02-15-2021 February 15, 2021 M&C Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LFpF 5 trY Cif of Smyrna 2800 King Street
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Meeting Minutes - Final
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City Council
Monday, February 15, 2021 7:00 PM Smyrna Community Center Large Gym
200 Village Green Circle SE
MASKS REQUIRED / TEMPERATURE WILL BE CHECKED
If you wish to speak during the Public Hearing portion of this meeting and you are unable
to attend the meeting due to health concerns with Covid 19, you may participate via
telephone. To participate via telephone, you must register with the City Clerk's Office by
emailing your name, address and telephone number to ClerksOffice@Smyrnaga.gov.
***The deadline to register to speak via telephone is Sunday, February 14, 2021 at
9:OOPM**
Everyone that attends the meeting in person, will have an opportunity to speak and will
not have to register prior to the meeting. You will need to sign the Public Hearing /Citizen
Input Sign Up Sheet at the City Clerk's desk prior to the start of the meeting at 7:00 PM. If
you choose to speak via telephone, you must be available to receive a call between 7:00
PM and 9:00 PM.
You will be notified on Monday, February 15, 2021 at 12:OOPM (noon) as to additional
I I details of these procedures.
Thank you for your cooperation as we navigate new ways to encourage Public Comment.
Roll Call
Present: 7 - Councilmember Glenn Pickens, Councilmember Austin Wagner,
Councilmember Travis Lindley, Councilmember Charles Welch,
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson, Councilmember Tim Gould and
Councilmember Lewis Wheaton
Also Present: 1 - Scott Cochran
Call to Order
Staff: 20 - Joe Bennett, Penny Moced, Heather Peacon-Corn, Julie Barwig, Jennifer
Bennett, Mark Binicewicz, Dan Campbell, Jon Carter, Phyllis Collins, Louis
Defense, Frank Durrance, Chris Flowers, Robert Harvey, Rick James , Dat
Luu, Russell Martin, Terry McCormick, Tina Monaghan, Trey Stevens and
Joey Staubes
Mayor Derek Norton called the February 15, 2021 Mayor and Council Meeting to order
at 7:00 PM.
Invocation and Pledge:
Pastor Kerrick Butler, Faith Christian Center (3831 Tremors Point Pkwy) delivered the
Invocation and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 15, 2021
2.
3.
A.
B.
C.
Agenda Changes:
Mayoral Report:
Item E under Land Issues/Zonings/Annexations will be tabled at the request of the
applicant.
Mayor Norton announced that he is proposing a 6-month moratorium on town homes so
that he and Council can look into the zoning category and design issues. This will not
effect projects already in motion but will halt anything new coming in until further
research and discussion can be had.
2021-024 Presentation to Mayor & Council from United States Air Force Technical
Sergeant Takecia McDuffie
United States Air Force Technical Sergeant Takecia McDuffie presented a certificate of
appreciation to Mayor and Council.
PRC2021-02 2021 Arbor Day Proclamation
Councilmember Glenn Pickens read aloud the Arbor Day proclamation. Interim
Environmental Services Director Julie Barwig accepted the proclamation.
2021-064 Approval of the appointment of Interim City Administrator / Police Chief
Joseph Bennett as the full-time City Administrator for the City of Smyrna,
and the swearing in as same per the recommendation of the Mayor and
City Council.
Mayor Norton spoke of Mr. Joe Bennett and the tremendous job that he has done as
Interim City Administrator for the past six months. Mr. Bennett grew up in Smyrna, still
lives here with his family, and has served over 25 years in the police department.
Councilmember Tim Gould thanked Mr. Bennett for all of his hard work and is looking
forward to working with him.
Aker the vote affirming Mr. Bennett to permanent City Administrator took place, he
came down to the podium and his family joined him. He was swom in by Judge Phyllis
Gingrey-Collins.
