December 4/11/18, 1978 Council Meeting
The regular scheduled mee~ing of Mayor and Council was held pursuan~ to the Charter
on December 4, 1978 at Ci~y Hall, Smyrna, Georgia. The meeting was called ~o order
by presiding officer Mayor Frank Johnson a~ 7:30 o'clock p.m. All Council members
were pr pt Jerry Mills who was in the hospital. Also present was Ci~y
Attorne , City Clerk Willouise Spivey, Finance Direc~or Gunter Newsom,
Police Chief R. E. Little, Fire Chief Don Atkinson, Parks and Recreation Director
Asa Howard, Public Works Director James E. David, Civil Defense Direc~or Jim
Farley, Building Inspector John Steely and representatives of the press.
Invocation was given by Councilman Elbert Coalson, with a special prayer for Jerry
Mills who is hospitalized for a kidney transplant.
Jim Tolleson read a letter from Marvin C. Waldrip, president of Victory Cab Company
requesting a taxi rate increase in Smyrna. The curren~ rate is $.70 for the first
1/7 mile and $.10 for each 1/6 mile or fraction thereof and $6.00 per hour waiting
time. The requested increase is $1.00 for the firs~ 1/7 mile and $.10 for each
1/7 mile or fraction ~hereof and $6.00 per hour waiting time. Jim Tolleson made a
motion the increase be approved as requested. Elber~ Coalson seconded the motion
which carried by a 6-0 vote.
Commercial building permits were presented by Inspec~or John Steely and upon his
recommendation the following ac~ion is recorded:
(1) Bill Allen, 521 Pineview Drive, requested a side yard variance in order to
build within 10' of the property line. He presented a letter signed and notarized
from ~he adjoining pro owner, Mrs. Brooks, s~a~ing she did not object to the
variance. Jim Hawkins a motion ~he variance be granted. Rem Benne~~ seconded
~he mo~ion which carried by a 6-0 vote.
Jim Hawkins s~ated he had instructed the Permit and Inspections Depar~ment that if
requests for variances are not in by Thursday before a council meeting, they will
be held until the next ing. This will give council a chance to review ~he
request before the mee~
Jim Hawkins made a mo~ion the minutes of November 6, 1978 be approved as submi~ted.
Jack Shinall seconded the motion which carried by a 6-0 vote.
Jim Hawkins made a motion the minutes of November 20, 1978 be approved as submitted.
Jim Tolleson seconded the motion which carried by a 6-0 vote.
Rem Bennett read a letter from Assistant Director of Public Works Vic Broyles,
requesting council approve a four-way stop sign at the intersection of North Cooper-
lake Road and Highview Drive. Rem made a motion the sign be approved. Bill Darby
seconded the motion which carried by a 6-0 vote.
Mayor Johnson advised the first Monday in January falls on January 1st and another
date should be set for the council meeting. Elbert Coalson made a motion the first
meeting in January be changed from the first Monday, January 1st, to the second
Monday, January 8, 1979. Jack Shinall seconded the motion which carried by a 6-0
vote.
Committee Reports: (Finance) Bill Darby advised payments of 1978 tax billings were
coming in. He also advised CETA funds had been frozen for at least the next six
months. He asked to explain to Council another Federal program, Work
Incentive Program, e Employment, under which we could get the position
in the Water Department, vacated hy the resignation of Linda Stults, filled with
Federal funds. After Bill Darby made a motion the contract for this
position be signed. seconded the motion which carried by a 6-0 vote.
Mayor Johnson and Bill were designated to sign the contract.
Jim Tolleson advised the Musical Festi.val and Lighting of the Christmas Tree would
be Dec~nber 12th, the Parks and Recreation winter programs had been di.stributed
and the Santa's Calling applications are pouring in.
Jim Tolleson advised he and Jim Hawkins had been working on annexation. Twenty or
twenty- ive letters hav sent to prospective commercial property owners in
the of Highway 75, 1285 and Windy Hill Road, drawing clear boundaries.
s stated he thought the annexation would be good as far as the tax
is concerned and possibly we might be able to reduce the millage rate.
(Continuation o~ December 4, 1978 Meeting)
Mayor Frank Johnson congratulated Ci.ty Attorney Charles Camp on hi.s being elected
Chai.rmanof the Local Government Section of the State Bar of Georgi",.
reported Jim David
also asked Council
He was asked'
next council
attend a seminar on mosquitpGontrol
the painting of crosswalks at major
locations to be paLtfted..:t.zf. ,the streets
made a motion requested for repairs to the Civil Defense
Rescue truck obtained from Army Jim Hawkins seconded the motion which
carried by a 6-0 vote. Jim Tolleson asked if another rescue truck was needed.
read a letter from Fire Chief Don Atkinson thanking Mayor and Council
purchased for the for Thanksgiving dinner.
the
Ken Nix was in the audience and Rem thanked him for his efforts on
road, and stated they would continue to get the route changed.
Rem read a letter to Mayor and Council. in which he resigned Council
seat Ward 7, effective the first meeting in January, 1979. The letter read
as follows:
"Mr. Mayor & Fellow CounGilmen:
to work very hard to make our
have attempted to do,
councilman to honestly
the entire City of Smyrna.
concerned citizen that's
appreciates.
