Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation

The Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag was led by Mayor Grant and an

invocation was given by Pastor Leonard Akers.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Grant.

Members Present:

Mayor Bill Grant

Councilmember Farris Yawn

Councilmember Sandy McGrew

Councilmember Dwayne Waterman

Councilmember Bryan Roach

Councilmember Travis Johnson

Mr. Billy Peppers, City Manager

Mr. Nathan Ingram, Assistant City Manager

Ms. Laura Rollins Derrick, City Attorney

Mr. Marty Ferrell, Police Chief

Mr. Kevin Turner, Community Development Director

Ms. Brittany Anderson, City Planner

Mr. Tyler Peoples, Planning Tech

Ms. Mary Baker, Community Development Intern

Mr. Ken Patton, Housing Initiatives Director

Ms. Bethany Watson, City Engineer

Mr. Ryan Luckett, Finance Director

Ms. Kelly Pendley, Operations Manager

Ms. Kristin Norton Green, Theatre Events and Facilities Director

Mr. Mike Morgan, Information Technology Director

Absent:

Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Tolan

Consideration to Approve Agenda

Councilmember Yawn made a motion to approve the agenda as presented.

Councilmember Waterman seconded the motion, and it was approved

unanimously.

Guests and Visitors

None

Public Hearing

Public Hearing on Proposed Text Amendments Regarding Accessory

Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Community Development Intern Mary Baker

ADU Text Amendment

Attachments:

Community Development Intern Mary Baker noted that a change to Item 4 in the

“Generally” section has been made since submitting the ordinance to Council for

review. An updated version of the ordinance has been placed at Council’s seats.

The change consists of adding Planned Development District so that PD and RA-6

districts can have one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) if only one single-family

home is currently present. It is also proposed that the Development Code Table

102-4 be amended to add an ADU row which will be discussed later during this

meeting by Community Development Director Kevin Turner. Ms. Baker reviewed

the other proposed amendments as presented at the last Council meeting. Mayor

Grant opened the public hearing. Mr. Mark Crosby spoke about the proposed

amendments noting that ADUs are meant to help with affordability. Mr. Crosby

said the requirement which states that ADUs should not exceed 50% of the

habitable floor area of the principal dwelling is difficult if the current primary

residence is small. This creates hardship. Mr. Crosby also noted that having the

ADUs be owner occupied is also difficult for investors. Mayor Grant closed the

public hearing and opened the discussion to Councilmembers. Mayor Grant

asked about the three City approved ADU plans available to residents and the

square footage of the largest plan. Ms. Baker stated the largest plan is around

850 square feet. Councilmember McGrew asked about the required number of

parking spaces. Ms. Baker stated that one space is required but more can be

provided. Councilmember McGrew asked why Homeowner Association approval

is necessary. Ms. Baker noted that it is just the best practice. Councilmember

McGrew asked about hardships that might arise and cause conflict with the

owner-occupied requirement. Mr. Turner stated that variances can be sought

from the Board of Appeals. Mr. Turner also noted that much of the language

provided in the amendments is standard within other municipalities.

Councilmember McGrew asked about the requirement of access from the interior

of a home. Mr. Turner said he believes it is a building code requirement.

Council and staff discussed that ADUs can be attached or detached units. Also,

variances can be sought for any of the provisions administratively, up to 20%, or

through the Board of Appeals.

Consideration to Approve Minutes

Council Meeting Draft Minutes - July 17, 2025

Minutes - Council Meeting - July 17, 2025

Attachments:

Councilmember Yawn made a motion to approve the minutes. Councilmember

Johnson seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Informational Items

Information Only - Amendments to the Unified Development Code Land Use

Table - Community Development Director Kevin Turner

UDC Land Use Table

Attachments:

Mr. Turner stated the amendment will allow ADUs as permitted within Master

Plan developments. A public hearing will be held at the next Council meeting. It

is requested that action be taken at the same time as the public hearing to

coincide with the ADU text amendment heard earlier in tonight’s meeting.

