Public Meetings - Marietta, Georgia

The City Council convened on May 4, 2026, at 10:30:00 UTC to review routine business, public testimony regarding housing initiatives, and proposed zoning amendments. The meeting focused on balancing development goals with community concerns, resulting in several key votes and referrals for further study. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the April 20, 2026, regular meeting. - Acceptance of the City Manager's report on fiscal Q1 spending. - Unanimous adoption of the annual park maintenance schedule. Public Comments & Testimony - Sarah Jenkins, representing the 'Housing Justice Alliance', expressed strong opposition to the proposed 'Eastside Density Overlay,' arguing it would disproportionately impact low-income renters. She stated the plan lacks adequate anti-displacement safeguards. - Michael Ross, a property owner from the Eastside district, stated support for the overlay, noting that increased density aligns with his property's future development goals. - The Mayor acknowledged the community's split positions, noting that 60% of the 15 respondents provided during the comment period favored the overlay, while 40% opposed it. Discussion Items - The Planning Committee presented a report on the 'Eastside Density Overlay,' detailing provisions for a 20% increase in allowable floor area ratio (FAR) and updated affordable housing quotas. - Councilor Thompson raised concerns about the timeline, suggesting the 18-month implementation period was insufficient for infrastructure upgrades. - Councilor Davis argued that the current affordable housing quota, set at 15% of total units, was the primary point of contention and required immediate revision. - A brief discussion occurred regarding the discrepancy between the published agenda (which listed a vote on the overlay) and the transcript record (which indicates a referral to the Planning Committee for further review). Key Outcomes - The Council voted 5 to 2 to delay the final vote on the 'Eastside Density Overlay' and referred the matter back to the Planning Committee for a detailed impact analysis on infrastructure capacity. - The Council authorized the City Attorney to draft a supplemental ordinance to clarify the 15% affordable housing quota calculation methods. - A public forum scheduled for June 15, 2026, was established to gather additional testimony regarding the displacement concerns raised by the Housing Justice Alliance.

This meeting of the Marietta City Council included multiple committee meetings: Finance, Personnel, Parks & Recreation, Judicial & Legislative, Economic & Community Development, Public Works, and Public Safety. Major actions included approval of budget amendments, estimated millage rates, several land use items, updates to the fire code, a new short-term rental discussion, and approval of the 2028 SPLOST project list. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from March 19, 2026, for all committees (Finance, Personnel, Parks & Rec, Judicial/Legislative, Economic Development, Public Works, Public Safety). - Parking reparation facilities budget amendment (receive and file, motion carried 3-0). - Parks recreation facilities budget amendment ($2,750 special event sponsorship, $2,401.33 summer camp funding, $10,877.47 Elizabeth Porter Park reimbursement; motion carried 3-0). - Approval of estimated general fund millage rate of 2.788 mills (fiscal year 2027) for pre-certification (motion carried 7-0). - Approval of estimated Marietta City Schools O&M millage rate of 17.97 mills (motion carried 7-0). - Reappointment of Bobby Van Buren to the Board of Zoning Appeals (Ward 6, three-year term). - Appointment of Fran Sutton to the Marietta Development Authority (four-year term). - 2009 Parks Bond Report (informational). - Recreation facilities quarterly report (informational, Custer Park revenue up 11%). - Land and Water Conservation Fund affidavit for Larry Sabinsky Park closeout. - Installation of FIFA World Cup light post banners (June 8–July 16, 2026). - Approval of detailed plans for Cold Farm Powder Springs Road (43 homes) and Hope Creek (76 homes) moved to agenda work session. - Approval of bond schedule modifications (base fine increased from $110 to $125, eliminating driver history review; staff to report back after six months). - Approval of fire prevention code update (Section 26-010 to align with 2024 state code). - Introduction of solid waste ordinance update (requiring roll carts be stored on owner's property; waived second reading). - Approval of South Avenue and Allgood Road speed studies. - Execution of mutual aid and assistance agreement between Cobb County and City of Marietta for police services. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were heard during any of the committee meetings. During the 2028 SPLOST public input period, only 12 residents attended three meetings and three written comments were received (two favoring silent railroad crossings, one favoring a traffic signal at Whitlock/Dallas Circle). Discussion Items - Finance (General Fund Millage & Homestead Exemption): Council discussed the pre-certification estimated millage rate (2.788 mills) and the city's long-standing homestead exemption freeze since 2002. Councilman Sims noted that the city's freeze is more favorable than the new state law, which may require annual opt-out. Staff will provide further clarification. - Personnel – Marietta Development Authority Appointment: The authority has one open seat. Councilman Gaddis recommended Fran Sutton, but the committee recessed for executive session to discuss personnel. After executive session, the appointment was approved. - Parks & Rec – Life University Trail MOU: A memorandum of understanding to renew a trail connecting Wildwood Park to A.L. Burrus Nature Park was discussed. The proposal includes installing a gate at the Burrus parking lot. Councilman Sims raised liability concerns regarding damage by Life University. Staff will work with the city attorney to add language ensuring the city can pursue claims for negligent damage. The MOU was approved as verbally amended. - Judicial & Legislative – Short-Term Rental Regulations: Staff presented research on how 20 other communities regulate short-term rentals. Councilman Richardson expressed concern about unregulated rentals causing neighborhood disruptions. Consensus leaned toward requiring a business license and local agent. Staff will bring back a draft ordinance for the next committee meeting. - Judicial & Legislative – Fire Code Amendment (Alarm Systems): The fire marshal proposed a new section (26-040) regulating fire alarm systems. Councilman Sands raised concerns about potential preemption by state law. The committee voted to table this section for legal review while approving the rest of the code update. - Judicial & Legislative – Residential Tree Permitting: Councilman Gaddis presented research and concluded that no policy change is warranted at this time. He noted that current regulations are strong and that homeowners insurance companies, not owners, are often the driver of tree removal. No action taken. - Judicial & Legislative – North Marietta Parkway Sign Height: Councilman Gaddis proposed reducing maximum sign height from 15 to 8 feet and sign face from 90 to 60 square feet along North Marietta Parkway. The item was tabled for one month to gather more information on existing signs and impacts. - Economic Development – HOPWA Funds: The city has been selected as a new entitlement community for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds, covering a five-county area (Cobb, Cherokee, Bartow, Paulding, Haralson). Staff will subgrant the funds through a competitive RFP. The annual action plan is in a 30-day public comment period; moved to agenda work session without recommendation. - Public Works – 2028 SPLOST Project List: Staff reported on three public input meetings. The list includes projects approved earlier. Two additional public hearings will be held in May and June. The list was moved forward for adoption. Key Outcomes - Budget & Finance: Both the city and school board estimated millage rates were pre-certified (7-0). Budget amendments for parks and parking were approved (3-0). - Personnel Appointments: Fran Sutton appointed to MDA (4-year term) and Bobby Van Buren reappointed to BZA (3-year term). - Parks & Rec: Life University Trail MOU approved as amended. FIFA World Cup banners approved. Land & Water Conservation Fund affidavit approved. - Land Use: Two detailed plans (Cold Farm and Hope Creek) moved to agenda work session. - Code Amendments: Bond schedule modification approved, fire code (Section 26-010) approved. Fire alarm section tabled for legal review. Solid waste ordinance update approved with second reading waived. - Speed Studies: Both South Avenue and Allgood Road speed studies approved. - Mutual Aid: Police mutual aid agreement with Cobb County approved. - Next Steps: Staff to bring back short-term rental ordinance draft (May committee), report on bond schedule results (November/December), provide legal review on fire alarm preemption (next committee), and bring additional sign data for North Marietta Parkway (next committee).

