[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,74,86,98],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6193618,"mediaKeyId","3866168-c141173341e21ab3d8693ca9bdd1c6cc","parentId",3866168,"title","Votes at a glance: Sandy Springs council approves FY26 budget, procurement and safety items","audioSeconds",359,"startMs",7996000,"endMs",8355000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3866168-c141173341e21ab3d8693ca9bdd1c6cc&start=7996&end=8355","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3866168-c141173341e21ab3d8693ca9bdd1c6cc/thumbnail_7996000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6193618/Sandy-Springs/Fulton-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-Sandy-Springs-council-approves-FY26-budget-procurement-and-safety-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193618-528d8ea4e6c867044cb365182334533d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032181&Signature=mdLr3kwUlZizG97goC8oKlxACeXSb-ARPCRiz92-i5O5AlAfzi4ALU3hnm0PI-dq4bpnfJbDFioJi867wtU7Diio0KD3okdMwMDn0IRqqmZtsTCjKrWT0s0VuBN-L-dWhi-v-9JKyaSkmNXijJ6itek0TCOi1rNfGuZ-T7cLXvt5H9RWj9SqMen~TgTVlghpf6zwtYMjgC3yN9B9EGa-Rf7UYhgXP1ZlYLkzD2c3v0mYnOnxW6cwgR1QS3gHdXA4WN6AJXxJs~RrDDIqI3V4qPJ5BExJNMnojBwBOIb0Q6eh0cmnuVUgMmWZWQpFvVgwBGEwcjZh2c2DGsTQgR6xGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-18T13:41:10Z","article","The Sandy Springs City Council took a series of routine and policy actions Tuesday evening. Highlights include adoption of the fiscal‑year 2026 budget, approvals of procurement and insurance renewals, authorization of grant applications and property acquisitions, and direction to the city attorney to pursue equitable relief in a short‑term rental enforcement case.

Votes and key details

1) FY2026 budget (Agenda item 2025‑116)
Motion: Adopt the FY2026 city budget (all‑funds budget ~ $1,000,000,000; general fund $158,000,789).
Mover/Second: John Paulson / Tibby DeGiulio.
Outcome: Approved (unanimous voice vote). No roll‑call dissent recorded.

2) Task order for call center services (Agenda item 2025‑118)
Motion: Approve a task order for FanWell call center services for $668,871 (second task order, 5‑year contract escalation).
Mover/Second: Dr. Melody Kelly / (second by councilmember on record).
Outcome: Approved (unanimous voice vote).

3) General liability insurance renewal (Agenda item 2025‑119)
Motion: Approve renewal of the city’s general liability insurance for FY2026 (staff recommendation following market review).
Mover/Second: John Paulson / Jody Rochelle.
Outcome: Approved (unanimous voice vote).

4) Purchasing policy amendments (Agenda item 2025‑106)
Motion: Amend city purchasing policies to incorporate requirements of 2 CFR Part 200 and FTA Circular 4220.1F and to add Title VI civil rights provisions for federally funded procurements as a MARTA subrecipient.
Mover/Second: John Paulson / Jody Rochelle.
Outcome: Approved (unanimous voice vote). Key changes include a new federal compliance section, raising formal bid threshold to $100,000 to align with state law, a 30‑day Georgia Procurement Registry notice requirement for construction bids > $100,000, and centralizing vendor solicitation coordination in Purchasing.

5) Right‑of‑way acquisition for Hammond Drive widening (Agenda item 2025‑120)
Motion: Accept negotiated fee‑simple right‑of‑way and temporary construction easement at 6039 Karon Drive (2,386.37 sq ft fee simple; 784.42 sq ft temporary easement) for $270,000.
Mover/Second: Melissa Mueller / Tibby DeGiulio.
Outcome: Approved (unanimous voice vote).

6) Safe Streets for All grant application (Agenda item 2025‑121)
Motion: Authorize staff to submit a Safe Streets for All application to USDOT for $5,440,000 and approve a required local match of $1,360,000; authorize the city manager to execute application documents.
Mover/Second: John Paulson / Jody Rochelle.
Outcome: Approved (unanimous voice vote). Application targets pedestrian crossings and intersection safety projects identified in the city’s Safety Action Plan.

