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Record of Proceedings

Sandy Springs City Council Regular Meeting - July 21, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, July 21, 2026
BodySandy Springs, Georgia
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 21, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:15:07

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

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

I'd like to call this meeting the Sandy Springs City Council to order for Tuesday, July 21st, 2026.

0:06

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

Unassigned speaker

0:11

There

Speaker 2

0:11

we go.

0:12

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

0:13

First, I would like to remind those in attendance, please silence on all cell phones or other electronic devices at this time.

0:20

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

0:28

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

0:32

Just a reminder to those providing public comment it may be allowed allotted up to three minutes to speak on your single children topic.

0:39

As I call roll, please confirm your attendance.

0:42

Mayor Rusty Paul.

0:43

Present.

0:44

Councilmember John Paulson.

0:45

Councilmember Melody Kelly.

0:47

Present.

0:47

Councilmember Melissa Mueller.

0:49

Here.

0:49

Councilmember Frank Roberts.

0:51

Councilmember Mary Ford.

0:53

Here.

0:53

Councilmember Andrew Chensky.

0:55

Here.

Speaker 1

0:56

Please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Unassigned speaker

1:00

I pledge allegiance here.

Unassigned speaker

1:07

One nation.

Speaker 1

1:15

Madam Clerk, have we received any public comment cards?

Speaker 2

1:18

Yes, we've received uh six public comment cards this evening.

1:22

Uh the first is Alison Cray, who will be followed by Bob Johnson.

1:29

Okay.

1:30

Bob Johnson.

Unassigned speaker

1:32

Thank you.

Speaker 3

1:37

Good evening, Mayor Paul and Council.

1:40

It's great to be

Unassigned speaker

1:41

here.

Speaker 3

1:42

My public comment tonight centers on the application file for a conditional use permit, U263

Unassigned speaker

1:50

by

Speaker 3

1:50

the Chabad of Georgia to purchase the seven and a half acre St.

1:55

Martin's Episcopal School at 4945 High Point Road, District 5, and develop this land into a 300 student K through 12 high school.

2:07

I unequivocally oppose this.

2:10

I have lived in my house since 1990, 36 years.

2:14

I am a 2012 graduate of the Sandy Springs Police Department, Citizens Police Academy, Class 3.

2:22

2010 graduate of the Sandy Springs Fire Department Community Emergent Response Team, and also a proud winner of the Sandy Springs Police Department Bluestone 5K 9 run with my one-eyed Dochson this past fall.

2:39

I humbly come to you to oppose this camp this application

Unassigned speaker

2:42

in

Speaker 3

2:43

the name of safety for our neighborhood.

2:45

And here are my two reasons why.

2:47

Number one, this is a protected neighborhood.

3:05

Just five years ago, this city council unanimously rejected a request by St.

3:12

Martin's for 120 students.

3:16

There have been people killed at this intersection because of lack of infrastructure.

3:20

I think traffic will only cause more casualties.

3:23

Number two, just 14 months ago in May, our excellent Sandy Springs police SWAT conducted a multi-agency coordinated takedown of a convicted felon and his two cronies directly across the street from

Unassigned speaker

3:38

me.

Unassigned speaker

3:39

He

Speaker 3

3:39

is now in the Fulton County jail and he's waiting for his trial

Unassigned speaker

3:43

date.

Unassigned speaker

3:43

He

Speaker 3

3:43

is accused of possession of a foul arm by a convicted felon, narcotics possession of meth and DMT, which are both Schedule 1 control substances, and two counts, two counts of elderly abuse against his 85-year-old mother.

4:01

Twelve dogs, excuse me, 12 dogs were also rescued by animal control.

4:07

I ask

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████21%
Procedural███████████████████19%
Transportation Safety█████████████████17%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Public Engagement████████████12%
Cannabis Regulation███████7%
Community Engagement███████7%
Immigration Policy███3%
Budget Equity Analysis█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Sandy Springs City Council Regular Meeting - July 21, 2026

