Public Meetings - Marietta, Georgia

Danny Kirath, a local representative from Mission Square (formerly ICMA RC), delivered an educational presentation on the City of Marietta's retirement benefits during Financial Wellness Week. The session focused on the 401A supplemental social security account, the optional 457 deferred compensation plan, Roth IRAs, investment strategies, beneficiary management, and retirement withdrawal options. The presentation concluded with a Q&A session and a contest giveaway. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals and unanimous actions were not explicitly documented in this presentation transcript; the session consisted of educational content and Q&A only. Public Comments & Testimony Audience Questions and Positions - Target Date Fund Emails: An attendee questioned whether target date funds generate trade notification emails; Kirath clarified that target date funds do not trigger trade alerts for participants, whereas Managed Accounts do. - Managed Account Fees: An attendee inquired about the fee structure for Managed Accounts; Kirath confirmed the fee is 0.5% on the first $100,000, decreasing by 0.1% for every additional $100,000. - Legacy 401(k) Transfers: An attendee asked about moving funds from a previous employer (including defunct ones) to the City's account; Kirath expressed full support for rolling over these funds to consolidate assets, noting that transfers are non-taxable events. - Vested Rights: An attendee asked if moving a vested 401(k) from a past employer was advisable; Kirath confirmed full support, stating that vested amounts are owned 100% by the employee and can be transferred without financial loss. - Roth IRA Taxation: An attendee asked about tax implications for withdrawals from Roth IRAs; Kirath clarified that contributions are tax-free upon withdrawal, while non-qualified earnings withdrawals incur federal and state taxes. - 457 Plan Provider: An attendee asked if the City's 457 plan is the same as the "Nationwide" plan; Kirath clarified that while the City administers the 401A through Mission Square, participants have a choice regarding the 457 provider (Nationwide or Mission Square). - Asset Consolidation: An attendee previously worked with Kirath on asset consolidation, expressing full support and ease regarding the debt reduction and simplified management achieved. Discussion Items Retirement Income Sources and Goals - The speaker emphasized that a "happy retiree" typically has between two and five sources of income, including pension, the 401A (supplemental social security), 457, IRAs, part-time work, and insurance cash value. - Key financial goals discussed included avoiding financial burdens on family, funding future education, covering rising medical expenses, and mitigating the risk of outliving savings. - Kirath noted that medical expenses are often the most underlooked and significant negative change in retirement. 401A and 457 Plan Mechanics - 401A Account: Described as a supplemental social security account where the City contributes 6.13% of gross pay after one year of employment. Employees cannot change contribution amounts or stop contributions while employed, only investment selections and beneficiaries. - 457 Account: An optional retirement plan where employees contribute from their own paychecks. Participants have full control over contribution amounts (faucet handle analogy), investment choices, and can pause/restart contributions at any time. - Contribution Limits (2026): The speaker provided 2026 limits: $24,500 for those under 50, $32,500 for those over 50 (including catch-up), and $49,000 for those utilizing the "pre-retirement catch-up" provision on lump-sum payments (e.g., vacation pay). Investment Options and Strategies - Target Date Funds: The default option for 401A participants, based on the attendee's age when turning 65. These funds automatically rebalance from aggressive equity-heavy portfolios to conservative bond-heavy portfolios (approx. 65-75% bonds) as the target date approaches. - Managed Accounts: A service where a dedicated consultant manages the portfolio with discretionary trading authority to mitigate market losses (citing a recent example of portfolio reallocation during market volatility). Fees are covered by the City. - Self-Directed Portfolios: Attendees retain the ability to build their own portfolios if they are comfortable with fund selection. Roth IRA Specifics - Described as a post-tax savings tool. Contributions can be withdrawn tax-free and penalty-free at any time. Earnings can be withdrawn tax-free if the account is open for five years and the participant is over 59½, or for specific exceptions like qualified education expenses and first-time home purchases (up to $10,000). - 2026 contribution limits are projected to be $7,500 for under-50s and $8,600 for over-50s (including catch-up). - Unlike 401A/457, Roth IRAs can be funded via direct deposit from a bank account without payroll involvement, even after leaving employment. Beneficiary Management - The speaker strongly advocated for updating beneficiaries, noting that the City does not automate this process. - Benefits of designating beneficiaries include avoiding probate, protecting assets from creditors, and ensuring tax efficiency for heirs (e.g., spouses have special rules, while non-spouse heirs have a 10-year window to withdraw inherited funds). - Minors can be named but require legal guardian oversight. Withdrawal Strategies - Withdrawals from 401A and 457 are flexible, allowing single payments, installment payments, or time-limited distributions. - A Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) option is available to increase withdrawals slightly based on inflation. - Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must begin at age 73 (potentially rising to 75 in coming years) for pre-tax accounts. - Rolling over all funds at once is discouraged due to the risk of triggering a high tax bracket. Financial Planning Services - The City provides free access to Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) via Mission Square. - Free social security analyzer sessions are available to all, while full financial plans are offered to participants with $100,000 or more in assets under management. Key Outcomes - The City of Marietta provides a City contribution of 6.13% to the 401A supplemental social security account after one year of employment. - The City offers two 457 plan providers (Nationwide and Mission Square) for employee choice. - Attendees are encouraged to utilize the 457 and Roth IRA to supplement the 401A, aiming for a total retirement savings rate of 10-15% of income. - Free financial planning services (including Social Security analysis and portfolio management) are available to attendees through Mission Square's assigned CFP, Brian Filak. - A $100 prize was awarded to an attendee (Katrina Dooley) at the conclusion of the meeting.

