Public Meetings - Johns Creek, Georgia

The Johns Creek City Council held a work session on September 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM. The meeting covered two main ongoing projects: the Nesbit Ferry Corridor trail engineering and a review of the limited outdoor storage pilot program. Council reached consensus on next steps for both items, which will be placed on the consent agenda for the next regular meeting. Discussion Items Nesbit Ferry Corridor – Trail Engineering (Brumbelow Road to Nesbit Lakes Drive) - City Manager Chris Haggard presented a request for a $200,000 contract amendment with Practical Design Partners to complete engineering for a 10‑foot multi‑use trail on the east side of Nesbit Ferry Road from Brumbelow Road north to Nesbit Lakes Drive. - Funding would come from the TSPLOST 2 program, which allocated $7.5 million for the Nesbit Ferry corridor (plus $1 million from Roswell). The Colony Club roundabout project is in right‑of‑way acquisition and expected to begin construction in spring 2026. - Council members discussed the timeline (engineering estimated at 9–12 months), trail width, and community input. Some residents preferred a narrower trail. Council also requested a detailed financial ledger for each TSPLOST 2 project to track expenditures and revenues. - Council directed staff to bring the contract amendment to the next regular meeting’s consent agenda. Limited Outdoor Storage Pilot Program – One‑Year Review - Director Song presented a review of the pilot program, which began November 1, 2024 and expires October 31, 2025. Only two permits were issued; two other applications were resolved outside the program. - Staff offered three options: (1) sunset the program with a 90‑day removal period, (2) renew for one year, (3) renew for two years, or (4) permanently adopt the ordinance. - Council discussed the low uptake and lack of complaints. Most council members favored option 2 (renew for two years), with one member initially preferring permanent adoption but later supporting the two‑year renewal. Consensus was to renew for two years and place the required ordinance amendment on the consent agenda. Key Outcomes - Both items will be placed on the consent agenda for the next regular council meeting (tentatively October 6, 2025). - For the Nesbit Ferry trail, the $200,000 contract amendment will be voted on as part of the consent agenda. - For the limited outdoor storage program, the council directed staff to prepare an ordinance amendment extending the pilot for two years, to be voted on at the next meeting. - The council also entered executive session to discuss land, legal, and personnel matters. Note: No formal votes were taken during the work session; decisions were made by consensus and will be formalized at the next regular meeting.

The Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment (ACE) Committee of Johns Creek met on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6:31 PM at City Hall. Chair Zach Hahn called the meeting to order with a quorum present. The committee discussed a draft Volunteer Committee Policy, received a city update on upcoming events and projects, and approved the minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting. Reports & Presentations - City Update: Staff provided updates on several city initiatives: a bond referendum for a Performing Arts Center (community meetings held Aug 21 and Sep 3, next on Sep 18 at 6 PM); successful summer concerts (The Remakes and The Purple Experience); a boardwalk sneak peek at the new park behind City Hall on Tuesday, September 30 at 5:30 PM (open to the public); and events at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes: Committee member Scott Braynard motioned, seconded by Cynthia Green, to approve the minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. - Volunteer Committee Policy: Recreation and Parks Director Erica Madsen presented a draft Policy for Cultural Events and Event Committee Responsibilities. The policy formalizes the roles of volunteer event committees, including recruitment, sub-committee responsibilities (performance/entertainment, vendors, sponsorship, marketing, décor/set-up, volunteer coordination), staff oversight, and alternative dispute resolution. The committee provided feedback: - Chair Zach Hahn suggested adding a path for conflict resolution between committee members (not just between staff and committee) and a requirement for committee members to self-identify conflicts of interest regarding vendors. - Several members requested wordsmithing to clarify that not all six sub-committees are mandatory for every event (e.g., Literary Fair may not need a Décor sub-committee). - Feedback on sub-committee responsibilities should also include input on the overall event, not just sub-committee performance. - A member asked about using alternative communication channels (e.g., GroupMe) for event coordination; staff agreed to explore options. - Chair Hahn noted the feedback will be incorporated, and the revised policy will be presented to City Council at a future work session. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously approved the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes. - Staff will incorporate the committee’s feedback into the draft Volunteer Committee Policy and present it to City Council. - Staff will consider additional communication tools for event committees. - The next ACE Committee meeting will be scheduled per the adopted calendar.

