01-22-2013 January 22, 2013 Mayor and Council Minutes City of Smyrna
2800 King Street
Smyrna, GA 30080
www.smyrnacity.corn
E.Z4 . ‘,. 1 ,4
Meeting Minutes - Final
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
7:30 PM
Council Chambers
City Council
City Council Meeting Minutes-Final January 22,2013
mow
Call to Order
Present: 8- Mayor Max Bacon, Councilmember Melleny Pritchett, Councilmember
Andrea Blustein, Councilmember Teri Anulewicz, Councilmember Charles
Welch, Councilmember Susan Wilkinson, Councilmember Wade Lnenicka
and Councilmember Ron Fennel
Also Present: 9- Scott Cochran, Samantha Kasraie, Jessica Melton, Christy Ullman, Mike
Brown, Jason Lanyon, Steve Ciaccio, Jennifer Bennett and Chris Addicks
1. Invocation and Pledge:
The Mayor called on Pastor Mike Parker,who gave the invocation and led all in
the pledge to the flag.
2. Agenda Changes:
tabling 4(A)public hearing
The Mayor stated that item 4(A)would be tabled until the February 18th,2013
meeting.
3. Mayoral Report:
The Mayor stated that there was none.
mow
4. Land Issues/Zonings/Annexations:
Public Hearing-Zoning Request Z12-009 - Modification of currently
approved site plans and building elevations - 6.23 Acre Tract- Land
Lots 620 and 677 -4560 South Cobb Drive - Columbia Properties, Inc.
Tabled from December 17, 2012 meeting, to be tabled to February 18,
2013 meeting.
Sponsors: Lnenicka
The Mayor announced that this was a public hearing and called for citizen
input.There was none.Councilman Lnenicka noted that he,along with
Councilman Fennel, wanted to meet with nearby neighborhoods to discuss
the proposed plans and gather input. Councilmember Lnenicka,seconded by
Councilmember Fennel,that this Zoning be tabled to February 18,2013.The
motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein, Councilmember
Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
5. Privilege Licenses:
The Mayor stated that there were none.
NNW
City of Smyrna Page 1 Printed on 2/412013
City Council Meeting Minutes-Final January 22,2013
olopm
6. Formal business:
vow
City of Smyrna Page 2 Printed on 2/4/2013
City Council Meeting Minutes-Final January 22,2013
MOM
Public Hearing - Charter Amendment- Ordinance#2012-23
Amending Section 6 (c)- Redistricting Plan of the Seven Wards of the
City of Smyrna. Tabled from December 17th, 2012 meeting- To be
voted on February 4 , 2013 meeting
Ron Fennel was called to speak
Mayor Bacon announced the public hearing on the charter amendment 2012-23
and called on Mr.Taylor to provide the background.It was explained that the
districts were being redrawn to accommodate census results and that a Ward
specific meeting had been held to address concerns raised at the previous
public hearing.Mr.Taylor shared that the proposed map incorporated citizen
input and presented a solution taking that input into account.He explained that
two votes were required for this item and that one would be taking place that
evening.The Mayor announced that this was a public hearing,a map of the
proposed districting was displayed and he called on Linda Meggers,who had
been hired to oversee the redistricting process.
Ms.Meggers detailed the process and the changes made from the original
proposal.She presented the displayed map and explained that the Rose
Garden and Davenport communities had raised concerns about being
combined in Ward 2, preferring to remain split between districts.
Councilwoman Anulewicz stated that the feedback from those communities
had been unanticipated.She noted that from the beginning of the process
Council had tried to take into consideration the desire of the residents in those '^
neighborhoods to unite. Ms.Meggers responded that she felt she was able to
satisfactorily explain to the members of the community what changes were
feasible without substantial ripple effects into other districts.Councilwoman
Anulewicz expressed her comfort with this map given the feedback from the
neighborhood meeting,the resolve from the community and the efforts of the
City to defer to the wishes of those residents.Councilwoman Blustein stated
that council tried hard to reunite those communities but that citizens were not
pleased with original proposal.She stated her acceptance of the new plan due
to the fact that the community was happy with the solution.
Councilwoman Wilkinson expressed to Ward 5 constituents that Ward 5
changed very little other than Surrey Park,a condominium complex,shifting
into Ward 3.The Mayor stated that there were major changes to Wards 7,4 and
3.Councilman Fennel detailed the challenge that takes place every 10 years to,
according to constitution,achieve parity with districting.He noted the major
changes in Ward 7 due to the exceptional growth in that area and highlighted
some of the new boundaries of Ward 7.Councilman Fennel mentioned the
upcoming town hall for the zoning committee as an example of cross Ward
cooperation on matters.