7) Short‑term rental enforcement (Agenda item 2025‑122)
Motion: Authorize the city attorney to seek equitable relief in Superior Court of Fulton County concerning alleged illegal short‑term rental activity at 8069 Kenstone Court.
Mover/Second: John Paulson / Tibby DeGiulio.
Outcome: Approved (unanimous voice vote). The city attorney will seek ex parte relief and a superior‑court order to limit occupancy while the legal proceeding is pending.

Procedural notes: Several items were approved by voice vote after staff presentations and brief council discussion. Where the transcript recorded only a voice “aye” and no roll‑call, the council’s seven members present were recorded as voting in favor in the meeting minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 17, 2025 Public Facilities Authority Special Called Meeting and City Council Meetings - 6 p.m.","oneSentenceSummary","At its June 17 meeting the council approved the FY2026 budget, several procurement and insurance items, a right‑of‑way purchase for Hammond Drive widening, authorization to apply for a Safe Streets for All grant, and directed the city attorney to seek equitable relief for an illegal short‑term rental.","taxTitle","Sandy Springs, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",2960,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6193623,"Sandy Springs fire chief proposes easing some sprinkler rules to reduce barriers to building improvements",767,4731000,5498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3866168-c141173341e21ab3d8693ca9bdd1c6cc&start=4731&end=5498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3866168-c141173341e21ab3d8693ca9bdd1c6cc/thumbnail_4731000.jpg","/articles/6193623/Sandy-Springs/Fulton-County/Georgia/Sandy-Springs-fire-chief-proposes-easing-some-sprinkler-rules-to-reduce-barriers-to-building-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193623-e3e1a6a0ef6b1fdfd632a399911104bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032181&Signature=OSf9bGqBE5LHGuvonQJ5sjIZbC98EYrTKQw4knuslkGz4fPxZcA2weKu3q1SCZ2UtfdqFIv1AxW7JjvMWMZIk~qdNWZmzvDhZyrpUeHP5B~GdDlaFdgjw6G~D--mKDu1d11YHogWRfXQAIO~kap-gJnQMEyIAuzalmu~X~LR0OqiSrkFpaPTwx~P0K5AJb8i10I2M6blobSZBDwAVEVO8vDwrjjpGr0VWC0di9zKC6kSGGUQnbF-l79JkLrXgDjWmQEUu74m39arWO71KYhrygDRcC-UCecr3biq0oEXeQ~6~-Jkji0s2CDwky-OdGl7xMUBgFFvq2r4Ks2iA1cIHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sandy Springs Fire Chief asked council on Tuesday to approve changes to the city’s fire code and to the multifamily housing ordinance that would clarify sprinkler requirements, raise some size thresholds and remove redundant provisions.

In a work‑session presentation the chief said the proposed amendments would align local rules with Georgia standards, clarify the types of approved suppression systems, raise the light‑hazard threshold to 10,000 square feet, and preserve an existing 50% assessed‑value trigger for requiring sprinklers in multifamily housing. He said the goal is to modernize requirements and remove disincentives that discourage property owners from making improvements.

“We have the most restrictive sprinkler ordinance that I am aware of,” the Fire Chief said, noting examples where property owners faced large upgrade costs that discouraged renovation. The chief cited cases in which building owners were required to install sprinkler systems or run new water mains, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to renovation costs.

The proposal would continue to require sprinklers in new construction and in buildings undergoing major renovation at or above certain thresholds; it would also keep the multifamily 50% assessed‑value trigger that requires sprinklers when damage or renovation reaches that level. The chief identified some specific exemptions: low‑occupancy self‑storage, small additions under 1,000 square feet where adequate fire barriers exist, and situations involving specialized water‑reactive materials that carry separate hazards.

City Attorney Danley supported the approach and asked council to consider the evolution of the fire department’s capacity and response times while weighing code changes. “You need to calculate into this discussion the evolution of the fire department… The data the chief has accumulated indicates that the recovery or the calls of the fire department are commensurate with lessening these kinds of stringent rules,” Danley said, describing the proposal as coordinated with safer, more modern enforcement.

Councilmembers raised concerns about ensuring multifamily housing remained protected; the chief confirmed the 50% assessed‑value requirement for multifamily will remain in place. Council and staff agreed to bring the formal ordinance amendments forward for codification and a future vote after additional legal drafting and stakeholder outreach.

