03-19-2012 March 19, 2012 Mayor and Council Meeting
March 19, 2012
All council members were present. Also present were City Administrator Eric Taylor, Assistant City
Administrator Tammi Saddler, City Attorney Scott Cochran, City Clerk Susan Hiott, Fire Chief Jason
Lanyon, Community Development Director Ken Suddreth, Information Services Director Chris Addicks,
Finance Director Robert Porche, Library Director Michael Seigler, Library Intern Stewart Temples, Parks
and Recreation Director Steve Ciaccio, Police Chief Stan Hook, Human Resources Director Kay Bolick,
Community Relations Assistant Tiffany Wallace, Keep Smyrna Beautiful Director Ann Kirk, Management
Fellow Kevin Klosterboer and representatives of the press.
The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held at Smyrna City Hall. The meeting was
called to order by presiding officer Mayor Max Bacon at 7:31 o'clock p.m.
Mayor Bacon called on Pastor Lee Delbridge of Smyrna Christian Church, who conducted the invocation and
led all present in the pledge to the flag.
AGENDA CHANGES:
Mayor Bacon stated that item 4(A) was being withdrawn and that item 6(A) pertaining to a film ordinance
would be tabled until the first meeting in April.
The Mayor introduced candidate for State Senate Hunter Hill, who made known his intention to run for the
'"'° District 6 seat, providing details of his qualifications and his reasons for service. He stated his website
www.votehunterhill.com had information on his position statements for those interested. Mr. Hill shared
the date of the primary election.
MAYOR'S REPORT:
4. LAND ISSUES/ZONINGS/ANNEXATIONS:
(A) Public Hearing- Approval of Ordinance 2011-16 for proposed text amendment to Sections 402, 712
and 906 of the City's Zoning Ordinance to permit the outdoor retail sale of large outdoor products in the
General Commercial zoning district - City of Smyrna - Tabled from October 17, 2011, November 7, 2011,
and November 21, 2011 meetings- Tabled from December 19, 2011 and January 17, 2012 meetings - To be
withdrawn (AB)
5. PRIVILEGE LICENSES:
Mayor Bacon stated that there were none.
6. FORMAL BUSINESS:
(A) Approval of Ordinance 2012-05 adding Article VIII, Sections 22-315-335, a Filming Ordinance to
Chapter 22 of the City's Code of Ordinances. (AB)
MOTION: Councilwoman Blustein moved to table Approval of Ordinance 2012-05 adding Article VIII,
Sections 22-315-335, a Filming Ordinance to Chapter 22 of the City's Code of Ordinances be tabled until
April 2, 2012. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Anulewicz and approved 7-0.
March 19, 2012
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(B) Reappointment of Ward 7 Representative to Parks and Recreation Commission (RF)
MOTION: Councilman Fennel recognized the previous efforts of Tom Sconzo and moved for his
reappointment to Ward 7 representative to Parks and Recreation. Motion was seconded by Councilman
Lnenicka and approved 7-0.
7. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS:
Mayor Bacon stated that there were none.
8. CONSENT AGENDA:
Mayor Bacon called on Mr. Taylor, who read aloud the consent agenda.
(A) Approval of March 5, 2012 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes
(B) Approval to accept application as filed from AboveNet Communications, Inc. f/k/a Metromedia Fiber
Network Services, Inc.
(C) Approval to use Council Chambers on March 22, 2012 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm for Vinings
Forest HOA (Ward 6)
MOTION: Councilwoman Pritchett moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion was seconded by WWI
Councilman Welch and approved 7-0,
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilwoman Pritchett reported on the recent Vision committee meeting where discussions included
improved transparency, enhanced communication and the possibility of adding video streaming to the
city's website. Councilwoman Pritchett shared her attendance at an American Legion event sponsored by
the U.S., Georgia and Cobb Chambers of Commerce, stating that both she and Mayor Bacon, along with
representatives from 35-40 businesses were there. She made known that a prerequisite for participating
businesses was that they were looking to fill at least one opening with a qualified veteran, informing all of
the higher than average unemployment rate for that sector of job seekers. The Councilwoman mentioned a
function at Sparkles and an upcoming business roundtable meeting on the 27th. Mayor Bacon invited her to
talk about the 50th anniversary celebration for Argyle Elementary School and Councilwoman Pritchett
provided details and announced that an honorary plaque would be installed on the bridge near the school.
