[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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",6188802,"mediaKeyId","5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1","parentId",5062009,"title","Horse owners ask Cobb commissioners to restrict fireworks near equine facilities after new state law allows local controls","audioSeconds",2472,"startMs",2560000,"endMs",5032000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1&start=2560&end=5032","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1/thumbnail_2560000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6188802/Cobb-County/Georgia/Horse-owners-ask-Cobb-commissioners-to-restrict-fireworks-near-equine-facilities-after-new-state-law-allows-local-controls","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6188802-4923cb066e5fa3cf1a1b3eead29f91ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770805607&Signature=SMKreFoXNX-Zw6GQFZYLuFK8OJKMt3ZvA1zthzEQXsVyvY3yyFPM3~OsVjPci~Q3XJGpsFgjR1tW8sJaopQbvuh~rGl8sq8hGZEW87KAhDbbVyfvqX-ahH-bvNZRmUcm8m9tr2q90kA1V86qNWneiGcr4f4mQ78h2oU2hwfthDvWq2eMcAxFLyfW-2gvbApPiMF0LP9OeskM2HOaTwiwAqvaw~k8AU9tbhKo5p5iOqp4fHKLZXPQIr6jApoLNsAgEKbdhNsRcza87uHxt6dy6VDgr69EinUbSfzA53HmWp3x4SKu2U0sljmb4LfN8Wr-qAdE93dttoOj1jkVCR3eYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-25T03:56:22.233Z","article","Owners and operators of horse facilities told the Cobb County Board of Commissioners on June 24 that fireworks are causing repeated harm to horses and asked the county to consider local restrictions following a change in state law.

Julie Mabry Stevens, who operates Mabry Farm Equestrian Center in Marietta, said her operation—part of a family farm established in 1904—boards 16 horses and faces frequent fireworks detonations that cause horses to panic, run through fences and sometimes suffer severe injuries. Stevens urged the commission to \"sit consider taking action to ban fireworks within 200 yards of any equine facility as Cherokee County and the city of Milton did this past week\" after the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 614, which she said authorizes local jurisdictions to regulate fireworks use near horses.

Stevens said some owners must sedate animals using veterinarian‑prescribed medication that lasts about two hours, a management burden when fireworks are used unpredictably or for multiple nights. \"There have been many cases where horses are severely injured and even killed due to the chaos that fireworks create for horses,\" she said.

Jennifer Buck, another equine owner and a former veterinary technician, echoed Stevens and described lost boarding business and safety risks. She said fireworks displays have endangered buildings in nearby neighborhoods and that enforcement would be easier if the county required permits and penalties for noncompliance.

Commissioner Burrell later referenced state law on fireworks and county ordinance restrictions: he cited Georgia Code section OCGA 25‑10‑2 regarding fireworks and noted county ordinance 90‑63 prohibits pyrotechnics at county parks. County staff did not present a specific regulatory proposal at the meeting; speakers asked the board to consider local rules that would include permitting, time limits and penalties to protect animals, veterans, children and residents with special needs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cobb County Board of Commissioners Meeting - 06/24/25","oneSentenceSummary","Several equine facility owners urged Cobb County to restrict fireworks within 200 yards of horse operations, citing injuries and deaths to horses; speakers pointed to Georgia House Bill 614 and asked the county to consider permitting limits and penalties like those adopted in nearby jurisdictions.","taxTitle","Cobb County, Georgia","taxId",3733,"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},6188804,"Belle Meade residents raise sinkhole concern; attorney asks county to review stormwater maintenance and historical plats",111,2413000,2524000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1&start=2413&end=2524","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1/thumbnail_2413000.jpg","/articles/6188804/Cobb-County/Georgia/Belle-Meade-residents-raise-sinkhole-concern-attorney-asks-county-to-review-stormwater-maintenance-and-historical-plats","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6188804-4a993ed2b7daa7ad90cf3b517ac113bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770805607&Signature=gTJgxGkLBqxRyecZWddS4RnN64~i3bNEf1qDNT9EWebfb3U2QH96T5vgFGEya9xgClw-ghHG-T7715~R22ZII08vBz3Y~6ktZbgGL5sg6LvJXAeHJ~vVPP7ORahfUMf6NZd0XiVHpjJMedrcs2wkvuXAHIYASB0de3IaMAC4R3wQhJ3rmMdG24rrxJfBOt~YATXFkITVBOusOaFpxeVVnzxlIm3zNw09BD9kaam4VMmSLZnHHtUTVhirfa9GADZlM7V-wOcrIbX1jfNW4ig~N3Awv2i3o0T5DJfr97dMgpMPRXW4j7QoSc6Nn-6G3AHmrv2Gog1PZ2sjQK3kcA6ezA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An attorney representing the Belle Meade Condominium Association told the Cobb County Board of Commissioners June 24 that a sinkhole has developed on a private road in Belle Meade where a county‑maintained stormwater pipe runs beneath the pavement.

