City of Roswell Mayor and Council Meeting – March 9, 2026

The Roswell Mayor and Council met on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM (presumed) to address a full agenda including recognition of fire department award recipients, a consent calendar, and several substantive policy items. Key decisions included adding Juneteenth as a permanent city holiday, approving a conditional use for a Quick Trip convenience store with variances, adopting a first reading of an ethics code rewrite, passing a parking pilot program for the Green Street deck and downtown on-street spaces, and authorizing a bond issuance for capital projects. The meeting drew extensive public comment, particularly on the parking proposal.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously, with no speakers or council comments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Parking (Item 4): 14 residents spoke. Most opposed the paid parking expansion, arguing it would hurt businesses, burden residents, and that the city should absorb operating costs through general funds or a hybrid model (e.g., first two hours free). Several speakers urged the council to slow down the process and consider pilot programs. A small number supported a usage-based fee model to manage demand. Business owners (Ryan Pernice, Jonna Aronowitz, Steve Rockland) highlighted competition with neighboring cities that offer free parking and the risk of deterring visitors.
• Ethics Code (Item 6): Two speakers spoke in favor of the rewrite. A former ethics commission member, Alison Vrollich, called the current code a “joke” and strongly supported the new version with an independent hearing officer. Another speaker, Frederick Guillano, raised technical concerns about missing penalties, definitions, and anti-retaliation protections, but generally supported the overhaul.
• Bond Resolution (Item 5): One speaker, Jason Yowell, opposed the bond, questioning the cost of individual projects such as the City Hall roof and criticizing prior financial decisions.

Discussion Items

• Juneteenth Holiday (Item 1): Director of Human Resources Trisha Redfern presented a proposal to add Juneteenth as a paid city holiday, aligning with federal and state calendars. Councilmember Hall noted the city added two religious holidays in 2023 and suggested the floating holiday could be removed to keep total holidays at 13, but Councilmember Beeson argued that adding Juneteenth without removing the floating holiday was a matter of equity and competitive advantage. The fiscal impact was reported as $75,000 net additional cost, with total holiday pay cost of $195,000. After debate, the council approved the holiday for 2026 and all future years. The vote was 5 in favor, 1 opposed.
• Quick Trip Conditional Use (Item 2): Planning and Zoning Director Jeannie Payton presented a request for a 6,400 sq ft convenience store with eight fuel pumps at 1050 Holcomb Bridge Road (former Red Lobster site). The applicant sought variances to the build-to zone and approval of a 23-foot retaining wall. Key issues included a required left-turn lane on Dogwood Road, which was still under design, and a minor stream buffer encroachment. After discussion, the council approved the conditional use with added conditions, including a statement that no implied variances are granted. The vote was unanimous.
• Data Center Text Amendment (Item 3): A first reading of amendments to the Unified Development Code to define “data or digital storage center” and “computer or data processing” was presented. The Planning Commission recommended striking the new definition and modifying the existing one. The council approved the first reading unanimously.
• Parking Policy (Item 4): Deputy City Administrator Jeff Leatherman presented a comprehensive parking plan covering the Green Street parking deck, downtown on-street spaces, and future Hill Rose/City Hall lots. The 2026 budget projected a $376,000 general fund subsidy for parking operations. The staff recommended paid parking with dynamic pricing, a free Monday–Friday 8 AM–4 PM period at the Green Street deck, and a future Hill Rose policy. After extensive public comment and council debate, a motion passed to approve a pilot program: paid parking at the Green Street deck and downtown on-street spaces (Canton, Elizabeth, East Alley) from opening until December 31, 2026, with a commitment to further public discussion on Hill Rose and City Hall lots. The vote was 4 in favor, 2 opposed.
• Ethics Code Rewrite (Item 6): Assistant City Attorney Joseph Cusak presented a first reading of a complete rewrite of the city’s ethics ordinance. Key changes include filing complaints with the city clerk, using an independent hearing officer (a pre-qualified attorney with no local ties), applying a “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard, and adding due process protections. The current process was criticized as politically biased. Councilmember Sells expressed a desire to include a prohibition on PAC money and to retain resident involvement, but the motion to approve the first reading passed. The vote was not recorded by tally, but at least one member opposed.
• Bond Resolution (Item 5): CFO Bill Gotchal presented a $13.4 million bond issuance through the Roswell Public Facilities Authority (RPFA) for capital projects including City Hall roof, public safety improvements, fire engine reserve, 911 range upgrades, parking deck technology, and Crab Apple Center expansion. The recommended bid was Webster Bank at 4.18% over 20 years, with annual debt service of $1,173,000. The council approved the resolution unanimously.
• Sunbelt Office MOU (Item 7): A resolution supporting a memorandum of understanding with Sunbelt Office One LLC for economic development was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Juneteenth Holiday: Approved as a permanent city holiday, effective 2026 (5-1 vote).
• Quick Trip Conditional Use: Approved with conditions, including no implied variances (unanimous).
• Data Center Definitions: Approved on first reading (unanimous).
• Parking Pilot Program: Approved for Green Street deck and downtown on-street spaces through December 31, 2026, with further discussion on Hill Rose and City Hall lots (4-2 vote).
• Ethics Code Rewrite: Approved on first reading (voice vote, with opposition).
• RPFA Bond Issuance: Approved (unanimous).
• Sunbelt Office MOU: Approved (unanimous).