Kennesaw City Council Meeting Summary - December 15, 2025

The Kennesaw City Council met on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The 26‑minute meeting (adjourned at 6:56 PM) covered presentations on the Taste of Kennesaw and a finance awards recognition, approval of the 2028 SPLOST project list, a text amendment to the Unified Development Code for home occupations, consent agenda items, an alcohol license, and acceptance of November crime statistics. Public comments were minimal, with one resident sharing historic Christmas letters.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes from the November 24 work session, December 1 regular meeting, and December 1 executive session.
• Animal Control Services: Approved Resolution No. 2025‑78, an intergovernmental agreement with Cobb County for animal control services.
• Pavement Reclamation Project: Approved Resolution No. 2025‑79, authorizing a professional services agreement with Patterson & Dewar Engineers for the Cobb International Boulevard Pavement Reclamation Project.

All consent items were approved by a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First public comment period (6:40–6:41 PM): No comments were made on agenda items.
• Second public comment period (6:46–6:47 PM): No comments were made during the public hearing for the UDC text amendment.
• Third public comment period (6:53–6:55 PM): City resident Andrew Bramlett shared a piece of local history: letters to Santa Claus from Kennesaw children that were published in the December 10, 1925 edition of the Cobb County Times. He also offered copies of his compiled historical booklets to council members.

Presentations & Recognitions

• Taste of Kennesaw Update: Michael Everhart, representing the Kennesaw Business Association (KBA), reported on the 2025 event (17th anniversary, held November 1). He thanked the Kennesaw Police Department and Public Works for their support. The event operates as a net‑zero endeavor, with all proceeds donated to charities. To date, the Taste of Kennesaw has distributed over $265,000 to area charities, including Shop with a Warrior, Shop with a Mustang, the Jerry Worthing Christmas Fund, Shop with a Longhorn, and (now a permanent fifth charity) Kennesaw State University’s CARE Services. The 2025 event was the best year ever, raising approximately $35,000. Everhart also promoted the 50th anniversary of the Big Shanty Festival in April 2026.
• GFOA Award Recognition: Mayor Easterling recognized the Finance Department for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the 25th consecutive year. Director Jennifer Gordy and her team were acknowledged.

Discussion Items

• SPLOST 2028 Proposed Projects List: Assistant City Manager Marty Hughes presented the list of projects recommended by the SPLOST committee for the 2028 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax referendum, which Cobb County has scheduled for November 2026. The proposed projects, valued at approximately $48 million, reflect the City’s priorities for the next six years. A joint City‑County public meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2026, at the Ben Robertson Community Center, with additional City‑only meetings to follow. Mayor Pro Tem Ferris noted the importance of community input on the $48 million project list.
• Unified Development Code Text Amendment (Case #MISC2025‑07): Director of Planning and Zoning Chanelle Campbell presented an ordinance to amend Section 4.04.05 (“Standards for Home Occupations”) of the Unified Development Code. Changes include: clarifying the distinction between Type A (virtual office) and Type B home occupations; defining parking requirements for off‑site employees; updating prohibited uses; and adding an administrative renewal process that eliminates the need for re‑advertisement and a public hearing for renewals. Following a request by Councilmember Orochena at the work session, staff recommended removing the restriction of one Type A application per dwelling unit, though a cap remains for Type B applications. Mayor Pro Tem Ferris called the changes “an excellent first step” and urged further streamlining to support small business and self‑employment in the city.
• Alcohol License for Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria: Assistant Director of Administration Meredith Staton presented a request for a retail pouring license (beer, wine, and Sunday sales) for Worth the Wait Inc., d/b/a Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria, located at 2090 Baker Road Unit A‑103. A certified survey showed the business is within 300 feet of a private residence. Staff confirmed all other distance requirements were met, and the Finance Director recommended approval, noting that the quiet enjoyment of the nearby residence would not be adversely affected.
• Crime Statistics — November 2025: Police Chief Bill Westenberger presented the November 2025 statistics. Compared to the same period in 2024, total Part I crimes decreased from 136 to 124. Notable changes: aggravated assault down by 6 (to 4), drug/narcotics offenses up by 5 (to 40), intimidation up by 6 (to 10), simple assault down by 5 (to 17), and weapon law violations down by 7 (to 7). Dispatch calls for service totaled 748; self‑initiated officer activity was 1,828; traffic citations 1,011; warnings 958; arrests 72; auto accidents 107 (5 with injury); hit‑and‑runs 12 (none with injury); and persons hit by auto with injury 2.

Key Outcomes

• SPLOST 2028 Proposed Projects List: Approved unanimously (5‑0).
• UDC Text Amendment (Ordinance No. 2025‑09): Approved unanimously (5‑0).
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (5‑0).
• Alcohol License for Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria: Approved unanimously (5‑0).
• November 2025 Crime Statistics: Accepted unanimously (5‑0).

City Manager’s & Mayor’s Reports

City Manager Jeff Drobney thanked staff for their dedication, noting the excellent work highlighted during the meeting. Mayor Easterling added remarks about recent community events. No executive session was held. The next work session is scheduled for Monday, December 29, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers.