Norcross City Council Policy Work Session Summary - August 24, 2026\n\nThe Norcross Mayor and Council convened for a policy work session on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The agenda featured discussions on FY2027 funding requests, the introduction of a new Homeless Taskforce initiative, the contract award for the Beaver Ruin Greenway, a pay scale shift, and several zoning amendments. Most action items were forwarded to the Regular Council Meeting on September 8, 2026.\n\n### Public Comments & Testimony\n- Jim Eyre expressed support for the Scouts' in-kind funding request and noted that the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) had not been consulted about the proposed restoration of historic windows at 94 Wingo Street.\n- Jeff Allen recommended the City establish a formal, objective grant funding program with set-aside funds and clear application metrics.\n- Several speakers representing Prospera and Asami-ATL Scouting advocated for their respective funding requests, detailing their impact on Norcross entrepreneurs and youth.\n\n### Reports and Updates\n- Zoning Board of Appeals Annual Report: Chair Mike Walsh reported the board met nine times over the past year, reviewing 15 variance cases. Council discussed whether the volume indicated a need to revise the UDO to reduce the burden on citizens and the board.\n- Homeless Taskforce Update: Dr. Janet Bentley-Ewers presented the taskforce's mission and initial data. A survey of 43 participants from a recent event of over 400 identified a combination of factors as the primary perceived cause of homelessness. The taskforce created a vetted resource brochure and aims to shift focus from "surviving to thriving" through coordinated planning and evidence-informed strategies.\n- CID Update: Councilmember Myers reported that crime in the CID district has decreased by 42% year over year, the lowest in 20 years. He also encouraged the city to promote the microtransit program, noting ridership continues to climb after the city's withdrawal.\n\n### Discussion Items\n- FY 2027 Funding Requests (Item 2026-213): The Council debated requests from Prospera ($15,000), Gwinnett Soil & Water ($1,600), Asami-ATL (in-kind facility use valued at $15,600), and Norcross High School Football ($5,000). Councilmember Hixson proposed a 3-month rolling calendar for facility use to ensure community access. A consensus formed that all monetary grants should be structured as reimbursements with specific invoices.\n- Government Advisory Services (Item 2026-307): City Manager Eric advised against proceeding without input from the incoming City Manager, citing staff workload, the need for a competitive RFP process, and the firm's existing role as the city's audit partner. The item was deferred to the new City Manager for a recommendation.\n- NPAC 2-Year Project Plan (Item 2026-306): NPAC Chair Liz Simpson presented a project pipeline including a Tiny Doors project, a staged mural on the Beaver Ruin wall, and a Skin Alley art installation. Council suggested adding potential pipeline projects for the public safety building, BIHR School, and a county water facility. The plan was acknowledged by the Council.\n- Pay Scale Shift FY27 (Item 2026-308): City Manager Eric recommended a 3% range shift to maintain market competitiveness. Councilmembers Hixson and Myers argued the city should emphasize the total employment package (culture, safety, work-life balance) over chasing a market percentile and requested the new City Manager provide input before a decision.\n- Norcross Beaver Ruin Greenway Contracts (Item 2026-304): The City Manager detailed the ~$11.5 million, 80% federally funded project. The city match reduced by ~$680,000 to $2.99 million due to competitive bidding. Contracts for Astra Group (construction), CPL (oversight), and ECS (testing) were presented for referral.\n- Safe Streets for All Resolution (Item 2026-303): A formal resolution adopting a goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2045 was presented for approval to maintain federal grant eligibility.\n- UDO Amendments (Items 2026-272 & 2026-271): Minor text amendments were discussed to correct agricultural business uses in the C2 district and to allow compensation for Planning & Zoning Board members.\n- Temporary Art Installation (Item 2026-301): Staff presented a no-cost proposal for a temporary art installation over Skin Alley during Artober, sponsored and managed by Explore Gwinnett.\n- Employee Recognition (Item 2026-302): A proposal for a one-time cash bonus ($1,000-$5,000) for an employee who went above and beyond generated discussion on formalizing an employee recognition policy versus ad-hoc spot bonuses. The Council deferred to the city manager to manage within the range.\n- Windows at 94 Wingo Street (Item 2026-311): Councilmember Bare introduced an add-on item to potentially cover the cost difference (~$30,000) for restoring historic windows at a DDA-owned property. A debate ensued regarding the city's role versus DDA autonomy. The City Attorney advised that a resolution specific to the windows could be problematic, suggesting a general value statement on historic preservation instead.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- Referred to Regular Council Meeting (September 8, 2026): FY 2027 Funding Requests, CentralSquare 911 Dispatch Software Agreement, Pay Scale Shift FY27, Greenway Contracts, SS4A Resolution, UDO Amendments, Temporary Art Installation, Employee Recognition Bonus, and the Wingo Street Windows discussion.\n- Deferred: Government Advisory Services (Item 2026-307). The item was deferred pending a recommendation from the incoming City Manager.\n- Acknowledged: NPAC 2-Year Project Plan (Item 2026-306). General feedback and pipeline suggestions were provided by the Council.\n- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned to an Executive Session for legal, personnel, and real estate matters at 8:57 PM.