04-02-2012 April 2, 2012 Mayor and Council Meeting
April 2, 2012
All council members were present except Councilwoman Anulewicz. Also present were City Administrator
Eric Taylor, Assistant City Administrator Tammi Saddler, City Attorney Jeffrey Tucker, City Clerk Susan
Hiott, Community Development Director Ken Suddreth, 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 7:33 o'clock p.m.
Mayor Bacon called on Deacon Earl Jackson of St. Thomas Catholic Church, who conducted the
invocation and led all present in the pledge to the flag.
AGENDA CHANGES:
Mayor Bacon stated that item 6(A) would be tabled and item 6(B) would be heard on May 7th.
MAYOR'S REPORT:
(A) Proclamation in Recognition of Whitefield Academy Boys Basketball Team in Winning the GHSA
State Championship Title
"I" The Mayor acknowledged Coach Tyrone Johnson and the team members present, calling on Councilman
Fennel to read aloud the proclamation. The Councilman expressed his opinion that the school was an asset
to Ward 7 and acknowledged the growth of that establishment in the community after which he read aloud
the proclamation, recognizing recipients Khalen Pinkett, Berto Dryden, Jordan Coar, Kris Martin, Lorenzo
Carter, Eric Lockett, Gerald Render, Kenneth Gaines, Braelen Phillips, Matt Olson, Everett Pollard, Head
Coach Tyrone Johnson, Assistant Coaches Eddie James, Steve Simpson, and Jeff Baker, Scorekeeper Will
McNeeley, Statisticians Matt Milburn and Ricardo Russ, Film Technician Smith Curry and Managers
Jaylen Hudson and Nile Ball. The Mayor invited the team to come to the podium where he presented a
framed proclamation and newspaper article about the championship team. Mayor Bacon announced to all
present that Coach Johnson had been recognized by the Georgia High School Association and Cobb County
as the Coach of the Year. It was made known that Kenenth Gaines had been honored as the player of the
year and there was discussion about the college plans of the three graduating seniors, after which the team
presented The Mayor with a signed basketball.
4. LAND ISSUES/ZONINGS/ANNEXATIONS:
Mayor Bacon stated that there were none.
5. PRIVILEGE LICENSES:
(A) Public Hearing -New application-privilege license for operation of Title Pawn and Precious Metal
Dealership-Community Loans of America Inc dba Georgia Auto Pawn-James L Smith 111-1725 Spring Rd
(TA)
The Mayor asked the applicant to approach and called on Mr. Taylor, who provided the background. Mr.
Taylor confirmed that the application was for a title pawn only and made known that the Smyrna police
April 2,2012 2
department had conducted a background investigation and found nothing to preclude the issuance of the
license. Mr. Smith had been a resident for more than one year and agreed to abide by the ordinances of the
City. Mr. Taylor stated that staff had reviewed the item and recommended approval.
Mayor Bacon stated that this was a public hearing and called for comment. There was none.
Councilwoman Blustein inquired how long Mr. Smith had been a Smyrna resident and was informed that
he had lived in Cobb County since 1997. The Councilwoman confirmed that the license request was for the
title pawn portion only and the Mayor shared the location of the business.
MOTION: Councilwoman Blustein moved to approve the privilege license for operation of Title Pawn by
Community Loans of America Inc dba Georgia Auto Pawn-James L Smith I1I-1725 Spring Rd. Motion was
seconded by Councilwoman Pritchett and approved 6-0.
6. FORMAL BUSINESS:
(A) Appointment of Ward 5 Representative to Tree Board- Tabled to May 7, 2012 (SW)
(B) Public Hearing- Approval of Ordinance 2012-05 adding Article VIII, Sections 22-315-330, a Filming
Ordinance to Chapter 22 of the City's Code of Ordinances (AB)
MOTION: The Mayor announced that item (B) would be tabled to May 7th. Motion was seconded by
Councilman Lnenicka and approved 6-0.
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MOTION: Councilwoman Wilkinson move to table appointment of Ward 5 Representative to Tree Board
to May 7th. Motion was seconded by Councilman Fennel and approved 6-0.
7. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS:
(A) Approval of commercial building permit to RaceTrac Petroleum, Inc. at 2550 Spring Road (MP)
The Mayor called on Mr. Taylor, who provided the background including the cost of the project. He shared
that staff had reviewed the item and recommended approval of certification of the permit.
MOTION: Councilwoman Pritchett moved to approve commercial building permit to RaceTrac Petroleum,
Inc. at 2550 Spring Road. Motion was seconded by Councilman Welch and approved 6-0
8. CONSENT AGENDA:
Mayor Bacon called on Mr. Taylor, who read aloud the consent agenda.
(A) Approval of March 19, 2012 Mayor and Council Minutes
(B) Approval to use Council Chambers on April 12, 2012 from 7:00-9:00 pm for a Ward 4 meeting
(C) Approval of Receipt and Deposit Policy
MOTION: Councilwoman Pritchett moved to approve the consent agenda. Motion was seconded by
Councilman Fennel and approved 6-0.
