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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Sandy Springs City Council Regular Meeting Summary - December 16, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, December 16, 2025

BodySandy Springs, Georgia

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, December 16, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:15:42

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Speaker 1

0:00

None we'll move to regular order.

0:01

I'd like to call uh this uh meeting of the Sandy Springs City Council order for Tuesday, December 16th.

0:08

Will the city clerk please call the roll and make the announcements?

Unassigned speaker

0:13

Good evening.

Unassigned speaker

0:15

Good evening, Mayor and Consul.

Unassigned speaker

0:17

Uh first, I would like to

Speaker 2

0:18

remind those in attendance to please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices at this time.

0:24

Individuals who would like to provide public comment as a city council meeting are required to complete and submit those public comment cards in advance of the meeting.

0:32

Public comment cards are always available online at the chamber entrance.

0:36

Just a reminder to those who will later provide public comment may be allowed to speak up to three minutes to speak on their single chosen topic.

0:43

As I call roll, please confirm your attendance.

0:45

Mayor Rusty Paul.

0:46

Councilmember John Paulson, Councilmember Melody Kelly, Councilmember Melissa Mueller.

0:52

Here.

0:52

Councilmember Jody Rochelle.

0:54

Councilmember Tibby De Giulio.

0:57

Councilmember Andy Bauman.

Speaker 1

0:59

Join me for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Speaker 3

1:03

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

1:10

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for

Speaker 4

1:15

all.

Speaker 1

1:21

Madam Clerk, do we have any public comment cards?

Speaker 2

1:24

Uh yes, we have eight public comment cards this meeting this evening.

1:29

Um I'll call the person to the podium and then ask whoever is next in queue to uh line up here at one of the chairs in front.

1:36

Uh first we have Lon Sibbert, who will be followed by Mary Ford.

Speaker 5

1:52

Thank you.

1:54

For each of us, life is a journey.

1:58

For Tibby the Julio, his journeys have been both remarkable and blessed.

2:05

Blessed for him and blessed for those associated with him.

2:11

His first major journey was Scholastic University from 1965 to 1972.

2:20

His second journey was his Purple Heart awarded Adventure in Vietnam, for which we salute him and thank him for his services and his valor.

Speaker 2

3:48

Next, we have Mary Ford, who will be followed by Andrew Chensky.

Unassigned speaker

3:57

Good

Mary Ford · Speaker 6Inferred

3:57

evening, Mayor and Council.

3:59

My name is Mary Ford, and my address is 5115 Timber Trail South Northeast.

4:04

I'm the president of High Point Civic Association, and I'm here tonight on behalf of our entire membership to express our deep gratitude for the service of Tibby DeGiulio as he completes his final term.

4:18

Tibby's contribution to High Point and to the city of Sandy Springs is exceptional.

4:24

His involvement began back in 1985 when he first moved to our neighborhood.

4:30

He was a founding father of our city.

4:33

Standing alongside Eva Galombs, they were the dream team that fought the long hard uphill battle for incorporation.

4:41

Their combined passion, Tibby's financial know-how, and Eva's unrelenting determination led directly to the astonishing majority vote to create our city.

Unassigned speaker

4:52

For an impressive 20 years, Tibby has represented us serving all the terms and the first eight years as Mayor Pro Tem.

Mary Ford · Speaker 6Inferred

5:01

He has always been a fierce proponent of the strength of our neighborhoods, voting to preserve the character of our area.

5:09

His commitment to safety has been equally resolute.

5:12

Tibby has given top priority to public safety, so much so that public safety in Sandy Springs is now top in the state.

5:21

And if you were to ask our residents what do they value most about living in Sandy Springs, public safety is at the top of that list.

5:30

Finally, and personally important to our diverse district, Tibby has always been a valued friend and advocate for all residents.

5:38

He has been a great supporter of religious institutions, valuing their roles and presence in our city.

5:45

We especially thank him for his steadfast support of our local Jewish community, including his work to implement essential safety measures along High Point Road so that those practicing at the Congregation Bath Tavila have safe access.

