Public Meetings - Roswell, Georgia

The City of Roswell held a committee meeting on March 10, 2026, chaired by City Administrator Randy Knighton. The committee discussed and moved forward several agenda items, including a drone first responder trial, multiple code enforcement ordinance initiations, a horse stable zoning amendment, transportation agreements, and a discussion on public records policies. No public comments were taken as this was a committee meeting. Consent Calendar - Approval of February 24, 2026 Committee Meeting Minutes: Motion by Mayor Robichot, second by Councilmember Brumley. Passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Item 2: Drone as First Responder Trial Agreement: Police Chief James Conroy and 911 Director John Potrabowski presented a proposed agreement with Brink and Motorola Solutions for a six-month implementation followed by a one-year free trial. After the trial, the estimated annual cost is $249,000. Three drones would be stationed citywide and automatically dispatched to certain 911 calls (e.g., fires, accidents, crimes in progress, missing persons). Discussion covered data retention (video held 180 days if not part of a case, then deleted; managed by Motorola servers), privacy concerns, Fourth Amendment considerations, and potential liability. The trial would include KPIs to evaluate success. Councilmember Beeson expressed a need for more information before final approval. Motion to move forward unanimous. - Items 3–9: Code Enforcement Ordinance Initiations: Community Development Director Michelle Alexander presented five amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) and two to the Code of Ordinances. Proposed changes include: clarifying that parking on grass in front yards is not allowed; addressing commercial parking on grass; defining "occupied" for real estate signs to allow signs until a building is fully leased; prohibiting LED signage in storefront windows (currently not defined); clarifying that untagged vehicles are inoperable; and prohibiting bulky items in city dumpsters. Discussion focused on the real estate sign definition, with some councilmembers favoring more restrictive language (e.g., time limits) while others supported allowing signs as long as there are vacancies. Staff will research sign effectiveness and bring refined language. Motion to initiate all items (3-9) moved forward unanimously. - Items 10–11: Horse Stable Non-Commercial on RS-18 Zoned Properties: Planning and Zoning Director Jenny Payton presented a proposed amendment to allow non-commercial horse stables on RS-18 zoned properties over 15 acres (only five parcels in the city qualify, including one on Russell Road where the owner wants to keep horses). The amendment would require minimum 15 acres, accessory building set back 100 feet (with buffer options). Current code only permits such stables on RS-30, RS-87, and AG-43 zones. Discussion included limits on number of horses (3 for first 2 acres, plus 1 per additional half acre), and clarification that commercial boarding would require a separate rezoning. Motion to initiate moved forward unanimously. - Item 12: Blanket Approval for Intergovernmental Agreement with Fulton County: Director of Transportation Andy Flegger requested blanket approval for the mayor or city administrator to sign IGAs with Fulton County for waterline reimbursements on transportation projects. Motion moved forward unanimously. - Item 13: 2026 Citywide Resurfacing Contract: Bids were opened that day. Nine bidders submitted proposals ranging from $5.2M to $7.1M. The budget is $5.9M. The lowest responsible bidder will be selected. List includes 46 roads (42 centerline miles) and park parking lots. Contractor must start within 30 days and complete roads within 120 days. Council requested better resident notification. Motion moved forward unanimously. - Item 14: Contract Amendment for Winter Construction – Green Street Mobility Project: Staff received cost numbers that afternoon for completing the Green Street Mobility Project (phase one, from SR 9 to Cherry Way, including a multi-use trail and pedestrian-only plaza). The amendment would use Winter Construction, already building the parking deck, to expedite work. Funding comes from capital fund and allocated TSPLOST and GDOT funds. Motion moved forward unanimously. - Item 15: Big Creek Trail Design Contract to Kimley Horn: Awarded through qualifications-based selection for $1,198,630 (federal Reconnecting Communities grant). The trail will run approximately 2 miles from Old Holcomb Bridge Road to Big Creek Park, 12-14 feet wide. Councilmember Zac recused himself due to employment. Discussion covered floodplain concerns and connection to other trails. Motion moved forward unanimously. - Item 16: Discussion of Public Records Policies: City Administrator Knighton and Assistant City Attorney Cusack led a discussion on two topics: (1) allowing anonymous open records requests (currently prohibited by a 2023 resolution requiring identification) and (2) creating a public portal where fulfilled requests would be posted. Councilmembers expressed varied views. Several supported allowing anonymous requests, citing First Amendment concerns and whistleblower protections. Others noted potential abuse (e.g., AI bots, non-payment). Regarding payment, state law allows prepayment only for requests over $500; under that, the city can invoice but cannot withhold documents until paid. Some councilmembers favored allowing anonymous requests with a requirement for prepayment regardless of amount. On the public portal, most agreed it could be useful for hot topics but warned of administrative burden and risks of exposing sensitive information inadvertently. Staff will draft a resolution incorporating feedback, potentially separating the anonymity and portal issues. Key Outcomes - All consent items and discussion items (2-15) were moved forward to future council meetings via unanimous votes. - Item 16 (public records) resulted in no formal vote; staff will craft a resolution for future consideration based on council discussion.

