Norcross City Council Regular Meeting – October 5, 2026

The Norcross City Council held its regular meeting on October 5, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Craig Newton presided, with Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Gaynor and Councilmembers Andrew Hixson, Josh Bare, and Matt Myers present. The meeting addressed public comments, a rezoning public hearing, board appointments, consent agenda items, and discussion items including pathway planning, asset naming policy, memorial plaza naming, and medical benefits renewal. All votes were unanimous 4-0.

Consent Calendar

• Preliminary Plat Approval – Academy Street Subdivision (PP2026-003): Approved a 16-lot single-family residential subdivision at 290-300 Academy Street for 4.0 Construction LLC.
• Accept and Appropriate Gwinnett Creativity Fund Grant (2026-325): Accepted a $9,600 grant award for the White Squirrels at Pinnacle Park Projects.
• Resolution to Update Authorized Users of Georgia Fund 1 (2026-323): Approved adding the new City Manager to access the Georgia Fund 1 investment account.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Liz Simpson (Norcross Public Arts Commission): Announced the installation of seven new white squirrel statues in Historic Norcross, completing Phase 1 of the White Squirrels of Norcross project. The library's squirrel is named Bilbo, selected via community survey. A traveling squirrel, Lucy, is expected by the holiday season.
• Jacques Murphy (Norcross Public Arts Commission): Reported that Norcross was awarded $9,600 from the Explore Gwinnett Creativity Fund Grant, with the first half already received. Over 18 months, NPAC has received three grants totaling $21,600 plus $7,000 from individual supporters, bringing nearly $30,000 into the city outside city funding. Phase 2 of the White Squirrels project will expand into Pinnacle Park with seven new bronze squirrels, aiming for completion by mid-winter.

Public Hearings

• Rezoning 5330 Old Norcross Road (RZ2025-006): Approved to rezone the property from C2 General Business to M1 Light Industrial District with five conditions: development in conformance with UDO, a 10-foot landscape strip adjacent to rights-of-way, replacement of chain-link fence with decorative fencing, no motor vehicle sales/service, and outdoor storage limited to vehicle parking. The property has long been used for truck storage; the rezoning aligns with adjacent uses and the comprehensive plan. Vote: 4-0.

Discussion Items

• Norcross Piedmont Pathway Concept Report (2026-326): Council accepted the concept report for final publication. The report covers a 2.55-mile pathway through Norcross and includes economic, social, and environmental benefit analyses. No funding or project approval was sought. Vote: 4-0.
• Policy and Procedures for Naming City Assets (2026-331): Approved a new policy establishing criteria and process for naming city-owned assets (e.g., buildings, parks, plazas, benches). The policy requires nominations to be submitted to the City Manager, reviewed by staff and attorney, and decided by Mayor and Council within six months. It also allows for renaming if an asset is replaced or if an honoree brings dishonor. Council discussed keeping nominations confidential until a decision is made. Vote: 4-0.
• Resolution to Name Public Safety Building Plaza in Memory of Councilmember Marshall Cheek (2026-348): Approved naming the plaza in front of the Public Safety Building at 6025 Buford Highway as "Marshall Cheek Plaza" to honor Councilmember Cheek's integral role in the building's design, construction, and oversight before his passing on June 14, 2026. Signage will be placed and maintained. Vote: 4-0.
• Approval of City of Norcross 2027 Medical Benefits Renewal (2026-349): Approved the renewal with Cigna, including a 9.9% medical premium increase ($263,920 increase based on current enrollment). Staff negotiated the increase down from an initial 19.4% to the single-digit percentage. The recommended employee contribution structure has employees funding approximately 25% of the renewal increase, while the employee-only High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) contribution remains at $0. The City will absorb 75% of the increase. The annual total medical premiums are projected at approximately $3.16 million, with the City contributing about $2.76 million. Employees will total approximately $382,481 annually. Discussion included comparisons with other cities and plans for future benefit reviews. Vote: 4-0.

Board Appointments

• Parks, Green Spaces, and Trails Commission: Appointed two members: Jiann-Ming Su and Karen Zeliff, each with terms expiring December 1, 2030. Vote: 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items were approved unanimously (4-0).
• The Public Safety Building Plaza was named in memory of Councilmember Marshall Cheek.
• A new policy for naming city assets was adopted.
• The 2027 medical benefits renewal with a 9.9% increase and 25% employee cost-sharing was approved.
• The rezoning of 5330 Old Norcross Road to M1 Light Industrial was approved with conditions.
• Board appointments were made for the Parks, Green Spaces, and Trails Commission.
• The consent agenda was approved, including the Academy Street subdivision, Gwinnett Creativity Fund grant, and Georgia Fund 1 user update.
• The meeting included an executive session for cybersecurity discussion, after which the regular session resumed.