Public Meetings - Johns Creek, Georgia

The Board of Zoning Appeals of Johns Creek, Georgia met on June 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present (Mr. Green and Mr. Hopkins absent). The board approved the prior meeting minutes and agenda unanimously. The sole public hearing case was a stream buffer variance for a deck replacement (V-26007). The board also debated and adopted revised rules and procedures for its meetings. The meeting was live-streamed. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the last meeting minutes and the current agenda passed unanimously by voice vote (all ayes, no opposition). Discussion Items - Variance Case V-26007 (9625 Rod Road): The applicant requested a variance to encroach 33 linear feet into the city’s 75-foot stream buffer to replace and extend an existing deck by two feet (from 12 ft to 14 ft depth). The property is constrained by a lake, a 25-foot slope, and a 75-foot buffer covering 73% of the lot. The net new impervious surface within the buffer is 57 square feet (total 1,950 sq ft). Staff recommended approval with two conditions: (1) the encroachment shall not exceed 33 linear feet and 1,950 sq ft total impervious surface (57 sq ft net new), and (2) a mitigation planting plan of one small tree, nine shrubs, and 24 ground cover plants covering 340 sq ft. During discussion, board members asked about the need for condition 2 (mitigation). Staff explained it is required for any additional impervious surface. The applicant expressed willingness to comply but noted difficulty planting a tree due to limited space; the board considered striking the tree if necessary, but staff emphasized the tree’s benefit. The applicant’s view concern about planting on the slope was addressed: the tree’s proposed location is on a level area near the fence, not on the slope. The board voted 4–1 to approve the variance with staff’s conditions (Mr. Stainler voted no). - Departmental Updates – Revised Rules and Procedures: Staff presented proposed revisions to the Board of Zoning Appeals’ rules and procedures (required by code Chapter 22-14-6). The revisions clarify procedures for administrative decision appeals, including designation of parties (appellant, city, other property owners), speaking times (10 minutes per party, with 3 minutes per person for public comment within a total 10-minute slot), advance notice requirements (7 days to declare intent to speak; 14 days to submit evidence/documents), and order of presentations. The board discussed the seven-day versus 14-day notice requirement for parties and whether to harmonize them. Staff and board debated the order of presentations (public comment first vs. city report first). The board agreed to keep the seven-day notice for speaking but left open the possibility of future adjustment. The motion to adopt the rules as presented, with minor formatting fixes, passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Variance V-26007 approved 4–1, subject to conditions: (1) maximum encroachment of 33 linear feet, total impervious surface 1,950 sq ft (57 sq ft net new), and (2) mitigation planting of one small tree, nine shrubs, and 24 ground cover plants in areas shown on the plan. - Revised BZA rules and procedures adopted unanimously, effective immediately. The order of presentations for appeals will be: public comment, appellant, city, then other property owners (with appellant able to reserve rebuttal time). The board encourages staff to send meeting invitations to board members. - Next meeting scheduled for July 21, 2026, with two cases: a setback encroachment and an administrative appeal.

The Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment (ACE) Committee met on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA. Chair Zach Hahn called the meeting to order. Roll call showed members Cynthia Green, Dan Fellerman, Kaaryn Walker, Azure Duan, Matthew Wroten, Zach Hahn, and Scott Braynard present. Staff present included City Manager Kimberly Greer, Special Projects Coordinator Amanda Bock, and City Clerk Allison Tarpley. No public comments were offered. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from April 9, 2026: Motion by Matthew Wroten, seconded by Scott Braynard, to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Reports & Presentations - City Update: Amanda Bock reported that the second set of dog statues had been installed at the new fire station. The city is in its summer event season, having hosted the International Festival and two summer concerts, with Juneteenth and America 250 upcoming. Johns Creek will also host two soccer watch parties for the World Cup. Sponsorships for America 250 are open until June 26, and sponsorship/participant applications for Trunk or Treat in October are now open. Discussion Items - America 250 Final Discussion: - ACE Role at Event: Staff proposed that interested committee members assist at the Parade of Stars booth, helping children decorate star signs. Several members expressed interest; staff will send a follow-up email to coordinate. The volunteer sign-up link via Rec1 was noted as having navigation issues. - Time Capsule: Due to limited school response (four schools, two outside Johns Creek), staff asked the committee whether to proceed. The committee recommended announcing the time capsule at the July 3 America 250 event but burying it at the city’s 20th anniversary celebration in December 2026. Suggested additions included a letter from the mayor, stories from local veterans, family photos, a restaurant menu, and a postage stamp. Feedback on the draft fact sheet included removing a song entry by Drake due to vulgarity and correcting a typo for “Super Mario Galaxy.” The committee was in consensus to continue with the revised plan. - Newtown Amphitheater Renaming: - Monetization Vote: A motion to recommend against monetizing the naming rights of the amphitheater was made and seconded. After discussion, the motion passed 5-2, with Kaaryn Walker and Matthew Wroten dissenting. The committee generally preferred a non-commercial name. - Name Brainstorming: Members proposed names including Founders, Heroes, Town Green, Freedom, and Liberty Landing. After multiple rounds of voting, the committee narrowed the field to three finalists to recommend to City Council: Town Green Amphitheater at Newtown Park, Freedom Amphitheater at Newtown Park, and Liberty Landing Amphitheater at Newtown Park. Key Outcomes - Approved April 9, 2026, meeting minutes unanimously. - Recommended against monetizing amphitheater naming rights (5-2 vote). - Selected three name recommendations for the Newtown Park Amphitheater: Town Green, Freedom, and Liberty Landing. - Time capsule project will proceed with a revised timeline targeting December 2026 and expanded outreach. - ACE members may volunteer at the America 250 Parade of Stars booth; coordination via email. - Meeting adjourned at 7:11 PM.

This public participation zoning meeting, held on June 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, featured one land use petition: RZ-26-0001 & VC-26-0001 for 11180 Medlock Bridge Road. The meeting was facilitated by Planning and Zoning Manager Ruchi Agarval, who explained that the applicant would present their proposal and then open for questions. The formal presentation was live-streamed, followed by an off-record Q&A session. Discussion Items RZ-26-0001 & VC-26-0001 | 11180 Medlock Bridge Road: Alan Tabrock, land use attorney for the applicant, presented a proposal to rezone the existing Johns Creek United Methodist Church property (21.647 acres, currently zoned OI) to CUP (Community Unit Planned District) to allow a 48-lot single-family detached residential subdivision at a density of 2.2 units per acre. A concurrent variance (VC-26-0001) is requested to permit the existing church parking to encroach into the required 25-foot landscape strip along Bell Road, acknowledging that the parking was built prior to current regulations. The proposal preserves the existing church structure and a large green area with playgrounds and athletic fields that would serve as an amenity for both the church and future residents. The residential portion would be a gated community accessed via Bell Road, with underground stormwater detention to maximize open space. Architectural inspiration images were shown, indicating homes would have side yards with one side enlarged to 10 feet for outdoor living. Key Outcomes - The meeting served as the first public forum for this application, submitted in early May 2026. - The City will analyze the case and prepare a recommendation. - The Planning Commission will hear the case on August 4, 2026, and provide a recommendation to the City Council. - The City Council is scheduled to make a final decision on August 24, 2026. - No votes or formal actions were taken at this public participation meeting; it was solely for applicant presentation and public feedback.

