fulton County Property Tax Increase): Mayor Bradbury introduced a resolution urging the Fulton County Commission not to raise property taxes, noting the county’s proposed full mill increase and the abandonment of a new jail project. Councilmembers expressed support for collective action. The resolution passed unanimously. - Tree Preservation Ordinance Amendment: Director Song presented an ordinance to simplify tree removal on developed single-family residential lots. Key changes: exempting utility, road, and detention pond tree removal from permitting; allowing removal of any tree (regardless of size) on lots not in protected zones; increasing specimen tree size thresholds (hardwoods/softwoods from 24 to 32 inches, small native from 10 to 12 inches); requiring replacement planting for removed specimen trees in protected zones; and reducing the administrative guidelines from 86 to 46 pages. Council debated the balance between tree preservation and homeowner rights. The ordinance passed 5-2. Key Outcomes - FY2026 Budget: First public hearing held; no action taken. Next steps: work sessions on August 11 and August 25, second public hearing and adoption on September 8. - FY2025 Millage Rate (M&O): Adopted at 3.492 mills (rollback rate) (vote 5-2). - FY2025 Parks Bond Millage Rate: Adopted at 0.25 mills (vote 7-0). - Zoning Text Amendment A-25-004: Approved (vote 7-0). - Resolution to Implore Fulton County Not to Raise Property Taxes: Approved (vote 7-0). - Tree Preservation Ordinance Amendment: Approved (vote 5-2). - Executive Session: Council adjourned to executive session to discuss land, legal, and personnel matters. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned after executive session.

The City Council of Johns Creek held a work session on July 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, proposed bathroom additions at the Boardwalk at Town Center, next steps for the Cauley Creek Makerspace, and a new Multi-Modal Policy. No formal votes were taken; the council provided direction for staff to refine proposals. Discussion Items FY26 Budget Discussion - Assistant City Manager Kay Love presented a proposed budget built on a $70 million growth assumption. Councilmember Daleep recommended increasing the growth assumption to $200 million based on a five-year average, which would generate an additional $440,000 in revenue. He suggested allocating $300,000 of that to Newton Park pickleball court lighting (project 13) and the remainder to update the Cauley Creek Master Plan (project 29). Councilmember Skinner agreed with the recommendation but needed more time to decide on reallocation. - Councilmember Daleep also questioned the high overtime line item for police ($500,000) and the building inspection services budget. He expressed concern about inconsistent revenue forecasting, noting that the city fell short by $250,000 in other revenues for FY2025 yet budgeted a $720,000 increase for FY2026. Staff explained that each revenue line is based on historical trends and specific project expectations (e.g., Medley permitting). - Councilmember Skinner requested greater transparency in the budget presentation, including adding unassigned fund balance projections, breaking down salary and benefit increases, and clarifying line items such as the board and commissions appreciation dinner ($5,000) and the International City/County Management Association membership in the communications budget. - Councilmember Chris Biaggi presented an AI-driven analysis of the budget using reasoning models, identifying potential cost savings and innovations (e.g., dynamic HVAC optimization). He offered to share the results. - Councilmember Daleep also discussed the stormwater grant program, noting that $422,000 was allocated for FY2025 but zero for FY2026. Staff responded that the program would be replenished as needed and that the timeline for the 42 applications is on schedule. Boardwalk at Town Center – Bathroom Addition - Assistant City Manager Chris Haggard proposed repurposing $1 million of unused construction contingency from the boardwalk project to begin engineering and land acquisition for additional bathrooms. The estimated total cost for permanent bathrooms is $2 million. - Councilmembers expressed strong concerns about the cost. Councilmember Skinner questioned why bathrooms were not included originally and noted that parking remains unfunded. Councilmember