The Sandy Springs City Council met on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 6:26 p.m. in the Studio Theatre at City Hall. Mayor Rusty Paul presided over a meeting that included public comments, approval of two alcoholic beverage licenses, several new business items, and a report on the city’s financial health. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes from the June 16, 2026 Work Session and Regular Meeting.
  • Accepted a deed for dedication of right-of-way from SGCP Lakeside, LLC for property at 5795 Glenridge Drive.
  • Accepted a deed for dedication of right-of-way from Newbridge Custom Homes, LLC for property at 4750 Rebel Trail.
  • Approved a purchase and sale agreement for a temporary construction easement and driveway easement (with cost-to-cure payment) from The Gandhi Family Trust for the S2185 Lake Forrest Drive Sidewalk Project.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Bob Johnson (36-year resident) opposed a conditional use permit application by Chabad of Georgia to purchase St. Martin’s Episcopal School for a 300-student K-12 school. He cited traffic safety concerns (a fatal intersection crash) and a recent SWAT operation across the street involving a convicted felon, arguing the neighborhood is not safe for another school.
  • Kristen Daddow-Rodriguez criticized ICE presence in Sandy Springs, stating that ICE operations create unnecessary fear and danger. She shared the story of a friend who was detained and deported despite legal status, and urged the city to take action to keep ICE away from the public.
  • Noelle Ross expressed concern about ICE activity, saying it adds fear to the community and businesses, and called on the city to do better.
  • Dontaye Carter requested that the council place a resolution on the agenda directing the city attorney and police chief to develop a transparency protocol for ICE interactions. He argued that random immigration checks raise constitutional concerns and that the city should ensure accountability and compliance without creating a sanctuary city.
  • Lori Connor, a veteran teacher, read text messages from former students expressing fear that their parents would be taken by ICE, and noted that students are unable to concentrate due to anxiety.

Discussion Items

  • Alcoholic Beverage Licenses (Public Hearings)
    • 2026-182: New license for 8290 Roswell INC / Sandy Springs Food Mart (retail beer & wine). Revenue Manager Cori Holiness reported the applicant passed background checks. Councilmember Kelley asked about the process; Holiness explained the multi-department approval steps. Approved unanimously.
    • 2026-183: Change of ownership for Crown Fuel LLC / Shell Food and Gas Co (retail beer & wine). Holiness reported all requirements met. Approved unanimously.
  • Call Center Services Task Order (2026-184): Communications Director Carter Long requested approval of a third task order for Faneuil Inc. in the amount of $702,314 for FY2027, representing a 5% annual escalator under the existing five-year contract. Approved.
  • Police Vehicle Purchase (2026-185): Captain James McNabb requested approval to purchase twelve 2026 Ford Explorers from Wade Ford for $597,900 (per-vehicle cost $49,825). The funding was included in the FY2027 budget. He noted the vehicles are available on the lot and the price is firm until month-end. Approved.
  • Appointments to North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan Community Council (2026-186): Public Works Director William Martin recommended appointing Mark Rosenthal and Michael Siegel. Mayor Paul noted they live in neighborhoods affected by the Georgia 400 project. Councilmember Mular asked how they would coordinate with community groups; Martin said they would bridge communication across the broader community. Councilmember Paulson asked if they could report back to the council; Martin said yes. Councilmember Kelley asked about public engagement; Martin said outreach events will be held. Approved.
  • ITS Ring B Fiber Extension Design Contract (2026-187): Martin presented a contract award to Kimley-Horn for $399,880 for engineering design of a fiber optic loop (approx. 12,750 linear feet) to create redundant communications for traffic signals and connect Fire Station 1. The city received only one proposal; staff contacted 50 firms to understand lack of competition. Councilmember Paulson asked how it fits with existing fiber optic infrastructure; Martin explained it provides redundancy and augments the existing ITS network. Approved.
  • Roswell Road Safety Project Scoping Study (2026-188): Martin recommended a contract award to Gresham Smith for $223,750 to study Roswell Road between Cliftwood Drive and Hammond Drive, identified as the second-highest high-injury corridor. Councilmember Mular asked about budget and timeline (about one year); Martin said the study will make a business case to GDOT and ARC. Councilmember Paulson raised concerns about GDOT’s authority over the road; Martin explained the city’s study extends from the GDOT interchange study up to the Hammond Corridor improvements and will engage with GDOT’s parallel efforts. Approved.
  • Glenridge Drive Sidepath Partnership with Fulton PCID (2026-189): Martin presented an agreement where the Fulton Perimeter Community Improvement District and the city will each fund 50% of $300,000 to fill a 100-foot sidepath gap on Glenridge Drive south of I-285. The CID will lead design, the city will lead construction. Approved.
  • Right-of-Way Purchase for Glenridge Drive Sidepath (2026-190): Martin requested approval to purchase fee simple right-of-way (3,435 sq ft) and a temporary construction easement (4,339 sq ft) from RXHST Sandy Springs, LLC for $322,000. The city’s appraised value was $305,600; the additional $16,400 covers a new sign requested by the property owner. Approved.
  • 2026 TSPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement (2026-191): Martin presented the IGA among Fulton County and 14 cities for a renewed Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax referendum on November 3, 2026. Sandy Springs could receive up to $129,191,942 over five years. Councilmember Paulson asked about public communication; Assistant City Manager Kristen Byars Smith said a full communications strategy is being developed. Councilmember Kelley noted a discrepancy in Fulton County’s resolution and confirmed the city needed to act first. Approved.
  • Redevelopment Powers Referendum Election Superintendent (2026-192): City Clerk Raquel Gonzalez presented an ordinance appointing Fulton County to administer the November 3, 2026, general municipal election for the redevelopment powers referendum. Councilmember Paulson clarified that TSPLOST is a county-wide referendum and part of the same election. Approved.