Councilman Fennel thanked Ms.Megers for her assistance and confirmed that
the meeting held with Rose Garden and Davenport,and the resultant map
drawn following the conclusion of that session,would meet the expectations
of both the Justice Department and the residents.Ms.Meggers offered that she
was confident it met the needs of the neighborhood even though there were
some that still prefered being kept together.She highlighted that there was no
boundary to separate those communities from the adjoining apartment
complex and that once residents understood that limitation they were willing to
reach a compromise.She elaborated that the plan was in compliance with the
City of Smyrna Page 3 Printed on 2/4/2013
City Council Meeting Minutes-Final January 22,2013
room
justice gudileines requiring that there be no retrogression and Councilman
Fennel clarified that neither of the two proposed plans contained
retrogression,though the original plan had a slightly higher percentage of
minorities. It was concluded that there was high confidence the Department of
Justice would appreciate the map that incorporated the input from the
residents in attendance at the meeting and that it would be an acceptable plan.
A motion was made by Councilmember Anulewicz,seconded by
Councilmember Welch,that this Authorization be approved.The motion carried
by the following vote:
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein, Councilmember
Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
Appointment of Ward 2 Representative to Keep Smyrna Beautiful to
fulfill a term to expire December 31, 2013
Sponsors: Blustein
A motion was made by Councilwoman Blustein to appoint Pamela Dobb as
Ward 2 representative to Keep Smyrna Beautiful to fulfill a term to expire
December 31,2013.The motion was seconded by Councilmember Pritchett,
that this Appointment be approved.The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein, Councilmember
Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
Appointment of Ward 2 Representative to the Smyrna Hospital
Authority for a term to expire May 2016
Sponsors: Blustein
A motion was made by Councilmember Blustein to appoint Ron Gooden as
Ward 2 representative to the Smyrna Hospital Authority for a term to expire
May,2016.Motion was seconded by Councilmember Pritchett,that this
Appointment be approved.The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein, Councilmember
Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
Appointment of Board Member to Downtown Development Authority to
fulfill a term to expire April 2013
A motion was made by Councilmember Anulewicz to appoint Jim Duelmer to
serve on the Downtown Development Authority to fulfill a term to expire April,
2013.Motion was seconded by Councilmember Pritchett,that this Appointment
be approved.The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein, Councilmember
Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
WNW Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
City of Smyrna Page 4 Printed on 2/4/2013
City Council Meeting Minutes-Final January 22,2013
Approval of the hiring of a Library Director
Sponsors: Wilkinson
The Mayor called on Mr.Taylor,who provided the background that Mary
Wallace Moore would be relocating from Huntsville,AL to start February 25,
2013.Councilwoman Wilkinson announced that Ms.Moore had over 15 years
experience with the Huntsville/Madison public library. A motion was made by
Councilmember Wilkinson,seconded by Councilmember Welch,that this
Appointment be approved.The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein, Councilmember
Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
Approval of the hiring of a Chief of Police
Sponsors: Fennel
Mr.Taylor announced that Mr.David Lee would be replacing Stan Hook as
Police Chief and officially assume his role on February 4,2013.Councilman
Fennel stated his pleasure at being involved in the search for the position,that
he was pleased to announce the appointment of David Lee and invited Chief
Lee to speak.Chief Lee thanked all for their support,sharing his excitement at
working with the fine officers and residents of Smyrna and stating his ,,
committment to the City.A motion was made by Councilmember Fennel.A
second by Councilwoman Pritchett was recognized by the Mayor,that this
Appointment be approved.The Mayor welcomed Chief Lee and thanked
Councilman Fennel for his level of participation.The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein, Councilmember
Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
Approval of 2013 Commercial Sanitation Rates
Mr.Taylor explained that there was a 3%escalator clause for in the City's
contract with Advanced Disposal,effective March 1,2013.Rather than the City
absorbing that cost,it was recommended that the charge be passed along to
the commercial sanitation users.Councilwoman Anulewicz emphasized that
this was a pass through of the fee increase from the provider.A motion was
made by Councilmember Anulewicz,seconded by Councilmember Pritchett,
that this Authorization be approved.The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6- Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein, Councilmember
Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Fennel
Nay: 1 - Councilmember Lnenicka
City of Smyrna Page 5 Printed on 2/4/2013
City Council Meeting Minutes-Final January 22,2013
Approval of Ordinance 2013-01 amending Article I, Chapter 86,
Section 86-4 Service Rates -City of Smyrna Code of Ordinances
Mr.Taylor shared that an ordinance was approved the previous year to pass
along water rate increases at the same time and at the same rate that they
increased form the provider.Staff recommended the same procedure be used
for sanitation rate increases.Councilwoman Anulewicz noted that it was a
business decision to pass through the commericial rate increases and that it
would be enacted as an ordinance.A motion was made by Councilmember
Anulewicz,seconded by Councilmember Welch,that this Rate Increase be
approved.The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5- Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein, Councilmember
Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch and Councilmember Fennel
Nay: 2- Councilmember Wilkinson and Councilmember Lnenicka
7. Commercial Building Permits:
8. Consent Agenda:
The Mayor asked that Mr.Taylor read aloud the Consent Agenda.A motion was
made by Councilmember Pritchett,seconded by Councilmember Fennel,that
this be approved.The motion carried by the following vote:
mow
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein, Councilmember
Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
Approval of January 7, 2013 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes
Approval to use Council Chambers on January 17, 2013 from 6:00-10:00
pm for The Heritage of Vinings HOA Meeting in Ward 6
Sponsors: Lnenicka
Approval of Street Paving Projects List
City of Smyrna Page 6 Printed on 2/4/2013
City Council Meeting Minutes-Final January 22,2013 ..
9. Committee Reports:
Councilman Fennel called on Acting Chief Mike Brown,who expressed his
gratitude to Chief Hook for his 23 years of service,wishing him well.He
welcomed Chief David Lee,on behalf of the Police Department,and lauded his
character and leadership reputation.Acting Chief Brown announced the new
hires coming on board to resolve short staffing issues and provided an update
on the injured motorcycle officers.He relayed the successful outcome of a
recent car-jacking,the closure of a 1998 case and multiple arrests in a burglary
ring that resulted in recovery of stolen goods.He announced statistics for the
year and the status of a grant for an automatic license plate reader.
Fire Chief Lanyon stated that the department was short staffed and in the
process of hiring. He brought up winter safety issues and offered safety tips
for weather related hazards,including the proper installation and usage of
wood stoves,fireplaces,furnaces,electric space heaters and frozen water
pipes.He expressed the importance of working smoke detectors and there was
discussion about a recent tragedy where smoke detectors were not in
operation.Chief Lanyon encouraged all to prepare for storms,where rescue
assistance might not be immediately available,directing all to ready.gov for a
checklist of essential items and emergency procedure manuals.The Mayor
asked that Chief Lanyon discuss outside burning and it was confirmed that
there was none permitted in Smyrna.He noted that there were stipulations for
recreational fires and urged all interested to contact the fire department.He
remarked that anyone burning rubbish would be violating EPA standards as
well as city regulations and prosecuted accordingly.
Councilman Lnenicka called on Kay Bolick,who delivered a report on Human
Resources.She stated that the positions for Tolleson Pool were being filled,
along with some other part-time positions.She shared that HR had been busy
with several position closings and a large number of applications being
received.She discussed the ways in which resumes could be submitted and
the fact that HR was in the process of switching over to a new online
application system,providing contact information and details. Councilman
Lnenicka expressed his gratitude to Ms.Bolick for her dedication,thanked the
Vinings Glen HOA for inviting him to their annual meeting and commented that
he had been honored to meet with the Heritage at Vinings HOA. He announced
an upcoming meeting to be held in conjunction with Councilman Welch and
the Forest Hills preservation group.
Councilwoman Wilkinson called on Steve Ciaccio,who announced that the
spring and summer recreational guide would be available soon. He shared that
Smyrna would host its first Bridal Show on February 17th at the Taylor Brawner
Hall and provided contact information for those wishing additional details.The
Councilwoman called on Ms.Tammi Saddler-Jones,who announced the
upcoming library events including the Murder Goes South festival.Ms.
Saddler-Jones shared the reading with Ringling Brothers program that offered
a chance for kids to earn a free ticket to the circus.She made known the
contact information for those parents wishing to learn more.
