Public Meetings - Marietta, Georgia

This work session covered the Board of Lights and Water report, policy amendments, field rental policy alignment, scheduling of committee meetings, and multiple land use items. The council approved several items for placement on the consent agenda of the September 9 regular meeting, suspended rules to add a budget amendment, and took action on the BLW report and travel code amendment. Consent Calendar - August 10 Work Session Minutes: Approved 6-0 with no objection. - Travel and Training Code Amendment (First Reading): Moved to consent for the September 9 council meeting, with a note to fix a capitalization inconsistency ("City/BLW") before final approval. The amendment updates personnel rules for travel allotment and uses gender-neutral pronouns. - Custer Park Field Rentals: Approved to move to the council meeting agenda (consent). The policy aligns rental rates and rules at Custer Park with those at Franklin Gateway, as requested by Councilmember Anderson. - September 2026 Committee Meeting Date: Approved to schedule committees on a date that accommodates member availability (final date not specified in transcript, but motion carried for consent). - Various consent items: Revised regular meeting minutes (August 12), Board of Zoning Appeals items, land board items, claims, replacement fund contract amendments, summer camp funding, and advisory committee appointments (including Catalina Rutledge as Ward 7 representative) were all placed on consent with no objection. - Prayer and Police Officer Swearing-In: Postponed from September to October; a fire lieutenant’s certification will also be recognized then. - Williams Commercial Properties (1810 Williams Drive): Sent back to committee to allow time for deed corrections to be re-recorded. Discussion Items - BLW Report (Councilmember Kent): Recognized 5 customer service employees with 20+ years of service (Amanda Kosaparoski – 23 years, Kim Coosey – 31 years, Arthur Comer – 24 years, Tom Costello – 27 years, Edgar White – 26 years). Report covered technology integration, non-emergency mutual aid agreement (approved) for work with other utilities, large load contract with council-required stipulations (approved), water authority report (financials pending), and a Liebert unit repair budget amendment. Mayor added that transmission costs are doubling due to data center demands, and that the BLW passed a moratorium through December 31 to study large load connections and generation investments. MiAG’s separate moratorium and reverse RFP were also discussed. - 1360 West Oak Drive (Daycare Rezoning): A half-acre property annexed in 2013 has operated as a daycare, but a late business license renewal caused loss of nonconforming status. Planning Commission recommended OI (Office Institutional) rather than CRC (Commercial Regional Center) to limit uses due to nearby residences. Council discussed and placed on consent. - 729 Colston Road (Sidewalk Variance): Public hearing for a variance to waive a sidewalk requirement for the only lot on Colston that is part of Highvale subdivision. Council noted inconsistency and requested confirmation from public works on right-of-way donation; will finalize at the regular meeting. Key Outcomes - BLW Actions: Approved as consent items: non-emergency mutual aid agreement, large load contract, and staff recognition. (No formal vote tally recorded; moved to consent.) - Budget Amendment (Fiscal Year 2027): After suspending rules, council voted 6-0 to approve a $35,000 budget amendment for Liebert unit repairs and two portable spot coolers. - Travel and Training Code Amendment: Voted 6-0 to move to first reading on consent, with direction to fix the capitalization. - Custer Park Field Rentals: Approved to forward to September 9 council meeting (consent). - Committee Meeting Date: Approved; staff will have 15 days until the October committee meetings. - Executive Session: Approved to discuss legal advice and property disposition.