Chris Coughlin suggested using luxury restroom trailers instead of permanent construction, which could be purchased or rented for events. Councilmember Daleep agreed that $2 million is too high and emphasized exploring all options, including temporary solutions. - The council directed staff to analyze alternatives (e.g., luxury trailers, partnerships) and return with a cost-benefit analysis before spending any funds on engineering. Makerspace Next Steps - Staff presented two options for the Cauley Creek Makerspace: renovate the existing water reclamation building ($2 million) or construct a new building ($2.1 million), with an additional $300,000 required for air conditioning in either option. The new building offers better efficiency and lower long-term maintenance. - Councilmembers were divided. Councilmember Daleep and Councilmember Chris Biaggi supported the new building, noting lower HVAC costs and future flexibility. Councilmember Skinner called for a pause, citing the project's changing direction over nine months and the need for a comprehensive plan including parking. Councilmember Aramelli also advocated for a pause to reassess goals and costs. - Councilmember Chris Coughlin supported moving forward with exploring the new building but wanted to simultaneously consider uses for the existing building (e.g., parking or indoor recreation). The council did not reach a consensus; staff will bring additional information on locations, parking, and total cost to a future meeting. Multi-Modal Policy - Director Chris Haggard presented a proposed policy for multimodal trails, recommending an 8-foot minimum trail width to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and personal transportation vehicles (e.g., golf carts, e-scooters). A 100-point scoring matrix was proposed to prioritize projects based on proximity to parks, schools, activity centers, roadway classification, and gaps in the system. - Councilmember Larry DiBiasi preferred a 10-foot default width with discretion for 8 feet where needed, and suggested prioritizing areas with no sidewalks first. Councilmember Daleep supported 8 feet but wanted to increase points for proximity to schools to encourage cycling. Councilmember Skinner agreed with the staff recommendation but noted that 10 feet should be the default when possible. - The council provided feedback for staff to refine the policy and return with a final draft. Key Outcomes - Budget: Council directed staff to adjust the FY2026 growth assumption from $70 million to $200 million, adding $440,000 in revenue. Staff will incorporate council feedback on transparency and forecasting and bring a revised budget to future meetings. - Boardwalk Bathrooms: Staff will explore alternative bathroom options, including luxury trailers, and return with cost estimates before proceeding with any expenditure. - Makerspace: Staff will provide additional information on the new building option, including location, parking, and total cost, for a future council decision. No contract amendment was authorized. - Multi-Modal Policy: Staff will refine the minimum trail width (likely 8 feet, with 10 feet preferred) and scoring matrix based on council feedback and present a final policy for adoption. No formal motions or votes were taken during this work session.

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. All members were present, and a quorum was established. The board approved the minutes from the April 22, 2025 meeting and heard two variance cases, both of which were approved unanimously. Approval of April 22, 2025 Minutes - Motion to approve the minutes as presented was made by Mr. Chanel, seconded by Mr. Stainer. The motion carried unanimously. Case V-25-0003: 295 Saint Devon Crossing - Petitioners: Antwan and Lisa McNary. - Request: Variance to encroach 48 feet into the 75-foot stream buffer to construct a 660-square-foot stone paver patio and bring the existing house and deck into compliance with the stream buffer ordinance. - Staff Presentation (Tyler Barron, Planner 3): The property is 2.97 acres, zoned R-4A Conditional. The 75-foot stream buffer covers over half the existing house, the entire rear yard, and existing deck. The proposed encroachment includes 938 square feet of new disturbance and a total of 2,485 square feet of impervious surface (including existing). No disturbance is proposed within the state’s 25-foot