6:02

This work ensures that people of all faith feel secure and included in the life of our city.

6:08

Tibby, you've been a champion for District 5, a financial steward for our city, a fierce proponent of making sure that Sandy Springs lives within its means.

6:19

And we will always remember that when you are asked the question, what will you remember most?

6:24

It's that what has happened exceeded anything that you could have ever dreamed of or expected.

6:31

Councilman De Giulio, it's been an honor to be part of this journey with you.

6:37

Your career is truly a civic fairy tale and wish you a very happy next chapter.

6:42

And because we know that you will continue continue to contribute to our city.

6:47

Thank

Unassigned speaker

6:47

you.

Speaker 2

6:53

Andrew Chinski, who will be followed by Susan Major.

Unassigned speaker

7:00

Good

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural████████████████████████████28%

Community Engagement███████████████████████████27%

Zoning And Land Use██████████████████18%

Parks and Recreation█████████9%

Personnel Matters███████7%

Public Safety████4%

Transportation Safety███3%

Engineering And Infrastructure███3%

Pending Litigation█1%

Summary of Proceedings

Sandy Springs City Council Regular Meeting - December 16, 2025

Mayor Rusty Paul called the regular meeting to order at 6:16 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, following a work session. The council recognized departing members, heard public comment, approved the consent agenda, held a public hearing for a conditional use permit, voted on grants and property settlements, received the October 2025 financial report, and entered executive session for litigation. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

Consent Calendar

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including the December 2, 2025 City Council meeting minutes (Agenda Item 2025-286).

Public Comments & Testimony

Lon Sibert, 688 Royer Court, Atlanta: thanked Tibby DeJulio and highlighted his military service, including a Purple Heart in Vietnam.
Mary Ford, 5115 Timber Trail S NE, Sandy Springs, president of the High Point Civic Association: expressed the association's gratitude for DeJulio's 20 years of service, citing his role in cityhood, public safety leadership, and support for religious communities, including safety improvements on High Point Road.
Andrew Chinsky, 6240 Weatherly Drive, Sandy Springs: thanked outgoing Councilmembers Jody Reichel, Tibby DeJulio, and Andy Bauman for their service and encouraged them to remain involved.
Susan Maziar, 5350 Timber Trail, Atlanta: thanked DeJulio for service to District 5 and for always taking calls.
Charlie Kontz, 905 Landmark Drive NE, Atlanta: thanked DeJulio and recalled his professionalism during cityhood campaigns.
Sallie Duncan, 475 Pine Forest Road, Atlanta: thanked DeJulio, Reichel, and Bauman, recounting DeJulio's willingness to speak to schoolchildren.
Ronda Smith, 76 Long Island Place, Sandy Springs, on behalf of the Council of Neighborhoods board: thanked outgoing members, especially DeJulio, and praised their thoughtful and sincere engagement with the community.
Bill Gannon, 505 Taunton Way, Sandy Springs: thanked DeJulio and recalled volunteering with him and Eva Galambos to create the city.

Presentations: Departing Councilmembers

Mayor Paul recognized Councilmembers Jody Reichel, Tibby DeJulio, and Andy Bauman for their service.
DeJulio reflected on 38 good years in Sandy Springs, saying the city turned out better than anyone hoped, and thanked colleagues, staff, and residents.
Reichel thanked staff for their patience and support over eight years.
Bauman thanked staff, the Mayor, colleagues, and especially his wife and family, acknowledging the sacrifices of public-service families.