The Marietta Board of Zoning Appeals met on August 31, 2026, to consider four variance applications and one tabled item. The board heard from applicants, reviewed property conditions, and voted on each case. Public opposition was absent for all items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Previous Minutes: August meeting minutes were approved with one dissenting vote from board member Walt. Discussion Items - Case V2026-27 – 850 Industrial Park Drive: WLM Contracting/885 Holdings LLC requested a variance to reduce the side yard setback from 20 feet to 3 feet. The applicant did not appear at the meeting. The board discussed options and voted to deny the variance (4-2). - Case V2026-29 – 1405 O&B Drive: OCP 1405 O&B LLC requested a variance to allow gravel as an acceptable parking surface. Applicant Hayes Brewer explained the property had existing gravel and that they added more without a permit, receiving a stop work order in February 2026. He stated that heavy industrial tenants often require gravel for trucking or storage. Board members expressed concerns about the “ask forgiveness, not permission” pattern and noted recent city council denials of gravel parking for commercial properties. The board voted unanimously (no recorded opposition) to deny the variance. The applicant was informed they could remove the unpermitted gravel to come into compliance but would need to wait one year to reapply. - Case V2026-30 – 138 Powers Ferry Road: John E. Swiney and Shena Sawani requested a variance to allow an existing open and closed projection to encroach more than 50% into the required eastern side setback. Architect John Swinney and property owner Shannon Sivani presented. The roof over an existing deck was built without a permit, and the property also hosts an unpermitted tree removal business. The board noted that moving the structure back four feet two inches would bring it into compliance without a variance. Citing the unauthorized construction and ancillary code violations, a motion to deny was made, seconded, and carried. The board advised the owner to fix the setback and address the business issues with the city. - Case V2026-31 – 1204 Brandle Drive: Ignacio Mendoza and Guadalupe Perez Gonzalez requested variances to reduce side and rear setbacks for a proposed 18×20-foot storage building to four feet. Mr. Mendoza explained the need for storage space. Board members suggested moving the building six feet from the property line, which would avoid the need for a variance. The board moved to table the request to allow the applicant to consult with his builder and explore that option, waiving the readvertising fee. - Case V2026-33 – 741 & 749 South Marietta Parkway: 749 South Marietta Property LLC requested variances to expand a non-conforming structure (reduce rear setback from 35 feet to 11 feet) and to allow parking at the gas pumps to count toward required parking. Applicant Noreen Lalani and Rohel Hara (general contractors) explained plans to add 4,000 square feet of retail space and relocate an existing kitchen from the convenience store to a new tenant space. The board discussed concerns about relying on parking on an adjacent property but found the pump parking proposal acceptable, noting staff had no objection. A motion to approve all three variances was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - V2026-27 (850 Industrial Park Dr): Denied (4-2). Applicant cannot reapply for one year. - V2026-29 (1405 O&B Dr): Denied. Applicant must remove unpermitted gravel; one-year waiting period. - V2026-30 (138 Powers Ferry Rd): Denied. Applicant advised to correct setback and resolve code violations. - V2026-31 (1204 Brandle Dr): Tabled to give applicant time to explore a compliance option; readvertising fee waived. - V2026-33 (741/749 S Marietta Pkwy): Approved for all three variances with conditions satisfied. - Previous minutes: Approved (1 opposed). - Meeting adjourned.

The Historic Preservation Commission met on August 31, 2026 at 9:30 AM to consider an application for property at 226 North Forest. The applicant, Caleb, sought approval for modifications to a previously approved project, including changes to siding, windows, porch, foundation, and walkway. After extensive discussion and a public comment, the commission approved the application with amended conditions. Public Comments & Testimony - A neighbor who lives up the street from the property expressed confusion about work that had been done after the last meeting, specifically regarding the removal of windows and the status of the stop work order. The neighbor asked for clarity on what was allowed and what the applicant intended to do. Discussion Items - Minutes Approval: The commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting by motion and second, with a quorum confirmed (4 members present). - 226 North Forest (Caleb, applicant): Caleb explained he wanted to change from previously approved lap siding to shingles (hardy shingles) on all three visible sides. He also proposed: - Removing stucco from the front foundation to expose original brick and applying a lime wash. - Removing an existing wall beside the front steps and extending the porch outward with new steps and a walkway. - Removing old ceramic tile from the walkway and installing tile that resembles brick (natural stone or brick-pattern tile) on the porch, steps, and walkway to the driveway. - Replacing windows: removing damaged windows, matching an existing arch window on the left with a new arch window on the far right, installing a picture window in the middle, and ensuring all windows have true divided lights (external grids, not grids between panes). - Replacing the garage door with a DoorVision model 2550 (color to be white, black, beige, or gray). - Installing black gutters and downspouts. - Commissioners expressed a desire for clarity and specificity, noting that the applicant's evolving plans made it a “moving target.” They asked detailed questions about materials (brick vs. tile vs. stone), window grid patterns (prairie or colonial recommended), and the extent of the porch and walkway extension. - The applicant stated he was open to input, wanted to make the house look nice, and would adhere to the approved plan. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve with Amendments (made by Commissioner David Cobb, seconded): Approved the application as follows: - Windows: Remove and replace windows in the front middle bedroom with windows matching the two to the left; install a new picture window and an arch window on the far right side. All windows to have true divided lights (external grids) consistent with neighborhood appearance. - Garage door: Replace as submitted. - Gutters and downspouts: Black as submitted. - Siding: Install hardy shingles as submitted. - Foundation: Remove stucco, expose brick, and lime wash the brick. - Porch and walkway: Extend porch out by removing existing wall and adding steps to grade; extend the walkway the full width of the steps to the driveway. Install tile on porch, steps, and walkway that resembles brick per the provided picture. - The motion passed with no opposition (commission vote tally not specified but no dissenting comments).