The Johns Creek City Council met on September 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting included public comments on several community issues, a presentation and public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, and a contentious debate over proposed amendments. The council ultimately approved the budget as presented by a vote of 5-2 (or similar, but not explicitly stated in transcript; the motion passed after amendment failed). The meeting also featured a consent agenda approval, announcements, and an executive session. Consent Calendar - O2025-09-25: Ordinance to amend Animal Control and Parks and Recreation ordinances regarding service animals – approved. - R2025-09-22: Resolution to abandon right-of-way at Sargent Road and McGinnis Ferry Road – approved. - ACTION ITEM: Contract with Yellowstone Landscape for $825,000 for right-of-way maintenance – approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Carrie Bickwitt (Haynes Landing resident): Requested the city consider foreclosure on a property that remains in disrepair despite prior demolition approval. She noted 232 neighbors affected daily. - Mohammed Saeed (descendant of April Waters): Spoke on behalf of the Macedonia Cemetery descendants, asking for release of allocated funds and a modest annual investment for 10 years to restore the cemetery. He emphasized the historical significance and the 75+ years of combined military service among descendants. - Kirk Canada (Johns Creek Historical Society board member): Supported the descendants' request, noting $60,000 remained from a $100,000 allocation, and urged ground-penetrating radar and removal of fences that may cross graves. - Betty Wolf (resident, former nonprofit fundraiser): Expressed concern that the Performing Arts Center referendum materials lack specifics on operational costs. She cited the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert (1,000 seats) with annual expenses of $16.5 million, and questioned whether Johns Creek can support another PAC given existing venues in Sandy Springs and Duluth. - Brian Weaver (former council member): Urged immediate action for Macedonia Cemetery, including ground-penetrating radar, and criticized the city for not spending previously allocated funds. - David Rich (resident): Supported cemetery restoration as an educational opportunity for future generations. - Cindy Eady (resident): Raised safety concerns on Nesbitt Ferry Road, noting it was the top priority on the 2022 TSPLOST II list but no progress has been made. She asked that if the PAC bond fails, $5 million earmarked for construction documents be redirected to Nesbitt Ferry engineering studies and additional police recruits. - Demita Owsley (granddaughter of Herman Owsley, buried at Macedonia Cemetery): Expressed concern over neglect and the city's reverter clause, calling for collaboration with families. - Linda Starks Andrews (reading a letter from Ashley Shares, Director of Preservation at Oakland Cemetery): Urged the council to honor the descendants' request and criticized broken promises. - Tyler Shanach (resident, on behalf of Kirk Canada): Called for a partnership to preserve the cemetery, noting the small funding needed relative to other city investments. Public Hearing on FY2026 Budget (second public hearing): - Ms. Quinn (resident, professional forecaster): Challenged the 9% projected growth in local option sales tax (LOST) as too optimistic, given economic uncertainties. She also criticized the $5 million allocation for performing arts center construction documents as premature, since the bond referendum is pending. Additional public comment after the vote: - Todd Chanel (resident, city council candidate): Criticized the council's behavior and urged prioritizing public safety over the performing arts center. - A woman (name not given) expressed disappointment in the council's failure to fully fund public safety requests. Discussion Items - FY2026 Budget (Ordinance O2025-09-26): Assistant City Manager Love presented the proposed budget: total revenues $87,621,954, with general fund revenue of $83.6 million (excluding $4 million from fund balance). Top revenue sources: LOST (9% growth), property tax (0% growth due to rollback millage rate), insurance premium tax (8%), motor vehicle tax (8%), and electric franchise fees (9%). Expenditures: 51% personnel, 23% operations, 11% infrastructure maintenance, 8% equipment accrual, 4% vehicle accrual, and 3% other. The budget includes $5 million for performing arts center construction documents (pending bond referendum), $4 million in capital projects contingency, and funding for four new police recruits and two fire recruits. The city's unassigned fund balance is estimated at $30.8 million, with an excess of $811,000 after reserves. The public hearing was opened and closed after 10 minutes. - Council Debate: Councilmember Skinner made a motion to amend the budget, proposing to reduce LOST revenue projection by $2 million, remove the $5 million for PAC construction documents, and redirect funds to public safety items including four new police officers ($392,000), police vehicles ($332,000), uniforms ($10,000), supplies ($98,600), EV fire extinguishment blanket ($12,000), incident command vehicle ($225,000), drone first responder system ($150,000), life packs/Lucas devices ($106,274), suction units ($1,300), and $1.6 million to fire vehicle accrual fund (for a transport vehicle and pumper). The amendment also included $76,000 for Macedonia Cemetery. The amendment was seconded but failed on a vote (likely 3-4, though not explicitly recorded). The main motion to approve the budget as presented then passed. Councilmembers who opposed the amendment argued that the items were not critical needs, that the PAC funding was prudent given the upcoming referendum, and that the surplus ($4.8 million) could be allocated after the bond vote. Supporters of the amendment argued that the LOST projection was too aggressive, that public safety needs were unfunded, and that the budget process lacked transparency. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - FY2026 Budget Ordinance (O2025-09-26): Approved as presented (original version). The amendment to redirect funds from PAC construction documents to public safety and other items failed. - Next Steps: The council will reconvene on September 22, 2025, for a work session and regular meeting. The city will hold a performing arts center bond referendum community meeting on September 18, 2025. The $4.8 million surplus will be allocated within 60 days after the bond vote, as previously agreed. - Executive Session: The council moved into executive session to discuss land, legal, and personnel matters, then adjourned.

The City of Johns Creek held a work session on September 8, 2025, beginning at 5:00 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The agenda included a FY26 Budget Discussion, Barnwell Trail construction bids, Cauley Creek Parking Lot, and a budget amendment for grant acceptance. However, the only portion of the meeting captured in the provided transcript is the conclusion of the executive session and the subsequent adjournment. No detailed discussion of the agenda items is recorded in the transcript. Executive Session - The council entered executive session to discuss one land matter and one legal matter, as noted by the Mayor after the session. Adjournment - Councilmember Kaufman moved to adjourn the executive session, seconded by Councilmember Alwood. The motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned. No other actions or discussions are documented in the available source material.

A work session of the Johns Creek City Council was held on September 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The council discussed the FY26 budget, construction bids for the Barnwell Road corridor improvements, and a parking lot expansion at Cauley Creek Park. No public comments were received. The meeting adjourned to executive session. Consent Calendar - Budget Amendment – Grant Acceptance (FY2025 Budget Amendment Ordinance 8): This item was listed as routine business (non-discussion) and was not discussed during the work session. It was presumably approved without debate. Discussion Items FY26 Budget Discussion (60 minutes) - Assistant City Manager Kay Love presented a proposed budget that is balanced, with a $4 million placeholder for allocation of the projected FY2025 surplus. Council debated whether to allocate the surplus now or park it in capital projects contingency until the actual surplus amount is known (expected in November). - Councilmember Chris suggested parking the $4 million in the capital projects contingency, allowing interest earnings ($100,000) and revisiting allocation at the January strategic retreat. Several council members agreed, including Councilmember D.B., who noted that the exact surplus number is still uncertain. - Councilmember Bob favored funding two police officer positions and two vehicles ($362,000) immediately, citing the long lead time for hiring and equipment. City Manager noted that the Police Chief’s priority was funding four cadet positions for FY26, not the officer positions, and that current response times are excellent (average <1 minute for emergencies). - Councilmember Stacey raised concerns about the 9% growth assumption for Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) revenue, arguing it is too aggressive compared to neighboring cities. She preferred a more conservative budget. Staff explained their methodology (4 scenarios, range $28.75M–$30.5M) and noted that the city budgets conservatively on other revenues and expenditures, providing a cushion. - Councilmember Aaron supported parking the surplus, but suggested that if revenues exceed projections, the excess could be returned to taxpayers via a lower millage rate. - Consensus was reached to keep the $4 million placeholder as a capital projects contingency, not to allocate it now, and to finalize the budget for the October adoption. Barnwell Trail and Barnwell at Niblick Construction Bids (15 minutes) - Director of Public Works Brett O’Connor recommended approval of a construction contract with Summit Construction for Barnwell Road corridor improvements: an intersection improvement at Barnwell/Niblick Drive and a multimodal trail from Niblick to North Peak Drive. Total project cost: $10.2 million (construction, CEI, 10% contingency), funded through TSPLOST 2, 2025 LMIG, and a Fulton County IGA. - Council discussed the inclusion of a 4-foot bike lane on the west side of the road, per the adopted bicycle