Johns Creek City Council Meeting – April 20, 2026

The Johns Creek City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 7:10 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting covered approvals, public comments, the manager's monthly report, and two zoning text amendments—one tabled after extensive discussion and one approved. Mayor also disclosed an ethics fine and announced upcoming community events.

Consent Calendar

• No items were presented under the consent agenda this evening.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matthew Shahid, representing the descendants of Macedonia Church and Cemetery (DMCC), expressed gratitude for the city's use of ground-penetrating radar and investment in historical truth. He noted that additional souls have been found and highlighted a partnership with Georgia Gwinnett College for archaeological research and documentation toward a National Register of Historic Places nomination. He requested continued partnership with the city, emphasizing a shared commitment to history, dignity, and justice.
• Bob Stevens, a newly elected board member of the Johns Creek Historical Society, spoke in support of the society's efforts to offer programming on local history, including Macedonia Cemetery. He noted difficulty finding affordable community space for civic groups and non-profits to hold programming events, but made no specific request at this time.

Discussion Items

• Manager's Monthly Report (March 2026): City Manager Greer highlighted progress in the five strategic priorities: arts and culture (successful Daffodil event, Battle of the Bands), public safety (grand opening of Fire Station 63 and police south substation), economic development (Biz Lab graduation, networking events), recreation and parks (partnerships with Johns Creek Beautification, Autry Mill, and National Park Service; progress on Chattahoochee River Greenway and trail connection between Cauley Creek Park and Abbott's Bridge), and transportation and connectivity (updates on six major construction projects: Abbott's Bridge, Barnwell at Nibblick, Barnwell Trail, Johns Creek Parkway raised intersection, Jones at Sergeant and Douglas, and McGuinness Ferry utilities). Councilmember Aramelli praised the boardwalk's phased opening and connectivity to surrounding buildings. The financial report format was discussed at length; Councilmembers Aramelli, Tunky, and Skinner requested more detailed tables with running totals and budget comparisons. City Manager Greer noted that new financial software (Gravity) is expected within 60 days and will allow more flexible dashboards. Councilmember Tunky asked for narrative refinement and balanced framing to improve transparency. Mayor noted that the financial report currently includes historical data and budget variances.
• Home Occupation Zoning Text Amendment (A-26-002): Planning Director Dr. Song presented a proposal to update Section 4.12 to address contemporary home-based business trends, clarify prohibitions, and strengthen neighborhood protections. Key changes: expanded prohibited uses (e.g., hazardous materials, repair-oriented businesses, automotive uses, restaurants), limit of one home occupation per dwelling, requirement for notarized landlord consent for renters, and a provision allowing code enforcement inspection of licensed home occupations. Councilmembers expressed concerns about intrusiveness (especially Section S allowing inspections), the catch-all phrase "not all inclusive" in the prohibited list, the limit of one home occupation per dwelling (potentially affecting couples both working from home), and the prohibition against using accessory buildings for business (e.g., an ADU or detached garage). Councilmember Tunky moved to table the item to the June 1st work session with a public hearing set for July 13th. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
• Secondhand Dealer in Precious Metals and Gems Zoning Text Amendment (A-26-003): Director Song presented a narrowly tailored amendment to define and locate such businesses in the C-2 (Community Business) district rather than C-1. Staff noted that five existing secondhand dealerships in C-1 would be grandfathered. Planning Commission recommended approval. No public comments were offered. A motion to approve passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of the March 30, 2026 work session and council meeting (unanimous).
• Approved meeting agenda as presented (unanimous).
• Tabled the Home Occupation Zoning Text Amendment (A-26-002) to the June 1, 2026 work session, with a public hearing on July 13, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved the Secondhand Dealer in Precious Metals and Gems Zoning Text Amendment (A-26-003) to amend Articles III and IX (unanimous).
• Adjourned to Executive Session at approximately 8:45 PM to discuss land (eight items) and legal (one item). The council reconvened and adjourned the regular meeting at approximately 9:00 PM.
• Mayor disclosed that he received an ethics fine for late filing of campaign finance reports and a personal financial disclosure form; he stated the consent decree found no malicious intent or material omissions.
• Upcoming events announced: DEA Drug Take Back Day (April 25), International Festival (May 2), Boardwalk grand opening and first summer concert (May 8), and July 3rd Independence Day celebration with a "Parade of Stars" for students.