Information Only - Proposed Text Amendment to the Unified Development

Code Regarding Design Guidelines and Standards - City Planner Brittany

Anderson

UDC Amendment - Design Guidelines & Standards

Attachments:

City Planner Brittany Anderson discussed the City’s current design review

process. The proposed amendments include the addition of an administrative

review that will be conducted by staff. This will allow applicants to obtain certain

permits quickly and seamlessly. Additional amendments include identifying and

clarifying the staff that will make up the Design Review team and establishing an

appeals process if an administrative review is denied by staff. A public hearing

will be held at the next Council meeting.

Information Only - Proposed Text Amendment to the City of Canton Code of

Ordinances Regarding Expiration of Certificates of Appropriateness - City

Planner Brittany Anderson

COA Ordinance Amendment

Attachments:

Ms. Anderson informed that the current code states that Certificates of

Appropriateness (COAs) shall become void within six months unless construction

has commenced. The proposed amendment states that the applicant shall have

one year from the issuance of a COA to apply for building or land disturbance

permit. This allows more time for the applicant to apply for permits without the

need to seek an extension or reapply prior to the six-month expiration timeline.

A public hearing will be held at the next Council meeting.

Other Announcements

None

Ten Minute Public Input

Mr. Thomas Weaver congratulated the City as being recognized as one of the

safest in the metro Atlanta region. Mr. Weaver also discussed concern with

drivers traveling the wrong way on the one-way streets downtown and requested

that additional signage be installed.

10.

Consent Agenda

None

11.

Old Business

Discussion and Possible Action on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget,

Fee Schedule, and Budget Ordinance - Finance Director Ryan Luckett

FY 26 Proposed Budget and Fee Schedule

Attachments:

Finance Director Ryan Luckett stated the budget was presented to Council on

July 3rd and a public hearing was held on July 17th. A copy of the budget is

available on the City’s website and at City Hall. Mr. Luckett highlighted budget

noting the following:

The City’s proposed budget is balanced.

The City is proposing a millage rate reduction, from 5.4 to 5.25 mills, which

is lower than the Rollback Rate. Property tax exemptions are also increasing by

23% due to the City’s adoption of the new floating homestead exemption.

The FY 26 All Funds budget is $94,698,927, an increase over FY 25 of about

$11.2 M or 13%. That increase is primarily due to an increase in capital projects

planned for FY 26. The proposed budget includes nearly $42 million in capital

investment, including Water & Sewer, Parks, and Transportation infrastructure.

The General Fund (GF), which is the primary operating fund for the City, is

proposed at $30.5 million for FY 26. The General Fund includes funding for core

City services, such as Police, Fire, street maintenance, and parks. The FY 26 GF

is proposed to increase by $2.7 million, or 10%, over FY 25. The increase is due

to day-to-day cost increases associated with providing City services, such as

utilities, fleet, equipment and infrastructure maintenance, and the fire services

payment to Cherokee County. The budget also includes funding for three new

positions, the elimination of one position, and an employee compensation

increase.

The FY 26 proposed budget also includes funding for the City’s partner

organizations.

The proposed budget includes funding for construction of South Canton

Park as well as various other infrastructure projects, including trails, pedestrian

bridges, intersection improvements, and water/sewer infrastructure.

The budget includes two proposed fee increases: a 2.5% increase in water

and sewer rates as well as a $0.50 increase in the stormwater utility rate, from

1.25 to 1.75 per month. Both increases are needed to ensure that the City can

continue to operate and maintain its water, sewer, and stormwater systems in a

fiscally sustainable manner.

Mayor Grant thanked all of Council and staff for their work on the budget and

noted the proposed millage rate is the lowest in the City’s history.

Councilmember Johnson requested that information regarding City property

taxes be shared with residents. Councilmember McGrew made a motion to

approve the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, fee schedule, and budget ordinance.

Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, and it was approved

unanimously.

Discussion and Possible Action on Amendments to the City of Canton Official

Zoning Map - Planning Tech Tyler Peoples

Zoning Map Amendments

Attachments:

Planning Tech Tyler Peoples stated the proposed amendments are based on

errors and corrections discussed at the last two Council meetings. A public

hearing was held on July 17th and no comments were received. Councilmember

Yawn made a motion to approve the amendments to the City of Canton Official

Zoning Map. Councilmember Johnson seconded the motion, and it was

approved unanimously.

Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Intergovernmental Contract to

Create the Cherokee Regional Land Bank - Housing Initiatives Director Ken

Patton

Cherokee Regional Land Bank

Attachments:

Housing Initiatives Director Ken Patton stated that Council approved a Resolution

to create the Cherokee Regional Land Bank. This is a formal adoption of the

Intergovernmental Contract. Mr. Patton noted that each municipality in the Land

Bank must appoint one member to the board. There must also be two members

at large which have to be approved by all agencies within the Cherokee Regional

Land Bank. Mayor Grant confirmed that the agencies in the Land Bank include

Cherokee County, City of Canton, City of Holly Springs, and City of Woodstock.

Councilmember Waterman made a motion to approve the Intergovernmental

Contract to Create the Cherokee Regional Land Bank. Councilmember Johnson

seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

Discussion and Possible Action on the Award of Task Order 8 for the

Transportation Improvement Project Marietta Highway/Riverstone Parkway at

Highway 140 Intersection Improvement Project Design Services to Michael

Baker International in the Amount of $283,150.13 - City Engineer Bethany

Watson

Michael Baker International - Task Order 8

Attachments:

City Engineer Bethany Watson stated that this is a continuation of a current

project with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The Task Order

includes Right of Way negotiations, SUE test holes, and FEMA Floodplain Zone

AE Study. Staff is requesting action at this meeting due to a detour timeline

which is hoped to avoid being done during school hours. Mayor Grant clarified

that of the project total that the City is responsible for 20%. Ms. Watson stated

that is correct. Of that 20%, 34.2% is paid using Impact Fees and the remainder is

paid using SPLOST. Councilmember Johnson made a motion to approve Task

Order 8 for the Transportation Improvement Project Marietta Highway/Riverstone

Parkway at Highway 140 Intersection Improvement Project Design Services to

Michael Baker International in the amount of $283,150.13. Councilmember

Roach seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously.

12.

New Business

Discussion of the City's Environmental and Sustainability Advisory Board -

Operations Manager Kelly Pendley

Environmental and Sustainability Advisory Board

Attachments:

Operations Manager Kelly Pendley stated that the Environmental and

Sustainability Advisory Board was established to provide guidance,

recommendations, and public engagement on environmental programs and

sustainability initiatives. Some of the accomplishments of the board include the

adoption of the Sustainability Master Plan, the adoption of a new Native Plant

Palette for the City, collaboration with Schneider Electric for solar projects within

City parks, and public outreach and education. Ms. Pendley stated in recent

years the board has experienced a persistent lack of attendance and participation

from appointed members, resulting in the inability to meet quorums, hold

regular meetings, or effectively fulfill its mission. Due to ongoing inactivity, staff

recommends dissolving the board and transitioning sustainability oversight and

program development to an internal Sustainability Committee composed of City

staff. This committee will ensure continuity in environmental efforts,

departmental coordination, data tracking, and pursuit of sustainability

certifications. Ms. Pendley stated that City staff are best positioned to integrate

sustainability initiatives directly into municipal operations and capital projects,

ensuring meaningful and measurable progress. Ms. Pendley provided Council

an outline of the proposed staff committee. Mayor Grant thanked the current

board members for their accomplishments to date and discussed the desire to

continue to have public input regarding sustainability efforts. Councilmember

Waterman spoke about the need for Councilmembers to be in contact with their

appointments to City boards and stated he wants to make sure that any

sustainability projects have a benefit.

Discussion of Street Acceptance for City Maintenance for Streets in Great

Sky Pod 15 - Sunrise Cove - City Engineer Bethany Watson

Street Acceptance - Great Sky Pod 15

Attachments:

Ms. Watson stated that the streets within Pod 15 have been reviewed for the

requirements of the Unified Development Code and are ready to be accepted by

the City.