On April 27, 2026, the Marietta Board of Zoning Appeals convened to consider a variance request, approve prior meeting minutes, conduct elections for chair and vice chair, and recognize a departing member. The meeting featured public testimony both in support of and opposition to the variance. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes: The board unanimously approved the amended minutes from the previous month's meeting. A motion was made and seconded, and all members voted in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - Cheryl Ballinger, a resident of Campbell Hill Street, spoke in opposition to the variance. She argued that the proposed garage configuration would break the neighborhood's historic pattern of single-track driveways and rear parking, which preserves the area's charm and walking character. She presented a PowerPoint showing examples of nearby homes that maintain single-track driveways. She requested that the plan be changed to include a single-track driveway with a rear garage. Discussion Items - Variance V2026-09 – Riverstone Custom Homes LLC for 411 Campbell Hill Road: Reggie Lopes, owner of Riverstone Custom Homes, presented the request for a three-foot variance. He explained that a survey error caused the lot to be seven feet narrower than originally believed, making his modified house design (which already shrunk the garage) impossible without the variance. He noted a drainage easement further complicates building a rear garage. He stated that if denied, he would build a two-car front-entry garage, which he felt would be less desirable and not fit the neighborhood's character. Board members asked clarifying questions. - Elections for Chair and Vice Chair: A motion was made and seconded to retain the current chair and vice chair. The board voted unanimously to keep the same officers. - Recognition of departing member: The board acknowledged that this was Ms. Carmichael's last meeting. A motion was made and seconded to honor her service with a round of applause, which was carried out. Key Outcomes - Variance V2026-09 approved: A motion to approve the variance was made (citing that granting it will not be detrimental to property or improvements in the vicinity or to public health, safety, and general welfare), seconded, and carried unanimously. Mr. Lopes received the variance. - Chair and Vice Chair retained: The board voted to keep the same chair and vice chair for the next term. - Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

The Marietta City Council met on April 15, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting began with an invocation by Councilman T. Anderson and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved a consent agenda (7-0), conducted several public hearings and votes on rezoning and annexation requests, approved a stop sign request, and approved the purchase and sale agreement for the development of a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) training facility on Franklin Gateway. The meeting also featured a special recognition of City Manager Bill Bruton as one of America's 250 public service champions. Special Presentation: Recognition of City Manager Bill Bruton - Mayor and council members, along with representatives from the Georgia Municipal Association, Cobb County, and city departments, congratulated City Manager Bill Bruton on being selected as one of America's 250 public service champions by the National Academy of Public Administration. A proclamation from the Cobb County Board of Commissioners and a letter from Governor Brian P. Kemp were read. Bruton expressed gratitude, crediting the city staff and council for their teamwork. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0) with several items moved to consent: Item 20260394 (light post banners) and Item 20260422 (budget amendment year-end settlement). Councilman Goldstein abstained from Item 20260310 (street closure request for the World Cup). A purchase and sales agreement was not placed on consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Barr (public appearance): Expressed frustration with the city's priorities, citing use of the term "OM" (old Marietta/old money) and alleging lack of action on code enforcement issues (138 Powers Ferry Road, 1515 St. John Avenue). He used profanity and was asked to tone down his language. He stated that the city is divided and urged the council to focus on truth and fairness. - Russell Brid and Hannah Britt (constituents): Spoke in support of the NWSL project. Hannah Britt, a high school soccer captain, expressed excitement about the team training in Marietta and thanked the council for supporting women's sports. (No address given for Russell Brid; 91 Morrison Street for Hannah