Councilwoman Blustein called on Ken Suddreth, who presented Community Development statistics for
January, highlighting a 200% increase. The Councilwoman shared her insight into the upward trend in real
estate, sharing her hope that progress would continue to be realized.
Councilwoman Anulewicz introduced Robert Porche, who delivered a revenue summary highlighting the
88% collection rate to date and projecting a surplus in the general fund. He shared that revenue from police,
court and parks and recreation was up while water and sewer fees were in line with budgeted amounts. Mr.
Porche shared that 911 was operating efficiently under budget. Mayor Bacon inquired about sanitation
collection fees being slightly less than expected and there was discussion about the delayed nature of
accounting for move out charges that impacted the report numbers. The Mayor raised the topic of the fuel
March 19, 2012 3
surcharge being reversed given the surplus in the general fund. Mr. Porche informed all present that the
matter was currently under review by staff and would be brought before Mayor and Council.
Councilwoman Anulewicz thanked Mr. Porche for a concise and informative report and called on Tiffany
Wallace, who announced the upcoming Jonquil City Jog and made known that the proceeds benefited
Campbell High School's Educational Foundation. Ms. Wallace extended the City's appreciation for the
support and contributions of sponsors Advanced Disposal, Covenant Christian School, Emory Adventist
Hospital, A een Day Spa, Georgia Power, Glenda Baker and Associate Realtors, MDJ, Primrose School
West, Stepped Up Fitness, ChikFil-A at South Cobb Dr., Community Bank of the South, West Stride and
Kenny's Great Pies for providing their pies to the winners. Ms. Wallace informed all that online
registration was available and that application forms could be downloaded from the city's website. She
reminded everyone of the upcoming spring Jonquil Festival and the Arthur T. Bacon Golf Tournament,
providing details on those activities. Councilwoman Anulewicz encouraged those interested in attaining a
qualifying time for the Peachtree Road Race to consider taking part in the Jonquil Jog and mentioned two
other golf tournament fundraisers being conducted. The Councilwoman announced the tournaments to be
held by Campbell High School and Belmont Hills Elementary. She shared with all present that her fifth
Monday meeting for Ward 3 residents would be taking place on April 30th.
Councilman Welch called on Ann Kirk, who offered the status of the community garden, encouraging
people to participate. She discussed the Williams Park neighborhood efforts in establishing the rain gardens
of Durham Park, acknowledging the special efforts of Keith Bentley. Ms. Kirk shared that the rain garden
project was paid for by the grant funds leftover from waste management. She announced the upcoming
shredding event and provided details. Councilman Welch stated that from 7-9 pm on April 12th he would be
SWIM hosting a Ward 4 town hall in the council chambers that would be open to all.
Susan Wilkinson called on Michael Seigler, who introduced library intern Stewart Temple. Mr. Temple
shared that he was a student at Valdosta University and a resident of Cobb County. He expressed his
gratitude to serve the City and the Mayor thanked him for his involvement. Mr. Seigler shared the
upcoming National Library Week and the radio broadcast being conducted out of the library by the
Epidemic Theater. Steve Ciaccio discussed the construction of a pavilion over the playground adjacent to
the library. He shared details about the upcoming flashlight Easter Egg Hunt and Movies by Moonlight
taking place at Tolleson Park, relaying the registration costs and providing the contact information for those
wanting to know more. Mr. Ciaccio encouraged all to participate in the Arthur T. Bacon Golf Tournament,
stating that registration was limited to the first 100 applicants. He discussed the planting of trees at Taylor-
Brawner Park informing all that phase one of the tree plan was complete and included the addition of over
story trees. Mr. Ciaccio made known that phase 2 would commence shortly and Councilman Lnenicka
expressed his appreciation for the trees being planted. The Mayor requested that the Arthur T. Bacon
tournament be added to the city event flyer and Mr. Ciaccio stated that would be done. Councilwoman
Wilkinson 'acknowledged former Councilman Smith, who was in attendance.