The Roswell Mayor and Council met on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM (presumed) to address a full agenda including recognition of fire department award recipients, a consent calendar, and several substantive policy items. Key decisions included adding Juneteenth as a permanent city holiday, approving a conditional use for a Quick Trip convenience store with variances, adopting a first reading of an ethics code rewrite, passing a parking pilot program for the Green Street deck and downtown on-street spaces, and authorizing a bond issuance for capital projects. The meeting drew extensive public comment, particularly on the parking proposal. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, with no speakers or council comments. Public Comments & Testimony - Parking (Item 4): 14 residents spoke. Most opposed the paid parking expansion, arguing it would hurt businesses, burden residents, and that the city should absorb operating costs through general funds or a hybrid model (e.g., first two hours free). Several speakers urged the council to slow down the process and consider pilot programs. A small number supported a usage-based fee model to manage demand. Business owners (Ryan Pernice, Jonna Aronowitz, Steve Rockland) highlighted competition with neighboring cities that offer free parking and the risk of deterring visitors. - Ethics Code (Item 6): Two speakers spoke in favor of the rewrite. A former ethics commission member, Alison Vrollich, called the current code a “joke” and strongly supported the new version with an independent hearing officer. Another speaker, Frederick Guillano, raised technical concerns about missing penalties, definitions, and anti-retaliation protections, but generally supported the overhaul. - Bond Resolution (Item 5): One speaker, Jason Yowell, opposed the bond, questioning the cost of individual projects such as the City Hall roof and criticizing prior financial decisions. Discussion Items - Juneteenth Holiday (Item 1): Director of Human Resources Trisha Redfern presented a proposal to add Juneteenth as a paid city holiday, aligning with federal and state calendars. Councilmember Hall noted the city added two religious holidays in 2023 and suggested the floating holiday could be removed to keep total holidays at 13, but Councilmember Beeson argued that adding Juneteenth without removing the floating holiday was a matter of equity and competitive advantage. The fiscal impact was reported as $75,000 net additional cost, with total holiday pay cost of $195,000. After debate, the council approved the holiday for 2026 and all future years. The vote was 5 in favor, 1 opposed. - Quick Trip Conditional Use (Item 2): Planning and Zoning Director Jeannie Payton presented a request for a 6,400 sq ft convenience store with eight fuel pumps at 1050 Holcomb Bridge Road (former Red Lobster site). The applicant sought variances to the build-to zone and approval of a 23-foot retaining wall. Key issues included a required left-turn lane on Dogwood Road, which was still under design, and a minor stream buffer encroachment. After discussion, the council approved the conditional use with added conditions, including a statement that no implied variances are granted. The vote was unanimous. - Data Center Text Amendment (Item 3): A first reading of amendments to the Unified Development Code to define “data or digital storage center” and “computer or data processing” was presented. The Planning Commission recommended striking the new definition and modifying the existing one. The council approved the first reading unanimously. - Parking Policy (Item 4): Deputy City Administrator Jeff Leatherman presented a comprehensive parking plan covering the Green Street parking deck, downtown on-street spaces, and future Hill Rose/City Hall lots. The 2026 budget projected a $376,000 general fund subsidy for parking operations. The staff recommended paid parking with dynamic pricing, a free Monday–Friday 8 AM–4 PM period at the Green Street deck, and a future Hill Rose policy. After extensive public comment and council debate, a motion passed to approve a pilot program: paid parking at the Green Street deck and downtown on-street spaces (Canton, Elizabeth, East Alley) from opening until December 31, 2026, with a commitment to further public discussion on Hill Rose and City Hall lots. The vote was 4 in favor, 2 opposed. - Ethics Code Rewrite (Item 6): Assistant City Attorney Joseph Cusak presented a first reading of a complete rewrite of the city’s ethics ordinance. Key changes include filing complaints with the city clerk, using an independent hearing officer (a pre-qualified attorney with no local ties), applying a “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard, and adding due process protections. The current process was criticized as politically biased. Councilmember Sells expressed a desire to include a prohibition on PAC money and to retain resident involvement, but the motion to approve the first reading passed. The vote was not recorded by tally, but at least one member opposed. - Bond Resolution (Item 5): CFO Bill Gotchal presented a $13.4 million bond issuance through the Roswell Public Facilities Authority (RPFA) for capital projects including City Hall roof, public safety improvements, fire engine reserve, 911 range upgrades, parking deck technology, and Crab Apple Center expansion. The recommended bid was Webster Bank at 4.18% over 20 years, with annual debt service of $1,173,000. The council approved the resolution unanimously. - Sunbelt Office MOU (Item 7): A resolution supporting a memorandum of understanding with Sunbelt Office One LLC for economic development was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Juneteenth Holiday: Approved as a permanent city holiday, effective 2026 (5-1 vote). - Quick Trip Conditional Use: Approved with conditions, including no implied variances (unanimous). - Data Center Definitions: Approved on first reading (unanimous). - Parking Pilot Program: Approved for Green Street deck and downtown on-street spaces through December 31, 2026, with further discussion on Hill Rose and City Hall lots (4-2 vote). - Ethics Code Rewrite: Approved on first reading (voice vote, with opposition). - RPFA Bond Issuance: Approved (unanimous). - Sunbelt Office MOU: Approved (unanimous).

On February 24, 2026, the Roswell City Council held committee meetings to discuss and act on several items, including transportation funding, neighborhood traffic calming, cultural arts center upgrades, ethics ordinance revisions, and the addition of Juneteenth to the holiday calendar. The meeting was chaired by City Administrator Randy Nighton, with Mayor Mary Robish and council members Sarah Beeson, Aaron Brumley, Christine Hall (joined late), Jennifer Philippi, Christopher Zach, and Alan Sells present. The Deputy City Attorney and Deputy City Clerk also attended. The meeting was public but not a public hearing; no public comments were taken. Consent Calendar - Approval of Committee Meeting Minutes (February 10, 2026): Motion by Councilmember Beeson, second by Mayor Robish. Passed unanimously. Discussion Items 1. T SPLOST 3 Process (Item 2) - Presenters: Mr. Fegler and Mr. Nicholas from the Transportation Department. - T SPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) III is a 0.75% sales tax to be voted on in November 2026, collected by Fulton County and distributed to cities by population. It will fund transportation improvements for five years, starting in 2027. - Previous T SPLOSTs: T SPLOST 1 (2016) had expected revenue of $85M, actual $91M (92% of projection). T SPLOST 2 (2021) expected $97.5M, actual $103M (110% of projection). - The process for T SPLOST 3: RDOT staff will identify tier 1 and 2 projects, survey council on project buckets (bridges, maintenance, pedestrian/bike, etc.), rank projects, then hold public comment in April. Council will approve final list for submission to Fulton County. - Councilmember Beeson requested examples of past projects (e.g., Old Holcomb Bridge replacement, Rucker Road). - Mayor Robish noted that remaining funds from T SPLOST 1 must be used for similar transportation projects. - No vote taken; this was a discussion item. 2. Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program (Item 3) - Presenter: Mr. Fegler. - The program originated from the "Slow Down in Roswell" initiative. A matrix was developed to score roads based on speeding, traffic volume, sidewalks, amenities (schools, parks, etc.), and poverty rates. Weights: speeding 40%, traffic volume 30%, sidewalks 20%, amenities 5%, poverty rate 5%. - The top 11 roads were identified (e.g., Barrington Falls, Spring Ridge, Willow Springs). A pilot project on Wave Tree is underway; data from traffic counters showed 85th percentile speeds of 34-41 mph in a 25 mph zone. - Council discussion focused on the weighting criteria, especially the 5% poverty rate. Councilmember Brumley expressed concern that the weights were set by previous council, not staff or experts. Councilmember Hall noted that the program is separate from the federal Safe Streets for All grant, which was not awarded. Councilmember Philippi preferred needs-based funding rather than widespread data collection without implementation funding. Councilmember Zach questioned the lack of funding for permanent implementation. Councilmember Beeson suggested weighting should reflect pedestrian demand and cut-through traffic. Mayor Robish shared that her neighborhood (Willow Springs) has self-funded multiple speed bumps. - The 2026 budget includes $400,000 for temporary measures across 11 neighborhoods and a traffic analyst position. The pilot on Wave Tree will test temporary devices for 30-60 days, then evaluate. - No vote taken; future council direction is needed on criteria and funding. 