[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6042195,"mediaKeyId","3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2","parentId",3686513,"title","Council closes out 2022–24 goals and moves 2025–27 strategic framework to consent","audioSeconds",299,"startMs",1486000,"endMs",1785000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2&start=1486&end=1785","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2/thumbnail_1486000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6042195/Kennesaw/Cobb-County/Georgia/Council-closes-out-202224-goals-and-moves-202527-strategic-framework-to-consent","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6042195-9d24abea6c8f7ce560e128b6d3b979a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180378&Signature=KeERg6nw3GxcqcNZXMKxSyzBR0TyY5V6qI4jmS4qWeXxvRDAIKiUo8GzG06kiRdNz2T866S3-FAi1ez466CmPlvessHe7NuX5aJtaQyk9Ax1p62WY08XJhg-gC1S34XfNfGi6pQASXyx2oGoxxCqHElsNRywKQv2r-7daJjikUPK7Hz~CXIxWY-cUYu4lfhfPzznsn1SAq7UFHSmywn4vh8SmjbyGCYE2YgWoicOYec2Kvbnyvl4SEc7b9HTtpiQZ2bUhYKZX872rDOhN2a2YEo0TDjCpiDLOjfvtRFQyYzBgFMJFVXErPwKnokK3iOf5D-ZB-ygiT-VPSY1169~mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Kennesaw GA ","date","2025-04-14T00:00:00Z","article","City staff presented a progress report on the 2022–24 strategic goals and unveiled a proposed strategic framework for 2025–27 at the work session.

Staff said departments met regularly to track quarterly progress toward the previous three-year goals and that the final report summarizes efforts across departments. Councilmembers moved the 2022–24 goals closeout to the consent agenda.

On the next planning cycle, staff presented a 2025–27 framework developed with council, department directors and community input. The proposed priorities are fiscal responsibility through efficient governance; talent development and workforce optimization; community engagement and commitment; advancement of quality-of-life indicators; and planned growth using data-driven planning, zoning and economic development.

Councilmembers praised the goals and directed staff to move the 2025–27 framework to the consent agenda as well. No substantive changes or detailed budget items were adopted during the work session; staff will carry the proposals forward on the consent calendar for formal approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Work Session Meeting - April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff presented a final report on the city’s 2022–24 strategic goals and introduced a proposed framework for 2025–27 focusing on fiscal responsibility, talent development, community engagement, quality-of-life indicators and planned growth; council consented to move both items to the consent agenda.","taxTitle","Kennesaw, Cobb County, Georgia","taxId",49191,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6042200,"Council considers playground expansions at Kennesaw Station and Adams Park; Chalker Park redesign to be phased",821,1639000,2460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2&start=1639&end=2460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2/thumbnail_1639000.jpg","/articles/6042200/Kennesaw/Cobb-County/Georgia/Council-considers-playground-expansions-at-Kennesaw-Station-and-Adams-Park-Chalker-Park-redesign-to-be-phased","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6042200-69330c16f1a15cfad081e19537e07eb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180378&Signature=HI3Q8ag3WD2b2m1xQ4GS949CwqvzI0GYcwtWoN1cgZDiiTRj5dRPMG9U3L10yTYmXk~vKLA1GsQwAvGR610kIQu3KnSYJTw71j2YjQX7QBt1euuQjM9lVZOAp1kOf2sNa6Do1RRDh7tGbyVkOe5rGOq94o0R5yznowebml2wDN9cAruKb21PIqsl3NeYrD~yNM3RP2WAlPmCIguqUUfJoWtCV1PMn1ZIJMuTRhHarj79ehNtoX5jlWpAEp6AGSJZdUcKw-EEFAg0RZhxKYM27wdHEqa8NyWMVDRh3vcCIPXAOC9gSRX-K51GpbOara7iYrnFydovRg-nINR3I76zJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented plans to expand playground equipment at Kennesaw Station and Adams Park and gave an update on a phased Chalker Park design during the work session.

For Kennesaw Station, staff proposed adding new play elements including a two-bay swing set, dome climber and spring riders; presenters said the pavilion and barbecue area will remain and the playground footprint will expand with two gates for access. A councilmember asked whether the new layout would require moving the pavilion or impact a nearby retention pond; staff said the play area will be fenced to secure the edge nearest the pond.

At Adams Park the proposal includes a new playground structure, a swing set and a zipline; council asked whether any existing trees would be removed. Staff said no trees will be removed for the Adams Park additions and noted the zipline will meet the manufacturer’s weight limits.

Separately, staff presented a revised, phased approach for Chalker Park because earlier full construction exceeded available budget. Engineers recommended prioritizing an inclusive playground, restrooms and parking, and phasing additional elements as funding allows. The inclusive playground will retain synthetic turf surfacing, per staff direction.