The Johns Creek Planning Commission met on June 2, 2026, at 12:00 PM (local time) and considered a single major agenda item: a council-initiated zoning ordinance text amendment (A-26-004) to establish regulations for advanced air mobility (AAM) and vertiports. After staff presentation and commissioner discussion, the commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of the amendment to the City Council. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the minutes from the April 14, 2026, meeting as presented. The vote was 6-0 with one abstention (Commissioner Anon was absent at that meeting). Discussion Items Text Amendment A-26-004 – Advanced Air Mobility and Vertiports - Staff, led by Ms. Hargerwell, presented the proposed amendment, which adds definitions for advanced air mobility (AAM), evtols, vertiports, and related terms to the zoning ordinance. It designates vertiports as a special use permit use in specific zoning districts: OI, C1, C2, M1, M1A, mixed-use (TCX, TCB), and industrial. The amendment includes standards: a minimum 200-foot setback from residential or agricultural property lines (as a starting point, subject to adjustment), operating hours of 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and requirements for applicant submittals including site plans, FAA/GDOT compliance evidence, frequency of operations, fire prevention, emergency landing areas, and a demonstration of need. - Staff noted that this is a proactive measure to set guardrails before applications arrive; no specific vertiport is proposed. The amendment is a framework for future special use permits, which will require separate public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council. - Commissioners asked about: the rationale for the 200-foot minimum (based on noise comparisons to helicopters, with evtols quieter), potential interference with technology (no known examples, but noted for future consideration), the requirement for applicant to show approach zones and glide paths, emergency procedures, and the role of FAA and GDOT in regulating flight paths. They also discussed that commercial operators would be required (not hobbyists), and that no active vertiports or licensed aircraft exist yet in metro Atlanta. - The commission praised staff for thorough research given the nascent technology. Commissioner Holtz recommended that when presenting to City Council, staff should proactively flag unknowns and suggest a future review period (e.g., every six months or year) to update the amendment as technology evolves. Key Outcomes - Motion: Commissioner Couch moved to approve text amendment A-26-004. Commissioner Katzen seconded. - Vote: The motion passed 7-0. The Planning Commission recommends approval to the City Council. - Next Steps: The amendment will go before the City Council for final consideration. The commission noted that a public hearing on a future special use permit for a vertiport would provide additional public input. Other Updates - The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2026 (no meeting in July). That agenda includes a rezoning case for Johns Creek United Methodist Church on Bell Road, proposing a CUP district for single-family detached housing and shared open space. Staff indicated the proposal is a joint development with the church. - The home occupation text amendment (discussed at the April meeting) was the subject of a council work session on June 1, 2026, and will be considered by City Council on July 13, 2026. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.

The Johns Creek City Council met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 7:13 p.m. The meeting included approval of routine items, recognition of a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, a manager's report with updates on city projects, consideration of several ordinances and contracts, and a lengthy debate on ethics complaint procedures. Following an executive session, the council also approved three land acquisitions totaling over $8.6 million. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the May 11, 2026 work session summary and council meeting minutes (unanimous). - Agenda Amendment: Removed Ordinance G.1 (Ethics Complaint Procedures) from the consent agenda to be considered separately; the amended agenda was approved (unanimous). - Consent Items (as amended): - R2026-06-10 – Resolution supporting grant funding applications for previously authorized transportation projects through the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2026 Transportation Improvement Program. - Action Item – Engineering contract with Barge Design Solutions for $143,312 for the Medlock Bridge Road Trail Project. - Action Item – Project Framework Agreement with GDOT to