Public Meetings - Marietta, Georgia

The City Council convened for an agenda review session to prepare for the upcoming regular meeting, addressing routine approvals, providing updates on specific development projects, and convening a closed executive session to discuss pending litigation and property transactions. The Mayor pro tempore led the review of the consent calendar and directed staff on the next steps for proposed rezonings and annexations. Consent Calendar - Approval of the December 10th regular meeting minutes was granted via motion, carried unanimously. - Eight items located on pages 5 and 11, and three items on page 12 of the agenda were placed on the consent calendar with no objections raised by council members. - The appointments for the Prosecuting Attorney and the newly created Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney were initially included on consent but were removed by a council member to allow for a formal vote later in the full meeting rather than immediate consent approval. Public Comments & Testimony - No formal public comments, testimony, or presentations from the public were recorded during this specific agenda review session. Discussion Items - Powder Springs Road (430 Powder Springs Road LLC): - The applicant resubmitted a revised plan reducing the number of units from the previous proposal to 43 units, achieving a density of approximately 3.93 units per acre. - The revised plan eliminates the need for the three variances previously requested. - Council staff (Daniel) outlined a proposed motion to send notice to Cobb County of the City's intent to approve the requested PRDS F zoning for 10.9 acres, contingent upon the resolution of a pending arbitration process. Council noted that if the property is approved during the public hearing, a separate public hearing might not be required for the zone, though annexation and code amendment changes would still require them. - Clarification was provided regarding the stipulations on square footage following the density reduction. - 62 Trammel Street: - Staff confirmed via a site visit that there is no potential conflict between the proposed driveway at Reynolds Street and driveways on the opposite side of the street. - The current request was confirmed to be for CRC zoning with an additional use, rather than LI zoning, though the application was noted as open-ended. - No new information was provided regarding the project's status. - Annexation and Tabling: - Two items regarding annexation were discussed with instructions to table the formal vote until the process is complete, describing the current step as "step one done." - Updates on items related to "Triton" and "Ward 4 B on Rose Lane" were deferred, noting no new data available to share. - Executive Session: - The Council moved into an executive session to discuss two specific topics: "pending litigation" and the "sale or lease of property." - The motion to enter executive session carried with a vote of 6-0 (one member abstained or did not vote). Key Outcomes - The minutes for the December 10th meeting were officially approved. - The Council successfully moved to enter an executive session. - The Mayor noted the adjournment of the six o'clock meeting portion of the agenda review. No formal voting tallies for the substantive policy items (like the rezoning) were recorded in this session as they were designated for the public hearing/final meeting.

This meeting served as a joint session of the City Council and the Board of Lights and Water (BLW) to review financial reports, discuss utility operations, receive the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and handle various public hearings and appointments. Key topics included the BLW's stable financial position, a significant nuclear tax credit refund received by MIAG, several annexation and rezoning requests involving density negotiations with Cobb County, and the appointment of a new prosecuting attorney and deputy. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the December 8, 2025 (DC 8) meeting (Motion carried 6-4 with one abstention, later clarified as 6-0). - Approved delegates for the Cobb Municipal Association (CMA), Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), and National League of Cities (NLC) with specific voting members and alternates appointed. - Moved forward for Wednesday agenda approval: One-year term for the Pension Board (referred as "Historic Board of Review" in transcript, corrected to Pension Board). - Reappointed Johnny Walker to the Board of Review (Historic) for a two-year term. - Moved forward for Wednesday agenda approval: Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). - Moved forward for Wednesday agenda approval: Second modification agreement to extend the Laurel Park Tennis Center operating agreement with Tennis Dynamics through December 31, 2029, including language confirming no further renewal periods remain. - Granted public hearings for eight items (annexation, rezoning, and claims) and three special meetings. - Tabbed the annexation/rezoning requests for Rose Lane and Bells Ferry pending further negotiation. - Moved forward for Wednesday agenda approval: Denial of claim for Creek Carrier Corporation, Eric T. Umbeck (OMGBA), and Amadeo Manuel Reyes Barrios (added to agenda via suspension of rules). - Moved forward for Wednesday agenda approval: Appointment of Ben Smith as Prosecuting Attorney. - Moved forward for Wednesday agenda approval: Appointment of a Chief Assistant (Deputy) Prosecutor, with an amendment adding the name Courtney Brewbaker (Motion carried 5-2). Public Comments & Testimony - Parks Huff (Applicant Representative): Provided a summary of the history regarding the Powder Springs Road annexation, emphasizing a willingness to negotiate for lower density (4 units per acre) and confirming the applicant's commitment to a 43-unit plan to remove the need for variances, despite Cobb County's ongoing arbitration objection. - Mr. Moore (Applicant Representative for Trayton LLC): Submitted an updated stipulation letter agreeing to implement a crosswalk over Rose Lane into the M2R trail and to meet minimum right-of-way (25 feet) and pavement width (22 feet) standards. - General Public/Staff Discussion: Members of the public or staff noted the availability of Girl Scout cookies for sale to council members and discussed the logistical scheduling for executive session appearances. Discussion Items BLW Operations and Financials - Ron Morrow and Bettina (BLW): Reported that the BLW maintains a strong financial position with revenues and expenditures tracking the budget. noted a seasonal decrease in water usage and corresponding revenue. Discussed the Wandsley 9 combined cycle plant returning online and the temporary activation of the Shearer coal plants due to cold weather. Clarified that the Shearer coal plants and Addison plant are high-cost resources reserved for specific market conditions or outages. - Mr. Griffin (Water Authority): Reported that November water sales (7.27 million gallons/day) slightly exceeded the budget. Noted year-to-date net income exceeded the budget by $5.1 million. Discussed eight unfunded EPA mandates and capital projects, including a $50 million facility on Robbie Road. Addressed the low water sales in December, attributing it partly to drier weather (39.9 inches vs. 47.6 inches average) and potential metering issues on the Cobb side. - Financial Presentation (Ms. Brown): Detailed power costs, supplemental revenues (sales within the MIAG family), and spot market prices. Noted a reduction in operating margins from 42% to 40% for the month of December due to increased wholesale electric costs, despite retail rate increases. Confirmed reserves are at $30 million. Nuclear Tax Credit Refund - Mayor: Announced that MIAG received an $84,796,909.05 tax refund related to tax credits for the Vogtle nuclear units (3 and 4). This was the first such refund for the state; the city's share (approx. 13%) is expected to be applied toward future fixed costs or debt reduction rather than variable costs. Annexation and Rezoning - Staff & Council Discussion (Powder Springs Road): Discussed a proposal for 60 detached homes (10.9 acres). To facilitate the withdrawal of Cobb County's arbitration objection, the City's position was set at a reduced density of 4 units per acre (approx. 43 units). Council debated whether to vote on the reduction as a binding offer or wait for the arbitration outcome. Staff advised that the City retains full control to withdraw the application if the arbitration panel mandates a density the City finds unacceptable. - Rose Lane and 63 Trammel Street: Discussed rezoning requests. Stipulations were accepted regarding street widening and crosswalks. The Trammel Street case involves three variance requests (lot width, lot size, setbacks) similar to previous cases. - 40 Car Parkway South: Discussed rezoning for auto storage. Clarified that an occupation license is required by code regardless of the zoning motion and noted the distinction between passenger vehicles and large trucks. - 1611 (Partial Annexation): Discussed a request for 20 townhomes on 2.335 acres. Confirmed Cobb County did not object. Density noted at 8.57 units per acre, with comparisons made to existing developments in the area (e.g., Gramacy Park, Sessions Walk). - Denial of Claims: Moved forward for approval of denial of claims for Creek Carrier Corporation, Eric T. Umbeck, Amadeo Manuel Reyes Barrios, and a previously listed Morgan Wells claim. Appointments - Prosecuting Attorney: Council voted to move forward to Wednesday with a recommendation to appoint Ben Smith as the Prosecuting Attorney (Motion carried 6-1). A new item was added to appoint a Chief Assistant (Deputy) Prosecutor; an amendment added Courtney Brewbaker to the motion (Motion carried 5-2). - Discussion on Compensation: Noted that while appointments can be made, a salary structure must be established via ordinance. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Approved minutes from Dec 8, 2025 (Vote count corrected during meeting). - Appointed delegates to CMA, GMA, and NLC. - Moved forward ACFR and Tennis Center extension for Wednesday approval. - Appointed Johnny Walker to Board of Review. - Moved forward Denial of Claims for three applicants. - Appointed Ben Smith as Prosecuting Attorney (6-1). - Appointed Courtney Brewbaker as Chief Assistant Prosecutor (5-2). - Directives: - Staff directed to draft the proper motion/stipulation for the Powder Springs Road annexation to formalize the 4 units/acre offer to the county. - Stipulations accepted for the Trayton LLC (Rose Lane) project regarding street improvements. - Application for the 63 Trammel Street rezoning tabled until variance conflict is resolved or confirmed. - Motion to go into Executive Session for personnel matters and legal advice regarding litigation carried. - Next Steps: - Final votes on the listed consent items and new appointment motions are scheduled for the Wednesday agenda. - Further engineering and design analysis required for the Rose Lane crosswalk and sidewalk connections. - Ordinance development pending for the compensation of the new Chief Assistant Prosecutor.

