Norcross City Council Policy Work Session - October 20, 2025

The Norcross City Council held a Policy Work Session on Monday, October 20, 2025, starting at 6:30 PM. The meeting covered a range of topics including board updates, public comments, and 15 discussion items. Most items were referred to the November 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting for action, but the Council gave specific direction on several matters, including the use of portable fans at Thrasher Park and the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for park lighting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Anne Hall (Norcross Gallery & Studios) reported on the success of the Art Splash Paint Off and Art Walk (October 11–12) and invited the community to view the Shapes silent auction at 116 Carlyle Street, featuring over 150 original artworks.
• Charlotte Osborne expressed concern about the removal of shade trees downtown and urged their preservation.
• Mary Dowdy thanked the city for paving near her home but requested that the vendor provide advance notice before work begins.

Board Updates

• Norcross Housing Authority (Gail Newton and Pam Hopper) reported that Phase One of the housing development is complete, with 71% occupancy by the end of October. They expect Phase Two to be completed by 2026. Income mix: 62% income-based, 25% fixed-rate, 13% market-rate. They anticipate a ribbon-cutting ceremony in March 2026.

General Updates

• Downtown Parking Expanded – Len Housley presented a preliminary engineering plan for the expanded parking lot. Discussion covered stormwater management (permeable pavers, bio-infiltration islands), tree preservation (including a large pecan tree), and sidewalk placement. The Council emphasized preserving existing canopy, involving the Tree Board, and ensuring cost-effective stormwater solutions.

Discussion Items

• Noise Ordinance Waiver for Norcross Porchfest (Item 2025-276): Organizer Kristen Corley presented the plan for a community music festival on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11AM to 7PM. Staff recommended approval with a requirement to notify all residents within 300 feet. The item was referred to the November 3 Regular Meeting.
• Rezoning – 636-658 West Peachtree Street (Item 25-7434): Staff addressed four issues raised at the prior meeting: parallel parking, home orientation, interior parking, and street tree impact. The applicant’s engineer confirmed the site plan is feasible. Councilmember Cheek suggested allowing homeowners to choose from three color schemes. The item was referred to the November 3 Regular Meeting.
• Community Funding Request – Lost Art Entertainment (Item 2025-286): CEO Anthony Goolsby requested $5,000 for youth performing arts scholarships. Council members asked for more details on the number of children served and measurable outcomes. No further action was taken.
• Budget Amendments (Item 2025-279): Referred to November 3.
• Donation Accept – NPAC White Squirrel Project (Item 2025-278): $1,500 from Norcross Gallery & Studios for white squirrel sculptures. Referred to November 3.
• Employee HAndbook Revision (Item 2025-280): Updates to emergency closings and rehiring policies. Referred to November 3.
• Retiree Medicare Plan Change (Item 2025-288): Staff recommended switching from Hartford Medicare Supplement (17.07% increase) to a Humana Medicare Advantage Plan, limiting retiree premium increase to $10/month (vs. $25 under Hartford). The city’s total cost would increase by $7,855 (4.7%). Council requested a broader review of long-term liability. Referred to November 3.
• Certified Local Government Program (Item 2025-282): Staff presented the path to qualify for historic preservation grants. Council noted this could be a candidate for policy work session voting. Referred to November 3.
• TAD IGA Extension (Item 2025-277): Restarting the Tax Allocation District agreement through December 31, 2032 to retain $400,000 in collected funds and access future revenue. Council discussed using TAD funds to leverage projects like parking infrastructure. Referred to November 3.
• Thrasher Park Stage Fans (Item 25-7452): Staff recommended using portable ground “Squirrel Fans” ($100–$200 each) instead of permanent installation. Council agreed and directed staff to procure several units.
• Custodial Contract Amendment (Item 2025-285): The amendment expands cleaning frequencies (e.g., Police to 5 days/week, Cultural Arts Center to daily) and adds a Day Porter, increasing annual cost by $3,120. Referred to November 3.
• Thrasher Park Lighting Plan (Item 25-7451): Two proposals received: Outdoor Lights (~$39,000) and Firefly (~$45,000). Council preferred an RFP process to obtain competitive bids and directed staff to release an RFP, including involvement of Georgia Power. Referred to November 3 for funding consideration.
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance Amendments (Item 2025-284): Proposed licensing and regulations for Airbnbs, including occupancy limits, parking requirements, and fee structure. Councilmember Gaynor suggested requiring revenue reporting to verify hotel/motel tax collections. Referred to November 3.
• City Manager Follow-Up on Council Requests (Item 25-7365): Council asked the City Manager to share a consolidated list of member-initiated requests for transparency. Moved to November 17 Policy Work Session.
• Ability to Vote at Policy Work Sessions (Item 25-7453): A proposal to allow voting on routine, non-controversial items at work sessions rather than carrying them to regular meetings. Council requested legal staff to return with a detailed list of eligible item types and constraints. Moved to November 17 Policy Work Session.

Key Outcomes

• Approved direction: Staff to purchase portable “Squirrel Fans” for Thrasher Park stage (up to $1,000).
• Approved direction: Staff to issue an RFP for a comprehensive lighting plan for Thrasher Park, with an estimated cost of $39,000–$45,000.
• All other items requiring a vote were referred to the November 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting or to the November 17 Policy Work Session for further discussion.
• The meeting was adjourned to Executive Session at 9:03 PM for legal and personnel matters.