No formal vote on code text occurred Tuesday; staff said they would refine draft language and return to council for formal adoption.","The fire chief proposed amendments to local fire and multifamily inspection codes to align with state standards, raise certain sprinkler thresholds and remove duplicate requirements; the council signaled support for drafting ordinance changes for a formal vote.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6193628,"Sandy Springs midyear economic development update: Mercedes expansion, 1,700+ rental units in pipeline",1266,2208000,3474000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3866168-c141173341e21ab3d8693ca9bdd1c6cc&start=2208&end=3474","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3866168-c141173341e21ab3d8693ca9bdd1c6cc/thumbnail_2208000.jpg","/articles/6193628/Sandy-Springs/Fulton-County/Georgia/Sandy-Springs-midyear-economic-development-update-Mercedes-expansion-1700-rental-units-in-pipeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193628-00958f9900654331451916876c84e914/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032181&Signature=JUQasxOi1RiduBEAM9ksu6--DoxBNFftuOIYGEApZalSO1WAB9zAdvfIeqiTA8Oj4KWyCZeypGFR7lSg4RqRoTUk6kD-d4kvBHkMeiVaE23fxpe9DbSGS8S72OblgU6UeOWmRJg1xSHl~tkoF54KyCtQva7es15--O7VTP3ryqhvMvun1cDAOnujOk3wHDUcQG1P4HHqz6uRSrgf4pvdIZVm0E2jNy3~7XXhe9cmpILe4UPcWl3EckiZnZa2Z2i1J~gAwQ-lwgHJTTAjXi~l4dMyTdFc0lsitE20YCYEe3aSPBcG5go--exLp1Vp2rcbU4exGebXTE4bYJHdn~dOGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chris Burnett, the city’s director of economic development, told the City Council Tuesday night the department’s midyear report shows strong corporate retention and a multi‑year pipeline of housing projects.

Burnett highlighted corporate moves including Mercedes‑Benz’s continued consolidation of North American offices to Sandy Springs and other leases that have stabilized the office market. He said the 25 largest companies headquartered in Sandy Springs generate roughly $262 billion in combined revenue and characterized the city as an attractive market for employers.

On the real‑estate pipeline, Burnett said projects in various stages could deliver roughly 1,700 traditional multifamily rental units and about 200 condominiums and for‑sale townhomes over the next three to five years. He listed current or proposed projects including the Hillcrest mixed‑use development (362 units, discussed separately), a 36‑unit for‑sale project on Cliffwood (the Gregory), the VO project (17 for‑sale units), the Fairfield Wayfern project (273 multifamily units plus 104 rental townhomes), and several other multifamily and mixed‑use proposals across the city.

Burnett said developers’ primary interest remains multifamily and mixed‑use projects, driven by demand for “rooftops” to support restaurants and retailers. He noted capital markets and construction costs (especially concrete/steel projects) remain a constraint but that the cost environment and policy steps taken by the city have renewed developer interest. “With construction cost changing and a reasonable cost of construction in some sectors, developers want to be here again,” Burnett said.

Councilmembers asked about for‑sale housing; Burnett and other council members said converting portions of large market‑rate projects to for‑sale housing is difficult given institutional investors’ long‑term cash‑flow goals and the financing complexity of mixing for‑sale product in large rental developments. Councilmember Jody Rochelle and others urged continued city efforts, and Burnett said a citywide housing study is budgeted for 2026 to evaluate policies that could encourage more owner‑occupied housing.

Burnett concluded by summarizing the city’s recent leasing wins, outreach to large employers, marketing efforts, and an intention to continue foundational work with developers and the Sandy Springs Development Authority to pursue redevelopment opportunities.