policy. Councilmember Bob questioned the cost-effectiveness and safety of both a trail and a bike lane, suggesting a compromise. Councilmember Larry noted that the road is narrow (10-foot lanes) and cyclists often ride northbound, making a southbound-only bike lane less useful. - After debate, a consensus emerged to modify the design: replace the 4-foot bike lane with a 2-foot shared shoulder on each side of the road (total 4 feet split), achieved through striping changes without affecting the curb/gutter or trail width. This increases safety for both northbound and southbound cyclists and drivers. Staff will revise the plan and confirm with the contractor. - Councilmember Aaron expressed a desire to revisit the city’s bike policy once the multimodal policy is finalized, to ensure a more deliberate approach to bike infrastructure. Cauley Creek Parking Lot – Council Initiative (15 minutes) - Councilmember Larry DiBiasi proposed using $768,900 in savings from a recent paving project to expand the parking lot at Cauley Creek Park. The original bid for 89 paved spots was $628,000, but the council had previously balked at the cost ($7,000 per space). - Councilmembers raised concerns about the high cost per space, the need for parking (especially with the upcoming makerspace), and safety in the park after dark. Some suggested alternative locations or materials (e.g., gravel). Others noted that the parking shortage is acute, with anecdotal reports of cars circling and illegal parking. - Councilmember Chris suggested exploring options to reduce costs, such as a different location or use of gravel. Councilmember Stacey proposed moving the volleyball courts to break up demand, but staff noted that building a volleyball court is also expensive. - City Manager Kimberly will work with staff to develop options considering both current use and the future makerspace, and report back to council. The council also asked staff to evaluate lighting on the trail to improve safety. Key Outcomes - FY26 Budget: Council agreed to keep the $4 million surplus placeholder as a capital projects contingency, not to allocate it until the actual surplus is known (expected November). The budget will be adopted in October. - Barnwell Road Project: Consensus to modify the bike lane to a 2-foot shared shoulder on each side via striping. Staff will adjust the contract and bring it back for a vote. The project is expected to take 18 months from notice to proceed. - Cauley Creek Parking: Referred to staff to explore cost-effective options for additional parking, considering location, materials, and the pending makerspace. No decision made. - Executive Session: The council voted to adjourn to executive session to discuss land, legal, and/or personnel matters.

This was a public participation meeting hosted by the City of Johns Creek Community Development Department regarding rezoning case RZ-25-0002 and two concurrent variances for the property at 11300 Johns Creek Parkway. The meeting was held on September 4, 2025. No decisions were made; the purpose was to provide information about the proposal and allow attendees to ask questions following the formal presentation. Discussion Items - Case introduction by Ruchi Agarval, Planning and Zoning Manager: The property is approximately two acres, currently zoned M-1A (Industrial Park District), and contains an existing one-story office building of approximately 17,000 square feet with four tenant suites. The applicant requests rezoning to O&I (Office Institutional District) to allow a college use in two tenant suites totaling approximately 11,059 square feet. Two concurrent variances are requested: VC-25-0010 to reduce required parking from 78 spaces to 60 spaces, and VC-25-0011 to allow encroachment of existing parking into the minimum front yard and side corner yard setback. - Presentation by Alex Broth, representing the applicant (Smith Gambrell Russell on behalf of JWG): The rezoning is needed because college/higher education use is not permitted under the current M-1A zoning. The property is located in a commercial office area, surrounded by properties zoned C-2, C-1, and Town Center Mixed-Use, making O&I a more fitting district. The existing building and parking layout will not change; the variances are required solely because the O&I district imposes stricter setback and parking requirements. The reduction in parking from 78 to 60 spaces is justified by the anticipated maximum of 30 to 40 students and faculty on site at peak times, plus approximately five cars from the existing financial tenant. The two proposed colleges are the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (a nonprofit offering graduate programs in acupuncture and East Asian Medicine, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine) and Ivy College (a TRACS-accredited institution offering baccalaureate and associate degrees). No modifications to the building facade are planned. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were made; this was a public participation meeting for information and preliminary feedback. The formal presentation was live-streamed, and a Q&A session was held afterward for in-person attendees (not included in the available transcript). Further steps in the rezoning process were not specified in the meeting materials.