accept federal Transportation Alternative funds for engineering of the Medlock Bridge Road Trail Project. All consent items were approved unanimously. Presentations - Quarterly Scout Recognition: Stuti Mohan (Troop 14457), a recent graduate of Chattahoochee High School, was recognized for earning the Girl Scouts Gold Award. Her project, "Literary Lullabies," distributed 828 books and educated approximately 3,000 people about early childhood literacy in multiple locations, including Johns Creek, South Fulton, India, and Germany. Public Comments - No public comments were made during either of the two public comment periods. Manager's Monthly Report - City Manager Chris Greer presented the April 2026 report, highlighting progress across the city's five strategic priorities: - Arts & Culture: Successful Easter Bunny Hop, art classes with the Art Center of Johns Creek, and a trip to Trillis Studios. - Public Safety: Continued training for fire and police; municipal court's driver program; both EMROC and Chatcom (911 dispatch) met contractual service metrics. - Economic Development: Boehringer Ingelheim's large office complex at Medley remains on schedule for a ribbon cutting in August. - Recreation & Parks: Safety netting installed at OC Park; cricket batting cages renovation completed; OC tennis courts renovation underway. - Transportation & Connectivity: Six major road construction projects advancing (Abbott's Bridge, Barnwell Road/Niblack, Bice Road Bridge replacement, Johns Creek Parkway, Jones Bridge Road at Sergeant, and McGinnis Ferry Road). Detailed updates were provided for each project. - Councilmembers praised the staff's efforts, particularly the successful bulky recycling event on May 30 (held in partnership with Keep North Fulton Beautiful). Council also noted the financial report showing revenue trending about $1.1 million above budget, with sales tax exceeding projections. The city manager confirmed monitoring of revenue sources but said things are trending well. Discussion Items Bail Bonding Ordinance (M.1) - Proposal: Ordinance O2026-06-10 amending Chapter 26 (Municipal Court), Article III (Bail) regarding bonding requirements. Chief Mitchell explained the update was needed to allow Forsyth County bonding companies to operate in Johns Creek if the IGA (M.2) was approved. - Councilmember Aramelli thanked Chief Mitchell for providing an alternative to the existing jail arrangement. - Vote: Motion by Councilmember Tunkey, second by Councilmember Kaufman; passed unanimously. Intergovernmental Agreement with Forsyth County for Jail Use (M.2) - Proposal: Authorize an IGA with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office for use of their jail, replacing the current arrangement with the Albertville jail. Chief Mitchell noted the IGA was still under review by Forsyth County, with material terms agreed upon. - Councilmember Elwood moved to adopt the IGA on general substantive terms as set forth, with final form to be approved by the city attorney. Seconded by Councilmember Skinner. - Councilmember Aramelli and Councilmember Coughlin expressed strong support, highlighting the partnership with Sheriff Freeman and the benefits for police efficiency and community outcomes. - Vote: Passed unanimously. Main Roads Resurfacing Contract (M.3) - Proposal: Award a construction contract to Allied Paving Contractors,Inc. for $1,522,563 for 2026 main roads resurfacig and patching (McGinns Ferry Road from Johns Creek Parkway to St. Marlow and Bellcrest Drive; VFun Road between Jnes Bridge Road and Old Alabma Road, excluding the bridg replacement section; and patching on seven other roads). Also a CEI task order with Low Engineering for $77,140. - Councilmember Coughlin moved approval, seconded by Councilmember DeBiasi. - Vote: Passed unanimously. Ethics Complaint Procedures Ordinance (G.1) - Proposal: Ordinance O2026-06-09 amending Article IX, Code of Ethics, Chapter 2, Administration, concerning ethics complaint procedures. - Councilmember Aramelli offered a motion to change the requirement for rejecting a hearing officer's findings from a simple majority to a supermajority (at least five council members). He argued this would prevent political weaponization and protect the integrity of the process, comparing it to the U.S. Senate's supermajority for impeachment. - Councilmember DeBiasi attempted to amend the motion to also require a supermajority for accepting a recommendation to initiate removal proceedings, but the amendment lacked a second. - Debate: Several councilmembers spoke: Councilmember Coughlin opposed the supermajority for findings, stating most major decisions (budget, contacts) are made by simple majority; Councilmember Skinner supported the supermajority to raise the burden of proof and reduce political use; Councilmember Elwood opposed because removal already requires a supermajority and the acceptance of findings as “grand jury” should be a lower bar. Councilmember Aramelli countered that the findings themselves must be protected from being overridden and replaced by a new investigation. - Vote on Aramelli’s motion: Failed (apparently 3 in favor, 4 oppose – based on the transcript: “Aye. Aye. A.y. All those nay. Nay. I’m a nay. All right. Motion is defeted.” Then “Pss 4-3” on the original motion indicates the ayes for the supermajority were likely 3, nays 4). - Councilmember Coughlin then moved adoption of the ordinance as presented (simple majority to reject findings). Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem. - Councilmember Aramelli again spoke against, warning that future councils could pervert the process. - Vote: Passed 4-3 (Councilmembers Coughlin, Skinner, Elwood, and likely one other in favor; Aramelli, DeBiasi, Tunkey oppose? The transcript says “Pass 43” – meaning 4 ayes, 3 nays). Executive Session and Land Acquisitions - The council moved into executive session to discuss “land, legal, and/or personnel matters.” After returning, they voted to amend the agenda to add three land acquisition items. - Land Acquisition 1: Authorize purchase and sale agreement with Estate of Mildred Marion Moore for 9110 Medlock Bridge Road (5.77 acres) for $2,000,000. Councilmember Kaufman emphasized the property's historical significance (site of the Medloc Bridge Ferry). Councilmember Coughlin supported. Vote: 4-3 (passed). - Land Acquisition 2: Authorize purchase and sale agreement with William George Verner Sr. and David Howard Werner for 8940 Medlock Bridge Road (4.3 acres) for $800,000. Councilmember Kaufman noted it is adjoining the Mildred Medlock property, providing better access. Vote: 4-3 (passed). - Land Acquisition 3: Authorize purchase and sale agreement with H Farm LLC for 10275 Jones Bridge Road (15.38 acres) for $5,800,000. Councilmember Kaufman said the city is “land poor” and this parcel offers flexibility. Councilmember Aramelli and Councilmember DeBiasi opposed, citing unused land at Cauley Creek and questioning financial prudence. Councilmember Coughlin also opposed, preferring to consolidate projects at Cauley Creek. Vote: 4-3 (passed). Key Outcomes - Approved Consent Calender: Minutes, grant resolution, Medloc Bridge Trail engineering contract, and GDOT Project Framework Agreement (all unanimous). - Approved Bail Bonding Ordinance (M.1): Unanimous. - Approved IGA with Forsyth County for Jail Use (M.2): Unanimous. - Approved Main Roads Resurfacing Contract (M.3): Unanimous. - Approved Ethics Complaint Procedures Ordinance (G.1): Passed 4-3. - Approved Land Acquisition 1 (9110 Medlock Bridge Rd, 5.77 acres, $2M): Passed 4-3. - Approved Land Acquisition 2 (8940 Medlock Bridge Rd, 4.3 acres, $800K): Passed 4-3. - Approved Land Acquisition 3 (1027 Jons Bridge Rd, 15.38 acres, $5.8M): Passed 4-3. - Meeting ajurned at approximately [time not specified] after the land votes.

The Johns Creek City Council held a work session on June 1, 2026, at 5:03 PM. The meeting covered e-bikes in parks, landscaping policies, a multimodal transportation policy, home occupation regulations, and a naming issue for a city asset. Key decisions included direction to prohibit e-bikes in parks (except to designated parking), continued discussion on landscaping and multimodal policies, and significant revisions to a home occupation ordinance. Consent Calendar - Approved the Jail Intergovernmental Agreement with Forsyth County and bonding requirements ordinance update. - Awarded the annual resurfacing and patching contract to Allied (per purchasing recommendation). Discussion Items E-Bikes and Electric Scooters in Parks - Assistant City Manager Haggard presented three options: full prohibition, limited use (e.g., parking lots only), or broader allowance. Staff noted increased use causing conflicts and damage. - Councilmembers expressed positions: Chris Coughlin supported prohibition (option one) but wanted bike racks at entrances. Larry agreed with option one but suggested designated parking areas within parks to avoid abandonment at boundaries. Brian Coughlin supported the approach but stressed enforcement concerns. Bob expressed concern about restricting access in large parks like Cauley Creek and requested future police data. John advocated for option three (broader use) but noted reckless behavior is a minority problem. - Consensus: Council directed staff to draft an ordinance prohibiting e-bikes and electric scooters from general park use, but allowing them to be ridden directly to designated bike racks at park entrances (or parking area) and then walked. No