Lonnie Skipper, counsel for the Belle Meade Condominium Association, said the sinkhole \"developed as a result of the storm water system that runs under this roadway, which is maintained by Cobb.\" Skipper said the community has off‑site stormwater that passes through the pipe to another off‑site location and asked to meet with county staff and the county attorney to review plats and the ordinances that were in effect when the subdivision was developed.

Skipper told the board the plats were signed by Cobb County under an earlier ordinance that provided \"all roads shall be public roads,\" and the association would like an opportunity to discuss the ownership and maintenance responsibilities because Belle Meade's roads are currently private. He brought a letter and photographs documenting the sinkhole and asked staff to follow up; the chair suggested Skipper connect with the county DOT director after the meeting.

Commissioners did not take a formal vote; the matter was presented during public comment and staff were directed to follow up with the attorney and affected residents.","An attorney for Belle Meade Condominium Association told commissioners a sinkhole formed on a roadway over a Cobb‑maintained stormwater pipe; the association says plats and historical ordinances may indicate roads should be public and asked to meet with county staff.",{"_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},6188812,"Commissioners approve sidewalk design, condemnations for right‑of‑way and emergency Cumberland Parkway repairs",415,4283000,4698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1&start=4283&end=4698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1/thumbnail_4283000.jpg","/articles/6188812/Cobb-County/Georgia/Commissioners-approve-sidewalk-design-condemnations-for-rightofway-and-emergency-Cumberland-Parkway-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6188812-2ad2ddb0e53cafd7bd8f23eaacefd4e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770805607&Signature=LyMT2GIOrjdNODFBXSBVmwgfkrxk5X4AlWC2ycpK0iirNzgJrW39ugJEG7I0A4X0rnektabCVLIuIw6JoKzbr5JH3wHZNPqvVsq6sQEcyI0GqBQ2M2r6gJiwgDjdWSv2Wb1clZrhAJ8VClFdoIPJNXhmN~ycXapTQWb~NCpI1~Gd1CpalEsxff5BBJah4MssEN1kHoDj538pNiEUK5rjp-0F9T1RhAWvh4fWaVq66-Jm6cb191YkwCTj-LD6sHpnnaDBnga~hTWK9UYa-z4lKTYM7isfsWv-NWi74KWkU6QTW6ckYDpABxWxXKrq7Kxs5DVEFetHimS68wlm72gaMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cobb County Board of Commissioners on June 24 approved several transportation actions: design funding for a Peach Hall Road sidewalk project, authorized condemnation proceedings for two right‑of‑way parcels needed for sidewalk and turn‑lane projects, and ratified emergency drainage repairs on Cumberland Parkway.

Drew Ressler, county director of transportation, presented four transportation items. The board approved supplemental agreement No. 1 for design services on the Peach Hall Road sidewalk project in an amount not to exceed $17,016.18 for engineering design work. The commission also authorized commencement of condemnation proceedings by declaration of taking for one parcel required for the Peach Hall Road sidewalk project (project B2732) and for one parcel needed for the Piedmont Road at Kent Road right‑of‑way (project B2312). Commissioners described the Piedmont Road work as part of a Canton Road project to add a right‑turn lane onto Piedmont; one commissioner noted the project was long overdue.

