College Park City Council · March 17, 2026
22 findings
Financial Scandal · 2:16:28

Gay Storms Out, Alleges 'Coordinated Action' Block

“After nearly 10 years of service, I have never witnessed this level of coordinated action that undermines transparency and accountability”

— Councilman Roderick Gay (via statement read after he left meeting)

Councilman Gay had his statement read after leaving meeting, alleging harassment and 3-member voting bloc undermining governance.

Meeting Briefing

What started as a routine council meeting devolved into open warfare when Councilman Roderick Gay stormed out mid-meeting, then had his spokesperson read an explosive statement alleging harassment, retaliation, and a 'voting block' undermining city governance. The drama unfolded around a $4.8 million emergency roof repair at GICC that City Attorney Winston Denmark said violated state bidding laws — forcing council into parliamentary gymnastics to avoid breaking the law while fixing a roof that's costing $67,000 in refunds. Meanwhile, residents called out officials for dragging children into political Facebook wars, and Councilwoman McKenzie defended her $15,000 Ward 1 celebration that made headlines after the mayor shared her spending records with the community.

All Findings
Financial Scandal

$4.8M Roof Deal Violates State Law, Attorney Says

“We cannot call something that we've known about for years an emergency. delayed maintenance um those types of things that doesn't constitute that's our own, not the state of...”

City Attorney Denmark blocked $4.8M emergency roof contract, saying it violates Georgia bidding requirements for projects over $250K.

53:09
Financial Scandal

Mother Confronts Council Over Child Used As 'Clickbait'

“to use a child as clickbait is irresponsible, immature, appalling, tacky, and quite sad. Actually, instead of keeping a disagreement where it belonged between adults, he was...”

Dr. Shakita James accused city-connected Facebook admins of using her son's name and photo as political clickbait.

19:25
Financial Scandal

McKenzie Defends $15K Ward Party After Mayor Leaked Records

“the mayor rather than communicating with me about my state of the ward expenses did an open records request or I don't know if she got it from the clerk, however she got it,...”

Councilwoman McKenzie said the mayor shared her February spending records with residents, leading to negative news coverage of her Ward 1 event.

1:41:07
Financial Scandal

Gay Claims 'Take Him Out' Was Professional, Not Physical

“Council Member Gay acknowledges using the phrase take him out, which he clearly qualified as professionally, referring to political accountability. Following the meeting, a...”

Councilman Gay acknowledged using phrase 'take him out' in executive session but said he 'clearly qualified' it as professional accountability.

2:18:03
Power Plays & Dysfunction

Resident Calls Out 'Chaos, Corruption, Bullying' Behavior

“We are absolutely exhausted from the negative press and the behavior of adults that we elected to serve. We're exhausted.”

Tanya Austin wore 'Integrity Matters' shirt, said residents are 'exhausted from the negative press and behavior of adults that we elected.'

23:39
Power Plays & Dysfunction

Council Passes $2.5M Tourism Spending With No Discussion

Council unanimously approved $2.5 million from hospitality fund for tourism projects without any discussion of what the money funds.

43:50
Power Plays & Dysfunction

$1.165M Park Project Approved in 30 Seconds

Council approved over $1 million for Godby Road Park phase one with zero discussion in under a minute.

44:54
Power Plays & Dysfunction

Business-Killing Liquor Ordinance Dies for Lack of Second

“if we see a liquor store go out of business quickly after this, don't be surprised. someone could come in on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and issue the same citation. And...”

Mayor warned new alcohol violation penalties could close businesses 'in three days' - motion died when no one seconded it.

46:55
Power Plays & Dysfunction

Carn Pushes 50% Reserve Fund Requirement

“the minimum fund balance would be at 50%. However, we will set a goal for 60% fund balance reserve. this would be implemented in the 2728 budget cycle”

Council approved requiring 50% of general fund budget in reserves, with goal of reaching 60% - far above typical municipal standards.

51:05
Power Plays & Dysfunction

Gay Alleges Chelsea Gardens $631K Payment Not 'Pursued'

“a disputed payment of approximately 631,000 to a real estate agent that he states has not been fully pursued”

Councilman Gay's statement alleged concerns about disputed $631,000 payment to real estate agent that 'has not been fully pursued.'

2:18:34
Power Plays & Dysfunction

Gay Claims Retaliation Against Former Employees

“concerns regarding the termination of former employees, including Lindell Miller and former purchasing manager Jerel Jones, who he states refused to participate in actions they...”

Statement alleges former employees Lindell Miller and Jerel Jones were terminated for refusing to participate in 'improper' actions.

2:19:05
Power Plays & Dysfunction

Resident Calls Out City's 'Bleeding' Reputation

“I've never seen such behavior outward. Now, they may have did it in the back room, but when they came before the public, they conducted themselves with dignity, respect for...”

Larry Brady Evans said he's 'never seen such behavior' from elected officials, wants them to 'conduct themselves with dignity.'

34:51
Power Plays & Dysfunction

$67,000 in Client Refunds Due to Roof Leaks

“just spent over $67,000 in giving back refunds to our clients. The roofing condition is getting worse.”

GICC Executive Director confirmed roof leaks forced $67,000 in refunds to clients, with conditions 'getting worse.'

1:04:38
Public Comment

Youth Praise $106K DC Trip and Care Initiative

Youth council president Eugene Turner thanked council for DC trip funds and $106,000 for youth care initiative this Sunday.

26:53
Public Comment

Multiple Residents Support Main Street Lane Reduction

Three residents spoke supporting John Duke's proposal to reconfigure US 29 Main Street lanes for pedestrian safety and business access.

28:26
Public Comment

Carn Wants Database of City's Doctors and Lawyers

Mayor Pro Tem Carn wants city manager to identify medical and legal professionals living in College Park for 'residential partnership.'

1:56:25
Public Comment

McKenzie Calls for Citywide 'State of the City'

Councilwoman McKenzie questioned why College Park can't have one unified celebration like other cities instead of 'operating in silos.'

1:45:50
Public Comment

Arnold Quotes Albright: 'Special Place in Hell'

Councilwoman Arnold ended her remarks by quoting Madeleine Albright about women supporting women during Women's History Month.

2:11:40
Public Comment

Police Chief Praised for $24K Fentanyl Bust

Councilwoman McKenzie gave 'big shout out' to Chief McCrary for weekend operation that arrested nine people and seized $24,000 in fentanyl.

1:46:53
Public Comment

Mayor Promotes Federal Housing Legislation

Mayor Bianca Motley Broom lobbied Congress for 21st Century Road to Housing Act that passed Senate 89-10 while she was in DC.

1:37:23
Public Comment

Hicks Congratulated as 'Sole Finalist' for City Manager

Mayor congratulated Michael Hicks for being selected as sole finalist for permanent city manager position after serving as interim.

1:33:14