11-15-2021 November 15, 2021 M&C Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LF�F SMy�
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Monday, November 15, 2021
1.
2.
REVISED AGENDA
Roll Call
City of Smyrna
Meeting Minutes - Final
City Council
7:00 PM
A. Max Bacon City Hall
Council Chambers
2800 King Street SE
Smyrna, GA. 30080
Council Chambers
Present: 8 - Mayor Derek Norton, 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: 7 - Joe Bennett, Penny Moceri, Russell Martin, Joey Staubes, Dan Campbell,
Heather Peacon-Corn and Jill Head
Mayor Derek Norton called to order the November 15, 2021 Mayor and Council Meeting
at 7:00 PM.
Invocation and Pledge:
The invocation was delivered by Rabbi Avremel Zaltzman of Chabad of Smyrna-Vinings
located at 4450 Lower Roswell Rd. Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Changes:
A. 2uL"I-o4o Approval for the addition to the agenda under formal business (Item G) of
Item 2021-542 for the purchase of a vehicle for Economic Development.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve the addition of item 2021-542
under formal business (Item G) for the purchase of a vehicle for Economic
Development; seconded by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
B. 2021-544 Approval of the addition to the agenda under consent for the use of City
Hall for a Town Hall Meeting (Item D).
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve the addition of item 2021-545
under the consent agenda (Item D) for the approval of the use of City Hall for a Town
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Final November 15, 2021
Hall meeting on Sunday, December 12, 2021 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM; seconded by
Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
3. Mayoral Report:
A. Citizens Police Academy Graduating Class Ceremony and Presentation
of Certificates
Chief Zgonc stated that this is the first Citizens Police Academy since 2019 because
of the pandemic. This academy provides a great opportunity for citizens to interact with
members of the police department and witness the inner workings of the police
department. Chief Zgonc turned the presentation over to Lt. Defense and Officer
Elliott.
Officer Elliott thanked the participants for their involvement and expressed that he
hoped the academy met and exceeded their expectations.
Certificates were presented to:
Connor Shay
Donna Downs
Jennifer Dew
Latarsha Traylor -Pearson
Kevin Ferguson
Donna Downs stated that she has the privilege of serving on the Civil Service Board,
and she opted to volunteer for that after participating in the Citizens Police Academy.
She stated she would encourage all citizens to participate in this program because it
gives a unique perspective on how the Police serve this community. She encourages
the Mayor and Council to do all they can to support them.
4. Land Issues/Zonings/Annexations:
A. 2n21-445 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z21-012 - Allow rezoning from R-15
to R-8 for the development of two single-family homes at a density of 4.49
units per acre - Land Lot 560 - 0.445 acres - 1439 Walker Court - Joe
Callahan.
Ward 3 / Councilmember Travis Lindley
Russell Martin, Director of Community Development, presented the following
background:
Joe Callahan is requesting a rezoning from R-15 (Residential) to R-8 (Residential) for a
two -lot single-family detached subdivision. The subject property is zoned R-15 and is
occupied with a single-family home. The applicant plans to demolish the existing home
and build two new single-family detached homes on two lots. The minimum lot size will
be 8,590 sq. ft. The proposed setbacks are consistent with the R-8 zoning district and
surrounding properties. The proposed homes will face Walker Court with front entry
garages.
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The City Engineer has reviewed the proposed rezoning with respect to transportation,
stormwater management, stream buffer issues, and in general believes that it meets
city requirements. There are no stream buffers affecting the property.
The Fire Marshal's office has reviewed the current proposal and in general believes that
it meets the Fire Code requirements for fire truck access.
Community Development has reviewed the zoning proposal against the City's 2040
Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Plan. The zoning proposal to R-8 maintains
a future land use designation of MODR (Moderate Density Residential) under four and
half (4.5) units per acre.
Community Development has reviewed the proposed development against the
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance with respect to the R-8 zoning standards. The
proposed development meets the zoning requirements for R-8.
Community Development staff is supportive of the rezoning from R-15 to R-8 with no
future land use change from MODR (Moderate Density Residential).
