Public Meetings - Kennesaw, Georgia

The Kennesaw City Council held a regular meeting on January 5, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting lasted approximately 14 minutes and included approval of prior meeting minutes, a public comment on conservation landscaping, and a recognition of Councilmember Pat Ferris for 25 years of service. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the December 8, 2025 work session, December 8, 2025 executive session, and December 15, 2025 regular meeting. The motion was made by Councilmember Viars, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ferris, and passed 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Steven Luitjens (City Resident): Owner of Conservation Landscaping LLC, a Kennesaw-based company focused on restoring habitat and biodiversity. He expressed concern that rapid land clearing has destroyed thousands of acres of habitat and that native plants are often removed and discarded. He advocated for land ethics, stating that land is a community to which we belong, not a commodity. Mr. Luitjens requested the city consider partnering on grants for conservation projects, exploring tax benefits for properties engaged in conservation, and restricting the sale of invasive plant species within city limits. He also asked for information on current or upcoming projects where his services could be useful. He emphasized that local action matters and that acting responsibly now is less expensive than repairing damage later. Recognition & Reports - Recognition of Councilmember Pat Ferris: Mayor Easterling recognized Councilmember Ferris for 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Kennesaw. Andrew Bramlett shared a historical account of Ferris's first election in 1984, noting he received 452 votes out of 792 ballots cast in a high-turnout election. Ferris was sworn in on January 7, 1985, served until 2001, and returned to the council in 2018. Ferris addressed the audience, stating it was his honor to serve, recalling that during his first term there was significant infighting, but in his second term the council remained business-focused and personal issues were avoided. He concluded by saying he is considering what comes next for him. - City Manager's Report: City Manager Jeff Drobney reported nothing for this meeting. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (5-0). - Councilmember Pat Ferris was honored for his 25 years of service, receiving an award and gift from the city. - No other business was conducted. The meeting adjourned at 6:44 PM.

The Kennesaw City Council met on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The 26‑minute meeting (adjourned at 6:56 PM) covered presentations on the Taste of Kennesaw and a finance awards recognition, approval of the 2028 SPLOST project list, a text amendment to the Unified Development Code for home occupations, consent agenda items, an alcohol license, and acceptance of November crime statistics. Public comments were minimal, with one resident sharing historic Christmas letters. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved minutes from the November 24 work session, December 1 regular meeting, and December 1 executive session. - Animal Control Services: Approved Resolution No. 2025‑78, an intergovernmental agreement with Cobb County for animal control services. - Pavement Reclamation Project: Approved Resolution No. 2025‑79, authorizing a professional services agreement with Patterson & Dewar Engineers for the Cobb International Boulevard Pavement Reclamation Project. All consent items were approved by a unanimous 5‑0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - First public comment period (6:40–6:41 PM): No comments were made on agenda items. - Second public comment period (6:46–6:47 PM): No comments were made during the public hearing for the UDC text amendment. - Third public comment period (6:53–6:55 PM): City resident Andrew Bramlett shared a piece of local history: letters to Santa Claus from Kennesaw children that were published in the December 10, 1925 edition of the Cobb County Times. He also offered copies of his compiled historical booklets to council members. Presentations & Recognitions - Taste of Kennesaw Update: Michael Everhart, representing the Kennesaw Business Association (KBA), reported on the 2025 event (17th anniversary, held November 1). He thanked the Kennesaw Police Department and Public Works for their support. The event operates as a net‑zero endeavor, with all proceeds donated to charities. To date, the Taste of Kennesaw has distributed over $265,000 to area charities, including Shop with a Warrior, Shop with a Mustang, the Jerry Worthing Christmas Fund, Shop with a Longhorn, and (now a permanent fifth charity) Kennesaw State University’s CARE Services. The 2025 event was the best year ever, raising approximately $35,000. Everhart also promoted the 50th anniversary of the Big Shanty Festival in April 2026. - GFOA Award Recognition: Mayor Easterling recognized the Finance Department for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the 25th consecutive year. Director Jennifer Gordy and her team were acknowledged. Discussion Items - SPLOST 2028 Proposed Projects List: Assistant City Manager Marty Hughes presented the list of projects recommended by the SPLOST committee for the 2028 