November 7/10/16/21, 1977 Council Meeting
RETURNS OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA CITY ELECTION
NOVE:MBER I, 1977
election Managers to conduct this election.
8,934 REGISTERED
3,377 VOTING
declare the
2,042
311
334
JIM HAWKINS
JIM HOLMAN
COUN
CLARENCE
- JACK SHINALL
JIM SF ARKS
19
tft5
138
27
ELBERT COALSON
DONALD L. JONES
231
65
REM B. BENNETT, JR.
LINDA WELLS
484
451
fore certify to the Mayor and Council of the City of Smyrna, the election of
tft2
ift3
114
Ip5
ty of the votes cast.
REGISTERED
383
~-~-
~~~-
191
231
65
Lt8L,
451
the election of:
#3
#4
#5
Mayor and Council was held pursuant to the Charter
November 7, 1977. The meeting was called to order
T. Bacon at 7:30 o'clock p.m. All Councilmen
Attorney Chuck Camp, City Clerk Willouise Spivey,
Police Chief Everett Little, Fire Chief Don Atkinson,
ranade, Ass Parks & Recreation Director Sherry
ic Works Jim Da Director of Civil Defense Jim Farley
he press.
Invocation was
by Elbert Coalson, followed by the pledge to the flag.
Under Citize
Drug Company
dumpster in
about this p em
was not repaired. Since
problem had been cleared
Brissey reported a drainage from the dumpster at Smyrna
Road. She said you had to step over debris from the
store. Elbert Coalson said he talked to the owner
ago and he promised to call him if the dumpster
heard nothing from the store owner, he assumed the
up.
Dusty Bennett, Election Superintendent, read the results
election returns, a copy of which will be made a part of
Coalson made a motion the e eturns be certified.
the motion and the vote was s.
of tbe November 1, 1977
these minutes. Elbert
C. O. Canada seconded
C. O. Canada congratulated Jack Shinall, stating that he ran a good clean race
and wished him well.
a liquor licens
said it was a p
five to two. Jim
Jerry T. Starnes reques Beverage. Wine and Liquor License to operate
Pop's Package Store at Road. Rem Bennett stated an investigation by
the Smyrna Police Department does not reflect any legal reason barring Jerry T.
for a Malt Beverage. Wine and Liquor package store
granted. C. O. Canada seconded the motion.
id his interpretation of the ordinance was that
a privilege. not a direct right. Attorney Camp
cense. Vote on the motion to grant the licenses was
and Jim Tolleson voted against the motion.
Beverage
and the m
vote was six
Drive. requested approval of a Wine (pouring)
e new manager, John Nathan Brown, II, for both the
Rem Bennett made a motion the wine license be
ange approved. C. O. Canada seconded the motion
Jim Hawkins opposed.
Commercial building permits were presented by David Granade and upon his recommen-
dation the following action is recorded:
permit to remodel section G9. 2200 South Cobb Drive
rn Shop. Plans were approved by the Fire Depart-
C. O. Canada made a motion the permit be granted.
ion and the vote was unanimous.
a permit to build warehouses. facing Fleming Street.
er. Plans were approved by the Fire Department
rry Mills made a motion the permit be granted. C. o.
and the vote was unanimous.
Cannon
(24
and all on
da seconded
build an apartment complex. consisting
Street. These will be one and two bedroom
Jerry Mills made a motion the permit be granted.
and the vote was unanimous.
G. Adams. Dist. Engineer. State Department
1977, which denied our request for a left
Spring Road. Their observations at this inter-
was not needed. They also requested that
n Spring Road/Concord Road at SR 3 removed. providing
ith left rurns for SR 3 traffic. Also. the advance
280 and Benson-Poole Road are to be removed.
c movement can best be utilized by the through
Jerry said he had contacted Mr. Adams and
Committee. preferably the entire Council. in an
need the turn signals already in operation at
notify Council when the meeting has been set.