The zoning proposal is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and the Future
Land Use Plan. Therefore, Community Development recommends approval of the
rezoning from R-15 to R-8 with a density of 4.49 units per acre at 1439 Walker Court
with the following conditions:
Standard Conditions
Requirements # 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 17 from Section 1201 of the Zoning Code
are not applicable. The following requirements remain applicable.
1. The composition of the homes in a residential subdivision shall include a mixture of
elements including; but not limited to: brick, stone, shake, hardy plank and stucco.
No elevation shall be comprised of 100% hardy plank siding. The residences whose
lots abut external roadways shall not be permitted to utilize hardy plank for any
elevation facing these roads.
2. All utilities within the development shall be underground.
3. The developer shall be responsible for any traffic improvements (including additional
right-of-way dedications) deemed necessary by either the City or the County during
construction plan review. Sidewalks shall be provided by the developer inside the
subdivision and outside the subdivision adjacent to any public fight -of -way consistent
with city's requirements for the extent of the development. A grass buffer with a
minimum width of two feet shall be provided between the back of curb and sidewalk.
4. No debris may be buried on any lot or common area.
5. The developer will comply with the City's current tree ordinance. All required tree
protection measures shall be adhered to by the developer during construction.
6. All yards and common areas are to be sodded, and landscaped. Irrigate as
appropriate.
7. All single-family and/or duplex residential lots shall provide the following at the time
of certificate of occupancy: either four 3" caliper trees or three 4" caliper trees. The
following species of trees may be used: Nuttall Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak, A/lee Elm,
and Village Green Zelkova. Other species may be used if approved by the City.
Special Conditions
8. The development shall maintain the RDA setbacks:
Front — 25'
Side — 5'
Rear— 25'
9. The minimum lot size shall be 8,590 sq. ft.
10. The minimum lot width shall be 50 feet.
11. Driveway — 22' minimum length from building face to back of sidewalk.
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12. The developer shall dedicate 5 ft. of right-of-way dedication along Walker Street.
13. The developer shall install a 5 ft. sidewalk and 2 ft. grass strip at the frontage of
property along Walker Street.
14. All structures will be built to a maximum height of 35' as measured from the
sidewalk along the front elevation.
15. The developer shall meet all fire access requirements deemed necessary by the
Fire Marshal during construction plan review.
16. The developer shall be responsible for any water and sewer improvements deemed
necessary by the Public Works Director during construction plan review.
17. The developer shall be responsible for any stormwater improvements deemed
necessary by the City Engineer.
18. Approval of the subject property for the R-8-Conditional zoning district shall be
conditioned upon the development of the property in substantial compliance with the
site plan submitted 611512021 and created by SJMurphy LLC and all zoning
stipulations above.
19. Approval of the subject property shall be conditioned upon substantial compliance
with the elevations submitted on 911012021.
20. The developer shall provide at least one-story of brick or stone on the front
elevation of the homes.
21. The developer shall install decorative wood garage doors.
22. The developer shall install an evergreen landscape/privacy buffer along the shared
property line of 1429 Walker Court for the length of the existing privacy fence. The
evergreen trees shall be planted with a spacing of 7' to 10' on center and the trees
shall have a minimum height of 10' to 12' at planting.
23. The zoning of the property is contingent on the purchase of 443 sq. R. from the
adjoining Walker Street Manor subdivision. Should the developer be unable to
purchase the property within 12 months of the zoning approval, the zoning of the
property shall revert back to R-15 zoning district.
Mr. Martin explained that an agreement was made to purchase the additional
approximate 400 square feet needed to gain approval from Community Development
without having to request rezoning. it eliminates the need for future land use changes.
it will remain moderate density residential. Recommends approval from R-15 to R-8.
Rick Kolb, the applicants business partner, came forward and was sworn in by the
City Attorney. He spoke about the " 11 th hour" agreement made between them and the
HOA to purchase the necessary 443 square feet to eliminate the need for variances or
rezoning.
Sean Murphy, planning consultant - 3282 Lee St. - came forward and was sworn in by
the City Attorney. Mr. Murphy showed site plans with existing future land use. He
showed pictures of the kinds of plants they will install (Cryptomeria), the types of
garage doors they will use, and the craftsman style facades. He thanked
Councilmember Lindley for meeting with everyone and facilitating a discussion. And he
thanked Mr. Martin and staff for their involvement as well.