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax referendum, which Cobb County has scheduled for November 2026. The proposed projects, valued at approximately $48 million, reflect the City’s priorities for the next six years. A joint City‑County public meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2026, at the Ben Robertson Community Center, with additional City‑only meetings to follow. Mayor Pro Tem Ferris noted the importance of community input on the $48 million project list. - Unified Development Code Text Amendment (Case MISC2025‑07): Director of Planning and Zoning Chanelle Campbell presented an ordinance to amend Section 4.04.05 (“Standards for Home Occupations”) of the Unified Development Code. Changes include: clarifying the distinction between Type A (virtual office) and Type B home occupations; defining parking requirements for off‑site employees; updating prohibited uses; and adding an administrative renewal process that eliminates the need for re‑advertisement and a public hearing for renewals. Following a request by Councilmember Orochena at the work session, staff recommended removing the restriction of one Type A application per dwelling unit, though a cap remains for Type B applications. Mayor Pro Tem Ferris called the changes “an excellent first step” and urged further streamlining to support small business and self‑employment in the city. - Alcohol License for Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria: Assistant Director of Administration Meredith Staton presented a request for a retail pouring license (beer, wine, and Sunday sales) for Worth the Wait Inc., d/b/a Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria, located at 2090 Baker Road Unit A‑103. A certified survey showed the business is within 300 feet of a private residence. Staff confirmed all other distance requirements were met, and the Finance Director recommended approval, noting that the quiet enjoyment of the nearby residence would not be adversely affected. - Crime Statistics — November 2025: Police Chief Bill Westenberger presented the November 2025 statistics. Compared to the same period in 2024, total Part I crimes decreased from 136 to 124. Notable changes: aggravated assault down by 6 (to 4), drug/narcotics offenses up by 5 (to 40), intimidation up by 6 (to 10), simple assault down by 5 (to 17), and weapon law violations down by 7 (to 7). Dispatch calls for service totaled 748; self‑initiated officer activity was 1,828; traffic citations 1,011; warnings 958; arrests 72; auto accidents 107 (5 with injury); hit‑and‑runs 12 (none with injury); and persons hit by auto with injury 2. Key Outcomes - SPLOST 2028 Proposed Projects List: Approved unanimously (5‑0). - UDC Text Amendment (Ordinance No. 2025‑09): Approved unanimously (5‑0). - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (5‑0). - Alcohol License for Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria: Approved unanimously (5‑0). - November 2025 Crime Statistics: Accepted unanimously (5‑0). City Manager’s & Mayor’s Reports City Manager Jeff Drobney thanked staff for their dedication, noting the excellent work highlighted during the meeting. Mayor Easterling added remarks about recent community events. No executive session was held. The next work session is scheduled for Monday, December 29, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers.

The City Council of Kennesaw held its regular meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 2529 J.O. Stephenson Avenue. The meeting included a recognition, public hearing, consent agenda approvals, crime statistics presentation, public comments, ratification of a personnel appointment, and an executive session. All votes were unanimous (5–0) unless noted. Presentations - Recognition of Appreciation for Sergeant Shawn Phillips: Allison Giddens, Co-President of Win-Tech, recognized Sergeant Phillips for his investigation into a stolen and altered company check, tracking the perpetrator to Florida and recovering nearly $30,000. On behalf of Win-Tech, she thanked him for his dedication and tenacity. Public Hearing - Ordinance Chapter 10 Amendments (Animals): City Manager Jeff Drobney presented Ordinance 2025-08 to align the City’s animal control code with Cobb County’s, a prerequisite for an intergovernmental agreement for animal control services. The public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. Motion by Councilmember Viars, seconded by Councilmember Orochena. Vote: unanimous 5–0 approval. Consent Agenda The council unanimously approved the following items en bloc (motion by Councilmember Gutierrez-Leon, seconded by Councilmember Viars; vote 5–0): - Minutes: November 17, 2025 Regular Meeting minutes. - Election Results Resolution (No. 2025-74): Ratification of November4, 2025 General Municipal Election results for Council Posts 3,4, and 5. - Intergovernmental Agreement for Fire Dispatch Services (No. 2025-75). - Intergovernmental Agreement for Fire Marshal Services (No. 2025-76). - Intergovernmental Agreement for Cooperative Purchasing (No. 2025-77). - Cemetery Deed: Authorization to sign a deed for lots purchased by Akanmu and Omotola Adebayo. Public Safety - October 2025 Crime Statistics: Police Chief Bill Westenberger reported a year-over-year reduction of 10 incidents, from 140 to 130. Notable changes: Fraud offenses increased by 22, simple assaults decreased by 17. Other stats: 857 calls for service, 1,492 self-initiated activities, 708 traffic citations, 880 warnings, 79 arrests, 130 accidents (8 with injuries, 12 hit-and-runs, 1 hit-and-run with injury, 1 person hit by auto with injury). Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Ferris, seconded by Councilmember Jones. Vote: unanimous5–0 acceptance. Public Comments - Andrew Bramlett (city resident): Presented a historical discourse on the 1836 charter of the Western & Atlantic Railroad and Colonel Long’s 1837 survey of the area. - Jonathon Bothers (city resident and newly elected City Council Post 3): Thanked the community for support, expressed pride in the city’s developments such as the Amphitheater and Depot Park, and thanked public safety and park departments. City Manager’s Report - Appointment of Director of Planning and Zoning: City Manager Drobney announced the retirement of Darryl Simmons after 24 years. Following a search, internal candidate Chanelle Campbell was selected as the best candidate. Council unanimously ratified the appointment (motion by Councilmember Orochena, seconded by Councilmember Jones; vote 5–0). Ms. Campbell expressed gratitude and commitment to the city’s success. - Farewell from Darryl Simmons: Mr. Simmons gave a heartfelt thanks, recounting his 24-year journey and the importance of the people of Kennesaw. He expressed confidence in Ms. Campbell. Council Reports & Discussions - Councilmember Gutierrez-Leon thanked Mr. Simmons and congratulated Ms. Campbell. - Mayor Pro Tem Ferris recalled hiring Mr. Simmons and announced the Kennesaw State University Conference USA Championship game on Friday, December 5. - Councilmember Orochena thanked Mr. Simmons for his service to the Arts and Culture Commission and for citizen engagement. - Councilmember Jones thanked Mr. Simmons for his 24 years and welcomed Ms. Campbell. - Councilmember Viars thanked Mr. Simmons and reminded that the Christmas tree is at the Amphitheater and the Menorah at Tunnel Plaza. Executive Session At 6:56 p.m., the council voted unanimously (5–0) to enter executive session to discuss land matters pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50–14–3.The session concluded at7:11 p.m., and the council approved an affidavit confirming compliance with the open meetings law. Adjournment Mayor Easterling adjourned the meeting at7:11 p.m.The next work session is Monday, December 8,2025, at6:30 p.m.in the Council Chambers.

The Kennesaw City Council met at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Council Chambers at 2529 J.O. Stephenson Avenue, Kennesaw, Georgia. Mayor Derek Easterling presided, with Councilmembers Pat Ferris, Madelyn Orochena, Tracey Viars, Antonio Jones, and Anthony Gutierrez-Leon present. City Manager Jeff Drobney and City Attorney Sam Hensley Jr. were also present. The meeting featured proclamations, a donation presentation, the Kennesaw 101 graduation, approval of a consent agenda, and a public works resolution. No public hearings were held, and the meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m. Presentations & Recognitions - Lemon Street School Alumni Proclamation: Mayor Easterling presented a proclamation recognizing Kennesaw alumni of Marietta's Lemon Street School, which opened in 1894 to serve African American students, closed in 1971, was renovated in 2020, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One alumnus shared a personal story about meeting his late wife at the school and expressed gratitude. - North Cobb Rotary AED Donation: Assistant City Manager Marty Hughes accepted a $1,850 donation from North Cobb Rotary toward an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for Parks & Recreation. Representatives Dave Schwickerath, Deborah Morton, and Lao Rimanelli presented the check. The AED will be carried by city staff during public events to enable rapid response to cardiac emergencies. (The minutes contain an apparent typo referring to the 'North Cobb Notary' in one council report; all other references identify North Cobb Rotary.) - Richard Blevins Honor: Mayor Easterling recognized attorney Richard Blevins for 13 years of service on the Kennesaw Development Authority (KDA), including 10 years as chair and the longest KDA tenure in history. The Mayor highlighted Blevins' education, law enforcement and military background, and his role guiding the city's development. - Kennesaw 101 Graduation: Anna Trapp and Mayor Easterling presented certificates to the 10 graduates of the 2025 Kennesaw 101 Citizens Government Academy. Graduates were praised for their questions and engagement. Consent Calendar - The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the October 27, 2025 work session minutes and the November 3, 2025 regular meeting minutes. The motion was made by Councilmember Viars, seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez-Leon, and passed 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No comments were made during the agenda-item public comment period. - During general public comment, Andrew Bramlett shared local history about Esther Jaunita Roberts, a veteran buried in Kennesaw City Cemetery. He said she became the first female senior guidance counselor in the U.S. Army Recruiting Command; he also stated she served 20 years and reached the rank of sergeant major, and noted an unverified