On October 21, 2025, the City of Marietta hosted a "Road to Retirement" presentation led by HR Director Keisha Register, Finance Director Patina Brown, and Pension Board Chair Bobby Moss. The session aimed to educate employees on the consolidated pension plan (City Code 4532), covering eligibility, vesting, the pension calculation formula, survivor benefits, and healthcare premiums. The meeting utilized interactive quizzes and Excel calculators to clarify retirement scenarios for both pre-2009 and post-2009 hires. Consent Calendar - No routine consensus items were discussed; the meeting focused entirely on educational presentation and Q&A. Public Comments & Testimony - Employee Inquiry (Medicare/Social Security Deductions): An employee asked if Medicare premiums or Social Security taxes are withheld from retirement checks. Speaker Keisha Register noted she needed to confirm specific withholding details with Payroll but initially clarified that retirees generally complete tax forms similar to new hires and that Medicare is not typically a direct reduction from the check, though payroll confirmation was promised. - Employee Inquiry (Social Security Offset): An employee raised concerns about the "windfall offset" reducing Social Security payments due to the city pension. Speakers clarified that the windfall offset no longer applies to employees who have met the 40-credit (10-year) requirement for Social Security; retirees now receive their full Social Security benefit plus their full city pension. - Employee Inquiry (Spousal Health Care): An employee expressed interest in the cost differences for spousal family coverage. The presenters explained that premiums vary by hire date and years of service, with some plans being "frozen" at the retirement rate while others are percentage-based (e.g., employee pays 15%). The presenter confirmed that for those with 20+ years of service hired prior to 2006, premiums may be zero. - Employee Inquiry (Break in Service): An employee, represented as a past employee working 5 years before leaving (referred to as the "poster child" for this issue), discussed the risks of break in service. Key speakers affirmed that employees with a break exceeding 5 years forfeit all prior service credit, while those with breaks under 5 years receive 50% credit for prior years, emphasizing the difficulty of re-vesting under current 10-year rules. Discussion Items Pension Eligibility and Vesting - Vesting Periods: Chair Moss clarified that employees hired after January 1, 2009, require 10 years of service to vest, up from 5 years (pre-2008) and 7 years (2008-2009). The longer vesting period is intended to minimize risk and improve retention. - Magic 80 Rule: It was explained that "Magic 80" is the sum of age and years of service. Pre-2009 employees can retire upon reaching Magic 80 (e.g., starting at 18, retiring at 49). Post-2009 employees must reach Magic 80 AND be at least 55 years old. For those meeting Magic 80 before age 55, retirement is still restricted until age 55 under current rules. - Early Retirement Reductions: Speakers discussed the financial penalty for retiring before age 65 without meeting full eligibility. If an employee retires at 55 without meeting the "Magic 80" requirements, a reduction of 0.0025% per month (totaling 30% for a 10-year gap to age 65) is applied. This deduction is permanent and does not increase to full payment upon reaching age 65. Pension Calculation Formula - Earnings Basis: Patina Brown detailed that for those hired before January 1, 2009, the top three years of earnings are used; for those hired after, the top five years (highest 60 consecutive months) of standard earnings (excluding overtime) are used. - Multiplier: Most current employees use a 2.1% multiplier, while those separated prior to December 12, 2001, retain the 2% multiplier. - Service Credits: Employees can add a maximum of one year of credited service by utilizing either sick leave (up to 1,000 hours for general employees) or military service, but not both simultaneously. Vacation time does not count toward pension calculations. - Maximum Benefit: The maximum pension benefit is 73.5% of the final average earnings after 35 years of service. Survivor Benefits and Death Benefits - Pre-Retirement Death: Speakers confirmed there are no pension death benefits for active employees. Beneficiaries receive the refund of the employee's 4% contributions, employer-paid life insurance (dropping to $25,000 for retirees from $300,000), and balances in 457/MMSA accounts. - Survivor Options: Retirees can select single life, 50%, 75%, or 100% survivor options. A "pop-up" feature is highly recommended, which restores the retiree's full payment if the beneficiary predeceases them. Keisha Register noted that a spouse must sign a notarized consent form to opt out of a survivor benefit entirely. - Social Security Option: A specific option was discussed where retirees receive a higher initial pension payment until they become eligible for Social Security, after which the city pension is significantly reduced. Speakers emphasized this is rarely used compared to standard retirement options. Healthcare Premiums - Frozen vs. Tiered Rates: Speakers distinguished between "frozen" rates (capped at the retirement year's cost, typical for pre-2006 hires) and tiered percentage contributions (e.g., employee pays a fixed percentage of the current premium, typical for post-2006 hires). - Transition to Medicare: Retirees remain on the Anthem plan until age 65, at which point they transition to a Medicare Advantage plan (currently with Aetna), which may alter costs. Key Outcomes - Calculation Tools Confirmed: Employees were directed to the T-drive under the "pension" folder to access Excel calculators to determine their specific Magic 80 dates. - Payroll Clarification Pending: The HR team committed to following up with Payroll to confirm if any Medicare premiums are deducted from retirement checks; it was tentatively confirmed that Social Security taxes are not withheld from city pension checks for those meeting the 10-year SS requirement. - Consolidated Plan Status: The city continues to operate under City Code 4532 (the consolidated plan), replacing the old code 4022, with nearly all active employees now vested under the 10-year rule. - Retention Strategy: The 10-year vesting requirement was reinforced as a deliberate strategy by the Pension Board to ensure long-term retention and mitigate plan risk. - Next Steps: Attendees were encouraged to review the provided slides and schedule appointments with Benefits Manager Sherry Glover for personalized calculations. An interactive quiz was concluded with several winners announced from the audience.