The Johns Creek City Council met on August 25, 2025, at 7:11 PM. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda item, a commendation, public comments, and a major rezoning case (RZ-24-0010) for 10505, 10555, and 10655 Embry Farm Road. After extensive debate, the council approved the rezoning with an additional condition modifying lot sizes on the south side. Consent Calendar - Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract: Approved a $430,000 contract with Yunex LLC for traffic signal maintenance. (Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tunki, seconded by Councilmember Aramelli, passed unanimously.) Public Comments & Testimony - Vishraw Baharma (student): Announced a student-led city council and mayoral debate on October 2, 2025, at Chattahoochee High School. - Isabel Lee, Rhea Nahari, Nisa Shringapour (students, Gladiator Robotics): Expressed support for a parking lot at Collie Creek Makerspace, citing benefits for STEM outreach programs reaching 150 children per summer, mentoring programs, and accessibility for disabled participants. - Miriam (resident, Shakerag): Opposed the rezoning, arguing it violates the 2018 Comprehensive Plan's density cap of 1 unit per acre, uses improper gross density calculations, and fails to protect adjacent large-lot communities as required by the CUP ordinance. - Brian Cito (resident): Opposed the rezoning, citing safety concerns on Roger Circle and Bell Road. - Dennis Webb (applicant representative): Supported the rezoning, highlighting changes made since May (reduced units, larger lots, redesigned roundabout with 135-foot diameter, 65 acres of open space, and agreement with two adjacent homeowners). Discussion Items - Minutes and Agenda Approval: Approved minutes from August 11, 2025. The agenda was amended to reopen the public hearing for RZ-24-0010 for 10 minutes per side. (Motion by Councilmember Elwood, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tunki, passed.) - Commendation for Jayden Evans: Recognized Jaden Evans for earning All-American designation in the pentathlon at the 2025 AAU Junior Olympics and his sister Riley for a state title in long jump. - Rezoning RZ-24-0010 (Embry Farm Road): - Staff presentation (Director Song) outlined changes: 189 lots (down from 200), minimum lot size increased to 21,780 sq ft, roundabout diameter increased to 135 ft, and 65 acres of open space. Staff recommended approval. - Applicant showcased revised site plan, including one-acre lots along the western boundary, a 250-ft extended stacking lane near Shakerag Elementary, and a roundabout fully on school property (with agreement from Fulton County Schools). The two immediately adjacent homeowners support the plan. - Opposition: Residents argued the density violates the Comprehensive Plan (net density vs. gross), the southern lots are too small and back up to large-lot communities, and the roundabout poses safety risks. - Council discussion focused on legal interpretations of density calculations, CUP ordinance requirements, and the impact of a potential procedural violation (leak of executive session information). Key Outcomes - Rezoning RZ-24-0010 Approved: The council voted 4-1 (Councilmember Aramelli recused; voting breakdown not explicitly stated, but the substitute motion to approve passed). The approved ordinance (O2025-05-15) amends the zoning map to CUP for 189 single-family detached lots at 0.93 units per acre, subject to staff conditions with an additional condition: Lots 176 through 189 shall be one acre (minimum lot area 43,560 sq ft). The motion was made by Councilmember Elwood and seconded by Councilmember Coughlin. - Executive Session: The council entered executive session to discuss land, legal, and personnel matters. After returning, they voted to waive attorney-client privilege regarding a supplemental Wilson report dated January 2014.

