Kennesaw City Council Meeting - April 20, 2026

The Kennesaw City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 6:32 p.m. to 6:57 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Mayor Derek Easterling presided, with all council members present. The agenda included public hearings for two land use permits, a consent agenda, an alcohol license application, March 2026 crime statistics, public comments, an executive session, and recognition of council member Madelyn Orochena. All votes were 5-0 in favor. (Note: While the agenda listed Antonio Jones as City Clerk, the minutes were recorded by Deputy City Clerk Nicholas Simpson.)

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included:

• Minutes of the March 30, 2026, work session and executive session.
• Minutes of the April 6, 2026, regular meeting.
• Resolution authorizing purchase and installation of AV equipment for the Public Safety Facility through Switch Global.
• Resolution authorizing furniture purchase for the Public Safety Facility.

Public Hearings

Land Use Permit: 2970 Bancroft Glen (Case #LU2026-01)
Assistant Zoning Administrator Priscilla Coley presented an application from Leigh Anne Blades for a home occupational business license to create and sell jewelry, accessories, handbags, and home decor. The property, zoned Planned Unit Development – Residential, will have no clients, employees, or signs visible from the right-of-way. The permit is non-transferable and valid for 24 months. The Planning Commission had recommended approval. No public comments were heard, and the council voted 5-0 to approve.

Land Use Permit: 3154 Hartness Way (Case #LU2026-02)
Priscilla Coley presented a similar application by Wanda Hostick for the same type of home business. Conditions were identical. The Planning Commission also recommended approval. No public comments, and the council approved 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

During Public Hearings
No members of the public spoke on the land use permit items.

General Public Comment (6:41 p.m. – 6:48 p.m.)
Four city residents addressed the council:

• Andrew Bramlett presented historical research on Kennesaw's first documented police chief, Maxie Maxwell, who served from 1950. He described Maxwell's background as a boxer who once trained with Jack Dempsey, and his founding of the Kennesaw Boys Club, which included a boxing match between Mayor Jesse Hildebrand and City Clerk Olin Ellis in 1950.

• Steven Luitjens (owner of Conservation Landscaping LLC) expressed support for creating a natural playscape at Depot Park using logs, boulders, and native plants. He argued that such a space would be more interactive, educational, and environmentally connected than traditional playgrounds, and could serve as a model for other city parks.

• Timothy Heying supported the natural playscape, noting that children already gather informally during events. He stated that adding natural elements would give them a more engaging environment without altering existing patterns.

• Donovan Giardina, a North Main Street resident, also supported the natural playscape, emphasizing the lack of designated children's areas during downtown events. He observed that despite the Big Shanty Festival, nearby Adams Park (recently upgraded) did not see increased foot traffic, suggesting a downtown playscape could yield economic benefits.

Discussion Items

Alcohol License: Kennesaw Mart 2025 Inc.
Business License Manager Kayla Willis presented an application by Zoheb Bhayani for a Retail Package Alcohol License (beer, wine, Sunday sales) at 3055 N Main St, Suite 108. A certified distance survey showed the business is within 300 feet of a private residence, 600 feet of a school, and 600 feet of a religious assembly. The council exercised its authority under Sections 6-42 and 6-43 to waive the distance requirements, finding no adverse effect. The license was approved 5-0.

March 2026 Crime Statistics
Police Chief Bill Westenberger reported March 2026 statistics: 850 dispatch calls, 1,669 self-initiated activities, 765 traffic citations, 704 warnings, 89 arrests, 11 auto accidents (total), and 1 pedestrian hit by auto with injury. Notable changes compared to the same period last year: drug offenses increased by 4 (to 32), fraud decreased by 6 (to 14), intimidation cases decreased by 1 (to 7), and simple assault increased by 5. The council accepted the report 5-0.

City Manager's Report

City Manager Jeff Drobney thanked all staff for their work during the Big Shanty Festival, which attracted thousands. He reflected on the transformation of Depot Park from a muddy field and paid tribute to the Kennesaw Business Association's 50-year partnership with the city. He specifically commended the Police Department, Public Works (who assisted vendors during a Sunday windstorm), and Parks and Recreation for cleanup and preparations.

Mayor's Report

Mayor Easterling yielded the floor to City Attorney Sam Hensley Jr., who recognized Councilmember Madelyn Orochena and her dance partner Shelby Chaney for winning the Georgia Ballet's gala dance competition on April 18, 2026. The event raised money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous (5-0) on land use permits, consent agenda, alcohol license, crime statistics acceptance, entering executive session, and ratifying executive session.
• Executive session was held from 6:49 p.m. to 6:54 p.m. to discuss land matters, as allowed by O.C.G.A. §50-14-3. The council later voted to ratify the session.
• The next work session is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.