A public hearing was called, and no one came forward in favor of or in opposition to
this item.
Councilmember Lindley thanked everyone for working through this issue.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item 2021-445, a public
hearing and zoning request (Z21-012) to allow rezoning from R-15 to R-8 for the
development of two single-family homes at a density of 4.49 units per acre on land lot
560 on 0.445 acres located at 1439 Walker Court by applicant Joe Callahan; seconded
by Councilmember Austin Wagner.
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The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
5. Privilege Licenses:
There were no privilege licenses.
6. Formal Business:
A. AGR2021-14 Approval of Memorandum of Understanding AGR2021-14 with Georgia
Department of Transportation (GDOT) for the Traffic Signal Operations
Program (SigOps) Coordination and authorize the Mayor to sign and
execute all related documents.
Ward: City Wide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, presented the following background:
Georgia DOT has had a program over the last 6 years or so called RTOP - Regional
Traffic Operations Program - wherein traffic engineering companies were contracted as
corridor managers for state routes - South Cobb Drive (SR 280) was one of the
corridors. These services included testing and repairing any faulty components and
regularly monitoring the signals, including the signal timing programming, for
operational performance. This program is ending and being replaced with SigOps -
Traffic Signal Operations Program - to include support for all traffic signals in a
municipality, not just those along state routes. it is important to note that SigOps is
not a maintaining agency and does not take over the responsibility for operating or
maintaining traffic signals.
The SigOps will open a broader pool of resources for training, knowledge sharing, and
collaboration. This program exists to offer additional resources to the GDOT district
offices and local governments to operate and maintain their traffic signals in order to
promote an improved experience for drivers throughout Georgia. The SigOps program
will continue to build on the partnerships with our local stakeholders to ensure that
both local available resources and GDOTs resources are utilized cooperatively to
enhance the impact of signal operations in your area. GDOT is requesting that any
agency partnering with the SigOps program and utilizing SigOps resources has an
approved MOU.
City Engineer Eric Randall recommends approval.
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item AGR2021-14, a
Memorandum of Understanding (AGR2021-14) with the Georgia Department of
Transportation (GDOT) for the Traffic Signal Operations Program (SigOps) Coordination
and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents; seconded by
Councilmember Travis Lindley.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
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Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
B. AGR2021-15 Approval for the replacement of the boiler at Smyrna City Hall (2800 King
Street, Smyrna) by MaxAir Mechanical, 814 Livingston Court, Marietta,
GA, 30067, in the amount of $63,175.00 to be funded out of the Green
Energy CIP and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related
documents.
Ward 3: Councilmember Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett City Administrator, presented the following background:
Project Scope: Remove and replace (1) hydronic heating boiler with condensing boiler
Replace existing CHN0990 boiler with new Lochinvar Crest FBNIOOi condensing
boiler
• New unit features:
o Up to 98% thermal efficiency
o Up to 10:1 turndown
o Smart system digital controls with graphic LCD display
o Stainless steel fire -tube heat exchanger
o Low NOx operation
o Includes condensate neutralization kit
o Includes new ECM variable speed boiler pump
o Medium -mass design eliminates need for buffer tank
• Demolition of existing boiler and tank
• Demolition of existing venting
• installation of new boiler and tank
• Installation of new PVC venting
• Reconnect piping, with appropriate insulation
• Installation of emergency shut -off to comply with ASME CSD-1 standard
• Startup and verify proper boiler and tank operation
Public Works recommends approval.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve AGR2021-15, the
replacement of the boiler at Smyrna City Hall (2800 King Street) by MaxAir
Mechanical, 814 Livingston Court, Marietta, GA 30067, in the amount of $63,175.00 to
be funded out of the Green Energy CIP and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all
related documents; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
C. Approval of the Proposal for Professional Engineering Services with
Croy Engineering Services for the final design and Construction
Documents for the Preferred Concept Plan for the downtown
improvement project approved at the October 18, 2021 City Council
meeting in an amount not to exceed $518,206.00 and authorize the
mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
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Ward 3: Councilmember Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, presented the following background:
The city approved implementation of the downtown improvements for the village green
area and surrounding streets as shown on the preferred concept plan developed by
Pond & Company and upgraded through citizen input as shown on the recommended
concept plan dated October 15, 2021. This proposal from Croy Engineering covers
Professional Engineering Services for the final design and Construction Documents for
the civil and park design portions of this project. The project services will include
completing the construction documents for the civil portion of the design, providing
bidding service for the civil construction, preparation of RFQ documents to retain the
Contractor services, and participation in the contractor selection process.