The City Council convened on January 5, 2026, following a motion to emerge from executive session. The meeting focused on procedural agenda changes, a motion to object to a county rezoning, and a strategic discussion regarding the appointment of a council member to the Visit Marietta board. The Council unanimously acted to suspend rules to accommodate new items and subsequently made key decisions regarding arbitration continuances and leadership appointments before adjourning. Consent Calendar - No specific items belonging to a traditional consent calendar were listed; however, the Council unanimously moved to adopt a "Notice of Intent to Object" regarding rezoning, treating the motion as if it were already on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony from members of the public were recorded in this transcript. Discussion Items County Arbitration and Rezoning Notification - Motion: The Council moved to agree to a 60-day continuance in the arbitration process concerning the proposed annexation and rezoning at Powder Springs Road. The motion included language stipulating that the action is subject to the consent of County law. - Discussion: Staff and legal counsel confirmed the location of the issue on the Planning Commission agenda. The motion to adopt the official letter of notice regarding the intent to object to the rezoning was also made and carried. - Positions: No speakers expressed support or opposition; the discussion was procedural and unanimous. Visit Marietta Board Appointment - Proposal: Councilman Goldstein proposed a discussion regarding the appointment of a council member to the Visit Marietta board, an organization responsible for tourism grants and managing hotel/motel taxes. Goldstein volunteered for reappointment, having served for eight years. - Alternative Proposal: Councilman Waters suggested that it might be effective to have the city's tourism chairman lead the appointment to improve effectiveness. Another option proposed was a temporary appointment for Councilman Waters to attend the upcoming meeting alongside Goldstein, potentially transitioning responsibilities later. - Speaker Positions: - Councilman Goldstein expressed a willingness to continue his service, stating he has been on the board for eight years. - A Council member expressed full support for retaining Councilman Goldstein, noting his "unbelievable" knowledge in the area. - Another member expressed support for the concept of the tourism chairman leading the appointment to make the role more effective, suggesting Goldstein should not stop serving. They also expressed willingness to attend the first meeting with him to assist with the transition. - Councilman Waters expressed a position in favor of assuming leadership, stating it was the best way to learn and offering to "jump in the fire." - Legal Clarification: The Council reviewed open records statutes regarding candidate interviews, confirming that releasing names of individuals under consideration for an executive head of agency does not violate open meeting provisions, provided materials are not yet required to be public before the 14-day mark. Key Outcomes - Arbitration Continuance: The motion to agree to a 60-day continuance in the arbitration for the Powder Springs annexation/rezoning was adopted unanimously. - Rezoning Objection: The motion to adopt the Notice of Intent to Object regarding the county rezoning was adopted unanimously. - Visit Marietta Appointment: The Council adopted a substitute motion to appoint Councilman Waters to the Visit Marietta Board of Directors, effective immediately for the upcoming meeting. The motion passed unanimously. - Contract Renewal: Clarification was provided regarding the current prosecutor's contract, noting it has no 30-day notice for non-renewal and changes are effective immediately upon decision. - Next Steps: Councilman Waters will attend the upcoming Visit Marietta meeting with Councilman Goldstein for onboarding.

The Marietta City Council convened for its 2026 organizational meeting to appoint key city officials, including the Mayor Pro Tem, City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney, Judicial personnel, and legal staff. The meeting featured extensive discussion regarding the staffing of the Municipal Court, specifically the role of the Prosecuting Attorney and Assistant Prosecutors, addressing concerns about case backlogs, judicial policies, and the need for timely appointments to ensure court operations continue after current contracts expire. The Council also reviewed and adjusted travel expense policies for council members and voted to enter an executive session regarding pending arbitration and annexation disputes. Consent Calendar - Committee Appointments: The Council approved the Mayor's appointments for Mayor Pro Tem, Presiding Officer, and BLW Council Representative. - City Manager: Unanimously appointed William F. Bruton Jr. to serve as City Manager at the pleasure of the Council. - City Clerk: Unanimously appointed Stephanie Guy to serve as City Clerk. - City Attorney: Unanimously appointed Douglas R. Haney to serve as City Attorney at the pleasure of the Council. - Chief Judge: Unanimously appointed Lawrence E. Burke to serve as Chief Judge of the Municipal Court. - Associate Judges: Unanimously appointed the current associate judges (specifically Judge Bloom and Judge Taylor were noted as current members, with Donna Merrill proposed for reappointment). - Municipal Court Clerk: Unanimously appointed Kimberly Odom as the Clerk of the Municipal Court (Court Administrator). Public Comments & Testimony - Council Member Comments on Prosecution: A Council member expressed strong concerns that the current prosecuting attorney (Benjamin Smith) was "too lenient," citing specific incidents involving dog bites and code enforcement cases being dragged out via continuances, resulting in insufficient results for code enforcement. - Council Member Support for Candidates: A Council member stated they have spoken with Courtney Brewbaker and confirmed she "does want to serve" and has been "perfectly fine" in previous hearings. - Council Member on Judicial Policy: A Council member noted that Judge Burke's policy of granting only one free continuance per side for code enforcement cases has helped efficiency and reduced cases being continued a dozen or more times. - Council Member on Travel: A Council member highlighted that travel expenses for national conferences (GMA, MIAG, NLC) have significantly increased, noting they personally spend over $10,000 annually and have to use personal funds when caps are reached. Discussion Items - Prosecuting Attorney Appointment Dispute: Discussion arose regarding why Courtney Brewbaker was originally