The Marietta City Council met on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included the swearing-in of seven new police officers, a proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month, approval of the FY2026 millage rate (no increase), public hearings on two variance requests, and unscheduled public comments regarding the displacement of tenants from Campus Edge apartments.
City Attorney confirmed three public hearings were held (July 2 at 9 AM & 6 PM, July 9 at 9 AM). No public comments were received in person, but a few inquiries via email/phone were addressed. The millage rate remains unchanged—no increase for 24 consecutive years. Council approved the ordinance unanimously.
Applicant requested six variances for a 0.5-acre site zoned CRC. Public testimony included:
Variances sought to allow gravel as parking surface and a zero-foot side setback for a patio and fireplace at 486 Waterman Street. Public testimony:
The council voted to suspend the rules and waive the second reading of ordinance 20250435. Approved unanimously.
And uh call to order the city council meeting for Wednesday, July the 9th. And the first item of business, Mr. Shalfant, will you lead us in the invocation in the Pledge of Allegiance? Would everyone please stand our gracious Heavenly Father? We ask that you bless each one here tonight, and that you continue to bless this city, the state of Georgia, and the great nation we live in. We come to you humbly to ask to give this council and mayor your guidance and wisdom in the important decisions they will have to make. We also ask that you provide guidance and wisdom for the leadership of our country as we face many critical decisions in the upcoming years. And we especially ask that you bless our troops in harm's way, our policemen, our firemen, and our other first responders who offer us protection through their daily service. We pray this in your name. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Yes. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It's my pleasure tonight to introduce to you seven of our newest police officers at the City of Marietta Police Department. My name is David Beam. I'm the chief of police. What I'm going to do is have them come up one at a time and give you a little bit about themselves so they can introduce themselves personally to you. You will see them on the street soon. They have all graduated from the police academy. They have all been sworn in, and they are currently in field training, uh learning the skills of what it's going to take to do the job and take care of our community. So again, they will step up and introduce themselves now. Good day, ladies and gentlemen. I'm Officer Palm. I'll be new officer with Mary P. D. I'm a 31-year-old father of two, uh former Navy vet. And while I chose Marietta, I heard good thing about the city while I was in Augusta Evans, and when I came back down here to the Atlanta area, I'm like, no what I'm gonna pick Mary at the top of my list, and I got in, so here I am. Thank you for having me. Good evening. My name is Jacob Gayton. Um 24 years old. 27 years old. Father two. Uh I'm currently in the Air National Guard, and I'm honored to serve all of you. Morning. My name is Officer Allen. I'm also a father too. I'm from this area. Um the reason why I chose Marietta is just because I love the city and the community and the department has also been great, so that's why I'm here also. Thank you. Hello, my name is Officer Muniz, ACV public safety ambassador for Marietta. So this transition between PSA to the officer is very smooth for me. I also have a associate security in criminal justice. Good evening. I'm Officer Mercado. I'm prior to military six years. Uh and I'm just happy to be here and happy to protect y'all. Good evening. I'm Officer Alzini.