On October 14, 2025, the City of Marietta held a benefits presentation for employees regarding the 2026 open enrollment period. Tom from NFP, the city's benefits consultant, led the presentation, which covered medical, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending accounts, and voluntary benefits. The key message was that most benefits remain unchanged, with some enhancements and carrier changes, and no premium increases for medical, pharmacy, and dental. The open enrollment period runs from October 13 to October 31, 2025. Discussion Items - Medical, Pharmacy, and Dental Plans: No changes to plan design or premiums. The medical plan is a PPO with a $1,000 deductible, 20% coinsurance after deductible, and copays for office visits and prescriptions. The Anthem network is used. The dental plans (base and buy-up) remain unchanged. The prescription drug plan is through Express Scripts, with tiers for generic, brand, and specialty drugs. - Vision Plan: Now administered by Anthem, with enhanced frame allowances. For the base plan, frame allowance is $150 (or $200 if using a plus provider); for the buy-up plan, it is $200 ($250 with plus provider). The buy-up plan allows frame allowance every 12 months instead of every 24 months. Premiums are slightly lower. - Life and Disability: Carrier changed to Lincoln Financial for basic life, optional life, short-term disability, and long-term disability. Basic life is employer-paid at 3x salary up to $300,000. Short-term disability pays 60% of salary up to $2,500/week for up to 26 weeks; long-term disability pays 60% up to $5,300/month until retirement age. Both are voluntary (employee-paid). Pre-existing condition limitations apply (look-back 3 months, treatment-free 12 months). - Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): The health care FSA maximum increased to $3,300, and the dependent care FSA maximum to $7,500. Up to $660 can be rolled over in the health care FSA. The city offers a health benefit waiver for employees on other insurance: if they contribute to a health care FSA, the city matches up to $500 (must submit affidavit by end of November). - Voluntary Benefits: AFLAC accident and critical illness plans remain the same. Legal plan (about $20/month) includes will preparation, power of attorney, and ID theft protection. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides three free consultations per issue category (counseling, financial, legal). - Employee Clinic: Free access for employees, with $100 incentives for completing health assessments and treatment plans. - Enrollment Instructions: Use the B Swift portal (username: first initial + last name + birth year; passwords reset). Current elections will roll over, but employees should verify. Enrollment assistance is available in person or by calling the NFP Service Center. The deadline is October 31, 2025; changes take effect January 1, 2026. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made; this was an informational session. - Open enrollment period: October 13–31, 2025. - Employees are encouraged to review their coverage, update beneficiaries, and consider FSAs and voluntary benefits. - The city will match FSA contributions up to $500 for employees who waive city health coverage (affidavit due by end of November 2025). - All benefits become effective January 1, 2026.

The Marietta City Council met on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included presentations, proclamations, scheduled appearances, public hearings, consent agenda approval, and unscheduled public comments. Key actions included approving a rezoning, a stop sign installation, and tabling a downtown solid waste item. Presentations - Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest Winners: Fire Marshal Chief Garner and Lieutenant Daniel Simons recognized winners from Marietta City Schools, focusing on the theme "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home." - Public Power Week Poster Contest: Bronson from Marietta Power and Water announced winners for water and power categories, awarding cash prizes. - Purchasing Division Distinguished Milestone Award: Finance Director Patina Brown presented an award for reaching $3 million in surplus sales via online auction, offsetting city operating expenses. Proclamations - Georgia Symphony Orchestra 75th Anniversary: Proclamation recognizing the GSO's 75 years and Timothy Verville's 10 years as conductor. A GSO representative announced five new performances in Marietta. - Mayor's Reading Club: Proclamation declaring October 8, 2025, as Mayor's Reading Day in Marietta, promoting early literacy. - National Community Planning Month: Proclamation designating October 2025 as Community Planning Month, recognizing planning staff and commission members. - Fire Prevention Week: Proclamation for October 5-11, 2025, focusing on lithium-ion battery safety. Scheduled Appearances - Riviere D. Burris (Deep Roots Wine Bar): Discussed a potential ordinance amendment to allow wine markets to sell a limited amount (10% or less) of beer for on-premise consumption. Will return on October 28th. - Tracy Stevenson: Criticized the process for obtaining an irrigation meter, proposing winter quarter averaging for sewer charges. Also criticized the September Planning Commission meeting as poorly run. - Larry Wills: Opposed potential widening of Whitlock Avenue (State Route 120), urging candidates to clarify positions. Referenced a 1990s plan stopped by citizen opposition. Consent Agenda Approved 7-0 with modifications: - Added: Front building elevation and fencing for 462 & 480 Roswell Street (Z2025-14). - Tabled: Downtown Solid Waste Management District service item (moved back to committee). Council member Goldstein originally opposed but voted unanimously to table. - Added: Denial of claim for Christopher Sutton. - Other approved items: minutes, appointments (Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission), fee structure for road races, final plat for Greenhouse Phase 1, "Marietta The Gathering" street closures (Goldstein abstained), renaming West Dixie Park to Larry Ceminsky Park, SPLOST budget reallocation, Kennesaw Avenue utility variance, Whitlock Avenue MOU (Goldstein opposed), BLW action approval, GDOT US 41 resurfacing contract, certificate of approval for 77 North Park Square (Goldstein abstained). Public Hearings - Z2025-20 Rezoning (209 West Dixie Avenue): Applicant Raymond Castonguay requested rezoning from OIT to R-4 to build a single-family home for his son, along with a variance for lot width. No opposition. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - West Dixie Avenue and Raymond Street Stop Sign: Public Works recommended a 3-way stop with pedestrian crosswalks, estimated cost $2,500. Motion approved 7-0. Unscheduled Appearances - A 78-year-old disabled veteran spoke about HOA issues in his neighborhood (Cunningham and Westwood Drive), alleging mismanagement, unmaintained detention pond, and rising fees. Requested council intervention. - Peter Friedrich opposed Georgia Senate Bill 375, arguing it would stifle free speech, academic freedom, and journalism by labeling criticism of Hindutva as Hindophobia. Urged council to pass a resolution opposing the bill. - A resident criticized the Planning Commission's handling of a meeting, referencing Z2025-17 and lack of fair hearing. - Another resident spoke against proposed regulations limiting free assembly and free speech, urging common sense. - A resident criticized the consent agenda inclusion of a BLW action costing $1.3 million for experimental technology, asking for more public transparency. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - Rezoning Z2025-20 approved unanimously. - Stop sign and pedestrian improvements approved 7-0. - Downtown solid waste item tabled. - Denial of claim for Christopher Sutton approved. - Several proclamations issued. - Future ordinance amendment discussion scheduled for October 28th regarding alcohol sales.

