Public Meetings - Norcross, Georgia

The Norcross City Council met for a Policy Work Session on June 15, 2026, addressing a wide agenda of fiscal, regulatory, and development topics including the FY2027 budget, downtown parking policy reforms, a proposed Prospera grant, and a Safe Streets for All study update. Based on the meeting minutes, the majority of items were referred or tabled to future meetings. Citizen Input - Public comments were received. Specific positions voiced by the public could not be reliably extracted from the meeting transcript due to recording quality. Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Study Update - Consultant Kimley-Horn presented on the citywide safety action plan. The crash data presented contained a discrepancy, citing approximately 70 serious injury or fatal crashes over the last three years while simultaneously referencing 70 individuals affected over the last decade. Discussion required ensuring the plan aligns with other capital projects. The plan aims for completion by May 2027. Municipal Court Base-Fine Schedule Procedures - Tabled to July 20 PWS: Council reviewed the proposed policy to consolidate rules regarding fine schedules and ratification. Significant discussion focused on ensuring that no conflicting language remains in the city charter or other ordinances in order to avoid future conflicts. Prospera FY2027 Funding Request - Referred to July 20 PWS: The $15,000 request was discussed. Councilmembers requested greater quantifiable metrics on return on investment (such as number of businesses assisted or jobs created) and debated whether the funding was a donation or a direct contract for services. The item was referred for further development. Certificate of Appropriateness COA2026-005 (503 North Peachtree St) - Referred to July 6: The council discussed the difficulty of preserving historic structures and the need for better incentives like tax rebates or grants to discourage demolition by neglect. Staff was encouraged to explore proactive preservation measures. Abandonment of Beutell Street Right-of-Way - Referred to July 6: Council discussed shifting the right-of-way or retaining a portion as green space. The item was referred. Downtown Parking Policies & UDO Amendments - Referred to July 1 P&Z: The council debated eliminating parking minimums and adopting an in-lieu fee schedule. Proposed fees included an $875 annual fee per parking space not provided and $5 per square foot for commercial space. Council members expressed concern that the proposed fees were too high and could deter new businesses. Business and Occupational License Tax Increase - Referred to July 6 (Public Hearing): A multi-year strategy to increase rates and generate general fund revenue was discussed, including how taxes are calculated for businesses with out-of-city operations. The revenue from the top 21 business taxpayers was projected to increase from approximately $37,000 to $92,000. Recommended FY26 Millage Rate - Discussed: The council discussed the recommended property tax rate of 6.249 mills. No formal action was taken. Recommended FY27 Budget - Referred to July 20 PWS: A major discussion point was staff compensation. The estimated cost of a 5% salary increase across the board was approximately $675,000, including associated taxes and benefits. Council weighed this against a 3% increase and discussed the use of a council contingency fund. An organizational change moving the events manager position to the Parks and Recreation department was also noted. Board Appointments - Appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals were considered. Perimeter Protection for Champion American Elm - Discussed, No Action: The council reviewed options for fencing and perimeter protection but decided to take no further action. Key Outcomes (Formal Actions from Minutes) - Tabled: Municipal Court Fine Schedule (to July 20 PWS). - Referred to July 6 Regular Council: COA 503 Peachtree, Beutell St ROW, Business Tax, Motor Vehicle Fund ($100k for Public Safety Building), Banking RFP, Econ Dev Video Change Order (+$1k), Road Resurfacing Contract (DCBC LLC), SS4A Steering Committee Nominee. - Referred to July 1 P&Z: Downtown Parking Policies. - Referred to July 20 PWS: Prospera Funding, FY27 Budget. - Discussed Only: FY26 Millage Rate, Champion Elm Tree Protection.

