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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Norcross City Council Policy Work Session - April 20, 2026

City Council & Urban Redevelopment Agency — Monday, April 20, 2026

BodyNorcross, Georgia

SessionCity Council & Urban Redevelopment Agency

DateMonday, April 20, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

2:41

And I'd like to wait for the person to be honest.

2:58

Um, we still need to slightly small results here.

3:07

Um I hope that one is one of the back of the sort of area.

3:47

Uh thank you for your service about the area.

3:50

Yeah, the last time I agree with library.

4:05

So many great ideas that they have.

4:46

So no, it's because the reason for the space that's really conceived of your model.

5:02

As opposed to a plan developed from that information, it would hear the notes and sensitive.

5:09

Agenda item three also is currently the North Cross Service Library is open for them out of basis.

5:20

But it's something that's not client and sending stuff in the council.

5:26

Do utility convention, do the price or anything.

5:30

Further is not listed on the still event process.

5:35

The availability of renders for use of the library are not communicated.

5:45

Instead of initiating an RFP process, leave the library.

Unassigned speaker

6:08

Speaker 1

6:08

do we use our sport for the library as if we should be possible?

6:33

So the president um neighborhood chunk uh the idea of bringing virtual business to R100 property, particularly the sort of cross-library is concerning us.

6:48

My family just invested the property next to that, a significant amount of money with the idea that that was a residential property because you're remarking uh to support the business.

7:00

Um, it's a one-way tree that's very narrow already.

7:04

Um that won't allow for lots of cars to be on on that uh road on the campus.

7:10

So uh the only ass is significant concerns over putting a business uh in that top.

Unassigned speaker

7:44

Um we're doing this area

Speaker 1

7:49

and uh libraries

Unassigned speaker

7:59

Speaker 1

8:01

class and uh businesses in small business better than

Unassigned speaker

8:16

Speaker 1

8:18

using building on this library classical.

9:02

We've got the meetings ago uh discussed about uh some other uh concerns which we need to found out that uh transferring from which is the three months on the value, the other thing to do that is so accounts uh four countries are not using the consolidated or all the country united.

9:29

Um the uh accounts that do not use the charge of service fee.

Unassigned speaker

9:36

Uh that's the withdrawal of the PDA account and service fee was subsequently uh uh rebounded, and those accounts would be included because the uh templates and we have a move from the account of the service we're gonna use the county set up and then show to consolidate uh just for um the data parking uh landed provider plan with 12 space and then two different trees.

Speaker 1

10:08

So all the different spaces are walls and one of these problems are 15 digital uh uh uh choices of each other.

10:21

And so we so we have a plan that provide as many spaces as we can.

10:32

Um sorry um here by development uh the uh parking uh the uh we need to expand the map to go forward to uh middle three and uh um the fire station we do the uh developer view the uh parking the uh the members of view by the owner search for maybe we'd be cleaned up to be closer on the design of the uh the uh I think that required the uh do I think we do universally both in private and public center this is in the basement that it would be stored there with benefits or two of the city and uh manager or uh providing data to uh the process or uh existing uh businesses and design creation you know we for all this is ungrade that at the end of it you see is very two or three that coming over because we need to somehow maybe not all but we somehow uh used to some of that funding that will have to be very valid uh both indication uh is not necessarily the way that so but uh we've put closely at the overall cost of the charge of the uh thing our organizations are $50,000 based on the tree on one of the stations.

12:27

The uh put two in the uh

Unassigned speaker

12:32

and the uh anything else uh

Speaker 1

12:54

less since then and shared tonight and asking some of the speed and trying to get the very one to celebrate and have it uh um that's not the interesting uh so we start with our master plan every and project selection citizens for a number of different places.

13:46

So this year we had these part the projects and they were uh time trees and uh me from there and while we added uh also have personally uh the house itself uh is that downtown area for students to take supplies and the art and sharing on the system and then last we have our LR request and track test for the answer.

14:32

Um and so uh that I work on the question of things and then submarine the funding of this.

14:42

So that was fun.

Unassigned speaker

14:44

And then uh one of the two projects that's with just the solid ship uh non files for other stamps, biopsy on time interceptions and that's so well for so far that uh work on this as well.

