Public Meetings - Sandy Springs, Georgia

The Sandy Springs Board of Appeals met on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Studio Theatre at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Chair Sherri Allen. Present were Vice Chair Justin Sparano, Board Members Jason Bodwell, Jeffrey Howe, Kimberly Gay, and Susan Maziar. Board Member Nathan Kongthum was absent and noted as having a conflict of interest on the main variance case. The board addressed a single variance request for a property at 6565 Williamson Drive after a separate item was postponed. Consent Calendar - The Board unanimously approved the June 3, 2026 meeting agenda. - The Board unanimously approved the April 8, 2026 meeting minutes, with a correction to the spelling of "manager" in the text. Public Comments & Testimony - Applicant's Presentation: Janice McConnell of Georgia ADU presented on behalf of property owners Sonia and Dwayne Tolson. The request sought a variance to build a 490-square-foot, two-story accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to house their daughter, grandson, and eventually an aging parent. Ms. McConnell argued that the property's unique physical characteristics—a stream corridor, 75-foot impervious surface setback, and slopes approaching 39%—created an extreme hardship, making the proposed location the only buildable area on the site. She emphasized that the city's staff recommended approval, finding that "there is effectively no location on the property that is buildable without a variance." - Opposition Testimony: Five neighbors spoke in opposition. - Neil Cohen (705 Glengate Place) stated absolute opposition, arguing the hardship was based on personal convenience, not legal hardship, and that the 24-foot tall structure would introduce light and noise pollution. - Susan Kiyak (6497 Cherry Tree Lane) expressed concern that the staff report lacked evidence such as a study of alternatives, stormwater analysis, or hydrology report. She argued the application misapplied code section 7.8.24, which covers less intensive structures like pool houses, not habitable ADUs. - Laura Spence (6497 Cherry Tree Lane) argued the stream is a common feature in the Mount Vernon Woods neighborhood, not a unique hardship. Many homes have coexisted with these natural features for decades. - Paul Pleasick (650 Carriage Drive) cited a lack of information on septic system evaluations, environmental impact, and mitigation measures. He asked the board to deny the request due to insufficient proof of environmental protection. - Sam Brit (6585 Williamson Drive, appearing virtually), the direct next-door neighbor, raised safety concerns about trees falling near the stream (one caused a power line fire in 2024). He argued that the ADU would face his garage, eliminating privacy and creating a line of sight into his living room and backyard. He reiterated that the existence of a primary dwelling on the property meant no extreme hardship existed. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: LaQuita Williams, Planner II, presented staff's recommendation for approval with conditions. She detailed the required variances: encroachment into the 20-foot side street setback, 35-foot rear setback, 75-foot impervious surface setback, and exceeding the 15-foot height limit. - Board Deliberation: The Board discussed the application, noting neighbor concerns and the lack of certain engineering studies. Chair Allen noted that the Chief Environmental Compliance Officer had not provided a comment on the stream buffer impacts. Board members asked the applicant about alternative locations, height reduction, septic and sewer connectivity challenges. The applicant stated they were amenable to reducing the height from 24 to 20 feet and adding a vegetative buffer to address neighbor privacy concerns. Key Outcomes - Vote on Case V-26-19 (6565 Williamson Drive): A motion was made by Vice Chair Justin Sparano to approve the variance with three conditions: 1. The structure does not exceed 20 feet in height. 2. The construction is substantially similar to the provided site plan. 3. A vegetative buffer is added along the property boundary. - The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote. Chair Sherri Allen voted in opposition. The variance is therefore approved with the specified conditions. - Next Meeting: The Board noted there is no meeting in July 2026 due to the Independence Day holiday. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 2026.

Mayor Rusty Paul called the meeting to order at 6:55 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Studio Theatre in Sandy Springs City Hall. All six councilmembers were present. After the Pledge of Allegiance, no public comments were submitted. The council unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda, held a first public hearing on the FY2027 budget, approved two alcohol licenses, a Planning Commission appointment, the Microsoft license renewal, and a Georgia Power relocation agreement, then recessed into executive session and adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the May 19, 2026 City Council meeting minutes and the May 20, 2026 special called meeting minutes. - Approved right-of-way and temporary construction easement agreements for the T0019 Roswell Road Streetscape Improvements project with Broaderley (U.S.), Inc. at 5549 Roswell Road, Stars Oil, Inc. at 5701 Roswell Road, and Securus Properties, LLC at 5163 Roswell Road. - Approved a driveway easement from Progeny Investment Company for property at 5165 Roswell Road related to the T0019 project. - Approved right-of-way and temporary construction easement agreements with Costco Wholesale Corporation on two tracts at 6350 Peachtree Dunwoody Road for the TS131 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Last Mile Connectivity Project. - The consent agenda was adopted unanimously as Resolutions 2026-06-080 through 2026-06-085. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment cards were submitted. Public comment portions of the meeting and each public hearing were closed without testimony. Public Hearings FY 2027 Budget – First Public Hearing (2026-152) - City Manager Eden Freeman said the line-item detail in the packet was unchanged from the formal proposed budget presentation on May 26, 2026, with added analysis linking proposed appropriations to council priorities. - The proposed General Fund budget is $170,400,000, and the All-Funds budget is $1,089,000,000. The City Manager stated the tax rate remains the same as at incorporation, with no proposed tax or fee increases. - Council priorities were listed as public safety; transportation and community appearance; recreation and cultural enrichment; sustainable growth and environmental stewardship; customer service, citizen engagement, and innovation; economic development and redevelopment; and water reliability. Public safety remains the top priority, and the city has built 56 miles of sidewalks since incorporation. - Innovative programs cited included the Police Department information intelligence operation center and the Fire Department drone-as-first-responder program. - No action was taken; a second public hearing and vote are scheduled for the next meeting, with FY27 budget adoption referenced as June 16, 2026. Alcohol Beverage License – Dagwoods Pizza and Deli (2026-153) - Revenue Manager Cori Holiness presented a change-of-ownership application from Devang Patel for consumption on premises of wine and malt at 7746 Spalding Drive, submitted March 16, 2026, with a completed background investigation. Council unanimously approved the license. Alcohol Beverage License – Arabian Nights LLC / Arabian Cafe (2026-154) - Holiness presented a new application from Lucas Butris for consumption on premises of beer, wine, and distilled spirits at 8347 Roswell Road. Staff recommended approval, and council unanimously approved. - Discrepancy note: The written minutes for this item contain an apparent copy-and-paste error describing the Dagwoods application and Devang Patel. The agenda and transcript identify the applicant as Lucas Butris for Arabian Nights LLC / Arabian Cafe, and the motion was for agenda item 2026-154. New Business Planning Commission Appointment (2026-155) - Mayor Paul recommended Jay O'Meara to fill the unexpired term of Elizabeth Kelly, who resigned due to personal matters. Paul said Kelly was a conscientious member and that the commission had drifted from its original balance between neighborhood and real estate representation. He described O'Meara as knowledgeable about the Sandy Springs and Perimeter commercial real estate markets and not a developer. - Councilmember Paulson praised Kelly as a sharp contributor. Council unanimously approved the appointment; Resolution 2026-06-086. Microsoft License Renewal (2026-156) - TJ Martin, IT Help Desk and Systems Administrator Manager, requested approval of the city's Microsoft Enterprise Enrollment renewal. The city has had an agreement with Microsoft since 2006, currently through reseller SHI International Corp. - The renewal covers May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, as part of a three-year licensing term, and includes Microsoft 365 GCC, Entra ID P1, Exchange Online, Microsoft 365 F1, Power Automate Premium, Power BI Pro, Teams Phone, Teams Rooms Pro, Teams Shared Devices, Windows operating system licensing, Project Standard, SQL Server Standard Core, Visio Standard, Windows Remote Desktop Services CALs, and Windows Server Datacenter Core. - The total annual renewal cost is $277,619.22; $46,269.87 will be charged to the remaining FY26 months and $231,349.35 to FY27, contingent on adoption of the FY27 budget on June 16, 2026. The amount exceeds the City Manager's purchasing authority; the purchase will be made through Microsoft's State and Local Government licensing program under cooperative purchasing. Council unanimously approved; Resolution 2026-06-087. Georgia Power Relocation Agreement – Lake Forrest Sidewalk Phase II (2026-157) - Public Works Director William H. Martin, Jr. presented a Georgia Power relocation agreement for the S2185 Lake Forrest Sidewalk Phase II project. The project will construct approximately 3,300 linear feet of 6-foot sidewalk on the west side of Lake Forrest Drive from the city limit to 4822 Lake Forrest Drive and from 25 Pine Lake Drive to 4990 Lake Forrest Drive, completing the sidewalk from the city limit to Mt. Paran Road. - The total estimated relocation cost is $310,889.00; under the franchise agreement the city will pay 90 percent, or $271,700, from the TSPLOST sidewalk program. The relocation covers roughly 10 poles on Lake Forrest Drive. - Discussion included construction timing, utility relocation responsibilities, and past pole-relocation delays. Martin said the project should be put out for construction bids within about two weeks after final property acquisition closes; Georgia Power or its contractor will perform the utility relocation. He explained that pole moves require sequential work by multiple parties, including Georgia Power, Comcast, and AT&T. Councilmember Roberts raised concern about a Georgia Power pole on Mount Vernon; Martin said conduit is still being accepted so other parties on those poles can move underground. Councilmember Chinsky asked to be contacted if his personal involvement is needed. Council unanimously approved; Resolution 2026-06-088. Reports Mayor and Council Reports - Mayor Paul reported Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) talks have narrowed to three major issues: the water issue between the City of Atlanta and Sandy Springs, animal control for some cities, and jail services after the Fulton County Sheriff stopped accepting misdemeanor cases. Mediation must begin by June 25. He described the SDS process as a ten-year review to prevent duplication of services and double taxation, with public, live-streamed, archived meetings. - City Manager Freeman said the managers group continues to meet, municipalities are submitting their intergovernmental agreements, and the state Department of Community Affairs is not interested in agreements with private providers. Another meeting with the Board of Commissioners is scheduled for the next week. - Councilmember Kelley reported the Next 10 Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee held its first meeting on May 20, one of four public meetings; Rhonda Smith was selected as chair. Kelley's monthly live community engagement forum featured Jessica Corbitt of Fulton County External Affairs. MARTA may provide an upgraded bus stop serving North Springs High School. - Councilmember Mular reminded residents that Food that Rocks is Thursday, June 4, and the Starship concert featuring Mickey Thomas is June 12 at City Green. - Councilmember Ford said applications for the Sandy Springs Citizens' Leadership Academy opened Monday, the District 5 fire station community meeting is Monday, June 15, the Comprehensive Plan recording is available online, and the first public meeting is June 23. - Councilmember Chinsky suggested considering a youth leadership academy, noting a program in Tucker. He reported that Morgan Falls fields were heavily used by all-star league teams, the parking lot was overflowing, the dirt-infield upper fields were unplayable after rain, and the turf lower fields drained well. He expressed support for continued investment in turf as money well spent because the fields will be used often. - There were no staff reports. Key Outcomes - Agenda and consent agenda approved unanimously. - Alcohol beverage licenses for Dagwoods Pizza and Deli and Arabian Nights LLC / Arabian Cafe approved unanimously. - Jay O'Meara appointed to the Planning Commission (Resolution 2026-06-086). - Microsoft Enterprise Enrollment renewal approved (Resolution 2026-06-087). - Georgia Power relocation agreement for Lake Forrest Sidewalk Phase II approved (Resolution 2026-06-088). - Council unanimously recessed into executive session at 7:24 p.m. for real estate and litigation discussion, returned to regular order at 8:16 p.m., and adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Mayor Rusty Paul convened the Sandy Springs City Council Work Session at 6:00 p.m. on June 2, 2026, in the Studio Theatre at City Hall; the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. The agenda included one presentation, 2026-144 Sidewalk Program Review, followed by Council discussion. No formal votes were taken. Sidewalk Program Overview - Wesley Waters, Public Works CIP Unit Manager, and William H. Martin, Jr., AIA, Public Works Director, presented on the City's walkability program since incorporation in 2005. - Approximately 56 miles of new public sidewalks have been added since 2005, not including private sidewalks, connecting neighborhoods to schools, parks, transit, and commercial areas. - The City maintains an online Sidewalks, Sidepaths, and Trails Story Map plus the Sidewalk Access Explorer; staff agreed to make these resources more visible on the City's sidewalks web page. - Walkability has been funded by the City General Fund, impact fees, prior TSPLOST programs, and regional/state/federal partners including PCID, MARTA/FTA, GDOT/FHWA, CDBG, SRTA, and GTIB. - Waters reported that for the 2021 TSPLOST program, 16 of 20 sidewalk segments are complete, two are awaiting construction bids, and one remains held up by right-of-way. TSPLOST 2026 and Sidewalk Selection - The proposed TSPLOST 2026 program includes roughly $16,000,000 in top-priority sidewalk segments identified through the City's Sidewalk Program scoring criteria and Sidewalk Network Master Plan. - Councilmember Mary Ford recalled that a previous presentation targeted $12,000,000 of TSPLOST sidewalks and said she appreciated the increase to $16,000,000. Waters said $12,000,000 was the previous funding level, a $20,000,000 line had been sketched in, and the plan places the additional $4,000,000 in tier two. - Martin said the City has invested about $44,000,000 in capital sidewalk programs since 2012, with many other fund sources also supporting sidewalks and sidepaths; PATH400 construction to I-285 and GA-400 totals about $40,000,000. - Waters explained that the simple sidewalk criteria are guidelines for identifying gap-fill candidates generally under $200,000; above that threshold a survey is needed. The North River gap fill did not qualify as simple but is being advanced and requires driveway easements. - The Sidewalk Project Scoring Worksheet is updated monthly by a committee, and the list is brought to Council before public posting for right-of-way donations. Waters said about fifteen candidates are not currently on the worksheet, and updates can be more frequent at Council's request. - Councilmember John Paulson said neighborhoods should not have to wait until the next TSPLOST cycle for a resolved issue to move up the priority list, and asked staff to report whether simple sidewalks saved money. Sidewalk vs. Sidepath and Project Delivery - Martin said the sidewalk program focuses on neighborhoods, typically with a six-foot sidewalk and a two-foot grass strip. Sidepaths are larger facilities that are bike- and pedestrian-accessible and eligible for different funding on GDOT projects. - Mayor Paul noted that GDOT treats sidepaths as transportation infrastructure eligible for different funding; Martin said GDOT has been supportive and most transportation investments in Sandy Springs include a sidewalk or sidepath component. - Martin described sources of delay, including right-of-way acquisition, retaining walls, utility conflicts, drainage, stream impacts, and permits such as the Windsor Parkway core permit. He said adding right-of-way staff could potentially accelerate project delivery and staff would study that. Councilmember Questions and Direction - Councilmember Melody Kelley asked whether the interactive Sidewalk Master Plan and Sidewalk Access Explorer could be posted on the sidewalks page; Waters confirmed. She also asked about Project 2010 Adair Lane; Waters said it will connect to the Segment 2C Trail between two entrances. - Councilmember Melissa Mular requested a breakdown of City funds versus TSPLOST funds for the 56 miles, noting TSPLOST was heavily leveraged; staff said the data could be provided. - Councilmember Andrew J. Chinsky said residents view sidewalks, sidepaths, and trails as one paved network; asked staff to consider scoring streets where one side already has a sidewalk; and noted privacy concerns about a right-of-way dashboard, but observed that right-of-way acquisitions are already public. He proposed exploring a developer payment into a fund instead of piecemeal sidewalk construction, and challenged staff to identify ways to accelerate projects before the next budget year. - Martin cited a Roswell Road example where a developer effectively paid forward streetscaping, and said a more researched response would be provided on fee-in-lieu and pay-forward options. - Kelley asked about adding a Colquitt Road segment to the Sidewalk Master Plan. Waters said it was considered in the last update but excluded based on the criteria, and it is partly in GDOT right-of-way. Martin said trail and network connectivity on Colquitt could be considered after the SR-400 