Roswell City Council Meeting of August 10, 2026

The Roswell Mayor and Council met on Monday, August 10, 2026, at an evening session called to order by Mayor Mary Robishow. Councilmembers present were Sarah Beeson (Mayor Pro Tem), Alan Souse, Christine Hall, Aaron Brumley, and Christopher Zack. Councilmember Jennifer Phillip was excused. The meeting opened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a consent agenda, public comments, and several regular agenda items including a rezoning request, stormwater management ordinance amendments, data center regulations, and a funding application for Green Street improvements.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, which included items related to public safety headquarters improvements and a roundabout on Pine Grove at North Coleman, was approved unanimously. Before approval, public speakers raised concerns: Janet Russell questioned the purchase arrangement for the public safety building (seller retained free use of half the building), and Doug Fernandez opposed the roundabout, citing traffic issues. Staff explained that the building was purchased for $8 million (well below appraisal) and the lease-back arrangement allowed the seller to recoup value; improvements were only for the police/fire side.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Janet Russell (Roswell resident): Expressed concern about the public safety headquarters deal, asking about improvements and the seller's free lease of half the building. Staff provided background on the discounted purchase and lease arrangement.
• Doug Fernandez (1315 Land of Lakes Drive): Opposed the proposed roundabout on Pine Grove at North Coleman, questioning its necessity and traffic impact.
• Michael Fischler (Harlow neighborhood resident): Spoke in support of rezoning 0 Old Roswell Road to allow 65 additional townhomes, citing the neighborhood's history, affordable housing, and survey results from the comprehensive plan. He argued environmental constraints made commercial development unfeasible.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning Request (0 Old Roswell Road): Applicant Den Webb (Pope and Land) requested rezoning from OR (Office Residential) to residential townhomes for the third phase of Harlow. Planning commission and staff recommended denial due to inconsistency with the 2045 comprehensive plan, which designates the area as an employment center. Councilmembers Souse and Hall argued for preserving commercial land for economic development. Councilmember Beeson expressed initial openness but later voted with the majority. A motion to approve failed 2-3, and a motion to deny passed 3-2.
• Stormwater Management Ordinances (Second Readings): Two ordinances amending UDC Section 12.5 and Code of Ordinances Article 7.2 (post-development stormwater management) were presented as second readings with no changes from prior approvals. No public comments. Both passed unanimously.
• Data Center Ordinance (Second Reading): An ordinance amending the UDC to regulate data centers, including buffer standards and visual attenuation requirements, was presented. Councilmembers praised staff for extensive research and collaboration. No public speakers. Passed unanimously.
• Green Street Phase 2 Funding (GTIB Loan & Grant Application): Transportation Director Andy Flaggar requested authorization to apply for a $1.5 million grant and up to $3 million loan (recommended 10-year term at 3.04% interest) from the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank to complete Green Street improvements from Cherry Way to Woodstock Street (estimated total $4.75 million). Councilmember Souse asked about terms: no offering costs, 1% prepayment penalty, no time limit on construction. The vote was tied 2-2, with Mayor Robishow casting the deciding vote in favor, making the final count 3-2 to authorize the application.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Rezoning (0 Old Roswell Road): Denied by a vote of 3-2. No further action.
• Stormwater Ordinances (UDC 12.5 & Code 7.2): Approved on second reading, effective immediately.
• Data Center Ordinance: Approved on second reading, effective immediately.
• Green Street Phase 2 Funding: Motion to authorize GTIB grant and loan application passed 3-2 (Mayor Robishow casting tie-breaking vote). Application due August 21, 2026; council will consider acceptance if awarded.
• Closed Session: Council voted unanimously to hold a closed session on August 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss personnel, litigation, and real estate.