Speaker 1

15:10

So this concept brings the entire citizen together regardless of location.

15:15

And it celebrates all the great events and all the books.

15:22

We um also let me just mention real quick that we got uh CID money in order that you can't really.

15:33

So they contributed money to each of the boxes that are on the formalized for the Cabinet 85, and then the fund that's a thousand dollar grant funding class that would have created.

Unassigned speaker

15:48

Speaker 1

15:49

yeah, that was our first grant.

15:52

So it's a really good.

15:55

And this is uh online, you'll see some sample of the artwork during things of sets of four celebrating the city, and this is really playing again on March 31st.

16:14

This is our second project, very big project that's been four years of remaining, and it's a concept project four years ago that was introduced to the uh the list for learning most of the projects.

16:29

And um this was five we finally got uh the project on the agenda.

16:37

Um and then we introduced it to everyone in our slash.

16:45

That's these the the light machine of this one you'll see that the bottom line is on this logo on top of the license.

16:58

That project also did a launching and fundraiser.

17:03

So we started very small with the um

Unassigned speaker

17:08

with

Speaker 1

17:08

the egg home.

17:09

Do you have an egg on the job for my shirt on the big one?

17:12

This is a reminder to play form, so we call it beat the squirrels.

17:18

So we're selling the egg barn still still have lots of acres so you can get your own for two dollars for right here in around the road.

17:29

And then we are launching our next phase of the fundraiser and uh reception and installed, I think that will include those two little ones runs and following.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Budget Equity Analysis█████████████████17%

Public Engagement███████████████15%

Engineering And Infrastructure███████████████15%

Taxation Policy██████████████14%

Economic Development████████8%

Fiscal Sustainability███████7%

Arts And Culture█████5%

Community Engagement████4%

Procedural███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Norcross City Council Policy Work Session - April 20, 2026

The Norcross City Council held a Policy Work Session on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 6:35 PM in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. The meeting covered sixteen agenda items including rezoning, downtown parking expansion, the future of the Historic Norcross Library, business occupation tax reform, and preliminary FY27 budget-balancing strategies. Several items were advanced to subsequent meetings with additional staff direction.

Public Comments & Testimony

Mary Dell commented on the downtown parking plan, expressing support for increasing parking spaces while minimizing visual and environmental impact. She expressed hope that the Historic Library remains a community-focused space rather than a commercial use. She also supported a data analytics service to understand visitor patterns and recommended that Council meet with the Historic Business Association before changing the business occupation tax.
Jacques Andrea spoke against using the Historic Norcross Library for a business (the proposed Reading Room literacy center), arguing that a commercial use is inconsistent with the property's character, the surrounding residential area, and the City's initial intent for it to serve as a community facility.
Brad Arnold objected to introducing a commercial business into an R-1 zoned area, citing insufficient parking and the property's location on a narrow, one-way street.
Joe George believed the City should retain public control of the Historic Library property rather than leasing it to a private entity.
Jim Eyre discussed audit findings regarding banking transfers with United and Truist, noting that four accounts were set up, two unused were consolidated, service fees were refunded, and remaining accounts are being closed. He also referenced the expanded downtown parking project adding 12 parking spaces and 12 trees, the expanded project map toward the fire station and Carlisle area, and the potential of data analytics for public and private sectors.

Board Updates

Norcross Public Arts Commission (NPAC) – Chair Elizabeth Simpson reported on multiple projects: the White Squirrels of Norcross art hunt (Phase I ongoing with 13 squirrels, Phase II proposed for Pinnacle Park with 5–7 additional squirrels), a new sign project, a stamp collection project, and other upcoming installations. NPAC highlighted community engagement and fundraising efforts, including a $1,000 grant and CID contributions.