Mr. Bennett took a few minutes to thank Mayor and Council for their support and his
family as well.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve of the appointment of Interim
City Administrator / Police Chief Joseph Bennett as the full-time City Administrator for
the City of Smyrna, and the swearing in as same per the recommendation of the Mayor
and City Council. Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch seconded the motion.
(Mayor Norton verbally expressed his vote of "Aye" in support of appointing Joseph
Bennett as the full-time City Administrator for the City of Smyrna.)
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 15, 2021
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
4. Land Issues/Zonings/Annexations:
A. ORD2020-18 Approval of Ordinance ORD2020-18 - Annexation request (100% owners
requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land
Lots 684 and 685 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County,
Georgia; a total of 1.1143 acres, being known as 1953 Watkins Road,
Smyrna, GA 30080, will be effective March 1, 2021 and part of Ward 7
and authorizes the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
City Administrator Joe Bennett read aloud the background information on the agenda
item. The applicant, Anthony Andrew Jackson Henry, is seeking approval for
annexation of approximately 1.1143 acres, parcel number 17068500050 - all that traa
or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lots 684 and 685, 17th District, 2nd Section,
Cobb County, Georgia located at 1953 Watkins Road, Smyrna, GA 30080. Effective
date March 1, 2021. Certified letters were sent by the City Clerk to the Cobb County
Clerk's Office and the Cobb County Community Development Planning Division. The
letter of non -objection from Cobb County was received on December 7, 2020 and this
property will be located in Ward 7. Staff recommends approval of Ordinance
ORD2020-18 - Annexation request (100% owners requesting annexation) - all tract or
parcel of land lying and being in Land Lots 684 and 685 of the 17th District, 2nd
Section, Cobb County, Georgia; a total of 1.1143
acres, being known as 1953 Watkins Road, Smyrna, GA 30080, will be effective
March 1, 2021 and part of Ward 7 and authorizes the Mayor to sign and execute all
related documents.
Councilmember Lewis Wheaton welcomed the applicant to the city.
Councilmember Lewis Wheaton made a motion to approve Ordinance ORD2020-18 -
Annexation request (100% owners requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel of land
lying and being in Land Lots 684 and 685 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb
County, Georgia; a total of 1.1143 acres, being known as 1953 Watkins Road,
Smyrna, GA 30080, will be effective March 1, 2021 and part of Ward 7 and authorizes
the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents. Councilmember Tim Gould
seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
B. ORD2020-19 Approval of Ordinance ORD2020-19 - Annexation request (100% owners
requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land
Lots 685 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia; a total
_ of 0.83 acres, being known as 1960 Watkins Road, Smyrna, GA 30080,
will be effective March 1, 2021 and part of Ward 7 and authorizes the
Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Mr. Bennett read aloud the details of the annexation request. The applicant, Anthony
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City Council
Meeting Minutes - Final February 15, 2021
Andrew Jackson Henry, is seeking approval for annexation of approximately 0.83
acres, parcel number 17068500020 - all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in
Land Lots 685, 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia located at 1960
Watkins Road, Smyrna, GA 30080. Effective date March 1, 2021. Certified letters were
sent by the City Clerk to the Cobb County Clerk's Office and the Cobb County
Community Development Planning Division. The letter of non -objection from Cobb
County was received on December 7, 2020 and this property will be located in Ward 7.
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance ORD2020-19 - annexation request (100%
owners requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lots
685 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia; a total of 0.83 acres,
being known as 1960 Watkins Road, Smyrna, GA 30080, will be effective March 1,
2021 and part of Ward 7 and authorizes the Mayor to sign and execute all related
documents.
