Marietta City Council Meeting – June 10, 2026

The Marietta City Council met on June 10, 2026, beginning at 12:00 PM (local time). The meeting included a special award presentation, a citizens police academy graduation, multiple public hearings on rezoning and code amendments, approval of the 2028 SPLOST, and extended public comment periods dominated by opposition to a proposed data center on Bells Ferry Road. The meeting lasted approximately 3 hours, with a 45-minute extended public comment session.

Consent Calendar

• Consent Agenda Approved 7-0 with modifications: the fire prevention code was removed from consent but remained on the agenda; the public hearing on the 2028 SPLOST IGA was removed but the item stayed on consent; and a correction to the BLW action of June 8, 2026, showing Ms. Richardson voting against that item.
• Suspension of Rules to add a claim denial (Mr. Kubiako) to the consent agenda and to remove an already-voted item (2026-054534) – both passed 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Om Karwalke (resident of Bridgestone Acres, Bells Ferry Road) spoke about a homelessness issue near his community. He expressed support for the church’s donation program but called the current situation “untenable,” citing traumatizing incidents (e.g., a family member being exposed to a sexual act). He urged the city to work with the church to relocate the donation program and to take immediate action. He provided photographic evidence to the city clerk.
• Brandon McCroy praised the professionalism of a 911 operator and Officer Samantha Lifford, who responded to an Alzheimer’s patient on May 16, 2026. He requested that a token of appreciation be passed to the officer.
• Unnamed speaker (later identified as a retired law enforcement officer) alleged wrongful arrest by Marietta Police, claiming a car was stolen by a towing company and that he was arrested despite having documentation. He expressed frustration with lack of response from Chief Bean and said he had filed a lawsuit.
• Multiple speakers during the extended public comment period (45 minutes, with speakers from a waiting list of 31) overwhelmingly opposed the proposed data center at Bells Ferry Road. Key points:
  • Perry Barrett (resident, Bells Ferry area) reported collecting ~40 names of opposed residents and cited two online petitions with 66 and 100+ signatures, and a poll showing 97% opposition (11,471 votes). He requested a moratorium on data center construction until an independent environmental impact study is conducted.
  • Rebecca Graham (Bells Ferry resident) raised concerns about water usage, citing a data center in Fayetteville, GA, that used 29 million gallons of water without payment. She noted Georgia is in a state-one drought and called for a ban on data centers.
  • State Representative Gabriel Sanchez (District 42) urged the council to reconsider the zoning decision, noting that two-thirds of public commenters at the June 2025 meeting opposed it. He argued data centers benefit “wealthy elite and corporate interests” and recommended a moratorium.
  • Olivia Cajuste (Bells Ferry resident and restaurant worker) raised water and air pollution issues, referencing Newton and Morgan County water problems and AOC’s presentation of discolored water to Congress. She warned of increased utility rates and noise from diesel generators.
  • Aaron Stoddard (Marietta resident) praised the city’s recent improvements (World Cup activities, parks, street maintenance) and defended his right to speak positively.
  • Sam Foster (former council candidate) noted the data center issue has “escaped our bubble” and urged the council to be more proactive in informing the public before votes. He pushed back on the idea that only non-residents oppose the project.
  • Hudson Coleman (Kennesaw State student) linked data centers to AI-driven surveillance, criticizing the city’s spending on Flock Safety ALPRs and raising privacy concerns. He referenced a lawsuit in Celine, Michigan, where a town was threatened with bankruptcy for opposing a data center.
  • Diana Martin (resident since 1983) spoke from a healthcare perspective, citing increased respiratory disease near data centers. She noted that data centers strain infrastructure and fire departments, leading to higher taxes.
  • Gavin Bedell (KSU student) cited noise pollution of up to 80 decibels 24/7, causing hearing damage and cognitive impairment in children. He argued that economic benefits would not reach residents.
  • Reggie Copeland (applicant for Civil Service Board) criticized the lack of diversity on city boards, noting that the council appointed only white males despite a diverse population. He commented on the appointment process for the Civil Service Board.

Discussion Items

• Special Presentation: Distinguished Service Award presented to James T. Martin, former Civil Service Board Chair (2011–2026), for faithful service. Martin thanked the council and city manager.
• Citizens Police Academy Graduation: Chief Bean and Officer Stasso presented certificates to 11 graduates of the 10-week program, which covered crime scene investigation, canine demos, traffic stops, use-of-force simulators, and a tour of Cobb 911 Center.
• Rezoning – 544 Burney Street (Z 2026-07): Henry Foa (co-owner) requested rezoning from CRC to R4 with a variance to reduce lot width from 75 ft to 64 ft. He explained that the property had reverted to commercial zoning after a lapse in occupancy following his brother-in-law’s death. He sought to reestablish non-conforming residential use. The council approved a motion to keep CRC zoning and reestablish the non-conforming residential use (7-0).
• Rezoning – 187 Mountain View Road (Z 2026-08): Reggie Lopes (Riverstone Custom Homes) requested rezoning from R1 to R2 to build two new homes on a property that currently has two homes and two other structures. The council approved the request (7-0).
• Rezoning – 353 Campbell Hill Road (Z 2026-09): David Floyd requested rezoning from NRC to R4 with four variances (density, lot size, front setback, rear setback). After discussion, the council amended the motion to limit the rear setback variance to 3 ft instead of 0 ft (amendment passed 6-1). The motion as amended passed 7-0.
• Code Amendment – Home Occupations (CA 2026-04): The council approved an amendment to explicitly prohibit alcoholic beverage manufacturers as home occupations (7-0).
• Tree Fund Payment (Item 2026-0552): Councilmember Richardson expressed concern over insufficient penalties for the removal of old trees in the right-of-way. She moved to table the item to JL (Joint Legislative Committee) for a full discussion on restitution. The motion to refer to the city manager’s discretion passed 7-0.
• Fire Prevention and Protection Code (Item 2026-0566): The council approved the code amendment (7-0) and immediately waived the second reading (7-0).
• Civil Service Board Appointment: After a substitute motion for Derrick Greenacre failed (4-3), the original motion to appoint Uriel Carson passed 4-3.
• 2028 SPLOST – Project List (Public Hearing): The council approved the SPLOST project list, expected to generate $13.038 million annually over six years, with total expenditures of $78.2 million. The vote was 7-0, but after a procedural concern, the council rescinded the first vote and held a second public hearing, then approved again 7-0.
• 2028 SPLOST – Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA): The council approved the IGA with Cobb County (7-0), authorizing the mayor to execute it.

Key Outcomes

• Rezonings Approved:
  • 544 Burney Street: CRC zoning retained, non-conforming residential use reestablished (7-0).
  • 187 Mountain View Road: R1 to R2 (7-0).
  • 353 Campbell Hill Road: NRC to R4 with four variances, rear setback limited to 3 ft (amendment 6-1, final 7-0).
• Code Amendment: Home occupation regulations amended to prohibit alcohol manufacturers (7-0).
• Fire Code: Amendment approved and second reading waived (both 7-0).
• Tree Fund Payment: Tabled to JL committee for further discussion (7-0).
• Civil Service Board: Uriel Carson appointed (4-3).
• 2028 SPLOST: Project list and IGA approved (both 7-0); second public hearing held after initial rescission.
• Public Comment Period: Extended to 45 minutes; 11 speakers heard (some from waiting list). No action taken on data center opposition; speakers requested a moratorium or reversal of the 2025 zoning decision.
• Distinguished Service Award: Presented to James T. Martin.
• Citizens Police Academy: 11 graduates certified.