Discussion Items

Item 1: RZ2026-001 – 6011 Western Hills Drive (Rezoning OI to C1) – Council discussed conditions including notification of nearby neighbors, hours of operation, and whether tobacco products, alcohol, or electronic gaming would be offered. The City Attorney was asked to review alcohol restrictions in the ordinance. The matter was referred to the Policy Work Session on May 18, 2026.
Item 2: TEXT2026-002 – UDO Amendments (Review Authority & Decision Making) – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 3: TEXT2026-003 – UDO Amendments (Defined Terms and Zoning Districts) – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 4: Expanded Downtown Parking Planning and Design – Public Works Director Len Housley presented an updated plan with 12 additional parking spaces and 12 additional trees, expanding the project map toward the fire station. The landscape/tree design does not meet City Code for islands but focuses on increasing tree count. Council discussed tree preservation and a hybrid option. The matter was referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 5: Norcross Historic Library RFP – Council agreed not to proceed with an RFP at this time. A small group (Councilmembers Myers, Cheek, and Bare) will review the item, and Council expressed interest in advertising the library for community use (similar to the community center model) and exploring a mixed-use approach. No action taken.
Item 6: FY26 Road Resurfacing ITB – Staff recommended 19 roads (5 commercial, 14 residential) for resurfacing at an estimated cost of $2.35 million, with expectations that bids will come in 25–30% lower. Funded by 2023 SPLOST ($1.5M), LMIG ($400K), and LRA/LMIG 2026 ($208,724). Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 7: Approve Phase II White Squirrels of Norcross – Pinnacle Park – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 8: Request for Approval to Issue RFP for Data Analytics Service – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 9: Barton Street Hydrologic & Hydraulic Study – Council discussed the need to consider the entire stormwater system rather than spot fixes, especially regarding channeling water to Johnson Street and erosion concerns. Staff recommendations include replacing an inlet at 117 N. Peachtree St. (approx. $2,000) and adding inlets on Buchanan St. (approx. $20,000). Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 10: Business Occupation Tax Discussion – Economic Development Director David Versel presented a shift from a per-employee tax to a gross receipts model. Norcross currently collects $384,125 (FY24) vs. $20/employee compared to $100/employee in peer communities. Switching could more than double revenue to at least $780,000 in FY27. Council agreed to first set up a system to collect gross receipts data from all 1,500+ businesses, with implementation starting in 2028. Referred to the Policy Work Session on May 18, 2026.
Item 11: Downtown Parking Policies & UDO Amendments – Council achieved consensus on three recommendations: (3) City Manager to install appropriate wayfinding signage; (4) convert rideshare pickup spots to 15-minute parking; (5) develop an in-lieu fee system for new businesses (with a 2:00–4:00 AM no-parking window to discourage habitual parking). The City Attorney noted the ordinance will be ready next month. Referred to the Policy Work Session on May 18, 2026.
Item 12: Amendment to Ordinance Regulating Parking of Oversized/Commercial Vehicles – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 13: Extension & Amendment of Agreement with RedSpeed Georgia, LLC – Contract extended to December 31, 2031, with provisions for compliance with state law (flashing lights required) and indemnification. Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 14: Amendment to Code § 2-35 (Public Participation) – Clarifies public comment rules for Council meetings (3 minutes per resident, agenda restrictions at work sessions, etc.). Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 15: Request for Approval to Install Dog Watering Stations in City Parks – Council discussed setting a policy standard for integrated water fountains with dog watering stations. A capital project with $50,000 from 2023 SPLOST-Recreation was authorized. Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.
Item 16: Update on Potential Budget-Balancing Strategies – City Manager Eric Johnson outlined preliminary FY27 challenges: a 400% increase in homestead exemptions (from $9,000 to $45,000), a 2.7% cap on assessed value growth, and new costs (Public Safety Building operations, police vehicles, insurance). Preliminary revenue growth is only 2.2% (~$495,000) while personnel costs rise ~$825,000. Preliminary recommendations: keep millage rates unchanged, rely on increased court fines ($225,000), double business license revenue ($425,000), increase permit fees 10% ($60,000), and spread electric rate increases over three years. Council noted a likely shortfall and provided feedback. No action taken; full budget discussion planned for summer.

General Updates (Presented)

Electric Rates – Cathy Johnson (ECG) presented a comparison of Norcross Power rates with other utilities, showing residential rates are low but have a negative margin. Commercial non-demand and demand rates were also compared. Projections show a potential shortfall by 2031 if rates remain flat. Council discussed balancing rate increases with customer growth (e.g., Amazon, ATT data center) and the need for more optimistic scenarios.
Status of Piedmont Pathway Study – Carlos Perez and Patrick Peters presented the ongoing study for a multi-use trail connecting Piedmont Road to other corridors. Key findings include community safety concerns (speed, parking), environmental constraints, and three crossing options. Public engagement is planned.