Councilman Welch stated that the weather had delayed public works projects ..
throughout the City.Ann Kirk of Keep Smyrna Beautiful announced the
upcoming shredding event at the Wolfe Center on March 16,2013 and provided
dates and details for the spring gardening classes.Ms. Kirk discussed the
City of Smyrna Page 7 Printed on 2/4/2013
City Council Meeting Minutes-Final January 22,2013
MOWN
adopt-a-mile event,Smyrna community garden and shared that jonquils and
seedlings were available at the recycling center.
Councilwoman Anulewicz invited Finance Director Toni Jo Howard,who stated
that public utilities bills had been mailed and that delinquent property taxes
would be going out.Community Relations Director Jennifer Bennett reminded
all to follow the social media feeds for Smyrna events.She noted that the
meetings were anticipated to go live,using the Granicus system,within the
next few months. Councilwoman Anulewicz welcomed the new Police Chief
and Library Director.She expressed her gratitude to Michael Seigler and Chief
Hook for their years of service.
Councilwoman Blustein called on Ken Suddreth,who provided a report for
2012 Community Development statistics, noting that it was up across the
board from 2011.Councilwoman Blustein commented on the upward housing
market trend.
Councilwoman Pritchett announced that the Vision Committee anticipated
meeting in the next few weeks.She commented on the transition to the
Granicus software and thanked Management Fellow Jessica Melton,along with
members of the transition team,for their efforts during the implementation
process. The Councilwoman remarked that the City was continuing to work
towards live streaming and that it would be quite an accomplishment.
Mr.Taylor highlighted the ongoing SPLOST projects and offered an update.He
shared that the Ward St.connector,which the City was contractually obligated
with the school system to complete by July 2013,was running ahead of
schedule and that the City's first roundabout was located on Ward Street.Mr.
Taylor noted that the Concord Rd.improvements contract had been awarded to
C.W.Matthews and that they had been working with utilities to move power
lines and cables.Mr.Taylor stated that construction was anticipated to
commence within the next month or two.He announced the Tolleson pool
house was being completely renovated and provided the website
www.smyrnasplost.com for those wishing to learn more about the funded
projects throughout the City.He stated that he was looking forward to working
with the new Library Director and Police Chief.
City Attorney Scott Cochran yielded with no report.
Interim City Clerk Samantha Kasraie thanked all for their patience with the
Granicus implementation process.
10. Show Cause Hearings:
Mayor Bacon stated that there were none.
11. Citizen Input:
Mayor Bacon stated that there were none.
12. Adjournment:
Mayor Bacon declared the meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
City of Smyrna Page 8 Printed on 2/4/2013
January 22,2013 7
,lita/144 t "f/(i?
A. MAX BACON, MAYOR SA1VIANTHA KASRAIE;INTERIM CITY CLERK
MEL -► Y P'. HETT, WARD 1 ANDREA BLUSTEIN, WARD 2
UOJO__d_5
TERI ANULEWIC ARD 3 CHARLES
RLES A.WELCH, WARD 4
A/k
SUSAN WILKIN 'ON, WARD 5 WADE S. LNENICKA, WARD 6
C�2�tiG
ON FENNEL, WARD 7
MOM
ORDINANCE NO. 2013-01
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA PROVIDING FOR THE
AMENDMENT OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA,
GEORGIA, THAT SECTION 86-4 SERVICE RATES — GENERALLY, OF ARTICLE
I, CHAPTER 86, SOLID WASTE BE AMEDED AS FOLLOWS:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA,
GEORGIA:
Sec 86-4—Service Rates - Generally
Rates or charges for city sanitation service shall be as prescribed by the mayor and council,
schedules of which are on file in the city clerk's office. Service rates shall periodically adjust
in the same manner and at the same percentage that the rates that suppliers or service
providers charge the city and the adjustment shall become effective at the time that the new
rate charged by the supplier is effective.
All ordinances, parts of ordinances, or regulations in conflict herewith are repealed as of
effe;five date of this ordinance.
Severability: Should any section of this Ordinance be declared invalid or unconstitutional by
any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the
Ordinance as a whole or any part thereof which is not specifically declared to be invalid or
unconstitutional.
Approved by Mayor and Council this 22°" day of January, 2013
Attest: A. Max Bacon, Mayor
Jr
Samantha Kasraie, nterim City Clerk
City of Smyrna
Approved as to form:
WON
Scott • . Cochran, -1 y Attor
City of Smyrna