Britt) - Robbie Huck (191 Summit Avenue): Raised concerns about the financial details of the NWSL project, asking for the amount of taxpayer investment and the sale price to billionaire Arthur Blank to be put on public record. He stated he was unsure if he was for or against the rezoning. - Amy Lunar (730 Franklin Gateway): Speaking neutrally, acknowledged the NWSL project will happen but urged the council to better listen to residents and ensure benefits for them. She advocated for the wider sidewalk. - Hope Brackett (1303 Longwood Drive): Supported the Powder Springs Road rezoning, noting that homes in Dunleith sell quickly and that young families need more single-family housing options in Marietta. - Brenda Parker (694 Stewart Circle): Questioned the need for a stop sign at Stewart Circle, noting it would inconvenience her driveway and may not effectively slow traffic. She asked for details on the study behind the request. - Cody Foster (691 Stewart Circle): Expressed strong support for traffic calming measures on Stewart Circle, stating his daughter nearly got hit by a car while riding a bicycle. He noted that six kids live on the street and that speed tables would be preferable. - Ty Tumlin (address not stated, lives at Nollwood Drive/Stewart Circle): Opposed the stop sign, calling it a waste of time and noting it is only 90 feet from another stop sign. He suggested speed tables would be more effective. - Chad McRosky (701 Stewart Circle): Supported traffic calming, noting a speed table request was denied. He deferred to the council for the best solution. Discussion Items Rezoning: 890 Canton Road (Senior Housing) - Applicant: Edric Harris (Presswick Development Company) on behalf of PDC Land Acquisitions LLC and the Marietta Housing Authority. - Proposal: Rezone 2.18 acres from HI (Heavy Industrial) to RHR (Residential High Rise) to build a 4-5 story, 68-unit age-restricted (55+) multifamily complex. Variances requested: reduced front setbacks (50 ft to 35 ft) and parking reduction (targeting senior tenants). - Discussion: Councilman Goldstein requested adding a condition that the facility be 55+ per HUD guidelines, which was added by amendment (vote not recorded, passed). Council confirmed the development would be mixed-income with about 20% (14 units) voucher-based affordable units. The motion to approve as amended passed 7-0. Rezoning: 1033 Franklin Gateway (NWSL Training Facility) - Applicant: Caleb Thornley (Impact Development) and Rich McKay (AMBSE) for the City of Marietta. - Proposal: Rezone 34.15 acres from PCD to PCD to allow a site plan for a 38,000 sq ft headquarters and training facility for the new NWSL team, including two fields. Variances were requested, including a reduction of sidewalk width from 5 feet to 4 feet along Franklin Gateway. - Discussion: Councilman Goldstein questioned variance 4 (sidewalk width). Bill Bruton noted that a future streetscape project might widen the sidewalk to 8-10 feet. The applicant agreed to a joint effort to install a wider sidewalk, and the variance was removed. The motion to approve with the change passed (vote not recorded). Rezoning: Powder Springs Road (Single-Family Homes) - Applicant: Parks Huff (Sam's Larkin Huff) on behalf of PRE Powder Springs Road LLC. - Proposal: Annex and rezone 10.9 acres from R20 (Cobb County) to PRDSF (Planned Residential Development) for 43 detached single-family homes. Revised density: 3.9 units per acre (down from 5.5). No variances were requested. The homes would be priced in the mid-to-upper $500,000 range. - Discussion: Council discussed the need for for-sale housing. Applicant confirmed driveways would be 20 ft wide. The motion to approve the annexation and rezoning passed 7-0. The code amendment to change the designation from medium density to low density residential also passed 7-0. Rezoning: 1912 & 1920 Lower Roswell Road (Auto Repair Shop) - Applicant: Parks Huff on behalf of Walco Investments LP (Malone's Automotive). - Proposal: Annex and rezone 1920 Lower Roswell Road from GC (Cobb County) to CRC (Community Retail Commercial) and combine with 1912 Lower Roswell Road to build a new auto repair shop. Four variances were requested: 1) reduce landscape buffer from 10 ft to 5 ft (or less per site plan), 2) reduce building setback, 3) (removed), 4) reduce parking space dimensions, 5) disturb vegetation within the required buffer area to replant. A 6 ft (later amended to 8 ft) wooden privacy fence would be installed adjacent to residences. - Discussion: Councilman Goldstein requested that variances be tied to the site plan, and that variance 5 be allowed only to replant the buffer. The fence height was amended to 8 ft (6-1 vote). The main motion to approve with conditions passed 