The Mayor and Council of Norcross met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Mayor Craig Newton called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. With Councilmembers Matt Myers and Marshall Cheek absent, the three present members — Councilmembers Andrew Hixson and Josh Bare and Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Gaynor — constituted a quorum. The meeting included two proclamations, citizen comments, one public hearing, board appointments, and a unanimous consent agenda before adjourning to executive session for real estate at 7:43 p.m. Attendance & Procedural Actions - Councilmember Josh Bare gave the invocation; the pledge of allegiance followed. (The agenda had assigned the invocation to Councilmember Myers, who was absent.) - The minutes of the May 4 Regular Council Meeting, May 11 Special Called Meeting, and May 18 Policy Work Session and executive session were approved unanimously, 3-0. - The agenda and consent agenda were accepted as presented by a 3-0 vote. - Note: The minutes header lists "Mayor Pro Tem Marshall Cheek" and "Councilmember Bruce Gaynor," but the agenda and roll call identify Bruce Gaynor as Mayor Pro Tem and Marshall Cheek as Councilmember; this appears to be a typographical error in the minutes. Ceremonial Presentations, Recognitions, and Swearing-in Ceremonies - Mayor Newton presented a proclamation honoring Tyne Willis and Donna Glaze, "The Prayer Walkers," for their early-morning walks and service to the community. - Mayor Newton presented a proclamation honoring the inaugural Norcross Porchfest and Kristen Corley, recognizing the event's estimated 1,500 attendees and its transformation of porches, sidewalks, and other spaces into venues for music and connection. Public Comments & Testimony - Jim Eyre urged the city to pursue high-speed internet as an economic development strategy, citing Chattanooga as an example; he suggested that improved internet access could help convert older warehouses along Jimmy Carter Boulevard into technology, engineering, and other professional uses. He expressed support for the proposed parallel parking and recommended the city limit its financial contribution to the development. - Charlotte Osborn opposed the proposed on-street parallel parking for the Academy/Lawrenceville Streets residential development, saying Lawrenceville Street already experiences significant traffic and that adding parking would increase congestion, create safety concerns, and potentially result in the loss of mature trees. She recommended that parking needs be addressed within the development and advocated for sidewalks and walkability. - Lynne Ward expressed concern about the city's continued emphasis on adding parking at the expense of trees, green space, and community character, citing several properties acquired or redeveloped for parking and questioning whether the approach aligns with the city's Comprehensive Plan. She urged city leaders to slow growth, preserve the tree canopy, and prioritize the qualities that make the community unique. Public Hearings - RZ2026-001 — 6011 Western Hills Drive, JSL Properties Management, LLC: The Council held a public hearing on a request to rezone the property from OI (office institutional) to C1 (neighborhood business). The agenda packet included a staff report, redacted application, proposed floor plan, impact analysis, historical code enforcement violations, certificate of mailing, and grocery inventory. Residents spoke in opposition, citing concerns about traffic, compatibility with the neighborhood, and availability of more appropriate commercial alternatives. Councilmember Josh Bare moved to deny the rezoning; Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Gaynor seconded. Although the agenda described the item as an approval with staff recommendations, the motion to deny carried unanimously, 3-0. Reports and Announcements - Mayor Newton reviewed the June calendar, including the Summer Concert Series, Movie Mondays, Day of Play, Coffee With Council, the June 15 Policy Work Session, Juneteenth observances and celebration, Father's Day Pop-Up, Jazz in the Alley, and Red, White & BOOM! on July 3. Board Appointments - Architectural Review Board: reappointed Jeff Hopper, Naim Harrison, and Bill McLees to terms expiring 06/01/2029. Approved 3-0. - Discovery Garden Park Board: reappointed/appointed Barbara