Public Hearing: Conditional Use Permit U-25-2, 6344 Roswell Road

Planning & Zoning Manager Michele McIntosh-Ross presented a request for a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow a drive-through facility at a former bank building in the CX-3 zoning district. Staff recommended approval; the Planning Commission recommended approval with the additional condition that the drive-through be limited to bank use only.
Dani Blumenthal of Gaskins LaCraw, representing property owner Regency Centers, spoke in support and said the building would be used as a bank under a lease contingent on approval; the bank was described as a national bank, with details confidential at that time.
Ronda Smith, president of the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods, spoke in opposition, saying the application language had been inconsistent and open-ended, and that the Council of Neighborhoods would have preferred denial due to drive-through proliferation concerns. She asked that if approved, the CUP include both recommended conditions, including bank-use-only.
The council voted unanimously to approve the CUP with the two conditions: (1) development similar to the July 22, 2025 site plan, and (2) drive-through facility for bank use only. Ordinance No. 2025-12-25 was adopted.

Discussion Items

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant (2025-288): Fire Chief Keith Sanders presented a request to participate in the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant program. The foundation has provided more than $98 million in grants to 6,914 organizations nationwide. The city will apply for $39,648.00 to buy 84 Rescue Tech EGRESS escape ropes with heat-resistant pouches and 84 fire-resistant seat harnesses. No local match is required. Councilmember John Paulson called it a great application. The resolution carried unanimously (Resolution No. 2025-12-177).
FY2026 LMIG Application (2025-289): Public Works Director William H. Martin Jr. presented the proposed street list for GDOT's Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant. The list covers approximately 5.04 miles of roads selected from the 2024 Pavement Condition Index survey. The city's LMIG distribution is $1,159,932.46; the estimated project cost is $1,597,343.73, and the required 30% local match is $347,979.74. The application is due to GDOT by February 1, 2026. Councilmember Melissa Mular asked about Green Hill Road's 26.8 PCI score; Martin explained it had been under reconstruction for years and that repairs kept it safe. Councilmember Melody Kelley discussed the prior LRA grant and whether concrete intersections should be included in future PCI surveys. The resolution carried unanimously (Resolution No. 2025-12-178).
Right-of-Way Settlement for CDBG Roswell Road Sidewalks Project Phase II (2025-290): City Attorney Dan Lee presented a settlement totaling $790,000.00 for fee-simple right-of-way at 5674 and 5696 Roswell Road with property owner Roswell Road Development Partners, LLC. The city had deposited $423,000.00 into the court registry; the settlement requires an additional $367,000.00. The properties total 2,143.02 square feet (0.049 acres). Councilmember Andy Bauman said he was glad the matter was resolved. Councilmember Tibby DeJulio voted no, saying he believed the city was overpaying and citing his mentor, former Mayor Eva Galambos. The motion carried 5-1 (Resolution No. 2025-12-179), with Paulson, Kelley, Mular, Reichel, and Bauman in favor and DeJulio opposed.
Renaming Windsor Meadows Park (2025-291): Mayor Paul presented a resolution to rename Windsor Meadows Park to Tibby DeJulio Park at Windsor Meadows in honor of DeJulio's role in incorporation and 20 years of service. Councilmember Paulson spoke in support, citing DeJulio's work with Eva Galambos, his financial expertise, and his military service. The resolution carried unanimously (Resolution No. 2025-12-180). Mayor Paul presented DeJulio with a mock-up of the first new park sign; an official unveiling was scheduled for January.

Reports

Mayor and Council Report: Mayor Paul reported on the successful Sparkle Sandy Springs parade, including tree and menorah lightings. He expressed condolences after the shooting tragedies in Sydney, Australia, and at Brown University, and stated that Rabbi Yossi New was safe. A moment of silence was held for the victims. He also reported on his participation in the North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in New Orleans and an upcoming Combat Antisemitism Movement meeting in Sandy Springs in January.
Staff Reports - October 2025 Unaudited Financials: Chief Financial Officer Toni Carlisle reported that the city is at 33% of the fiscal year, with revenues at 29.75% and expenditures at 30.97% of the approved budget. Revenue was meeting targets for core sources including property taxes, franchise taxes, and insurance premiums. Councilmember Andy Bauman thanked CFO Carlisle and staff, and Mayor Paul praised the city's clean audits.

