Marietta City Council Meeting – August 13, 2025: Data Center Concerns, Rezoning, and Ethics Code Debate
Marietta City Council Meeting – August 13, 2025
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Marietta City Council convened for a regular meeting at 6:00 PM. The meeting featured a recognition of the Marietta High School football team, public comments on the Marietta Data Center and Board of Lights and Water (BLW) governance, a rezoning request, a final plat approval, a contentious first reading on ethics complaint filing near elections, and a traffic calming measure for Austin Avenue.
Consent Calendar
- Recognition of Marietta High School 2025 Blue Devils football team – Added by motion to suspend the rules (approved unanimously). The team was introduced by Mayor Tumlin and Coach Cameron Duke, who highlighted the 29 seniors and the upcoming season schedule.
- Consent Agenda Items – The council voted 7-0 to approve all consent agenda items collectively. Councilmember Kent noted his abstention on an item related to the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Mr. Savison (public speaker) – Expressed support for data centers overall (“pro data center”) but raised multiple concerns about the Marietta Data Center project: lack of public education/outreach (citing a Nextdoor post with 6,000 views in 48 hours), potential impacts on residential electricity rates, water use/cooling method (air-cooled vs. water-cooled), and the developer Grind Cap’s lack of completed data center projects. Also urged term limits for the Board of Lights and Water (BLW), calling current long-serving members “ridiculous.”
Discussion Items
- Rezoning – 105 Ayers Avenue (Z-2025-16) – Public hearing for rezoning from R-4 to R-4 with increased density from 8 to 8.3 units per acre within the In-Fill Residential Overlay. Applicant Gray McQuerter (Quarter Realty Partners) presented plans for three homes. One resident questioned small house sizes and five-foot side setbacks. The council approved the rezoning 7-0 with stipulations for two-car garages and donation of right-of-way in lieu of sidewalk.
- Final Plat – 213 Fraser Street – Subdivision of property. Councilmember Morris questioned driveway easements to reduce curb cuts on a small street. The final plat was approved 7-0.
- Ethics Code – First Reading on Complaint Filing Near Elections – Debate over a proposed ordinance section that would prohibit filing ethics complaints against candidates within 60 days of an election. Mayor Tumlin argued it “denies due process” and that complaints should be decided by the ethics committee (trier of fact). City Attorney De Heinz explained the GMA model ordinance rationale: “let the electorate vote” without ethics issues intervening. The effective date was proposed as January 1, 2026. Motion to approve passed 7-1 (Councilmember Kent opposed). The mayor’s veto was overridden 6-1. The item will return for second reading.
- Traffic Calming – Austin Avenue – Public hearing to install two speed tables on Austin Avenue (Lawrence Street to Skyview Drive). Public Works reported 39 of 56 affected parcels (70%) in favor via ballot. Resident Kayla Buxton (246 Austin Avenue) confirmed additional signatures in support. The council authorized installation at an estimated cost of $3,000, voting 7-0.
Key Outcomes
- Rezoning Approved – 7-0 for 105 Ayers Avenue to R-4 with 8.3 units/acre, with stipulations.
- Final Plat Approved – 7-0 for 213 Fraser Street.
- Ethics Code First Reading Passed – 7-1, mayor’s veto overridden 6-1; second reading scheduled.
- Traffic Calming Authorized – 7-0 for two speed tables on Austin Avenue.
- BLW Appointment – No action taken; process to continue in two weeks.
- Next Steps – Ethics ordinance second reading at JL committee and full council; Austin Avenue speed table installation.
Meeting Transcript
I don't know if somebody else here, huh? I'd like to call the city council meeting to order, please. For we see August the 13th. Before we have a for there's been one slight agenda adjustment, not the consent. We added the recognition of the Mayor High School 2025 Blue Devils. Motion suspend the rules and add an item to the agenda. Second. Motion seconded. So to add the item. The item being the recognition of the Merida High School football team. Correct. 2025. 25. All in favor, please raise right in. Thank you. Invocation, Mr. Johnny Walker. Yes, thank you. Please bow your head as I pray. Dear Lord, we come before you today with grateful heart, seeking your guidance and wisdom as we gather for this city council meeting. We thank you for the opportunity to serve our community and for the trust that has been placed in us. Thank you for all that have gathered here tonight. Please help us make fair and good decisions. Grant us clarity of mind to make decisions that are beneficial for all. Help us listen with open hearts and speak with kindness and respect. May our actions reflect your love and compassion, and may we always strive to promote peace and unity within our city. Please be with the men and women who serve and protect us each day. Bless our leaders with the wisdom to lead with integrity and the courage to stand for what is right. Dear Lord, we ask that you be with every athlete, student, coaches, and faculty of Marietta High School as they start the new school year. Keep them safe and help them prosper throughout the year. Lord, one more prayer. Please be also with Marietta Police Officer Mike Freer, who lost a special family member today named Duke. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Coach Duke, uh, would you lead us into the pledge, please? Sure, everybody. I'd like to leave this. One nation under God, individual. Thank you. Which one do you fellas? The one in the white shirt? Well, Coach, if you join me down here. I apologize. Good to see you. Good to see you. Well, it's my pleasure to introduce Coach Cameron Duke, who has come to us from Florida, where he had a 99 and 31 record, and I understand you got your hundredth victory the other night. Over an Albert, congratulations. They they got it, but you get the numbers or go to this. But that's a great job. I I'm especially entitled because I'm risking my reputation betting a chicken dinner on you, fellas.
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