Kohlhausen, Nicole Maxfield-Hooks, and Helga Lewis to terms expiring 06/01/2028. Approved 3-0. - Planning and Zoning Board: reappointed/appointed Antonio Henson, David Grayson, and Marlene Janos to terms expiring 06/01/2030. Approved 3-0. Consent Agenda The Council approved the consent agenda in a single unanimous 3-0 motion. Items included: - Acceptance and appropriation of $1,000 in grant funds from the Gwinnett Creativity Fund for the Amplified! Project. - Approval of the Norcross Forever Stamp Collection and stamp books for distribution by local retailers and at the Norcross Welcome Center. - Adoption of the Norcross Public Arts Commission (NPAC) Bylaws. - Approval of the AT&T Switched Ethernet on-Demand (ASEoD) platform: $45,454.56 in Year 1 from the FY27 Operational Budget; Years 2–5 at $45,004.56 per year from the general fund; a budget amendment appropriating $417,000 in SLCPG Cybersecurity Grant funds; and the managed FatPipe Wide Area Network Edge (WAN) external router solution at $43,027.51 from the grant. - Approval of AT&T Hosted Voice Services as a city-wide communication platform: $32,484.60 in Year 1 from the FY27 Operational Budget; Years 2 and 3 at $26,187.60 per year from the general fund. - Approval of a new 250 Mbps AT&T Dedicated Internet (ADI) connection for the Public Safety Building: $12,025.20 in Year 1 from the FY27 Operational Budget; Years 2–5 at $11,875.20 per year from the general fund. - Approval of compensation to 4.0 Construction for on-street public parallel parking at the Academy/Lawrenceville Streets residential development, not to exceed $200,000 in Right-of-Way compensation from Transportation SPLOST. Key Outcomes - Minutes of three prior meetings approved 3-0. - Agenda accepted as presented 3-0. - RZ2026-001 (6011 Western Hills Drive) denied unanimously 3-0. - All three board appointment slates approved 3-0. - Consent agenda approved 3-0, including the AT&T infrastructure contracts and $200,000 parking compensation. - At 7:43 p.m., the Council voted unanimously (motion by Hixson, seconded by Bare) to adjourn to executive session for real estate; no further public action was taken.

The Norcross Mayor and Council held a special called meeting on June 1, 2026, to kick off the process for recruiting a new City Manager. The meeting was closed to public comment and focused on discussing the search process with Mr. Arndt of Arndt Municipal Support Inc. Discussion Items - Mr. Arndt presented a proposed recruitment timeline, including a 30-day advertisement period, candidate screening, and initial background checks (including social media and internet checks). - The council discussed the scheduling of semifinal and final interviews. Proposed dates included July 27 for notifying candidates, with final interviews tentatively set for July 30 and 31, possibly all in one day or spread over two days. - The group reviewed the candidate portfolio process, which would include interview notes, resumes, and cover letters for the council’s review. - Council members discussed compensation and benefits for the new City Manager, including vacation leave carryover policies, relocation expenses, and whether to include a relocation clause in the contract. There was debate about the standard for leave carryover and whether to allow more than typical limits. - Mr. Arndt suggested conducting interviews via Zoom and recommended that the council finalize a set of interview questions. He also noted that the council could use a survey from the Georgia Municipal Association to guide the process. - The council considered advertising options, including the Georgia Municipal Association’s expensive advertising and targeted social media ads to attract a diverse pool of candidates. - The discussion also covered travel expenses for candidates, with the council indicating they typically do not fund travel for first interviews but may for finalists. Key Outcomes - The council agreed to move forward with the proposed timeline, with the understanding that specific dates would be confirmed after the meeting. - The council directed Mr. Arndt to prepare a draft interview question set and to finalize the advertisement and candidate screening process. - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational and preparatory. The council will reconvene to review the candidate portfolio and conduct interviews as scheduled.