Reports

  • Mayor and Council Reports:
    • Mayor Rusty Paul shared that his son Russ passed away the previous week and expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support. He requested donations to Piedmont Hospice in Russ’s memory.
    • Councilmember Paulson reminded the public that National Night Out will be held in two weeks at City Hall.
    • Councilmember Kelley reported attending the Georgia Municipal Association annual convention, training on human trafficking and public works, and a Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee meeting. She promoted a family event with the Sandy Springs Conservancy at Morgan Falls.
    • Councilmember Mular noted the July 10 grand opening of Summit Coffee at the Williams-Payne House.
    • Councilmember Chinsky offered condolences to Mayor Paul and reported visiting Horizons at Holy Innocence Episcopal School as a guest reader, highlighting the program’s support for summer learning.
  • Staff Reports: Chief Financial Officer Toni Carlisle presented May 2026 unaudited financials: the city is 91.67% through the fiscal year, revenues are at 106.96% of budget, and expenditures are at 85.18% of budget. All departments operated within budget.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
  • Alcoholic Beverage Licenses: Both approved unanimously.
  • Call Center Task Order: Approved (Resolution 2026-07-103).
  • Police Vehicle Purchase: Approved (Resolution 2026-07-104).
  • Appointments to North Fulton CTP Community Council: Approved (Resolution 2026-07-105).
  • ITS Ring B Fiber Design Contract: Approved (Resolution 2026-07-106).
  • Roswell Road Safety Scoping Study Contract: Approved (Resolution 2026-07-107).
  • Glenridge Sidepath CID Partnership: Approved (Resolution 2026-07-108).
  • Right-of-Way Purchase for Glenridge Sidepath: Approved (Resolution 2026-07-109).
  • 2026 TSPLOST IGA: Approved (Resolution 2026-07-110).
  • Redevelopment Powers Referendum Election Ordinance: Approved (Ordinance 2026-07-013).
  • The council recessed into executive session at 7:41 p.m. for real estate and litigation discussions; returned at 8:47 p.m. and adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to call this meeting the Sandy Springs City Council to order for Tuesday, July 21st, 2026. Will the city clerk please make the announcements and call the role? There we go. Good evening, Mayor and Council. First, I would like to remind those in attendance, please silence on all cell phones or other electronic devices at this time. Individuals who would like to provide a public comment at a city council meeting are required to complete and submit those public comment cards in advance of the meeting. Public comment cards are available online and at the chamber entrance. Just a reminder to those providing public comment it may be allowed allotted up to three minutes to speak on your single children topic. As I call roll, please confirm your attendance. Mayor Rusty Paul. Present. Councilmember John Paulson. Councilmember Melody Kelly. Present. Councilmember Melissa Mueller. Here. Councilmember Frank Roberts. Councilmember Mary Ford. Here. Councilmember Andrew Chensky. Here. Please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance here. One nation. Madam Clerk, have we received any public comment cards? Yes, we've received uh six public comment cards this evening. Uh the first is Alison Cray, who will be followed by Bob Johnson. Okay. Bob Johnson. Thank you. Good evening, Mayor Paul and Council. It's great to be here. My public comment tonight centers on the application file for a conditional use permit, U263 by the Chabad of Georgia to purchase the seven and a half acre St. Martin's Episcopal School at 4945 High Point Road, District 5, and develop this land into a 300 student K through 12 high school. I unequivocally oppose this. I have lived in my house since 1990, 36 years. I am a 2012 graduate of the Sandy Springs Police Department, Citizens Police Academy, Class 3. 2010 graduate of the Sandy Springs Fire Department Community Emergent Response Team, and also a proud winner of the Sandy Springs Police Department Bluestone 5K 9 run with my one-eyed Dochson this past fall. I humbly come to you to oppose this camp this application in the name of safety for our neighborhood. And here are my two reasons why. Number one, this is a protected neighborhood. Just five years ago, this city council unanimously rejected a request by St. Martin's for 120 students. There have been people killed at this intersection because of lack of infrastructure.

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