During the last three years I have tried
city a better place to live, wQrk and enjoy.
best of my ability, every job assigned me
not only the people of Ward 7, but
have never tried to be a politician, but a
to work for a community he loves and
not that serve in a public office you<j.re fair game
all the <j.buse, and criticism which may be directed against
without any reason During the last three and especially
past year the and misunderstandings have without
any reason that I can see except to either create dissent in this
, create news or someone else's political purpOSe. As late as
week the paper that a town meeting held for citi.zens affected
by the proposed east-west connector was just a pol.itical rally for me and
This is not true and is only an attempt by either the
or other politicians to destroy the real purpose and value of
that meeting. It has been very difficult for me to leave many of the state-
ments unchallenged, for the sake of the people I represent as
co~nci.lman and my family, have tried to hold my office with dignity,
honesty and concern for problems and goals of the City.
I believe that everyone should try to serve his community to the best of his
and I support and confidence that's been given me
people of Ward the many friends I have made throughout the
There is no better community anywhere to live and work. than right
in Smyrna, Georgia. I appreciate the friendships made with many of
here on this Council as we have faced problems of the City squarely and
met them honestly without concern for personal gain or loss. However, I
believe that a man' first duty is to his family. Although they have
by me steadfastly my term of office, especially my wife Judy,
supported me with hearts, I cannot ask that they or my
be subjected to any more unfair political attacks.
It is therefore with deeP
of Ward 7, effective
of Smyrna in January
interest of my ward and
I will continue
and preserving our
I hope to be a leader
west connector. and
to be the best for our
that I turn in my as Council-
meeting of Mayor and for the
I resign this office for best
However, you know I am no quitter, and
my time to protecting the interest of the
and protecting our homes and families.
stand against the present route of the east-
now on hope to feel free to express what I believe
city without it being called politic<j.lly motivated.
of 1979.
~amily.
to devote
only speak for my part, and I
as I intended. There are people
and I am sure it will be well represented on
"
no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
December 11. 1978
A special meeting, called for the purpose of setting the date for the Special
Election for Councilman from Ward 7, the qualifying dates, and ~o accept the
resignation of part-time Building Inspector John Steely, was held on December 11,
1978 at City Hall. Smyrna, Georgia. The meeting was called to order by presiding
officer Mayor Frank B. J at 5:30 o'clock p.m. All members of Council were
present except Jerry Mil was absent due to illness. Also present was City
Clerk Willouise Spivey and Finance and Administration Director Gunter Newsom.
Invocation was given by Jim Hawkins, followed by the pledge to the flag.
Mayor Johnson advised that Rem B. Bennett, Jr., had resigned his post as Councilman
from Ward No.7, effective January 8, 1979, and a special election would have to
be held within thirty (30) days of the effective date. His recommendation was
that the date of the election be set for February 3, 1979 (Saturday), and January
9, 10 and 11 be open for qualifying. In case of a run-off the election would be
held on the fourteenth day after the first election.
Elbert Coalson made a motion the Special Election for Councilman from Ward 7 be
held on Saturday, February 3, 1979. and the qualifying dates be January 9, 10 and
11, 1979. Jim Hawkins seconded the motion which carried by a 6-0 vote.
Elbert Coalson made a motion that Dusty Bennett be appointed as Superintendent of
the election. Jim Hawkins seconded the motion which carried by a 6-0 vote.
Willouise Spivey is to contact Dusty Bennett.
Jim Hawkins made a motion to accept the resignation of part-time City Inspector
John Steely. Jack Shinall seconded the motion which carried by a 6-0 vote.
Mayor Johnson stated we needed to appoint an interim Inspector until the new man
comes to work on January 2, 1979. Jim Hawkins made a motion Luke Boring be
appointed as Inspector through the end of the year. Bill Darby seconded the motion
which carried by a 6-0 vote.
Meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
************************
December 18, 1978
The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held at City Hall, Smyrna,
Georgia, on December 18, 1978. The meeting was called to order by presiding officer
Mayor Frank B. Johnson. All Council members were present except Jim Tolleson who
was ill. Also present was City Attorney Charles Camp, City Clerk Willouise Spivey,
Finance & Administration Director Gunter Newsom, Police Chief R. E. Little, Fire
Chief Don Atkinson, Public Works Director James David, Parks and Recreation Director
Asa Howard, Civil Defense Director Jim Farley, Inspector Luke Boring and repre-
sentatives of the press.
Invocation was given by Jim Hawkins, followed by the pledge to the flag.
There were no citizens reports.
Jim Hawkins brought up the request for a Malt Beverage and Wine Pouring License
for the Monterey Mexican Restaurant, 2540 Atlanta Road. Raul Leon was the applicant.
Mr. Hawkins advised there was an error on the first application which had to be
voided. The investigation of the partner listed on the second application is not
complete and Jim Hawkins made a motion this item be tabled until the results of
the investigation is given to us by Police Chief Little. The motion was seconded
and carried by a 6-0 vote.