managed lanes are built. Assistant City Manager Kristin Byars Smith said the segment is on the Trail Master Plan. - Mular asked whether the Master Plan had been updated since January 2024. Martin said the priority list and related items were updated earlier this year; Waters believed the network eligibility list dated to January 2024. - Mular said sidewalks, paths, and trails solve different mobility problems and must be viewed as a connected network. She recalled that 27 years ago there were no sidewalks on Brandon Mill Road and only a few on Dalrymple, and praised staff's work. - Ford said the Story Map is a great resource and should be more prominent on the website; she also asked for future discussion of midblock crossings and for resident visibility into sidewalk status, citing Windsor Parkway. Martin said the midblock crossing scoring matrix will be reviewed, and that project updates generally include expected construction start and completion dates; Windsor Parkway is down to one right-of-way parcel plus core permitting. Key Outcomes - Informational work session only; no ordinance, resolution, or formal vote occurred. - Staff agreed to provide the City/TSPLOST funding breakdown; post links to the Sidewalk Master Plan and Sidewalk Access Explorer; report on simple sidewalk cost savings; research developer fee-in-lieu and pay-forward mechanisms; explore acceleration options, including right-of-way staff; and continue developing midblock crossing scoring. - After the sidewalk review, the City Council Discussion Items agenda item had no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM, the Sandy Springs City Council held a Special Called Meeting in the Barfield Conference Room at Sandy Springs City Hall for FY 2027 Budget Workshop 3, the final budget workshop before adoption. Mayor Rusty Paul presided, with Councilmembers John Paulson, Melody Kelley, Melissa Mular, Frank Roberts, Mary Ford (participating remotely), and Andrew J. Chinsky present. City Manager Eden E. Freeman presented the Proposed FY 2027 Budget, supported by Chief Financial Officer Toni Carlisle. The meeting adjourned at 2:59 PM. Note: the agenda lists this agenda item as 2026-143, while the minutes refer to it as 2026-127. Discussion Items Budget Process and Calendar City Manager Freeman recapped the budget calendar: Workshop 3 occurred on May 26, 2026; the first public hearing is scheduled for the next regular Council meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026; and the final public hearing plus budget adoption vote is scheduled for June 16, 2026. Budget principles remain unchanged: conservative revenue and expense estimates, and no use of one-time revenues for ongoing expenditures. All proposed expenses are tied to Council's adopted priorities from the January 2026 Council Retreat. Follow-Up Items from Prior Workshops - Grants Administrator: The Grants Administrator is the City's central coordination point for grant research, compliance, reporting, amendments, audit support, and interdepartmental communication. The City currently manages approximately $9,422,550 in grants and has been awarded $6,623,773 in grants since 2024. A Fulton County Arts grant of $27,000 was received with an additional year-end addendum. - RedSpeed: The City receives 65% of paid citation revenue and RedSpeed receives 35%. Based on Council's prior guidance, staff will meet with the vendor later in the week to discuss a possible one-year extension with renewal options; the agreement will be presented at the June 16, 2026 City Council meeting. The City Manager explained that including renewal options preserves Council's flexibility and addresses the effect of new legislation while still allowing Council to decline renewal. - Operating Budget Assumptions: Assumptions are largely unchanged from Workshop 1, including a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, increased health insurance costs, increased general liability insurance, increased support for contract services (animal control, North Fulton Regional Radio Authority, public works and recreation/parks subcontractor agreements), and continued EMS subsidy funding. Staff has interviewed three third-party administrators about a potential move to a self-funded health insurance program; final projections are pending year-end numbers, so the FY2027 budget conservatively assumes a worst-case scenario, with additional information to be provided later in the year. - Public Works Subcontractor Correction: In response to Councilmember Kelley's question about a discrepancy between presentations, the City Manager and CFO confirmed that the correct FY2027 public works subcontractor amount is $6.189 million. A $240,000 add-back covers utility marking ("potholing")—the required identification of underground infrastructure before work is performed—which staff described as a state unfunded mandate. Staff acknowledged slide inconsistencies (some slides showed $6.418 million) and committed to correcting the materials. General Fund Expenditures by Department The City Manager reviewed the FY2027 General Fund line item budget department by department: - City Council: nominal increases. - Office of the City Manager: decreases reflecting the transfer of two positions to the new Office of Innovation & Delivery, separately budgeted at $883,200, with the major associated expense being implementation of a new citywide customer relationship management (CRM) system. - City Clerk's Office: decreases largely because no election is budgeted in FY2027. - Finance: largest operational increase is in technical services supporting systems including DocuSign, Laserfiche, Munis, DebtBook, and Bonfire. - Human Resources: professional services increase in part because the health insurance broker cost moves from the Cigna line item to a direct City-paid line. - Facilities: increased repairs and maintenance, including HVAC support, parking deck doors, landscaping, fountain maintenance, and miscellaneous building repairs. - Communications: contractual increase in the call center; website enhancement costs for security, document repository improvements, and development hours. - General Administration: technical services include CRM implementation; professional services include bond administration, asset recovery, insurance brokerage, financial advisor fees, tax commissioner collection fees, arbitrage work, and citywide identity theft protection for employees. - Municipal Court: increases limited to compensation and benefit adjustments. - Police: technical support for the intelligence operations center, a narcotics/chemical identification device, ballistic shields, K-9 tracking support, and radar units. - Fire: replacement of an aerial apparatus and engine, plus a bonus structure intended to maintain parity with Police. - Emergency Management: annual preparedness exercise, drone program, and AVIVE AED program. - Public Works: fiber optic asset-management transition, network management, utility marking, traffic pole maintenance, streetlight maintenance and painting, and two replacement sand and salt spreaders. - Recreation and Parks: new recreation management software, increased program supplies, and park site improvements. - Community Development: additional costs for the Comprehensive Plan to ensure significant public engagement. - Other Financing Uses: transfers from the General Fund for debt service, fleet purchases, the Performing Arts Center, capital programs, and stormwater. Personnel Comparison Councilmember Kelley asked how the City's personnel count compares to peer cities. City Manager Freeman responded that Sandy Springs' personnel pool is smaller than many peers; Greenville, South Carolina, for example, has over 1,100 employees despite a smaller land mass and population. Council asked staff to recirculate the prior comparative analysis. Performing Arts Center Fund The Performing Arts Center Fund includes EverPass licensing for sports programming, increased cost of goods sold for signature events, and additional seasonal staffing for the ice rink and other events. The ice rink is proposed again, with the Sandy Springs Foundation providing approximately $25,000 to offset costs. FY2026 revenues are projected to decline by nearly $600,000 due to broader economic conditions and reduced ticket purchasing; the FY2027 projection assumes additional sponsorships, increased facility rentals, and support through the Sandy Springs Foundation, plus a planned $500,000 transfer (comprising $250,000 in parking revenue and $250,000 from the General Fund) booked as revenue. Councilmember Mular questioned the rebound assumption, and staff acknowledged the projection depends on successful sponsorship and rental growth. The fund is projected to end FY2027 with a fund balance of approximately $900,000. Fund-by-Fund Review - Confiscated Assets Fund: court-ordered monies restricted to police or law enforcement purposes. - Opioid Fund: proposed to support an additional community paramedic position in the Fire Department. - E911 Fund: revenues received and transferred to ChatComm. - Tree Fund: revenue assumptions are based on expected development activity and associated tree removal payments, generally reflecting trends from the last two years; the fund supports half of the City's urban forest coordinator position through a 50% internal transfer from the General Fund. - Impact Fee Fund: the elevated balance is attributable to recaptured funds from the sale of park property to the National Park Service, earmarked for recreation purposes. Staff recommended no additional allocation for Trail 2C at this time, and recommended additional funding for