The Marietta City Council held a work session on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 5:15 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered a range of items including a Board of Lights and Water (BLW) report, fee structure revisions for road races, a proposed public gathering ordinance, and a downtown solid waste management district service plan. Several items were moved forward to the regular council meeting on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and one item was referred back to committee. Consent Calendar - Approval of the September 8, 2025, Agenda Work Session minutes (motion carried 7-0). - BLW report and associated contract with GDOT for US 41 resurfacing (manhole and valve replacements from Terrell Mill to Windy Hill) were approved and placed on consent (7-0). - Fee structure for road races/walks was approved to move forward to Wednesday (7-0) and placed on consent. - Several other items were placed on consent without objection: special minutes from September 30, 2025; ZA appointment for Ward 4; 209 West Dixie rezoning (from OIT to R4 with variance); 462 and 480 Roswell (with stipulations to be finalized); West Dixie Avenue and Raymond Street stop sign request; 77 North Park Square certificate of approval (historic review); and various SPLOST reallocations. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the work session. Discussion Items - BLW Report – Councilmember Cheryl Richardson presented the BLW report. Key points: a contract with the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to improve outage detection and isolation (example: reducing a 200-person outage to 65); a GDOT resurfacing project on US 41 (Cobb Parkway) requiring three manhole adjustments and valve work (estimated cost $5,400); a Cobb Marietta Water Authority financial report showing water sales averaging 81 million gallons/day (budget 90 million), year-to-date net income exceeding budget by $2.5 million, and capital spending of $40.5 million with $51.6 million remaining commitment. A finance report noted lower power costs due to milder weather, and a general manager’s report highlighted a strategic plan focusing on HR retention (45 of 200 employees eligible to retire in 1-5 years, vacancies reduced to 17). The council voted to accept the BLW report and add the GDOT contract to the Wednesday agenda. Councilmember Goldstein disclosed that his family owns property in the Downtown Solid Waste Management District. - Public Gathering/Expression Ordinance – The item was discussed and a motion to move it back to the Judicial Legislative committee passed 7-0. The mayor clarified that the item would not be heard on Wednesday. - Downtown Solid Waste Management District Service – Staff presented a revised proposal for Root Street and Dobbs Street. The plan (Option B) includes: making Root Street one-way south from Dobbs to Hansel; installing angled parking along Root Street; constructing a dumpster enclosure at the corner of Root and Hansel; keeping Dobbs Street open; and removing two parking spaces on Church Street to improve sight distance. A motion to accept Option B and move it to the Wednesday agenda passed 6-1 (Councilmember Griff Chalfant voted against, preferring Root Street to be one-way north and favoring closure of Dobbs Street). Councilmember Goldstein made a disclosure regarding family property interests. - Proclamations – Two proclamations were added to the Wednesday agenda: one recognizing the Georgia Symphony Orchestra’s 75th year and Maestro Timothy Verville’s 10th year; and one declaring October 8, 2025, as Mayor’s Reading Club Day (part of the GMA reading club). The council also approved adding a performance of the national anthem by the GSO to the Wednesday meeting agenda. Key Outcomes - BLW Report and GDOT Contract: Approved to move forward to Wednesday (7-0). The contract will be included in the consent agenda. - Fee Structure for Road Races/Walks: Approved to move forward to Wednesday (7-0) and placed on consent. - Public Gathering/Expression Ordinance: Referred back to Judicial Legislative committee (7-0). - Downtown Solid Waste Management District Service: Option B (Root Street one-way south, Dobbs Street open, angled parking, dumpster enclosure) approved to move to Wednesday (6-1). The item will be on the consent agenda. - Proclamations: Added to Wednesday’s agenda (7-0 each). - Consent Items: All consent items were approved without objection, including minutes, zoning items, and the 77 North Park Square certificate of approval. - Executive Session: Noted on the agenda for legal, personnel, and real estate matters, but not discussed in the transcript.

On September 30, 2025, the Marietta City Council convened a Special Called Council Meeting and five committee meetings (Finance/Investments, Personnel/Insurance, Parks/Recreation/Tourism, Judicial/Legislative, Public Works) to address a range of operational, financial, and policy items. Key actions included approving a revised School Resource Officer (SRO) Memorandum of Understanding with Marietta City Schools, reappointing two board members, renaming West Dixie Park, advancing a new public gathering/expression ordinance, and authorizing a memorandum of understanding with the Georgia Department of Transportation for control of Whitlock Avenue. Multiple votes were taken, with detailed discussion on fee structures, SPLOST project reallocations, and downtown solid waste management. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from August 26, 2025 for all committees. - Reappointment of David Hunter to the Board of Zoning Appeals (Ward 4) for a three-year term expiring September 10, 2028. (Unanimous) - Reappointment of Martin C. Kendall to the Historic Preservation Commission (Ward 7) for a three-year term expiring September 10, 2028. (Unanimous) - Approval of a variance request by Comcast Communications for fiber overlashing on Kennesaw Avenue (Wards 4A/5B). (No objection on consent) - Approval of street closures for "Marietta The Gathering" on March 7, 2026 (12:01 am to 11:59 pm) on North Park Square, East Park Square, and South Park Square. Placed on consent agenda. Discussion Items - Revised MOU for SRO Program: A representative presented the finalized, signed agreement between the city and Marietta City Schools for the School Resource Officer program. The school board will pay 70% of costs based on in-session time. The council approved the MOU unanimously. - Hotel Motel Tax and Auto Rental Tax (August 2025): The finance director reported hotel/motel tax collections of $390,690 for August — the lowest in five years — and auto rental tax collections of $103,000. Both were down but sufficient to cover distributions and reserve contributions. A council member noted that the slowdown appeared to be a regional trend based on discussions with the tourism industry. Finance update included release of the FY26 budget book, ongoing audit (ahead of schedule), and year-to-date revenues up 7% (excluding rollovers). General fund expenditures at 17% through August; personnel services at 86% of operating budget. - Fee Structure for Road Races/Walks: Staff proposed separating parade fees from