Discussion of Task Order 1 from Brown & Caldwell for Canton Industrial

Pretreatment Program (IPP) Support Services in the Amount of $109,050 -

City Engineer Bethany Watson

Brown & Caldwell - Task Order 1

Attachments:

Ms. Watson stated that due to increased regulations, growing industrial users,

and new plant operations, City staff has requested a proposal from Brown &

Caldwell (B&C) to provide Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) Support

Services. B&C will assist with updates to the City's local limits under the IPP for

the Water Pollution Control Plant. The objective of this project is to evaluate the

existing local limits to determine if new limits need to be developed and develop

those limits if need. Additionally, select IPP support tasks are proposed, which

will include reviewing and updating the program documents and complementing

an Industrial User Survey. Ms. Watson stated that in conjunction with this, the

City will be purchasing new software. Mayor Grant noted he is aware that this

comes due to the new plant but asked if there are any other guidelines that

require this review. Ms. Watson stated that with the updated plant and additional

capacity, a more robust IPP is required. Councilmember Roach asked if the new

software was included in the project cost. Ms. Watson stated no but that the

software is something that has been budgeted. Councilmember Johnson asked

about updates to the software. Ms. Watson noted that a yearly upgrade will be

included.

Discussion of the Award of Task Order 8 for the Transportation Improvement

Project Highway 140 at Reinhardt College Parkway Intersection Improvement

Project Design to Michael Baker International in the Amount of $127,703.95 -

City Engineer Bethany Watson

Hwy 140 at Reinhardt College Pkwy - Task Order 8

Attachments:

Ms. Watson informed that the Task Order consists of final Right of Way plans,

complete Design Variances, and addresses Roadway Alignment Intersection &

Design comments. Ms. Watson noted that 20% of the project cost is to be paid

by the City with those funds coming from Impact Fees and SPLOST.

Councilmember McGrew asked about the estimated start date of the project. Ms.

Watson stated that construction is set to begin at the end of 2027. Right of Way

acquisition is set to begin in summer of 2026. Ms. Watson stated construction is

estimated to take two years. Councilmember Johnson asked if there was a way

to expedite the construction. Ms. Watson stated the due to the GDOT process, it

is moving as quickly as it possibly can.

Discussion of Project List for Transportation Special Purpose Local Option

Sales Tax (TSPLOST) - City Engineer Bethany Watson

TSPLOST Project List

Attachments:

Ms. Watson reviewed the projects listed in the agenda item attachment. The list

will be sent to Cherokee County Board of Commissioners for their review. Mayor

Grant stated that Cherokee County is placing a TSPLOST referendum on the

ballot for November’s election. Should it be approved by the voters, the City will

receive a portion of those proceeds for transportation projects. Ms. Watson

stated that an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) will be presented at the next

Council meeting. City Manager Billy Peppers stated that the City is estimated to

receive between $55-60 million over the six-year TSPLOST. Mr. Peppers noted

that if the municipalities did not sign the SPLOST, it would be a five-year

SPLOST. The cities would still receive a portion of funds however it would be

divided based on roadway miles as opposed to population. Councilmember

McGrew asked how projects would be prioritized. Ms. Watson stated that many

of the plans are already set to be completed within the next few years. The other

plans would be based on need.

Discussion of Hickory Flat Highway Gateway Concept Plan - City Engineer

Bethany Watson

Hickory Flat Highway Gateway

Attachments:

Ms. Watson reviewed the history of the project area and the work completed by

staff, Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and Modern Mobility Partners.

Ms. Watson stated the concept plan has three objectives: transportation

improvements to aid in the movement of people using all modes through the

corridor; placemaking elements to welcome people into the City, Sunnyside

neighborhood, and Downtown Canton; and identification of redevelopment

opportunities along the corridor, especially the DDA Site. Ms. Watson provided

renderings displaying the proposed roundabouts, sidewalks, bridges, roadway

improvements, recreation, and new commercial and residential developments.

Councilmember Roach asked if the roundabouts and/or roadway improvements

could be moved based on right of way acquisition. Ms. Watson stated yes and

noted this is just a concept plan. Mayor Grant asked about the next steps. Ms.