formal vote was taken. Landscaping / Tree Replanting Policy Options - Director O’Connor presented three options: (1) work within existing right-of-way and install landscaping after road construction; (2) acquire additional right-of-way and install after construction; (3) acquire additional right-of-way and install during construction. Staff recommended option one, citing cost and reduced homeowner impact. - Councilmembers expressed views: Mayor favored case-by-case flexibility with landscape design on the front end but separate construction bid. Brian Coughlin supported option one but with allowance for staff to propose expanded right-of-way when beneficial. Stacy agreed and emphasized design should be completed before construction. John urged consistency in requiring builders to submit landscape plans concurrently. Bob wanted all projects to include full cost and rendering upfront. - Council direction: Staff to refine policy to allow case-by-case decisions, with landscape design completed during engineering phase, and separate bids for landscape work from road construction. No vote taken. Multi-Modal Policy - Director O’Connor presented a draft multimodal policy and scoring matrix, with a prioritized list of top ten projects (mostly sidewalk widenings). Cost estimates ranged from $165,000 to $1.2 million (e.g., Project 1: 1,599 ft, $165,000). - Mayor proposed combining the multimodal list with the existing sidewalk prioritization list into a single matrix, weighting lack of sidewalks heavily. John agreed, noting many multimodal projects involve widening existing sidewalks. Stacy and Brian discussed concrete width (8 vs. 10 feet) and design details. Chris praised the policy as a resident demand. Bob suggested defining corridors (e.g., Medlock Bridge, State Bridge, 141) for 10-foot widths and others for 8-foot. - Council direction: Staff to explore merging sidewalk and multimodal scoring criteria, add columns showing sidewalk completion status, and bring a revised policy back for further discussion. No vote taken. Review of Home Occupation Regulations and Prohibited Uses - Director Song presented a revised draft ordinance, with changes shown in blue reflecting previous council feedback. The ordinance aims to allow small-scale home businesses while preserving residential character. - Councilmember Elwood expressed concerns that the ordinance was too broad and could be weaponized. He questioned specific restrictions on square footage (25% or 250 sq. ft.), accessory buildings, animal care, massage therapy, retail sales, and noise/dust standards. - Council conducted straw polls on contested sections (with informal tallying): - Section A (square footage limit): 3 councilmembers wanted to keep the limit; no change. - Section B (access through principal entrance): kept as written. - Section C (accessory buildings): 4 voted to strike; removed. - Section E4 (automotive detailing): 4 voted to strike; removed from prohibited list. - Animal care/grooming (E): 3 supported striking; remained prohibited (failed to reach 4). - Massage therapy (E12): 3 supported striking; remained prohibited. - Section L (transporting of goods): Clarified to "commercial truck" to target large vehicles, not standard deliveries (e.g., FedEx, Amazon). - Section I (nuisance clause): kept. - Staff to incorporate these changes and present a revised ordinance at the public hearing on July 13, 2026. Decision on Status of Asset Name - Mayor proposed referring the naming of the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater to the ACE (Arts, Culture, and Events) committee for evaluation, possibly considering monetization or alternative naming. The mayor noted the name had never been officially adopted by council and that Burkhalter supported exploring options. - Councilmember Larry expressed reluctance to change an established name but agreed to refer. Stacy questioned why change now. Bob preferred to keep the name. Chris suggested future naming rights sales for revenue. - Council agreed to refer the matter to ACE for feedback and recommendation. No vote taken. Key Outcomes - E-bikes in parks: Staff to draft ordinance prohibiting use except for direct access to designated parking areas. - Landscaping policy: Staff to develop a case-by-case approach with front-end design and separate construction. - Multimodal policy: Staff to combine scoring criteria with sidewalk list; revise matrix and return for further discussion. - Home occupation regulations: Specific changes approved (strike C and E4, clarify L); remaining prohibitions upheld; revised ordinance to be presented July 13. - Asset naming: Referred to ACE committee for evaluation. - Consent items: Jail IGA and resurfacing contract approved. - Meeting adjourned at 7:02 PM.