road race/walk fees to clarify costs. Current structure: $1,500 application fee for both, plus $3,500 for a 5K or $4,500 for a 10K if applicants choose city-provided police officers (they can also pay officers directly). Proposed structure: parade fee remains $1,500; 5K fee $2,000; 10K fee $2,500. The increase reflects greater traffic and right-of-way impacts. Discussion confirmed that Marietta PD determines the number of officers and their pay. A motion to move the proposal to the agenda work session passed. - 2009 Parks Bond Report: Interest earned of $880 in the previous month; final Wildwood Park invoice received. West Dixie Park construction is progressing — concrete pouring for sidewalks and walking trails underway, water quality structure delivery awaited in three weeks, playgrounds on order, restroom building in progress. Renderings posted at the park. - Renaming West Dixie Park to Larry Ceminsky Park: Councilmember Richardson motioned to rename the park honoring Larry Ceminsky’s contributions to the West Dixie neighborhood and city parks (Keep Marietta Beautiful, Kiwanis, flag projects, etc.). The motion passed 3-0. Estimated cost under $3,000, to be absorbed within the existing parks bond funds. - Final Plat – Greenhouse Phase 1: Beazer Homes LLC requested approval for 81 single-family detached lots on 29.39 acres (overall project: 591 units on 180 acres). The plat initially showed a fence encroaching into city right-of-way; the applicant agreed to relocate the fence onto their property. The plat was approved with a note requiring the fence relocation. (Unanimous, placed on consent) - Public Gathering/Expression Ordinance: City attorney Mr. White presented a draft ordinance based on a model from Franklin, Tennessee, designed to regulate protests, public gatherings, and amplified expression citywide in a content-neutral manner. Key provisions: permits required for gatherings meeting certain criteria (e.g., five or more people, amplification, recurring events); no after-dark events allowed anywhere in the city; and specific time restrictions for downtown Marietta Historic District (no permits for events after dark on Fridays and Saturdays). Exceptions for spontaneous protests (expedited process) and non-amplified individual expression. Violations would be classified as a misdemeanor. Discussion included enforcement discretion (citation vs. dispersal), the need for posting requirements, and ensuring compliance with Georgia law. The council voted to move the draft to the agenda work session for a first public hearing in October. - Z2025-14 Roswell St 462 & 480 – Stipulations: Summit HV AC, LLC submitted designs for fencing and building elevations as required by rezoning approval. Three fence types (Exhibit 1: open/see-through front fence; Exhibit 2: denser fence for parking area; Exhibit 3: solid rear fence for residential screening) were presented, along with lighting and roll-up door details. A council member clarified that approval of aesthetics does not grant an easement or approve fence location on city property. The design submittal was approved for the October council meeting with the noted limitation. - 2016 SPLOST TIP Summary: Staff reported awaiting a start date from the contractor and final GDOT approval. - 2022 SPLOST TIP Summary: Projects underway: White Avenue sidewalk, Waverly/Atlanta intersection (started September 29), and East Dixie Trail (scheduled start October 6). A council member inquired about the Burnt Hickory/Pope roundabout timeline (construction expected summer 2027). - 2022 SPLOST Budget Reallocation: Approximately $8 million moved from $28 million in unencumbered cash reserves to fund active projects. Approved. - Public Works Departmental Performance Reports: August and September reports reviewed. September report noted higher building activity for August. No issues identified. - West Dixie Avenue and Raymond Street Stop Sign Request: Installation of a three-way stop sign with pedestrian crosswalks was evaluated and recommended. Estimated cost $2,500. Located in Ward 1A. Moved forward with required public hearing. - Whitlock Avenue Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): The city has been working with GDOT to assume control of Whitlock Avenue from North Marietta Parkway to John Ward Road (3.17 miles). The MOU allows the city full maintenance and control while the road remains a state route. Benefits include local authority over traffic signals, pedestrian improvements, and access management. Councilmember Goldstein disclosed a family property interest at 47 Whitlock Avenue. A motion to approve the MOU passed 2-1, with the dissenting vote citing concerns about assuming liability and maintenance costs. The item was placed on the consent agenda for the upcoming council meeting. - Downtown Solid Waste Management District Service: A proposal for angled parking and a dumpster enclosure on Root Street, with traffic flow changes (Dobbs Street one-way, possible closure of Dobbs Street at Church Street). The city would exchange right-of-way with First Baptist Church, resulting in a net cost of $500 to the city and gaining approximately 18 new parking spaces. The church would join the downtown solid waste district, eliminating its dumpster. Discussion highlighted concerns about closing part of Dobbs Street and losing parking spots. Staff agreed to bring the Dobbs Street closure as a separate item at the October committee meeting. The overall concept was moved forward to the council work session for further discussion. - Proposed 2028 SPLOST: Staff presented a draft project list. Tier 1 totals $69 million against an expected $58 million budget. Tier 2 lists $156 million in additional projects without a set budget limit. Discussion included potential county funding increases and the possibility of borrowing to lock in current costs. Final council approval is required by February 2026. Staff will continue refining the list in monthly committee meetings. Key Outcomes - Special Called Council Meeting: Approved the revised MOU for the SRO program with Marietta City Schools. - Finance Committee: Advanced fee structure revisions for road races/walks to the agenda work session; received and filed hotel motel tax, auto rental tax, and finance update reports. - Personnel Committee: Approved reappointments of David Hunter and Martin C. Kendall to their respective boards (unanimous). - Parks, Recreation and Tourism Committee: Approved renaming West Dixie Park to Larry Ceminsky Park (3-0); approved street closures for Marietta The Gathering (placed on consent). - Judicial Legislative Committee: Approved final plat for Greenhouse Phase 1 with fence relocation condition; advanced Public Gathering/Expression Ordinance to work session; approved Roswell Street design submittal without granting easement on city property. - Public Works Committee: Approved Whitlock Avenue MOU (2-1); approved stop sign request for West Dixie/Raymond (with public hearing); advanced downtown solid waste proposal to council work session; introduced 2028 SPLOST list for ongoing discussion. - Executive Session: Held to discuss pending legal and property acquisition matters.