listed for the Prosecutor role but not on the initial roster, and why she was currently absent from the reappointment list provided by HR. Council members debated whether to appoint Brewbaker immediately or wait for a comparative interview with other candidates (Ronald Hood and Benjamin Smith). One member expressed support for a more compliance-focused prosecutor, suggesting a potential environmental court or specialized prosecutor, while another expressed dissatisfaction with the current prosecutor's leniency. - Assistant Prosecuting Attorney List: The council deliberated on the list of assistant prosecutors, initially including Tom Campbell. A member expressed hesitation to vote on Campbell as they had "no idea who he is" and wanted to vet him separately. The final list was amended to exclude Campbell initially to avoid voting on him without prior discussion, focusing on Latonia Hines, Robert Donoven, Robert Schottenheimer, Ronald Hood, and Benjamin Smith. - Court Schedule and Case Loads: The City Clerk detailed that the court is handling 100-120 cases per plea and arraignment session (vs. a max of 85) and 20-25 cases on non-jury trial calendars. An uptick in school bus violations and moving violations was noted, while code enforcement numbers remained flat. The Clerk clarified that continuances are often requested because parties are unprepared, not due to judge/policeman workload. - Executive Session for Prosecutor: A motion was made to table the immediate appointment of the Prosecuting Attorney to allow for an executive session to interview three candidates (Smith, Brewbaker, and Hood) for due diligence. The Council agreed to this approach to avoid making a hasty decision without knowing the capabilities of all potential candidates. - Travel Expense Policy: The Council discussed updating the 2021 travel policy, noting that hotel and mileage costs have risen significantly (mileage increased to 70 cents). A proposal to raise the per-person cap from $7,000 to $10,000 was debated, with concerns raised about the $56,000 total budget increase and funding sources in a zero-balanced budget environment. Key Outcomes - Committee Appointments Approved: The Mayor's appointments for Mayor Pro Tem, Presiding Officer, and BLW Representative were approved by unanimous vote. - City Management Appointed: William F. Bruton Jr. (City Manager), Stephanie Guy (City Clerk), Douglas R. Haney (City Attorney), and Lawrence E. Burke (Chief Judge) were officially appointed. - Prosecuting Attorney Tabled: The appointment of the Prosecuting Attorney was tabled pending an executive session to interview Benjamin Smith, Courtney Brewbaker, and Ronald Hood. The Council directed staff to schedule this discussion for the upcoming agenda work session. - Assistant Prosecutors Approved: The Council approved the appointment of six Assistant Prosecutors: Latonia Hines, Robert Donovan, Robert Schottenheimer, Ronald Hood, Courtney Brewbaker, and Benjamin Smith. (Note: Tom Campbell was excluded from the final voting list during the substitute motion process). Tom Campbell is expected to be added later upon his retirement from Cobb County. - Rules and Procedures Tabled: The adoption of the 2026 Rules and Procedures was tabled for initial discussion by the Judicial and Legislative (JL) Committee. - Travel Policy Updated: The Council voted 5-2 to increase the travel expense cap for council members and the mayor to $10,000 per member (increasing the total budget allocation from $56,000 to approximately $66,000). - Executive Session: The Council voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss potential or pending litigation regarding two annexation issues. - Committee Assignments: Council members discussed and accepted their roles on committees (Finance, Personnel, etc.) and the automatic appointment to the Pension Board if they serve as committee chairs or vice-chairs.

The Historic Preservation Commission convened to approve minutes, address two preservation applications for the Archibald Howell House at 303 Kennesaw Drive, discuss organizational donations, and address a member's potential resignation. The commission expressed strong support for the new owners' efforts to stabilize and maintain the historic property. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously upon motion by Chris and second by Martin. Public Comments & Testimony - Commissioner Neighbor: Expressed full support and excitement regarding the purchase and repair efforts of the Archibald Howell House, noting the property is a significant historic asset in Marietta and that they have watched the house with anticipation. - Commissioner Neighbor (Comment on Pool): Confirmed the pool was in rough shape and needed repair; supported the removal to eliminate a safety hazard and potential eyesore. - Becky (Commissioner): Noted via discussion among peers that she is likely resigning from the commission due to difficulty driving and attending meetings in person. She has served since the beginning, approximately five years. Discussion Items - Chimney Restoration (303 Kennesaw Dr): - Applicants proposed stabilizing three chimney stacks to prevent water and rodent intrusion and to address structural dangers. - Clarification was provided that the main stacks are original, but the terracotta pots (pots) are not original and were improperly installed (three pots for two flues, with the middle pot unsupported). - The commission verified the proposed repair plan involves removing the non-original/unsafe pots and matching the design properly. - Pool Removal (303 Kennesaw Dr): - Applicants requested removal of an in-ground pool and patio installed in the 1980s. - The property owners stated the pool is in disrepair, currently poses a safety risk for their toddler, and will be filled in with plans to eventually install a formal garden rather than a pool or patio. - Some commissioners noted the pool is not currently visible from the main street (Kennesaw) but approved the action based on the safety and renovation context provided. - Organizational Matters: - The commission acknowledged a thank-you letter regarding a $1,000 donation made to "The Ramble" and discussed the upcoming event in April. - Proposed a certificate to be presented to Becky upon her departure to commemorate her five years of service. Key Outcomes - Chimney Application: Approved unanimously. The commission endorsed the plan to remove the non-original pots and stabilize the original stacks. - Pool Removal Application: Approved unanimously. The commission authorized the removal of the existing pool and patio and subsequent filling of the area. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned, with plans to honor Becky's tenure with a certificate.