Watson stated the DDA approved the concept at their last meeting. Staff will

bring the concept back to Council at the next meeting for possible action.

Presentation and Discussion of the Proposal by Goodwyn Mills Cawood for

Professional Architectural Services for Project 1006: North Street Gateway

Redevelopment - Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram

GMC Proposal

Attachments:

Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram stated that Goodwyn Mills Cawood

provided the City with a revised proposal to provide professional architectural

services for the design and development of the referenced project. This will

include basic architectural/engineering services at 4% of construction costs (not

to exceed $2,831,400), construction administration services at 2.2% of

construction costs, as well as additional services as needed. This proposal will

be provided to the Downtown Development Authority at their upcoming regularly

scheduled meeting on August 13th for their consideration to approve. Mr.

Ingram reviewed the proposed North Street Gateway Redevelopment project

details. Mr. Ingram requested that if there are any questions or comments from

Council to please send those as soon as possible. Mr. Ingram and Mr. Peppers

discussed the partnership with Cherokee County and the shared costs of the

project. Mr. Ingram noted that one contractor will be selected to develop the

entire project as to avoid any conflicting schedules, supply chain issues, etc.

Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the City to Apply to the Hazard

Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Attachments:

Mr. Ingram stated that a few times each year the Etowah River floods its banks.

These floods deposit tons of sediment on top of and inside the Hickory Log

Creek Reservoir intake vault. This inundation of silt creates a situation that

makes the intake virtually unusable and requires costly, dangerous and

time-consuming dredging to remove. Mr. Ingram stated that Cobb

County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA) and the City have budgeted a capital

project to raise the vault's height to two feet above the 100-year floodplain, thus

reducing the chances of this sedimentation. The expected cost of this project is

$2 million (the City being responsible for 25% of this). The City has allocated

funds for this project within the FY 26 budget. Mr. Ingram stated that in

correspondence with GEMA, it is believed that this project would be eligible for

funding through the HMGP. Mr. Ingram stated that he is requesting that Council

approve staff, in partnership with CCMWA, to apply for this grant that could

offset up to 75% of the overall project cost. Councilmember Yawn made a

motion to approve the City to apply to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Councilmember Waterman seconded the motion, and it was approved

unanimously.

Discussion of Resolution to Add Ryan Luckett as an Authorized Administrator

Regarding the City's Investments with Georgia Fund1 Local Government

Investment Pool - Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram

GAFund1 Resolution

Attachments:

Mr. Ingram informed that to add Mr. Luckett (or anyone else) as an authorized

user, the City must pass a new resolution identifying all the authorized users.

Contrary to the paper resolution that was originally executed when the City first

entered the investment pool, the resolutions are now executed electronically. A

paper copy of the old resolution has been provided in the agenda attachment.

The electronic process will require the Mayor, the authorized users, and a notary

to convene and electronically approve the resolution.

13.

City Manager's Report

Mr. Peppers informed that the City has received a fee waiver request from MUST

Ministries for Building Permit Fees in the amount of $1,329.75. The request is for

a structure on Old Donaldson Road which MUST is in the process of renovating.

A copy of the fee waiver request letter can be found in the office of the City

Clerk. Councilmember Johnson made a motion to add the request to waive

permit fees at 226 Old Donaldson Road to the agenda. Councilmember Roach

seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Councilmember

Johnson made a motion to approve the waiver of the building permit fees at 226

Old Donaldson Road in the amount of $1,329.75. Councilmember Roach

seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Mr. Peppers discussed

the award of a Safety Action Plan Grant from GDOT for safety projects within the

City and the award of the 6th Annual Chris Conti Memorial Grant to the Canton

Police Department for gym equipment. Mr. Peppers stated that the City has been

ranked #20 of the safest suburbs in America. Mr. Peppers stated the new traffic

signal at Reinhardt College Parkway and Reservoir Drive is operational. Lastly,

Mr. Peppers recognized Mike Loizou as the Team Member of the Month for July.

14.

15.

Council Introduced Items

None

Mayor's Report