Old Riverside Drive Park ($110,000) and transportation improvements along Boylston Road. - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund: staff noted that CDBG funding may eventually end, either through federal action or because fewer areas in Sandy Springs remain eligible. The final Section 108 loan debt service payment is expected in FY2031; if CDBG funding ends before the loan is repaid, the General Fund may need to contribute. The last grant receipt is forecast for FY2028. Council observed that losing eligibility due to improved community conditions would be a positive outcome even if it reduces funding. - Hotel/Motel Tax Fund: revenues are projected to decline due to changes in travel and the economy. - TSPLOST I and II: all remaining projects are fully budgeted, resulting in zero available fund balances. - Capital Projects Fund: projects are fully budgeted even where staff do not expect all funds to be spent in FY2027, allowing the City to move quickly if project progress advances faster than expected. - Fleet Fund: major replacement activity is planned while retaining the current fund balance to carry forward. A canine replacement is budgeted as a capital item at approximately $50,000. - Public Facilities Authority Fund: includes expenses for City Springs, Police Headquarters, Fire Station 253, and the fleet facility. - Stormwater Fund: fully budgeting funds transferred from the General Fund to complete stormwater projects. - Development Authority Fund: nominal change. The Façade Improvement Program is expected to return after design guidelines are completed, likely in the first quarter of 2027; funding is budgeted as a capital assumption within Economic Development rather than in the Development Authority Fund. Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan and Parks Discussion Two new planning-placeholder projects were added to the Five-Year CIP: Revitalization of the Racquet Center and Revitalization of Hammond Park (with a $75 million planning projection for Hammond Park in 2029). These placeholders do not commit the City; any future debt issuance for these projects would likely require voter approval of a revenue source. Mayor Paul stressed the importance of developing a strong public justification and understanding both construction and operating costs before placing a parks bond measure before voters, stating: "I'm against putting it on a ballot and having it lose." The City's sidewalk program is now funded solely through TSPLOST; staff will facilitate a workshop in the coming weeks reviewing sidewalk investments across TSPLOST I, TSPLOST II, and proposed future funding. One Councilmember also proposed publishing a public map showing which sidewalk easement parcels have and have not been acquired, suggesting neighbors could encourage voluntary conveyance, and asked staff to bring ideas to the upcoming sidewalk workshop. Additional Q&A - The CRM system replaces the City's current Lucity ticketing platform and will provide better resident self-service capability. - Website ADA compliance: some tool renewal costs remain, but most compliance work is expected to be completed by the end of the current fiscal year; the compliance deadline has been extended by one year. - Grant-funded employees in the Multiple Grant Fund remain there through the end of the grant term (October) before transitioning to City employment. - Fire overtime is affected by the 48/96 shift schedule; Police overtime has increased in part because some officers have been called to active duty. - The Fire capital lease principal ($1.4 million) relates to new fire trucks; payments begin before apparatus delivery and are expected to remain relatively level as older obligations roll off and new ones are added. - Staff is monitoring GDOT's scoping study for the Chattahoochee River SR 9 bridge replacement, seeking to coordinate bridge enhancements with GDOT's timeline rather than studying in a vacuum. - Councilmember Kelley observed that the $250,000 annual guardrail allocation feels operational rather than capital in nature; staff explained it has historically been treated as capital because need was intermittent, though annual appropriations are now expected. Projected Undesignated Fund Balance The audited end-of-year General Fund balance as of July 1, 2025, is approximately $63 million. After projected FY2026 revenues and expenditures, the subtotal is approximately $65 million. The City must reserve 25% of budgeted revenues—approximately $35.1 million—as its rainy-day reserve. Approximately $29 million is planned for one-time uses within the proposed budget, leaving an estimated undesignated fund balance of zero. The Proposed FY2027 Budget is balanced, maintains the same tax rate as the Charter requires, and includes no tax increases or fee increases. The total all-funds FY2027 budget is approximately $1.156 billion, unusually large due to accounting treatment for debt issued through the Public Facilities Authority for the City Springs campus, Police Headquarters and Municipal Court Complex, and fire stations. Since incorporation in 2005, the City has invested more than $500 million back into the community, excluding the City Springs campus, Police Headquarters, and fire stations. Key Outcomes - No formal votes on the budget were taken during this workshop; the Proposed FY2027 Budget will be presented at a first public hearing on June 2, 2026, with the final public hearing and adoption vote scheduled for June 16, 2026. - Staff will correct the public works subcontractor slide discrepancy (correct FY2027 amount: $6.189 million) and provide a summary of one-time uses before the next meeting. - Staff will meet with RedSpeed later in the week regarding a one-year extension with renewal options; the agreement is expected at the June 16, 2026 Council meeting. - A motion by Councilmember John Paulson, seconded by Councilmember Frank Roberts, to adjourn carried unanimously; the meeting adjourned at 2:59 PM.

The Sandy Springs City Council met on May 19, 2026, at 6:10 p.m. for a regular meeting following a Public Facilities Authority special called session. The meeting included a proclamation, three public hearings on rezoning requests, a contract award, surplus property disposal, a change order, and software renewal. All votes were unanimous. The meeting recessed into executive session for real estate and litigation discussion and adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, including: - Meeting minutes from May 5, 2026 (work session and regular meeting). - Resolutions for right-of-way purchases and easements related to the TS131 Last Mile Connectivity Project, Roswell Road Streetscape Improvements, and Lake Forrest Drive Sidewalk Improvements (Resolutions 2026-05-071 through 2026-05-075). Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment: None. - Public Hearing – RZ-25-6 (Spalding Drive): Three speakers expressed support. Melinda Cobb (245 Spalding Springs Lane) and Ronda Smith (9725 Roberts Drive) advocated for approval with conditions including turn lanes and HOA-maintained buffers. The applicant, Alex Brock (Smith, Gambrell & Russell), supported staff and Planning Commission recommendations and offered an additional condition for HOA maintenance of fences and landscapes. No opposition speakers were present. - Public Hearing – RZ-25-7 (5680 Whitner Drive): Three residents opposed the rezoning: Meridith Johnson (5600 Whitner Drive), E.J. Stern (5550 Whitner Drive), and Ron Kaplan (590 Idlewood Drive). Concerns included pedestrian safety, inadequate notice, stormwater runoff, tree canopy loss, traffic, and precedent for increased density. Applicant Stokely Weinberg rebutted, citing compliance with stricter stormwater ordinances, third-party erosion monitoring, and noting that the lot is the last on Whitner not already zoned RD-27. - Public Hearing – RZ-25-8 (5800 & 0 Mitchell Road): Applicant Chris Prodos (representing owner) spoke in support, emphasizing alignment with neighborhood character and affordable infill housing. No opposition speakers were present. Discussion Items - Proclamation for National Public Works Week (2026-134): Mayor Paul read and presented a proclamation recognizing the week of May 17–23, 2026, as National Public Works Week, honoring Sandy Springs public works staff. - RZ-25-6 – Spalding Drive Rezoning (2026-135): Planning & Zoning Manager Michele McIntosh-Ross presented the request to rezone five parcels at 1265–1369 Spalding Drive from RE-1 (1-acre min.) to RD-9 (9,000 sq. ft. min.) to allow a 21-home single-family neighborhood with one entrance at the signalized Pitts Road intersection. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval with eight conditions, including underground stormwater, a maximum of 21 Sandy Springs lots, no more than three Dunwoody lots accessing Spalding Drive, and a site plan including turn lanes. Councilmember Paulson noted the developer moved the entrance after community input. Councilmember Mular questioned enforcement of the Dunwoody lot limit. The motion added two conditions: HOA maintenance of common areas/fences/buffers, and development substantially similar to the site plan with turn lanes. Unanimously approved (Ordinance 2026-05-009). - RZ-25-7 – 5680 Whitner Drive Rezoning (2026-136): Staff presented the request to rezone one parcel from RE-2 (2-acre min.) to RD-27 (27,000 sq. ft. min.) to build three single-family homes facing Whitner Drive. Conditions include driveways only on Whitner, with the home nearest Mount Vernon having a driveway as far from Mount Vernon as practicable. Councilmember Chinsky addressed public concerns about notice (delay due to legal requirements), stormwater (applicant described stricter state standards and third-party monitoring), traffic (not materially changed by two net new homes), and tree canopy (data shows citywide increase). He also asked Public Works to review the Mount Vernon/Whitner intersection for signage. Councilmember Chinsky supported the rezoning but called for a city strategy for evaluating lot division cases during the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update. Mayor Paul requested staff evaluate