Mayor Arthur Bacon repo
the Ruff case. on a six
t of
e Ci
gia had ruled against us in
Smyrna has filed an appeal
(Continuation of November 7, 1977 Meet~ng)
said
Bennett
erty does not
to rezone it.
Mayor and agreed the city has already
fighting this and the reason for appeal was
in the state, if so desire, to help us. We
We have heard from GMA, ARC. the cities of Moultr~e, Conyers,
and there seems to be quite a bit of interest. Attorney Camp
of amicus had already been filed by other .;:ities. Rem
, that in layman's terms, the ruling means that if zoning any prop-
hurt the health. safety or general welfare of a community, we have
JerryM~~ls made a motion the minutes of October 3, 1977 be approved as submitted.
Jim Hawkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
Jim Tol~eson made a motion the minuteS of October 17. 1977 be approved as submitted.
Jim Hawkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
Committee Reports: Bill Darby stated we could be in trouble financially if a
decision is not made on the tax digest soon. We need to collect some tax money
before the first of the year.
Jerry Mills, referring to the letter to the Cobb County General Assembly Delegation.
stated he did not endorse item (1) Equitable approach to Sales Tax Option. He said
he wou.~d sign the letter but wanted to go on record as being against sales tax.
He also asked that another item "the city be allowed to have our own Tax Assessor"
be added.
Jim Hawkins asked Mayor and Council to meet with him on some Civil Defense matters
immediately following this meeting.
C. O.
at 2
guest
announced the groundbreaking for Les Charles Swimming Ppo1 would be
. November 13. 1977 at King Springs Park. Conley Ingram will be the
Ray L. Carter of Creative Ad Ideas, requested permission to fly his blimp,
over the T&E Factory Outlet Store lo.;:ated in Hargrove Plaza, on a temporary
ReIIlJ3",n):lett m.ade a motion a variance be granted, allowing Mr. Cartel;' to fly
blimp to a height of 35 feet. for a period of 60 days, over the T&E Factory
Store. Jim Tolleson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
24' x 9'.
basis.
the
Outlet
Rem Bennett made a motion the city buy a
Booster Club. listing the Mayor and all
the motion and the vote was unanimous.
this year.
$100.00 ad from the Campbell High School
seven Councilmen. Jim Tolleson seconded
Campbell football team is in the playoffs
reported that Sherry Reayis. Assistant Director of Parks and Recrea-
.elected Fifth D~str~ct. Commissioner for the GeorgiCi Recreation and
She was elected by Fifth District membership and was installed
, November 3, 1977 at the Annual State Conference. Congratulations
we're proud of you.
last
Sherry.
C. O. Canada ma.de a motion to hear the appeal of the
filed by Mark Rakestraw. on Novemher 21, 1977. Jim Hawkins
and the vote was unanimous.
s Court.
motion
the
the
November 13.
reminded Council o.fthe"Legislative Review, sponsored by the Cobb
of Commerce, Tuesday IIlorning at 8:00 a.m. at the Chamber building;
for Phase II. King Springs. Park at 2:00 p.m., November 10th and
ceremony for the Les Charles Swimming Pool at 2:00 p.m. on
1977.
Brissey
the inj
case. Mayor Bacon s
hearing. and since
Ward 7 was represented in
bar Rem Bennett from
thought the injunction was
Council vote was unanimous to deny.
case
any decision
any vote
Ward 7 is repre-
There being no further business, meeting was adj ourned at 8: 10 p. m.
***************** ******'1<
November 10, 1977
The bid
Phase II, King Springs Park, was hel,d at City Hall. Smyrna.
10, 1977. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Protem
o'clock p.m. Also present were Councilmen Elbert Coalson.
ins. City Clerk Willouise Spivey, Finance Director Gunter
Parks and Recreation Lee Silver, Architect Leroy Brownlee
of companies bidding.