The meeting consisted of two separate board sessions: the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The HPC approved an extensive renovation application for a historic home at 226 North Forest after lengthy discussion on materials and design. The BZA heard five variance cases, approving one, denying two, denying one due to no-show, and tabling one to allow the applicant to explore alternatives. Consent Calendar - HPC: Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by motion and second, with a quorum of four members confirmed. - BZA: Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by motion and second. Historic Preservation Commission – Discussion & Key Outcomes - 226 North Forest (Applicant: Caleb): Caleb requested to replace previously approved lap siding with shingles (Hardy shingles), remove stucco from foundation and limewash the exposed brick, replace and add windows to create symmetry (two picture windows, two arched windows, and a central operable window), install a new garage door (Door Vision model 2550), black gutters and downspouts, extend the front porch by removing a wall and adding steps, and install tile resembling brick on porch, steps, and walkway to the driveway. Commissioners expressed frustration with a moving target but worked to clarify each element. Specific requirements included: all windows must have true divided light (external grids, not internal grids), grid pattern must be consistent with neighborhood (prairie or colonial style allowed), and the walkway tile must resemble brick as shown in the reference photo. The motion was passed unanimously (5-0). Board of Zoning Appeals – Case Summaries - V2026-27 (850 Industrial Park Drive – WLM Contracting): Variance to reduce side yard setback from 20 feet to 3 feet to expand a warehouse. No applicant appeared. The fire marshal indicated the 3-foot setback would not be permitted. Motion to deny passed 4-2. - V2026-29 (1405 O&B Drive – Hayes Brewer, Oakley Real Estate Partners): Variance to allow gravel as an acceptable parking surface. The applicant added gravel without permits after buying the property, citing cost and tenant needs (heavy industrial). Commissioners noted the trend against gravel and the lack of exceptional circumstances. Motion to deny passed unanimously. - V2026-30 (138 Powers Ferry Road – John Swinney & Shenaz Sawani): Variance to allow an existing porch (built without permit) to encroach 3.3 feet into a 15-foot side setback (instead of the allowed 7.5 feet). Additionally, the property was cited for an unpermitted tree removal business in the rear. The city recommended denial. Commissioners denied the variance unanimously; the applicant can cut the porch back 4 feet 2 inches to become compliant without further HPC approval. - V2026-31 (1204 Brandle Drive – Ignacio Mendoza): Variance to reduce side and rear setbacks for an 18x20 foot shed from 10 feet to 4 feet. The applicant wanted to preserve yard space for children. Commissioners suggested alternative locations that might not require a variance. Motion to table (with waived re-advertising fee) passed, allowing the applicant to consult his builder and return without a 12-month waiting period. - V2026-33 (749 South Marietta Parkway – Noreen Lalani & Rohel Hara): Three variances: (1) increase rear setback encroachment from 35 feet to 11 feet to expand a non-conforming convenience store, (2) allow parking at the fuel pumps to count toward required parking, and (3) related to expansion. The addition is 4,000 square feet for two retail spaces (one likely restaurant with limited seating). Commissioners accepted the pump-parking rationale and found no detriment. Motion to approve all three variances passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered for any case; all public testimony was from the applicants themselves and their representatives.

Multiple city committees met on August 25, 2026, covering finance, personnel, parks, judicial/legislative, economic development, and public works. The meetings included financial updates, budget amendments, policy changes, project approvals, and a special called work session that ended in executive session. Finance Committee - Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (3-0) from July 28, 2026. - Hotel/Motel Tax, Auto Rental Tax, and Finance Update: Presented by Miss Patina. July hotel/motel collections totaled $350,846, the lowest July in four years. Auto rental revenues were $99,631, slightly below the rolling 12-month average. General fund revenue for July was $4.2 million, an increase of $170,000 over FY26. Operating expenses doubled year-over-year due to $1.2 million in encumbrances. Golf profitability was $600,000 higher than July 2025, primarily due to lower capital investments. The report was received and filed (3-0). - Tree Replacement Fund Budget Amendment: Approved $8,800 from Beltron LLC for 1339 Owen B Drive, accepting money in lieu of tree planting. Unanimous (3-0). Personnel & Insurance Committee - Distinguished Service Award: Motion to honor Mark Maloney with a distinguished service award, to be presented at the September 9th council meeting. Approved unanimously. - Board of Zoning Appeals Appointment: Chase Clark appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mark Maloney. Approved unanimously (3-0). - Employee Group Benefits Program: Renewal of 2027 benefits presented. Anthem Health Plan projected 2.3% increase; Aetna Medicare Advantage 8.89% increase; stop-loss premiums 20% increase. All employee contributions remained unchanged. Motion to approve passed 2-0 with one abstention (Councilmember disclosed representation of ROG, the legal program provider). Parks, Recreation & Tourism Committee - 2009 Parks Bond Report: Informational; interest earnings of $873.67 received; Larry Spinsky Park