Councilmember Lewis Wheaton made a motion to approve Ordinance ORD2020-19 -
Annexation request (100% owners requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel of land
lying and being in Land Lots 685 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County,
Georgia; a total of 0.83 acres, being known as 1960 Watkins Road, Smyrna, GA
30080, will be effective March 1, 2021 and part of Ward 7 and authorizes the Mayor to
sign and execute all related documents. Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch
seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7- Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
C. ORD2020-20 Approval of Ordinance ORD2020-20 - Annexation request (100% owners
requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land
Lots 685 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia; a total
of 0.83 acres, being known as 2021 Watkins Road, Smyrna, GA 30080,
will be effective March 1, 2021 and part of Ward 7 and authorizes the
Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
The background was read aloud by City Administrator Bennett The applicant Anthony
Andrew Jackson Henry, is seeking approval for annexation of approximately 0.83
acres, parcel number 17068500020 - all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in
Land Lots 685, 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia located at 2021
Watkins Road, Smyrna, GA 30080. Effective date February 1, 2021. Certified letters
were sent by the City Clerk to the Cobb County Clerk's Office and the Cobb County
Community Development Planning Division. The letter of non -objection from Cobb
County was received on December 7, 2020 and this property will be located in Ward 7.
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance ORD2020-19 - annexation request (100%
owners requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lots
685 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia; a total of 0.83 acres,
being known as 2021 Watkins Road, Smyrna, GA 30080, will be effective February 1,
2021 and part of Ward 7 and authorizes the Mayor to sign and execute all related
documents.
Councilmember Lewis Wheaton made a motion to approve Ordinance ORD2020-20 -
Annexatlon request (100% owners requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel of land
lying and being in Land Lots 685 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County,
Georgia; a total of 0.83 acres, being known as 2021 Watkins Road, Smyrna, GA
30080, will be effective March 1, 2021 and part of Ward 7 and authorizes the Mayor to
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 15, 2021
sign and execute all related documents. Councilmember Susan Wilkinson seconded
the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
D. ORD2021-04 Approval of Ordinance ORD2021-04 - Annexation request (100% owners
requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel (Parcel #17077400120) of
land lying and being in Land Lots 774 and 811, Parcel No. 12, of the 17th
District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia; a total of 19.0 +/- acres,
being known as (Ann Road), Smyrna, GA 30080, will be effective March
1, 2021 and part of Ward 1 and authorizes the Mayor to sign and execute
all related documents.
Mr. Bennett provided the background information on this annexation. The applicants,
William Jay MacKenna, Jr., Ann Campbell MacKenna and Elizabeth Drina MacKenna,
are seeking approval for annexation of approximately 19 +/ acres, parcel number
17077400120 - all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Land Lots 774 and 811,
Parcel No. 12, of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia located at (Ann
Road) Smyrna, GA 30080. Effective date March 1, 2021. Certified letters were sent by
the City Clerk to the Cobb County Clerk's Office and the Cobb County Community
Development Planning Division. The letter of non -objection from Cobb County was
received on February 5, 2020 and this property will be located in Ward 1.
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance ORD2021-04 - Annexation request (100%
owners requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel (Parcel #17077400120) of land lying
and being in Land Lots 774 and 811, Parcel No. 12, of the 17th District, 2nd Section,
Cobb County, Georgia; a total of 19.0 +/- acres, being known as (Ann Road), Smyrna,
GA 30080, will be effective March 1, 2021 and part of Ward 1 and authorizes the Mayor
to sign and execute all related documents.
Councilmember Glenn Pickens made a motion to approve Ordinance ORD2021-04 -
Annexation request (100% owners requesting annexation) - all tract or parcel (Parcel
#17077400120) of land lying and being in Land Lots 774 and 811, Parcel No. 12, of the
17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia; a total of 19.0 +/- acres, being
known as (Ann Road), Smyrna, GA 30080, will be effective March 1, 2021 and part of
Ward 1 and authorizes the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Councilmember Travis Lindley seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
E. 2020-233 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z20-006 - Rezoning from NS &
RM-10 - Conditional for the development of 10 single-family attached
townhomes at a density of 9.3 units per acre -1.08 acres - Land Lot 669 -
3302 Atlanta Road - Edgeline, LLC.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to table Zoning Request - Z20-006 -
Rezoning from NS & RM-10 - Conditional for the development of 10 single-family
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 15, 2021
F,
A.