The City Council convened on January 5, 2026, to review signage applications for two business locations at 31 Mill Street and 29 West Park Square. The meeting focused on the aesthetic details of proposed signage, requests for variances regarding sign quantities, and logistical questions regarding outdoor installations such as televisions and string lights. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals were not explicitly listed as a separate agenda item; items were treated as Discussion Items. Public Comments & Testimony - Andrew Wehrenberg (representing Vaughn Wharton, owner of Nail Culture Salon): - Presented a proposal for a flat-faced painted sign and a replacing blade sign for a nail salon. - Inquired about the allowance of a freestanding sign within the square, noting it likely requires a separate application on private property. - Stated the proposed signs would use existing holes and feature an aluminum substrate. - Alexis (representing Q Concepts/West Park Sports Club, Architect Andrew Omore): - Explained the renaming of the venue from "Table and Tap" due to survey results indicating patrons wanted to clarify the "sports" focus. - Presented updated renderings for 29 West Park Square, detailing wall signs, a circular blade sign, and the installation of two TV monitors. - Discussed a recent coordination with the City Manager's office regarding string lights, moving lamp posts to create an alleyway entrance, and a potential archway proposal to activate the outdoor space. - Noted that public access in the right-of-way would be confined to the wall of the neighboring building to maximize seating area for the tenant. Discussion Items - 31 Mill Street (Nail Culture Salon): - Sign Design: Councillor Jim expressed concern that the proposed black and white design with white reverse print on a black background would appear too "stark" or "stand out" excessively. He suggested a base black with white reverse print letters would be more in tune with the square. - Variance: Clarification was made that a variance is required to install two signs on the same elevation, as the application involves two distinct signs (wall and blade) rather than a single banner. - Freestanding Sign: Discussed that a freestanding sign is not permissible on the square unless on private property and approved separately. - TV Proposals: Councillor Jim suggested using projectors instead of mounted TVs to avoid weather damage and vandalism, though the sponsor preferred mounted TVs. It was noted that projecting onto buildings is a common practice elsewhere. - String Lights & Canopy: The Council inquired about the string lights and canopy extending into the right-of-way. The architect confirmed these require landlord approval and further city navigation for the canopy and lamp post relocation. - 29 West Park Square (West Park Sports Club): - Signage Compliance: Andrew Omore presented data showing the proposed wall sign (45.3 sq. ft.) and blade sign (7.8 sq. ft.) total 5.2% of the facade area, well below the 15% ordinance limit. He noted that the TVs (17.7 sq. ft. each) were included in the area calculation but acknowledged the ordinance does not explicitly address mounted TVs. - Lighting and Aesthetics: Discussed the use of individual cut-out PVC letters and a logo in a bluish-green historic color to ensure contrast. - Alleyway Activation: The Council discussed the goal of working with planners to improve the alley's appearance, including the string lights and potential archway, to draw foot traffic. Key Outcomes - Approval of 31 Mill Street Signage: The Council approved the signage application for the nail salon with a motion to approve the signs with reverse print (black background, white letters) for both the wall sign and the blade sign, contingent on the applicant's agreement. - Variance for Sign Quantity: A variance was required and approved in the context of the motion to permit two signs on the same elevation. - Approval of 29 West Park Square Signage: The Council approved the signage action for the West Park Sports Club, including the two TVs and wall signs, acknowledging that while a variance for two signs was discussed, the specific guideline issue was not confirmed as a requirement or was deemed acceptable under the current footprint calculations. - Next Steps for 29 West Park Square: The tenant is required to secure landlord approval for the string lights and canopy, and further coordination is needed with the City Manager's office regarding the placement of lamp posts and the right-of-way usage for the alleyway project. - Procedural Note: The Council confirmed that meetings are now being streamed on the city website and advised members to maintain appropriate conduct.

