Sandy Springs City Council Regular Meeting – October 20, 2026

The Sandy Springs City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Studio Theatre at City Hall. The meeting covered a wide range of items including a millage rate public hearing, multiple contract awards, budget amendments, and the selection of a master developer for City Springs Phase II. Council members unanimously approved most items, with significant discussion on procurement transparency and the future of the city center.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved the consent agenda, which included the meeting minutes from October 6 and October 9, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Theodore Davis requested standardization of how contract awards are presented to Council, citing past inconsistencies and noting that some recent memos (e.g., for the PATH 400 contracts) provided more useful evaluation criteria than others. He urged using those as a baseline.
• Tracy Brennan, representing the Bluestone Lofts Development Committee, expressed concern that the City Springs Phase II rendering negated the original goals and vision of the 2012 city plan, which had over $7 million invested. She urged continued collaboration toward that original vision.

Discussion Items

• Millage Rate Public Hearing (Item 2026-273): City Manager Eden Freeman presented the first of three required public hearings. The city’s millage rate is fixed at 4.731 mills by charter and cannot be raised without a voter referendum. The hearing was advertised as a tax increase because rising assessed values will increase tax collections, even though the rate remains unchanged. No public comments were submitted, and no action was required.
• Employee Benefits Fund Budget Amendment (Item 2026-269): Human Resources Director Elizabeth Awbrey presented the ordinance to amend the FY2027 budget to establish an employee benefits fund and authorize the city manager to execute the 2027 health benefits agreement. Councilmember Mular noted the added Q&A was helpful. Approved.
• Municipal Court Judge Reappointments (Item 2026-274): Mayor Paul requested reappointment of Donald Schaefer as Chief Judge, Marci Ernst as Judge, and Dawn Davis as Judge for four-year terms. Approved unanimously.
• Johnson Ferry Road/Peachtree Dunwoody Road Intersection Design Contract (Item 2026-275): Public Works Director Martin presented a contract award to Kimley-Horn and Associates for $882,090. The intersection was identified as the highest crash location in the city’s medical district. The five-member evaluation team scored Kimley-Horn at 89.3, with the next highest at 85.7. Councilmember Chinsky asked about standardizing scoring presentation; staff noted procurement methods vary by fund source. Approved.
• PATH 400 Multiuse Trail Segment 2 – Construction Engineering & Inspection (Item 2026-276): Martin recommended AtkinsRéalis for CEI services (qualifications-based selection). The construction contract ($15.76 million) was approved in 2025; the project is 80% externally funded. Council noted construction is expected to begin November 2026. Approved.
• PATH 400 Multiuse Trail Segment 2 – Materials Testing (Item 2026-277): United Consulting Group was awarded the materials testing contract (qualifications-based). Nine firms submitted; United scored 800/1000, with NOVA at 775. Councilmember Paulson questioned the inability to compare prices when scores are close; Martin explained GDOT’s procurement rules. Approved.
• Lake Forrest Sidewalk Phase 2 – Contract Rescind and Re-award (Item 2026-278): Martin reported that the apparent low bidder (Ohmshiv Construction) initially withdrew due to a perceived gross error. After negotiations, Ohmshiv agreed to honor the original bid, saving $412,517.25 compared to the previously awarded contract to JHC Corporation. City Attorney explained the legal rationale and noted a performance bond protects the city. Councilmember Chinsky stressed oversight. Approved.
• CDBG FY2026 Allocation Acceptance (Item 2026-279): Grant Administrator Brand presented the $500,669 allocation from HUD for community development in Long Island, Northwood, and Hope Road areas. Approved.
• FIFA World Cup Grant Budget Amendment (Item 2026-280): The city received an additional $91,179.79 from the DHS FIFA World Cup grant program to cover police overtime for additional event dates. Approved.
• Recycling and Waste Diversion Grant Budget Amendment (Item 2026-281): $179,636 from the Georgia DNR for a foam densification project was reappropriated to the FY2027 budget. The project is about six months in; a building for the densification machine is under construction. Approved.
• CDBG Program Budget Realignment (Item 2026-282): Budget Manager Val Hietter presented an amendment to close out the Roswell Road sidewalk subphase ($268,000 under budget) and reallocate $284,000 to the Hope Road sidewalk project. The Hope Road construction phase is estimated at $1.2 million and will be funded in FY2028. Approved.
• City Springs Phase II – Authorization to Negotiate (Item 2026-283): Director of Economic Development Chris Burnett presented the selection of Trammel Crow as master developer and Hedgewood Homes as residential partner for the 5.5-acre City Springs Phase II. The plan includes a boutique hotel (Parcel A), multifamily rental (Parcel B), and 28 detached single-family homes (Parcel C) ranging from 2,400 to 3,500 sq. ft. Public works enhancements and closure of Bluestone Road for pedestrian connectivity were outlined. The timeline: document negotiation in 30-45 days, rezoning in 2027, construction start fall 2027, completion by 2030. Councilmembers expressed strong support, emphasizing placemaking, housing diversity, and hotel activation for the performing arts center. Mayor Paul noted years of effort and importance of homeownership opportunities. Approved unanimously.

Reports

• Mayor Rusty Paul: Reported on successful Oktoberfest, GMA Board meeting, first Persian American Chamber of Commerce meeting at City Hall, Foxdale Coffee lease in the north end, and the Springway Trail receiving the Fulton County Citizens Committee Environmental Excellence Award.
• Councilmember Mary Ford: Attended Art Sandy Springs reception at Abernathy Art Center and Leadership Barimeter events.
• Councilmember Andrew Chinsky: Welcomed Natan Sharansky to Sandy Springs, a former Soviet refusenik now a global human rights figure.
• Councilmember Melody Kelley: Announced the renovated dog park at Morgan Falls; attended a school board community meeting; and noted Trunk-or-Treat events occurring that week.
• Chief Financial Officer Toni Carlisle: Presented the August 2026 unaudited financial report. Year-to-date revenues at 5.13% of approved budget (two months into fiscal year, 16.67% elapsed), operating expenditures at 15.18%. All departments within budget.
• Executive Session: The Council voted to suspend regular order and enter executive session for real estate and litigation matters.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda and meeting minutes approved.
• Employee Benefits Fund amendment approved.
• Municipal court judges reappointed unanimously.
• Kimley-Horn contract for intersection design approved.
• AtkinsRéalis CEI contract for PATH 400 approved.
• United Consulting materials testing contract for PATH 400 approved.
• Lake Forrest Sidewalk contract rescinded from JHC Corporation and awarded to Ohmshiv Construction, saving $412,517.25. Approved.
• CDBG FY2026 allocation of $500,669 accepted.
• FIFA World Cup grant budget amendment for additional $91,179.79 approved.
• Recycling grant budget amendment ($179,636) approved.
• CDBG program budget realignment for sidewalk projects approved.
• City Springs Phase II negotiations authorized unanimously.
• Financial report accepted.
• Executive session held.