The board also ratified emergency drainage repairs on Cumberland Parkway at Paces Walk and approved a contract with C. W. Matthews Inc. not to exceed $2,154,558.95 for repairs, explaining the county manager had previously authorized emergency action. Commissioner Allen thanked DOT staff for their rapid response.

All transportation items passed on unanimous votes. Commissioners said the Peach Hall sidewalk item had been long anticipated in the community and that condemnation actions were necessary to secure right‑of‑way for safety and traffic improvements.","The Board of Commissioners approved engineering design funding for the Peach Hall Road sidewalk, authorized condemnation proceedings for two right‑of‑way parcels, and ratified emergency drainage repairs with a $2.15 million contract for Cumberland Parkway at Paces Walk.",{"_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},6188816,"Commissioners approve phase‑one design services for RL Sutton solids handling project amid community concern about incineration emissions",170,4009000,4179000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1&start=4009&end=4179","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1/thumbnail_4009000.jpg","/articles/6188816/Cobb-County/Georgia/Commissioners-approve-phaseone-design-services-for-RL-Sutton-solids-handling-project-amid-community-concern-about-incineration-emissions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6188816-989910c3d24a45a00b8a2a410e7f4e43/orig.mp4?Expires=1770805607&Signature=cA5bfqioylM8So~HG2zkSXk31P7e8QuJCzzGUoixhOBSKOuBtT9E08mscpw9oQaLiePXCQulpKgKr45E3doFfObbV5G5vQq7c4o8C17oEbq4VNshAsWQ3eoTwyg1-N~Ke7pk5C0yuyW2F4xUHCKxhnoy25XHw9ce0Ib3afrDzPLH98zrGjvFK9cO5aLwSX6q~5ly8CKGIgL9xMudHF2UqvDfkynbi7n2TkLSnSQYY6DYC6xkV8-7rUQ~kDfV7-hmwCzWCio5a8GcPNoDnXMOBWszGHK5c9hIq1BYybGwBLUSM1C9D9dEPt4Y1yDGbfI-OZF9~zhwIKpK4GuEDIdN3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cobb County Board of Commissioners on June 24 approved a progressive design‑build agreement for phase‑one services to upgrade solids handling at the R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility, a project proponents say is needed to address biosolids disposal after the system's incinerators were previously shut down to comply with federal rules.

Cobb County Water System staff recommended a design‑build agreement with Crowder Construction Company in the amount of $5,305,172 for phase‑one services, which staff described as site investigations, preliminary engineering, design development to about 60% and preparation of a guaranteed maximum price for phase two. The board voted 5‑0 to authorize phase‑one funding only; staff said phase two—final design and construction—would be brought back later for approval.

The item drew public comment from Vinings residents concerned about potential health and environmental impacts from incineration. Melissa Johnson, speaking for the Vinings Village Homeowners Association, told the commission that \"many Vinings residents have expressed concern about potential health risks from biosolids incineration\" and asked the county to meet or exceed EPA emission standards and to provide assurances about cumulative impacts in the industrial cluster around the R.L. Sutton facility.

Commissioners acknowledged those concerns and described next steps on community engagement and permitting. One commissioner told the audience the county and the water system \"will do another community meeting with the vendor present to talk about making sure that the emissions levels are exceeding current EPA emissions for biosolids and other matters,\" and staff said the EPA will open a virtual public comment period later in the permitting process. The water system said it has retained consultants to guide air‑permit steps and will communicate public comment opportunities when they are scheduled.

Public commenters also raised the area's industrial mix—R.L. Sutton, the R.M. Clayton plant across the river, medical sterilization and nearby asphalt and power operations—and asked the county to address cumulative impacts. Staff said those are matters that will be part of the air‑permit and public comment process conducted by regulatory authorities.