Key Outcomes

Approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda unanimously.
Approved Ordinance No. 2025-12-25 (CUP U-25-2 for 6344 Roswell Road drive-through/bank) unanimously.
Approved Resolution No. 2025-12-177 (Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant participation) unanimously.
Approved Resolution No. 2025-12-178 (FY2026 LMIG street list and application) unanimously.
Approved Resolution No. 2025-12-179 (right-of-way settlement of $790,000.00) by a 5-1 vote, with DeJulio dissenting.
Approved Resolution No. 2025-12-180 (rename Windsor Meadows Park to Tibby DeJulio Park at Windsor Meadows) unanimously.
Received October 2025 unaudited financial report.
Entered executive session for litigation discussion at 7:31 p.m., returned to regular order at 7:47 p.m., and adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Councilmember Jody Reichel left the meeting at 7:31 p.m.

Executive Session and Adjournment

The council voted unanimously to recess to executive session for litigation at 7:31 p.m. After Councilmember Reichel left, the council voted 5-0 to end the executive session and return to regular order at 7:47 p.m. The meeting then adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

None we'll move to regular order. I'd like to call uh this uh meeting of the Sandy Springs City Council order for Tuesday, December 16th. Will the city clerk please call the roll and make the announcements? Good evening. Good evening, Mayor and Consul. Uh first, I would like to remind those in attendance to please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices at this time. Individuals who would like to provide public comment as a city council meeting are required to complete and submit those public comment cards in advance of the meeting. Public comment cards are always available online at the chamber entrance. Just a reminder to those who will later provide public comment may be allowed to speak up to three minutes to speak on their single chosen topic. As I call roll, please confirm your attendance. Mayor Rusty Paul. Councilmember John Paulson, Councilmember Melody Kelly, Councilmember Melissa Mueller. Here. Councilmember Jody Rochelle. Councilmember Tibby De Giulio. Councilmember Andy Bauman. Join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Madam Clerk, do we have any public comment cards? Uh yes, we have eight public comment cards this meeting this evening. Um I'll call the person to the podium and then ask whoever is next in queue to uh line up here at one of the chairs in front. Uh first we have Lon Sibbert, who will be followed by Mary Ford. Thank you. For each of us, life is a journey. For Tibby the Julio, his journeys have been both remarkable and blessed. Blessed for him and blessed for those associated with him. His first major journey was Scholastic University from 1965 to 1972. His second journey was his Purple Heart awarded Adventure in Vietnam, for which we salute him and thank him for his services and his valor. Next, we have Mary Ford, who will be followed by Andrew Chensky. Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Mary Ford, and my address is 5115 Timber Trail South Northeast. I'm the president of High Point Civic Association, and I'm here tonight on behalf of our entire membership to express our deep gratitude for the service of Tibby DeGiulio as he completes his final term. Tibby's contribution to High Point and to the city of Sandy Springs is exceptional. His involvement began back in 1985 when he first moved to our neighborhood. He was a founding father of our city. Standing alongside Eva Galombs, they were the dream team that fought the long hard uphill battle for incorporation. Their combined passion, Tibby's financial know-how, and Eva's unrelenting determination led directly to the astonishing majority vote to create our city. For an impressive 20 years, Tibby has represented us serving all the terms and the first eight years as Mayor Pro Tem. He has always been a fierce proponent of the strength of our neighborhoods, voting to preserve the character of our area. His commitment to safety has been equally resolute. Tibby has given top priority to public safety, so much so that public safety in Sandy Springs is now top in the state. And if you were to ask our residents what do they value most about living in Sandy Springs, public safety is at the top of that list. Finally, and personally important to our diverse district, Tibby has always been a valued friend and advocate for all residents. He has been a great supporter of religious institutions, valuing their roles and presence in our city. We especially thank him for his steadfast support of our local Jewish community, including his work to implement essential safety measures along High Point Road so that those practicing at the Congregation Bath Tavila have safe access. This work ensures that people of all faith feel secure and included in the life of our city.

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