6-1. Stewart Circle Stop Sign Request - Proposal: Install a three-way stop sign with pedestrian improvements at Stewart Circle. Estimated cost: $1,500. - Discussion: Mark Rice (Public Works) confirmed that speed tables did not qualify for the street based on a previous study (speed/volume criteria not met). He stated that stop signs are not used for traffic calming; this request was based on pedestrian safety. The motion to approve passed 7-0. Purchase and Sale Agreement: Franklin Gateway (NWSL Training Facility) - Presenter: City Manager Bill Bruton and Doug Haney. - Details: The agreement covers the sale of approximately 33 acres (of the 34-acre site) to AWPFC (Atlanta Women's Professional Football Club, LLC) for $10 million, with payment spread over 15 years. Additionally, the club will pay $1 million toward community uses on a contributed 10-acre property (across from Atlanta United). The club guarantees at least $60 million in development investment within 3 years of closing. The city will retain 1.25 acres for a parking lot. The club will seek a tax rebate (abatement) from the Cobb County Tax Assessor's Office, starting at 90% in year two and declining over 10 years. A billboard will be relocated (one-for-one swap). - Discussion: Councilman Goldstein expressed concern about the city's liability for expenses if the club backs out. Councilman Haney noted that the site would be improved (grading) even if the club did not proceed. Councilwoman Cheryl Richardson seconded the motion, emphasizing excitement for the development and the 10-acre community park. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0. - Rezoning 890 Canton Road (Senior Housing): Approved 7-0 with amendment for 55+ age restriction. - Rezoning 1033 Franklin Gateway (NWSL): Approved with variance 4 removed and condition to work with city on sidewalk frontage. - Rezoning Powder Springs Road: Annexation and rezoning approved 7-0; code amendment approved 7-0. - Rezoning Lower Roswell Road (Auto Repair): Approved 6-1 with amendments (fence height of 8 ft, variances tied to site plan). - Stewart Circle Stop Sign: Approved 7-0. - Purchase and Sale Agreement (NWSL): Approved 7-0. Closing scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026. - Next Meetings: Town halls for Ward 5 (April 23), Ward 3 (April 29), Ward 2 (May 6), and Ward 1 (April 23) were announced. Taste of Marietta and a concert series celebrating the 250th anniversary were also noted.

This meeting served as an agenda review and work session ahead of the regular council meeting. Council approved prior minutes, discussed zoning cases, received staff updates on transportation technology and community projects, and handled consent items. Actions were preliminary with the expectation of formal votes at the evening public hearing. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Motion to approve regular meeting minutes from March 11, 2026, carried 7–0. - Consent Items Approved Without Objection: Street closure request (agenda item 0310), World Cup grant (start date corrected to July 4, 2025), light post banners for World Cup and 250th celebration, year-end budget amendment ($722,000), BLW property purchase agreement, and other administrative items. Discussion Items - 890 Camp Road (Zoning 5B): Council discussed a requested parking variance for a senior housing development (55+ FHA restricted). The applicant requested 1.25 parking spaces per unit instead of the ordinance-required 2, citing fewer vehicles per senior household. Similar variances had been granted in other developments near bus stops; a bus stop near the site was confirmed. No formal vote; item to proceed to public hearing. - 1033 Franklin (Public Hearing): Updated packet included a draft ordinance, planning commission recommendation (unanimous 5–0 approval), and a county letter withdrawing its objection with stipulations. Council noted the county requested a reversionary clause, which the city attorney stated is not legally permissible in Georgia. The objection's arbitration period had already expired. Discussion also covered defining "adjacent" properties regarding screening requirements. Item scheduled for public hearing at 7 p.m. - 1912/1920 Lil Rosal (Annexation): An updated stipulation letter from the applicant committed to reducing impervious surface from the requested variance of 80.5% down to 80%. Council clarified this commitment would eliminate the need for that variance. Item moved forward. - Executive Session: Council voted 6–0 to enter executive session for a legal matter originating from HR. Brief session concluded; no action reported. Staff Updates & Reports - Train Technology (Trainfo): The city deployed AI-based train detection sensors at four rail crossings, providing