05-18-2015 M&C Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LFCity of Smyrna
Meeting Minutes - Final
City Council
2800 King Street
Smyrna, Georgia 30080
Monday, May 18, 2015 7:30 PM Council Chambers
Rollcall
Present: 7 - Mayor pro tem/Councilmember Melleny Pritchett, Councilmember Andrea
Blustein, Councilmember Teri Anulewicz, Councilmember Charles Welch,
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson, Councilmember Wade Lnenicka and
Councilmember Ron Fennel
Also Present: 14 - Kay Bolick, David Lee, Roy Acree, Scott Cochran, Scott Stokes, Toni Jo
Howard, Ken Suddreth, Heather Corn, Terri Graham, Mary Moore, Steve
Ciaccio, Jennifer Bennett, Dat Luu and Ann Kirk
Call to Order
The May 18, 2015 Meeting of the Mayor and Council was called to order at 7:30PM
by Mayor A. Max Bacon.
Invocation and Pledge:
Pastor Susan Taylor from Bethany United Methodist Church located at 760 Hurt
Road, Smyrna GA, delivered the invocation and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Agenda Changes:
Mayor Bacon noted there were three agenda changes as follows:
Item 4A would be tabled until the June 15, 2015 Mayor and Council Meeting
Item 5A would be tabled until the June 15, 2015 Mayor and Council Meeting
Item 6C would be tabled until the June 1, 2015 Mayor and Council Meeting.
3. Mayoral Report:
A. Proclamation in Recognition of Memorial Day Poppy Weekend (May
23-25, 2015)
Sponsors: Welch
Councilmember Charles (Corkey) Welch read a Proclamation in recognition of
Memorial Day Poppy Weekend, May 23-25, 2015.
4. Land Issues/Zonings/Annexations:
A. Public Hearing - Zoning Request Z15-002 - Rezoning of the subject
property from Residential Townhouse District (RTD) to General
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Commercial (GC) for use of the property for commercial purposes -
5.039 Acres - Land Lot 342 - Vacant landlocked property off South
Cobb Drive at the terminus of Ask -Kay Drive - William L. Askea.
Request to table to June 15, 2015 by applicant.
Sponsors: Wilkinson
A motion was made by Councilmember Susan Wilkinson to table zoning request
Z15-002 to June 15, 2015 for the Rezoning of the subject property from Residential
Townhouse District (RTD) to General Commercial (GC) for use of the property for
commercial purposes - 5.039 Acres - Land Lot 342 - Vacant landlocked property off
South Cobb Drive at the terminus of Ask -Kay Drive - William L. Askes, seconded by
Councilmember Wade Lnenicka. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7- Mayor pro tem/Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein,
Councilmember Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember
Wilkinson, Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
5. Privilege Licenses:
A. Public Hearing - Variance Request - V15-022 - Allow pouring of wine
and malt beverages at a restaurant within 600 feet from a public
school and 200 feet from residential property - Land Lot 634 - 0.55
Acres - 1651 Roswell Street - Gursha Ethiopian Cuisine. Table to
June 15, 2015
Sponsors: Anulewicz
A motion was made by Councilmember Teri Anulewicz to table V15-022 to June 15,
2015 for a variance request to allow pouring of wine and malt beverages at a
restaurant within 600 feet from a public school and 200 feet from residential property
in Land Lot 634 on 0.55 Acres located at 1651 Roswell Street the business is Gursha
Ethiopian Cuisine, seconded by Councilmember Wade Lnenicka. The motion carried
by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Mayor pro tem/Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein,
Councilmember Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember
Wilkinson, Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
B. Public Hearing - Privilege License Request 2015-159 - Beer and Wine
Package - 3440 East-West Connection - SF Markets LLC dba Sprouts
Farmers Market #518 with Richard Alan Ramey as agent.
Sponsors: Lnenicka
Mr. Richard Alan Ramey, agent for this privilege license request was present and
came forward to the podium with his attorney, Ms. Dana Eisenstein.
