Johns Creek City Council Meeting - September 14, 2026

The Johns Creek City Council met on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 7:10 PM at 11360 Lakefield Drive. The meeting included approval of minutes, consent items, quarterly scout recognition, public comments on stormwater and budget, adoption of the FY2027 budget, two zoning matters, and appointments. The meeting adjourned after approximately 3.5 hours.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes (August 24, 2026): Approved unanimously.
• Agenda: Approved as amended (removed Item G.4, amended agreement with Carothers and Mitchell, LLC for legal services).
• Consent Agenda Items (G.1–G.3): Approved 6-1. Included ordinances amending the FY26 budget (O2026-09-16) and the city's budget policy (O2026-09-17), and an intergovernmental agreement with Fulton County for the Nesbit Ferry Road at Colony Club Drive Roundabout Project (G.3). Councilmember Coughlin voted no citing concerns with the budget policy amendment.

Presentations

• Quarterly Scout Recognition: Four Eagle Scouts were recognized for their service projects: a tile pathway at the Johns Creek Art Center, refurbished outdoor classroom at Elkins Pointe Middle School, shelving units at a temple, and tables/signboards at a temple.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rob Simon (resident): Expressed concern that stormwater funding increases are insufficient given long-term issues; urged accelerating evaluation of runoff sources. Noted revenues appear flat (~1.6% growth) while personnel costs (50-60% of budget) grow exponentially. Praised council for holding the budget at $83M but warned of future tax pressures.
• Sophia Lee (resident, 5720 Soundset Maple Drive): Stated her basement flooding cost over $55,000 (nearly her annual teacher salary) due to city stormwater project blockage of an 18-inch pipe. Requested fair resolution, documentation of the Seven Oaks stormwater project, and procedures for residents facing similar issues.
• Anvar Gaswell (resident, on behalf of Medlock Bridge HOA): Presented a petition requesting the city evaluate upstream stormwater drainage serving Medlock Bridge, identify sediment sources, and collaborate on mitigation. Emphasized proactive approach rather than repetitive dredging.
• Bob Stevens (resident, 185 Winford Close): Spoke in favor of the FY2027 budget during the public hearing, praising the council's fiscal management, accrual funds, and conservative budgeting.

Discussion Items

• FY2027 Budget (M.1): Finance Director Hora presented a balanced $83.2 million general fund budget with no tax increase. Key features: 293 full-time positions (net +2), 3.3% merit step increase for employees, 2.99% COLA, $47.1M in personnel costs, new stormwater grant program for a second year, new pond dredging grant program, continued funding for capital projects and accruals. Council held extensive debate: some members (Aramelli, Skinner, Coughlin) opposed citing priorities (e.g., funding a recreation center over stormwater/safety projects; not funding State Bridge/141 intersection lighting). Mayor and others argued the budget is fiscally responsible, sets aside accruals, and allows future debates on capital items. Passed 5-2 (Coughlin and Skinner opposed).
• Rezoning RZ-26-0001 (M.2): Request to rezone 11180 Medlock Bridge Road (Johns Creek United Methodist Church) from O-I to CUP for 48 single-family detached homes on 21.647 acres (density 2.2 units/acre) with concurrent variance for existing parking within a 25-foot landscape strip. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. Applicant (Hansel Holdings) and church pastor expressed need for stewardship of underutilized ball fields. No opposition. Council unanimously approved.
• Rezoning RZ-26-0002 (M.3): Request to rezone 6975 McGinnis Ferry Road from C-1 to C-2 with a special use permit for an outdoor dog run at Puppy Haven daycare/boarding, plus three variances: reduce 100-ft building setback (existing fence 42.92 ft), reduce 200-ft setback from residential zoning (actual distance to nearest residence ~246 ft), and reduce parking from 69 to 40 spaces. Staff recommended denial citing noise and odor concerns; Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions (eight-foot masonry wall, max six dogs, landscaping). Public comment only in favor. Council debate focused on sound mitigation, hours of use, and enforceability. Motion by Councilmember DiBiassi to approve with modified conditions: eliminate prohibited nail salon condition, replace masonry wall with sound abatement fence (eight-foot tall opaque), limit outdoor run hours to 10 AM – 5 PM, maintain max six dogs at a time, adjust conditions accordingly. Approved 6-1.
• Service Delivery Strategy (M.4): Resolution authorizing mayor to execute the 10-year service delivery strategy with Fulton County and municipalities. Unanimously approved.
• Appointment of City Attorney (M.5): Resolution to appoint David Davidson as interim city attorney. Unanimously approved.
• Appointment to Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Committee (M.6): Resolution to appoint Mina Dyson to the committee. Unanimously approved. Dyson was present.

Key Outcomes

• FY2027 budget adopted (5-2).
• Rezoning for 48-lot subdivision at Medlock Bridge Road approved unanimously.
• Rezoning for Puppy Haven outdoor dog run approved with modified conditions (6-1).
• Service Delivery Strategy resolution adopted.
• Interim city attorney appointed.
• Mina Dyson appointed to Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Committee.
• Public comment cards and petitions noted; staff will follow up on stormwater issues.