real-time blocked crossing info to Google Maps and Waze. The Federal Railroad Administration visited and praised the system. Response times for first responders have decreased by 90% during train blockages. Next phases include blank-out signs to redirect traffic and integrating with traffic signals to clear the square. - Excel Leadership Cohort – Sensory Playground: City staff from the management development program completed an outdoor sensory classroom at Hickory Hills Elementary School for special education students, including a communication board for non‑verbal students. Project was funded by donations and built by the cohort. - Lineman Rodeo: The American Public Power Association’s national lineman rodeo was hosted by Marietta; participants were recognized at a recent BLW meeting. - Downtown Drainage Project: Stormwater infrastructure upgrades on South Park and West Park are nearing completion. Final paving remains; project expected to finish before Taste of Marietta. - Police Department: Currently two vacancies; one filled next week, leaving one. Twelve candidates are under review; academy graduation scheduled for next Friday. Staffing expected to reach full capacity within 3–4 weeks. - Fire Prevention: Emphasis on proactive inspections and smoke detector program in neighborhoods; scheduling pending for cooler weather. - Community Events: Social Security webinar (April 21, 11 a.m.), skincare screening (April 23, 1 p.m., City Hall), and city picnic "Lawn Luau" (May 15). - Legislative Update: Senate Bill 33 on property tax under review; city seeking clarity on whether it supersedes existing freeze. SPLOST final public input meeting held that evening (5–7 p.m.) at City Hall. Key Outcomes - Minutes and all consent items approved. - Zoning cases for 890 Camp Road, 1033 Franklin, and Lil Rosal annexation will proceed to formal public hearing at the 7 p.m. council meeting with recommendations from the work session. - Executive session completed; no further action reported. - Staff directed to continue implementing train technology phases and monitor property tax legislation. - Council to receive SPLOST public comment summary and property tax impact analysis at upcoming committee meetings.

The Marietta City Council convened on April 13, 2026, to consider multiple real estate transactions, including easement acquisitions and eminent domain actions, and to approve a purchase and sale agreement for properties on Franklin Gateway Road. All votes were unanimous (7-0). The council also discussed upcoming presentations and received an announcement regarding the passing of community advocate Nancy Morrison. Discussion Items - Councilmember Daniel Gannis made a series of motions to suspend the rules and add items to the agenda, followed by substantive motions on acquisitions. - Staff reported that a site plan for a development had been submitted. The zone report would be presented to the Planning Commission on April 14 at 6:00 PM and to the City Council on April 15 at 7:00 PM. - The Cobb Municipal Association meeting, hosted by Marietta, was announced for April 14 at 6:30 PM (dinner) and 7:00 PM (meeting) in the council chambers. - Council noted the passing of Nancy Morrison on April 10, 2026. A graveside service was scheduled for April 14 at 2:30 PM. Ms. Morrison was recognized for her advocacy in the Victory Park neighborhood. Key Outcomes 1. Easement acquisition at 970 Burn Hickory Road: Motion approved 7-0 to acquire easements from the City of Marietta for $12,692.37 for the Burn Hickory Road at Polk Street Intersection Improvement Project. 2. Easement acquisition at 191 Whitlock Drive: Motion approved 7-0 to acquire easements from Ronald M. and Sarah B. Skian for $4,460 for the Whitlock Drive Intersection Improvement Project. 3. Eminent domain – Nighthawk entities: Motion approved 7-0 to authorize acquisition by eminent domain of property owned by Nighthawk 1025 Holdings LLC, 1035 Lee Holdings LLC, and Nighthawk 1035 Crestwood LLC. The city attorney was authorized to take all necessary action, including filing appeals. 4. Eminent domain – Jyram Inc.: Motion approved 7-0 to authorize acquisition by eminent domain of property owned by Jyram Inc., with similar authority granted. 5. Purchase and sale agreements on Franklin Gateway Road: Motion approved 7-0 to execute a purchase and sale agreement with the City of Marietta as seller and AWPFC as purchaser for approximately 33 acres, and a purchase and sale agreement with FG Partners West LLC as seller and the City of Marietta as purchaser for approximately 10 acres. The mayor, city manager, and city attorney were authorized to execute all definitive documents. No public comments were recorded. The meeting adjourned after announcements.

