Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Sandy Springs City Council held its regular meeting on March 17, 2026, at 7:06 p.m. at City Hall, with Mayor Pro Tem John Paulson presiding in Mayor Rusty Paul's absence. The council unanimously approved a consent agenda, conducted two public hearings, and voted on several new business items, including a sidewalk agreement, a comprehensive plan contract, a budget transfer for a temporary fire station, a commercial lease, updated massage establishment regulations, and a resolution to place a redevelopment powers referendum on the November 2026 ballot.
The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m. following a unanimous vote.
Session and I hereby call the regular meeting of the Sandy Springs City Council for Tuesday, March 17th order. Let's have roll call and general announcements by the city clerk, please. All right, good evening. Um just a reminder, please continue to keep your cell phone silence throughout the meeting. Uh also a reminder, individuals who would like to provide public comment as city council meeting are required to submit those public cards in advance of the meeting. Those cards are always available online or at the chamber entrance. Those providing public comment may be allotted up to three minutes to speak on their single chosen topic. As I call roll, please confirm your attendance. Mayor Paul is absent. Councilmember John Paulson. Councilmember Melody Helly. President, Councilmember Melissa Mueller. Here. Councilmember Frank Roberts. Councilmember Mary Ford. Here. Councilmember Andrew Chensky. Would you please join me us in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God. Indivisible Liberty of Justice Rome. Yes, we received one public comment card this evening. Ms. Rhonda Smith. Ms. Smith Good evening, Mayor Pro Tem and Council. Rhonda Smith, 76 Long Island Place, speaking to you as President of the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods on behalf of our board tonight. You will be considering the approval of the qualified candidates for the consultant instrument for development of the 2027 comprehensive plan tonight. And I have three reasons for addressing this important item. One, a shameless plug, an invitation for all of you, Mayor Pro Tem and uh will invite Mayor Paul and Council to attend the upcoming March 31st, 6 p.m. Council of Neighborhoods annual meeting to be held in the Abernathy Arts Center Gallery. Our meeting's purpose is to educate and inform neighborhood leaders and residents about the plan and encourage their participation in the public engagement elements. The process will be of vital importance to both the consultants and communities' success in the delivery of the highest quality plan product at the end of the 15-month-long process. It will hinge upon resident input and skilled management of the input process. Two, Council of Neighborhoods understands and appreciates that robust community engagement is paramount to ultimately producing that high-quality plan product. A plan that represents represents the goals and desires of the community to maintain their quality of life. I told our board in our monthly meeting yesterday afternoon that the RHI team, having been the consultant instrument for 2017 next 10 plan, brings with them a unique advantage in that they get us. There will not be a steep learning curve around understanding and properly capturing the posture of our community, how special we are, what the community focus is, and how best to meet the community where they are to hear from them. What the future holds and how resident input will be instrumental in formulating the best plan is not just up to the consultant team, but also up to all of us who interface with the community, whether it be through our email newsletters or social media. We will also be a vital information source and delivery vehicle. Three, just take a look today at the zoning cases map, and you will see a trending approach to residential land use of assemblages and lot splits.