Alpharetta council approves code changes, benefits awards and several property takes; declines to finalize one condemnation

Alpharetta City Council acted unanimously on a series of ordinances, contracts and resolutions at its April 14 meeting. The council approved changes to local business licensing, city boards, employee benefits and several property acquisitions needed for roadway and park improvements. One condemnation (Parcel 1, owner Jill Bernard) was deferred so the city and the owner can obtain updated appraisal information.

Key votes and outcomes - Consent agenda: Approved unanimously (motion: Councilman Mitchell; second: Mayor Pro Tem Markle). - Massage and spa establishments (City Code text amendments): Motion to adopt ordinance to update definitions, add fingerprint/background checks and clarify licensing requirements passed unanimously (mover: Mayor Pro Tem Merkel; second: Councilman Will). The change will be carried forward to the second reading with a redlined draft provided to council as requested. - Recreation Commission → Recreation Board (code amendment): Council adopted an ordinance replacing the state-enabled recreation commission with a city recreation board and clarified appointment mechanics (mover: Councilman Heights; second: Mayor Pro Tem Merkel). Council asked staff to keep a nine-member composition and to provide appointment mechanics consistent with prior practice. - Citywide employee health and related benefits, plan year 2025–2026: Council awarded medical and dental coverage to Cigna, vision to EyeMed, disability to New York Life and wellness services to Engagement Health Group; motion passed unanimously (mover: Councilman Brady; second: Councilman Will). - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan, 2025: Council adopted the updated city ADA transition plan required for continued eligibility for Georgia Department of Transportation-administered federal funds (mover: Councilman Brady; second: Councilman Heitz). Staff said the update is required every three years. - Stormwater on-call construction services, Task Order 2: Council approved Task Order 2 with CSTE, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $500,232.98 to address multiple catch basins, headwalls and other stormwater items (mover: Councilman Dorito; second: Councilman Mitchell). - Keep America Beautiful grant service agreement: Council approved a service agreement to accept a $10,000 Keep America Beautiful grant to support a planting and education project on the AlphaLoop near Northwinds Parkway; the Natural Resources Commission and ADP will participate (mover: Councilman Dorito; second: Councilman Hipes).

Property acquisitions and eminent domain resolutions - Parcel 1 (145 [redacted] Street, owner Jill Bernard): Resolution to condemn and deposit $15,400 into the court was placed on the agenda, but council voted unanimously to defer action and requested an updated appraisal; council set the matter for further review at the April 28 meeting so the owner and city can exchange appraisals and additional documentation (motion to defer: Mayor Pro Tem Markle; second: Councilman DeRito). - Parcel 2 (155 [redacted] Street): Council adopted condemnation resolution and authorized payment of $22,200 into the court (motion: Mayor Pro Tem; second: Councilman DeRito; unanimous). - Parcel 9 (243 Coming Street): Resolution adopted; $25,100 to be paid into registry of the court (mover: Councilman DeRito; second: Mayor Pro Tem; unanimous). - Parcel 17 (Old Milton Parkway improvements, 11550 Vista Forest Drive): Resolution adopted; $30,000 to be paid into court (mover: Councilman Heights; second: Councilman Brady; unanimous). - Parcel 18 (Old Milton Parkway improvements, 11555 Vista Forest Drive): Resolution adopted; $19,400 to be paid into court (mover: Councilman Brady; second: Councilman Will; unanimous).

Owner comment on Parcel 1 Jill Bernard, owner of the parcel designated Parcel 1, told council she supports the sidewalk project but said she seeks what she called “fair compensation.” Bernard said she retained an appraiser who valued the take at $21,618 and asked the city to consider her appraisal and pay for landscaping removal and sprinkler system replacement costs. Bernard said she would prefer negotiating to a court condemnation but would litigate if necessary.

What’s next - Staff will present a redlined version of the massage/spa ordinance language at the second reading and provide more details on Recreation Board appointment mechanics as discussed. - The Parcel 1 condemnation was deferred to allow updated appraisal work and a follow-up council decision at or before the April 28 meeting. - Several administrative contracts and the remaining condemnations will move forward per standard procurement and construction timelines.