Mayor Bacon requested the background be read by Interim City Administrator Toni Jo
Howard. She stated that Richard Alan Ramey will be the registered agent,
responsible for the sale of alcohol at the referenced location. Mr. Ramey has been
given a copy of the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance and attended the mandatory
alcohol awareness workshop. A background investigation conducted by the Smyrna
Police Department failed to reveal information that would preclude issuance of this
license. Richard Alan Ramey has agreed to abide by the guidelines set forth by the
City of Smyrna ordinance governing the sale of alcohol. Approval was recommended
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by staff for a privilege license for the sale of beer and wine (retail package) for SF
Markets LLC dba Sprouts Farmers Market #518 with Richard Alan Ramey as the
registered agent.
Mayor Bacon called the Public hearing and no one came forward to make comment.
Councilmember Lnenicka welcomed Mr. Ramey and Ms. Eisenstein and asked Mr.
Ramey if he had indeed read the City's Alcohol Ordinance and his response was yes,
he has read and he understood the ordinance.
It was then asked by Councilmember Lnenicka if Mr. Ramey could explain the
process by which employees and staff would be trained in the new store. The agent
responded by detailing the store's policies and procedures, such as everyone who
would be handling beverages would have to complete a responsible alcohol seminar
and get their City Server's permit. There would be front end training which would
include the laws and regulations for selling alcohol beverages not only in the State of
Georgia but also in the City of Smyrna. Their Point of Sale (POS) system does not
allow sales before 8:OOAM, Monday through Saturday and before 12:OO13M on
Sundays. The POS system would prompt the clerk to enter identification for each
sale. Mr. Ramey acknowledged that all employees are made aware of their potential
liabilities.
Councilmember Lnenicka asked Mr. Ramey if he knew and understood the
difference between an underage Georgia Driver's License and an of -age Georgia
Driver's License. Mr. Ramey noted the differences as the underage being a vertical
ID vs. the of -age being a horizontal ID.
Mr. Ramey was questioned as to how often he would be present at the store. He
stated he expected to be there once a week after the store was running smoothly.
With that response, he was asked who would be responsible in his absences and Mr.
Ramey said there would be a Store Manager team that would run daily operations
and they would be attending the same training as all persons handling alcohol. There
was also a District Director who would be present from time to time to assist the
Store Manager team.
Councilmember Lnenicka asked if the agent was aware of the compliance checks
conducted by the Smyrna Police Department. Yes, he was aware of those checks as
were all employees and managers.
The store would have a formal grand opening on June 10th, 2015 and hours would
be from 7:OOam-10:OOpm daily. The store closed for Christmas Day. On June 9th
from 3:OOpm - 7:OOpm there would be a preview party where local vendors and
distributors would be present to meet customers. The concept of Sprouts is Healthy
Living for Less. They typically carry a wide range of organic and natural products,
fruits, vegetables, meats, and boxed products.
Councilmember Fennel asked what kind of offerings would be in the beverage
department and an extensive range of craft and microbrews as well as a broad range
of wines was mentioned.
Councilmember Teri Anulewicz asked if Sprouts carried any private label offerings
and the answer was yes.
The public hearing was announced again and no one came forward to speak for or
against this item.
A motion was made by Councilmember Wade Lnenicka to approve a privilege
license request 2015-159 for beer and wine package located at 3440 East-West
Connection applicant SF Markets LLC dba Sprouts Farmers Market #518 with
Richard Alan Ramey as agent seconded by Councilmember Ron Fennel. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Mayor pro tem/Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein,
Councilmember Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember
Wilkinson, Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
Formal business:
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A. Approval of Amendment to the City of Smyrna's Code of Ordinances
Chapter 6 entitled Alcoholic Beverages Part II; Article Il; Hours of
Operation: Section 6-61 (e) and (f)
Sponsors: Blustein
Councilmember Ron Fennel made an announcement to recuse himself for
professional reasons for Items 6A and 6B. He left the meeting at 7:56PM.
Mayor Bacon asked Ms. Toni Jo Howard to read the background for this item and
stated Hotel Sundry Shop/Hotel Reception Licensees shall not sell except between
the hours of 8:00 AM and 11:45 PM Monday through Saturday and Sunday between
the hours of 12:30 PM and 11:30 PM. Licensees shall not be required to hold a
separate Sunday Sales Permit. Staff recommended approval.