The Sandy Springs City Council held a special called meeting on May 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM for the second FY 2027 budget workshop. City Manager Eden Freeman led the review of General Fund revenues, expenditures, and several policy topics. The meeting included discussions on revenue projections, speed detection cameras, trail funding, recreation programs, and the creation of an Office of Innovation and Delivery. No formal votes were taken, but council provided direction on several items. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the workshop. Discussion Items General Fund Revenues – Overview - City Manager Freeman reviewed budget principles: conservative revenue/expense estimating, no use of one-time revenue for ongoing expenses. Property taxes are the largest revenue source, with modest organic growth and no tax increases. The FY2027 proposed total General Fund revenue is $140,468,600, a 7% increase over the FY2026 revised budget. - Councilmember John Paulson asked about the impact of Senate Bill 33 (Local Option Sales Tax). Freeman noted no significant negative impact expected; FY2027 may become a base year for property taxes. Mayor Paul added that new statewide elected officials and a House focus on cutting homestead property taxes will affect the city, but replacement revenue (e.g., FLOST) requires negotiation with Fulton County and a referendum, likely not occurring this year. - Councilmember Melody Kelley asked about Google Fiber franchise fee; Freeman said no agreement yet, as Google’s proposed percentage was inadequate. Kelley also confirmed all solid waste vendors pay the Solid Waste Franchise Fee. - Councilmember Mary Ford asked about the Electric Franchise Fee; Freeman said it is a percentage of consumption, and the franchise agreement would be provided. - Councilmember Kelley asked about Development Impact Fees; the FY2026 projected $90,000 matches the March unaudited $89,679, all from Hillcrest collections. - Councilmember Kelley asked where massage establishment permits fall; Freeman said under Business Occupational Tax. - Councilmember Melissa Mular noted the variance column for Paddleshack and Parking Contract should reflect changes; Freeman said they would reassess display. - Councilmember Andrew Chinsky asked about Interest Revenue ($7M); Freeman explained it comes from Georgia Fund 1, Truist accounts, reserves, and TSPLOST funds. Chinsky noted $7M seemed high; Freeman said it decreased due to CIP transfers. Chinsky also asked about Miscellaneous Revenues ($1M projection vs $200K revised); CFO Toni Carlisle cited prior-year refunds, rebates, lift assist, IGA fees. Freeman added that $393K came from a Georgia Power audit and $493K from the sale of North Island property. - Councilmember Kelley asked about federal/state matching grants; Freeman said the city received a confirmation for Emergency 911 Backup but no award documentation yet. She also asked about FY2025; Freeman said grants were awarded and listed in Inside Sandy Springs. A Grants Fund exists for grants received. Speed Detection Devices – House Bill 651 - House Bill 651 restricts hours for speed cameras, creates penalties for misuse, and requires voter approval for contracts after July 1, 2027. Current RedSpeed contract expires June 30, 2026. - Mayor Paul noted the cameras have reduced speeding. Councilmember Ford called it a valuable safety measure. Councilmember Kelley opposed renewal, citing community frustration, unclear signage/hours, and difficulty contesting tickets. Councilmember Mular noted signage issues have improved. Councilmember Paulson supported renewal as a deterrent. Councilmember Chinsky supported renewal with a referendum in spring 2028, and requested signage improvements. - Freeman stated a new contract would allow setting hours. A consensus emerged to bring forward a renewal for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 with changes. Councilmember Kelley opposed automatic renewals and wanted voters to decide in 2028. - Presented data: 7,519 total transactions, $641,627 total amount paid, 65% to city, 35% to RedSpeed plus $5 processing fee. Outstanding citations: 15,647 valued at $1,173,525 (if all first citations). Councilmember Paulson requested aging of outstanding citations; Freeman to provide. Councilmember Kelley asked for RedSpeed’s exact earnings; Freeman to provide. Morgan Falls Football Field Usage - Sandy Springs Youth Sports uses the field for flag football/cheerleading Aug–Oct; rest of year for baseball/softball. Planned turfing will allow multi-sport use. - Councilmember Chinsky requested shade structures over stands and improved accessibility. Director Brent Walker confirmed ADA assessment integrated into next construction phase. - Councilmember Roberts asked about upgrades for high school games; Walker said state standards require indoor facilities and larger stands, which the site cannot accommodate due to topography. - Parking improvements: reconfiguration to add 100 spaces, parallel parking along main drive. Current Tree Fund Balance - As of May 5, 2026, fund balance was -$1,210,906. End-of-year estimated at $602,705 after removing payroll and project commitments. Replanting to occur in fall. - Councilmember Mular asked about Hammond Widening Project tree fund impact; Freeman said estimate not yet available. - Councilmember Kelley asked about payroll; Assistant City Manager Kristen Byars Smith stated it covers half of Urban Forester and Sustainability Coordinator salaries. Kelley asked if this is using one-time fees for operating expenses; Byars Smith said no, the revenues are recurring. Front Yard Tree Program - Administered by Trees Atlanta, funded by non-city sources except city implementation costs. Species list provided. Planting history from 2019-2020 to 2025-2026: 1,309 total trees at $283,030 cost. Councilmember Mular suggested discussing the program with permit applicants for tree scraping; Byars Smith said they are required to replant but the idea could be considered. Recreation and Parks Scholarships - Scholarships are fee waivers reimbursed from a fund with $8,914 balance. FY26 donations: $500 from Dunwoody Women’s Club, $485 from Sandy Springs Foundation. Participants ranged 10–14 per year. Councilmember Kelley asked where funds are in financials; CFO Carlisle said it’s part of operating account reconciliation, not a specific line. Recreation and Parks Programming Requests - Programs with wait lists (Daddy Daughter Dance, Dino Egg Hunt, etc.) are capacity-limited due to space. Expanding would require larger facilities, a dedicated community center, or more Performing Arts Center (PAC) time (which would reduce PAC revenue or increase program costs). Additional full-time staff needed. Councilmember Paulson asked if costs charged; Byars Smith said low, and space is the constraint. Councilmember Kelley suggested seeking sponsorships via Sandy Springs Foundation. Bathroom Inventory - Four park restrooms renovated with changing tables (Hammond Park, Morgan Falls Athletic Complex, Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Racquet Center). Ridgeview Park new restroom in permitting. Changing tables to be installed in all facilities that can accommodate. Restrooms cleaned once daily by contractor. Councilmember Kelley asked about City Springs; Dave Wells confirmed changing tables in Studio Theatre and City Green restrooms. Springway 2C (Trail Segment 2C) Potential Funding - Total cost estimated at $13,922,520 (30% design). Current funding in project P2501: $4,995,775. Available Recreation Impact Fees: $4,294,648. Proposed FY2027 capital: $2,000,000. Potential grants: GOSP ($3,000,000), PATH Foundation match ($1,000,000), Sandy Springs Conservancy match ($30,000). Funding need without GOSP: $2,632,097. - Councilmember Mular asked probability of GOSP grant; Walker said the city missed funding last round but is improving the narrative. Councilmember Paulson noted funds won’t be spent by next June; Freeman said intent is to cobble funds over time. Mayor Paul warned skipping a year could impact grant competitiveness. Councilmember Mular favored incremental funding. Councilmember Kelley requested future presentations include crash data at Grogan Ferry/Roswell Road intersection, update on Adair Lane sidewalks, and ecological health considerations per National Park Service. Councilmember Chinsky expressed constituent frustration with stalled south-end sidewalk projects. City Springs Theater Company - In 2025, the theater was used 109 days (56 performance, 53 load-in/rehearsal). 