Johns Creek City Council Work Session - August 10, 2026

This work session of the Johns Creek City Council was held on August 10, 2026, at 5:01 PM. The council discussed the FY 2027 proposed budget, a roadway landscaping and tree replanting policy, CVB tourism product development projects, and a multi-modal policy. No formal votes were taken; the session focused on gathering council input and direction for future meetings.

Budget Discussion (60 minutes)

• Councilmember Bob suggested a three-minute limit per council member for initial comments, then open discussion.
• Mayor proposed a change to reduce funding for Newtown Tennis Pickleball Lights (item #13) from $300,000 to $170,000, reallocating $130,000 to fund an arts and culture manager (item #18).
• Councilmember Coughlin requested clarity on the total available capital funds. Staff explained that $5.2 million was funded in the proposed budget: $2.2 million from FY 2027 general fund revenue plus previously identified funds (from the CIP adopted in March) and $1.8 million in assigned fund balance for capital projects.
• Councilmember Aramelli expressed concern about the stormwater dredging program and the need for a systematic accrual fund for stormwater projects, referencing the Dixon report with $48 million in projects.
• Councilmember questioned the $500,000 park refresh for the walking track, noting it was installed in October 2023 and may need replacement every three years; asked about warranty information.
• Councilmember suggested adding $75,000 for communications department outreach, $75,000 for Macedonia Park gazebo, and funding to renovate the old fire station (currently costing $27,000/year for maintenance) for senior activities.
• Councilmember expressed support for reducing the stormwater grant program (pilot) and reallocating funds to stormwater system prioritized projects (item #27).
• Councilmember proposed reducing the Rec Center funding from $2 million to $1.5 million and using savings for surveys and environmental studies.
• Councilmember supported removing the stormwater grant program ($622,169 savings) and the grant program coordinator position, instead allocating to stormwater prioritized projects.
• Staff noted that 42 applications were received for the stormwater grant program, with 12 eligible projects (6 reactive, 6 preventative).
• Councilmember recommended using surplus for comprehensive plan engagement, AI data strategy analyst (with business case), and other items after evaluating data.
• No consensus was reached on any single change to the proposed budget. Staff will compile all proposed changes and provide an updated financial report by Friday.

Landscaping and Tree Replanting Policy (15 minutes)

• Director O'Connor presented a revised draft policy with three phases: purpose, policy goals, and implementation (three-phase decision-making process).
• Councilmember asked about existing policy; staff confirmed no formal policy existed previously.
• Councilmember raised concerns about delays and increased costs from multiple approval points; suggested incorporating landscaping requirements at the design phase.
• Councilmember emphasized the need for consistent landscaping treatments across different road types (arterial, collector, local) and asked about 3D rendering capabilities. Staff noted they do not have internal software but could add cost for landscape architecture firms.
• Councilmember supported the policy as a way to involve council earlier in decisions, ensuring funding is allocated upfront rather than at project completion.
• Councilmember opposed the policy, citing potential increased costs, time, and loss of local autonomy (neighborhood input).
• Council agreed to move the policy to new business for a future council meeting.

CVB Tourism Product Development Project Recommendations (15 minutes)

• City Manager Greer presented a cost and timeline analysis for projects: Native American sculpture ($100,000 commission, $80,000 raised, ask $30,000), digital kiosk, interpretive signage, LED screen, monument signage, gateway art, and boardwalk wayfinding.
• Available funds: $145,000 in FY 2026 (must be encumbered/spent quickly) and $181,000 in FY 2027, total $326,000.
• Councilmember expressed support for the sculpture and at least one monument sign at town center (estimated $150,000 each).
• Councilmember proposed reallocating $130,000 to Newtown Tennis Pickleball Lights (capital enhancement #13) and using the savings for an arts and culture manager, with remaining funds for interpretive signage.
• Councilmember preferred to allocate all available funds to the sculpture plaza ($250,000–$300,000) to avoid half-baked projects.
• Councilmember suggested a package: kiosk ($70,000), interpretive signs ($30,000), sculpture ($30,000), one monument ($150,000), and boardwalk wayfinding ($20,000), totaling $300,000.
• Councilmember favored the sculpture and one monument sign, with remaining funds for sculpture plaza.
• Councilmember also supported the LED screen but noted it may require more funding.
• Consensus emerged: Native American sculpture at $30,000 (unanimous) and one monument sign (multiple members). The plaza and other items will be revisited after the sculpture is designed and location determined.
• Staff will prepare a budget amendment for the next work session to allocate FY 2026 funds toward the first monument sign; FY 2027 funds will go toward the sculpture call.

Multi-Modal Policy (15 minutes)

• Director O'Connor presented a revised policy consolidating the existing sidewalk policy and multimodal policy into one, with a new prioritization methodology aligning with transportation goals.
• The policy identifies the first 10 prioritized projects (total estimated $9 million). Councilmember asked about project #5 (cost $2.4 million) and #4; staff noted that once #4 is built, #5 will drop in priority due to dynamic scoring.
• Councilmember confirmed that the policy does not tear up existing sidewalks; it prioritizes filling gaps (no facility) over parallel facilities.
• Councilmember asked about bicycle policy; staff clarified that this policy covers from curb back (sidewalks, trails), while on-road bicycle lanes are separate.
• Councilmember expressed full support; council agreed to move the policy forward for adoption at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• No consensus was reached on changes to the FY 2027 proposed budget. Staff will compile all proposed changes and provide an updated financial report by Friday, August 14.
• The landscaping and tree replanting policy will be brought to a future council meeting for formal adoption after incorporating feedback.
• For CVB projects, council reached consensus on allocating $30,000 for the Native American sculpture and funding for one town center monument sign. Staff will bring a budget amendment to the next work session.
• The multi-modal policy will be presented for adoption at a future council meeting; council expressed support for the revised policy.
• Council adjourned to executive session.