Johns Creek City Council Meeting - October 20, 2025

The Johns Creek City Council met on October 20, 2025, at 7:04 PM. The meeting included a quarterly scout recognition, public comments, the manager's monthly report, and a public hearing and approval of a special use permit and variances for a church development. Multiple public speakers addressed topics including city leadership, public safety, the Performing Arts Center bond referendum, and transparency.

Presentations

• Quarterly Scout Recognition: Three Girl Scouts received the Gold Award: Haley Roberts (senior at Johns Creek High School) created an educational curriculum on female veterans; Samantha Sterling (senior at Chattahoochee High School) raised awareness on heart health in youth; Nazifa Liladia collected electronic devices for underserved families and held cybersecurity workshops. Each presented their projects to the council.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Fitzgerald praised the city's rankings (No. 2 safest city, No. 1 best place to live) and criticized a "smear piece" posted by the mayor on his official page.
• Kim Cordom accused Mayor Bradbury of bullying and retaliation, alleging he threatened to remove city funding from a student leadership program if she did not eliminate a scholarship named for former Mayor Mike Bodker. She formally requested council censure the mayor.
• Peter Friedrich opposed Georgia Senate Bill 375, arguing it conflates political criticism of India's government with religious hatred and endangers the Indian American community. He urged the city to pass a resolution opposing the bill.
• Mina Dyson expressed support for Mayor Bradbury, citing positive progress and defending the Performing Arts Center bond referendum, stating it would raise taxes by approximately $83 per household.
• Gebron Green criticized division in the city, alleging that councilmember Aramelli blocked him on social media and that the mayor's campaign has created a toxic environment.
• Chris Cupid (first comment) described a negative interaction with the mayor at a Republican breakfast, stating the mayor reacted angrily when he disagreed on the bond referendum. He urged civility and respectful disagreement.
• Deb Powell thanked the council for their work, supported the Performing Arts Center, and expressed dismay at campaign negativity.
• Thomas Corrigan supported the school district ad valorem tax exemption for seniors and suggested mentoring programs to leverage experienced residents.
• Brian Pickens questioned police staffing, citing a drop from 102 to 85 officers, and discrepancies in budget documents. He also noted underfunding of Chatcom.
• Dietra Pickens criticized the mayor's behavior, alleging disrespect to the police chief and at a Faith in Blue event, and urged better support for public safety.
• Tyler Chennault (second public comment) praised community events and emphasized the importance of connection and investing in the next generation.
• Bob Stevens thanked city staff, expressed pride in the city, and supported the Performing Arts Center bond.
• Cindy Eid (first comment) criticized Mayor Bradbury's leadership, accusing him of bullying council members, rushing the PAC referendum, and lacking transparency. She called for a resigned behavior and better governance.
• Scott Barksdale accused the mayor of broken promises regarding the Macedonia Historical Black Cemetery, the PAC's public-private financing, rigorous business analysis, and transparency.
• Maureen Giannone criticized the PAC referendum process, stating town halls were not recorded, information was vague, and the decision to place it on the ballot was politically motivated and divisive.
• Dietra Pickens (second comment) continued her critique, noting that over 17 years only four additional patrol officers were added, and that Johns Creek police pay lags behind neighboring cities.
• Chris Cupid (second comment) corrected misinformation about councilmember Aramelli bouncing checks for the Public Safety Foundation, stating the donation was made good. He also discussed Nesbitt Ferry sidewalk design.
• Cindy Eid (second comment) reiterated transparency concerns, noting the mayor's failure to post ethics complaint details, lack of recordings at PAC meetings, and restricted budget information.
• Brian Pickens (second comment) calculated the PAC cost at $1,000 per square foot and questioned the use of the remaining 3.3 acres of the site.

Discussion Items

• Manager's Monthly Report: City Manager Kimberly Greer presented highlights from September, including community meetings for the PAC bond referendum, public safety events, economic development awards, park activities, and the completion of street resurfacing. She also introduced new Finance Director Harpreet Hora. Council members discussed police staffing, budget variances, and financial reporting. City Manager Greer clarified that the police department is fully staffed (88 uniform patrol, 104 total), and that four cadet positions funded through salary savings are in recruitment. She also explained the mechanics of Chatcom funding and insurance premium tax revenue.
• Public Hearing and Ordinance O2025-10-29 – Special Use Permit and Variances for Church: Director Ben Song presented a request for a 22,500-square-foot church building at 10505, 10509, and 10625 Jones Bridge Road, with three variances: setback reduction to 50 feet along the west property line, temporary grading within buffer, and reduction of undisturbed buffer to 20 feet along the rear property line. The church, Christ Fellowship, plans a phased development (12,250 sq ft first phase, 10,250 sq ft future). Staff recommended approval with conditions. Several church members spoke in favor, highlighting community service and partnership with Dolvin Elementary School. No opposition speakers appeared. Council discussed parking, phasing, stormwater management, traffic, and buffer conditions.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Minutes: The October 6, 2025 work session summary and council meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
• Approval of Agenda: The meeting agenda was approved unanimously.
• Ordinance O2025-10-29 Approved: The council approved the ordinance amending the zoning map for SUP-25-0001, VC-25-0002, VC-25-0003, and VC-25-0004, adopting staff conditions, with a unanimous vote (6-0). The church is required to meet all conditions, including deceleration lanes, buffer requirements, and a fence along the west property line.