City Council

This item concerns a public hearing for a rezoning request (RZON2511-008) and an associated variance application (VAR2601-001) for the property located at 631 Marietta Road. The applicant, Properati, LLC, seeks to rezone the 1.64-acre parcel from O-I (Office-Institutional) to GC (General Commercial). The proposed development includes renovating the existing vacant structure (formerly a church) and constructing a new building to house a neighborhood grocery store (approximately 11,500 sq ft) and professional office space.

Key aspects of the request include:

• Rezoning Justification: The current O-I zoning is deemed economically unviable for the property, and the GC zoning is considered compatible with the surrounding mixed residential and commercial uses and the Future Development Map designation of Traditional Neighborhood Redevelopment Area.
• Development Plan: The project aims to revitalize an underutilized site, provide neighborhood-serving commercial uses, create local jobs, and increase tax revenue. It includes 70 parking spaces (3 ADA-compliant), improved access, and landscaping.
• Variance Request: The applicant is also requesting variances to reduce the required 50-foot buffer along the exterior of the property and to reduce the required building setback. These are necessary due to the parcel's configuration and existing structure.
• Community Input: A community input meeting was held on February 16, 2026, with two attendees who expressed general support for the grocery store and office space concept. Concerns raised were primarily operational (lighting, buffers, delivery/operating hours, traffic) and were addressed by the applicant's commitments to specific design and operational measures. Pending city review items include conditional use restrictions and the feasibility of a security gate.
• Staff Recommendation: Staff will present their recommendation prior to the action meeting. The application is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the City's Roadmap of Success.

This agenda item concerns a request to annex and rezone approximately 4.20 acres of land located at 2521 Reinhardt College Parkway. The applicant, Joel Mero of Merodynamic Pools Inc., seeks to change the zoning from Cherokee County's R-40 (Single Family Residential) to the City of Canton's GC (General Commercial).

The proposed use for the property is administrative and operational support for a pool company, including office space, employee meetings, and construction plan reviews. A new 40-foot by 60-foot accessory storage building is planned for non-hazardous materials only; no chemicals will be stored on site. The property will not be used for retail sales or high-traffic commercial activity, with limited operating hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday) and minimal parking for approximately 8-10 employees.

This request follows a denial of a rezoning request by Cherokee County on January 6, 2026. The annexation would bring the property under City of Canton jurisdiction and standards, promoting land-use consistency along Reinhardt College Parkway and supporting local economic development. The item is for discussion and presentation only, with staff recommendations to be provided prior to the action meeting.

This report provides a financial overview for the City of Canton for December 2025, detailing revenues and expenditures across various funds. Key highlights include:

• General Fund: Total revenues of $4,983,882 for the month, with expenditures of $1,599,231. Year-to-date, revenues are at 63.95% of budget, while expenditures are at 22.27%.
• Water & Sewer Fund: Operating revenues for the month were $1,540,268, with operating expenses of $955,079. The fund shows a year-to-date change in net position of $1,026,316.
• Stormwater Fund: Monthly revenues were $60,326, with operating expenses of $466. The year-to-date change in net position is $52,779.
• Sanitation Fund: Monthly revenues were $200, with operating expenses of $58,986. The year-to-date change in net position is ($48,317).
• Special Events Fund: Monthly revenues were $15,000, with expenditures of $13,637. The year-to-date net change in fund balance is $28,936.
• TAD Fund: No revenues or expenditures reported for the month. The year-to-date net change in fund balance is $0.
• Hotel/Motel Tax Fund: Monthly revenues were $84,291, with no expenditures reported for the month. The year-to-date net change in fund balance is $37,458.
• Rental Car Tax Fund: Monthly revenues were $30,654, with no expenditures reported for the month. The year-to-date net change in fund balance is $22,830.
• Municipal Court Fund: Monthly revenues were $31,754, with expenditures of $31,754. The year-to-date net change in fund balance is $0.
• Impact Fee Fund: Monthly revenues were $99,333, with no expenditures reported for the month. The year-to-date net change in fund balance is $99,333.
• SPLOST VII: Monthly revenues were $1,524, with no expenditures reported for the month. The year-to-date net change in fund balance is $1,524.
• SPLOST VIII: Monthly revenues were $779,224, with expenditures of $637,553. The year-to-date net change in fund balance is $139,614.

The City of Canton is seeking to engage Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for a comprehensive update of its Unified Development Code (UDC). The UDC, originally adopted in 2014, has undergone numerous amendments, necessitating a review for streamlining and clarification. Kimley-Horn's proposal outlines a Phase 1 focused on data collection, analysis of current regulations, past planning efforts, and best practices, culminating in a report and presentation of findings. The total cost for this engagement is $115,000, to be funded from the General Fund. This update aims to align the UDC with the Canton 2045: Comprehensive Plan and address areas needing improvement or that are currently missing. The project is expected to involve project management, communication, data collection, review and analysis, and a final presentation of findings.

The City Council is considering a proposal to approve a contract with Geo-Hydro Engineers for construction materials testing and special inspections services related to the Ridge Pine Elevated Water Storage Tank and Booster Pump Station project. The proposed contract amount is $69,028.50. The services will include evaluations of subgrade and foundation bearing surfaces, testing of reinforcing steel and concrete, and inspections of structural steel, pump alignment, and pavement. The project is located in Canton, Georgia.

The City Council will discuss and potentially approve the acceptance of streets within Towne Mill Pod N Phase 3 for city maintenance. These streets, including Denali Butte Terrace (2,053’) and Byrd Crossing (304’), have met the requirements of the Unified Development Code (UDC) and are ready for the city to assume responsibility for their upkeep. The final plats for this phase were recorded on July 12, 2023. If approved, the city will maintain these streets from the adoption date forward. This item is for discussion or presentation only, with a potential vote to follow.

This item is a discussion regarding the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) point award for Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) applications. The City has received a request from TBG Residential to award the City's GICH point for their proposed affordable housing project, Summit at Hickory Creek, located in the Riverstone development. This project aims to construct 96 affordable housing units for seniors aged 55 and older. The City also had discussions with In Fill Housing Inc. regarding renovations to Lakeview Apartments, though they have not submitted a formal request. The Canton GICH Housing Team is expected to make a recommendation on the award of the GICH point.

This resolution formally establishes the Office of Prosecuting Attorney for the Municipal Court of the City of Canton, Georgia. This action is taken to comply with state law (O.C.G.A. § 15-18-90(a)) which authorizes cities to create such an office. The resolution outlines the duties and qualifications for the prosecuting attorney, who will represent the City in matters of ordinance violations and state offenses enforceable in municipal court. The position is designated as part-time. The resolution also allows for the appointment of assistant prosecuting attorneys and ratifies past actions taken by individuals serving in this capacity. The City Attorney, Jeff Rusbridge, is mentioned in the title, suggesting potential involvement or oversight. The resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption.