Roswell Mayor and Council Meeting Summary

The City of Roswell Mayor and Council held a regular public meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting included presentations, public comments, and votes on multiple agenda items, including a veterans' home partnership, zoning text amendments, and code enforcement updates. Key decisions included approval of a memorandum of understanding for a veterans' home, approval of a conditional use permit for a carriage house, and first readings of several zoning and code amendments.

Consent Calendar

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

Public Comments & Testimony

• Janet Russell (on Item 10450) noted a grammatical error in the MOU for the veterans' home, pointing out that "veteran's home" should be plural possessive ("veterans' home") and stressed the importance of precise language in official documents. She also commented on the dredging policy (Item 10371), questioning why the city bears the full cost for stormwater dredging when 75% of residents receive water from Fulton County and suggesting the county should contribute.
• Sean Hanley, a member of the Georgia Department of Veterans Service Board, expressed strong support for the veterans' home MOU, emphasizing the urgent need for a long-term care facility for veterans in the metro Atlanta area. He stated that while over 500 cities in Georgia had the opportunity, only Roswell stepped forward, and he praised the mayor's leadership. He highlighted that the project would bring up to 250 jobs and provide wraparound care for up to 126 veterans.
• Neighbors from Darien Park subdivision spoke in opposition to the carriage house (Item 10397). One resident expressed concern that the carriage house, visible from backyards, would reduce property values by an estimated 10%. Another resident, Guy Skull (president of the Darien Park HOA), requested a deferral, citing incomplete documentation, lack of Fulton County septic approval, and concerns about public health, privacy, tree loss, and stormwater. He also noted errors in the site plan, which incorrectly indicated the property was on sewer instead of septic.
• Frederick Gianno (on the legal services agreement for PFAS litigation) questioned the need to hire outside counsel, noting that Michigan's attorney general had advised municipalities to handle PFAS settlement claims directly. He expressed concerns about the 33.3% contingency fee and transparency of the contract structure.
• Applicant Kilvin Walls (on Item 10397) stated he needed the carriage house as an in-law suite for his aging in-laws (ages 86 and 82) and that all required information had been provided. He noted that the septic variance and building permits were separate, subsequent steps and that he had already begun that process.

Discussion Items

• Veterans' Home MOU (Item 10450): The city approved a memorandum of understanding with the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation to collaborate on planning, funding, and developing a new veterans' home in Roswell. The project is a partnership involving federal, state, and local entities, with the state operating the facility at no ongoing cost to the city. The total project cost is estimated at $90 million, with $65 million from the federal government and $35 million to be raised through donations via the foundation's 501(c)(3). Fundraising must reach the goal by the end of August 2026, though extensions may be possible. The MOU protects donors by refunding contributions if the goal is not met. Council clarified that the city's only potential financial obligation is donating real estate, not fundraising or operational costs.
• Dredging Assistance Policy (Item 10371): A text amendment to the city's code to adopt a revised dredging assistance policy was approved on second reading. The policy was presented by Brian Watson, Director of Environmental Public Works. No questions were raised from the first reading.
• Carriage House Conditional Use Permit (Item 10397): Council debated a conditional use permit for a 986-square-foot carriage house on a 0.7-acre lot at 440 Houseway. The planning commission had recommended denial, but council discussed the five conditional use criteria, the role of the planning commission, and the code's provisions. Staff noted that the application was complete, the property was on septic (not sewer), and Fulton County would have final authority on septic capacity at later stages. Councilmember Beson cited academic research showing no evidence that ADUs impact neighboring property values. The motion to approve passed 4-2, with the condition that the applicant plant 14 trees along the rear property line (exceeding the code's 7-tree requirement for a specimen oak).
• Horse Stable Text Amendment (Items 10347 & 10348): First readings of two ordinances amending the UDC to allow non-commercial horse stables as a limited use on properties of 15 acres or more zoned RS18 (in addition to existing eligible zones). The amendments were in response to a request from one property owner. Council debated whether to rezone the specific property instead, with some members concerned about transparency and notification of neighbors. The first item (amending use standards) passed 5-1, and the second (amending the use table) passed unanimously.
• Warehouse and Distribution Regulations (Item 10243): First reading of an ordinance amending the UDC to distinguish warehouses from data centers, limit standalone warehouses in the Industrial Flex (IX) district to 25,000 square feet, and require access to a state highway. The amendment excludes data centers, trailer/box truck storage, and parking as standalone uses. The change makes warehouse use conditional in IX district. Passed unanimously with the planning commission's minor wordsmith.
• Residential Parking on Lawns (Item 10281): First reading to clarify that parking in front yards is only allowed on hard surfaces, not on grass or landscaped areas. Also clarifies that street-facing side yards are included in the definition of front yard. Planning commission added an exception for 24-hour RV loading. Passed unanimously.
• Commercial Parking on Grass (Item 10282): First reading to prohibit parking vehicles, trailers, and boats on grass or landscaped areas on commercial lots, replacing the term "dust-free" with "hard surface." Planning commission added exceptions for improved surfaces and engineered permeable paving. Passed unanimously.
• Bulky Items in Dumpsters (Item 10288): First reading to prohibit placing large bulky items (e.g., furniture, appliances, pallets) in city dumpsters. Staff noted this will be enforced through code citations and discussed the possibility of adding contractual penalties for commercial customers. Passed unanimously.
• Inoperable Vehicles (Item 10341): First reading to clarify that a missing or expired license plate qualifies a vehicle as inoperable, even if it is mechanically functional. Council discussed concerns about homeowners with vehicles awaiting repairs. Staff clarified enforcement works with residents on reasonable timelines. Passed unanimously.
• PFAS Litigation Legal Services (Item 10441): Approval of a resolution authorizing a legal services agreement to join a class-action lawsuit regarding PFAS ("forever chemicals") in water supplies. Assistant City Attorney Cusack explained the city has no detected PFAS but joining now would protect eligibility for future settlements. He addressed resident concerns about the fee structure and local counsel requirements. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Veterans' Home MOU: Approved unanimously. City will collaborate on fundraising and may donate real estate for a 126-bed veterans' home with $90 million project cost; 35% must be raised by August 2026.
• Dredging Assistance Policy: Approved unanimously on second reading.
• Carriage House Conditional Use Permit: Approved 4-2 with condition to plant 14 trees along rear property line.
• Horse Stable Text Amendment (Use Standards): First reading passed 5-1. Second reading to follow.
• Horse Stable Text Amendment (Use Table): First reading passed unanimously. Second reading to follow.
• Warehouse and Distribution Regulations: First reading passed unanimously. Second reading to follow.
• Residential Parking on Lawns: First reading passed unanimously. Second reading to follow.
• Commercial Parking on Grass: First reading passed unanimously. Second reading to follow.
• Bulky Items in Dumpsters: First reading passed unanimously. Second reading to follow.
• Inoperable Vehicles: First reading passed unanimously. Second reading to follow.
• PFAS Litigation Legal Services: Resolution to enter into legal services agreement passed unanimously.
• Closed Session: Council voted unanimously to enter closed session on May 26, 2026, to discuss personnel, litigation, and/or real estate.