grant reimbursement in progress (final 10% pending National Park Service review); Ailborough's Nature Park drain pipe replacement initiated. - Recreation Facilities Annual Report (FY26): Custer Park Sports & Fitness Center gross revenue up 2% over prior year. Elizabeth Porter Park Spray Ground attendance increased by 600 to over 27,000, gross revenue flat. Franklin Gateway Sports Complex gross revenue up 7%. Staff requested changing from quarterly to annual reporting; no action required. - Motor Vehicle Tax Distribution: Discussion of projects. $1,055,036 available. Approved (unanimous) projects including: Elizabeth Porter Park pavilion, Brumby Hall improvements (bridal suite $175,000 + signage $75,000 = $250,000), and Marietta Cobb Museum of Art request. Additionally, Chalktoberfest funding was approved from auto rental tax funds. Remaining funds for Rottenwood Creek trailhead and pollinator garden were noted but not voted on. - Summer Camp Funding: Approved submission of a Boost Grant application for 2027 summer camp (unanimous). - Franklin Gateway Community Park Advisory Committee: Slate of 14 members approved (unanimous) with one vacancy to be filled later. - Marietta the Gathering Street Closures: Approved Level 4 street closure for Saturday, March 6, 2027 (9,000 attendees in 2026). Unanimous. - Custer Park Field Rentals: Updated rental policy discussed, tabled to the Thursday work session for redline comparison. Judicial & Legislative Committee - Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (3-0) from June 23, 2026. - Travel and Training Code Amendments: Presented by staff. Proposed changes included increasing approval threshold from $500 to $1,000, removing travel agency requirement, expanding lodging to resorts/short-term rentals, increasing mileage from 100 to 400 miles for in-state travel, incorporating ride shares, raising per diem from $40 to $50, and tying mileage to IRS rate. Council requested grammatical corrections, clarification on short-term rental safety, and adjustment to IRS rate language. Moved to agenda work session (3-0). - Data Center Ordinance and Georgia Tech Proposal: Council discussed the draft ordinance and a proposal from Georgia Tech for community engagement and ordinance development. Concerns were raised about the draft ordinance's one-size-fits-all approach and the need for technical expertise in noise, public health, and electrical engineering. Georgia Tech indicated willingness to include additional experts. No vote; item held for further details and to be brought back to the next committee meeting. Economic Development Committee - CDBG CAPER (FY25): Presented by Kelsey. Allocation of $417,363; total available $583,000; expended $468,000. Six sub-recipients served low-to-moderate income residents: Center for Family Resources (6 households), Marietta Power (35 students), Safe Path (70 children), Sir Familia (14 individuals), The Extension (52 homeless women), YELL (152 youth). Housing rehabilitation served 12 households (average income $24,000; 10 were 62+). Playground at Larry Siminski Park completed. Informational; no vote required. Public Works Committee - Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously (3-0). - 2016 SPLOST Update: Rottenwood Creek Trail ribbon cutting set for September 18, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Aviation Park. - 2022 SPLOST Updates: Whitlock Drive intersection improvements going to bid; Franklin Gateway Bridge replacement awaiting contract; New Hope Road and Wiley Road awaiting contracts; four mid-block crossing projects completed (Chestnut Hill Road, Victory and Park, Cherokee and Dobbs, Church and Artists). Herbert Drive drainage design in progress. - Department Updates: Retirement of John Edwards (29 years) announced. Construction Board of Appeals vacancies and reappointments needed by end of year. - Lights of Life Event (Life University): Approved closure of Barclay Circle from November 27 to December 31, 2026 (Sunday-Thursday 5:30-9 PM, Friday-Saturday 5:30-10 PM). Unanimous. - Hickory Drive Speed Study: Approved to conduct a speed study for potential traffic calming (unanimous). - Artist Street No Parking Signage: Approved installation of no parking signs on both sides of Artist Street from Church to Cherokee Street (vote 2-1). - Donation of Right-of-Way for Williams Drive/Guffin Lane: Discussion revealed grammatical errors and missing date in quitclaim deed; moved to non-consent with attorney review. Special Called Council Work Session - Minutes of July 28, 2026 Meeting: Approved (6-1). - Executive Session: Motion to enter executive session for legal advice regarding BLW contract (6-1). Key Outcomes - Approvals: Finance reports received and filed; tree replacement budget amendment; distinguished service award; board appointment; employee benefits renewal (with abstention); motor vehicle tax projects (Elizabeth Porter, Brumby Hall, Museum of Art, Chalktoberfest); summer camp grant submission; Franklin Gateway committee; Marietta the Gathering street closure; Lights of Life; Hickory speed study; Artist Street no parking. - Tabled Items: Custer Park field rental policy (to Thursday work session); travel and training code amendments (to agenda work session); data center ordinance/Georgia Tech proposal (to next committee meeting). - Directives: Staff to obtain corrected quitclaim deed for Williams Drive; council to fill remaining committee vacancy; staff to provide redline of Custer Park policy; further details on Georgia Tech proposal to include specific technical experts. - Next Steps: Distinguished service award presentation September 9; Rottenwood Creek ribbon cutting September 18; CDBG public review meeting September 8; public comment on CAPER until September 11; construction board appointments due by November/December.

