Johns Creek City Council Work Session - October 26, 2026

The Johns Creek City Council held a work session on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting covered three main agenda items under ongoing projects: the 2027 Special Events Calendar, Stormwater Implementation Update and Options, and the Appeals Notification Process. Council members provided direction on each item, with discussions highlighting priorities for stormwater infrastructure, event programming adjustments, and improving notification of appeal rights for residents and businesses.

2027 Special Events Calendar

• Recreation and Parks Director Michael King presented the ACE (Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment) Committee's recommendation to continue all successful 2026 special events in 2027, with five additional recommendations including splitting events between parks and adjusting dates.
• Council members expressed support for continuing the events but raised several suggestions:
  • Councilmember Michael suggested moving the arts festival later in October to avoid heat and competing with the Duluth Festival.
  • Councilmember E. Michael proposed adding a jazz festival in August (replacing one concert-in-the-park) to fill a gap between August 6 and September. He also advocated for celebrating the city's 20th anniversary in 2027 by overlaying anniversary themes onto existing events.
  • Councilmember Stacey questioned combining events (e.g., Paws in the Park and Touch-a-Truck) to reduce staff workload, but staff noted these events serve different audiences and have been intentionally separated.
  • Stacey also suggested moving concerts to fall months to avoid heat, and inquired about sponsorship opportunities. Councilmember Tinkey shared that he has successfully secured over $50,000 in sponsorships for Diwali and encouraged others to solicit sponsorships.
• The city manager clarified that a 20th anniversary celebration was already being planned behind the scenes, including a proclamation and video for the December meeting, with potential for a reception.
• Consensus: Council asked that the jazz festival idea be referred to the ACE committee for further study, and that staff continue planning based on the feedback received.

Stormwater Implementation Update and Options

• Assistant City Manager Haggard presented an update on the stormwater utility, noting progress ahead of schedule. He asked council to prioritize among three initiatives discussed during the FY27 budget process: stormwater system improvements from the master plan, a stormwater grant program, and a pond dredging assistance program.
• Council members had varied opinions but reached general consensus:
  • Councilmember Tinkey emphasized starting with system-wide improvements (upstream projects like stream bank restoration) as they address root causes and feed into dredging needs. He supported dredging as a priority but only after understanding the system-wide context.
  • Councilmember Coughlin expressed concern that the $188 million total need (from master plan) required a regional approach and that the grant program ($500,000/year) was insufficient. He preferred a work session to review the overall stormwater program, separating utility maintenance from master plan projects.
  • Councilmember Skinner agreed with prioritizing system improvements, followed by dredging, then the grant program. He suggested establishing parameters for the dredging program, such as focusing on ponds serving as regional detention facilities.
  • Councilmember Michael highlighted the need for a 10,000-foot view, pointing out that 20% of problems recur and that the current ERU rate may be low.
• Staff clarified that system-wide improvements have been scored in the 2023 watershed master plans but need revisiting. The utility's 10-year, $32 million plan for pipe repairs (rating 4 and 5) is ahead of schedule.
• Key outcome: Council directed staff to prioritize the system-wide improvements first and bring back a high-level scope and parameters for the dredging program, with an understanding that the grant program may be revised. Staff will synthesize feedback and return as soon as possible.

Appeals Notification Process

• Community Development Director Ben Song presented a review of current appeal notification processes, including a detailed appeals reference matrix and workflow. Staff proposed adding standardized language to written notifications informing recipients of their right to appeal, along with a link to a dedicated webpage.
• Councilmember Aaron, who raised the issue, argued for a clear, written notice (similar to Miranda rights) to ensure a level playing field. He suggested language such as: "You have a right to an appeal. For more information, visit [website] or email [staff contact]."
• Councilmember Stacey supported written notice but cautioned that people may ignore fine print. She proposed verbal confirmation in some instances, though the city manager advised against this due to legal implications.
• Councilmember Tinkey noted the matrix is a valuable reference tool and suggested creating a dedicated "Appeals" section on the city website.
• Council members broadly agreed on the approach: add a standardized disclaimer to all appealable administrative decisions (e.g., permit denials, final interpretations) with a link to the online appeals matrix. Director Song will work with the city attorney to finalize language and with communications to create the webpage.
• Key outcome: Staff directed to implement the changes (standardized language and web link) without requiring a return to council for approval; they will circulate the final product by email.

Key Outcomes

• Special Events Calendar: Council referred the jazz festival idea to the ACE committee; staff will proceed with planning based on discussion feedback.
• Stormwater: Staff will prioritize system-wide improvements from the master plan and bring back a high-level outline for the dredging program, with goals of returning quickly and avoiding further work on items lacking council support.
• Appeals Notification: Staff will add standardized appeal notification language to applicable written decisions and create a dedicated webpage; implementation will proceed administratively.
• Meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss land, legal, and personnel matters, followed by adjournment.