2026 YTD similar pattern. Sparkle Village houses cost $19,243; city seeking sponsorship model. MRH Program Compliance - Fire inspection compliance improved: 72 of 95 complexes completed required inspections by March 31 deadline in 2025 vs 28 of 92 in 2024. Citations dropped significantly. Public Works Subcontractor Agreements - Overall 1% increase over FY2026. Hyper Networks large increase (173%) due to contractor marking for utility strikes. Councilmember Paulson asked if cost is temporary; Public Works Director Martin said mostly this year. Councilmember Kelley noted the variance from Workshop 1 ($295,000) was refined to $76,000. Office of Innovation and Delivery - Proposed three-person team in City Manager’s Office to coordinate cross-department projects, test ideas, align grants, data, and AI. Mayor Paul noted the city lost nimbleness after switching from contractor-driven to traditional government. Councilmember Paulson requested periodic reports. Councilmember Mular asked about metrics and growth; Freeman said pilot with three FTEs, maybe add analyst in 5 years. Councilmember Kelley asked about baseline performance; Freeman said project-based, goal to deliver on time/under budget. Kelley also asked about impact of existing Grant Administrator and Director of Data Strategy roles; Freeman said they were reconstituted two budget cycles ago, and an increase in grants has been reported. Homeless Outreach and Referral Services - Approximately 13 unsheltered individuals in Sandy Springs. Police Victim Advocates coordinate with nonprofit partners (Community Assistance Center, Solidarity Sandy Springs). Housing needs referred to Fulton County Gateway Center. Community Paramedicine provides non-emergency care. City staff do not recommend pursuing the Georgia Rehoused program due to limited local need and administrative burden. Councilmember Mular thanked the police department. FY 2027 Capital Budget Assumptions - Listed projects total $35,275,400, including $2,400,000 for City Springs District Improvements (up from $2.2M), $3,000,000 for Pavement Management, $4,000,000 for Stormwater Capital, $2,000,000 for Morgan Falls Athletic Complex, $2,000,000 for Trail Segment 2C, and others. Key Outcomes - Speed Detection Cameras: Council reached consensus to bring forward a new contract renewal for RedSpeed for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, with revised hours and improved signage, and to place a voter referendum on the ballot in spring 2028. Councilmember Kelley expressed opposition but supported negotiation for better terms. - Trail Segment 2C Funding: Council discussed allocating $2,000,000 in FY2027 capital budget to P2501; some members favored $1,000,000 to signal commitment. No final decision; staff will provide additional data on intersection safety, sidewalks, and ecological impacts. Further discussion expected. - Office of Innovation and Delivery: Council generally supported the concept; direction to proceed with three-person team and provide periodic performance reports. - Homeless Outreach: Council accepted staff’s recommendation not to pursue the Georgia Rehoused program at this time; focus continues on supporting existing nonprofit partners. - General Fund Revenue Estimates: Staff will refine numbers and present the full line-item budget at the next workshop on May 26, 2026. Public hearings scheduled for June 2 and June 16. - Data Requests: Staff will provide aging of outstanding speed camera citations, RedSpeed’s share of revenue, tree fund estimates for Hammond Widening, sidewalk master plan update, and impact of existing data/grants positions. - The meeting adjourned at 4:02 PM.

The Sandy Springs City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in the Studio Theatre at Sandy Springs City Hall (1 Galambos Way). Mayor Rusty Paul presided, and all six councilmembers were present. The meeting was called to order at 6:25 p.m. and adjourned at 8:38 p.m., following a closed executive session from 7:23 p.m. to 8:37 p.m. on real estate and litigation. All votes taken in open session were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda for May 5, 2026. - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the April 21, 2026 work session and regular meeting minutes and Resolution 2026-05-063 accepting the purchase and sale agreement from Mark Humpherys and Christine Humpherys for a driveway easement and temporary construction easement, with a cost-to-cure payment, at 425 Windsor Parkway for the S2161 Windsor Parkway Sidewalk Project. Presentations - Mayor Paul read a proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Water Safety Month in Sandy Springs. The proclamation noted that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in U.S. children ages 1–4 and the second leading cause in children ages 5–14. Representatives from Swim Safe, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and YMCA Atlanta accepted the proclamation. Public Comments & Testimony - There were no public comments during the meeting; no public comment cards were submitted. For the Community Development Block Grant annual action plan, the city had already held a separate public hearing on March 17, 2026. Public Hearings 2026 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan (Resolution 2026-05-064) - Grant Administrator Dabney Brand presented the plan. The city's FY2026 CDBG allocation is $500,669, a slight increase from the FY2025 allocation of $485,216. In 2026, staff will continue implementation of the South Roswell Road Multiyear Sidewalk Project south of I-285 and begin design of the Hope Road Sidewalk Project. A motion by Councilmember Melody Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Andrew J. Chinsky, carried unanimously. Alcoholic Beverage License – Divinely Elegant Vines LLC (ABL No. 28446) - Revenue Manager Cori Holiness presented the new package wine and wine tasting license for 203 Hilderbrand Drive, applicant Jessena Waldo. The application was submitted March 3, 2026, and the applicant passed the background investigation. No public comments were received. A motion by Councilmember Melissa Mular, seconded by Councilmember Frank Roberts, carried unanimously. Alcoholic Beverage License – Crave Kitchen & Bistro, LLC (ABL No. 28478) - The council approved a new consumption-on-premises license for distilled spirits, beer, and wine at 8610 Roswell Road, Suite 140, applicant Habip Reis Gumus. The application was submitted March 25, 2026, and the applicant passed the background investigation. No public comments were received. A motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember John Paulson, carried unanimously. Discussion Items Roberts Drive Sidepath Phase I – Design Contract Award (Item 2026-119, Tabled) - Staff recommended awarding the design contract to AtkinsRealis USA, Inc. for $901,634.17. The project would build a 12-foot-wide concrete sidepath with landscaped buffer, street tree planting, and pedestrian-scale lighting from Dunwoody Place to Island Ford Parkway, including two midblock crossings near Pride Place and near Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Island Ford Park, and would connect to the GDOT-reconstructed Roberts Drive bridge over SR 400. - The RFQ drew eight consultants; four were shortlisted and scored by a five-member staff committee on experience, resources, technical approach, and past performance. The reported consensus scores were AtkinsRealis 850, Infrastructure Consulting Engineering 700, Gresham Smith 675, and BCC Engineering 575. Funding would be 80% federal through ARC/GDOT and 20% TSPLOST 2021. - Councilmember Kelley questioned how the consensus scores were calculated. Public Works Director William H. Martin Jr. said score sheets were not available. City Manager Eden Freeman suggested tabling the item to May 19. Council voted unanimously to table the contract award so staff could return with scoring details. Roberts Drive Sidepath Phase I – GDOT Supplemental Agreement 1 (Item 2026-120, Resolution 2026-05-066) - The council unanimously approved Supplemental Agreement 1 to the original Project Framework Agreement with GDOT. The original agreement provided $216,000 in federal preliminary engineering funds with a $54,000 local match. An independent estimate found the design funding insufficient by $504,307, and ARC increased the award; the supplemental agreement brings total PE funding to $721,307 in federal funds with a $180,327 local match, funded from the TSPLOST S2121 budget. - Mayor Paul clarified that approving the funding agreement is separate from the contractor decision and that declining the funds could put them at risk. Councilmember Paulson observed that if the eventual contract exceeds the approved amount, the project may need to be re-funded. The motion by Councilmember Paulson, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, carried unanimously. Mountain Creek Road Stormwater Maintenance Phase 2 (Item 2026-121, Resolution 2026-05-067) - The council unanimously awarded the construction contract to Excellere Construction, LLC for $404,030.00. The work includes restoration of approximately 90 linear feet of 60-inch corrugated metal pipe using centrifugally cast concrete pipe, installation of one cast-in-place reinforced concrete headwall with veneer, and gabion baskets for streambed protection. - Bids were opened April 6, 2026: Excellere Construction $404,030.00, HD Excavations & Utilities $478,135.68, and Helix Grading & Utility $523,610.65; the engineer's estimate was $408,153.24. Motion by Councilmember Chinsky, seconded by Councilmember Mular, carried unanimously. Lake Forrest at Allen Road Roundabout – Right-of-Way Acquisition (Item 2026-122, Resolution 2026-05-068) - The council unanimously approved the purchase of fee simple right-of-way and a temporary construction easement from Atlanta Board of Realtors Educational Foundation Inc. for the property at 5784 Lake Forrest Drive. The acquisition comprises 3,138.04 square feet (0.072 acres) of right-of-way and 1,877.55 square feet (0.033 acres) of temporary construction easement for $203,700, the city's appraised fair market value. - Councilmember Chinsky noted that paying over $200,000 for less than one-tenth of an acre shows how much land values have risen and suggested the city should consider whether the roundabout remains worthwhile if GDOT proceeds with a DDI interchange at I-285 and Roswell Road. Director Martin responded that there is still a long way to go on those decisions. Motion by Councilmember Mular, seconded by Councilmember Chinsky, carried unanimously. 