The Marietta City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting began with an invocation by Council Member Cheryl Richardson and a Presentation of Colors by the MHS AFJROTC. Presentations included the Marietta High School senior football players, cheerleaders, and band members, as well as the 2026 APWA Awards. The meeting addressed multiple rezoning applications, including a controversial data infrastructure facility, and concluded with unscheduled public comments. Key votes included a 5-2 approval of a rezoning for a data center and several unanimous approvals. Consent Calendar Minutes from special meetings on July 6, 2026, July 28, 2026, and regular meeting on July 8, 2026 were approved. Executive session minutes from multiple dates in 2024 and 2025 were approved. Appointments: Stephanie Meyer to the Board of Lights and Water (non-resident member, term expiring August 12, 2030) approved. Derek Greenacre to the Civil Service Board (term expiring December 31, 2029) was initially on consent but removed for separate vote; later approved 7-0. Denial of claims for Baldwin Ndogo, Scott A. Davis, and Requel Raines were approved. A motion to add a denial of claim for Diana Campbell to the consent agenda was approved. Other consent items: Tree fund alternative compliance ($400 per 2-inch caliper tree), Kirby Park playground rebalancing, HarvestFest additional street closures (Council Member Goldstein abstained due to property interests), Art in the Park light post banners, City Club Marietta contract renewal, Workers' Compensation and Fiduciary insurance renewal, adoption of Cobb County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, golf cart donation to MPD, Comcast utilities variance at 731 Sawyer Road, GTIB grant application, and easement acquisitions for the Whitlock Drive project (286 N Hillcrest, 289 N Hillcrest, 310 N Woodland, 351 N Woodland, 920 Burnt Hickory Rd). The Georgia Rehoused Program (Emmanuel’s Village) MOU was added to consent as amended. Council Member Gaddis recused himself (employer is GA DCA). Convention center funding allocation was sent to the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Committee with added wording. MEAG annual subscription for supplemental power 2027 was added to consent. Settlement agreements for BJF Jr., LLC ($84,000 additional, total $125,000) and BJ Frye, LLC ($289,800 additional, total $325,000) were approved; Council Member Gaddis voted against both. BLW actions of August 10, 2026 were approved. Public Comments & Testimony Scheduled Appearances (4 speakers): Lindsey Koch (homeowner in Ward 3, business owner in Ward 4): Expressed full support for transparency regarding data centers. Detailed her research and raised concerns about noise studies, cooling systems, and enforcement. Requested a true commitment to transparency and noted communication gaps. Donald Barth (civil service board member): Commended first responders, criticized enforcement of policies, called for a review of the planning commission (citing a member sleeping during a meeting), and questioned the rush to fill a Civil Service Board vacancy. Amanda Constantinides: Proposed numerous community improvements including a streetcar line, parks, food access, childcare, environmental oversight, and sliding-scale utility rates for low-income residents. Called for a moratorium on new gas stations. Public Comments on Prime Storage Rezoning (Z2026-12): 15 minutes for speakers in favor and 15 minutes for speakers in opposition (3-minute limit each). In Favor (5 speakers): John Porter (resident), Stuart Wall (local business owner), Dana Johnson (Cobb Chamber of Commerce), William McNutt (technical background), David Crayley (director at QCells, consultant to Prime). Speakers emphasized tax revenue, jobs, medical benefits, and local infrastructure needs. In Opposition (5 speakers): State Rep. Mary Francis Williams (concerns about noise, cooling system chemicals, tax incentives), Gavin Bedell (economics major, concerned about AI job loss and devaluation of homes), Grace Bloomberg (accused council of ignoring 300+ residents from prior meetings), Lewis Smith (lifelong Cobb County resident, organizer with PSL, called for total ban on data centers), and an additional speaker who lived nearby (interrupted but spoke briefly). Unscheduled Appearances (various speakers after main agenda): A council member (unidentified) spoke about the need for better communication with residents. Selena Reardon thanked council for their vote and asked for more fact dissemination to reduce fear. DeAndre McNeil criticized the council for not listening to constituents and lacking due diligence. A speaker denounced the unanimous approval of the Civil Service Board appointment as lacking diversity (all white males). A speaker born in 2007 stated he had never heard of any council member and called for greater engagement. John Cole (resident, family history in Marietta) thanked council for their work and expressed cautious optimism about the data center with stipulations. Discussion Items Civil Service Board Appointment: Removed from consent by City Manager. Motion to appoint Derek Greenacre passed 7-0 with minimal discussion. Z2026-12: Prime Storage Powers Ferry Place (Data Infrastructure Facility): The item was tabled on July 8, 2026; a motion to remove it from the table passed 7-0. Public comments were heard (as above). Council discussion focused on noise, cooling systems, heat islands, emissions, and enforcement. The applicant (Prime Group owner) and engineers answered questions, offering commitments to continuous sound monitoring, independent