obituary claim that she was at one time the highest-ranking female officer in the U.S. military. Discussion Items & Resolutions - Resolution 2025-73 – Adams Park Baseball and Softball Electrical Service Upgrade: The Council considered awarding the electrical services project at Adams Park to Allstar Lighting and Electrical Services, Inc. City staff described it as continuing work to clean up and make safer electrical panels near bleachers, following earlier approved work on fields 5 and 6. The motion by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Councilmember Orochena, passed unanimously 5-0. City Manager's Report - City Manager Jeff Drobney invited Kennesaw 101 graduates to share takeaways from the course. Graduates said they learned how to get involved in the community, that there are many board and commission openings, and that they appreciated presentations including the 911 dispatch center, GIS construction map, economic development, Police Chief Westenberger, and the City Manager. One graduate mentioned an upcoming pollinator garden at Swift-Cantrell Park. Council Reports & Discussions - Councilmember Ferris congratulated graduates and thanked them for asking thought-provoking questions. - Councilmember Jones wished veterans a happy Veterans Day, appreciated the Police Department's recognition of officers' military service, and expressed interest in seeing veterans recognized citywide. - Councilmember Gutierrez-Leon congratulated graduates, thanked North Cobb Rotary for the AED donation, noted as an EMT that AEDs save lives, and wished his wife a happy birthday. - Councilmember Orochena praised the 2025 Kennesaw 101 class and reported that the holiday market at the community center was well attended. - Councilmember Viars encouraged graduates to 'get involved and stay involved,' and highlighted the Reformation Brewery groundbreaking in downtown Kennesaw and the future opening of Smash Hit Burger in the former location of The Nest. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, 5-0. - Resolution 2025-73 was approved unanimously, 5-0. - No executive session was held. The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:11 p.m.; the next work session is scheduled for Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

The Kennesaw City Council met on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting adjourned at 6:43 PM. The Council withdrew a proposed business ordinance amendment, unanimously approved the consent agenda, accepted the September crime statistics report, and heard public comments on local history and voter turnout. Consent Calendar - The Council approved the Consent Agenda en gross by a vote of 5-0. Approved items included: minutes from the October 13 and October 20 meetings; Resolution 2025-70 for a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release of Claims with A.R. Brooks Enterprises, Inc. (Lance Oil Company); Resolution 2025-71 for stormwater and sewer easements with Delta Performance, LLC; authorization for FY26 budgeted vehicles and equipment; and Resolution 2025-72 awarding a contract to Gay Construction as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for Chalker Park. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing (Chapter 22 Amendments): City Attorney Sam Hensley, Jr. explained that the proposed ordinance revisions required more work. Although originally agendized for approval, the Council voted unanimously to withdraw the item indefinitely (5-0). No public comment was offered. - General Public Comment: - Andrew Bramlett (City Resident): Presented historical context on Kennesaw’s near involvement in the 1957 filming of God’s Little Acre, which was ultimately blocked by opposition from the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. - Donovan Giardina (City Council Post 3 Candidate): Expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the Taste of Kennesaw. He reported his campaign canvassed approximately 400 homes and noted that only about 1,100 of Kennesaw’s 33,000 registered voters had cast ballots, urging citizens to vote on November 4. Discussion Items - September 2025 Crime Statistics: Chief Bill Westenberger presented the report. Notable year-over-year increases included drug/narcotic offenses (+8), simple assault (+5), calls for service (823, +69), self-initiated activity (1,690, +578), traffic citations (777, +326), and arrests (85, +26). The Council unanimously accepted the report (5-0). - Council Reports: - Depot Park Football Screening: Mayor Pro Tem Ferris asked about the specific game to be shown on November 15, suggesting the Georgia vs. Texas game (scheduled for 7:30 PM). City Manager Drobney stated the city is waiting on licensing confirmation before making an announcement. - Christmas Tree Decorations: Councilmember Viars reminded residents that November 16 is the deadline to sign up to place a tree in Depot Park on a first-come, first-served basis. Key Outcomes - The proposed Chapter 22 business ordinance amendments were withdrawn indefinitely for further revision. - The consent agenda was approved, encompassing the Lance Oil settlement, Delta Performance easements, FY26 vehicle purchases, and the Chalker Park CMAR contract. - The September 2025 crime statistics were accepted unanimously. - The next City Council work session is scheduled for November 10, 2025, at 6:30 PM.