The Marietta City Council met on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included proclamations, a scheduled appearance, approvals of consent agenda, public hearings on rezoning and variance requests, and an unscheduled public comment on employee parking. Key actions included unanimous approvals of two church property rezonings, a variance with a 10-year term for outdoor storage, and a variance for sign modifications. The council also honored three proclamations and observed moments of remembrance. Proclamations and Announcements - 2025 Public Power & Clean Water Week: Mayor Tumlin presented a proclamation to John Dooley, recognizing Marietta Power & Water and declaring October 5–11, 2025 as Public Power & Clean Water Week. - 90th Anniversary of the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre: A proclamation was presented to Director Andy Gaines, honoring the Strand’s 90 years. - Deane Thompson Bonner Day: Mayor Tumlin proclaimed September 10, 2025 as “Deane Thompson Bonner Day” in honor of her 90th birthday and community service. Council members offered birthday wishes. - Remembrance: A moment of silence was held for Senior Firefighter Preston Fant of DeKalb County (died in a duty-related fire) and for victims of September 11, 2001. Upcoming community events were announced: Constitution Day bell ring (Sept 17), Concert Series (Sept 26), and Choctoberfest (Oct 11-12). Scheduled Appearance - Donald Barth addressed the council, thanking them for supporting first responders and praising the city’s responsiveness to community concerns. He encouraged continued unity and transparency. Consent Calendar All items marked with an asterisk on the agenda were approved unanimously (7-0) as the consent agenda. These included: - Approval of August 13, 2025 meeting minutes. - Rezoning Z2025-08, Annexation A2025-01, and Code Amendment CA2025-03 (Sugar Bear Properties, 1880 Scufflegrit Road) – tabled to October 8, 2025 per agenda; no discussion recorded. - Denial of claims for Matthew L. Hubbard III, Michael Baynes, Emmett Burton/Melody Newbold (Council Member Richardson abstained), and Rosa Pearson. - Second reading of Vehicle Immobilization Ordinance. - Motion to table Ethics Code new section (complaint filing near elections). - Resolution adopting fees for City Club Marietta. - Approval of 2026 Employee Group Benefits Program (Council Member Richardson disclosed conflict but voted). - Authorization for speed studies on Faith/Hope/Debonaire streets and Rosewood Creek Drive. - Approval of Cherokee Street Widening Improvement Project concept ($4,500,000 from 2022 SPLOST). - Final plat for The Sheridan townhomes (22 units on Roselane Street). - Acceptance of easements at 1001 Burnt Hickory Road and 980 Wemberly Lane. - Approval of “Rev. Nelson L. Price Memorial Pathway” naming. - Additional funding of $31,500 for Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art (Council Member Goldstein disclosed affiliations and abstained on related votes). - Authorization for city to enforce contract with Mirus, LLC at 550 Franklin Gateway. - Federal Reimbursable Lighting Grant/FY26 Budget Amendment for Marietta Power. - Revised MEAG Supplemental Power 2026 subscription. - Participation in GMA Mayor’s Reading Club. - Approval of BLW Action of September 8, 2025. Public Hearings Z2025-18 and Z2025-19 – First United Methodist Church Rezoning (92 and 96 Whitlock Avenue) Presented by Angie Smith, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. The church requested rezoning of two properties from OI (Office Institutional) to R-3 (Single Family Residential) to allow residential use and potential sale. A variance to reduce minimum lot width from 85 to 84 feet was included for 92 Whitlock. No opposition was heard. The council approved both unanimously (7-0), with Mayor Tumlin abstaining as noted on agenda. V2025-21 – VC Properties I, LLC Variance (31 Rock Street) Applicant Jane Hawkins requested variances to continue outdoor storage for automobile sales, waive limits on lot coverage, and allow storage near residential zones and rights-of-way. A previous temporary permit required striping and fence maintenance. Support from neighbor Donald Barth. Council Member Kent made a motion to approve with a 10-year term (until September 2035) or on transfer of title, whichever occurs first, and with stipulations that the fence, paving, and striping be maintained in orderly condition. The motion passed 7-0 after amendments. V2025-22 – Accent Marietta Atlanta, LP Sign Variance (1288 Roswell Road & 50 Powers Ferry Road) Parks Huff represented the applicant, seeking variances for sign height (from 20 to 23 feet) and sign face area (from 160 to 178 sq ft) for two monument signs at a mixed-use development. The council approved with the condition that signs match the design, materials, and dimensions shown in the submitted drawings. Motion passed 7-0. Unscheduled Appearance - Jillian Benson, a Kennesaw State student and bartender on the Square, addressed employee parking challenges. She reported that employees are ticketed during long shifts and that the designated employee lot is half a mile away, unsafe at night. She proposed exempting employees from parking tickets during work hours, verified by employer time cards. She presented signatures of support. No immediate council action was taken. Key Outcomes - Approved: Rezonings for 92 and 96 Whitlock Avenue (7-0). - Approved: Variance for 31 Rock Street with 10-year term or transfer of title, plus maintenance requirements (7-0). - Approved: Sign variances for 1288 Roswell Road / 50 Powers Ferry Road with material conditions (7-0). - Consented: All consent agenda items passed 7-0, including tabling of Sugar Bear Properties items to October 8, 2025. - No Action: Employee parking request referred to staff or future consideration; no formal vote. (NOTE: The transcript did not include discussion on the tabled Sugar Bear Properties items, which were listed as tabled in the agenda.)