The City of Marietta held its final council meeting of the year on December 18, 2025, focusing on budget amendments, departmental appointments, fiscal planning for the 2028 SPLOST, and special recognition ceremonies for departing council members. Consent Calendar - Receive and File Finance Report: The committee received and filed the quarterly financial report, noting expected revenue increases from business licenses and commercial permits, while franchise tax collections remained below budget due to warmer seasonal weather and lower natural gas prices. - FY2026 Parks Amendment: Council moved to amend the Fiscal Year 2026 Parks Bond to receive up to $220,507 of a $500,000 federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for the Sabinsky Park (Larry Sabinsky Park) construction; the remaining balance is to be received upon further construction progress. - Board of Zoning Appeals Appointment: Motion passed to reappoint James Rosser Sutherland to the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ward 1, with a term ending January 14, 2029. - Planning Commission Appointment: Motion passed to reappoint Craig Smith to the Planning Commission for Ward 1 for a three-year term. - Pension Board Appointments: Motion passed to appoint Ronnie Barrett (Post 4), Patina Brown (Post 5), and Patrick Benito (Post 8) to the City of Marietta Pension Board for three-year terms. - Public Works Variance: Approval granted for Comcast Communications to install 50 feet of fiber optic cable via overhead utility lines (variance) on Eight Air Drive. - Speed Study Approval: Moved and approved to conduct a speed study on a 758-foot residential section of Delk Street between East Dixie Avenue and Hawkins Street to determine the necessity of traffic calming devices. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Works Cost Inquiry: A council member inquired about projected cost overruns for the 2022 SPLOST projects; staff clarified that expenditures to date are limited to maintenance, resurfs, and planning, and large construction costs have not yet been incurred. - Fire Station Budget Estimates: A member requested clarification on fire station renovation estimates; staff confirmed the $9.6 million new build and $1.2 million renovation estimates are solid costs provided by the Fire Department, though land costs are excluded. - Staff Transparency Request: Council members requested the distribution of a digital spreadsheet of the 2028 SPLOST projects for independent review; staff agreed to create and distribute a spreadsheet to both current and incoming council members. - Project Prioritization: Ward 7 members requested the inclusion of Lawrence Street projects and park improvements in future budget discussions; staff promised to generate placeholder costs for these specific proposals. Discussion Items - 2009 Parks Bond Report: Staff reported a current available balance of $76,743.30, noting the completion of Wildwood Park, repairs at Atherton Square, and a delay in restroom and pavilion construction at Sabinsky Park (now anticipated for March) due to licensing issues with vendors. - Laurel Park Tennis Center Operation: Staff recommended a four-year extension of the agreement with Tennis Dynamics. A council member objected to the consent calendar entry due to the lack of explicit language confirming the exercise of the second renewal option; the item was moved to a work session to allow for legal revision of the contract text. - 2022 SPLOST Update: Staff provided updates on the North Marietta Parkway streetscape (concept finalized, public meeting anticipated for Jan/Feb), East Dixie Trail (near completion), and Atlanta Street/Waverly signals (punch list items being resolved). Staff noted that building permit valuations were anomalously high due to approximately eight permits for projects valued over $2-3 million each. - Grant Applications: Staff presented three grant applications: $4M requested for Rottenwood Creek Trail construction, $500k for North Marietta Parkway preliminary engineering, and $150k for a Roswell Road corridor study. One council member disclosed a conflict of interest regarding properties owned by family members along Roswell Road and abstained from voting pending further information. - 2028 SPLOST Planning: Staff outlined the timeline for finalizing the 2028 SPLOST list, with a target approval by February and a joint public meeting with Cobb County scheduled for March 5th. Budget constraints were noted as manageable ($2.2M over budget after recent adjustments), with discussions held on moving fire station renovations to Tier One. Key Outcomes - Vote 3-0 (Consent): Approved amendment to FY2026 Parks Bond for Sabinsky Park grant funds ($220,507). - Vote 3-0 (Consent): Approved reappointments to Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, and Pension Board. - Vote 3-0 (Consent): Approved Comcast variance for Eight Air Drive and Delk Street speed study. - Vote 3-0: Moved Laurel Park Tennis Center lease amendment to work session for contract clarification. - Abstention: One council member abstained from the vote on the Roswell Road grant application due to a disclosed conflict of interest. - Consent: Passed the motion to approve the 2025 SPLOST grant applications (excluding the abstained Roswell Road item). - Awards Presentation: Mayor and Council presented the Sigma Service Award to Councilmember Griffin Shalpont and the Distinguished Service Award to Councilmembers Andy Mars and Johnny Walker for their faithful and dedicated service. - Adjournment: The meeting concluded with no executive session called.

