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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Kennesaw City Council Meeting: June 15, 2026

City Council — Monday, June 15, 2026

BodyKennesaw, Georgia

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, June 15, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:01:38

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Unassigned speaker

2:47

I think it's a good thing.

Speaker 1

3:09

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

3:11

Welcome to this, our regularly scheduled council meeting for Monday, June the fifteenth.

3:16

We're delighted that you're here.

3:18

Um, if you would please stand for the invocation and a pledge.

3:30

Miss Carleen, would you pray for us, please?

4:01

Brittany.

4:02

Caitlin, Amanda.

4:04

I mean, uh, would you come up, please?

4:08

Lead us in the pledge.

4:18

Of the United States of America, and for the first presentation.

Unassigned speaker

4:33

And I know it stands.

Unassigned speaker

Under God, individual with liberty and justice for all.

Speaker 2

4:35

I said a man.

4:36

I apologize.

Speaker 1

4:55

The proclamation and recognition of this week being municipal court clerks week, whereas municipal court clerks play a significant role in ensuring that municipal courts preserve public safety and promote quality of life in the city of Kennesaw and local municipalities across the state.

5:13

Whereas the procedures for the Kennesaw Municipal Court operations are set forth by the Uniform Code of Municipal Court and other laws of the state of Georgia.

5:23

More people come in contact with the municipal court clerks than any other city services combined, and public impression of the judicial system is largely dependent on how they experience municipal court.

5:38

Municipal court clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all.

5:59

Municipal court clerks act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

6:08

Now, therefore, be it resolved.

6:10

I, Derek Easterling, mayor of the city of Kennesaw, to recognize this week as municipal court clerks week, and further extend depreciation to our municipal court clerks, Brittany Sweeney, Caitlin Foster, and Amber Massey.

6:27

Thank you very

Unassigned speaker

6:28

much.

Speaker 1

6:38

Thank you.

Unassigned speaker

6:40

So

Speaker 1

6:41

this is Caitlin Foster, Amber Massey, and Brittany Sweeney.

6:46

Thank

Unassigned speaker

6:46

you.

Unassigned speaker

6:49

Thank you.

Speaker 1

7:13

This section is going to be for comment that's on any item that's on the agenda.

7:18

But before opening the floor, I want to.

7:24

We have our resolution 2025 67, and it's the to approve the mayor and city council meeting procedures document.

7:35

It's just a reminder of how to conduct yourself when you're addressing or making public comment.

7:42

The mayor and city council welcomes visitors to meetings and is willing to hear any person or persons desiring to appear before the mayor and city council, subject to these rules as follows.

7:55

All remarks must be related to the issue.

7:58

No person shall be allowed to make impertinent, derogatory, offensive, or slanderous remarks while addressing the council.

8:07

At the discretion of the mayor, a person may be barred from further speaking before the council in that meeting if his or her conduct is deemed out of order.

8:16

A person, once barred for improper conduct, shall not be permitted to continue or again address the counsel in that meeting unless a majority of the vote of the council allows.

8:29

In the event the speaker thus barred fails to obey the ruling, the mayor may take such action as deemed appropriate, including the remote move of such person.

8:39

The council may bar a person from addressing council meetings for up to 60 days for improper conduct.

8:46

A person barred by the council for this period may request a hearing by written request request to the mayor stating the reason for a reversal of the decision.

8:55

The hearing shall be placed on the agenda and heard by the council.

8:59

A four-fifths vote of the entire council should shall be required to overturn the previous decision to bar the person.

Unassigned speaker

9:13

It's

Speaker 1

9:14

hard to read.

9:16

This is a uh public servant respect.

9:20

Uh remarks by me.

9:23

Councilmember Fathers, Councilmember Guterres Leon, Councilmember Antonio Jones, and Councilmember Tracy Vyers.

9:36

In recent months, we have witnessed behavior that can no longer be ignored or minimized.

9:41

A pattern of harm has been directed toward the very people who show up every day to keep things running.

9:48

The individuals who work hard carry the load and make it possible for so many others to succeed.

9:54

It is important to state this clearly and without hesitation.

9:58

This harm has been caused by a small group, and it has continued despite repeated opportunities for change.

10:05

Instead of acknowledging the impact of their actions, these citizens continually choose to harass pressure and badger the hardworking members of our staff.

10:14

Their conduct has undermined morale, disrupted the positive working environment, and disrespected the people who deserve appreciation, not hostility.

10:25

Today we are confronting that truth openly.

10:28

We will not allow the continued mistreatment of those who dedicate themselves to making things happen every day.