3. Cultural Arts Center Rigging and Dimmer Upgrades (Item 4) - Presenter: Mr. Malone. - The Roswell Cultural Arts Center (opened 1991) needs replacement of theatrical lighting dimmer and rigging control systems, which are original and beyond useful life. The dimmer system is obsolete (manufacturer out of business). Upgrade to LED lighting will reduce energy costs and heat. Rigging is overcrowded and some lines are frayed and unsafe. - The project will be completed via a national purchasing cooperative. Barbazon Lighting Company was selected as the most qualified bidder at $427,998.64, with a total budget authorization of $470,000. - The center hosted 150 performances in 2025, selling over 36,000 tickets, with 54.6% average annual growth over four years. The work is scheduled for May to early July 2026 to minimize downtime. - Councilmember Zach expressed support for investing in the arts as a regional draw. Councilmember Philippi requested future reporting on energy savings. - Motion by Councilmember Beeson, second by Councilmember Zach. Passed unanimously to move the item forward. 4. Ethics Ordinance Amendment (Item 5) - Presenter: Assistant City Attorney Joe Cusack. - The ordinance replaces the current ethics code with a new process. Key changes: complaints are filed with the city clerk (not mayor) and include an affidavit. A hearing officer (an attorney from a list of five, not residing or having an office within 10 miles of Roswell) reviews the complaint. The hearing officer determines merit, conducts investigation, and issues a report to mayor and council, who then vote on findings and penalties. Burden of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt. - Complaints against candidates are tolled once qualifying begins until after the election to prevent political weaponization. - Councilmember Beeson (who requested the update) noted the current process uses a 14-person panel appointed by council, which can create bias. The new process removes politics by using neutral attorneys. - Councilmember Brumley requested adding language that the hearing officer cannot reside in Roswell and that the 10-mile radius is measured from the city border. Also asked for clarification on the list of attorneys and process for updating it. Councilmember Philippi asked about cost and public availability of the complaint form. Cusack responded that costs would come from the outside counsel budget and that a form will be posted on the city website. - Councilmember Hall preferred a hybrid model with some resident participation, similar to Alpharetta's approach. She also asked about Alpharetta and Sandy Springs; Cusack did not have details. - Motion by Councilmember Beeson, second by Mayor Robish. Passed unanimously to move the item forward with amendments. 5. Adding Juneteenth to 2026 Holiday Calendar (Item 6) - Presenter: Trisha Redford, Director of Human Resources. - Juneteenth is a state holiday. Seven of the ten largest Georgia cities observe it; Roswell is one of three that do not. The request is to add it as a holiday for 2026 without swapping (since the 2026 calendar is already set). The anticipated cost is $75,000 for employees who must work (primarily public safety). The city currently has 12 paid holidays plus one floating holiday (13 total). - Councilmember Beeson (proponent) noted it was her request to revisit. Councilmember Brumley requested a comparison of federal and state holidays versus neighboring cities. Councilmember Zach suggested a policy of aligning with state holidays rather than per-year decisions. - Motion by Councilmember Brumley, second by Councilmember Beeson. Passed unanimously to move the item forward. Staff will provide additional information before the next council meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved the February 10, 2026 committee meeting minutes (unanimous). - Moved forward the contract for Cultural Arts Center rigging and dimmer upgrades (unanimous). - Moved forward the ethics ordinance amendment with amendments to hearing officer residency and radius definition (unanimous). - Moved forward the addition of Juneteenth to the 2026 holiday calendar (unanimous). - The T SPLOST 3 process and Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program were discussed but no votes taken; further council direction is pending.