The Mayor and City Council of Norcross met on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the 2nd Floor Conference Room for a Policy Work Session. All council members were present. The meeting included citizen input, board updates, and discussion of 15 agenda items, many of which were referred to future meetings for further consideration or public hearing. Public Comments & Testimony - Vicki Jones spoke regarding the rezoning item (RZ2026-001) for 6011 Western Hills Drive. She expressed concerns about traffic entering the subdivision, insufficient parking at the proposed location, and noted that there are vacancies on Jimmy Carter Boulevard with more parking available. - Pamela Alston spoke in opposition to the rezoning, stating there is no need for a grocery store and that it is not a good look for the community, according to herself and other homeowners. - Jim Eyre provided a DDA update regarding securing a contractor for Wingo Street construction. He expressed a preference for a fence around the champion elm tree that is not a four-foot-high residential fence and should be set back from the sidewalk. He also noted that the $200,000 budget for parking may not be sufficient and suggested placing a cap. He expressed support for Option 2 under the downtown parking policies related to the UDO, and believes the occupation tax should be revenue-neutral with a strong bias toward small businesses. He also inquired about the location and time of the June 28, 2026 retreat. Board Updates - The Planning and Zoning Board provided an update, overviewing zoning approvals to date and current development trends. Discussion Items The following items were discussed. Most were referred to subsequent meetings: 1. 2026-185: Municipal Court Base-Fine Schedule Procedures – Discussed and referred to the Policy Work Session on June 15, 2026. 2. 2026-148: RZ2026-001; 6011 Western Hills Drive; JSL Properties Management, LLC – Rezoning from OI to C1. Discussed and referred to the Regular Council Meeting on June 1, 2026 for a public hearing. 3. 2026-63: Acceptance and Appropriation of Grant Funds for Amplified! Project – Accept $1,000 from Gwinnett Creativity Fund. Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on June 1, 2026. 4. 2026-151: Approval of a Norcross Forever Stamp Collection – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on June 1, 2026. 5. 2025-358: Adoption of the Norcross Public Arts Commission Bylaws – Discussed in detail; direction was given to staff to incorporate some provisions NPAC would like to see into the BCA Manual, rather than adopting the bylaws as presented. Further action deferred. 6. 2026-179: Consideration of Repurposing the Former Welcome Center – Council discussed a vision for a "gathering house" at the former Welcome Center. The item was referred to staff for further development. 7. 2026-180: AT&T Switched Ethernet on-Demand (ASEoD) – Discussion of increased bandwidth, security, and failover for city internet. Referred to Regular Council Meeting on June 1, 2026. 8. 2026-181: AT&T Hosted Voice Services – Proposed a cloud-based unified communication platform with potential cost savings. Referred to Regular Council Meeting on June 1, 2026. 9. 2026-195: Norcross PSBAT&T Dedicated Internet (ADI) Access Connection – Added from the floor; a 250 Mbps dedicated internet connection for the new Public Safety Building at a total cost of $35,824.60 over 36 months. Referred to Regular Council Meeting on June 1, 2026. 10. 2026-183: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance & Risk Policy – Council members raised concerns about overreach in data privacy and suggested separating AI policy from acceptable use. Referred to the Policy Work Session on June 15, 2026 for further discussion. 11. 2026-182: Perimeter Protection for State Champion American Elm Tree – Council discussed options for fencing around the tree, preferring a smaller, lower fence (e.g., 3 feet high) with signage rather than a large enclosure. Some council members suggested researching best practices globally. Referred to Policy Work Session on June 15, 2026. 12. 2026-186: On-Street Public Parallel Parking for Academy/Lawrenceville Streets Residential Development – Discussed the design, city cost share, and tree removal fee waiver. Council supported the concept to slow traffic and add parking. Referred to Regular Council Meeting on June 1, 2026. 13. 2026-93: Downtown Parking Policies and Related Amendments to the UDO – Council discussed eliminating minimum parking requirements for commercial uses in historic downtown, using a fee-in-lieu system, and aligning with business codes. Referred to Policy Work Session on June 15, 2026 for further discussion of a fee system. 14. 2026-94: Business Occupation Tax Discussion – Considered restructuring the tax based on gross receipts, standardizing business license codes, and ensuring compliance. Council expressed desire for revenue neutrality and support for small businesses. Referred to Policy Work Session on June 15, 2026 during a Budget Hearing. 15. 2026-152: City Hall Renovation Discussion – Council brainstormed ideas such as modernizing the building, adding public restrooms, creating a council workspace, and reconfiguring entrances. They discussed forming a committee with stakeholders. Direction given for additional review and future discussion. Key Outcomes - All action items requiring a vote were referred to the Regular Council Meeting on June 1, 2026 (items 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12) or to the Policy Work Session on June 15, 2026 (items 1, 10, 11, 13, 14). - The Public Arts Commission Bylaws discussion resulted in staff direction to incorporate provisions into the BCA Manual rather than adopting the proposed bylaws. - The former Welcome Center repurposing was referred to staff for further development of the "gathering house" concept. - City Hall renovation was discussed in detail, with direction to form a committee and develop a needs assessment for further discussion at the City Council Retreat on June 28, 2026. - The meeting adjourned to Executive Session for legal, personnel, and real estate matters.

On Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:02 PM, the Norcross Mayor and City Council convened a special called meeting in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. The sole action item was the approval of a professional services contract with Arndt Municipal Support for city manager executive search services and the associated budget amendment. The meeting adjourned to executive session at 6:14 PM. Discussion Items - Councilmembers discussed the proposed contract with Arndt Municipal Support for the city manager executive search. The contract amount was noted as $28,500, payable in five installments. Discussion touched on whether travel and other out-of-pocket expenses should be included in the contract or handled separately, with consensus that such costs could be paid outside the agreement if needed. The scope of services includes market research on salary and benefits, candidate sourcing, and advertising. Councilmembers also considered whether to include a salary range in the job announcement and how to align expectations with the consultant's recommendations. There was reference to past hiring experiences and the importance of establishing a compensation range upfront. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the professional services contract with Arndt Municipal Support for city manager executive search services and the associated budget amendment. - Mover: Councilmember Matt Myers - Seconder: Councilmember Marshall Cheek - Vote: 4-0 in favor (Councilmembers Craig Newton, Andrew Hixson, Josh Bare, Matt Myers, and Marshall Cheek voted yes; Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Gaynor was absent). - Result: Approved. - Motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:14 PM to enter executive session for legal, personnel, and real estate matters. The motion by Councilmember Myers, seconded by Councilmember Hixson, passed unanimously 4-0.

The Norcross City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM by Mayor Craig Newton and adjourned at 7:42 PM. All six council members were present. The council approved multiple items on the consent agenda, conducted public hearings on Unified Development Ordinance amendments, and held discussions on three items moved from the consent agenda. Key decisions included selecting a city manager search firm, extending a speed camera enforcement agreement, and directing staff to plan dog watering stations as part of the 2027 capital budget. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from six previous meetings (April 6, 9, 20, 2026). - Expanded Downtown Parking Planning and Design: Approved to complete 100% design and construction plans. - FY26 Road Resurfacing Invitation to Bid: Approved priorities and authorized release of ITB. - Phase II White Squirrels of Norcross – Pinnacle Park: Approved expansion of the public art project. - Request for Approval to Issue RFP for Data Analytics Service: Approved issuance of RFP. - Barton Street Hydrologic & Hydraulic Study: Approved staff’s recommendations for remediation of structures at Barton St., Buchanan St., and North Peachtree St. - Amendment to Ordinance Regulating Parking of Oversized and Commercial Vehicles: Approved amendments to Chapter 34, Article III. - Amendment to Code of Ordinance Section 2-35 (Public Participation): Approved updates to public participation provisions. Public Comments & Testimony - A student representative from Next Generation Focus, a Georgia-based nonprofit, spoke about the need for a recreational youth center providing academic support, mental health services, and positive adult role models. The speaker urged the council to consider building such a center. - Jacques Murphy thanked Kristin Corely and Johnathon Corely for executing Norcross’s inaugural Porchfest event, expressing pride and gratitude as a resident. - Pierre Levy expressed concern about pedestrian safety at a crossing near a bank, requesting additional police presence because vehicles are not consistently stopping for pedestrians. - Tyne Willis thanked those involved in Porchfest and echoed concerns about the same crossing, calling it a potential hazard. She also asked about progress on two houses on Ringo Street under the DDA's purview. - Jim Eyre responded to the question about the houses on Ringo Street, stating that staff is working diligently with contractors to continue progress. Public Hearings - 2026-67: TEXT2026-002 – UDO Amendments (Review Authority and Decision-Making Responsibilities): The council approved amendments to Chapter 100, Article III, Section 103 and Section 104-3, with an addition to the tree preservation board’s education responsibilities and a formatting fix. A public comment from resident Jim Eyre supported the changes but noted a missing review authority for building permits, certificates of occupancy, and change of occupancy certificates, which the council directed staff to correct. Approved 5-0. - 2026-83: TEXT2026-003 – UDO Amendments (Defined Terms and Zoning Districts): The council approved amendments to Chapter 100, Article II and Chapter 200, Article I for consistency with recently approved UDO changes. This included adding language to the mixed-use commercial district (MXCD) provisions. No public comments were made. Approved 5-0. Discussion Items - Selection of City Manager Executive Search Firm (2026-157): The council interviewed three firms at a special meeting on April 20, 2026. After discussion, a motion was made to select ARNDT Municipal Support to provide city manager search services. Staff will negotiate a contract and bring it back for approval at a special called meeting before the May 18 policy work session. Approved 5-0. - Extension and Amendment of Professional Services Agreement with RedSpeed Georgia, LLC (2026-154): The council discussed extending the contract for school zone speed enforcement cameras. Councilmember Bare preferred to table the decision until after the governor acts on HB 561, but the motion to approve passed. Councilmember Hixson expressed ongoing concerns about the program. Data presented showed violations have decreased by about half since 2019, and fewer than 5% of violators are Norcross residents. Approved 3-2 (AYES: Cheek, Myers, Gaynor; NAYS: Bare, Hixson). - Request for Approval to Install Dog Watering Stations in City Parks (2026-150): Staff presented options and costs for dog watering stations (including a three-way dog bowl with bottle filler) at seven parks, totaling between $54,000 and $66,000. Discussion included ensuring ADA compliance, color schemes, and coordination with NPAC and Parks & Green Spaces. A motion passed to add dog watering stations to the 2027 Capital Budget and have staff collaborate on design, color, and functionality per park. Approved 5-0. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes from six prior meetings. - Approved: Consent agenda items (parking planning, road resurfacing, White Squirrels Phase II, data analytics RFP, Barton Street remediation, oversized vehicle parking ordinance, public participation ordinance). - Approved: UDO amendments (TEXT2026-002 and TEXT2026-003) – both 5-0. - Approved: Selection of ARNDT Municipal Support for city manager search – 5-0. - Approved: Extension of RedSpeed Georgia LLC contract – 3-2. - Approved: Dog watering stations as part of 2027 capital budget with staff collaboration on design – 5-0.

The Norcross City Council held a Policy Work Session on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 6:35 PM in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. The meeting covered sixteen agenda items including rezoning, downtown parking expansion, the future of the Historic Norcross Library, business occupation tax reform, and preliminary FY27 budget-balancing strategies. Several items were advanced to subsequent meetings with additional staff direction. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Dell commented on the downtown parking plan, expressing support for increasing parking spaces while minimizing visual and environmental impact. She expressed hope that the Historic Library remains a community-focused space rather than a commercial use. She also supported a data analytics service to understand visitor patterns and recommended that Council meet with the Historic Business Association before changing the business occupation tax. - Jacques Andrea spoke against using the Historic Norcross Library for a business (the proposed Reading Room literacy center), arguing that a commercial use is inconsistent with the property's character, the surrounding residential area, and the City's initial intent for it to serve as a community facility. - Brad Arnold objected to introducing a commercial business into an R-1 zoned area, citing insufficient parking and the property's location on a narrow, one-way street. - Joe George believed the City should retain public control of the Historic Library property rather than leasing it to a private entity. - Jim Eyre discussed audit findings regarding banking transfers with United and Truist, noting that four accounts were set up, two unused were consolidated, service fees were refunded, and remaining accounts are being closed. He also referenced the expanded downtown parking project adding 12 parking spaces and 12 trees, the expanded project map toward the fire station and Carlisle area, and the potential of data analytics for public and private sectors. Board Updates - Norcross Public Arts Commission (NPAC) – Chair Elizabeth Simpson reported on multiple projects: the White Squirrels of Norcross art hunt (Phase I ongoing with 13 squirrels, Phase II proposed for Pinnacle Park with 5–7 additional squirrels), a new sign project, a stamp collection project, and other upcoming installations. NPAC highlighted community engagement and fundraising efforts, including a $1,000 grant and CID contributions. Discussion Items - Item 1: RZ2026-001 – 6011 Western Hills Drive (Rezoning OI to C1) – Council