Norcross City Council Regular Meeting - May 4, 2026

The Norcross City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM by Mayor Craig Newton and adjourned at 7:42 PM. All six council members were present. The council approved multiple items on the consent agenda, conducted public hearings on Unified Development Ordinance amendments, and held discussions on three items moved from the consent agenda. Key decisions included selecting a city manager search firm, extending a speed camera enforcement agreement, and directing staff to plan dog watering stations as part of the 2027 capital budget.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from six previous meetings (April 6, 9, 20, 2026).
• Expanded Downtown Parking Planning and Design: Approved to complete 100% design and construction plans.
• FY26 Road Resurfacing Invitation to Bid: Approved priorities and authorized release of ITB.
• Phase II White Squirrels of Norcross – Pinnacle Park: Approved expansion of the public art project.
• Request for Approval to Issue RFP for Data Analytics Service: Approved issuance of RFP.
• Barton Street Hydrologic & Hydraulic Study: Approved staff’s recommendations for remediation of structures at Barton St., Buchanan St., and North Peachtree St.
• Amendment to Ordinance Regulating Parking of Oversized and Commercial Vehicles: Approved amendments to Chapter 34, Article III.
• Amendment to Code of Ordinance Section 2-35 (Public Participation): Approved updates to public participation provisions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A student representative from Next Generation Focus, a Georgia-based nonprofit, spoke about the need for a recreational youth center providing academic support, mental health services, and positive adult role models. The speaker urged the council to consider building such a center.
• Jacques Murphy thanked Kristin Corely and Johnathon Corely for executing Norcross’s inaugural Porchfest event, expressing pride and gratitude as a resident.
• Pierre Levy expressed concern about pedestrian safety at a crossing near a bank, requesting additional police presence because vehicles are not consistently stopping for pedestrians.
• Tyne Willis thanked those involved in Porchfest and echoed concerns about the same crossing, calling it a potential hazard. She also asked about progress on two houses on Ringo Street under the DDA's purview.
• Jim Eyre responded to the question about the houses on Ringo Street, stating that staff is working diligently with contractors to continue progress.

Public Hearings

• 2026-67: TEXT2026-002 – UDO Amendments (Review Authority and Decision-Making Responsibilities): The council approved amendments to Chapter 100, Article III, Section 103 and Section 104-3, with an addition to the tree preservation board’s education responsibilities and a formatting fix. A public comment from resident Jim Eyre supported the changes but noted a missing review authority for building permits, certificates of occupancy, and change of occupancy certificates, which the council directed staff to correct. Approved 5-0.
• 2026-83: TEXT2026-003 – UDO Amendments (Defined Terms and Zoning Districts): The council approved amendments to Chapter 100, Article II and Chapter 200, Article I for consistency with recently approved UDO changes. This included adding language to the mixed-use commercial district (MXCD) provisions. No public comments were made. Approved 5-0.

Discussion Items

• Selection of City Manager Executive Search Firm (2026-157): The council interviewed three firms at a special meeting on April 20, 2026. After discussion, a motion was made to select ARNDT Municipal Support to provide city manager search services. Staff will negotiate a contract and bring it back for approval at a special called meeting before the May 18 policy work session. Approved 5-0.
• Extension and Amendment of Professional Services Agreement with RedSpeed Georgia, LLC (2026-154): The council discussed extending the contract for school zone speed enforcement cameras. Councilmember Bare preferred to table the decision until after the governor acts on HB 561, but the motion to approve passed. Councilmember Hixson expressed ongoing concerns about the program. Data presented showed violations have decreased by about half since 2019, and fewer than 5% of violators are Norcross residents. Approved 3-2 (AYES: Cheek, Myers, Gaynor; NAYS: Bare, Hixson).
• Request for Approval to Install Dog Watering Stations in City Parks (2026-150): Staff presented options and costs for dog watering stations (including a three-way dog bowl with bottle filler) at seven parks, totaling between $54,000 and $66,000. Discussion included ensuring ADA compliance, color schemes, and coordination with NPAC and Parks & Green Spaces. A motion passed to add dog watering stations to the 2027 Capital Budget and have staff collaborate on design, color, and functionality per park. Approved 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes from six prior meetings.
• Approved: Consent agenda items (parking planning, road resurfacing, White Squirrels Phase II, data analytics RFP, Barton Street remediation, oversized vehicle parking ordinance, public participation ordinance).
• Approved: UDO amendments (TEXT2026-002 and TEXT2026-003) – both 5-0.
• Approved: Selection of ARNDT Municipal Support for city manager search – 5-0.
• Approved: Extension of RedSpeed Georgia LLC contract – 3-2.
• Approved: Dog watering stations as part of 2027 capital budget with staff collaboration on design – 5-0.