The Johns Creek Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC) met on May 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting covered updates on park facilities, programming, and a detailed discussion on potential adjustments to Q4 2026 special events, including Diwali, the Holly Jolly Block Party, and the Arts Festival. Committee members provided feedback on event formats, partnerships with the Medley development, and the city's role in supporting outside organizations. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The meeting minutes from April 15, 2026, were approved unanimously via motion by Committee Member Via, seconded by Committee Member Shama. Discussion Items - Department Update: Interim Director Chris Haggard reported on recent activities: Park Place Senior Center programs (128 programs, 1,678 participants in April), 5K races (Christ Church and Woodward Academy), Easter Bunny Hop (3,000 attendees), and the Boardwalk Grand Opening/Concert (2,500–3,000 attendees). Upcoming events include Touch a Truck (May 16, 3,000 attendees), Summer Concert Series (June 5), and Movie in the Park/FIFA game (June 12). Park facility improvements were highlighted: wayfinding signage at Morton Road and State Bridge Park, Ocee Park overhead netting, Autrey Mill animal enclosures, Morton Road rubber trail seal coating, Newtown Park clubhouse addition, Ocee Park tennis and basketball court resurfacing, and Shakerag Park cricket cage netting. Discussion included the Cauley Creek rubber trail condition and drainage issues. Committee members praised the city's social media communication on park enhancements. - Potential Adjustment for Q4 2026 Special Events: - Diwali (November 7): Staff presented two options: a performance-heavy event with a light walk (lights left up for a week) or a vendor market. The Medley development is opening that week and cannot co-host in 2026. Committee members expressed strong support for the lights approach, citing its draw and ability to connect to the Boardwalk. A few members suggested adding some vendors to complement the lights. The committee also noted that the market format in 2025 was underwhelming. Staff will relay feedback to the Diwali event committee. - Holly Jolly Block Party: Medley plans a tree lighting on November 27; the city's event was originally December 4. Staff recommended collaboration with Medley as a supporting partner. Committee members favored letting Medley take the lead for 2026, while the city could host a smaller, low-cost event with elementary school choir performances, hot chocolate, and a candlelight walk connecting the Boardwalk tree to Medley. Ideas included lighting trees at all three locations (Boardwalk, Newtown Park, Medley) simultaneously. The committee emphasized community feel over a large event. - Arts Festival (September 26): The event planning committee has rebranded it as "Johns Creek Arts on the Boardwalk," focusing on interactive painting, live performances, and performing arts activities. Committee members approved the concept and name, noting it avoids confusion with the previous vendor-focused festival. Suggestions included adding chalk art zones and low-impact craft activities. The event will save $7,500–$10,000 in field rental costs compared to previous venues. - Requests from Other Organizations: Staff reported increased inquiries from nonprofits and other groups seeking city partnership or sponsorship for events. Committee members discussed the need for a policy to evaluate requests based on reach, alignment with city goals, financial contribution, and resource impact. Several members advocated focusing on the city's own events first. Suggestions included creating a list of requests, establishing tiers of support, and streamlining the special event permit process for nonprofits. The committee agreed to revisit the topic after gathering more data. - Other Business: A committee member raised concerns about repeated crashes at the Bell Road roundabout (Belmore Park neighborhood) and suggested adding lighting to improve visibility. Staff agreed to discuss the matter offline. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The April 15, 2026, meeting minutes were approved unanimously. - Diwali Direction: Committee leaned toward a performance-heavy event with a light walk; staff will coordinate with the Diwali committee for finalization. - Holly Jolly Approach: Committee supported collaboration with Medley and a small, community-focused city event; staff will develop low-cost options. - Arts Festival Endorsement: Committee endorsed the rebranded "Johns Creek Arts on the Boardwalk" and the committee's plan; staff will proceed with implementation. - Partner Event Policy: Committee advised staff to compile a list of current requests and develop criteria for future partnerships; no immediate policy action taken. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on May 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. The board considered one variance case for a home addition at 4810 Jones Bridge Woods Drive and received updates on a planned merger with the Construction Board of Appeals. Consent Calendar - Approved the April 21, 2026 meeting minutes and the current agenda by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Applicant Faina (property owner, 4810 Jones Bridge Woods Drive) spoke in support of the variance. She explained that the family needed more space as their children grew and could not afford to move to a larger home. She acknowledged the oversight in not obtaining permits and respectfully requested approval so the family could continue living comfortably in their home. Discussion Items - Case V-26-0006 – Variance to allow a 9.8-foot encroachment (122 sq ft) into the 25-foot rear yard setback at 4810 Jones Bridge Woods Drive, zoned R-4 (Single-Family Dwelling District). Staff presented that the addition was built without permits, and a Johns Creek Municipal Court order (February 24, 2026) required the owner to seek a variance. The board questioned staff about the origin of the complaint (initially an awning issue, now resolved) and the court-ordered timeline: if the variance is approved, the applicant has 30 days to apply for a building permit. Construction is complete. The board approved the variance as presented with staff conditions by a unanimous vote. Key Outcomes - Variance V-26-0006 approved with staff conditions (motion by Ms. Benwin, seconded; all ayes, no opposition). - Departmental update: Staff informed the board that City Council approved merging the Construction Board of Appeals with the Board of Zoning Appeals. Two additional members will be added for building code variances/appeals only; those appointments have not yet been made. The merger is not expected to directly affect the board. - Next meeting: Scheduled for June 16, 2026, with one variance case.