10:35

We will not allow their efforts to be diminished or their integrity questioned by citizens who refuse to take responsibility for the damage they are causing.

10:45

The statement is not about retaliation.

Summary of Proceedings

Kennesaw City Council Meeting: June 15, 2026

The City Council of Kennesaw, GA, met on June 15, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 7:28 PM in the Council Chambers. The 58-minute meeting featured several public hearings, including a rezoning for a multifamily development and the adoption of a capital plan, alongside a charged general public comment period where residents and the mayor clashed over transparency, park improvements, and the treatment of city staff.

Announcements & Proclamation

Mayor's Statement on Staff Treatment: Before opening the floor for public comment, Mayor Derek Easterling read Resolution 2025-67, outlining public meeting rules, and delivered a prepared statement condemning a "small group" of citizens for what he described as a repeated pattern of harassment, pressure, and badgering of city employees. Supported by Councilmembers Antonio Jones, Jonathon Bothers, Anthony Gutierrez-Leon, and Tracey Viars, the Mayor stated the conduct had "undermined morale" and insisted the council would not allow "misinformation or personal agendas" to threaten the truth.
Proclamation: Mayor Easterling presented a proclamation recognizing June 8–12, 2026, as Municipal Court Clerks Week in Georgia. Honored were Clerk of Court Brittany Swiney and Deputy Court Clerks Caitlin Foster and Amber Massey.

Public Hearings

10A. Capital Improvement Element (CIE) / Short Term Work Program (STWP) 2026–2030: Planning Director Chanelle Campbell presented the annual update. The document received approval from the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Adoption is required to maintain Qualified Local Government (QLG) status and the city’s ability to collect development impact fees. The resolution was approved unanimously (5–0).
10B. Land Use Permit: 2687 Summerbrooke Drive: A home occupation permit for Radoslav Zamborsky to operate an engraving and personalized gifts business from his garage was approved. Conditions included no customers on-site, no visible business evidence from the right-of-way, and a 24-month validity. The Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval. The motion passed unanimously (5–0).
10C. Rezoning: 1600 & 0 Old 41 Highway (Walton Communities): A request to rezone 11.44 acres from General Commercial/RM-12 Multifamily to Planned Village Community (PVC) was approved 4–1. Kevin Moore, representing Walton Communities, argued the site’s severe floodplain and topographic constraints made development difficult, but that the company’s 30-year track record justified confidence in the project. He highlighted a proposed community benefit: closing a critical sidewalk gap on Old 41 to connect an age-restricted community to the trail system. Access will be provided through the adjacent Walton Riden Hour phase one, not Old 41. Councilmember Anthony Gutierrez-Leon voted in opposition.
10D. Zoning Variance: 1600 & 0 Old 41 Highway: A concurrent variance to reduce the minimum parking requirement from 1.75 spaces per unit to 1.5 spaces per unit was approved unanimously (5–0). Planning Director Campbell noted the required parking was calculated at 337 spaces. Kevin Moore argued the 1.5 ratio is more realistic for modern multifamily projects and noted the adjacent phase one property had abundant unused parking despite 98% occupancy. Mayor Easterling praised the proposed sidewalk connectivity.

Consent Calendar

Approved minutes from the May 26, 2026 Work Session, May 26 Executive Session, and June 1, 2026 Regular Meeting unanimously (5–0).

Public Safety

Crime Statistics (May 2026): Police Chief Bill Westenberger presented the monthly report. Notable year-over-year changes included increases in drug/narcotics offenses (+24), aggravated assault (+3), total arrests (96, +14), and auto accidents (125, +23). Intimidation (−3) and larceny (−4) declined. Dispatch calls for service totaled 772. The report was accepted unanimously (5–0).
Surplus Property: Three outmoded trailers (Kustom Signals Radar Trailer, Decatur Electronics Radar Trailer, and an 8' x 5' Utility Trailer) were declared surplus and authorized for auction via GovDeals, passed unanimously (5–0).

Public Comments & Testimony (General)

Seven residents addressed the council during the general public comment period:

Samuel Rusch: Expressed a desire to "de-escalate" tensions with the city. He felt ignored and claimed he is a victim of retaliation via code enforcement for his community advocacy. He referenced retreat notes where Mayor Easterling called him a "rude, squeaky wheel" and questioned the city's use of attorney-client privilege regarding communications from City Manager Drobney.
Matthew Mayo: Criticized the Mayor's decision to table discussion on Woodland Acres Park until November, bypassing peak summer usage. He described an exchange with City Manager Drobney as "unnecessarily hostile" after he was accused of receiving "erroneous information" about sidewalk work. He requested an immediate town hall meeting.
Tony Gravett: A 30-year resident living adjacent to Woodland Acres Park strongly opposed reopening it. He described it as a "nightmare" involving drugs, out-of-county visitors, and parking issues that prevented his children from using it safely.
Jory Lyons: Thanked council members who visited his neighborhood. He criticized the mayor for labeling him and Mr. Rusch while prioritizing the budget over community needs. He stated the city's "lack of transparency" necessitated public records requests and committed to continued advocacy.
Courtney Delgado: A resident behind Woodland Park, she disputed accounts of crime, described the park as quiet and well-maintained, and asked the council to open communication and hold a town hall.
Andrew Bramlett: Presented historical research on a popular 1930s checkers club in Kennesaw involving two former mayors and rivalries with Acworth.
Morgan Siefert: Criticized the design of Depot Park, stating it lacked shade, water fountains, and benches, making it feel like a "concerts-only" space rather than a welcoming general-use park. He called downtown Kennesaw a "black sheep" compared to its neighbors.

City Manager & Mayor Reports

City Manager Jeff Drobney: Announced preparations for the "Salute to America Celebration" on Friday, July 3, featuring a concert at 5 PM, food trucks, and activities. He noted road closures would be publicized.
Mayor Pro Tem Antonio Jones: Discussed a recent community walkthrough in the Woodland Acres neighborhood with Councilmembers Madelyn Orochena and Jonathon Bothers. He reported largely positive resident feedback regarding city services and noted that residents knew public works and parks staff by name. The council plans another visit to the neighborhood.
Councilmember Madelyn Orochena: Echoed the positive feedback from the neighborhood walkabout and noted residents expressed what future projects they would like to see.

Adjournment

Mayor Easterling adjourned the meeting at 7:28 PM. The next work session is scheduled for Monday, June 29, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers.

Meeting Transcript

I think it's a good thing. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this, our regularly scheduled council meeting for Monday, June the fifteenth. We're delighted that you're here. Um, if you would please stand for the invocation and a pledge. Miss Carleen, would you pray for us, please? Brittany. Caitlin, Amanda. I mean, uh, would you come up, please? Lead us in the pledge. Of the United States of America, and for the first presentation. And I know it stands. Under God, individual with liberty and justice for all. I said a man. I apologize. The proclamation and recognition of this week being municipal court clerks week, whereas municipal court clerks play a significant role in ensuring that municipal courts preserve public safety and promote quality of life in the city of Kennesaw and local municipalities across the state. Whereas the procedures for the Kennesaw Municipal Court operations are set forth by the Uniform Code of Municipal Court and other laws of the state of Georgia. More people come in contact with the municipal court clerks than any other city services combined, and public impression of the judicial system is largely dependent on how they experience municipal court. Municipal court clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all. Municipal court clerks act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Now, therefore, be it resolved. I, Derek Easterling, mayor of the city of Kennesaw, to recognize this week as municipal court clerks week, and further extend depreciation to our municipal court clerks, Brittany Sweeney, Caitlin Foster, and Amber Massey. Thank you very much. Thank you. So this is Caitlin Foster, Amber Massey, and Brittany Sweeney. Thank you. Thank you. This section is going to be for comment that's on any item that's on the agenda. But before opening the floor, I want to. We have our resolution 2025 67, and it's the to approve the mayor and city council meeting procedures document. It's just a reminder of how to conduct yourself when you're addressing or making public comment. The mayor and city council welcomes visitors to meetings and is willing to hear any person or persons desiring to appear before the mayor and city council, subject to these rules as follows. All remarks must be related to the issue. No person shall be allowed to make impertinent, derogatory, offensive, or slanderous remarks while addressing the council. At the discretion of the mayor, a person may be barred from further speaking before the council in that meeting if his or her conduct is deemed out of order. A person, once barred for improper conduct, shall not be permitted to continue or again address the counsel in that meeting unless a majority of the vote of the council allows. In the event the speaker thus barred fails to obey the ruling, the mayor may take such action as deemed appropriate, including the remote move of such person. The council may bar a person from addressing council meetings for up to 60 days for improper conduct. A person barred by the council for this period may request a hearing by written request request to the mayor stating the reason for a reversal of the decision. The hearing shall be placed on the agenda and heard by the council. A four-fifths vote of the entire council should shall be required to overturn the previous decision to bar the person. It's hard to read. This is a uh public servant respect. Uh remarks by me. Councilmember Fathers, Councilmember Guterres Leon, Councilmember Antonio Jones, and Councilmember Tracy Vyers. In recent months, we have witnessed behavior that can no longer be ignored or minimized.

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