The council did not take a vote on the update; it was an informational presentation.","Director Chris Burnett briefed council on corporate recruitment wins and a development pipeline that could add about 1,700 multifamily rental units and roughly 200 for‑sale units over the next three to five years.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6193633,"Public Facilities Authority approves MOU to fund 111 city parking spaces in Hillcrest mixed‑use project",2030,146000,2176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3866168-c141173341e21ab3d8693ca9bdd1c6cc&start=146&end=2176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3866168-c141173341e21ab3d8693ca9bdd1c6cc/thumbnail_146000.jpg","/articles/6193633/Sandy-Springs/Fulton-County/Georgia/Public-Facilities-Authority-approves-MOU-to-fund-111-city-parking-spaces-in-Hillcrest-mixeduse-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193633-34fdc017ea23b6a43929a53a26446735/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032181&Signature=asSz32B3eowkilw0ytLytaFofuwpIHpr58XtW0z~oRuKTQ-9QR27zLpUjV7iUjmcAIlP9hA5FaAoH89IKT8L~vu4V1KEQLG1p2dYP3VbXPD-tGePTE9KUa2O373vbg1Wdw1NImCpyeZuY9rOG79F0EhgtYqFgiKmlLimF6a9UwrN6TYRtCfnl~8Qh49g1lrDpXgJt-0Ey1uC5SvDoH~Cu7I5VaAQKVClCHOaPDR-NHuEi6~8i10mtnUyYH2rVF4lyRFH-XSOd0WFrn~ZQf8KJZ84C~IuTXMiq4NojO4IIlwVNlhIyy0goCXF2D8JqX91kMwso-oDydY6R-bZ0z2N2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Public Facilities Authority on Tuesday approved a resolution to execute a memorandum of understanding that would let the city buy 111 parking spaces in the Hillcrest mixed‑use development being built on the former Hitson Center site.

The MOU—presented by Chris Burnett, Director of Economic Development—would have the city pay for 111 parking spaces inside a developer‑built garage and recover those costs through a 10‑year tax abatement tied to the project. The PFA voted to approve the nonbinding MOU and to authorize staff to continue negotiating documents necessary to finalize the agreement.

Burnett told the board the property is an 8.1‑acre tract on the southwest corner of Sandy Springs Circle and Mount Vernon currently owned by Sandy Springs Methodist Church. The development, led by a Trammell Crow subsidiary in partnership with Third & Urban, would build 362 rental apartments, 30 rental townhomes and about 18,000 square feet of retail. “What we're talking about tonight relates only to the 111 new parking spaces in the new garage,” Burnett said.

Under terms presented, the city's portion of hard construction cost for the 111 spaces is approximately $3,312,000, or about $29,600 per space. The development authority's package includes a developer fee of 3.5% of the city's hard cost (roughly $116,000), $900,000 for local infrastructure and streetscape improvements near City Springs, and estimated legal and soft costs of roughly $220,000. Burnett said total taxes abated are estimated at about $4,000,009 over a 10‑year abatement term (undiscounted taxes over 10 years were presented as roughly $4,800,000; net present value of the abatement about $3,600,000).

Burnett told the board the MOU would give the city a parking easement for 111 dedicated spaces; the first two hours would be free for patrons parking in the city spaces, mirroring City Springs deck rules. The city would pay roughly 20% of ongoing garage maintenance costs because the garage will have about 80% of spaces owned by the developer and 20% by the city. The MOU would also include a provision allowing the owner to repurchase the city’s parking interest after 50 years for a minimum of 200% of the city’s hard construction cost — about $6,624,000 as presented — adjusted by revenues received over time.

Melissa Mueller moved approval of agenda item PFA‑2025‑07; Tibby DeGiulio seconded. After discussion the PFA voted in favor; the item was approved.

PFA members and several councilmembers who spoke during the discussion said the parking component is intended to replace about 105 existing surface overflow spaces the city currently uses and to support events in City Springs and nearby retail. Board members also pressed for pedestrian safety and crosswalk improvements connecting the new garage to City Springs and Heritage on the Green; the presentation said the $900,000 would be targeted for streetscape and safety work to that end.

Next steps: staff will return with final MOU language and related documents for execution once the PFA's approval is memorialized and negotiations finish.","The Sandy Springs Public Facilities Authority approved a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with Trammell Crow’s buyer to fund 111 parking spaces in the Hillcrest mixed‑use development, using a 10‑year tax abatement to recover costs and $900,000 for nearby infrastructure improvements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Sandy Springs council approves FY26 budget, procurement and safety items

Sandy Springs fire chief proposes easing some sprinkler rules to reduce barriers to building improvements

Sandy Springs midyear economic development update: Mercedes expansion, 1,700+ rental units in pipeline

Public Facilities Authority approves MOU to fund 111 city parking spaces in Hillcrest mixed‑use project