discussed conditions including notification of nearby neighbors, hours of operation, and whether tobacco products, alcohol, or electronic gaming would be offered. The City Attorney was asked to review alcohol restrictions in the ordinance. The matter was referred to the Policy Work Session on May 18, 2026. - Item 2: TEXT2026-002 – UDO Amendments (Review Authority & Decision Making) – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 3: TEXT2026-003 – UDO Amendments (Defined Terms and Zoning Districts) – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 4: Expanded Downtown Parking Planning and Design – Public Works Director Len Housley presented an updated plan with 12 additional parking spaces and 12 additional trees, expanding the project map toward the fire station. The landscape/tree design does not meet City Code for islands but focuses on increasing tree count. Council discussed tree preservation and a hybrid option. The matter was referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 5: Norcross Historic Library RFP – Council agreed not to proceed with an RFP at this time. A small group (Councilmembers Myers, Cheek, and Bare) will review the item, and Council expressed interest in advertising the library for community use (similar to the community center model) and exploring a mixed-use approach. No action taken. - Item 6: FY26 Road Resurfacing ITB – Staff recommended 19 roads (5 commercial, 14 residential) for resurfacing at an estimated cost of $2.35 million, with expectations that bids will come in 25–30% lower. Funded by 2023 SPLOST ($1.5M), LMIG ($400K), and LRA/LMIG 2026 ($208,724). Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 7: Approve Phase II White Squirrels of Norcross – Pinnacle Park – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 8: Request for Approval to Issue RFP for Data Analytics Service – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 9: Barton Street Hydrologic & Hydraulic Study – Council discussed the need to consider the entire stormwater system rather than spot fixes, especially regarding channeling water to Johnson Street and erosion concerns. Staff recommendations include replacing an inlet at 117 N. Peachtree St. (approx. $2,000) and adding inlets on Buchanan St. (approx. $20,000). Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 10: Business Occupation Tax Discussion – Economic Development Director David Versel presented a shift from a per-employee tax to a gross receipts model. Norcross currently collects $384,125 (FY24) vs. $20/employee compared to $100/employee in peer communities. Switching could more than double revenue to at least $780,000 in FY27. Council agreed to first set up a system to collect gross receipts data from all 1,500+ businesses, with implementation starting in 2028. Referred to the Policy Work Session on May 18, 2026. - Item 11: Downtown Parking Policies & UDO Amendments – Council achieved consensus on three recommendations: (3) City Manager to install appropriate wayfinding signage; (4) convert rideshare pickup spots to 15-minute parking; (5) develop an in-lieu fee system for new businesses (with a 2:00–4:00 AM no-parking window to discourage habitual parking). The City Attorney noted the ordinance will be ready next month. Referred to the Policy Work Session on May 18, 2026. - Item 12: Amendment to Ordinance Regulating Parking of Oversized/Commercial Vehicles – Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 13: Extension & Amendment of Agreement with RedSpeed Georgia, LLC – Contract extended to December 31, 2031, with provisions for compliance with state law (flashing lights required) and indemnification. Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 14: Amendment to Code § 2-35 (Public Participation) – Clarifies public comment rules for Council meetings (3 minutes per resident, agenda restrictions at work sessions, etc.). Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 15: Request for Approval to Install Dog Watering Stations in City Parks – Council discussed setting a policy standard for integrated water fountains with dog watering stations. A capital project with $50,000 from 2023 SPLOST-Recreation was authorized. Referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026. - Item 16: Update on Potential Budget-Balancing Strategies – City Manager Eric Johnson outlined preliminary FY27 challenges: a 400% increase in homestead exemptions (from $9,000 to $45,000), a 2.7% cap on assessed value growth, and new costs (Public Safety Building operations, police vehicles, insurance). Preliminary revenue growth is only 2.2% ($495,000) while personnel costs rise $825,000. Preliminary recommendations: keep millage rates unchanged, rely on increased court fines ($225,000), double business license revenue ($425,000), increase permit fees 10% ($60,000), and spread electric rate increases over three years. Council noted a likely shortfall and provided feedback. No action taken; full budget discussion planned