Marietta City Council Meeting – May 13, 2026

The Marietta City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by presentations, proclamations, public hearings, and votes on several agenda items. Notable actions included approval of revised development plans, a variance for infill housing, and authorization to place the 2028 SPLOST referendum on the November ballot.

Consent Calendar

• Distinguished Service Awards: Approved (7-0) presentations to Robert Kennedy (Ward 6 Planning Commissioner since 2003) and Juanita Kilgore Carmichael (Marietta Board of Zoning Appeals member since 2020) for their years of service.
• Consent Agenda Items: Approved (7-0) as printed, with the addition of item 2026-0530 (Distinguished Service Award) and including the two awards.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donald Martha (Ward 7 resident): Expressed frustration over inconsistent code enforcement, a lack of a park in Ward 7, shootings on Franklin Gateway, and alleged preferential treatment for developers. Urged the Mayor to unify the city and address Ward 7 issues.
• Talandra (Ward 7 resident): Raised concerns about homeowners' association (HOA) abuses, including unauthorized fees, lack of transparency, and unfair enforcement. Requested city guidance on HOA matters and mentioned Senate Bill 406 (Georgia Property Owners Bill of Rights Act).
• Raymond Goslow (Ward 6 resident): Objected to the inclusion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in the city’s Fourth of July parade, arguing that it contradicts the parade theme “Let Freedom Ring” and sends a negative message to the community. Asked the council to reject such entries in the future.
• Robbie Huck (191 Summit Avenue): Opposed the proposed 2028 SPLOST, citing economic uncertainty and noting that the current SPLOST collections exceeded projections and continued after funding projects. Urged the council not to ask voters for more sales tax.

Discussion Items

• Revised Detailed Plan – Marietta Reserve (1401 Powder Spring Street): Applicant Four Star (represented by Kevin Moore) requested approval to reduce the side setback between townhomes from 10 feet to 6 feet (3-foot side setback) to allow larger 4- and 5-bedroom homes. The change did not affect lot sizes or open space. Council members questioned fire safety; staff confirmed that sprinkler requirements and hose access were adequate. Approved 4-3 (Councilman voted no citing concerns about reduced spacing).
• Final Plat – Marietta Reserve: After the revised plan was approved, the final plat (lot lines and infrastructure) was also considered. Approved 5-2.
• Hope Creek Development (Ward 7): Motion to approve as presented, amended to require a third trail connection (to be identified prior to land disturbance permit). Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Public Works / Solid Waste Ordinance: Approved unanimously (7-0), and second reading waived (7-0).
• Proposed 2028 SPLOST: Mr. Mark Rice presented the proposed project list, totaling $78.2 million over six years (estimated $13.038 million annually). Projects include $33 million for sidewalks/trails/traffic signals, $3.5 million for ward allotments, $9.2 million for parks, $25.6 million for public safety, $1.2 million for public works, and $5.4 million for transportation. A second public hearing is scheduled for June 10, 2026. Motion to authorize staff to finalize the list for the November referendum approved 7-0 (Councilmember abstained on Atlanta Street and Lancer projects).
• Variances – 104 Burnap Street and 105 Jordan Street: Applicant Trayton Homes (represented by Kevin Moore) requested variances to front, side, and rear setbacks on two substandard lots zoned R2, to match the adjacent infill development approved earlier in 2026. Approved 7-0 with conditions: adherence to infill overlay standards, and the side setback reduction on Lot 22 limited to a specific corner to maintain adequate separation from future adjacent homes.

Key Outcomes

• Votes on Development Approvals:
  • Revised Detailed Plan (Marietta Reserve) – Approved 4-3.
  • Final Plat (Marietta Reserve) – Approved 5-2.
  • Hope Creek (third trail connection added) – Approved 7-0.
  • Variances (Burnap/Jordan) – Approved 7-0.
• Ordinances: Fire prevention code revisions, solid waste ordinance, and second-reading waivers all passed 7-0.
• SPLOST Referendum: Council directed staff to proceed with the 2028 SPLOST project list for inclusion on the November 2026 ballot (7-0).
• Unfinished Business: A representative from Al Tariq Temple (Leon Washington) introduced a proposed gun amnesty program and requested council support; no immediate action taken.
• Claims: Denied a claim for Shelby O’Neill Waller (7-0).
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for June 10, 2026, which will include the second public hearing on the 2028 SPLOST.