Marietta City Council Committee Meetings and Special Called Work Session - October 27, 2026

The Marietta City Council convened on October 27, 2026, for the Judicial Legislative Committee, Public Works Committee, Public Safety Committee, and a Special Called Council Meeting Work Session. Discussions covered sign code amendments, data center regulations, a passport acceptance facility, public works projects, traffic safety studies, and funding for a co-responder program. The meetings included informational updates, tabling of items for further study, and votes on multiple actions.

Judicial Legislative Committee

Sign Ordinance Amendment (Discussion)

Councilmembers discussed proposed changes to sign regulations, including reducing allowable sign sizes, regulating blade and feather flags, clarifying veneer materials, and expanding the overlay zone. Concerns were raised about enforceability, grandfathering existing signs, and the impact on small businesses. Councilmembers Waters, Gaddis, and Kent expressed caution about the overlay zone boundaries and the restrictiveness of banning temporary flag signs. Staff clarified that they would bring back additional data on the number of affected signs and other details. The item was tabled to the next committee meeting.

Data Center Ordinance Update (Information)

Staff reported that Georgia Tech had decided not to submit a proposal for developing a model data center ordinance. Council discussed alternative resources, including the University of Georgia, Emory, and other jurisdictions. Mayor and Council directed staff to continue monitoring federal and state developments, seek out example ordinances (such as Irondale, Alabama), and bring back information as it becomes available. No formal action was taken.

Passport Office Feasibility Study (Discussion)

Tina Brown presented a feasibility study for establishing a passport acceptance facility at City Hall. The presentation outlined staffing requirements, initial costs ($34,500–$54,000 in the first year), and potential risks, including the federal government's push toward online renewals. Council expressed concerns about online services reducing demand and the lengthy approval process. The item was tabled to the January committee meeting for further review.

Public Works Committee

Meeting Minutes Approval (Consent)

The minutes from September 30, 2026, were approved unanimously (3-0).

SPLOST Project Updates (Information)

• Rottenwood Creek Trail (2016 SPLOST): Work is ongoing with additional savings from field changes.
• Whitlock Drive intersection improvement: Out for bid; expected start after the first of the year.
• Franklin Gateway Bridge: Utility relocations underway.
• New Hope and Wiley project: Contractor started work two weeks prior.
• Herbert Drive drainage improvement: Removed from the project list as economically infeasible (costs would exceed available ward funds).

2026 Public Works Departmental Performance Report (Information)

Staff reported strong permit activity, primarily due to hospital work. Councilmember noted a decrease in curb miles swept in September due to weather.

Title VI Program Documents (Approved)

Council approved the annual Title VI policy statements required by GDOT to maintain grant eligibility. The documents were approved unanimously (3-0).

Hickory Drive South Speed Study (Approved)

Council approved a motion to conduct a speed study on Hickory Drive South from Chestnut Hill Road to Powder Spring Street. Upon completion, staff recommends posting a 25 mph speed limit. The item was moved to consent and approved unanimously.

Allgood Road / North Fairground Street Truck Route (Approved)

Council discussed limiting truck size on this route due to safety concerns at the intersection with Cobb Parkway (U.S. 41). After discussion, a motion was approved (3-0) to restrict the route to trucks no more than 18 tons or 30 feet in length, with signage to be installed. The item passed on consent.

Public Safety Committee

Meeting Minutes Approval (Consent)

The minutes from September 30, 2026, were approved unanimously (3-0).

Co-Responder Program Funding (Approved)

Chief presented a request to continue the co-responder program, which pairs a Highland Rivers clinician with a police officer to respond to mental health crises. The program had been funded via ARPA and then opioid settlement funds. Council approved $100,000 from the opioid settlement fund to extend the program through the end of the year. The motion carried 3-0, with Councilmember noting the need to identify a permanent funding source for future years.

Special Called Council Meeting Work Session

Meeting Minutes Approval (Approved)

The minutes from September 30, 2026, were approved unanimously (7-0).

Motion for Executive Session (Approved)

Council voted unanimously (7-0) to enter executive session for legal advice on a pending issue.

Key Outcomes

• Sign ordinance amendment: Tabled to next committee meeting with staff to provide additional data.
• Data center ordinance: No action; staff to continue research and monitor developments.
• Passport office feasibility: Tabled to January committee meeting.
• Title VI documents: Approved (3-0).
• Hickory Drive South speed study: Approved (consent).
• Allgood Road/North Fairground Street truck route: Approved restriction to 18 tons/30 ft length (consent).
• Co-responder program: Approved $100,000 from opioid funds (3-0).
• Executive session: Approved (7-0).