acoustic studies, use of biodiesel, compliance with noise ordinances even in emergencies, and a condition that no other sites in Marietta would be developed by Prime for this use. Council Member Richardson made a comprehensive motion to approve with additional stipulations (see Key Outcomes). Z2026-16: Dawn Rosendahl (407 Atlanta Street): Applicant requested rezoning from OI to OI with additional use as single-family residence. Planning Commission recommended OIT (Office Institutional Transitional) with additional use. Motion to amend to OIT and approve passed 7-0. Z2026-18: Copperleaf Partners (373 & 385 Lawrence Street): Request for increased density from R-4 (4 units/acre) to 8.6 units/acre (prior to right-of-way donation) using Residential Infill Overlay standards. Council discussed stormwater mitigation (pervious pavers, directing water to city system), right-of-way donation for sidewalks (10 feet along Lawrence Street, with flexibility on other streets), and setbacks. Motion to approve with conditions passed 7-0. Z2026-19: White Hawk Business Park (1541 Owenby Dr & 532 Dickson Rd): Rezoning from CRC and R-20 to LI (Light Industrial) with two variances to reduce residential buffers (50 ft to 20 ft on Dickson, 50 ft to 0 ft on Owenby). Applicant explained need for detention pond and truck turning. Council discussion included removal of storage trailers within 90 days and limiting the zero-buffer variance to detention pond use only. Motion to approve passed 7-0. Annexation (A2026-03) and Code Amendment (CA2026-05): Both for White Hawk Business Park property; passed 7-0 each. Mayor's Opening Remarks: Prior to scheduled appearances, Mayor Tumlin delivered a lengthy statement rejecting the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), defending data center development with guardrails, and criticizing what he called mob rule and lack of decorum. Key Outcomes Z2026-12 (Prime Storage Data Center): Approved 5-2. Motion by Council Member Richardson included extensive stipulations: adaptive reuse limited to the largest building; no use of municipal water or wastewater for cooling; leak detection with automatic shutoff; continuous sound monitoring; noise compliance even during emergencies; independent acoustic study within 3 months; emissions monitoring (continuous parameter monitoring system); generators limited to 153 hours per year (synthetic minor source); use of biodiesel; no other sites in Marietta by Prime for this use; site-specific zoning; and a final CO report to council after verification. A heat island study was added via amendment (passed 6-1). The applicant agreed to all stipulations. Z2026-16 (Rosendahl): Approved 7-0 to OIT with additional single-family residence use. Z2026-18 (Copperleaf): Approved 7-0 with conditions including stormwater mitigation (pervious pavers, conveyance to city system) and right-of-way donation along Lawrence Street for sidewalks. Z2026-19 (White Hawk): Approved 7-0 with conditions to remove trailers within 90 days and limit zero-buffer variance to detention pond use. Annexation and Code Amendment (White Hawk): Approved 7-0 each. Civil Service Board Appointment: Approved 7-0 (Derek Greenacre).

The Marietta City Council held its agenda review session on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting focused on finalizing the agenda for the regular meeting later that evening, receiving departmental updates, and recognizing employee achievements. The council approved the July 8 meeting minutes and set consent items for the regular meeting, including a motion to take a previously tabled civil service item off the table and add it to consent. Consent Calendar - Approved the July 8, 2026 regular meeting minutes. - Approved consent items for the regular meeting, including: - 407 Atlanta Rezoning (public hearing required, placed on consent after adding language to MOU to include "consistent with normal operations and state law") - Tree Fund alternate compliance (fee increase to $400, placed on consent) - Hotel motel tax discussion referral to Parks, Recreation & Tourism Committee (added to consent) - Two settlement agreements - BLW action - Multiple street project items - Motion to take civil service item (previously tabled) off the table and place on consent for the regular meeting. Department Updates Police Department (Chief Bean) - Three current openings; two certified officers about to be hired (one Air Force security forces with transferable certification, one returning officer from Sandy Springs). - Recognitions: Distinguished Service Awards to Major Dave Collins and leadership team for World Cup FIFA security planning; Life Saving Awards to Officer Luftig, Officer Haney (lightning strike response), and another officer for auto accident rescue. Fire Department (Chief Pacico) - Conducted joint training with school system on bus fire demo. - Two openings; six candidates being interviewed; new lateral hire from South Georgia starting. - Upcoming stair climb event on September 6th to support National Firefighters Support Fund. Parks, Recreation & Facilities (Eric Black) - Elizabeth Porter Park Spray Ground: 27,000 visitors so far this summer; open daily through August, then weekends after Labor Day. - Youth basketball league registration open; practices start October 5, games November 7. - Upcoming events: Glover Park concerts (Casper and the 911 Band on last Friday of August), Brown Bag concerts (Thursdays at noon in September), Coffee Campfire & Cryptids at Atherton Square in September (awarded Best Pop-Up Event by Southeast Festivals & Events Association in 2025), Harvest Fest in