buffer. The mitigation plan includes 1,600 square feet of planting (3 large trees, 4 small trees, 320 sq ft shrubs, 280 sq ft ground cover). Staff recommended approval subject to conditions: encroachment limited to 48 linear feet, 938 sq ft new disturbance, 2,485 total impervious, and a vegetative plan consistent with the mitigation plan submitted May 21, 2025. - Applicant Comments: The McNarys stated that the rear yard is largely unusable due to trees and mosquitoes, and they want to extend the patio for outdoor enjoyment. - Board Questions: Mr. Chanel expressed concern about runoff from the patio and suggested planting along the slope. The applicants noted they plan to add plants along the back edge of the patio. Staff clarified that mitigation plantings are placed outside the buffer to avoid further disturbance. The applicants confirmed no backfill beyond paver base and that a concrete edge will retain the patio. The sewer easement prohibits a retaining wall, but pavers are allowed with Fulton County approval. - Vote: Motion to approve with staff recommendations by Mr. Chanel, seconded by Mr. Stainer. Approved unanimously by voice vote. Case V-25-0004: 1425 Spyglass Hill Drive - Petitioner: Faysal Kapadia. - Architect: Steve West. - Request: Variance to encroach 50 feet into the 75-foot stream buffer to construct a single-family detached home. Proposed improvements: 2,083 square feet of disturbance within the 50-foot undisturbed buffer and 3,642 square feet of impervious surface within the 75-foot buffer. No disturbance is proposed within the state’s 25-foot buffer. - Staff Presentation (Tyler Barron): The property is 0.72 acres, zoned CUP Conditional, and currently undeveloped. The 75-foot stream buffer covers about 84% of the lot. The lot slopes steeply (45% grade) and was platted in 1991. The variance is necessary to build a home consistent in size and form with the St. Ives neighborhood. The mitigation plan includes 5,268 square feet of planted area (7 large trees, 13 small trees, 81 shrubs, 318 ground cover) and two dry wells to handle stormwater runoff from the impervious surfaces. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions: 50-foot linear encroachment, 3,642 sq ft impervious, 2,083 sq ft disturbance in the 50-foot buffer, dry wells retaining the first inch of runoff, and a vegetative plan consistent with the mitigation plan submitted May 12, 2025. - Applicant Comments (Steve West): The lot has a 45% slope, making construction difficult. The first floor will be set about 4 feet below street level, with an 11-foot basement wall and 16-foot sub-basement wall. A cantilevered covered porch is planned. The mitigation plan required plantings on the other side of the creek (about 600 feet) because the stream buffer is so wide. Georgia DOT took 0.3 acres of the lot for a road widening project, reducing available mitigation area. Three or four prior attempts to buy the lot failed due to parcel boundary issues. Mr. Kapadia stated he currently resides in St. Ives and intends to live in the home. - Board Questions: A board member asked about the difference between the 2018 approval (45-foot encroachment) and the current 50-foot request. Staff explained the previous approval was for a different house plan and did not include limits of disturbance. The architect noted that moving the house forward would require a front setback variance. Staff confirmed the stream bisects the lot, requiring hand-placed plantings on the opposite side. - Vote: Motion to approve with staff recommendations as presented by Mr. Chanel, seconded by Mr. Chalapri. Approved unanimously by voice vote. Departmental Updates - The next meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2025, with one stream buffer variance case (a deck encroachment) already on the agenda. - Kyung Soon Wan, a new Planner 2 with a master’s and doctorate in urban and regional planning from Georgia Tech, was introduced. She will gradually take on some of Tyler Barron’s responsibilities and present cases to the board. Key Outcomes - V-25-0003: Approved unanimously with staff conditions. The McNarys may proceed with the patio and compliance improvements. - V-25-0004: Approved unanimously with staff conditions. Mr. Kapadia may proceed with construction of a single-family home on the Spyglass Hill lot. - The board adjourned the meeting by motion of Mr. Chanel, seconded by Mr. Stainer.