Councilmember Andrea Blustein asked if there were any questions and the Council
had none in response.
A motion was made by Councilmember Andrea Blustein to approve ORD2015-08 for
an amendment to the City of Smyrna's Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 entitled
Alcoholic Beverages Part II; Article II; Hours of Operation: Section 6-61 (e) and (f);
seconded by Mayor pro Tem / Councilmember Melleny Pritchett. The motion carried
by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Mayor pro tem/Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein,
Councilmember Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember
Wilkinson and Councilmember Lnenicka
Recuse: 1 - Councilmember Fennel
B. Approval to amend the fee schedule to set a fee for Hotel Sundry
Shop/Hotel reception license
Sponsors: Anulewicz
Councilmember Ron Fennel was recused from this item for professional reasons.
Mayor Bacon asked Toni Jo Howard to read the background for this item and she
stated On March 2, 2015 Mayor and Council amended the alcohol ordinance to allow
hotel sundry shop/hotel reception licenses through Ordinance 2015-03. The type of
fee associated with this license will be similar to a package store but because it was
restricted to hotel guests only, staff is recommending that only one license be
required allowing for both beer and wine and thus one $575.00 fee. Staff was also
recommending that the $575.00 fee also include the ability for hotels to have Sunday
sales for both the sales in the Sundry Shop and receptions. If the hotel already has
an existing alcohol pouring license and desires the ability for hotel sundry shop sales
as well as hotel receptions a second add on license is required. The fee for such
license is recommended at $200.00 which was the same fee charged for wine
specialty shops and Growler Shops.
The City has adopted a new alcohol license type and the fees associated with these
licenses will have to be set. For comparison purposes the following fees have been
provided:
The current alcohol fees are as follows:
Beer package $575.00
Wine package $575.00
Sunday Sales $500.00
Beer pouring $575.00
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Wine pouring $575.00
Sunday Sales pouring $575.00
Councilmember Teri Anulewicz asked if there were any questions and the Council
had none in response.
A motion was made by Councilmember Teri Anulewicz to approve item 2015-158 to
amend the fee schedule to set a fee for Hotel Sundry Shop/Hotel reception license,
seconded by Mayor pro Tem / Councilmember Melleny Pritchett. The motion carried
by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Mayor pro tem/Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein,
Councilmember Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember
Wilkinson and Councilmember Lnenicka
Recuse: 1 - Councilmember Fennel
C. Public Hearing - Privilege License Request 2015-115 - Beer, Wine
Package - 2771 Cumberland Boulevard - Interstate Management
Company LLC dba Residence Inn Cumberland with Philippa
Monthorpe as agent. Table to June 1, 2015
Sponsors: Pritchett
A motion was made by Mayor pro Tem / Councilmember Melleny Pritchett to table
item 2015-115 for a Privilege License Request until June 15, 2015 for Beer, Wine
Package located at 2771 Cumberland Boulevard, Interstate Management Company
LLC. dba Residence Inn Cumberland with Philippa Monthorpe as agent, seconded by
Councilmember Teri Anulewicz. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Mayor pro tem/Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein,
Councilmember Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember
Wilkinson and Councilmember Lnenicka
Recuse: 1 - Councilmember Fennel
Commercial Building Permits:
There were no Commercial Building Permits.
8. Consent Agenda:
Mayor Bacon asked Interim City Administrator Toni Jo Howard to read the items on
the Consent Agenda. The only item on this agenda was the approval of the Mayor
and Council Meeting Minutes for May 4, 2015.
A motion was made by Councilmember Teri Anulewicz to approve the consent
agenda, seconded by Councilmember Charles "Corkey' Welch. The motion carried
by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Mayor pro tem/Councilmember Pritchett, Councilmember Blustein,
Councilmember Anulewicz, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember
Wilkinson, Councilmember Lnenicka and Councilmember Fennel
A. Approval of the Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes for May 4, 2015
Sponsors: City Council
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9. Committee Reports:
Mayor Pro tem/ Councilmember Melleny Pritchett mentioned at 7:30am - 9:OOam on
Wednesday, May 20 will be an Executive Committee Meeting for the Vision. All the
groups have had their initial meeting and will be reporting to the Executive
Committee.