2026 TSPLOST Referendum Project List (Item 2026-123, Resolution 2026-05-069) - The council unanimously approved the project list to submit to Fulton County for the 2026 Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) referendum. Jurisdiction lists are due to Fulton County by May 31, 2026; an intergovernmental agreement is expected in July; and the referendum will be on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Based on 2024 population and tax distribution, Sandy Springs could receive up to $129,191,942 over five years. - The proposed projects were vetted at public meetings held April 8–16, 2026 and through a public web page. Public Works Director Martin said a more complete TSPLOST voter-education presentation would come around August 2026. Mayor Paul noted that past TSPLOST results showed voters trusted the cities with the funding. - Councilmember Kelley asked about flexibility to change projects; Director Martin said the program has three tiers and flexibility, with changes brought to council for public votes. Councilmember Kelley also raised Trowbridge Road: current work includes a signal upgrade and curb-line improvements, and a midblock crossing near Trowbridge is contemplated on Roswell Road; she noted Trowbridge's high-injury ranking and the new North Springs High School entrance on Trowbridge. Councilmember Mular asked about prioritization for midblock crossings; Director Martin said there is not a structured scoring method like the sidewalk program, but a comprehensive presentation is planned for August. The motion by Councilmember Paulson, seconded by Councilmember Roberts, carried unanimously. FY2026 Nonprofit Arts and Recreation Program Contracts (Item 2026-124, Resolution 2026-05-070) - The council unanimously awarded Fiscal Year 2026 nonprofit arts and recreation program contracts. The program's appropriation was increased to $200,000 for FY2026 from $150,000 in prior years. The second RFP round received nine applications; one was withdrawn, leaving eight eligible applicants. Total requests were $120,000, but only $86,600 was available. - Evaluation criteria weighted creative programs at 40%, impact at 20%, performance measures at 15%, financial reports at 10%, nonprofit tenure at 5%, program partnerships at 5%, and matching funding at 5%. - The council approved $15,000 awards to Call for Caring, City Springs Theatre Company, Unique Individual Ranch, Sandy Springs Education Force, and The Healthy Youth USA Foundation. No funding was awarded to Reviving Leaders Collective, Vegan Life Corporation, or Within the Mix in this cycle. Motion by Councilmember Chinsky, seconded by Councilmember Mary Ford, carried unanimously. Mayor and Council Reports - Mayor Paul reported on the Georgia Municipal Association legislative meetings in College Park, ongoing Service Delivery Strategy discussions with Fulton County (with a public meeting scheduled for May 12), the city budget process that began May 5 and will end with a public hearing in June, the ribbon-cutting for the new ceramics studio at Abernathy Arts Center, and the opening of the summer concert series; the first City Green concert on May 22 will feature Sister Hazel, with tables selling out in 10 minutes. - Councilmember Paulson announced that the GA-400 Managed Lanes project received its Notice to Proceed. He also noted polling location changes: the Dunwoody Church is the new polling location for part of District 1, and Lake Forest Elementary precincts have been relocated to the Heritage Sandy Springs facility; early voting is underway. - Councilmember Chinsky noted Sandy Springs Youth Sports championship week, a visit from Jamaican Ambassador Antony Anderson, and Zoo Atlanta's future panda exhibit. - There were no staff reports. Executive Session and Adjournment - The council voted unanimously to recess into executive session at 7:23 p.m. for real estate and litigation discussion. The executive session ended at 8:37 p.m., and the council returned to regular order. The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda and Resolution 2026-05-063. - Issued Water Safety Month proclamation for May 2026. - Adopted the 2026 CDBG Annual Action Plan (Resolution 2026-05-064). - Approved both alcoholic beverage license applications (ABL Nos. 28446 and 28478). - Tabled the Roberts Drive Sidepath Phase I design contract award; approved the related GDOT Supplemental Agreement 1 (Resolution 2026-05-066). - Awarded the Mountain Creek Road Stormwater Maintenance Phase 2 contract to Excellere Construction (Resolution 2026-05-067). - Approved the Lake Forrest at Allen Road right-of-way purchase (Resolution 2026-05-068). - Approved the 2026 TSPLOST project list for submission to Fulton County (Resolution 2026-05-069). - Awarded five FY2026 nonprofit arts and recreation program contracts at $15,000 each (Resolution 2026-05-070). - Held executive session for real estate and litigation and adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

The Sandy Springs City Council held a work session on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The sole agenda item was a presentation on the Schematic Design (SD) pricing and project scope for Fire Stations No. 1 and No. 4, led by Fire Chief Keith Sanders and Dave Wells, Director of Facilities/Capital Construction. Councilmembers discussed the design features, budget, and timeline. Discussion Items Fire Stations No.1 and No.4 — Schematic Design Pricing Fire Chief Keith Sanders opened the presentation with a 3-D walkthrough video of the proposed Fire Station No. 4. The project involves the replacement of Fire Station No. 1 (1425 Spalding Drive) with a new 21,618-square-foot facility featuring three drive-through bays and improved health and safety areas (separated gear storage and decontamination), and a new Fire Station No. 4 (5275 Roswell Road), which includes a two-story 21,618-square-foot station and a separate 11,561-square-foot logistics building. Questions and Council Discussion - Councilmember John Paulson asked about locker room accommodations for male and female firefighters. Chief Sanders explained the design features a single large locker room for uniforms and shared gear, with individual restrooms and separate dormitories with personal lockers. - Councilmember Mary Ford asked whether a police precinct would be included in the project. Chief Sanders stated that while it was an initial goal, a police precinct could not be accommodated due to funding limitations, though police vehicles will have access to the station's fuel pumps. - Councilmember Ford confirmed that classrooms in both the main station and logistics building will be available for public use. Chief Sanders added that the logistics building would also serve as an emergency warming center, equipped with backup generators. - Councilmember Mary Ford inquired about the area behind the logistics building. John Pickens, Senior Civil Designer from Hussey Gay Bell, described a 30-foot drop in topography to a nearby stream and detailed the stormwater management systems planned for the site. Chief Sanders gave his word that no trees in the rear protected area would be removed, reinforced by John Pickens noting that state water buffers protect the area. - Councilmember Mary Ford asked whether current fire personnel had provided input on the design. Chief Sanders confirmed extensive engagement, noting that firefighter feedback directly led to the placement of the workout room on the first floor and the design of the locker room. - Councilmember Melody Kelley asked if a 3D walkthrough video would be created for Fire Station No. 1. Chief Sanders confirmed it would. Key Outcomes - Pricing and Budget: The Schematic Design (SD) estimated total presented in the detailed cost breakout is $36,741,552. (Note: The narrative text in the written minutes states the SD pricing as $37,630,250, which conflicts with the detailed breakout table and the spoken transcript). The available budget is $38,477,305, allocated across three stations (FS4: $19,515,385, FS1: $16,363,200, FS3: $2,598,720). The current estimate leaves $1,735,753 in remaining funds, with an $862,967 deficit needed to fully fund Fire Station No. 3. - Value Engineering: The city has already realized approximately $1.2 million in savings through contractor suggestions. An additional $1 million in value engineering measures is under evaluation. Staff expressed confidence that further design development would reduce costs sufficiently to fully fund Fire Station No. 3. - Project Schedule: - May 5, 2026: Schematic Design Pricing presented. - June 2026: Neighborhood meeting for Fire Station No. 4. - July 21, 2026: Design Development pricing for FS1 & FS4; design begins on FS3. - September 15, 2026: 100% Construction Documents and Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for FS1 & FS4. - October 2026: Crews relocate from the old FS1 to a temporary facility; construction begins on FS1 & FS4. - January 2027: Construction begins on Fire Station No. 3 (addition and renovation). - December 2027: Substantial completion of all three fire stations (FS1, FS3, FS4). - Next Steps: No formal vote was taken as this was a work session. The project will return to the council on July 21, 2026, with Design Development pricing.