October. - Scarecrow in the Square applications open. Human Resources (Keish Register) - Good candidate pool for most positions. - Launched employee discount page in August. - Open enrollment for benefits: October 13–30; health fair in January; mobile mammogram moved to January. - Projected health insurance increase for upcoming budget is very low. Public Works (Mark Rice) - New Holton Wiley intersection: waiting for signed contract. - Chestnut Hill Road mid-block crossing: equipment ordered; contractor to install after arrival. - Church and Sessions intersection: discovered additional stormwater pipe issue; design ongoing; awaiting Marietta Power pole relocation. - Whitlock Avenue resurfacing: GDOT contractor notice to proceed for mid-September. - Kennesaw Avenue crossing: CSX working; expected completion Friday (August 14). Information Technology (Ronnie Barrett) - New website accessibility features implemented to comply with federal ADA Title 2 requirements: includes contrast/color adjustments for vision impairments, PDF document accessibility with text descriptions and phone support. - Created internal pension bot for employees to answer common questions and estimate retirement benefits; may expand to other city services. Presentations & Recognitions - Video presentations: First day of school in Marietta; Elizabeth Porter Park mural restoration; Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art's America's 250th celebration exhibit; Parks & Rec recreation staff and special events team videos. - Recognition: Kelsey Thompson White received the Next Generation Award for Young Professionals of 2026 for innovative public service and collaborative leadership in housing and community development. - Accent Marietta development update: 240 apartments and 50 townhomes at former Harry's Marketplace/Studio Movie Grill site; first move-ins in two weeks; townhomes starting in 30 days; nearby shopping centers nearly fully leased with new restaurant and grocery store. - Employee compensation comparison tool demonstrated: compares take-home pay across 16–18 governments (Marietta vs. Cobb, Roswell, Sandy Springs, etc.) showing Marietta employees take home 10–30% more due to no Social Security deduction, city-funded IRA, and lower health insurance costs. No increase in health insurance recommended for current year. Community Comments - Mayor acknowledged the tragic death of two-year-old Messiah Harris in the Franklin Gateway community and asked for prayers for his family. - Council member recognized his daughter visiting the meeting. Key Outcomes - The agenda review session concluded, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 6:55 PM, with the regular council meeting scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM.

The Marietta City Council convened on August 10, 2026, to consider multiple property acquisitions via eminent domain and voluntary purchase, as well as two settlement agreements in condemnation cases. The meeting focused on advancing the Whitlock Drive intersection improvement project and resolving pending litigation. Several procedural motions to suspend rules and add items to the agenda were approved. Consent Calendar - Council unanimously approved adding several items to the agenda after suspending rules. - A motion to authorize the acquisition of an easement at 286 North Hillcrest Drive from Sarah T. Parker and Ted H. Parker for the Whitlock Drive intersection improvement project in exchange for $500 was approved by consent. - A motion to authorize the acquisition of property at 289 North Hillcrest Drive, owned by Roberts Wadsworth, by eminent domain (with voluntary purchase option) was approved by consent. - A motion to authorize the acquisition of property at 310 North Woodland Drive, owned by Lindy and Joe Weish, by eminent domain (with voluntary purchase option) was approved by consent. - A motion to authorize the acquisition of property at 351 North Woodland Drive, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Greenspan, by eminent domain (with voluntary purchase option) was approved by consent. - A motion to authorize the acquisition of property at 920 Burnt Hickory Road, owned by LTC Griffin Incorporated, by eminent domain (with voluntary purchase option) was approved by consent. - A motion to approve settlement of the claims in the case of City of Marietta vs. BJF Jr. LLC (Cobb Superior Court case number 21-21-0557) was approved by a vote of 5-1, with one council member opposing. The settlement provides an additional $84,000 to the condemnee for a total compensation of $125,000. - A motion to approve settlement of the claims in the case of City of Marietta vs. BJ Fry LLC (Cobb Superior Court case number 21-21-0552) was approved by a vote of 5-1 (the same council member opposed). The settlement provides an additional $289,000 to the condemnee for a total compensation of $325,000. Discussion Items - Council briefly debated whether the settlement items could be placed on consent. One council member initially indicated opposition to both settlement items (identified as relating to the "Aquarama" property). After clarification, the member requested their opposition be recorded for both settlements, resulting in a 5-1 vote. Key Outcomes - All property acquisition authorizations (eminent domain or voluntary purchase) were approved unanimously. - Two condemnation settlements were approved, each by a 5-1 vote, with the dissenting council member's name to be recorded in the minutes. - The city attorney is authorized to proceed with all necessary legal actions, including appeals, for the eminent domain acquisitions.

