(KENNESAW, GA)—Kennesaw City Council kept its first meeting of the month brief, only meeting for 23 minutes.
Photo Credit: Kennesaw City Council Website
OpGov.News captured the meeting.
“The Kennesaw City Council meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026, began with a notable delay, attributed by the Mayor to interacting with Scout Troop 540, who later led the Pledge of Allegiance,” according to the OpGov.News platform. “A special presentation recognized a scout named Carly for her achievements.
In the general public comment session, while one citizen offered a historical anecdote, another presented a significant ecological concern regarding a local forested area, requesting its preservation and management according to the platform.
Kennesaw City Council meetings don’t receive much feedback from citizens in the community. Owner of Conversation Landscaping, Steven Luitjens, was the only person to speak.
Luitjens made an appearance at the Feb. 2 meeting.
Photo Credit: Kennesaw City Council Website
He spoke about the forested area behind Kennesaw City Cemetery and the rival apartments on Main Street.
“That tract of land is one of the last remaining forested areas in downtown Kennesaw,” Luitjens said. “It’s not just a patch of trees, it’s a functioning habitat.”
Lutijens stated that there are rare plants in downtown Kennesaw that are impacted when land is stripped away.
A couple of requests were provided by Luitjens.
“My request is straightforward,” Luitjens said. “First, I request that the city formally recognize this tract as protected habitat. Second, I ask that invasive management be prioritized there.”
Mayor of Kennesaw Derek Easterling provided a short comment after Luitjens.
“It’s important for you to be informed and engaged about what’s going on in your community,” Easterling said. “Find your voice, find your purpose.”
OpGov.News will work to find out why more people don’t speak at city council meetings.
OpGov.News reached out to Easterling to get more information on the lack of participation from the public. The outlet received a response from the Director of Communication and Engagement, Rebecca Graham.
"The City of Kennesaw encourages public participation and provides multiple opportunities for community input," Graham said in an email. "Residents may offer public comment during City Council meetings: two standing public comment periods are available at regular meetings, and additional opportunities are provided during public hearings and at the work session meetings. Members of the community may also contact the Mayor or City Council directly by email or phone; contact information is available on the City’s website. City Council members are elected “at large."
A single ordinance was brought to the table, and there wasn’t an executive section.
Ordinance Chapter Six amendments, allowing package wine sales with prepared meals for off-premises consumption and clarifying alcohol license renewal deadlines/penalties, were approved by a 4-0 vote.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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