April 2,2012 3
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilwoman Pritchett discussed the construction congestion at Spring Rd. and Cumberland Blvd. due to
gas line repairs being conducted. She noted that the extensive impact on traffic had been underestimated
and that steps had been taken to rectify the problem and prevent similar situations in the future. The
Councilwoman shared that she had attended Keep Smyrna Beautiful's annual banquet where the efforts of
KSB volunteers were recognized. She made known that a check displaying a monetary representation of
donated hours was presented in the amount of$357,901 dollars and expressed her gratitude to the
volunteers and her appreciation of the great work performed by Keep Smyrna Beautiful. Councilwoman
Pritchett discussed the 50th celebration of Argyle Elementary, praising the turnout and relaying details
about the event.
Councilwoman Blustein stated that she did not have a report, wished everyone a happy holiday and thanked
those in attendance for their community involvement.
Councilman Welch delivered a brief report for Public Works including the clean-up of the property on
Concord Rd. and Dunton. The Councilman invited all present to attend his upcoming town hall.
Councilwoman Wilkinson announced the upcoming performance by Epidemic Radio to be held at the City
Library as well as a book signing event featuring four local authors. She relayed the success of Parks and
Recreation first annual flashlight Easter egg hunt and moonlight movie held at Tolleson Park where nearly
600 people were in attendance. The Councilwoman announced the next movie night would be held at
Taylor Brawner Park and provided the dates, times and entry fee requirements for the upcoming Arthur T.
Bacon Golf Tournament.
Councilman Lnenicka thanked the residents and HOAs of Vinings Forest and Vinings Glen for inviting him
to attend their meetings. He shared that he would be at the upcoming Vintage Square gathering and wished
everyone celebrating holidays a good week. The Councilman shared that the City would be hosting a
Memorial Day ceremony and provided the date and time of the event. Councilman Lnenicka made known
that guest speakers would include a medal of honor recipient and a representative of the Wounded Warriors
Foundation. He encouraged all to attend the family-oriented activity and reminded all that personalized
marble pavers could be installed in Smyrna's Veteran's Memorial. The Councilman commented on a
message received from a Ward 6 constituent requesting that citizen input be placed at the beginning of the
council meeting. Councilman Lnenicka expressed his support of citizen comment being heard after the
conclusion of scheduled business items. He emphasized the value of citizen's right to address its governing
body and reminded all that city staff and Council could be contacted at any time. He encouraged all to seek
immediate response to their questions and concerns by utilizing the City's extensive channels of
communication rather than waiting until the Council meeting to be heard. Councilman Lnenicka reminded
all that city offices would be closed for Good Friday.
Councilman Fennel commented on the filming activity in Smyrna and expressed his support of the
economic boost that industry brought to the area. He thanked the Marshalls for following up on citizen
feedback and encouraged residents to continue taking an active role in improving their communities. He
cited specifically the mitigation and postings near Weatherbrook subdivision as a result of citizen input.
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Councilman Fennel shared that the public safety committee would deliver an update on the progress of fire
station#5 at the next council meeting and remarked that the project was currently at the foundation pouring
level. Councilman Fennel reminded all of the strict DUI enforcement in the City and encouraged all to
exercise caution during the holiday season. He relayed that the diligent efforts of the police department had
resulted in the capture of those responsible for recent break-ins and extended his appreciation.
April 2,2012 4
Mr. Taylor announced upcoming Good Friday closings and the modifications to city operating schedules.
The Mayor shared his attendance at a breakfast hosted at Woodland Terrace, commenting on the quality of
the facility and the satisfaction of the residents.
SHOW CAUSE HEARINGS:
Mayor Bacon stated that there were none.
CITIZEN INPUT:
Alex Backry, residing at 3459 Shawnee Trl., expressed his opinion that citizen input should be held at the
beginning of the meeting. He explained that asking residents to wait through potentially lengthy meetings
before offering an opportunity to be heard discouraged participation. Mr. Backry requested that a motion to
move citizen input to the beginning of the agenda be voted on by Council at an upcoming meeting. He
commented that residents had concerns they would like to discuss at length and called for a city wide town
hall. He praised the town hall meetings in the individual Wards and stated that he would like to see one take
place in Ward 6 in addition to a city wide meeting. Mr. Backry mentioned the Mayor's upcoming town hall
for business owners and expressed his desire that town halls conducted by County officials be announced at
Council meetings.
Al Graves of 1079 Pinehurst Dr. stated his disapproval of the City's recent purchase of the property on
Concord Rd. He opined that the rapidity of the deal conducted through the DDA raised concerns. He shared
that residing close to the property he had driven past the lot for years. Mr. Graves remarked that it had
existed so long in a dilapidated condition that he did not understand the need for the expediency of the
purchase utilizing reserve funds. He stated that the quick decision did not allow citizen's adequate time to
discuss their concerns. Mr. Graves cited the numerous departments in the City that were equipped to take
action regarding the appearance of the property. He commented on the number of vacant buildings
surrounding that lot and questioned why existing avenues to improve the appearance were not pursued in
lieu of spending taxpayer dollars.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 o'clock p.m.
April 2,2012 5
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A. MAX BACON, MAYOR SU AN D. HIOTT, CITY CLERK
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ME. LE ,Y ' ' CHETT, WARD 1 ANDREA BLUSTEIN, WARD 2
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T RI ANULEWIC ARD 3 CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD—4
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AN WILK SON, WARD 5 WADE S. LNENICKA, ARD 6
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RO ENNEL, WARD 7