Bids were opened by Leroy Brownlee. read. and are recorded as follows:
CONTRACTOR BID BOND BASE BID CONSTRUCTION DEDUCT
Foster & Cooper Fi reman s Fund $788.816 300 Calendar days $77,000
C. W. Matthews Travelers Ind. 810,000 240 Calendar days $80.030
J. W. Turner United Pacific 768.700 240 Calendar days $65,000
Mayor Protem Canada stated the bids would be checked out by Architect Leroy
Brownlee and submitted to the Parks Committee. The Parks Committee will then
make their recommendation to full Council, and the low bidder will be notified.
Meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
************************
A special called meeting of Mayor and Council was held at City Hall, Smyrna.
Georgia on November 16, 1977 for the purpose of awarding the contract for Phase
II, King Springs Park. The meeting was called to order by presiding officer
Arthur T. Bacon at 12:00 o'clock noon. All Councilmen were present except
ert Coalson. Also present was Finance Director Gunter Newsom and City Clerk
Willouise Spivey.
C. O. Canada
the letter
Construction Company.
a motion authority be given Mayor Arthur T. Bacon to sign
contract, in the amount of $768.000.00. to J. W. Turner
Rem Bennett seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
Meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
************************
The regular scheduled
Georgia on November
Mayor Arthur T.
of Mayor and Council was held at City Hall. Smyrna,
The meeting was called to order by presiding Officer
o'clock p.m. All Councilmen were present except
minutes late. Also present was Chuck Camp. City Attorney.
nance Director Gunter Newsom. Police Chief Everett
, Building Inspector David Granade. Director of
Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Vic Broyles
press.
Litt
Park Recreation L
and representatives of the
Invocation was given by Jim Hawkins. followed by the pledge to the flag.
Parks and Recreation Director Lee Silver introduced Tom Martin. President of the
Georgia Recreational Park Society. Mr. Martin presented Harold Mason Cheshire
with creational Park Society's 1977 Lay Award, for his devotion,
interest and ip in promoting recreation in Smyrna. Hal is a member of
the Parks and Recreation Commission and we appreciate his work and leadership.
Mr. Martin also recognized Joe Bland who received the same award at the State
Conference earlier this month.
he pulled
Court - Mark
father. Polic
Lynn Bell. a witness for the city.
Dairy Queen and another car pulled
City Attorney Chuck Camp
G. M. McConnell and M. E.
Mark Rakestraw stated
out beside him and stayed
(Continuation of November 21, 1977 Meeting)
they both Ginos. The police officers pulled in
Ginos and ticket for a "contest of speed." He said
and not speed limit. He was drivi.ng a 1972
the other did not plead guilty in Recorder's
a $55.00 fine. Lynn Bell, the other driver, said he was
"contest of speed" and DUI, to which he pled guilty, was revving
his motor and racing, although he did not know how fast he was going he was
ridingside=by=side with Mark Rakestraw. He was driving a Pinto. Officer
Houston stated he and Officer McConnell were on Jones Shaw Road and heard motors
revved up and saw two cars speeding side-by-side up South Cobb Drive. The
turned on South Cobb Drive and turned on their blue lights. The two
cars into Gino's and the officers issued both drivers a ticket for a
contest of speed. They felt both parties were equally guilty. McConnell
stated they felt the traffic offense was serious enough to delay answering a
domestic dispute call, which as a rule would take precedence over a traffic
offense. Mark Rakestraw said he thought he was a victim of circumstances and was
accused. Both Mark Rakestraw and Jeffery Lynn Bell were questioned
Camp. C. O. Canada made a motion the decision of Recorders Court
Elbert Coalson seconded the motion. During discussion Jerry Mills.
and Jim Tolleson expressed doubt as to the guilt of Mark Rakestraw.
stating they thought he might have gotten caught up in a situation over which he
had no control. Vote on the motion to uphold the decision of Recorders Court
lost. Hawkins, C. O. Canada and Elbert Coalson voted to uphold the Recorder's
Court Rem Bennett, Ji.mTolleson and .Jerry Mills voted not to uphold.