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the Marietta City Council convened at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber for an agenda review session. The session covered approval of prior meeting minutes, agenda consent items, and a series of departmental updates including HR, parks, public works, police, fire, IT, and a Georgia Tech partnership. Key project updates and future planning were also discussed. Consent Calendar - The August 13, 2025 regular meeting minutes were reviewed and approved by a motion and second with no objections. - Agenda items for 92 and 96 Whitlock were tabled until October 8, 2025, with no new information. A council member noted the items do not require a public hearing. - Annexation items related to the above were also tabled with no objection. - The ethics scope item was placed on consent with no objection. - Four items on page 7 were placed on consent with no objection. - Jair G Street was placed on consent with no objection. - 31 Rock Street was placed on consent with no new information; specific variances include allowance for outdoor storage outside a solid wall or fence no less than 6 feet in height, and restrictions on outdoor automobile storage percentage, location, and underlying zoning. A council member clarified this lot is separate from the business’s main lot on Rosal Street. - 1288 and 50 Power Sphering was placed on consent with no objection. - A grant of $31,500 was placed on consent, with a council member requesting to note an abstention on the record. - A minor wording change was proposed for one consent item: strike “related” after “two,” insert “enforced,” so the phrase reads “take appropriate action to enforce the contract between Mary and Myers.” No objection was raised, and it remained on consent. - The next four items were placed on consent with no changes. Departmental Updates & Reports Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) & Compliance - The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has accepted the service delivery strategy for Cobb County and all cities, meeting the September deadline. Next steps involve Marietta and Cobb County working to resolve service delivery issues before summer. A state law change now requires cities to wait until six months after submitting their Comprehensive Plan (due fall 2027) before resubmitting the SDS. The city can begin negotiations earlier if desired. SPLOST Financial Status - The current SPLOST is approximately $24 million above expenditures after design work on major projects, but construction has not yet begun. The city expects to maintain a $30–40 million buffer above budget, almost double what Cobb County had initially projected for Marietta. Once Tier 1 projects are complete, the council can consider Tier 2 projects. The council will receive a list of approved Tier 2 projects. Public Works Updates - Burn Hickory and Polk & Wynn Intersections: Major utility improvements will begin next summer. Construction at Polk & Wynn is expected in summer 2027 to avoid school impacts. The planned design is an adjusted roundabout (not a straightening due to a cemetery) that improves a bus turn lane and sight distance, and prevents traffic backups onto the North Marietta Loop. - Whitlock Drive & Woodlock Drive Improvements: Final plans are being delivered; the project will be bid within 30–45 days. - Whitlock Avenue: A resolution will be discussed at the September committee meeting with G-DOT. - Wilkie at New Hope: The city is waiting on the church to respond on acquisition terms; their previous offer was not acceptable. - Fast Circle: Stormwater improvements (curbing, guttering) have begun and may cause resident inquiries. - Retirement: Street supervisor Kenny Thomason, with 33.5 years of service, will retire on October 31, 2025. A retirement celebration will be planned. - Dumpster Plan: An agenda item is prepared for the September committee meeting. Human Resources (Kisha Register) - Mobile Mammogram Event (Sept 25): At least 10 more female participants (over age 40) are needed to avoid cancellation; partners from other organizations may also register if their insurance is accepted. - Open Enrollment: October 13–31, kicked off by WellStar on October 14 with flu and “super flu” shots. - National Retirement Week (week of Oct 14): The city will host “Road to Retirement” travel-themed seminars, the Social Security lady on Oct 23, and Mission Square and Nationwide presentations on Oct 24. - GMA Change: The city’s switch to GMA has already resulted in safety initiatives with public safety liaisons. Parks & Recreation (Rich Buss) - Upcoming Events: - Sept 12: Coffee, Cryptids & Campfire at Atherton Square (won a “New Event of the Year” award in 2024). - Sept 19: Last day for youth basketball registration; Movies on the Square (partnering with the Elf on the Shelf authors). - Sept 26: Final concert of the year (Davis and the Love Variety Pop Hits); deadline for Scarecrows on the Square. - Oct 18: Harvest on the Square (scarecrow judging announced). - Legacy Park (Custer Park) Update: Crews working on stream piping encountered a buried French drain that was holding groundwater; additional French drain work is planned. The park was built in the 1960s; underdrain was installed in 1961. - East Dixie Trail: A pre-construction meeting has been held; start date to be announced soon. A neighborhood block party is scheduled for Oct 18. Georgia Tech Partnership - Project Overview: The city is partnering with Georgia Tech’s industrial engineering program for process improvement across multiple departments. - Public Works & IT: Developing a digital twin of Marietta’s transportation network to model traffic impacts of changes (signal timings, lane closures, etc.). About nine students will present results at semester end. - Finance Projects: Two projects: (1) Streamlining occupational license applications toward a fully online process (with a kiosk already installed), and (2) implementing a better forecasting model using a new budget platform. - Parks & Rec Projects: Two projects: (1) Predictive analysis of park usage and user data (from Placer AI) to guide maintenance and future development, and (2) assessing community engagement methods (social media, website) and recommending low-cost additions (e.g., TikTok, pending IT considerations). - Police Department Project: Georgia Tech students will model natural evacuation routes from Marietta Square during emergencies (e.g., tornado during a festival) to aid planning. Fire Department (Chief Milligan) - No update provided; chief stated “everything’s wonderful.” Police Department (Chief Beam) - Zone 1 Town Hall: Sept 11, 6:30–8:00 PM at Marietta Yale’s office (779 Franklin Gateway). - New Training Center: Earthwork has begun; a large pile of dirt will need to be removed. The facility will include a training tower and building funded by ARPA funds, plus a burn building and other features built with city funds and departmental sweat equity. Future SPLOST funding may add an asphalt driving area for police and hose-lay area for fire. The center will allow in-city training, enabling units to remain on call and serve as a recruiting tool. IT & Communications (Maggie Moss et al.) - Employee Health Clinic Video: A new video showcasing the award-winning clinic (no out-of-pocket costs, same-day appointments, up to $400 annual health assessment incentive) will be shown to new employees. - Grid Logic Project: The city is a real-world test bed for a GRID LOGIC project with Georgia Tech that uses AI and advanced monitoring to protect the power grid from cyber threats. This builds on the earlier GRID TRUST research. - Marietta Parks Video Series: A set of promotional videos was shown: an overall intro (“Discover Marietta Parks”), and spotlights on Victory Park (4.8 acres, playground, pavilion, workout equipment), Laurel Park (25 acres, 13 lighted tennis courts, pro shop, walking path, playground, ponds, shuffleboard, basketball, sand volleyball), and Elizabeth Porter Park (historic site, playground, splash pad, walking paths, mural). - Drone Updates: Aerial footage was shown of: - Land United expansion (new building nearly complete with clubhouse, media facilities, and additional team housing). - Greenhouse subdivision (Bells Ferry area; phases 1 and 2 with landscaping and trails; home sales beginning; phase 3 permits applied for; total 29 homes across three phases; developer said it was largest in metro at announcement). The development includes senior ranch-style homes (master on main) and detached/attached ownership units. - Police training center – earth moved, building to be located across from existing facilities. Parks Bond Updates - The city’s $26 million parks bond was leveraged with grants and interest earnings to yield over $30 million in total spending. Rich Buss, hired as a landscape architect, saved approximately 11% in planning/design costs compared to using private consultants. The bond is nearly depleted, but the city gained $4 million above the original bond amount. Future SPLOST may consider additional facility upgrades. Key Outcomes - The August 13, 2025 regular meeting minutes were approved. - 92 and 96 Whitlock and related annexation items were tabled until October 8, 2025. - All consent agenda items were approved without objection, except one council member’s abstention on a $31,500 grant was noted. - A minor wording correction was accepted for one consent item. - The Georgia Tech partnership is underway across multiple departments with reporting expected at semester end. - The police training center construction has begun; future SPLOST may fund additional training features. - The city remains in compliance with DCA service delivery requirements, with the next deadline tied to the county’s 2027 comp plan submission.