On July 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM, the Johns Creek City Council held the first of three required public hearings to discuss the FY2025 millage rate. The hearing was held at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA. No votes were taken; the hearing served to inform the public and gather input before the council sets the millage rate at a future date. Public Comments & Testimony - Gail (first speaker) asked for clarification on the percentage of properties Fulton County is required to reassess annually. Staff responded that all properties must be reassessed every three years, but the exact annual percentage varies. - Tyler Chenault, candidate for City Council, opposed a millage rate increase, stating it would hurt seniors on fixed incomes, young families, homeowners, and renters. He noted that Councilman Aramelli had voted against a rollback rate three times. - Bob Stevens, retired resident, supported the council's efforts and expressed confidence in city management. He stated that any millage rate increase would likely be a last resort and that he supports whatever measure is appropriate to maintain the city's quality of services. - Victoria Lemberg, retired nurse, opposed a tax increase, citing hardship for retirees and those on fixed incomes. She asked the council to avoid increasing taxes if possible. - Sherry Jones, resident, shared concerns about a 91% increase in her property assessment (from $266,000 to $510,000) and noted that the tax assessment notices no longer show the estimated tax amount due to a state law change (HB 581/HB 92). She requested an explanation of the difference between assessed and taxable value. - A second speaker (same as prior speaker, back for additional comment) noted discrepancies in Fulton County assessments across neighborhoods and encouraged residents to appeal. He stated he is preparing appeals for his subdivision. Discussion Items - Assistant City Manager Love presented the FY2025 millage rate background. He explained the property tax digest, millage rate mechanics, the difference between assessed and taxable value, and the floating homestead exemption. Key figures: 2025 preliminary digest is $6.52 billion (increase of $326 million, with $276 million from reassessment and $50 million from new growth). The current M&O millage rate is 3.646 mills; the rollback rate is 3.492 mills. The bond millage rate for parks debt is 0.250 mills (rollback: 0.242). He noted that the advertised millage rate is the current rate (3.646) per state law, but the council can adopt any rate. The city has the lowest millage rate among Fulton County cities. - Mayor commented that he will present a budget tonight built on the rollback rate and will also introduce a resolution calling on Fulton County not to raise its millage rate. He intends to propose a motion at the July 28 council meeting to adopt the rollback rate of 3.492, which he described as revenue-neutral city-wide (though individual property taxes may vary based on assessment changes). - Councilman Coughlin stated he generally supports the rollback rate, viewing the millage rate as irrelevant compared to the total revenue needed for operations. Key Outcomes - No formal action was taken during this hearing. The council will hold two additional public hearings: one on July 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM and another on July 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM (in conjunction with a regular council meeting). - The Mayor announced his intention to move a resolution on July 28 to adopt the rollback rate of 3.492 mills for FY2025. - Staff will continue to provide information to the council and public regarding the budget and millage rate. Note on Accuracy - The transcript and agenda are consistent. No minutes were provided. The meeting was a public hearing only; no votes occurred.

The Johns Creek City Council met on July 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting covered consent items, a quarterly scout recognition, public comment, the manager's monthly report, an executive session, and two new business items: a resolution to join an amicus brief and a budget amendment ordinance. Key positions included the mayor's opposition to a proposed Fulton County tax increase, a resident's request to reduce truck traffic, and a councilmember's concern about how completed projects were described. Consent Calendar - Approved the June 9, 2025 work session and council meeting minutes, June 17th mini-retreat summary, and June 26th special called meeting work session summary unanimously. - Approved the amended consent agenda (excluding G.1, moved to new business) including: - O2025-07-19 (budget amendment) moved to new business. - Memorandum of Understanding with Emory Johns Creek Hospital for EMT and paramedic clinics. - Memorandum of Understanding with American Medical Response for EMT and paramedic clinics. - Public Art Commission recommendation for artist selection (a 24-foot spiral art piece at the boardwalk at Town Center). The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Leo Geary (resident of Brookhaven at Johns Creek, vice president of condo association): Requested the elimination or minimization of 18-wheeler truck traffic on Technology Circle, citing it is primarily a residential area and that Medley development will worsen congestion. Also requested an additional lane at the intersection of Technology Circle and Johns Creek Parkway to proactively handle future traffic. He had submitted a letter and offered to provide petitions. Presentations - Quarterly Scout Recognition: The council recognized Miss Laksh Selva Kumar for earning the Girl Scouts Gold Award. She described her project creating a book nook at Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities in Sandy Springs, providing donated books, activity packets, bookmark workshops, and a website to promote literacy and family bonding during difficult times. Reports - Manager's Monthly Report (May and June): City Manager presented a video summarizing first-half 2025 achievements aligned with five strategic priorities: arts and culture, public safety, recreation and parks, economic development, and transportation. Highlights included events (Lunar New Year, International Festival, Juneteenth), public art installations, a bond referendum for a performing art center, crime suppression unit activation, Fire Station 63 and police substation construction, boardwalk construction on track for summer 2026, park renovations, and in-house public works. The video was praised by council. Discussion Items - Mayor's Opening Remarks: Mayor expressed strong opposition to a proposed Fulton County tax increase of approximately one mill. He read a draft resolution urging the county to forego the increase, noting that Johns Creek has the lowest millage rate among Fulton County municipalities, that Fulton County doubles its sales tax share (from 4.98% to 12.5%) over 10 years to fund a jail now estimated at $300 million (not the originally quoted $1-2 billion), and that the final millage rate hearing is August 6, 2025 at 10 AM. He invited residents to attend. - Ordinance O2025-07-19 (Budget Amendment): Councilmember Aramelli moved to amend the descriptive language in the agenda report, requesting removal of the phrase "48 projects were completed" and replacement with a table showing savings by fund, to avoid the perception that the city was padding achievements by listing small items (e.g., helmets, vests) as projects. The finance director agreed to improve future reporting clarity. The council discussed the accounting practices for capital projects and closeouts. Motion to approve the ordinance as presented passed 6-1 (vote tally from transcript; specific opposition not recorded). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (including MOU with Emory Johns Creek Hospital and American Medical Response, and Public Art Commission recommendation). - Executive Session: Council unanimously voted to enter executive session to discuss land, legal, and/or personnel matters, then voted to exit with a report that three legal issues were addressed. - Resolution R2025-07-17: Approved unanimously authorizing participation in an amicus brief in Chang vs. City of Milton appeal pending before the Supreme Court. - Ordinance O2025-07-19: Approved 6-1 (budget amendment closing 48 capital projects, returning $2,681,792 to respective funds: Capital Projects Fund, Infrastructure Maintenance Accrual, Equipment Accrual, and Vehicle Accrual). Council directed staff to close projects on a quarterly or more frequent basis going forward and to clarify the description in future agenda reports. - Next Meeting: Work session on July 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM and council meeting at 7:00 PM.

The Johns Creek City Council met in a work session at 5:00 p.m. on July 14, 2025, at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, Georgia. No minutes were available, and the raw transcript opens after a break, so the FY2026 Budget initial presentation listed on the agenda is not covered in this summary. During the recorded discussion, council members addressed tourism product development funding, a Performing Arts Center voter education campaign, and a USPS ZIP code lookup issue; no formal votes were taken. FY2026 Tourism Product Development Project Recommendations - City Manager Greer presented four CVB recommendations for FY2026 tourism product development funds: a visitor center, bicycle access points or rental facilities, public art, and Performing Arts Center (PAC) multi-purpose room funding. - Staff noted the funds will not be collected until October 1 and that council must choose a project before FY2026, though no decision was required that night. - Several council members supported bicycle access/rental facilities as a health/wellness investment; one argued $178,000 would not go far toward the PAC. Others supported the PAC multi-purpose room, noting it could include a visitor center and reduce general-fund spending on PAC construction documents. - Staff clarified that the CVB recommends but council chooses, and tourism funds must be spent in the fiscal year they are received; a visitor center inside a future PAC would not open next year even if construction documents started around Christmas. - City Manager Greer summarized informal consensus as four council members favoring the PAC multi-purpose room as the primary use, with more than four backing bicycle access points as a backup plan. The final choice was left to FY2026 budget deliberations. Performing Arts Center Education Materials - Council reviewed five levers for the voter education campaign: community meetings, stakeholder meetings, web presence, social media frequency, and mailed collateral. - The roundtable produced this consensus direction: one community meeting in August, two in September, and two in October; accept invitations to stakeholder meetings, with some members also requesting proactive outreach to larger neighborhoods; add a dedicated web page with a domain link on the city website; post weekly social media updates; and send two mailed pieces, one soon and one before the election, preferably graphic postcards rather than text-only envelopes. - Council members requested FAQ additions on annual operating costs and millage-rate impact, total construction cost including land and design, possible cost overruns and a maximum construction cost, construction timeline, future