Staff recommends approval.
Councilmember W1lkinson stated that she realizes this is a shared line -item with the
S. Cobb Dr. corridor project, but it was not shared with her that it was going to be split
50150 with S. Cobb Dr She believes that this fee and the fees that have already been
incurred from the design up to the time that this was voted on, puts the project over the
$6.5 million total budget. She expressed concern about the amount that will be left for
the S. Cobb Dr. project. There are more questions that have not been answered. She
stated that she would not vote in favor of this item.
Councilmember Welch stated that, though he has not been in support of the downtown
project, because the project was approved he wants the best team possible on this
project, and he believes that this is a fair contract.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item 2021-539, the Proposal
for Professional Engineering Services for the final design and construction documents
for the preferred concept plan for the downtown improvement project approved at the
October 18, 2021 City Council meeting in an amount not to exceed $518,206.00 and
authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents; seconded by
Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Gould and Councilmember
Wheaton
Nay: 1 - Councilmember Wilkinson
D. RES2021-". " Approval of RES2021-11 for Mayor and Council support for submission
of the SR280 / South Cobb Drive from Windy Hill Road to Concord Road
Improvements Project to the Atlanta Regional Commission's
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and authorize the Mayor to
sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 3: Councilmember Travis Lindley
Ward 5: Councilmember Susan Wilkinson
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, presented the following background:
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is currently holding a solicitation for
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) project funding proposals. Funding
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assistance is available from the Surface Transportation Block Grant program, which
includes the set -aside for Transportation Alternatives, ARC's Livable Centers Initiative
program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program for the purpose of
accelerating the delivery of projects in the approved TIP which support the goals and
objectives of The Regional Transportation Plan.
The City of Smyrna desires to submit a new federal funding request through the 2021
ARC TIP solicitation process for the SR 280 (South Cobb Drive) from Windy Hill Road
to Concord Road Improvements. The unique identification number for this application
is SMY-2-201. The project is being submitted under the Bicycle & Pedestrian
category. The City of Smyrna, in partnership with GDOT, ARC and Cobb County
completed the South Cobb Drive Corridor Study in 2017 for the segment of SR 2801
South Cobb Drive between Windy Hill Road and Concord Road (Project ID: 0014483).
The 1.5-mile corridor improvements project builds on the Design Concept 4
recommendation identified in the study and includes the construction of a multi -way
boulevard along the corridor, with a raised landscaped median and a traffic signal at
Bank Street and South Cobb Drive.
Additionally, universal recommendations identified for the corridor include the following:
Multi -use paths on both sides of the corridor
Sidewalks and sharrows on side streets
Access management strategies
Intersection improvements at Powder Springs Street and South Cobb Drive
Landscaping/streetscaping/beautification improvements
Pocket Park at Church Street and South Cobb Drive
A review of accident history along the corridor between October 2011 and October
2016 indicated that 15 accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists were reported.
One fatality occurred in 2015. Since November 2016, three additional crashes involving
pedestrians have occurred along this corridor
Project costs are identified below:
Project Engineering - $3.3 Million
Construction - $25.5 Million
ROW - $950, 000
Mayor Norton stated that this is a project he has been looking forward to and thanks
Croy Engineering for getting this project ready to go so quickly. Around springtime
there will be further updates, and there will be public meetings about the design
details. It will transform the area, and it has been a longtime coming.
Councilmember Wilkinson stated that she was involved in the study from 201612017.