The Marietta City Council held a regular work session beginning at 10:15 AM on April 13, 2026. The meeting opened with approval of the March 9 work session minutes, followed by employee recognitions, a legislative update, and the monthly financial report. Council took action on a budget amendment, a planning commission appointment, and approval of 250th anniversary banners, and discussed major projects including the Polk and Wind Street intersection improvement. Consent Calendar Several routine items were approved without separate discussion: - World Cup Grant Acceptance: Council accepted a $963,701 federal grant for overtime and equipment associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup practice facility in Marietta. - Marietta Reserve Revised Detail Plan: The request to modify building setbacks and lot spacing was referred back to Development Services for a public hearing and full rezoning process. - Zoning and Annexation Referrals: Items related to PDC Land Acquisition (890 Canton Road senior housing rezoning), Stuart Circle (public hearing scheduling), and other cases were placed on consent to be advertised for future public hearings. - Consent Items on Pages 9+: Six additional items were approved en bloc. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public addressed the council. Discussion Items - Employee Recognitions: Mayor presented a proclamation declaring April 13, 2026 as Georgia Lineman Appreciation Day. Staff from Marietta Power & Water (including Jasmine Tigpin, Reginald Jones, Rosemirs Analyst, Felisa Foster, Holly Jarrett, and Brent Chess) and lineworkers who participated in the APPA Lineman Rodeo (Nick Sawyer, Randall Inskeep, Daryl Jackson, Caesar Garcia, and Bradley Barrettan) were recognized. The team placed 9th overall, 3rd medium apprentice, and 23rd overall, representing the strongest showing in over a decade. - Legislative Update: Director of Government Affairs reported on the 2026 legislative session: - No data center bills passed. - Senate Bill 33 (property tax reform) passed, making a floating homestead exemption mandatory for all local governments if signed by the governor. Council expressed concerns about impacts on Marietta's existing exemption. - House Bill 651 (speed camera regulations), House Resolution 1243 (NextGen 911 funding), and other bills concerning permits, homeowner associations, and sanctuary cities were discussed. - Financial Report & MEAG Settlement: - Finance Director Tina presented the February financials for BLW. Supplemental sales were $29,000 under budget ($2.09M vs. budgeted $2.95M); total power costs exceeded budget by $600,000 for the month (budgeted $4.49M, actual $5.11M). - A detailed explanation was provided for the $722,745 year-end settlement payment due to MEAG (Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia) for underrecovered costs. Factors included O&M cost reallocations by Georgia Power and lower supplementary sales than budgeted. Council discussed methodology concerns and noted that future data center sales should improve Marietta's position. The finance director noted that BLW's own budget was more conservative than MEAG's, preventing larger local shortfalls. - Georgia Rehouse Co-Applicant Request: - The city was asked to serve as co-applicant with the Cobb Homeless Alliance for a state "Georgia Rehoused" grant for a housing stabilization initiative targeting seniors and extended stay residents. Council indicated support for proceeding with the pre-application, noting that a full application would require a future council vote. - Polk and Wind Street Intersection Improvement: - Engineering staff presented a conceptual roundabout to address safety issues at the intersection. The school board requested a delay pending decisions on the adjacent property (planned use change). Council heard details on utility relocation, tree impacts (two trees likely lost, two potentially saved), and traffic modeling. - Council Direction: Staff was directed to proceed with utility relocation work during summer 2026, consult arborists on tree impacts, and return with a final design after the school board's plan is known (expected by early 2027). No final plan was approved. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The March 9, 2026 work session minutes were approved as revised (unanimous vote). - Budget Amendment: Council approved a budget amendment appropriating $722,745 for the 2025 MEAG year-end settlement, to be paid in three installments within fiscal year 2026. (Motion, second, unanimous.) - Planning Commission Appointment: Bill Kelly (Ward 6) was appointed to the Planning Commission for a term expiring April 2029. (Motion, second, unanimous.) - America’s 250th Light Post Banners: Council authorized installation of light post banners on the Marietta Square celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The number of banners will be determined by staff, displayed from approximately April 20 through July 31, 2026. (Substitute motion passed after reconsideration.) - Executive Session: Council voted 6-0 to enter executive session for legal advice and discussion of property acquisition and sale. Note: The agenda and minutes were not available; the summary is based solely on the provided transcript.