Commercial building permits were submitted by Inspector Luke Boring and the
following action is recorded:
(1) Howard Ellis of Northside Realty Associa~es, Inc., requested a setback
variance on Hargrove the corner of Spring Road. The present setback
requirement on Hargrove 50 feet, and Mr. Ellis requested a 15 feet variance,
to a 35 foot setback. Inspector Luke Boring recommended the variance not be
granted until Mayor and Council know exactly what the development will be. Fifteen
feet of this property frontage was donated to Cobb County for the widening of
(Continu.ation 9f December 18, 1978 Meeting)
request. Colonial Pipeline,
System all have easements across this
possibilities. The owners are
prospective and the fifteen-foot setback variance would
aid their develoPItlent on this property. He pointed ojJt that some
of already Hargrove Road would, after the widening,
have 50 foot Jack Shinall made a motion the variance be
granted. Jerry Mills seconded the motion. Rem Bennett said he thought we should
take the 'J:"ecommendations of the Inspec,tor and know what the development would be
before granting the variance, especially since Councilman Jim Tolleson, in whose
ward this proPerty is located, is present. Rem Bennett made a motion to table
this Jim Hawkins the motion. Vote on the motion to table was
2-4 vote. Rem and Jim Hawkins voted for. Jer'J:"y Mills, Bill
Coalson and Jack voted against. Mayor Johnson called for
the main motion to grant the variance. The motion carried by a 4-2 vote.
Jerry Mills, Bill Darby, Elbert Coalson and ,lack Shinall voted for. Rem Bennett
and Jim Hawkins voted against.
Mayor Jo~nson stated the date
7 was February 3, 1979; the
the election to be held in
election Superintendent will
the Special Election for Councilman of
dates are January 9th, 10th and 11th;
King Springs Elementary School on Reed Road.
be Dusty Bennett.
Ward
The
Jim Haw1;;:ins made a motion that Agenda item 6, ordinance amendments, be tabled
until further notice. Elbert Coalson seconded the motion which carried by a 6-0
vote.
Bill Darby made a motion that Council approve the City's membership fee in the
Georgia Hunicipal Association, in t~e amount of $2,764.61. Jerry Mills seconded
the motion which carried by a 6-0 vote. Dues are based on population.
Jim Hawkins advised that Leon Dover. who had accepted the position of City
Inspector, has now declined the position. He called for a committee meeting,
immediately following this meeting, to discuss the need of getting an Inspector
as soon as possible.
Elbert Coalson advised he had a from Civil Defense Director Jim Farley who
participated in the State-wide practice nuclear test, and Mr. Coalson commended
our unit for the fine showing they made. Mr. Farley had requested he be allowed
to show a film about fallout at a Council meeting, in order to enlighten the
citizens. Mr. Coalson said the was 28 minutes long, and he recommended that
after first of the year they allowed to show this film. Mayor Johnson
agreed a good idea and asked Mr. Farley to coordinate this with Willouise
had a short agenda. Mr. Farley said the practice test showed there
was still a of work to be done, but the City would not have suffered too badly.
advised the quarterly Smyrna Community Blood Drive is scheduled for
29th at the First United Methodist Church Educational Building.
partic:Lpation of city employees.
Asa HOward, reporting for Councilman Jim Tolleson. advised the winter brochures
are not being mailed out but they can be picked up at local business establish-
ments, the City Hall and the Parks & Recreation office. The Parks & Recreation
Commission meeting date has been changed to December 28, 1978. Asa stated he had
only one ranger on duty at anyone time. A water fountain was damaged at
weekend, it was replaced today at 12:30 p.m., and by 3:30 p.m.
the frame off again. He asked help from the Police Department
Mayor Johnson asked Gunter Newsom to give a report on the status of CETA funding.
Mr. Newsom advised that per information from Cobb County, the CETA funds will be
cut a.bout in half. Our CETA funds come from the County allocations. The City
now has 21 CETA employees, broken down as follows: Parks - 8, Water - 3, Fire - 4.
Streets - 5, and Administration - 1. at an annual budget cost of approximately
$186.000.00 for these CETA employees. The County plans to reduce the number of
CETA by attrition. The County's rule today is to reduce the number of
j in the same way they were allocated. The CETA P9sitions we
be funded throughoc,tober, 1979, but no person can be funded by
period longer than eighteen consecutive months. We must keep thi.s in
the budgets next fiscal year. There is a possibility
additional funds Mayor Johnson advised that if a CETA employee
(Continuation of December 18, 1978 Meeting)
leaves, and it is mandatory to fill this position, it would have to be funded
from our General Fund.
Mayor Johnson advised the Christmas holidays for the City would be 1/2 day on
Friday and Monday, Christmas Day. The next council meeting will be on January 8,
1979. He asked Council to give Willouise Spivey a count on who would be going to
the Mayor's Day Conference on Monday, January 22nd.
Mayor Johnson reminded everyone of the Jonquil Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday
morning and asked all Council members and all Department Heads to attend. He also
reminded everyone of the CMA Christmas meeting tomorrow night.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
WILLIAM F. DARBY, WARD 2