Councilman Lnenicka stated that court had no report and called on Kay Bolick, who announced that there
were currently a number of job postings and highlighted some of the positions available. She shared the
link on the city's website where job openings were available. The Councilman thanked Steve Ciaccio, Ann
Kirk, Ken Suddreth and Scott Stokes for their efforts in planting trees at Taylor Brawner Park and
maintaining that site as a green space park. He recognized the passing of Gene Sidwell, Smyrna resident
and speaker at the 2008 Memorial Day ceremony. Councilman Lnenicka shared that Mr. Sidwell was 94 at
the time of his death. He noted the significance of Mr. Sidwell's professional career encompassing its
inception as a member of Cavalry and its conclusion as a pilot of weaponized jets for Strategic Air
Command. The Councilman commented on the remarkable transition of technology during the course of
March 19, 2012 4
one lifetime. He expressed his condolences to Mr. Sidwell's family. Councilman Lnenicka made known
that Smyrna resident Nancy Koningsmark, advisor and activist with the Carter administration, had also .�.
passed. He shared that Ms. Koningsmark was connected with the highest level of politics and world
leaders, sharing comments made by President and Mrs. Carter about her passing. He reminded all that
Smyrna was diverse and full of fascinating people that were a benefit to the community at large.
Councilman Lnenicka extended his condolences to the family of Ms. Koningsmark.
Councilman Fennel called on Stan Hook, who shared that a neighborhood watch training program that had
taken place in Smyrna. Chief Hook made known that Lieutenant Joe Bennett graduated from Quantico and
supplied statistics for enforcement conducted over the St. Patrick's Day holiday. Councilman Lnenicka
shared that the Marietta Daily Journal had favorably reported on Smyrna's jail staff and facility in a recent
article from which he read aloud. Councilman Fennel provided an update for Fire Station #5 and talked
about filming being conducted in Smyrna and throughout the state of Georgia. Councilman Fennel stated
that the activity was due to a statewide initiative to bring Hollywood production to Georgia. He announced
Whitfield Academy's championship basketball team and the school's upcoming celebrity wheelchair
basketball game. The Councilman also mentioned Nickajack Elementary's successful golf tournament. He
shared his appreciation for public safety and city staff in general, praising the quality of personnel and
specifically mentioning Public Works, Community Development and Keep Smyrna Beautiful. Councilman
Fennel brought up the issue of signs in Ward 7 being removed during election season and stated that a sign
had mysteriously appeared on Gurney O. Bane Bridge. He shared that the plaque read Moonbeam Bridge
and held up the sign with the moniker. He expressed his desire to learn of the party responsible and
remarked on the nature of the sign as a publicity stunt.
SHOW CAUSE HEARINGS: ..f
Mayor Bacon stated that there were none.
CITIZEN INPUT:
Alex Backry of 3459 Shawnee Trail relayed his dismay at the rental charges for rooms at the Community
Center. He stated his understanding that taxes paid for those facilities and disagreed with usage fees for
taxpayers. He requested that a motion be made to place citizen comment back at the beginning of the
meeting. Mr. Backry questioned the median household income contained in the Hickory Lakes brochure,
seeking cl?nfication of how that figure was determined. He opined that given the large number of
apartment residents, illegal immigrants and unemployed that the high median was unlikely. Mr. Backry
shared the taxpayers' desire for town hall meetings, praised those conducted by Bob Ott and informed all
present of the upcoming meeting to be hosted by Tim Lee.
Joe Velkovich of 2711 Matthews St. asked for a solution to commuters speeding through his neighborhood.
Councilwoman Anulewicz shared that her email in response to him had bounced back. Mr. Velkovich
stated that lines and officers would not solve the problem. The Councilwoman explained the involved
process of approving speed humps through GDOT and made known that she was happy to meet and discuss
options with Mr. Velkovich immediately following the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT --
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:17 o'clock p.m.
March 19, 2012 5
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A. AX BACON, MAYOR SUSA D. HIOTT, ITY CLERK •
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lar ' ' I ► ETT, ARD 1 ANDREA BLUSTEIN, WARD 2
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TERI ANULEWICZ, WARD 3 CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4
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SUSAN WILK ' ON WARD 5 WADE S. LNENICKA, WARD 6
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