The City Council held an agenda work session on August 10, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered reports from the Board of Lights and Water (BLW), financial updates, a mayoral report on energy challenges, discussions on convention center funding, support for a state rehousing program, appointments, and review of upcoming agenda items. Several items were moved forward to the regular meeting on August 12, 2026, and the council entered an executive session for legal and real estate matters. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The July 6, 2026 Agenda Work Session minutes were approved by unanimous consent. - BLW Report: Council Member Kent presented the BLW report, which included employee recognition, rate changes (general service rate 3.2 and large load rate), and a contract review for a potential data center customer. The report was received and filed. - Board of Lights and Water Appointment: Dr. Stephanie Meyer was appointed as a non-resident member of the BLW board by a vote of 7-0. The appointment was placed on consent for the regular meeting. - Workers’ Compensation and Fiduciary Insurance Renewal: The council approved renewal of Workers’ Compensation Excess Insurance and Fiduciary Insurance policies for the period beginning August 17, 2026, with Midwest and Chubb Insurance, respectively. Motion carried 7-0. - Annual Subscription for Supplemental Power: The council approved the BLW recommendation to submit form selection number five to MIAG for the annual subscription for supplemental power. Placed on consent. - Civil Service Board Appointment: Derek Greenacre was appointed to the Civil Service Board after the previous appointee took a job with Cobb County. Motion carried 7-0, placed on consent subject to his acceptance. - Special Meeting Minutes and Executive Session Minutes: Minutes for July 6 (special), July 8 (regular), and July 28 (special) were approved with revisions. Five executive session minutes were also approved. All placed on consent. - Planning and Zoning Items: Upcoming rezoning cases (407 Atlanta Street, Copper Leaf Partners, and Whitehawk properties) were discussed and placed on the Wednesday consent agenda with noted stipulations. Discussion Items - Finance Report (BLW – June 2026): Patina presented financials for the month ending June 30, 2026. Water sales averaged 8.1 million gallons/day (budget 8.3 million) with revenue shortfall of $379,000. Net income for the month was $5.3 million, exceeding budget by $600,000. Year-to-date net income exceeded budget by $1 million ($2.9 million excluding unrealized losses). Capital projects spending totaled $36.8 million with $47 million remaining in CIP commitments. Cash reserves for CIP were $53 million. - Mayor’s Report on Energy and Data Centers: Mayor Tumlin reported that the Georgia Public Service Commission had placed a one-year moratorium on new data center commitments. MIAG issued an RFP for new generation, and Marietta is committed to 50–150 megawatts. New policies require customers to pay upfront capital costs, limiting new large loads. The city’s generation capacity is sufficient until 2029 but will be tight due to the planned retirement of the Addison plant. - Convention Center Funding Allocation: Discussion on reestablishing the Hotel Motel Tax allocation for a second Tourism Event Center. Key points included the need for a qualified 501(c)(6) organization (DMO) to receive funds, with the Downtown Marietta Development Authority (DMDA) and the Cumberland CID as potential options. The council agreed to move the item forward for further discussion and directed the city attorney to draft a motion for the August 12 meeting. - Georgia Rehoused Program – Emmanuel’s Village: Council Member Gaddis recused himself (employer: Georgia DCA). An MOU was presented supporting the application and allocating at least $50,000 of Opioid Settlement Funds. Discussion focused on ensuring the commitment is consistent with normal zoning processes and state law. The item was moved forward to the regular meeting with Gaddis abstaining. - Georgia Tech Response – Data Center Ordinance: Council reviewed a proposal from Georgia Tech’s Energy Policy and Innovation Center to assist in drafting a data center ordinance, with costs up to $50,000. Council Member Anderson expressed concerns about the scope of expertise (e.g., noise, air quality). The item was referred to the Judicial Legislative committee for continued discussion. Council also noted an AI-compiled ordinance draft from existing ordinances across states. - Public Hearing Procedure for Zoning Case: The council debated procedures for an extraordinary public comment session on a rezoning case. It was agreed to allocate 15 minutes for proponents and 15 minutes for opponents, followed by council questions. The mayor clarified this is public comment, not a hearing, and will be listed on the August 12 agenda. Key Outcomes - Appointments: Dr. Stephanie Meyer (BLW) and Derek Greenacre (Civil Service Board) were appointed unanimously. - Insurance Renewal: Approved Workers’ Compensation Excess and Fiduciary Insurance policies. - Convention Center Funding: Moved forward to August 12 regular meeting for further discussion and motion drafting. - Emmanuel’s Village: Moved forward to August 12 regular meeting with Gaddis abstaining. - Data Center Ordinance: Referred to the Judicial Legislative committee. - Consent Agenda: Several items placed on consent for the August 12 regular meeting. - Executive Session: The council voted 7-0 to enter executive session for pending litigation and real estate acquisition.