City of Marietta Committee Meetings and Special Called Council Meeting - September 30, 2025

On September 30, 2025, the Marietta City Council convened a Special Called Council Meeting and five committee meetings (Finance/Investments, Personnel/Insurance, Parks/Recreation/Tourism, Judicial/Legislative, Public Works) to address a range of operational, financial, and policy items. Key actions included approving a revised School Resource Officer (SRO) Memorandum of Understanding with Marietta City Schools, reappointing two board members, renaming West Dixie Park, advancing a new public gathering/expression ordinance, and authorizing a memorandum of understanding with the Georgia Department of Transportation for control of Whitlock Avenue. Multiple votes were taken, with detailed discussion on fee structures, SPLOST project reallocations, and downtown solid waste management.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from August 26, 2025 for all committees.
• Reappointment of David Hunter to the Board of Zoning Appeals (Ward 4) for a three-year term expiring September 10, 2028. (Unanimous)
• Reappointment of Martin C. Kendall to the Historic Preservation Commission (Ward 7) for a three-year term expiring September 10, 2028. (Unanimous)
• Approval of a variance request by Comcast Communications for fiber overlashing on Kennesaw Avenue (Wards 4A/5B). (No objection on consent)
• Approval of street closures for "Marietta The Gathering" on March 7, 2026 (12:01 am to 11:59 pm) on North Park Square, East Park Square, and South Park Square. Placed on consent agenda.