Council members asked for more detailed diagrams for Kennesaw Station, asked to be consulted on equipment choices and requested continued coordination with the city manager and parks staff. No final construction contract was approved during the work session; staff said the playground additions were slated to move to the consent agenda for formal consideration.","Council members reviewed proposed playground additions at Kennesaw Station and Adams Park and a phased redesign for Chalker Park. Council asked about access, fencing, equipment layout and trees; staff said no trees would be removed at Adams Park and confirmed phased build to match budget.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6042206,"Council holds closed session on land matters; later announces plan to offer abandoned right-of-way on North Main Street",598,2777000,3375000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2&start=2777&end=3375","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2/thumbnail_2777000.jpg","/articles/6042206/Kennesaw/Cobb-County/Georgia/Council-holds-closed-session-on-land-matters-later-announces-plan-to-offer-abandoned-right-of-way-on-North-Main-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6042206-53c9ef89569fb9027f3102928daaba2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180378&Signature=BeYg0ve0wwoE165lR~h1VVwVToXNWA3-ck5VmlW9S2E~cV3wXx2YlGNvVOe8~03ggLWsug1qRzywQGoX7mB-YDjVk6hBnUYfAjm1H0oqG6X1MEywiXGQSKZ~XLPjbFrsb5wn8BOmzXfyyUdXW5SJnlSRmifCqKhhIQ~JkylZrNSMyaguetkTPIbVMyQ2Gh9N9s8RCscMwRdPPlJI4p7TK0n2RT6NUjLBxv8ld4~0uBydEpjRZ9g-WQ~bk4ol7cMom2onstRLX21VST7Pmo743IUw34ufEPU7fAoRitCxUxLuRCIKPoFQFhdonFO1XSoP16O-Pt2ZZ1t8sCkdDll3ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kennesaw mayor and council entered an executive session to discuss land as permitted under Georgia law, then returned to open session and ratified the closed-session actions.

At the work session the presiding officer moved to enter closed session “as allowed by OCGA 50-14-2 and 50-14-3(b) and pursuant to advice by the city attorney for the purpose of discussing land.” The motion was seconded, the council voted in favor, and one councilmember (Madeline) withheld support during that roll call, according to the meeting record.

After the closed session the council voted to direct the presiding officer to execute an affidavit in compliance with OCGA 50-14-4 and ratified the actions taken in closed session, confirming that the subject matter discussed fell within the exceptions to the open-meetings law. The motion to execute the affidavit was seconded and carried.

Council members returned to the open meeting and prepared a public agenda item: a resolution to offer an abandoned right-of-way at 2995 and 2997 North Main Street. The mayor said the item will appear on the agenda for the next regular meeting and that at that time a councilmember who needed to recuse from the matter would do so.

No further details about the right-of-way transaction, the parties involved, or any terms were disclosed during the work session.","After an executive session citing Georgia open-meetings law for land discussion, the council ratified closed-session actions and placed a resolution on the agenda to offer abandoned right-of-way at 2995 and 2997 North Main Street for action at the next regular meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6042210,"State awards $500,000 to Kennesaw for Hyram Butler House restoration; council to sign DNR agreement",201,1870000,2071000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2&start=1870&end=2071","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2/thumbnail_1870000.jpg","/articles/6042210/Kennesaw/Cobb-County/Georgia/State-awards-500000-to-Kennesaw-for-Hyram-Butler-House-restoration-council-to-sign-DNR-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6042210-8d66c7a1c2a07e897ec42c803b2a70e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180378&Signature=fIqeAAUMsULHYVh9h9EA-50D7kjFbPjx~kvUBySgGheX~iJ4uHQFlylXdZfDpEXbEVKsGFBBy-rJPVNBbuTcyadRuZopkqMDFOcHKZ2Uuac207qjlt08Ncgl-PEi2GSKNQfdLs~K5xgDUhmhnptaDaHIZ6O-6s14Iy~nKVuRhmVnqfWtBCsTMZ2CQ8ckdXF-3evgoyLxxe7kr7iLJDs5nKfK~6u-bcaz8A5ejTRgiADAbJd5pFlYlHFVyOiIdPTcc1l2VPmUdvGjkSxN9BbunU6kFyu21L3KU1X09Z2lKe5LD-txAfZ-yIYdysJXeI~8czEKQq-FLM6GoEESlyNyyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kennesaw officials told the mayor and council during a work session that the city will receive a $500,000 state appropriation to restore and rehabilitate the Hyram Butler House and must sign a memorandum of understanding with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

City staff said the appropriation was added through a midyear budget process and that Representative Jordan Ridley submitted the request; Representative Lisa Campbell and Devin Seebaugh later signed on. Staff said they received the MOU the same day as the work session and expected the payment within about 30 days.