She is very excited for this project.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve RES2021-11 for Mayor and
Council support for submission of the SR280/South Cobb Drive from Windy Hill Road to
Concord Road Improvements Project to the Atlanta Regional Commission's
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and authorize the Mayor to sign and
execute all related documents; seconded by Councilmember Susan Wilkinson.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
E. Approval of RES2021-10 for the support for submission of the East-West
Connector Corridor Improvements by the Cobb County Department of
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Transportation (Cobb DOT) to the Atlanta Regional Commission's (ARC)
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and authorize the Mayor to
sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 7: Councilmember Lewis Wheaton
Ward 6: Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Tim Gould
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, presented the following background:
Safety and operational improvements have long been discussed and anticipated for the
East-West Connector, which serves as a major arterial route to and through Cobb
County and the City of Smyrna and the widening of the East-West Connector is a
Cobb County DOT project identified in the ARC-RTP for 2020. The City of Smyrna has
previously committed 2022 SPLOST Transportation Improvements Program funding, in
an amount not to exceed $920, 000.00 for safety improvements along the East-West
Connector roadway and the Atlanta Regional Commission conducts a biannual
solicitation for project funding proposals in its Transportation Improvement Program
(TiP), which allocates federal funds for use in the construction of the highest -priority
projects in the Regional Transportation Plan. Applications for the 2021 solicitation are
due by December 2, 2021 and will be competitively selected for award based on
predetermined evaluation criteria and the Cobb County Department of Transportation
(CCDOT) desires to submit a TIP project study funding proposal for the East-West
Connector to develop a locally preferred alternative and preliminary concept. The City
of Smyrna City Council supports the Cobb County Department of Transportation's
submission of the East-West Connector Corridor Safety and Operational
Improvements to the Atlanta Regional Commission's Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP).
Staff recommends approval of RES2021-10.
Councilmember Wheaton stated that this is a great opportunity for improvements,
including operational improvements.
Councilmember Lewis Wheaton made a motion to approve item RES2021-10 for the
support of the East-West Connector Corridor improvements by the Cobb County
Department of Transportation (Cobb DOT) to the Atlanta Regional Commission's (ARC)
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and authorize the Mayor to sign and
execute all related documents; seconded by Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tern Tim
Gould.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
F. Approval of the Calendar year 2022 Mayor and Council Meeting Dates
as shown in attachment and reviewed at the November 11, 2021
Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Ward: City Wide
Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould made a motion to approve item 2021-535,
the calendar year 2022 Mayor and Council Meeting dates as shown in attachment and
reviewed at the November 11, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting; seconded by
Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
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The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
G. 2021-542 Approval to purchase one (1) 2022 Ford Escape from Wade Ford (3860
South Cobb Drive, Smyrna, Ga, 30080) under City of Atlanta contract
10660-WS in the amount of $23,688.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign
and execute any related documents.
Ward: City Wide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, presented the following background:
Economic Development budgeted for purchase of one (1) 2022 Ford Escape. We
received a quote from Wade Ford under City of Atlanta contract 10660-WS in the
amount of $23,688.00. The lead time for vehicles is approximately 3-6 months. Wade
Ford was able to locate a 2021 Ford Escape S FWD on the lot for $24,099.00. This is
a difference of $411.00.
Councilmember Welch asked if this was a budgeted item. Mr. Bennett confirmed it
had already been budgeted.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item 2021-542 to purchase
one (1) 2022 Ford Escape from Wade Ford (3860 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna, GA
30080) under City of Atlanta contract 10660-WS in the amount of $23,688.00 and
authorize the Mayor to sign and execute any related documents; seconded by
Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
7. Commercial Building Permits:
There were no commercial building permits.
8. Consent Agenda:
Approval of the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Councilmember Travis Lindley, seconded by Councilmember
Glenn Pickens, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried with the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Wagner, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Councilmember Gould
and Councilmember Wheaton
A. _ _ Approval of the October 28, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Minutes.
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B. MIN2021-81 Approval of the November 1, 2021 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes.
C. MIN2021-82 Approval of the November 1, 2021 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes.
D. 2021-545 Approval for the use of City Hall for a Town Hall meeting on Sunday,
December 12, 2021 from 3:OOpm - 5:00pm.
9. Ward / Committee Reports:
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson thanked staff and the Veterans' committee for
holding the well -attended Veterans' Day ceremony. She also thanked Mayor Pro Tem
for his involvement in it.