capital projects, PAC management, community use/rental rates, building-specific parking, impact on city reserves, tax impact using actual assessed value and the 0.27 bond millage, naming rights/private fundraising, and whether prior tax payments would be used for the project. - The City Attorney advised that the city must remain neutral, that council members should direct residents to the city website, and that speaking as a private citizen while holding office could create personal liability or an ethics complaint. The City Manager said FAQ wording would be reviewed by the City Attorney and bond counsel to keep materials educational rather than advocacy. USPS ZIP Code Boundary Review Decision Point - The Mayor explained that Johns Creek addresses are often identified in online databases as Alpharetta, Suwanee, Duluth, or Roswell, even though mail addressed to Johns Creek can be delivered. - He recommended pursuing the USPS preferred city-name/plus-four “hard override” option so databases would show Johns Creek for addresses inside city boundaries, while keeping a broader ZIP boundary change on the table. - Council members described the preferred-name option as a “no-brainer” and agreed the broader boundary change, while unlikely, costs nothing to continue pursuing. - Council consensus was to have the Mayor inform the USPS of that direction. The Mayor thanked Senator Ossoff’s office and Representative McCormick’s office for their support. Boardwalk at Town Center – Bathroom Addition - A council member asked to discuss the proposed bathroom addition at Boardwalk at Town Center. Council agreed to defer it to the July 28 meeting and asked staff to provide a presentation and be prepared for questions. Key Outcomes - Tourism: informal consensus to prioritize the PAC multi-purpose room for FY2026 tourism product development funds, with bicycle access points as the backup; to be finalized during FY2026 budget deliberations. - PAC education: consensus on the meeting schedule, stakeholder approach, web presence, weekly social media, and two mailings; FAQ wording to be made neutral and reviewed by the City Attorney and bond counsel. - USPS: direction to pursue the preferred city-name/plus-four database update while keeping the broader ZIP boundary option open; no formal vote. - Boardwalk bathroom addition deferred to July 28. - Routine business items on the agenda were not acted on in the available transcript.

On July 14, 2025, the Johns Creek City Council held a public hearing at 6:00 PM to discuss the proposed FY25 millage rate. The hearing included a presentation from Assistant City Manager Kay, public comments, and council discussion. The city is considering maintaining or rolling back the millage rate to be revenue neutral. A third public hearing and adoption are scheduled for July 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM. Presentation Overview - The current M&O millage rate is 3.646 mills; the parks bond rate is 0.250 mills. - The rollback rate (revenue neutral) would be 3.492 mills for M&O and 0.242 mills for parks bond. - The total millage rate in Fulton County for all jurisdictions is 30.016 mills, with the school board at 17.080, county at 8.870, county bond at 0.170, city M&O at 3.646, and city bond at 0.250. - The tax digest grew by $326 million (2.25%) over 2024, consisting of $276 million from reassessment of existing properties and $50 million from new growth. - Property tax revenue accounts for 27% of the city’s general fund and funds services including police, fire, capital projects, and council priorities. Public Comments & Testimony - Speaker 1 (woman): Asked for clarification on the term “rollback,” expressing concern that the millage rate might be increasing. Staff explained that the rollback rate is a decrease to make the tax revenue neutral for existing properties, not a tax cut. The speaker also mentioned her property assessment increased significantly and she is appealing. - Bob Arnold: Asked whether the city is proposing a millage rate increase. Council clarified that the advertised rate is the current rate, and the council may adopt a lower (rollback) rate. He also asked about the city’s actions regarding Fulton County’s proposed tax increase; a council member mentioned a pending resolution opposing that increase. - Third speaker (woman): Noted confusion about the 5.25% and 4.41% percentages in the advertisement. Staff clarified that 5.25% is the growth in the digest, and 4.41% is the difference between the current rate and the rollback rate—not a guaranteed tax increase for individual property owners. Discussion Items - Council members and staff discussed the mechanics of the rollback rate, the floating homestead exemption, and how individual property tax bills may change based on reassessment and exemptions. - A council member asked about the revenue impact of adopting the rollback rate for M&O: it would reduce property tax revenue by approximately $597,000 compared to the current revised budget. - For the parks bond rate, staff explained that holding it steady at 0.250 mills is necessary to service existing debt; a rollback to 0.242 would not provide sufficient funds. Council noted that previous councils chose to keep the parks bond rate steady for this reason. - A council member expressed intent to bring a motion to adopt the rollback rate at the July 28 meeting, pending verification of assumptions by staff. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken; the public hearing was informational. - The third and final public hearing on the FY25 millage rate will be held on July 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM, in conjunction with the regular city council meeting, where the council will vote to adopt the millage rate.