The Historic Preservation Commission met on April 6, 2026, to consider several applications for certificates of appropriateness, including exterior paint, signage, murals, structural repairs, and demolition. The meeting began with a moment of silence for former member Becky Paid, who passed away since the last meeting. The following items were discussed and voted on. Public Comments & Testimony - Jim Morris, a neighbor of 22 Seminole Drive, commented on the proposed handrail replacement, noting that the example railings shown were from a 2009 teardown and not historically appropriate. He also expressed concern about black gutters but deferred to the board's judgment. Discussion Items - Kiosko Restaurant (48 Powder Springs Street): The applicant sought approval to paint the building exterior a dark olive green (Billard Green SW0016), install a sign, and select furniture colors. The paint color was not listed in the original application but was on the agenda. The board clarified that the mural on the side wall would be presented separately by the Marietta Arts Council. The furniture color scheme was described as marble tops with black bases and natural wood (wicker/bamboo) chairs. The board approved the application with conditions, excluding the mural. - Mural Applications (Marietta Arts Council): Abby Smith, executive director, presented existing murals for renewal and two new proposals. The board approved the existing murals in one motion. For the new murals: (1) A mural at 48 Powder Springs Street (artist Rocky) was approved as presented; (2) A quilt-themed mural at the Marietta History Museum (artist Leanne Culver) was approved subject to building owner (DMDA) approval. The approval for the quilt mural was contingent on the owner's approval. - 1843 Historic House (Nicholas Bayer): The applicant sought approval to repair cornices, replace rotting wood with custom-matched southern pine moldings, and repaint all trim. The board approved the application as presented. - 22 Seminole Drive (Johanna Gallinares, East Coast Renovations): The applicant proposed replacing the front porch handrail with a wood railing matching a pattern across the street, installing black gutters, and replacing the front door. Despite neighbor comments about the railing pattern's origin, the board approved the application as presented. - Window Denial Appeal (Referenced): The board noted that the city council had unanimously upheld the commission's denial of a COA for windows, with three commissioners present in support. - 211 Fryer Street (Victoria Gibson, for Margaret Fawcett): The applicant requested approval to add a safety handrail to the front porch in wrought iron with alternating or full twisted pickets. The board approved both options, allowing the homeowner to choose. - Carriage House Demolition (same property, 211 Fryer): The applicant requested demolition of a dilapidated carriage house, with plans to rebuild something similar later. The board approved the demolition. - 551 Church Street (Branson Bowling, Good Boys Roofing): The applicant, on behalf of the Stafford family, proposed replacing the roof with an upgraded product matching the existing color, extending two barrel dormers to match adjacent homes, and replacing rusted metal porch railings with wood or cement-based railings painted to match trim. The board approved the application. Key Outcomes - Kiosko Restaurant: Approved with conditions: exterior paint dark olive green, sign as shown, furniture colors (marble tops, black bases, natural wood chairs). Mural excluded from this approval. Motion carried. - Existing Murals: Approved unanimously. - New Mural at 48 Powder Springs: Approved as presented. - Quilt Mural at Marietta History Museum: Approved subject to building owner approval. Motion carried. - Cornice Repair (1843 house): Approved. - 22 Seminole Drive: Approved as presented. - 211 Fryer Street – Handrail: Approved with option of alternating or full twist pickets. - Carriage House Demolition (211 Fryer): Approved. - 551 Church Street: Approved as presented.