The Johns Creek City Council met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 7:16 p.m. at City Hall (11360 Lakefield Drive). The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bradbury, with all council members present except Councilmember Coughlin. The council approved routine items, heard public comments from supporters of the North Atlanta Cricket Academy (NACA) and from Girl Scouts dedicating a new monument, and awarded a construction contract for an overflow parking lot at Cauley Creek Park. Consent Calendar - O2026-05-08: Ordinance to consolidate the Construction Board of Appeals with the Board of Zoning Appeals – approved. - R2026-05-09: Resolution to amend the fee schedule to add boardwalk rental fees – approved. - Minutes: Approved the April 20, 2026 work session summary and council meeting minutes. - Agenda: Approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Srid Thadisina (resident): Spoke in support of the North Atlanta Cricket Academy (NACA), describing it as a program that unites children from diverse backgrounds and teaches discipline, respect, and sportsmanship. He urged the city to continue supporting NACA with facilities and services. - Venkat Gurapari (parent): Thanked the council for installing cricket pitches at Cauley Creek and Shakerag Parks. He noted that NACA has been a preferred partner of the Johns Creek Athletic Association for five years and asked the city to continue using NACA as a partner in running cricket programs, emphasizing that NACA can maximize community access while preserving the sport. - Aswin Capron (coach): Added that NACA serves hundreds of children daily and weekly, and asked the council to continue its support so the program can flourish. - Julie Todd (Girl Scout Troop Leader) and four Girl Scouts (Leah Todd, Madeline Pittman, Jane Amstead, Elizabeth Pisek): Announced the dedication of a bronze Military Working Dogs Monument at Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. They described their four-year project to honor service dogs and invited the council to attend. Discussion Items - Overflow Parking Lot at Cauley Creek Park: Assistant City Manager Haggard presented the construction bid of $435,030 with a 10% contingency from Backbone Infrastructure, LLC for an 87-space paved parking lot near the pickleball courts to address parking demand and support future programming at the park and makerspace. Council discussed the location (between the courts and the old water treatment plant) and the decision to pave rather than use gravel. After clarifying that the motion was for full paving, council members expressed support, noting the long-term maintenance benefits and the need for parking. The motion was made and seconded. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Parking Lot Contract (M1): Approved unanimously to award the construction contract to Backbone Infrastructure, LLC for $435,030 with a 10% contingency ($43,503) for a total authorized amount of $478,533. - Executive Session: The council voted to enter executive session to discuss land, legal, and personal matters. Upon returning, Councilmember Aramelli reported that five land and two legal items were discussed. - Amicus Brief Motion: The council voted to amend the agenda to include a motion authorizing participation in an amicus brief in Chang v. City of Milton on remand before the Georgia Court of Appeals, or if warranted, the Georgia Supreme Court. The motion was approved. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned after the executive session and the amicus brief vote.