for summer. General Updates (Presented) - Electric Rates – Cathy Johnson (ECG) presented a comparison of Norcross Power rates with other utilities, showing residential rates are low but have a negative margin. Commercial non-demand and demand rates were also compared. Projections show a potential shortfall by 2031 if rates remain flat. Council discussed balancing rate increases with customer growth (e.g., Amazon, ATT data center) and the need for more optimistic scenarios. - Status of Piedmont Pathway Study – Carlos Perez and Patrick Peters presented the ongoing study for a multi-use trail connecting Piedmont Road to other corridors. Key findings include community safety concerns (speed, parking), environmental constraints, and three crossing options. Public engagement is planned. Key Outcomes - Items Referred to Regular Council Meeting (May 4, 2026): Items 2–4, 6–9, 12–15 (UDO amendments, downtown parking design, road resurfacing ITB, White Squirrels Phase II, data analytics RFP, Barton Street study, oversized vehicle parking, RedSpeed contract, public participation amendment, dog watering stations). - Items Referred to Policy Work Session (May 18, 2026): Items 1, 10, 11 (rezoning at 6011 Western Hills Dr., business occupation tax, downtown parking policies). - Historic Library (Item 5): A small council group (Myers, Cheek, Bare) will further review community engagement; no RFP at this time. - Budget-Balancing (Item 16): No action; City Manager will incorporate preliminary feedback into FY27 budget development. A 5% merit/COLA increase and 10% health insurance increase are assumed for planning. - Downtown Parking Policy Consensus (Item 11): Staff directed to implement wayfinding signage, convert 2 Wingo St. spaces to 15-minute parking, and design an in-lieu fee system (with a 2:00–4:00 AM restriction to prevent long-term parking).

Discussion Items - 2026-157: Selection of City Manager Executive Search Firm: Representatives from the pre-qualified search firms presented their methodologies. Colin Baenziger of Colin Baenziger and Associates outlined a standard 90-day search process, estimating total costs of roughly $7,100 for advertising and travel. The firm described using anonymous individual council feedback to build consensus on candidate profiles. Councilmembers questioned the firms on their ability to recruit a diverse applicant pool matching Norcross's demographics, explicitly mentioning bilingual candidates and younger professionals. One councilmember used the analogy of conflicting preferences ("purple hair vs. yellow hair") to ask how the firm would reconcile differing priorities among council members. The firm responded by describing a process of independent interviews and anonymous surveys to build a unified search profile. Council debated whether to make an immediate decision or wait. Some members argued waiting two weeks was unnecessary, while others preferred to "sleep on it" before finalizing. Key Outcomes - No Vote Taken: The council did not vote on the selection of a search firm at this meeting. The agenda item (2026-157) was formally referred to the Regular Council Meeting on May 4, 2026, for a final decision. - Adjournment: Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Gaynor motioned to adjourn the public meeting at 6:21 PM to proceed with an Executive Session for legal, personnel, and real estate matters. Councilmember Matt Myers seconded. The vote was unanimous (5-0). Note The official minutes document contains a discrepancy: its header lists Marshall Cheek as Mayor Pro Tem, while the meeting roll call, agenda, and formal motion confirm Bruce Gaynor served as Mayor Pro Tem and Marshall Cheek as a Councilmember.

The Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) of Norcross held a special called meeting on April 6, 2026. Convening significantly later than the 7:00 PM agenda start time, the meeting focused solely on Item 2026-123 regarding the Public Safety Building bonding process. The council swiftly moved to table the item to a future date. Discussion Items - Item 2026-123: Public Safety Building Bonding Process and Approval: The agenda was to discuss a motion approving the URA's execution of the bond authorizing resolution for the project. Instead of voting on the approval, Councilmember Matt Myers made a motion to table the agenda item to a future special called meeting. Councilmember Josh Bare seconded the motion. The motion to table is not debatable per procedural rules, and the council voted immediately. Key Outcomes - The motion to table Item 2026-123 was approved by a vote of 4-0 (Cheek, Myers, Gaynor, Bare). Councilmember Andrew Hixson was absent. - The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote (4-0) immediately following the tabling motion. - Timeline Discrepancy: The agenda stated the meeting would begin at 7:00 PM or after the regular scheduled council meeting, whichever was later. The official minutes record the meeting being called to order at 9:33 PM.