Councilmember Blustein requested Community Development Director Ken Suddreth
to come to the podium to report on his department. Mr. Suddreth stated business is
still positive and reminded the public and Council that Community Development had
completed the transition to the MUNIS Community Development Module. There was
a building permit section, a planning section, and a code enforcement and fees
section. This program would provide for better tracking and reporting. Some part of
the reporting has been in an electronic format in the past but not all and now all
departments were under MUNIS. He noted that everyone was learning quickly and
they still had a trainer in contact for specific questions.
There would be a lot of more detailed information available for weekly reports that
would come specifically from this new system. Since April 1, 2015, when the
transition was being made, there has been 29 building permits issued for new
residential dwellings.
Councilmember Blustein thanked her Ward and the community for attending the
meeting she held at the Community Center the previous weekend. Susan Thayer
from the school Board was in attendance as were Smyrna City engineer Eric Randall
and Smyrna Public Library librarian Mary Moore. Mayor Max Bacon and
Councilmember Wade Lnenicka also attended.
Councilmember Teri Anuiewicz asked Community Development Director Jennifer
Bennett to give her Committee report and she had Police Chief David Lee also step
to the podium to speak about the traffic plan for Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays.
Ms. Bennett mentioned that Food Truck Tuesdays were in their fourth season and
with each year the event was getting larger so some traffic issues in the Forest Hill
neighborhood needed to be addressed. The plan in place would help move traffic
through the neighborhood while still allowing for citizens to attend the event. He had
coordinated with the Public Works Department to have PW employees and Smyrna
police officers stationed at a variety of roadway intersections to allow for better
control and movement of traffic, while insuring that public safety and emergency
vehicles could access the event if required. The PD would also work with residents
who were used to only one way to access their homes and would allow for that
access as long as traffic wasn't affected as a whole. The plan would be very fluid and
would help ease tensions and frustration. The Forest Hills HOA had been given the
plan and all residents were notified through their community email as to what to
expect on Tuesdays. There were on average of 1200 people a night that attend Food
Truck Tuesdays making for the congestion.
Councilmember Anulewicz commented about the Smyrna Calendar of Events
received in her water bill.
Keep Smyrna Director Ann Kirk was called on by Councilmember Charles "Corkey"
Welch and both mentioned the wonderful grand opening and ribbon cutting for the
Smyrna Recycling Center on May 9th. The facility is located at 3475 Lake Drive on
the corner of Lake Drive and South Cobb Drive. The center now takes all recyclable
plastics as well as compact fluorescents. They do not take paint or tires. The can
take electronics for a fee and all the information can be found on the City's website.
They are open 8:OOam - 4:OOpm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The
Garden Tour this past Saturday was a great success with over 300 people visiting the
gardens in lovely weather. Ms. Kirk thanked the numerous sponsors and volunteers.
The Saturday Fresh Market runs every Saturday through September and currently
seven vendors are participating.
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Public Works Director Scott Stokes had the following updates:
Concord Road SPLOST project:
All paving work on Concord Road is complete. The tum Island and CVS driveway
apron at Concord and Atlanta Road should be complete this week. Landscaping work
of the median and shoulders continued this week and should continue into next
week. The contractor had begun the cleanup of excess dirt, debris and material from
the project. Those areas will be landscaped once the cleanup is complete. Georgia
Power has about two more weeks of work installing the rest of the lighting fixtures
and then energizing them. CW Matthews's traffic signal and traffic device crew
worked this week on installing new traffic and road signage for the project. The
striping contractor is currently installing lane striping and raised pavement markers.
We anticipate starting the final inspection of the project and punch list in two weeks.
Cooper Lake Road and ENV Connector intersection improvement SPLOST project:
The paving contractor was delayed this week and is now scheduled to pave on
Monday weather permitting. This contractor has also been assigned several areas of
road restriping.
