City of Roswell Mayor and Council Meeting - October 13, 2026

The City of Roswell Mayor and Council met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Bison presiding due to an excused absence by Mayor Mary Rover Show. The meeting covered a consent agenda and several regular agenda items, including a tax allocation district agreement with Fulton County, playground replacement projects, adoption of the comprehensive growth plan, sign ordinance amendments, and authorization for negotiations on the redevelopment of the historic Masonic Lodge.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously with no public comments or council discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• George Vale commented on the Tax Allocation District (TAD) item, using Sandy Springs as a model for successful redevelopment of brownfields and urged Roswell to move faster.
• George Vale also spoke on the playground replacement item, opposing the replacement of the playground at Sloan Street Park. He argued the existing equipment is in good condition, suggested alternative uses for the bond funds (cemetery wall repair and a footbridge connecting trails), and requested a community charette before proceeding with that park.

Discussion Items

• Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Fulton County for Tax Allocation District (TAD) – Deputy City Administrator Jeffrey Leatherman presented details of the East-West Connector TAD, established in 2024. The IGA outlines participation by Fulton County with a 15-year investment window, a $183 million cap on county increment, and a maximum bonding capacity of $81 million. Council reviewed project eligibility, governance (a seven-member advisory committee with two Fulton County seats), and risk mitigation (bonds are limited obligations of the TAD only). Councilmember Sells highlighted the erosion of the commercial tax base and the need for catalytic projects. The item passed unanimously.
• Playground Replacement at Four Parks – Director of Parks and Recreation Stephen Malone presented a $1.47 million contract to replace playgrounds at East Roswell Park, Groveway Community Park, Roswell Area Park, and Sloan Street Park, funded by the 2022 parks bond. Discussion focused on Sloan Street Park, installed in 2007, which is a neighborhood park near the historic mill village. Critics argued the equipment is still functional and that community input was lacking. Staff noted parts are becoming obsolete, repairs are costly, and the playground is at the end of its useful life (20 years old). The council debated liability, deferred maintenance costs, and the impact of removing the park from the bundled procurement. The item passed unanimously.
• 2045 Comprehensive Growth Plan Adoption – Director of Community Development Michelle Alexander presented the plan, which received state approval with only minor formatting edits. Councilmember Sells recognized community input. The plan was adopted unanimously.
• Sign Ordinance Amendments – LED Strip Lighting in Windows (Second Reading) – Planning and Zoning Director Jeannie Payton presented text amendments for clarity and enforceability. No public speakers or council discussion. Passed unanimously.
• Sign Ordinance Amendments – Temporary Real Estate Signs (Second Reading) – Second reading of amendments for on-site real estate signs. No recommended changes from first reading. Passed unanimously.
• Masonic Lodge Redevelopment Negotiations – Director of Economic Development Daryl Connolly presented a resolution authorizing the Roswell Development Authority to negotiate a lease for adaptive reuse of the historic Masonic Lodge at 1054 Alpharetta Street as a live music and performing arts venue. The city acquired the property via condemnation, requiring a lease structure. The resolution authorizes up to $30,000 for an independent financial review. Council discussed the need to vet developer capacity early and the separate leasing of the building and adjacent green space. Passed unanimously.
• City Attorney’s Report – City Attorney Cusack recommended a closed session on October 26, 2026 to discuss personnel, litigation, and/or real estate. The motion carried unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• IGA with Fulton County for TAD: Approved unanimously.
• Playground Replacement Contract ($1,468,683): Approved unanimously (including Sloan Street Park).
• 2045 Comprehensive Growth Plan: Adopted unanimously.
• Sign Ordinance Amendments (LED strip lighting): Approved unanimously on second reading.
• Sign Ordinance Amendments (real estate signs): Approved unanimously on second reading.
• Masonic Lodge Resolution (authorizing negotiations and $30,000 financial review): Approved unanimously.
• Closed Session scheduled: Approved unanimously for October 26, 2026.