The Roswell City Committee convened on January 13, 2026, presided over by City Administrator Randy Knighton, with the Mayor and City Council present. The meeting focused on initiating text amendments to the Unified Development Code regarding warehouse uses and data centers, approving contracts and budget amendments for water infrastructure improvements, and discussing the conversion of private utilities to public systems. All agenda items were reviewed and unanimously approved to move forward to the full Mayor and Council meetings. Consent Calendar - Unanimously moved to approve the minutes of the committee meeting held on December 9, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Two representatives from the Garrison Hill Homeowners Association (the HOA President and her husband) were present in the audience to observe the discussion regarding the conversion of their private water utility to the city system. No public comments were formally recorded. Discussion Items Text Amendment: Warehouse and Distribution (Section 9.6.6) - Planning and Zoning Director Jeannie Payton presented an initiation to clarify the Unified Development Code. - Project Description: The amendment adds the word "physical" to define warehouse uses, explicitly eliminates "data and digital storage centers" as a permitted warehouse use, and reclassifies trailer/box truck storage as temporary rather than a primary standalone use. For the Industrial Flex Area, it limits warehouse/distribution uses to 25,000 square feet with direct access to a state highway. - Speaker Positions: - Councilmember Sells questioned if data centers could be permitted under other commercial zoning; Director Payton noted the current code does not explicitly mention data centers, creating potential loopholes. - Councilmember Hall confirmed that definitions in Section 9 will apply across all zoning districts to prevent ambiguity. - Councilmember Brumley asked about the process for identifying emerging business types; Payton explained the team monitors trends and code requests to initiate amendments. - Councilmember Beeson inquired if disallowing data centers in warehouses meant they were conditional elsewhere; Payton clarified the moratorium is researching the future regulation and classification. - Councilmember Zach expressed concern about data mining operations; Payton noted the moratorium will address server farms and potential noise issues associated with data centers. Text Amendment: Defined Terms (Section 14.2) - Director Payton presented an initiation to define "computer and data processing" and "data and digital storage centers" to close a loophole where data centers were misinterpreted as standard office uses. - Project Description: The new definition for "computer and data processing" explicitly lists activities like data entry, analysis, credit card processing, and sales, clarifying that it does not encompass data centers. A separate definition is being drafted for "data and digital storage centers" to address the gap left in the office use section. - Speaker Positions: - Councilmember Brumley noted the definition currently allows mining operations; Payton agreed that data mining considerations are part of the broader research. - Councilmember Hall emphasized the definition's intent to capture all nuances of the emerging technology. - Councilmember Beeson highlighted that data centers can generate significant noise (AC units) and suggested the moratorium work should consider restricting them to conditional uses with buffers and noise analysis. - Mayor Robichot and Director Payton assured the committee that the moratorium (90-day timeline) will refine these definitions to include data mining and other emerging uses. Contract Award: Water Treatment Plant Generator - Utilities Director Watson presented a request to award a contract to Ready Power LLC for $210,000 (not to exceed) for the construction of a pad for a new standby generator for the City's water treatment plant. - Project Description: The project addresses a minor deficiency noted by the state regarding the lack of backup power. The generator, ordered in July 2025 with federal funding, requires site preparation. Previous power outages cost the utility nearly $16,000 (purchasing water from Fulton County and equipment replacement). - Speaker Positions: - Councilmember Zach asked about the generator's shelf life (expected 20 years) and the procurement process for a single bidder; Watson explained the unique size (1,000 kW) and federal regulations resulted in only one bid. Approval: Private to Public Water Utility Conversion - Director Watson presented a request to approve the conversion of the Garrison Hill subdivision's private water utility to the City of Roswell system, including a budget amendment of $18,942. - Project Description: This is a rare policy action (third occurrence) where an HOA opts to transfer infrastructure ownership to the City. The homeowner HOA voted to pursue this, covered site evaluation costs, and signed an agreement. Costs include $2,000 per homeowner for new meters and $18,942 for infrastructure rehabilitation. - Speaker Positions: - Councilmember Bromley asked about the city's right of refusal versus Fulton County jurisdiction; Staff clarified that being within the city's footprint and having existing City lines allows the City to take over, avoiding service duplication. - Councilmember Hall asked about other subdivisions (Stonegate, Stone Grove, Weatherford Place) that have inquired about conversion. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approval: The Committee unanimously approved all five agenda items, directing them to the full Mayor and Council meeting for formal adoption. - Approval of previous meeting minutes (Dec 9, 2025). - Initiation of text amendment for Warehouse and Distribution (Section 9.6.6). - Initiation of text amendment for Defined Terms (Section 14.2). - Award of contract to Ready Power LLC up to $210,000 for the generator construction. - Approval of Garrison Hill subdivision conversion and $18,942 budget amendment. - Next Steps: - Full Mayor and Council meetings scheduled for January 26, 2026, for final readings and actions. - Garrison Hill conversion agreement is targeted for execution in February, with construction expected between February and April (likely March). - Planning staff will continue the 90-day moratorium research on data centers to refine future code restrictions. - Service delivery agreements with Fulton County and other cities to be updated by the end of the year.