Bill Darby abstained because he did not hear all the discussion. Mayor Bacon
cast the tie-breaking vote. not to uphold the decision of Recorder's Court.
Jerry Mills then made a motion, seconded by Jim Tolleson, the fine be refunded
to Mark Rakestraw and the case dismissed. Vote on the motion was five for, one
against and one abstenti.on. Elbert Coalson voted against, Bill Darby abstained.
read a letter from Attorney Ralph D. Vaughn asking for a hearing
and City Council for the purpose of requesting that Jame!;; E. Jackson.
The Barn, 1022-24 Cherokee Road, be specifically excluded frQmthe ohligation
of Sanitation services from the City of Smyrna. Mayor BacQnrecommended we not
fro'ffi the ordinance. that we would be setting a precedence. Jerry Mills made
we give Mr. Jackson a chance tQ appear before the Sanitation Committee,
they would be glad to explain the position of the city. Jim Hawkins seconded
motion and the vote was unanimous.
Commercial building permits were presented by Building Inspector David Granade
and upon his recommendation the following action is recorded:
(1) S'ffiyrna Container Company, 1794 Corn Road. requested a permit for an addition
to be used as warehouse space. The plans met the requirements of the Fire
Department, also the building codes. Rem Bennett made a motion the permit be
granted. Jim Hawkins seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
Finance Di.rector Gunter Newsom reported that on November 16, 1977, Judge Howell
C. Cobb Superior Court, issued an order that the 1976 tax digest be used
as the interim tax digest for 1977, that tax bills be in the mail by December I,
1977 and the due date for payment of taxes be December 20. 1977. It was further
that all laws of the State of Georgia as to nonpayment of taxes and late
payment of taxes shall be applicable. The 1976 tax digest will
up from Cobb County in the morning and we shall have the city's bills
1. 1977.
C. O. Canada reported the contract for Phase II. King Springs
to J. W. Turner Construction Company. after being approved'by
special meeting on November 16, 1977, in the amount of $768,000.
around the second week in December.
was awarded
at a
will begin
made a motion, to as an ordinance,
devices, all traffic lights,
and speed limit sign!;;. as they now appear in the
in the office of the'City Clerk and as new traffic
Mayor and Council . they will be added to the list.
the motion and the vote was unanimous.
signs,
list is
control devices are
C. O. Canada
reported the Preparation team had completed cleanin,g Spring Road
to South Cobb Drive and would start this week on Atlanta Road.
expressed relief anin,terim tax digest was approved and warned that
bills may be mailed out at a later date.
on of November 21, 1977 Meeting)
Jerry Mi11s reported an increase of $30.000 on our group insurance policy with
stated he had met with the agents, Finance Director, Mayor, City
councilmen and the decision was to stay with Prudential
ies cannot give us any better prices. The old rate was
ent, the new rate is $51.02, an increase of
ed to il that effective January 1, 1978.
pay $2.00 per week toward the premium.
, just dependents, and there
is increase was caused by inflation.
with Prudential to get the due date of the
will know of any increases before the new budget year.
stay with Prudential and that employees desiring
per week. Rem Bennett seconded the motion. Jim
gain next year. and if any thought had ever
er did not recommend we insure ourselves.
rt Coalson made a motion to table this for further
drew his second to the original motion. C. O. Canada
seconded the motion to table. Jerry reported the insurance could be cancelled on
Wednesday if a decision was not made. Vote on the motion to table was five to
two. Jerry Mills and Bill Darby voted not to table. A meeting was called to
discuss the group insurance. immediately following the council meeting.
Jerry Mills said he and Jim Hawkins attended the CMA meeting in Austell on
Tuesday night and the Ruff case was discussed thoroughly. He asked CMA to assist
the City money wise and to combine efforts of all cities to oppose the court
decision for the , and help to get a rehearing. CMA passed a
Resolution cipal Association to support the City of Smyrna
in 0 the State Supreme Court and if necessary to assess
on a s for monetary support. A copy of the Resolution is
to be forwarded to GMA and legislative groups in Cobb County.