The Sandy Springs City Council held a special called budget workshop on May 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Barfield Conference Room. City Manager Eden Freeman presented the initial FY 2027 budget framework, focusing on priority-based budgeting and capital improvement planning. Department heads reviewed performance metrics and requested enhancements for the coming fiscal year. Council members asked questions and provided direction but made no final budget decisions. Discussion Items Budget Process and Assumptions City Manager Freeman outlined the budget calendar: a second workshop on May 19, proposed budget on May 26, public hearings on June 2 and June 16, with adoption required by June 30. The budget is built around council-adopted priorities. Key assumptions include a 3% COLA for all employees, a projected 20% increase in general liability insurance, and transition to a self-funded health insurance model with potential cost-sharing. Debt service rises to $15.5M, and jail services are budgeted at $850,000. Sandy Springs Police Department (SSPD) Chief Kenneth DeSimone reported a decrease in property and violent crime in 2025. Total calls for service dropped to 98,048 from 106,280 in 2024. Traffic citations and warning also declined. There were 2,794 arrests in 2025, down 1,000 from the prior year. Council discussed: - Real-time crime center assists jumped from 188 to 677; investigative leads from 456 to 862, attributed to new headquarters co-location and technology upgrades. - Speed camera revenue and pending contract extension; Chief noted cameras work (people complain about tickets, not speed). - The need for e-bike and golf cart safety awareness; a serious crash left a child in a vegetative state. Staff have resources for a bike unit training program. - Critical issue: closure of Smyrna jail may raise inmate housing costs; currently budgeted at $850,000. - Nationwide crime decline factors: border control, aggressive federal prosecution, narcotics enforcement, and victim advocates for domestic violence. Sandy Springs Fire Department (SSFD) Chief Keith Sanders reported fire/EMS responded to 22,565 incidents in 2025 (down from 26,987 in 2021). Average response time was 7:09 minutes. Cardiac arrests: 91 total, 6 survivors. Community Paramedicine program saved $46,250. Requested enhancements include new aerial and engine ($534,000), bonus structure alignment with police ($52,500), active shooter PPE, and turnout gear replacement due to PFAS chemicals (costs rising). Council questioned station relocation impact on response times and hot spot maps. Public Works Department Director William Martin highlighted requests for: - Utility marking services ($811 compliance), traffic pole maintenance ($50,000), street light painting ($150,000 for 325 poles on Roswell Road), sand/salt spreader replacement ($70,000), and a dedicated utility permit reviewer. - Capital projects: ATMS-5 signal integration ($600,000 total), Allen Road at Lake Forest roundabout ($1M), Sandy Springs Circle multi-use path ($500,000), and stormwater operations ($650,000 with $400,000 for study). Council discussed traffic calming program increase to $100,000 (plus $50,000 for policy review) and noted neighborhood interest. Regarding Allen Road roundabout, Councilmember Chinsky questioned long-term need given potential GDOT changes; Director Martin said it improves safety and downstream flow at Northwood. Councilmember Roberts supported the roundabout. Recreation and Parks Programs Director Brent Walker reviewed department performance. Top programs: Back to School Bash (1,500 registrants), National Kids to Parks Day (600). Contractor programs: Sandy Springs Racquet Center (69,542 participants). Requested enhancements: software replacement ($22,000), program supplies ($34,000), site improvements ($20,000), and additional park supervisor. Capital requests: Morgan Falls Athletic Complex ($2M for stormwater/turf replacement), Abernathy Arts Center playground replacement, Heritage Playground ($1M for design/renovation including stream buffer remediation). Tree Fund requests total $605,000 – $300,000 for capital projects, $50,000 for invasive removal, $40,000 for Trees ATL front yard program (77 trees planted last year). Council expressed concern about senior programming; City Manager noted it is a county function under Service Delivery Strategy, but staff will explore multi-generational programs. Performing Arts Center & Signature Events Executive Director William Haggett presented signature events budget increased from $200,000 to $500,000 (offset by $250,000 parking revenue). Foundation committed $25,000 to Skate Sandy Springs, $20,000 to Stars and Stripes. New events: FIFA World Cup watch parties ($50,000), Night Market pilot at Loman’s Plaza. Council noted: - Juneteenth budget line shows $15,000 but $25,000 had been approved; staff will reconcile. - Attendance at Sundown Social Series declined; budget increased for stronger talent and staging. - Blue Stone Arts and Music Festival per-attendee cost high; staff revamping with more volunteers. - Lantern Parade: council suggested leveraging schools to increase resident attendance. Information Technology, Communications, Community Development - IT: capital requests for infrastructure hardware replacement and workstation upgrades. - Communications (Carter Long): requests for WCAG compliance tool, document repository/auditing, project website, and additional social media coordinator (Facebook generated 5M+ views in 2025, Q1 2026 already 3.1M views). - Community Development (Ginger Sottile): permits (4,271), plans reviewed (14,566), inspections (14,686) in FY2025. Code enforcement cases down to 1,670 but notices of violation up to 868 due to business license inspections. Request for $150,000 extra for comprehensive plan. Office of Innovation and Delivery City Manager proposed a new Chief Innovation Officer, realigning two positions from her office. Capital request: $1M to replace Lucity with a system enabling public self-service. Facilities Department (Dave Wells) Enhancements: EV chargers ($22,000), HVAC contract/filter maintenance, unscheduled plant replacement ($185,000 for landscaping), security supervisor. Capital requests: Back-up 911 Center (federal earmark), City Springs District Improvements ($5M for future phase 2), EOC video wall replacement ($210,000), Heritage Lawn stream buffer remediation ($1M including playground, boardwalk, parking lot upgrades). Council questioned five-year cost trends. Staffing and Contractors Total positions increase by net 6 full-time (plus 3 grant-funded police positions), from 648 to 664. Mayor Paul urged slowing headcount growth. City Manager stated all requests are essential. Summary of primary contractors and nonprofit allocations was presented. Capital Budget Assumptions Fleet Fund: $1,691,500 total (police $1.25M, fire admin $150,000, public works $40,000, recreation $251,500). Tree Fund: $605,000 total. Overall capital list included $500,000 for Façade Improvement Program contingent on design guidelines; council discussion about funding source (General Fund vs. Development Authority). Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were taken; this was a foundation workshop. - Council directed staff to provide line-item detail and complete financial data for Budget Workshop 2 on May 19. - Specific follow-up requested: reconciliation of Juneteenth marketing budget, breakdown of Trail 2C funding (including Conservancy contributions), Tree Fund balance, senior programming feasibility, and accounting for signature event costs. - Councilmember Mular asked City Manager to evaluate Governor Kemp’s $50 million homelessness program for potential Sandy Springs application; Mayor Paul requested the proposal be shared with the City Manager. - Meeting adjourned at 5:02 PM. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were presented at this workshop. Consent Calendar No consent calendar items were considered.