Windy Hill/Atlanta Road SPLOST intersection Improvement Project: The contractor
has called in the locates for the utilities this week and installed his work zone
signage.
Gann Road Storm Sewer: The contractor has mobilized this week and has started
removal of retaining walls and fencing within the limits of construction. Utility locates
are complete. He should start the isolation of the water main and sewer in the
roadway next week in preparation for excavation.
Reed Street Storm Sewer: This project and the punch list are now complete.
Public Works and Parks crews worked in several parks this week addressing
concrete trails and landscaping.
Jonquil Park: Our fencing contractor mobilized in this park this week installing black
vinyl chain link. Once the chain link is complete the netting contractor will begin
replacing all the netting. We will move our fencing contractor to Rose Garden Park
and Tolleson Park to begin repairs to the tennis courts.
Lake Court Park: Gutter repairs were completed this week and concrete trail was
completed.
Brinkley Park: Concrete pads were placed for bleacher areas and access sidewalks
to playground and bleachers were completed. Gutter cleaning and repairs were
made. Electronic door locking and unlocking devices at the restrooms were installed
at this park this week.
Tolleson Park: Backfilling and landscaping of the completed trail continued this week.
Concrete bleacher pad , sidewalk, dumpster pad and curbing was completed this
week. Electronic door locking and unlocking devices at the restrooms were installed
this week.
Riverline Park: Exterior recessed lighting repairs were made and repairs made to the
irrigation rain sensor were completed.
Chuck Camp Park: Building soffit repairs were completed and bathroom partitions
are now complete. Sidewalk repairs were also completed at this park.
Burger Park: Drainage work was completed at the rear of the park and fencing
installed at the drainage improvement area.
Rose Garden Park: Soffit and door replacements were made to the restroom
building. The concrete slab was removed and will be replaced under one of the
pavilions to correct standing water and drainage issues. Designated smoking area
locations were installed at this park this week.
Projects out for Design:
Hickory Acres Drive Storm culvert
Smyrna Powder Springs Road Sanitary outfall
Lake Drive at Magnolia Dr. Storm Sewer Replacement
Fox Creek Lake
Hickory Hill Dr. Sanitary and Storm Sewer Rehabilitation
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Lois Street at Lois Point
Lake Drive at Brentwood
Mr. Hank Cooper will retire with 37 years as a Smyrna Public Works employee. It will
be at 12:OOPM Friday, May 22. His staff will be preparing BBC and sending him off
style.
Councilmember Wilkinson asked about the repaving on South Cobb Drive and Mr.
Stokes talked about it being handles by the State DOT with a few areas like the
intersection of S. Cobb and Concord being our responsibility.
Councilmember Wilkinson called to the podium the Library Director, Mary Moore and
while she came forward Councilmember Wilkinson commented on the beautiful
weather for the garden tour and thanked the volunteers.
Ms. Moore thanked the Mayor and Council for the library's new carpet and reminded
everyone that school would be out for the summer Thursday, May 21st. This is the
library's busiest time of year. The theme for the summer reading program is Every
Hero Has a Story.
The Friends of Smyrna will sponsor all snacks and the summer reading contest
winning prize, which is a Go Pro Hero camera. There is one cohesive reading
program throughout the county and readers can log their minutes online this year.
This allows librarians to see which children in specific geographical areas are reading
and which kids are not so more focus can be made to those kids. Home schooled
children are also included in the summer reading project.
2015 is the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII and on Sunday, June 7th; WWII
Veteran Robert Walker will be the guest for first Sunday lecture. He was a combat
veteran in WWII and is 95 years of age.
Parks and Rec Director Steve Ciaccio spoke about the summer concerts and City's
birthday celebration and reminded citizens that tables could be reserved for a fee
until May 26th. The reservations would be open to the public after that date.
Summer camp would begin June 1, and the cost to residents would be $150. There
were lots of activities planned and the Community Center has all the needed
information as doe the City website.
The Memorial Day event would be held this weekend and for those planning to attend
in need of handicapped accessible parking, some would be available in the lot behind
City Hall.