Jim
use
acquired another vehicle from the government, for
artment, at no cost to the city.
Bennett Woods Garden Club for the beautification and
Springs Park this past Saturday. They will be
also reminded everyone of the Lighting of the
Park on December 6, ],977, 7:00 p.m.
that Bank Street be closed from King Street to Atlanta
p.m., during the Lighting of the Tree ceremony on
Canada seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
Rem Bennett made a
7:00 until 7
,1977. C. O.
st 18, 1977 we placed an order for four (4) Ford
x to eight weeks. After the end of eight weeks
livered on November 5th, then on December 5th.
ready until January 5, 1978, then they must
t Coalson made a motion Chief Little be given
see what cars are available, even if we have
O. Canada seconded the motion and the vote
state
deli
sed
the
d and
ty to check around and
cars other than Fords. C.
unanimous.
Mayor Bacon said
being bagged. dur
and pine straw would be picked up at the curb, without
t two weeks in December.
property
were r
report
for discussi
appraisers.
information
Superior Court hearing on the Richard L. Lindwall case, Jim
council we now have an appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court
and that d not lost the case and asked that we not give
motion ty Attorney ask for a delay on the Lindwall
have the Lindwall property and the property next door to his
as to its present value and the value if the Lindwall property
d Zoning Board rehear the zoning request and
what to do. Jerry Mills seconded the motion
if we were setting a precedence in paying
we have no choice since we have to get the
said at the or 1 hearing of the Lindwall
and Zoning Boa s not aware of the recent court
the courts would put so much emphasis on the
tion was unanimous.
Under Input
Street Roswell S
the traffic backup on
ade requested stop signs be put up on Spring
another at the railroad crossing itself, thus relieving
ng Street, which now yields to Roswell Street traffic.
that they
out. Kathy
blocking the
looked into th:is
about cars parking
anyone coming out of K:ing
someth:ing
of the
(Continuation of November 21, 1977 Meeting)
Clifton Road, the city build a retaining wall on
property. She city damaged her property'Py Illoving a
the roots of her The c:ity did bring her sQl1l~>dirt she
it was not enough. Jim Hawkins told Mrs. Ch:ilds that he and Vic
be at her house at 3:00 p.m. next Wednesday to see what could be
done.
Lee
13.
the groundbreak.ing for Les Charles Swimm:ing PoolW?s November
o' clock p. m. and. he presented Mayor and Counc:il Wit:h ground-
in appreciatiop,.bf their work and efforts in get;ting.t;his
Rem Bennett commended Lee Silver for hard work and dedication.
project s
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
************************
November 21. 1977
A Spe<:::ial call~d meeting of MaY9r and Council. having been called waiver of
time, .p;Lace and not:ice of meetip-gh~en given by all Councilmen and the Mayor.
was called to order at 9:15 o'clock p.m. by Mayor Arthur T. Bacon.
C. O.
be
Canada made a motion the first sentence of Section 14-6. Code of Ordinances,
to read as follows: "It shall be the duty of the City M?r$hall to
any person violating the prov:isions of this chapter that a hearing will
before the governing body not less than ten (10) days from the date of
said not:ice." Rem Bennett seconded the motion and was
A
discussion was had on the large increase in the premium for group
w:ith Prudential Insurance Company. Jerry Mills said when he f:irst
the he met with offic:ials of the company. then another
November 9th, ap-d efforts were made to try and get the
without reducing benefits. He said 212 employees were covered,
coverage. Rem Bennett said he was for rebidding the
Elbert Coalson asked if we had the authority to pay this
rebidding. Mayor Bacon recommended we stay with Prudential,
month. and rebid in March or April. Jerry Mills made a motion
ip-surance in March or April. until then paying Prudential by the
Darby seconded the Illation. Rem Bennett said he wanted to go on
to reb:id the insurance as of this date. Vote on the motion was six for
against. ~em Bennett voted aga:inst.
Meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.