Councilmember/Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould also thanked staff for the Veteran's Day
event. He stated it was a wonderful ceremony.
10. Show Cause Hearings:
11. Citizen Input:
There were no show cause hearings.
*Laura Mireles - 2232 Old Spring Rd. - Stated she is in opposition to the brewery. She
asked if the brewery will still be something desirable when it is built with such a
specific purpose. Conducting her own research, she stated there are at least ten
breweries within ten miles of Metro Atlanta. Her concern is breweries are so trendy now
and wonders if they will be in the future. An alternative for that space could be to do
something like the Fernbank bridge park. She wants to see something that is an
attraction. She worries the brewery will end up a monstrosity and a regret. She added
that everything else the Mayor and Council have done has been very impressive,
especially the openness to diversity and inclusion.
*Donna Ellcayam - 560 Wooddale Dr - Stated she was shocked to hear about the
brewery across from the children s library and family community center. Not sure these
are the values we want to teach our children. She wants a focus on health initiatives
like nutrition classes, an expansion of the community garden, the providing of low-cost
garden plots. She expressed concern about the homeless who have no food, no tents,
no sleeping bags. She thinks the money should go toward helping the people, and the
citizens should be allowed to vote where that money goes.
*Marie Rhodes - 3950 Hannony Walk Way - She stated a 3-story, 28, 000 sq ft brewery
might be an eye sore, but there are special hazards that might be an issue. She
stated that she has sent emails to Mayor and Council about potential hazards of craft
breweries. She expressed that some of the citizens who are in opposition to the
brewery think a brewery is a great idea, just not at that location, especially because of
explosion risks.
*Shaun Martin - Williams Park - Presented and read an updated letter from Smart
Smyrna to the Mayor and Council that she stated they should have also received by
email. The letter was submitted to the City Clerk.
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12. Adjournment:
`Deborah Tompkins - 789 Church St. - Stated she is in opposition to the sale of the
property on Atlanta Rd. for a brewery because interests change. She stated she was
amazed at the size of the brewery and the six silos that will affront Atlanta Rd. She
expressed that the space could be used as open greenspace for public art. She stated
that there was not an independent environmental study. She stated that the downtown
design is wonderful, but she does not agree with a brewery and distillery because she
feels it contradicts what is wanted (pedestrian -friendly and family -friendly areas) in the
downtown area.
*Mayor Norton stated that the they are in the very preliminary steps of this process.
The City will be looking at sale with controls and deed restrictions vs. lease. The
mention of six silos is not accurate. At most they will place three silos and design
them in conjunction with the Smyrna Arts & Culture Council. There is an environmental
study going on right now, and more details will come in public meetings with
representative(s) from Stillfire Brewery and Economic Development.
"Marie Smith - 1215 Bank St. - Stated she is opposed to the brewery. She attended
the November 1, 2021 pre -council meeting and did not like the strong-arm tactics used
by the representative from the brewery when they stated that this piece of land was the
only location they would want otherwise they would not come to Smyrna. She stated
that the 28, 000 sq. ft. facility proposed in Smyrna is much larger than the 8, 000 sq. ft.
facility in Suwanee.
*Mayor Norton reiterated that Stillfire came to Smyrna, and then there was a letter of
intent. They are investing $7 million, so they will be very specific about where they want
to be. He reminded everyone that there will be a park attached to it as well. He stated
there has been mention of it looking like an industrial factory, that it was a rushed
process, that there will be astro turf, and that the City is offering tax abatements. He
stressed that this is all misinformation. This is the only serious proposal that has
come forward to the City, and historically the City had always intended for something to
be built on that plot of land. He expressed that everyone should be careful when
reading information online and social media.
Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the November 15, 2021 Mayor and Council Meeting
held at A. Max Bacon City Hall Council Chambers at 8:15 PM.
City of Smyrna Page 12
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
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DE K NORTON
MAYOR
AUSTN WAGNER, WARD 2
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CHARLES A. WELCH, WARD 4
TIM GOULD, WARD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
CITY CLERK
GLENN PICKENS, WARD I
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TRAVIS LINDLEY, WARD 3
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LEWIS WHEATON, WARD 7
CITY SEAL.