Key Outcomes

Items Referred to Regular Council Meeting (May 4, 2026): Items 2–4, 6–9, 12–15 (UDO amendments, downtown parking design, road resurfacing ITB, White Squirrels Phase II, data analytics RFP, Barton Street study, oversized vehicle parking, RedSpeed contract, public participation amendment, dog watering stations).
Items Referred to Policy Work Session (May 18, 2026): Items 1, 10, 11 (rezoning at 6011 Western Hills Dr., business occupation tax, downtown parking policies).
Historic Library (Item 5): A small council group (Myers, Cheek, Bare) will further review community engagement; no RFP at this time.
Budget-Balancing (Item 16): No action; City Manager will incorporate preliminary feedback into FY27 budget development. A 5% merit/COLA increase and 10% health insurance increase are assumed for planning.
Downtown Parking Policy Consensus (Item 11): Staff directed to implement wayfinding signage, convert 2 Wingo St. spaces to 15-minute parking, and design an in-lieu fee system (with a 2:00–4:00 AM restriction to prevent long-term parking).

Meeting Transcript

And I'd like to wait for the person to be honest. Um, we still need to slightly small results here. Um I hope that one is one of the back of the sort of area. Uh thank you for your service about the area. Yeah, the last time I agree with library. So many great ideas that they have. So no, it's because the reason for the space that's really conceived of your model. As opposed to a plan developed from that information, it would hear the notes and sensitive. Agenda item three also is currently the North Cross Service Library is open for them out of basis. But it's something that's not client and sending stuff in the council. Do utility convention, do the price or anything. Further is not listed on the still event process. The availability of renders for use of the library are not communicated. Instead of initiating an RFP process, leave the library. So do we use our sport for the library as if we should be possible? So the president um neighborhood chunk uh the idea of bringing virtual business to R100 property, particularly the sort of cross-library is concerning us. My family just invested the property next to that, a significant amount of money with the idea that that was a residential property because you're remarking uh to support the business. Um, it's a one-way tree that's very narrow already. Um that won't allow for lots of cars to be on on that uh road on the campus. So uh the only ass is significant concerns over putting a business uh in that top. Um we're doing this area and uh libraries uh class and uh businesses in small business better than uh using building on this library classical. We've got the meetings ago uh discussed about uh some other uh concerns which we need to found out that uh transferring from which is the three months on the value, the other thing to do that is so accounts uh four countries are not using the consolidated or all the country united. Um the uh accounts that do not use the charge of service fee. Uh that's the withdrawal of the PDA account and service fee was subsequently uh uh rebounded, and those accounts would be included because the uh templates and we have a move from the account of the service we're gonna use the county set up and then show to consolidate uh just for um the data parking uh landed provider plan with 12 space and then two different trees. So all the different spaces are walls and one of these problems are 15 digital uh uh uh choices of each other. And so we so we have a plan that provide as many spaces as we can. Um sorry um here by development uh the uh parking uh the uh we need to expand the map to go forward to uh middle three and uh um the fire station we do the uh developer view the uh parking the uh the members of view by the owner search for maybe we'd be cleaned up to be closer on the design of the uh the uh I think that required the uh do I think we do universally both in private and public center this is in the basement that it would be stored there with benefits or two of the city and uh manager or uh providing data to uh the process or uh existing uh businesses and design creation you know we for all this is ungrade that at the end of it you see is very two or three that coming over because we need to somehow maybe not all but we somehow uh used to some of that funding that will have to be very valid uh both indication uh is not necessarily the way that so but uh we've put closely at the overall cost of the charge of the uh thing our organizations are $50,000 based on the tree on one of the stations. The uh put two in the uh and the uh anything else uh less since then and shared tonight and asking some of the speed and trying to get the very one to celebrate and have it uh um that's not the interesting uh so we start with our master plan every and project selection citizens for a number of different places. So this year we had these part the projects and they were uh time trees and uh me from there and while we added uh also have personally uh the house itself uh is that downtown area for students to take supplies and the art and sharing on the system and then last we have our LR request and track test for the answer. Um and so uh that I work on the question of things and then submarine the funding of this. So that was fun. And then uh one of the two projects that's with just the solid ship uh non files for other stamps, biopsy on time interceptions and that's so well for so far that uh work on this as well. So this concept brings the entire citizen together regardless of location. And it celebrates all the great events and all the books. We um also let me just mention real quick that we got uh CID money in order that you can't really. So they contributed money to each of the boxes that are on the formalized for the Cabinet 85, and then the fund that's a thousand dollar grant funding class that would have created. So yeah, that was our first grant. So it's a really good. And this is uh online, you'll see some sample of the artwork during things of sets of four celebrating the city, and this is really playing again on March 31st. This is our second project, very big project that's been four years of remaining, and it's a concept project four years ago that was introduced to the uh the list for learning most of the projects. And um this was five we finally got uh the project on the agenda.

