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02-02-2009 February 2, 2009 February 2, 2009 - The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held at Smyrna City Hall. The meeting was called to order by presiding officer Mayor A. Max Bacon at 7:30 o'clock p.m. All council members were present. Also present were City Administrator Wayne Wright, City Clerk Susan Hiott, City Attorney Scott Cochran, and representatives of the press. Invocation was given by Deacon Al Weber from St. Thomas Catholic Church, followed by the pledge to the flag. AGENDA CHANGES: There were none. MAYOR'S REPORT: (A) Presentation of Character Education Word - King Springs Elementary School Mayor Bacon recognized Principal Linda Keeney, and the students presented this month's character education program. (B) Proclamation in Recognition of Black History Month - Council Member Newcomb recognized Ms. Castleberry, and read a Proclamation in Recognition of Black History Month to those present. Ms. Castleberry discussed programs she would like to see in the future, and suggested that street numbers be painted on the curb in her neighborhood to help the City fire department locate specific places. Council Member Newcomb stated he has discussed this with the fire chief. LAND ISSUES/ZONINGS/ ANNEXA nONS: There were none. PRIVILEGE LICENSE: There were none. FORMAL BUSINESS: There was none. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS: There were none. CONSENT AGENDA: (A) Approval of January 20, 2009 minutes - Februarv 2. 2009 2 (B) Approval of Use of Council Chambers for a District 2 Cobb County Town Hall Meeting on February 10 at 7:00 pm - (C) Approval of State of Georgia Revocable License Agreement for the purpose or constructing a pedestrian bridge over State owned property in the custody of the State Properties Commission in Cobb County and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute agreement MOTION: Council Member Wood made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pritchett. Motion was approved 7 - O. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Council Member Pritchett yielded the floor with no report. Council Member Newcomb stated he is glad to see friends and neighbors at this meeting. Council Member Anulewicz yielded the floor with no report. Council Member McNabb congratulated Smyrna native Hines Ward and the Pittsburg Steelers on their recent Super Bowl victory. Council Member Smith yielded the floor with no report. Council Member Lnenicka yielded the floor with no report. - Council Member Wood yielded the floor with no report. CITIZENS INPUT: Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. Alex Backry, residing at 3459 Shawnee Trail, and Mr. Backry commented on a television interview of the city administrator he saw on the subject of the Highlands Apartments. Mr. Backry expressed the view that the best way to deal with problematic properties is to enforce ordinances instead of purchasing the properties. Mr. Backry stated he is concerned by the fact that only some 970 people voted on this matter. Mr. Backry stated he believes a flyer should be sent to every home in the City to keep residents informed about such matters. Mr. Backry stated that, in view of recent budgetary constraints, he believes it would have been an appropriate gesture on the part of the city council members and a good example to decline a salary increase for which they recently became eligible. Mr. Backry commended the leadership of Ward 3 and Ward 4 for conducting town hall meetings. Mr. Backry stated he would like to see more open exchanges of this type between the citizens and their representatives. Mr. Backry expressed concerns about low voter turnout during the last election for City officials. Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. Doug Farr, residing at 3860 West Cooper Lake Road, and Mr. FaIT provided details to those present regarding Benson Poole Road. Mr. FaIT stated he would like to see the signs changed to reflect proper spelling of the road name as a matter of respect to the Benson family. - February 2. 2009 3 - Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Mary Kirkendoll, and Ms. Kirkendoll expressed concerns about the acquisition ofthe Highlands Apartments property by the City. Ms. Kirkendoll stated she believes the citizens should know why the property was purchased, how much money was invested in it, who is to live there and who will do the remodeling. Ms. Kirkendoll stated she will continue to look for information pertaining to this matter, and said she hopes she will not have to rely on the news media for information. Ms. Kirkendoll read information to those present which she stated is an excerpt of Federal law pertaining to the harboring of illegal aliens. Ms. Kirkendoll stated if a property is a nuisance, the City should require the owners to comply with pertinent ordinances. Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Donna Woodham, residing at 2616 Hughes Street, and Ms.' VI oodham provided details to those present concerning drought-resistant plant alternatives to sod which are more pervious. Ms. Woodham stated such plantings can eliminate the need for water detention structures. Ms. Woodham suggested that a rain garden could be built at the Brawner property instead of a detention pond. Ms. Woodham made further suggestions for compo sting and rain barrels at the subject location. Ms. Woodham stated such alternatives could serve to educate citizens to conserve natural resources. Ms. Woodham expressed the view that conditions at the Highlands Apartments amount to a humanitarian Issue. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. ... - February 2. 2009 )1 ) '..../ 4 - CHETT, WARD 1 RON NEWCOMB, WARD 2 --CYHTH, I ARD 5 / d;:/f2~~ CHARLES PETE WOOD, WARD 7 ~3 /]'//~ ,/ I ,I , I / /J(/ - -