B.
attached townhomes at a density of 9.3 units per acre - 1.08 acres - Land Lot 669 -
3302 Atlanta Road - Edgeline, LLC to the March 1, 2021 meeting at the request of the
applicant. Councilmember Tim Gould seconded the motion.
The motion to table was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
2021-005 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z21-001 - Allow rezoning from GC to
OD -Conditional for use as a self -storage facility - 3.29 acres - Land Lot
444 - 912 Daniel Drive - GFAC Real Estate - The applicant requests to
withdraw the application without prejudice
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson made a motion to withdraw without prejudice Zoning
Request - Z21-001 - Allow rezoning from GC to OD -Conditional for use as a
self -storage facility - 3.29 acres - Land Lot 444 - 912 Daniel Drive - GFAC Real Estate -
at the request of the applicant. Councilmember Travis Lindley seconded the motion.
The motion to withdrawal without prejudice was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton f
Privilege Licenses: I'
There were no privilege licenses.
Formal Business:
BCA2021-01 Approval of the Appointment of Ward 1 resident, Charles Phillips, to the
Planning and Zoning Board to fulfill current term that expires 12/31/2021.
Councilmember Glenn Pickens thanked outgoing Ward 1 Planning and Zoning
representative Tom Bartlett for his time and commitment while serving the City.
Councilmember Glenn Pickens made a motion to approve the Appointment of Ward 1
resident, Charles Phillips, to the Planning and Zoning Board to fulfill current term that
expires 1213112021. Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
2021-058 Approval of a budget amendment for the increase in salary for Chief
Judge Phyllis Gingrey Collins for additional Court arraignment days for
Municipal Traffic Court as well as the addition of Environmental Court
responsibilities (beginning April 1, 2021) and the increase in salary for
Municipal / Environmental Court Solicitor Tim Williams for part time to full
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 15. 2021
time status, effective March 8, 2021.
Mr. Joe Bennett provided insight into this agenda item. Court Services Municipal Court
has experienced a tremendous volume increase due in 2020 to the addition ofPD's
traffic enforcement unit as well as the increased DUI citations which will result in the
need for an additional Court arraignment day. Additionally,
Environmental Court was originally set up under the Chief Municipal Judge and in 2008,
the Court was separated and an Environmental Court Judge assigned. COVID has
brought to light the need for simplifying procedures for staff and especially the citizens
and defendants we serve through Municipal Traffic Court and Environmental Court. It is
because of this need for simplicity and better procedure, staff is requesting that
Environmental Court be restructured under the Chief Municipal Judge Phyllis Gingrey
Collins as it was prior to the decision to separate the two Courts. These stated needs
will result in a proposed request for increase to both Judge Collins salary and Solicitor
Tim Williams Salary as shown on the attachment. The Court Services and the Finance
Directors respectfully request approval of a budget amendment for the increase in
salary
for Chief Judge Phyllis Gingrey Collins for additional Court arraignment days for
Municipal Traffic Court as well as the addition of Environmental Court responsibilities
(beginning April 1, 2021) and the increase in salary for Municipal /Environmental Court
Solicitor Tim Williams for part time to full time status, effective March 8, 2021.
Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch made a motion to approve a budget
amendment for the increase in salary for Chief Judge Phyllis Gingrey Collins for
additional Court arraignment days for Municipal Traffic Court as well as the addition of
Environmental Court responsibilities (beginning April 1, 2021) and the increase in
salary for Municipal / Environmental Court Solicitor Tim Williams for part time to full
time status, effective March 8, 2021. Councilmember Travis Lindley seconded the
motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
C. 2021-065 Approval of Covid Extension for Multi -Housing Inspection Program
city of Smyrna
City Administrator Joe Bennett read the background information on this agenda item at
the request of the Mayor. Under the City's Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 80 of
the Code of Ordinances), the City requires multi -family developments to inspect 20
percent of their units every year prior to the renewal of their business license. The
inspection program applies to all property owners of multi -family rental dwellings or
multi -family rental units within the city that receive income for use of four or more such
dwellings or units and meet the requirements of O. C. G.A. § 48-13-5 for having a
location or office within the city. Due to Covid restrictions, Community Development is
recommending to allow the property owners to spread the 2020 inspections over the
next two years. If a property owner decides to defer the 2020 inspections to other
years, they would be
required to complete inspections for 30% of the units the next two years (2021 8
2022). The program shall only apply to the required 2020 inspections. Required
inspections for subsequent years shall not be deterred.
Community Development is recommending approval of the following actions to support
the multi -family developments through the pandemic:
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 15, 2021
8.
A.
B.
Allow the property owners to spread the 2020 inspections over the next two years.
-If a property owner decides to defer the 2020 inspections to other years, they would be
required to complete inspections for 30% of the units the next two years (2021 &
2022).
-The program shall only apply to the required 2020 inspections. Required inspections
for subsequent years shall not be deferred.
The proposed actions are not a waiver of the inspection requirement, but it allows for
the deferment of the inspections until they can be completed safely. In addition, these
actions would keep the inspection of all the
units within the development on the same inspection schedule over a five-year period.
The Fire Marshal's
Office and the Community Development Code Enforcement Division will continue to do
the yearly exterior
inspections of the property.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve of Covid Extension for
Multi -Housing Inspection Program. Councilmember Lewis Wheaton seconded the
motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
Commercial Building Permits:
There were no commercial building permits.
Consent Agenda:
At the request of Mayor Norton, City Administrator Joe Bennett read aloud the consent
agenda.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve the consent agenda as read
aloud by City Administrator Joe Bennett including the approval of extended work hours
for construction at Campbell High School which will be Monday through Friday 7:00
AM to 9:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM from February 15th to April 30th.
Councilmember Glenn Pickens seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Gould and Councilmember
Wheaton
Nay: 1 - Councilmember Wilkinson
MIN2021-06 Approval of the January 28, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Minutes.
MIN2021-07 Approval of the February 1, 2021 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes.
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final February 15, 2021
C. MIN2021-08 Approval of the February 1, 2021 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes.
D. CON2021-03 Approval of the 2021 modified Crown Castle Site Lease Agreement BU
844202 / GA2383 Smyrna Police Fire / 2646 Atlanta Road and authorize
the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
E. 2021-046 Approval of extended work hours at Campbell High School for seven
proposed concrete pours - Land Lot 448 - 5265 Ward St - Carrol Daniel
Construction
F. 2021-062 Approve the request for the road closure on Campbell Road to through
traffic beginning Monday, February 22, 2021 through Saturday, February
26, 2021 (weather permitting) for the installation of two speed tables.
9. Ward / Committee Reports:
Councilmember Lewis Meaton said be warm and safe and continue following safety
protocol.
Councilmember Tim Gould thanked everyone that came out to the Campbell Middle
School clean up day and reminded everyone to be on the look out for a Campbell High
School clean up day coming soon.
Councilmember Charles 'Corkey" Welch congratulated Mr. Joe Bennett
Councilmember Travis Lindley stated that he is looking forward to working with Mr. Joe
Bennett. He also noted the recent passing of a lifelong resident of the City of
Smyrna.
Councilmember Glenn Pickens offered congratulations to Mr. Joe Bennett.
City Clerk Heather Peacon-Corn offered her congratulations to Mr. Joe Bennett
10. Show Cause Hearings:
11. Citizen Input:
12. Adjournment:
There were no show cause hearings.
No one signed up to participate in citizen input.
Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the February 15, 2021 Mayor and Council meeting at
7:36PM.
City or Smyrna Page 9 Printed on 2,222021
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
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