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Norcross City Council Policy Work Session - April 20, 2026

Public Comments & Testimony

Mary Dell commented on the downtown parking plan, expressing support for increasing parking spaces while minimizing visual and environmental impact. She expressed hope that the Historic Library remains a community-focused space rather than a commercial use. She also supported a data analytics service to understand visitor patterns and recommended that Council meet with the Historic Business Association before changing the business occupation tax.

Jacques Andrea spoke against using the Historic Norcross Library for a business (the proposed Reading Room literacy center), arguing that a commercial use is inconsistent with the property's character, the surrounding residential area, and the City's initial intent for it to serve as a community facility.

Brad Arnold objected to introducing a commercial business into an R-1 zoned area, citing insufficient parking and the property's location on a narrow, one-way street.

Joe George believed the City should retain public control of the Historic Library property rather than leasing it to a private entity.

Jim Eyre discussed audit findings regarding banking transfers with United and Truist, noting that four accounts were set up, two unused were consolidated, service fees were refunded, and remaining accounts are being closed. He also referenced the expanded downtown parking project adding 12 parking spaces and 12 trees, the expanded project map toward the fire station and Carlisle area, and the potential of data analytics for public and private sectors.

Board Updates

Norcross Public Arts Commission (NPAC) – Chair Elizabeth Simpson reported on multiple projects: the White Squirrels of Norcross art hunt (Phase I ongoing with 13 squirrels, Phase II proposed for Pinnacle Park with 5–7 additional squirrels), a new sign project, a stamp collection project, and other upcoming installations. NPAC highlighted community engagement and fundraising efforts, including a $1,000 grant and CID contributions.

Discussion Items

Item 1: RZ2026-001 – 6011 Western Hills Drive (Rezoning OI to C1) – Council discussed conditions including notification of nearby neighbors, hours of operation, and whether tobacco products, alcohol, or electronic gaming would be offered. The City Attorney was asked to review alcohol restrictions in the ordinance. The matter was referred to the Policy Work Session on May 18, 2026.

Item 2: TEXT2026-002 – UDO Amendments (Review Authority & Decision Making) – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 3: TEXT2026-003 – UDO Amendments (Defined Terms and Zoning Districts) – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 4: Expanded Downtown Parking Planning and Design – Public Works Director Len Housley presented an updated plan with 12 additional parking spaces and 12 additional trees, expanding the project map toward the fire station. The landscape/tree design does not meet City Code for islands but focuses on increasing tree count. Council discussed tree preservation and a hybrid option. The matter was referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 5: Norcross Historic Library RFP – Council agreed not to proceed with an RFP at this time. A small group (Councilmembers Myers, Cheek, and Bare) will review the item, and Council expressed interest in advertising the library for community use (similar to the community center model) and exploring a mixed-use approach. No action taken.