On December 12, 2025, the City of Marietta convened to honor its dedicated public servants, emphasizing the city's gratitude for its 810 employees who serve as a "calling" rather than just a job. City Manager Bill Britain and Mayor Steve Tumblr led a ceremony celebrating years of service, individual contributions, and the city's ongoing commitment to community well-being through employee recognition programs. The event included speeches from council members, the presentation of specific awards for leadership and innovation, a moment of silence for deceased colleagues, and the recognition of retirees and long-serving staff members. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar motion was recorded; the meeting proceeded through a pre-determined agenda of awards and recognition speeches without recorded votes on administrative items. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment section was held; the event was an internal employee recognition ceremony attended by city staff, council members, and family members. Discussion Items - Employee of the Year: Paul Hall, Senior Police Officer, was recognized for his work with the Marietta Police Department's Crisis Response Canine Program, specifically his leadership in training "Barney" to provide emotional stability for trauma-affected students, conduct forensic interviews, and build relationships within schools. - City Manager's Awards: - Ryan Brian Rutledge, Assistant Fire Chief, was honored for revitalizing the Firefighters Support Fund and guiding the department's transition to a new work schedule. - Hewlett Norville (Relay Engineer) and Suntron (Network Analyst) were recognized as a team for modernizing the Board of Lights and Water (BLW) infrastructure, driving the grid logic project, and executing critical cybersecurity upgrades. - Daryl Dickerson Marietta First Award: Shannon Pilgrim, Payroll Supervisor, was awarded for her exceptional patience, kindness, and role in ensuring seamless onboarding and separation processes, particularly during a recent fire department scheduling transition. - Alex G. Newsom Memorial Award: Scott Stokes, Deputy Director of Public Works, was recognized for his 49 years of local government experience, leadership in the fleet building expansion, and the citywide roll cart conversion. - Rising Star Awards: - Jessica Giancola, Director of the Gone with the Wind Museum, for her organizational skills and management of the museum's finances and staff. - Brody Bear, GIS Analyst, for developing impactful economic development dashboards and his work with drones. - James Flynn, Purchasing Agent, who led the RFP process for actuarial services and improved procurement standards. - Habitat for Humanity Home Recognition: Michaela Peoples, an employee, was presented with a sign for a new home built through a partnership between the City, the School System, and Habitat for Humanity, allowing her family to return to Marietta. - Long Service Recognition: Employees were recognized for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service, including Robin Priest (40 years) and Steve Graham (35 years). Key Outcomes - Service Awards Presented: - 24 employees received 5-year awards. - 6 employees received 10-year awards. - 2 employees received 15-year awards (note: transcript mentions 14 getting 15-year, then lists individuals later; specific tally for 15-year listed as 14 in text but specific naming follows). - 16 employees received 20-year awards. - 3 employees received 30-year awards (Kimberly Coosey, Grant Foster, Jason Watson). - 1 employee received a 35-year award (Steve Graham). - 1 employee received a 40-year award (Robin Priest). - Total years of service recognized for 25+ year recipients: 415 years. - Individual Awards Given: - 2025 Employee of the Year: Paul Hall. - 2025 City Manager's Award: Ryan Brian Rutledge; Hewlett Norville and Suntron. - 2025 Daryl Dickerson Marietta First Award: Shannon Pilgrim. - 2025 Alex G. Newsom Memorial Award: Scott Stokes. - 2025 Rising Star Award: Jessica Giancola; Brody Bear; James Flynn (accepted on his behalf by Patina Brown). - Special Honors: - A 15-year pin (mistakenly presented as 16 years) was offered to Mayor Steve Tumblr, with a concurrent tribute to Assistant City Manager Betty Kelly (absent due to a graduation). - Michaela Peoples received a commemorative sign for her Habitat for Humanity home. - Retirees Honored: Five retirees were recognized: Senior Police Officer John Atkins, Fire Lieutenant Marshal Appenzeller, Fire Assistant Chief Matthew Bolin, Parks/Wreck/Facilities Director Rich (last name not fully audible in text, possibly "Rich" refers to the speaker's colleague), and others from various departments. - Memorial: A moment of silence was observed for deceased city employees. - Next Steps: The City Manager thanked staff and families, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, and a blessed New Year.

The City Council of Marietta convened for the final regular meeting of the current council term, marked by departures of three retiring members and the swearing-in of a new council. The session featured an invocation by Councilor Goldstein, recognition of youth artists and a retired Olympic gold medalist, and extensive public comments on community development projects. The council concluded with votes on rezoning requests and a transition to an executive session. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0): The consent agenda included the final plat for High View Phase One (with revised sidewalk plans), city council meeting dates, and Bill, Light, and Water (BLW) minutes. - Note: Mr. Haney requested changes to move the High View Phase One plat, council meeting dates, and BLW minutes to the consent calendar for approval. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Mel Pender: Expressed deep gratitude for the proclamation recognizing "Dr. Mel Pender Day," citing his love for Cobb County and his foundation's mission to help children through education and mentorship. - Donald Barr: Expressed appreciation for the council's service over the years, specifically thanking Mayor Tumlin and the council members for their leadership. - Kathy Schloss: Stated full support for the city staff and previous council members, expressing pride in calling Marietta home and acknowledging the work of first responders and local officials. - Councilman Johnny Walker: - Expressed immense gratitude for the city staff, specifically naming Chief Beam, Chief Milligan, Mark Rice, and others as "amazing" and credited for the city's success. - Stated that the future of the community is in great hands with the incoming council. - Expressed support for the incoming council, advising them to "listen before you speak and be kind to the staff." - Paid tribute to late colleague Joanne Ellers and thanked the 6,754 true Marietta lovers. - Lily Reed (230 Scott Drive SE): - Expressed strong opposition to the Trayton rezoning (Z-2025-17), arguing that the proposed 76 units violate the city code's requirement that developments over 51 units connect to arterial streets, not local streets. - Stated concern that the traffic study fails to address pedestrian safety and potential fire code violations. - Expressed concern that the site conditions are not sufficiently difficult to require variances for driveway lengths and stream buffers. - Proposed capping the development at 51 units as a condition to ensure compliance with city ordinances and fire safety. - Mr. Barnes: Expressed support for the Trayton project but stated specific concern that the four billboards on the property could become a "sore thumb" and negatively impact sales for the development. - Larry Wills (60 Oakmont Drive): - Expressed opposition to the project's proximity to I-75, citing noise ordinances and air pollution concerns as reasons he would not buy a home there. - Expressed concern regarding stream flooding and the potential cost of repairing a bridge or covert for the homeowners association. - Councilman Joseph Goldstein: Expressed a preference for wider (20-foot) alley driveways over the proposed 16-foot alleys to avoid sanitation truck access issues, noting that while he understands the current constraints, he wants a future council not to face these complications. - Laura Keefe (Exec. Director of Y.E.L.E.): - Expressed excitement regarding the city's purchase of the former IKEA property on Franklin Gateway. - Urged the council to engage the community in the decision-making process for the 33-acre parcel. - Damon (Y.E.L.E. Teen): - Expressed a desire for the Franklin Gateway property to become a community asset such as a garden, rec center, or amphitheater. - Stressed that the local community, especially youth, must be part of the conversation at every step. - Amy Lunsford: - Expressed strong opposition to the potential use of the Franklin Gateway property as private soccer fields. - Stated that residents of Franklin Gateway are being demeaned and that private fields would not benefit the diverse, low-income families living there. - Jerome Boitang: Expressed concern about parking shortages at the Marietta Square and advocated for expanding bus lanes through Whitlock Avenue and Polk Street to improve accessibility for residents who cannot drive. - Karen LeBrock: Expressed gratitude to all elected officials for their service and encouraged them to continue visiting all neighborhoods, not just those they know personally. - Franklin Gateway Mother: Expressed support for the Franklin Gateway parcel becoming a community space rather than just a garden or private fields, specifically requesting basketball courts for her 14-year-old sons. - Sam Foster: Stated that the people who live in Franklin Gateway should be the first to decide the future of the 33-acre parcel and expressed concern about giving the land to a singular entity without community input. Discussion Items - Marietta Police Department Holiday Card Contest: Recognized four PAL students (Jocelyn Mendoza, Anna Alevier, Sean McQuery, and Sarah) for their holiday artwork. Ms. Mendoza and Ms. Alevier were placed in a tie for third place, Mr. McQuery received second place, and Ms. Sarah received first place. - Proclamation for Dr. Mel Pender: Council declared December 10 as "Dr. Mel Pender Day." Discussion highlighted Dr. Pender's 1968 Olympic gold medal, his Vietnam veteran status, and his foundation's work with children. - Community Announcements: - A recognition ceremony for the retiring council members was announced for December 18 at the fire museum. - A menorah lighting was mentioned for December 18 and December 20 on the square. - Mayor Tumlin announced a future town hall meeting on January 27. - A national event (likely the "Walk for Freedom" or similar) was noted for the upcoming Saturday. - Rezoning Case Z-2025-17 (Trayton LLC): - Proposal: Rezoning 19.451 acres from R2, R4, and RRC zones to PRDSF for 76 detached single-family homes. - Applicant Position (Kevin Moore): Stated the project reduces home count from 79 to 76 to address driveway length issues (increasing alley driveways to 18 feet), ensures minimal traffic impact, and provides significant open space. He argued the project adds to home ownership options and supports the Franklin Gateway CID. - Staff Position: Public Works confirmed that a 107,000 dollar contribution is required for road improvements on Scott and Crestridge drives. - Council Deliberation: Council members discussed stream buffers, billboard access, noise concerns, and driveway widths. Councilman Goldstein tabled the motion to allow further review of alley sanitation and Matthews Circle alignment issues. - Outcome: The motion to approve (substitute motion) failed 4-3. A subsequent motion to table the item for one month carried 5-2. - Rezoning Case Z-2025-24 (615 Cobb Parkway South): - Proposal: Rezoning from CRC to CRC with outside storage to re-establish a nonconforming use. - Applicant Position: Argued the use is an interim solution supporting surrounding businesses and requested approval with conditions for opaque fencing and landscaping. - Outcome: Council approved the rezoning 6-1 with stipulations requiring an opaque fence, landscaping, and removal of gravel outside the fence. - Stop Sign Request (Briar Pond Way & Rosewood Creek Drive): - Proposal: Installation of a three-way stop and pedestrian crosswalks. - Outcome: Council approved the request 7-0 following public support. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Rezoning Z-2025-17 (Trayton LLC): Tabled for one month. The motion to approve failed 4-3; the motion to table succeeded 5-2. - Rezoning Z-2025-24 (615 Cobb Parkway): Approved 6-1 with stipulations for fencing and landscaping. - Stop Sign Installation: Approved 7-0. - Executive Session: Motion to enter executive session for legal matters carried; the council members in attendance (Mayor, Council Pro Tem, and retiring members) participated. - Council Transition: Acknowledged the retirement of three council members and the upcoming term for the new council.