Marietta City Council Committee Meetings Summary – April 28, 2026

This meeting of the Marietta City Council included multiple committee meetings: Finance, Personnel, Parks & Recreation, Judicial & Legislative, Economic & Community Development, Public Works, and Public Safety. Major actions included approval of budget amendments, estimated millage rates, several land use items, updates to the fire code, a new short-term rental discussion, and approval of the 2028 SPLOST project list.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from March 19, 2026, for all committees (Finance, Personnel, Parks & Rec, Judicial/Legislative, Economic Development, Public Works, Public Safety).
• Parking reparation facilities budget amendment (receive and file, motion carried 3-0).
• Parks recreation facilities budget amendment ($2,750 special event sponsorship, $2,401.33 summer camp funding, $10,877.47 Elizabeth Porter Park reimbursement; motion carried 3-0).
• Approval of estimated general fund millage rate of 2.788 mills (fiscal year 2027) for pre-certification (motion carried 7-0).
• Approval of estimated Marietta City Schools O&M millage rate of 17.97 mills (motion carried 7-0).
• Reappointment of Bobby Van Buren to the Board of Zoning Appeals (Ward 6, three-year term).
• Appointment of Fran Sutton to the Marietta Development Authority (four-year term).
• 2009 Parks Bond Report (informational).
• Recreation facilities quarterly report (informational, Custer Park revenue up 11%).
• Land and Water Conservation Fund affidavit for Larry Sabinsky Park closeout.
• Installation of FIFA World Cup light post banners (June 8–July 16, 2026).
• Approval of detailed plans for Cold Farm Powder Springs Road (43 homes) and Hope Creek (76 homes) moved to agenda work session.
• Approval of bond schedule modifications (base fine increased from $110 to $125, eliminating driver history review; staff to report back after six months).
• Approval of fire prevention code update (Section 26-010 to align with 2024 state code).
• Introduction of solid waste ordinance update (requiring roll carts be stored on owner's property; waived second reading).
• Approval of South Avenue and Allgood Road speed studies.
• Execution of mutual aid and assistance agreement between Cobb County and City of Marietta for police services.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were heard during any of the committee meetings. During the 2028 SPLOST public input period, only 12 residents attended three meetings and three written comments were received (two favoring silent railroad crossings, one favoring a traffic signal at Whitlock/Dallas Circle).

Discussion Items

• Finance (General Fund Millage & Homestead Exemption): Council discussed the pre-certification estimated millage rate (2.788 mills) and the city's long-standing homestead exemption freeze since 2002. Councilman Sims noted that the city's freeze is more favorable than the new state law, which may require annual opt-out. Staff will provide further clarification.
• Personnel – Marietta Development Authority Appointment: The authority has one open seat. Councilman Gaddis recommended Fran Sutton, but the committee recessed for executive session to discuss personnel. After executive session, the appointment was approved.
• Parks & Rec – Life University Trail MOU: A memorandum of understanding to renew a trail connecting Wildwood Park to A.L. Burrus Nature Park was discussed. The proposal includes installing a gate at the Burrus parking lot. Councilman Sims raised liability concerns regarding damage by Life University. Staff will work with the city attorney to add language ensuring the city can pursue claims for negligent damage. The MOU was approved as verbally amended.
• Judicial & Legislative – Short-Term Rental Regulations: Staff presented research on how 20 other communities regulate short-term rentals. Councilman Richardson expressed concern about unregulated rentals causing neighborhood disruptions. Consensus leaned toward requiring a business license and local agent. Staff will bring back a draft ordinance for the next committee meeting.
• Judicial & Legislative – Fire Code Amendment (Alarm Systems): The fire marshal proposed a new section (26-040) regulating fire alarm systems. Councilman Sands raised concerns about potential preemption by state law. The committee voted to table this section for legal review while approving the rest of the code update.
• Judicial & Legislative – Residential Tree Permitting: Councilman Gaddis presented research and concluded that no policy change is warranted at this time. He noted that current regulations are strong and that homeowners insurance companies, not owners, are often the driver of tree removal. No action taken.
• Judicial & Legislative – North Marietta Parkway Sign Height: Councilman Gaddis proposed reducing maximum sign height from 15 to 8 feet and sign face from 90 to 60 square feet along North Marietta Parkway. The item was tabled for one month to gather more information on existing signs and impacts.
• Economic Development – HOPWA Funds: The city has been selected as a new entitlement community for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds, covering a five-county area (Cobb, Cherokee, Bartow, Paulding, Haralson). Staff will subgrant the funds through a competitive RFP. The annual action plan is in a 30-day public comment period; moved to agenda work session without recommendation.
• Public Works – 2028 SPLOST Project List: Staff reported on three public input meetings. The list includes projects approved earlier. Two additional public hearings will be held in May and June. The list was moved forward for adoption.

Key Outcomes

• Budget & Finance: Both the city and school board estimated millage rates were pre-certified (7-0). Budget amendments for parks and parking were approved (3-0).
• Personnel Appointments: Fran Sutton appointed to MDA (4-year term) and Bobby Van Buren reappointed to BZA (3-year term).
• Parks & Rec: Life University Trail MOU approved as amended. FIFA World Cup banners approved. Land & Water Conservation Fund affidavit approved.
• Land Use: Two detailed plans (Cold Farm and Hope Creek) moved to agenda work session.
• Code Amendments: Bond schedule modification approved, fire code (Section 26-010) approved. Fire alarm section tabled for legal review. Solid waste ordinance update approved with second reading waived.
• Speed Studies: Both South Avenue and Allgood Road speed studies approved.
• Mutual Aid: Police mutual aid agreement with Cobb County approved.
• Next Steps: Staff to bring back short-term rental ordinance draft (May committee), report on bond schedule results (November/December), provide legal review on fire alarm preemption (next committee), and bring additional sign data for North Marietta Parkway (next committee).