Sandy Springs City Council Regular Meeting - August 4, 2026

The Sandy Springs City Council met on August 4, 2026, from 5:05 PM to 6:47 PM. Mayor Rusty Paul presided. The council unanimously approved a slate of routine items, including right-of-way acquisitions, alcoholic beverage licenses, and a contract for a major fiber optic project. The central debate of the evening concerned the adoption of the 2026 Transportation Master Plan, which passed by a 5-1 vote after extensive deliberation.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved meeting minutes for the May 5 and May 19 Budget Workshops and the July 21 Work Session and Meeting.
• Approved a resolution to purchase fee simple right-of-way and a temporary construction easement from Brighton Court Condominium Association for the T0019 Roswell Road Streetscape Improvements Project.
• Approved a resolution to purchase right-of-way and easements from Robert Ly, Rosa Chau, and Red Chau for the Windsor Parkway Sidewalk Improvements Project.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided comments during the designated period.

Presentations

• Purple Heart Day Proclamation: Mayor Paul proclaimed August 7, 2026, as Purple Heart Day. He recognized Purple Heart recipients Mr. Ed Harmon and former Councilmember Tibby DeJulio.

Public Hearings

• Taste Wine - City Springs (ABL No. 28699): Unanimously approved. Revenue Supervisor Tammie Edwards confirmed the applicant met all requirements for consumption and package sales of beer, wine, and distilled spirits at 6405 Bluestone Road (District 3).
• Taka Sushi and Passion (ABL No. 28579): Unanimously approved. The application for on-premises consumption of beer, wine, and distilled spirits at 4600 Roswell Road (District 6) was recommended by staff.

Discussion Items

• Donation of Surplus Trailer (2026-202): Lt. Joe Simone requested approval to donate a 2009 Lark trailer with termite damage to the Wilcox County Sheriff's Office. Councilmember Chinsky asked about its utility. Simone explained Wilcox County has a small budget (approximately $900,000 annually) and would likely find a way to repair and use the trailer. Unanimously approved.
• MOU with Georgia Gwinnett College (2026-203): Captain James McNabb presented an MOU for the Applied Learning Experience Program. The police department already hosts about six interns per year from other universities. Councilmember Kelley requested a city-wide overview of organizational engagement with colleges. Councilmember Ford asked about high school programs. Unanimously approved.
• Landscaping Contract Renewal (2026-204): Director Brent Walker presented the one-year renewal with White Oak Landscape Company Inc. for $500,932.50, including a $10,000 change order for Burdett Park. Unanimously approved.
• ITS Ring A Project Award (2026-205): Public Works Director Martin presented a $1,507,583.25 contract award to Smart Road Technology, LLC for 9.3 miles of fiber optic installation. One bid was disqualified for not being GDOT pre-qualified. Councilmember Paulson clarified the distinction from the previously approved Ring B design contract. Unanimously approved.
• Right-of-Way Purchase for Roswell Road Streetscape (2026-206): Council approved a $465,000 settlement with VA9 One Sovereign, LLC. The amount exceeded the city's appraised value of $413,900 but was supported by land sale comparables. Councilmember Ford noted the project funding is 80% federal (FTA via MARTA) and 20% local. Councilmember Chinsky requested a public project webpage or work session. Unanimously approved.
• Transportation Master Plan Adoption (2026-207): The most extensive debate centered on the 10-year, $280 million plan. Consultant Dave Cox outlined revisions made since the June work session, including broadening the curb management policy to address delivery vehicles and expanding school congestion strategies. Councilmember Chinsky outlined his opposition, citing a lack of vision for non-car mobility, insufficient focus on walkability and speeding, and poor timing alongside the Comprehensive Plan update. Councilmember Ford highlighted the need for safety improvements on High Point Road, noting the plan's flexibility. Councilmember Mular praised the curb management expansion and requested annual progress reports and a roadway classification list. Mayor Paul contextualized the plan within the region's shift towards rubber-tired transit and the necessity of aligning with ARC for federal funding. Councilmember Kelley probed the prioritization of aspirational projects, the city's crosswalk evaluation policy, and the specific data supporting the COR-4 median project. Traffic/Transportation Unit Manager Wescott explained the evaluation process and noted staff is evaluating approximately 20 potential midblock crossings for the TSPLOST program.

Key Outcomes

• Transportation Master Plan Adopted (5-1): A motion by Councilmember Paulson and seconded by Councilmember Kelley carried. The motion included requirements to incorporate transportation recommendations from the Comprehensive Plan and to create a public executive summary. Councilmember Chinsky cast the sole dissenting vote.
• TSPLOST-2021 Program Funding Updated (Unanimous): An ordinance approving the reallocation of $400,000 in uncommitted Tier 1 TSPLOST funds to the ITS Ring A Fiber Project was approved.
• Executive Session and Adjournment: The council voted unanimously to enter executive session for real estate and litigation at 6:09 PM. The session concluded at 6:46 PM, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:47 PM.