Councilmember Wilkinson thanked the residents of Brookside Park HOA for the
invitation to their annual meeting.
Councilmember Lnenicka called on Human Resources Director, Kay Bolick. She read
the following list of service milestone employees and retirements:
Mark Brugh — Supervisor Fleet Maintenance (35 years)
David Loudermilk — Fire Engineer (25 years)
Melanie Fouts — City Marshall (15 years)
Christina Bailey —Library Department Administrative Assistant (10 years)
Ryan Knechtel — Fire Engineer (5 years)
All have received their plaques and pins from their respective supervisors.
Also, retirees:
Dao Huynh (Crew Worker) —15 years
Lucinda Millsaps (Park Ranger) —12 years
Joe Tyson (Warrant Officer) - 35 years
Hank Cooper (Supervisor, Water/Sewer) — 41 yrs/10 mos
Councilmember Lnenicka said it has been his pleasure to be present for several
group meetings in the last few weeks and mentioned property updates for Belmont
and Smyrna Grove.
The Memorial Day Celebration Event will be held on Monday, May 25th at 9:30am at
the Smyrna Veteran's Memorial. Sgt. Grant McGary will be speaking and served five
tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Col Keith Antonia, inducted in 2009 into the Army
Ranger Hall of Fame will also speak.
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The 116th Army Band will provide musical entertainment and the 94th Airlift Wing
will render honors and there will be static equipment displays around the village
green. There will also be a wreath laying ceremony. A BBQ cookout will be held at
the American Legion Post 160 at 12:00 noon. He remarked that we should never
forget what veterans have done for this country.
Councilmember Ron Fennel noted a housekeeping item for Item 6C as he requested
recusal for Items 6A, 6B and 6C. He noted the passing of Wilmont Williams, a sad
loss for Cobb County. He also thanked the City for supporting those who participated
in the Leadership Cobb program. He graduated last Wednesday and was proud to
participate. The Town Hall meeting for Bennett Woods has been postponed because
the application has been withdrawn for the item in question and there will be some
updates coming.
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson left the meeting at 8:38PM.
Councilmember Fennel would be holding an annexation meeting regarding Pebble
Brook.
Police Chief David Lee was invited forward to give his departmental report. He noted
that Leadership Cobb is a remarkable program. Chief acknowledged Joe Tyson and
Lucinda Millsaps retirements.
The 21st Century Policing Report has been reviewed and sent to PD personnel for
their review and they are taking recommendations and suggestions. There are
several committees that will study the recommendations to see if there are areas that
can be improved. On May 1 rat he held the annual Optimist Club breakfast /
appreciation for law enforcement with the largest crowd in the history of the club. On
May 8th there were three new officers who have graduated from North Central Law
Enforcement Academy 11 week program. Officers now are better equipped and
trained than when he attended the police academy. On May 12th Chief assisted
Angie Bolton on putting together a cyber -bullying program that they presented to
several middle schools. Deputy Chief Harvey has been selected to go to Israel as the
representative for the Georgia Law Enforcement National Exchange Program. He will
work with the Israeli National Police going through their five districts, learn how they
deal with many aspects that they do such as terrorism, learning a lot of their
techniques. Afterwards they will send one of their contingents to the US to learn from
us.
There have been several promotions including 3 Captains, 5 lieutenants and 1
sergeant. There are still several sergeants positions open currently and they have
contracted with the Carl Vinson Institute to put together a program for the sergeants.
Thursday the 21 at at 7:OOPM in the Marietta Square is the Public Safety event. All are
welcome.
Councilmember Fennel called upon Fire Chief Roy Acres who introduced Kathy
Renal, spokesperson for the Fire Departments Fire Academy class graduates. She
said the class was very informative and they felt like they had learned a great deal
about public safety. Chief Acres said it is a 9 week program and Lt. Tommy Bates
heads the Academy and he was thanked for the job he has done for the class. There
would be one more class in 2015. It has been just as beneficial for the fire
department as well as for the citizens. Spoke about the group Carry the Load whose
goal is to get people to remember the reason for Memorial Day. They do a 2000 mile
walk for 7 consecutive days and for the second year they have chosen Smyrna as a
walking point. CarrytheLoad.org has a place where citizens can sign up to walk with
the group while they are here in the city.