Discussion Items

• Revised MOU for SRO Program: A representative presented the finalized, signed agreement between the city and Marietta City Schools for the School Resource Officer program. The school board will pay 70% of costs based on in-session time. The council approved the MOU unanimously.
• Hotel Motel Tax and Auto Rental Tax (August 2025): The finance director reported hotel/motel tax collections of $390,690 for August — the lowest in five years — and auto rental tax collections of $103,000. Both were down but sufficient to cover distributions and reserve contributions. A council member noted that the slowdown appeared to be a regional trend based on discussions with the tourism industry. Finance update included release of the FY26 budget book, ongoing audit (ahead of schedule), and year-to-date revenues up 7% (excluding rollovers). General fund expenditures at 17% through August; personnel services at 86% of operating budget.
• Fee Structure for Road Races/Walks: Staff proposed separating parade fees from road race/walk fees to clarify costs. Current structure: $1,500 application fee for both, plus $3,500 for a 5K or $4,500 for a 10K if applicants choose city-provided police officers (they can also pay officers directly). Proposed structure: parade fee remains $1,500; 5K fee $2,000; 10K fee $2,500. The increase reflects greater traffic and right-of-way impacts. Discussion confirmed that Marietta PD determines the number of officers and their pay. A motion to move the proposal to the agenda work session passed.
• 2009 Parks Bond Report: Interest earned of $880 in the previous month; final Wildwood Park invoice received. West Dixie Park construction is progressing — concrete pouring for sidewalks and walking trails underway, water quality structure delivery awaited in three weeks, playgrounds on order, restroom building in progress. Renderings posted at the park.
• Renaming West Dixie Park to Larry Ceminsky Park: Councilmember Richardson motioned to rename the park honoring Larry Ceminsky’s contributions to the West Dixie neighborhood and city parks (Keep Marietta Beautiful, Kiwanis, flag projects, etc.). The motion passed 3-0. Estimated cost under $3,000, to be absorbed within the existing parks bond funds.
• Final Plat – Greenhouse Phase 1: Beazer Homes LLC requested approval for 81 single-family detached lots on 29.39 acres (overall project: 591 units on ~180 acres). The plat initially showed a fence encroaching into city right-of-way; the applicant agreed to relocate the fence onto their property. The plat was approved with a note requiring the fence relocation. (Unanimous, placed on consent)
• Public Gathering/Expression Ordinance: City attorney Mr. White presented a draft ordinance based on a model from Franklin, Tennessee, designed to regulate protests, public gatherings, and amplified expression citywide in a content-neutral manner. Key provisions: permits required for gatherings meeting certain criteria (e.g., five or more people, amplification, recurring events); no after-dark events allowed anywhere in the city; and specific time restrictions for downtown Marietta Historic District (no permits for events after dark on Fridays and Saturdays). Exceptions for spontaneous protests (expedited process) and non-amplified individual expression. Violations would be classified as a misdemeanor. Discussion included enforcement discretion (citation vs. dispersal), the need for posting requirements, and ensuring compliance with Georgia law. The council voted to move the draft to the agenda work session for a first public hearing in October.
• Z2025-14 Roswell St 462 & 480 – Stipulations: Summit HV AC, LLC submitted designs for fencing and building elevations as required by rezoning approval. Three fence types (Exhibit 1: open/see-through front fence; Exhibit 2: denser fence for parking area; Exhibit 3: solid rear fence for residential screening) were presented, along with lighting and roll-up door details. A council member clarified that approval of aesthetics does not grant an easement or approve fence location on city property. The design submittal was approved for the October council meeting with the noted limitation.
• 2016 SPLOST TIP Summary: Staff reported awaiting a start date from the contractor and final GDOT approval.
• 2022 SPLOST TIP Summary: Projects underway: White Avenue sidewalk, Waverly/Atlanta intersection (started September 29), and East Dixie Trail (scheduled start October 6). A council member inquired about the Burnt Hickory/Pope roundabout timeline (construction expected summer 2027).
• 2022 SPLOST Budget Reallocation: Approximately $8 million moved from $28 million in unencumbered cash reserves to fund active projects. Approved.
• Public Works Departmental Performance Reports: August and September reports reviewed. September report noted higher building activity for August. No issues identified.
• West Dixie Avenue and Raymond Street Stop Sign Request: Installation of a three-way stop sign with pedestrian crosswalks was evaluated and recommended. Estimated cost $2,500. Located in Ward 1A. Moved forward with required public hearing.
• Whitlock Avenue Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): The city has been working with GDOT to assume control of Whitlock Avenue from North Marietta Parkway to John Ward Road (3.17 miles). The MOU allows the city full maintenance and control while the road remains a state route. Benefits include local authority over traffic signals, pedestrian improvements, and access management. Councilmember Goldstein disclosed a family property interest at 47 Whitlock Avenue. A motion to approve the MOU passed 2-1, with the dissenting vote citing concerns about assuming liability and maintenance costs. The item was placed on the consent agenda for the upcoming council meeting.
• Downtown Solid Waste Management District Service: A proposal for angled parking and a dumpster enclosure on Root Street, with traffic flow changes (Dobbs Street one-way, possible closure of Dobbs Street at Church Street). The city would exchange right-of-way with First Baptist Church, resulting in a net cost of $500 to the city and gaining approximately 18 new parking spaces. The church would join the downtown solid waste district, eliminating its dumpster. Discussion highlighted concerns about closing part of Dobbs Street and losing parking spots. Staff agreed to bring the Dobbs Street closure as a separate item at the October committee meeting. The overall concept was moved forward to the council work session for further discussion.
• Proposed 2028 SPLOST: Staff presented a draft project list. Tier 1 totals $69 million against an expected $58 million budget. Tier 2 lists $156 million in additional projects without a set budget limit. Discussion included potential county funding increases and the possibility of borrowing to lock in current costs. Final council approval is required by February 2026. Staff will continue refining the list in monthly committee meetings.

Key Outcomes

• Special Called Council Meeting: Approved the revised MOU for the SRO program with Marietta City Schools.
• Finance Committee: Advanced fee structure revisions for road races/walks to the agenda work session; received and filed hotel motel tax, auto rental tax, and finance update reports.
• Personnel Committee: Approved reappointments of David Hunter and Martin C. Kendall to their respective boards (unanimous).
• Parks, Recreation and Tourism Committee: Approved renaming West Dixie Park to Larry Ceminsky Park (3-0); approved street closures for Marietta The Gathering (placed on consent).
• Judicial Legislative Committee: Approved final plat for Greenhouse Phase 1 with fence relocation condition; advanced Public Gathering/Expression Ordinance to work session; approved Roswell Street design submittal without granting easement on city property.
• Public Works Committee: Approved Whitlock Avenue MOU (2-1); approved stop sign request for West Dixie/Raymond (with public hearing); advanced downtown solid waste proposal to council work session; introduced 2028 SPLOST list for ongoing discussion.
• Executive Session: Held to discuss pending legal and property acquisition matters.