Item 6: FY26 Road Resurfacing ITB – Staff recommended 19 roads (5 commercial, 14 residential) for resurfacing at an estimated cost of $2.35 million, with expectations that bids will come in 25–30% lower. Funded by 2023 SPLOST ($1.5M), LMIG ($400K), and LRA/LMIG 2026 ($208,724). Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 7: Approve Phase II White Squirrels of Norcross – Pinnacle Park – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 8: Request for Approval to Issue RFP for Data Analytics Service – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 9: Barton Street Hydrologic & Hydraulic Study – Council discussed the need to consider the entire stormwater system rather than spot fixes, especially regarding channeling water to Johnson Street and erosion concerns. Staff recommendations include replacing an inlet at 117 N. Peachtree St. (approx. $2,000) and adding inlets on Buchanan St. (approx. $20,000). Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 10: Business Occupation Tax Discussion – Economic Development Director David Versel presented a shift from a per-employee tax to a gross receipts model. Norcross currently collects $384,125 (FY24) vs. $20/employee compared to $100/employee in peer communities. Switching could more than double revenue to at least $780,000 in FY27. Council agreed to first set up a system to collect gross receipts data from all 1,500+ businesses, with implementation starting in 2028. Referred to the Policy Work Session on May 18, 2026.

Item 11: Downtown Parking Policies & UDO Amendments – Council achieved consensus on three recommendations: (3) City Manager to install appropriate wayfinding signage; (4) convert rideshare pickup spots to 15-minute parking; (5) develop an in-lieu fee system for new businesses (with a 2:00–4:00 AM no-parking window to discourage habitual parking). The City Attorney noted the ordinance will be ready next month. Referred to the Policy Work Session on May 18, 2026.

Item 12: Amendment to Ordinance Regulating Parking of Oversized/Commercial Vehicles – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 13: Extension & Amendment of Agreement with RedSpeed Georgia, LLC – Contract extended to December 31, 2031, with provisions for compliance with state law (flashing lights required) and indemnification. Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 14: Amendment to Code § 2-35 (Public Participation) – Clarifies public comment rules for Council meetings (3 minutes per resident, agenda restrictions at work sessions, etc.). Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 15: Request for Approval to Install Dog Watering Stations in City Parks – Council discussed setting a policy standard for integrated water fountains with dog watering stations. A capital project with $50,000 from 2023 SPLOST-Recreation was authorized. Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026.

Item 16: Update on Potential Budget-Balancing Strategies – City Manager Eric Johnson outlined preliminary FY27 challenges: a 400% increase in homestead exemptions (from $9,000 to $45,000), a 2.7% cap on assessed value growth, and new costs (Public Safety Building operations, police vehicles, insurance). Preliminary revenue growth is only 2.2% (~$495,000) while personnel costs rise ~$825,000. Preliminary recommendations: keep millage rates unchanged, rely on increased court fines ($225,000), double business license revenue ($425,000), increase permit fees 10% ($60,000), and spread electric rate increases over three years. Council noted a likely shortfall and provided feedback. No action taken; full budget discussion planned for summer.

General Updates (Presented)

Electric Rates – Cathy Johnson (ECG) presented a comparison of Norcross Power rates with other utilities, showing residential rates are low but have a negative margin. Commercial non-demand and demand rates were also compared. Projections show a potential shortfall by 2031 if rates remain flat. Council discussed balancing rate increases with customer growth (e.g., Amazon, ATT data center) and the need for more optimistic scenarios.

Status of Piedmont Pathway Study – Carlos Perez and Patrick Peters presented the ongoing study for a multi-use trail connecting Piedmont Road to other corridors. Key findings include community safety concerns (speed, parking), environmental constraints, and three crossing options. Public engagement is planned.

Key Outcomes

Items Referred to Regular Council Meeting (May 4, 2026): Items 2–4, 6–9, 12–15 (UDO amendments, downtown parking design, road resurfacing ITB, White Squirrels Phase II, data analytics RFP, Barton Street study, oversized vehicle parking, RedSpeed contract, public participation amendment, dog watering stations).

Items Referred to Policy Work Session (May 18, 2026): Items 1, 10, 11 (rezoning at 6011 Western Hills Dr., business occupation tax, downtown parking policies).

Historic Library (Item 5): A small council group (Myers, Cheek, Bare) will further review community engagement; no RFP at this time.

Budget-Balancing (Item 16): No action; City Manager will incorporate preliminary feedback into FY27 budget development. A 5% merit/COLA increase and 10% health insurance increase are assumed for planning.

Downtown Parking Policy Consensus (Item 11): Staff directed to implement wayfinding signage, convert 2 Wingo St. spaces to 15-minute parking, and design an in-lieu fee system (with a 2:00–4:00 AM restriction to prevent long-term parking).

Meeting Transcript