The Marietta City Council met on April 15, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting began with an invocation by Councilman T. Anderson and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved a consent agenda (7-0), conducted several public hearings and votes on rezoning and annexation requests, approved a stop sign request, and approved the purchase and sale agreement for the development of a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) training facility on Franklin Gateway. The meeting also featured a special recognition of City Manager Bill Bruton as one of America's 250 public service champions.
Mr. Barr (public appearance): Expressed frustration with the city's priorities, citing use of the term "OM" (old Marietta/old money) and alleging lack of action on code enforcement issues (138 Powers Ferry Road, 1515 St. John Avenue). He used profanity and was asked to tone down his language. He stated that the city is divided and urged the council to focus on truth and fairness.
Russell Brid and Hannah Britt (constituents): Spoke in support of the NWSL project. Hannah Britt, a high school soccer captain, expressed excitement about the team training in Marietta and thanked the council for supporting women's sports. (No address given for Russell Brid; 91 Morrison Street for Hannah Britt)
Robbie Huck (191 Summit Avenue): Raised concerns about the financial details of the NWSL project, asking for the amount of taxpayer investment and the sale price to billionaire Arthur Blank to be put on public record. He stated he was unsure if he was for or against the rezoning.
Amy Lunar (730 Franklin Gateway): Speaking neutrally, acknowledged the NWSL project will happen but urged the council to better listen to residents and ensure benefits for them. She advocated for the wider sidewalk.
Hope Brackett (1303 Longwood Drive): Supported the Powder Springs Road rezoning, noting that homes in Dunleith sell quickly and that young families need more single-family housing options in Marietta.
Brenda Parker (694 Stewart Circle): Questioned the need for a stop sign at Stewart Circle, noting it would inconvenience her driveway and may not effectively slow traffic. She asked for details on the study behind the request.
Cody Foster (691 Stewart Circle): Expressed strong support for traffic calming measures on Stewart Circle, stating his daughter nearly got hit by a car while riding a bicycle. He noted that six kids live on the street and that speed tables would be preferable.
Ty Tumlin (address not stated, lives at Nollwood Drive/Stewart Circle): Opposed the stop sign, calling it a waste of time and noting it is only 90 feet from another stop sign. He suggested speed tables would be more effective.
Chad McRosky (701 Stewart Circle): Supported traffic calming, noting a speed table request was denied. He deferred to the council for the best solution.
Meeting and now I'd like to call to order the mayor of City Council meeting for Wednesday, April the 15th. That's a glorious day in our tax history. So it's over with. But I'd like to call this order and ask the councilman from Ward 4 T. Anderson to lead us in the invitation. Thank you, Mayor. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we come before you today with gratitude for the opportunity to serve and to lead. We thank you for this community, for its families, its businesses, and all those who call it home. We ask for your guidance over this council and all who gather here tonight. Grant wisdom and decision making, clarity, and discussion, and a spirit of cooperation in the work ahead. Help us to listen well, to lead with integrity, and act in the best interest of the people we represent. We also ask your blessing over our city, its safety, its growth, and its future. Watch over our first responders, our staff, and all those who serve behind the scenes. May everything done here tonight be guided by a desire for what is right and what is good for the city of Marietta. In your name we pray. Amen. Please join us for the Pledge of Allegiance. Liberty and Justice for all. And add an item, please. Absolutely. I'd like to suspend the rules and add an item to the agenda. Second. Motion carries 7 0. I'd like to uh add a presentation to the agenda. Um I'd like to add a presentation to the agenda. All those in favor, please go your right hand. Motion carries. Stephanie, can you run the presentation, please? I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Bill Britain for being recognized as one of America's 250 public service champion. I've watched this man, I've been mayor for 16 years. I watched how he has served our city with dedication, passion, fairness. He's also a great listener, but he is a man of action. He's the leader of our employees and made Maryetta one to I think we're proud to be part of this great country. I'm glad he was selected as one of the 250. It is a honor well earned, and one I'm ashamed to say that we take for granted because his excellent work is just part of his demeanor. And I just think it takes somebody outside of our city to recognize what a great leader and what a great American he is. Thank you. Congratulations, Bill. Bill, I want to thank you for doing such an incredible job at the City of Marietta. It was such a pleasure serving on the council for the 12 years. You amazed me with your knowledge and the way you've handled people and just everything that you do. You have made Marietta such a much better place to live in and be. And uh, we're just all thankful for you. Congratulations on being selected as America's 250 public service champion. Thank you, Bill. Councilwoman Betty Hunter was on point when she picked your resume out of the stack of applicants and saw something special in you. You have exceeded expectations and led the city in the right direction from the All American Cities Award. Picking the excellent people and setting a great tone and tenor for the organization. Thank you for a great job and congratulations as being honored as one of the 250 public administrative champions nationwide.