Mayor Bacon asked Finance Director Toni Jo Howard for a report and she stated that
the City was in the 2016 budget season, and the first public hearing would be held on
June 1st, 2016 for anyone citizen participation.
Also City Clerk Terri Graham has a report on Court Services and the Clerk's office:
Cases processed: In April 2015 there were 668 citations received and processed for
court dates
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Docket count: In April 2015 there were 687 cases that ended up on 9 dockets
Bond forfeitures: In April 2015 there were 392 cases that paid prior to their court date
Failure to Appear: In April 2015 a total of 118 defendants failed to appear for their
court date
Web payments: In April 2015 a total of 380 defendants paid with our online payment
system
Court Services processed 22 open records requests
Clerk's office has processed 31 open record requests
Police Department Open Records 34
We have a terrific agenda management system which enables you to access our
agendas, minutes and the video of each of our Mayor and Council meetings. We
stream our meetings live on our website www.smyrnacity.com after the meeting they
are accessible for viewing at any time. The videos are indexed according to the
agenda, so if you have an item you are interested in and you don't want to watch the
entire meeting you can go to that agenda item and click on it and watch that portion.
The attachments are located on the agenda in a blue hyperlink which will allow
citizens to open each attachment and read about each item in depth.
You can go straight to our agenda management system at
www.smymacity.legistar.com
License and Variance Board 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 10:00 AM if you want to
watch these meetings they are also streamed live and then are available whenever
you choose to view them.
Planning and Zoning Board meetings are in the process of being streamed we are
recording these meetings and they will be available as a streamed meeting soon.
Under the Your Government tab on our website and the city clerk tab you will find all
information related to the city clerk's office and Court Services, including but not
limited to, agendas, minutes, Court payment information, election information and live
on demand meeting videos.
10. Show Cause Hearings:
11. Citizen Input:
There were no Show Cause Hearings.
Mr. Alex Backry of 3459 Shawnee Trail spoke about Mayor and Council term limits.
Marietta and Kennesaw were leading the way. The citizens were allowed to vote on
Sunday liquor sales and they should have the same opportunity regarding term limits.
He encouraged people watching at home to email and call their Councilperson. He
feels it would be a huge mistake to not allow people to feel as if they are a part of the
process. He would like for a Councilmember to at least express their opinions
regarding this issue. He stated it was $1000.00 to add this item to the referendum.
Mr. Rich Pellegrino commented on behalf of Justice for Nick Now. He stated he was
not a resident of Smyrna but his two daughters were. He made comments regarding
the Nicholas Thomas officer involved shooting. He also mentioned letters and
demands that were sent to the City and he felt they were left without complete
answers. He thanked Police Chief David Lee and mentioned a meeting on Tuesday,
May 19th with Chief Lee.
Ms. Alicia Newton commented on behalf of Justice for Nick Now and said she spoke
her lack of understanding as to the serving of a warrant for a Failure to Appear and
payment of a traffic ticket as well as a probation violation for failure to complete
community service. She said she was encouraged to hear Chief Lee speak about
reviewing the report on 21st century policing. She asked for additional transparency
and change.
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final May 18, 2015
12. Adjournment:
Mr, Ben Wlliams spoke on behalf of the Nicolas Justice Coalition. He and other
colleagues had been meeting with other police chiefs across the county to be
proactive and engage in conversation. Prior to this tragedy most local law
enforcement agencies fell separate from the national tragedies. He mentioned
having several conversations with Chief Lee and commends the work coming from
the Smyrna Police department. The community looks forward to dealing with Smyrna
PD.
The May 18, 2015 meeting of the Mayor and Council was adjourned by Mayor A. Max
Bacon at 9:06PM.
City of Smyrna Page 11 Printed on 5/29/2015
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
A. MAX BACON, MAYOR
TERI ANULEWICZ, WAgD 3
FENNEL, WARD 7
TERRI GRAHAM, CITY CLERK
ANDREA BLUSTEIN, WARD 2
ADE S.
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