The Marietta City Council held an agenda work session on September 8, 2025, at 5:15 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered routine approvals, reports from the Board of Lights and Water (BLW), multiple proposed ordinances and resolutions, and discussions on funding, naming, and intergovernmental agreements. The council voted on several items to move them forward to the regular meeting on September 10, 2025, and entered executive session for legal and property matters. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the August 11, 2025 Agenda Work Session were approved as revised. - Deane Thompson Bonner Day: A proclamation declaring September 10, 2025 as “Deane Thompson Bonner Day” in Marietta was presented via video. The council approved the proclamation unanimously. - GMAC Mayor’s Reading Club: Council Member Morris moved to add an item to join the Georgia Municipal Association’s Mayor’s Reading Club. The motion passed with no objections; the city will participate without cost. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were recorded during the work session. Several public hearings were scheduled for the regular meeting on September 10, including for the rezoning of 92 and 96 Whitlock Avenue (First United Methodist Church properties) and the variance request for 31 Rock Street. The applicant for 1880 Scuffle Grit requested a one-month tabling, which was granted. Discussion Items - BLW Report – Council Member Richardson presented the BLW report. Items included: - A $132,000 federal reimbursable lighting grant to convert non-LED lights to LED. The board approved adding the grant to the budget. - Water authority report: July water sales averaged 86 million gallons per day (budget: 90M), revenue $9.9 million ($30,000 under budget), net income $5.3 million, year-to-date net income exceeded budget by $3.7 million. Year-to-date capital spending $32.6 million, remaining CIP commitment $59.6 million. - BLW finance report: July actuals – MIAG charges 7.4% over budget, year-to-date 2.45% under. Surplus energy sales under budget by 8.14%, but total actuals over budget by 19%. Gas spot prices declined to $2.70/mmBTU. Off-system sales revenue increased to $1.147 million year-to-date (from $434k last year). Five-year highs were reached for NCP and energy requirements. - Supplemental power subscription: The board recommended approving the revised form (selecting section five). The council approved the grant budget addition and the revised supplemental power nomination as separate motions. - Rev. Nelson L. Price Memorial Pathway – Mayor Tumlin requested naming the portion of Roswell Street from Marietta Square to Cobb Parkway (across from the Big Chicken) as the “Rev. Nelson L. Price Memorial Pathway.” The council voted to move this forward for approval at the regular meeting, with signage to be made in-house and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. - Revised MOU for School Resource Officers (SRO) – City staff presented revisions to the Memorandum of Understanding with Marietta City Schools. Key changes: Section 7 clarified SROs will not administer but may utilize school safety technologies (e.g., metal detectors). Section 11 adjusted cost-sharing (70/30 split between school board and city, including vehicles). Attachment C included sample verbiage related to HB 268 on student privacy. The council voted to move the item to a special called council meeting on September 30, 2025, to allow further review by legal and the school board. - 2026 Employee Group Benefits Program Administration – The council approved renewal of group health/dental administration with Anthem, stop-loss with Voya, retiree Medicare Advantage with Aetna, pharmacy with Express Scripts, life/disability insurance transferred to Lincoln, and transfers of COBRA/FSA administration to Admin America and vision to Anthem. Council Member Richardson disclosed a conflict as an authorized attorney for ARAG (legal services benefit). The motion passed unanimously. - Final Plat – The Sheridan (Roselane Townhomes) – Staff requested approval of the final plat for 22 townhomes on 1.87 acres on Roselane Street (rezoned in 2017, preliminary plat approved in 2023). The council approved the plat without objection. - Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art Additional Funding – Council Member Sims requested $31,500 in additional funding for the museum, citing challenges with rent increases from the county. The city has a reserve of approximately $1.1–1.2 million. The council voted to move the item forward, with the funding to be provided as a one-time allocation via an amendment to the Welcome Center contract, payable within 30 days. A representative from the museum will speak at the regular meeting. - City Club Fees – Range Balls – Council Member Walker clarified that a prior committee motion to raise cart fees inadvertently omitted a planned $1 increase in range ball prices. The council voted to amend the motion to include the range ball increase as originally stated in Exhibit A. The motion passed, and the item was placed on the consent agenda. - 1880 Scuffle Grit – Annexation and Rezoning – The applicant requested a one-month tabling (to October). The council moved to table all three related items, placing them on consent for denial (since tabling before a public hearing was allowed). - 31 Rock Street Variances – The council discussed a variance request for continued outdoor auto storage at 31 Rock Street. Six variance requests were outlined, including use and setback waivers. The applicant is expected to present at the regular meeting. - Accent Marietta Sign Variances – The developer of Accent Marietta (former Harry’s Crossing site) requested variances to modify existing large signs: reducing height from 35 feet to 23 feet (3 feet above the 20-foot maximum) and exceeding square footage by 18 sq ft. Representatives argued the new design is significantly lower than the existing signs and improves aesthetics. The item will be heard on Wednesday. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Approved BLW grant budget addition and supplemental power nomination (unanimous). - Approved Rev. Nelson L. Price Memorial Pathway naming (unanimous, no objections). - Approved 2026 Employee Group Benefits Program renewals (unanimous, with conflict disclosure). - Approved Final Plat for The Sheridan (unanimous). - Approved moving SRO MOU to special called meeting on September 30, 2025 (unanimous). - Approved $31,500 additional funding for Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art (unanimous). - Approved range ball price increase as part of cart fee motion (unanimous). - Approved joining GMAC Mayor’s Reading Club (unanimous). - Tabling: 1880 Scuffle Grit items tabled to October. - Referrals: The SRO MOU will be further reviewed by legal and the school board before final vote. - Executive Session: The council voted to enter executive session to discuss property acquisition/disposition and legal matters regarding potential litigation.