Staff told council the appropriation is 100% state-funded and requires no local match. A council member asked why the MOU lists a 20-year term; staff replied the state allows up to 20 years to spend the funds. Council gave informal consent to add the MOU to the consent agenda so staff can execute the agreement and begin identifying restoration work.

No construction timetable or detailed project scope was provided at the work session. Staff said they would begin identifying needed work immediately once funds arrive.

The appropriation moved through the state appropriations process; staff said an initial higher amount was approved in the Senate and the final figure was $500,000 in the enacted version. Council did not take a final vote on contract execution during the work session; staff will proceed consistent with the signed MOU and return to council if additional approvals are needed.","The council added an intergovernmental MOU with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to consent agenda after the city received a $500,000 state appropriation for restoration of the Hyram Butler House; staff said funds should arrive within 30 days and no local match is required.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6042215,"Kennesaw council reviews tightened public-comment procedure; staff to return revised ordinance",1322,197000,1519000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2&start=197&end=1519","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3686513-f6ea62768e1eeb83833781cc17333bc2/thumbnail_197000.jpg","/articles/6042215/Kennesaw/Cobb-County/Georgia/Kennesaw-council-reviews-tightened-public-comment-procedure-staff-to-return-revised-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6042215-2187c24558df262093ca34be1d2647ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180378&Signature=BN-oQG14OovNDqwqgXiVAy4Z--6UgFl3BTlFycdPThOv9mcbaENDZsdQpKyC2hr6UwupYwR0~QEiVwmcQtIerOvweLjlbAEALKBx8Svf2Nxzn3hrrXmftvoDiKtyYbobIYkF~mj1LdlCOcS5Asf5kF9zvM7TF2y9i9B3PNGc9bn0bpfIV0rboHjjLQdKrvdR78-HI~K7XMUYcKUgf0l1swHq3te~K1PVH3xk~Xpinpwq9FZ0VhCNRjvtaQxSGyIKQxfd6sUFFc7o6NNGUz7XX9lBKOME2VXqCdQAdt6YjuU3wi9TjEw2G-Vqn~svCzc1EB7yY8DNslUL-1gIejfkNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kennesaw mayor and council discussed a proposed resolution to more clearly define the city’s public-comment process and introduce a written public-comment card at a work session in April.

The proposal would require speakers to sign up in advance and indicate which agenda item they wish to address, with a 30-minute public-comment block (10 speakers at three minutes each) and a revised sign-up cutoff moved to 6:30 p.m. for meetings that begin at 6:00. Staff said the card would also collect contact information so staff can follow up after meetings.

Councilmembers and staff said the intent is to create mutual expectations and reduce confusion when members of the public come expecting a reply from council. “That gives me an opportunity to make sure that, you know, I can communicate with you when on the agenda is the most appropriate time,” a staff presenter said.

Several councilmembers raised constitutional concerns about limiting who a speaker may address or restricting topics that relate to staff. “I kinda felt like that’s infringing on people’s First Amendment rights, in my opinion,” one councilmember said, asking staff to check legal limits. City staff noted portions of the draft were modeled on rules adopted by neighboring municipalities and offered to review the language.

After discussion the council provided direction to revise the proposal. The group agreed to: move the public-comment sign-up cutoff to 6:30 p.m.; limit the combined public-comment period to 30 minutes (10 speakers at three minutes each) while retaining flexibility to extend time for complex testimony; add a checkbox on the card to indicate whether the speaker is a Kennesaw resident or business owner; and permit emailed/online pre-registration that must be accompanied by physical presence at the meeting time. Staff said they will incorporate those changes and return the draft for future action.

Council members also discussed banning personal, impertinent, derogatory or slanderous remarks directed at individual staff members during public comment, and emphasized that speakers may address departments or the mayor and council without naming specific employees.

No final ordinance vote occurred at the work session; staff will return a revised draft to council for further consideration.","Councilmembers discussed a proposed resolution to formalize public-comment sign-ups and behavior rules, raised First Amendment concerns, and agreed on several changes—including a 6:00–6:30 p.m. signup window, a 30-minute total public-comment period and an option to indicate Kennesaw residency or business—before staff returns a revised draft.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council closes out 2022–24 goals and moves 2025–27 strategic framework to consent

Council considers playground expansions at Kennesaw Station and Adams Park; Chalker Park redesign to be phased

Council holds closed session on land matters; later announces plan to offer abandoned right-of-way on North Main Street

State awards $500,000 to Kennesaw for Hyram Butler House restoration; council to sign DNR agreement

Kennesaw council reviews tightened public-comment procedure; staff to return revised ordinance