The Johns Creek City Council held a work session on August 25, 2025, at 5:01 PM. The meeting focused on the FY2026 budget, multi-modal policy, boardwalk bathrooms, and Cauley Creek parking. Key decisions included adopting a 100 million dollar property tax digest growth assumption, choosing option 2 for surplus allocation, and agreeing to rent portable restrooms for the boardwalk. FY2026 Budget Discussion - Assistant City Manager Kay Love presented a revised budget reflecting updates since August 11, including actuals through July 31, a corrected double-counting error in permitting revenue, and adjusted COLA and jail/meals costs. - Council debated the assumed growth in the property tax digest. Councilmember Coughlin proposed a one standard deviation model (100 million dollars growth), which was described as conservative. The difference between 70 million and 200 million growth was approximately 400,000 dollars in revenue. Council voted to adopt 100 million dollars growth, with Councilmember Stacey dissenting, preferring 70 million. - Council discussed how to allocate the projected FY2025 surplus. Three options were presented: (1) budget amendment before fiscal year end, (2) embed in FY2026 budget as use of reserves, or (3) follow the automatic allocation policy ("meat grinder"). After a tally, council reached consensus on option 2 (use in FY2026 budget), with Councilmember Skinner switching to option 2 to break a tie. - Due to the reduced growth assumption, a deficit of $211,988 emerged. Council agreed to reduce the land accrual account by that amount to balance the budget. - Councilmember Bob Aramelli raised concerns about LOST revenue projections being overly optimistic compared to other metro cities. Staff explained the projection was based on a historical model and county growth assumptions. No change was made; the mayor concluded the discussion. - Councilmember Aramelli also questioned a 50% cut in training budgets from FY2025 to FY2026. City Manager Kimberly Greer explained that the reduction was based on a five-year spending analysis, ensuring each department had more than average actuals, with flexibility for future needs. Multi-Modal Policy - Director Haggard presented the draft multimodal policy to identify and prioritize gaps in the trail network. Council had previously agreed to use 8 feet as minimum trail width. - Council discussed prioritizing sidewalk gaps (only three remaining) and adding a definition for PTVs (personal transport vehicles) to include electric scooters and bikes. - Concerns were raised about safety, trail crossings, and the need for corresponding ordinance changes and police enforcement. Staff will refine the policy and present a project matrix at a future meeting. Boardwalk Bathrooms Alternatives Research - Director Madsen presented three options: (1) continue renting portable restrooms (current practice), (2) purchase a restroom trailer (approx. 10-year life, break-even in 5 years for 6 events needing trailers), (3) permanent building (costly, deferred to phase 2). - Council unanimously favored option 1 (renting) for the short term, noting that existing City Hall restrooms serve daily use and portable units are sufficient for events. Cauley Creek Parking Lot - Councilmember Larry discussed the need for additional parking at Cauley Creek Park due to pickleball and maker space demand. Overflow parking on grass has led to towing for safety access. - Council requested staff to explore options (including pervious materials) and bring back recommendations. Noted that the RFP for the original parking lot design has expired, and location may change based on maker space plans. Key Outcomes - FY2026 Budget: Council directed staff to use a 100 million dollar property tax digest growth assumption (5-1 vote, Stacey dissenting). Approved option 2 for surplus allocation (use in FY2026 budget). Directed the $211,988 deficit be covered by reducing the land accrual account. - Multi-Modal Policy: No formal vote; staff will incorporate feedback (PTV definition, safety considerations) and return with a project matrix. - Boardwalk Bathrooms: Consensus to continue with rented portable restrooms (option 1). - Cauley Creek Parking: Staff to research options and report back; no funding allocated at this meeting. - Next Steps: Budget adoption scheduled for September 8, 2025. Cauley Creek parking and multi-modal project matrix to be discussed at future work sessions.

The Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC) met on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6:30 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek, GA. The committee received the June/July department update and Q2 rental report, heard a presentation from Newtown Recreation, welcomed a new member, and unanimously approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Department Update (June/July 2025) - Park Place Senior Center reported June/July totals: 52/48 social programs, 53/62 fitness programs, 105/110 total programs, and 1,229/1,448 total participants. - June Summer Concert (Carpool) drew about 2,500 attendees; the June movie drew 200 people; the July movie was canceled due to lightning. - Juneteenth drew about 2,500 attendees with excellent vendor feedback. Independence Day drew an estimated 12,000–15,000 attendees, with Hot Flash performing, 15 food trucks, and an LED screen for additional concert viewing. - Fly fishing classes had 5 participants and free clinics had 60 participants at Cauley Creek Park; the first Eco Anglers event at Shakerag drew 14 kids. - Youth pickleball camp filled 7 of 8 slots; weekly round-robin pickleball classes are full. Free outdoor fitness had 496 participants in June and 625 in July. - JCAT sent 32 swimmers to the GRPA state swim meet in Columbus and won 47 medals. - Upcoming events include Summer Concerts on September 6 and October 4, Patriot Day on September 11, Pupapalooza on September 13, and Adaptive Dance on September 20 at Newtown Amphitheater. - Parks construction updates included the Boardwalk at Town Center and Newtown Trail resurfacing. - Staff provided an FYI on updated Athletic Association Policies and Procedures: updated department references, a new requirement for associations to have a director, and updated background check language. - A committee member asked about open play at Cauley Creek; staff said they maintain a field availability whiteboard but do not publicize it to avoid overuse. - Some committee members voiced support for giving Johns Creek residents priority registration across all city activities, not just baseball. - Staff noted family pickleball nights are being added at Cauley Creek and Newtown parks. Q2 Rental Report - April–June 2025 rental totals by park: Cauley Creek $18,333.75; Morton Road $11,555.00; Newtown $9,301.25; Ocee $5,738.75; Shakerag $20,372.50. - Estimated field use by sport (self-reported by renters): Cricket $22,592.50; Soccer $7,721.25; Baseball $1,755.00; Lacrosse $675.00. - Staff clarified that rentals are outside athletic association priority use; associations report separately. Committee members requested future reports include summarized pickleball totals and 5K trail revenue. - A committee member asked about association reinvestment funds; staff responded associations are in compliance and the reinvestment is documented annually. - A committee member noted cricket's popularity and asked about expansion. Staff said there are no current expansion plans, but a budget request was submitted to improve cricket batting cages at Shakerag. Chair Update & New Member Introduction - The acting chair recognized Chair Shafiq Jadavji's years of service and noted he is stepping away to run for Johns Creek City Council. Staff will place chair/vice chair selection on the next meeting agenda. - New member Lisa Burton introduced herself, describing her long-time residency in Johns Creek and past involvement in youth sports and the Public Safety Awareness Academy. Newtown Recreation Presentation - Brandon Allen and Ari Maver Doglu, directors of Newtown Recreation and Johns Creek Sports Association, presented. Newtown Recreation has operated at Newtown Park since 1999 and, since 2024, also holds contracts for Cauley Creek and Shakerag programs. - They reported annual participation of roughly 1,800 soccer players, 500+ cricket players, 400+ flag football players, 300+ baseball players, and about 250 tennis players. They also run a lacrosse league with over 500 teams and about 7,000 participants across Georgia, mostly played at school fields. - They described a two-week priority registration period for Johns Creek residents, guaranteeing spots to residents who register in that window; non-residents may register afterward. - Facility priorities they identified: lights on baseball/soccer fields at Newtown (acknowledging likely community opposition), turf or improved multipurpose fields, an additional full-size cricket pitch at Cauley Creek, improved field configuration/access/concessions at Cauley Creek, and an indoor facility. - They noted cricket participation includes a substantial share of non-residents: high school cricket is about 90% non-resident and youth cricket about 20–30% non-resident. Key Outcomes - The committee unanimously approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes. - Staff will research resident priority registration practices for athletic associations and report back. - Staff will add pickleball totals and 5K trail revenue summaries to future rental reports. - Staff will set chair/vice chair election or selection for the next meeting. - No formal votes were taken on Newtown Recreation's facility suggestions; the presentation and committee feedback were received for consideration.