The vote on phase one will allow the county to proceed with preliminary work and to prepare a guaranteed maximum price for consideration of phase two at a future meeting; staff did not request construction funding at this meeting.","The board approved a $5.3 million phase‑one progressive design‑build agreement for RL Sutton Water Reclamation Facility solids handling upgrades; Vinings residents urged the county to exceed EPA emissions standards and to hold community briefings during permitting.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6188820,"Cobb commissioners hold public hearing on post-closure analyses for three closed landfills",277,2053000,2330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1&start=2053&end=2330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5062009-00acf6a219429bc9a79d8766e73d48c1/thumbnail_2053000.jpg","/articles/6188820/Cobb-County/Georgia/Cobb-commissioners-hold-public-hearing-on-post-closure-analyses-for-three-closed-landfills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6188820-1a2256c3e57481e96b5fb28313d7c1ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770805607&Signature=C0leq2BHSr9vLS85b7ueGyQwMwancJwWUwxbpLfYgFqSmIBOo8CXnNf7xF-0Guzc7gZh7TyQ7BSv-BsBBueio2a87M57NV7C9vZNmf~rWFp5deEoxCPb7Vt-vDAZxuvu94teIzgzSSGtVUQmomCf3VkhuHRI4DBrT~CVic5fwCeXtzdVtQ~wYteN4Xq2CwuZrGgNjafN362MrXKkq9~-10TTacBTU~Xo31hDQ8n5Lkt~pt5LW594jpQEf-xuxQaccKkoFOxs56tXqggj7ye~lvhxUQymp1mCS6bDA2LdWbxVrynz6zGpKaAsYdgCExgOr3OikPzNucl2Gh5XUjv4zA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cobb County Board of Commissioners opened a public hearing June 24 to consider hiring an outside firm to conduct comprehensive post-closure analyses of three closed county landfills, a step county staff said could require a contract exceeding $200,000.

The hearing matters because state law requires a public hearing before the county spends $200,000 or more on an independent contractor, Cobb Public Services Agency Director Jeton Gibson told the commission. \"In accordance with the state law, the Board of Commissioners is required to conduct a public hearing prior to expending county funds of $200,000 or more to employ an independent contractor consulting firm or to conduct an independent survey or study,\" Gibson said, and he identified the three sites as the Cheatham Road Sanitary Landfill, the County Farm Road landfill and the County Farm Drive landfill.

The county described phase-one work as a comprehensive analysis intended to inform whether the current post‑closure care liability is appropriate. The public hearing had an open, three‑minute speaking period; staff said notice of the hearing appeared in the Marietta Daily Journal in June.

During public comment, resident Craig Harfoot urged the county to consider reuse options in addition to the analysis. He noted historical examples of land‑reclamation and suggested the county look into methane recovery at County Farm Road, saying, \"You might want whoever's gonna look into that, that's something to consider over on County Farm Road because the county can have free energy to run whatever.\" Harfoot also offered general historical observations about landfill reuse.

After the testimony period, the commissioners closed that portion of the hearing and invited questions for staff. No contract award was made at the meeting; staff said the purpose of the hearing was to receive public input in advance of seeking proposals and completing the analysis.

Next steps described by staff include proceeding with procurement consistent with state requirements and the county's procurement rules; staff will return to the board with recommendations if and when a contract is proposed.

Public comment and staff questions during this hearing were limited to the landfill analyses; county staff advised attendees to connect with the department after the meeting for further technical follow-up.","The Cobb County Board of Commissioners conducted a public hearing June 24 on plans to hire a consultant to perform post-closure analyses for three closed landfills; staff said the contract could exceed $200,000 as required for a public hearing, and at least one member of the public urged the county to consider methane capture and reuse.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Horse owners ask Cobb commissioners to restrict fireworks near equine facilities after new state law allows local controls

Belle Meade residents raise sinkhole concern; attorney asks county to review stormwater maintenance and historical plats

Commissioners approve sidewalk design, condemnations for right‑of‑way and emergency Cumberland Parkway repairs

Commissioners approve phase‑one design services for RL Sutton solids handling project amid community concern about incineration emissions

Cobb commissioners hold public hearing on post-closure analyses for three closed landfills