10-7-2019 October 7, 2019 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LFMonday, October 7, 2019
1
3.
A.
City of Smyrna
Meeting Minutes - Final
City Council
7:00 PM
Roll Call
2800 King Street
Smyrna, Georgia 30080
Council Chambers
Present: 7 - Mayor Max Bacon, Councilmember Derek Norton, Councilmember Maryline
Blackburn, Councilmember Andrea Blustein, Councilmember Charles
Welch, Councilmember Susan Wilkinson and Councilmember Tim Gould
Also Present: 19 - Tammi Saddler Jones, Scott Cochran, Scott Andrews, Roy Acree, David
Lee, Joe Bennett, Jon Carter, Frank Durrance, Rick James , Terry
McCormick, Ken Owens, Frank Martin, Russell Martin, Tom Boland, Terri
Graham, Dan Campbell, Tina Monaghan, Landon O'Neal and Robert Harvey
Call to Order
Mayor A. Max Bacon called the October 7, 2019 Mayor and Council meeting to order
at 7:00 PM.
Invocation and Pledge:
Pastor Christian Salzillo, Life Church Smyrna (4100 King Springs Road) delivered the
Invocation and led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Changes:
Mayoral Report:
There were no agenda changes.
Councilmember Ron Fennel spoke to the Mayor and Council and officially stepped
down from his seat for Ward 7. Mr. Fennel had chose to not run for reelection and to
sell his house and move to another part of Cobb County. He was planning to complete
his term but his house sold sooner than he expected. The City's Charter prohibits him
from serving on the council if he does not live in the ward he represents.
Smyrna Youth Council Recognition
Sponsors: Gould
Councilmember Tim Gould read aloud some background information on the Youth
Council Program which is in its second year. He read the names of the participants
who came to the font of the room and then he administered the Oath and photos were
taken.
The participants in the 2019-2020 Smyrna Youth Council are as follows:
Katenna Addington, Campbell High School
Alex Bauer, Whitefield Academy
City of Smyrna Page 1 Printed on 10118/2019
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2019
B.
4.
A
2019-331
Tylah Blakney, Campbell High School
Ariel Bundi, Campbell High School
Faith Jones, Whitefield Academy
Sakshi Joshi, Campbell High School
Kate Mazur, Campbell High School
Mayah Monthrope, Campbell High School
Nai'la Morris, Atlanta International School
Hakeem Rahman, Osborne High School
Rodrigo Rodriguez, Campbell High School
Aadi Sashittal, Campbell High School
Cole Simmons, Campbell High School
William Taylor, Campbell High School
The Oath of Office is as follows:
I do affirm, that I desire to be a member of the Smyrna Youth Council; that I will
honestly
and faithfully perform the duties assigned to me; that I will abide by the rules which
governs Smyrna Youth Council members; and that 1 will be a good role model for all
youth in Smyrna.
Proclamation in Recognition of Public Safety Appreciation Week,
October 6-12, 2019.
Sponsors: Norton
Councilmember Derek Norton, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, read aloud the
Proclamation in recognition of Public Safety Appreciation Week.
Police Chief David Lee came to the podium and thanked everyone. Working together
with the Fire Department as well as Cobb County Public Safety is a privilege. He
asked the Public Safety member present to stand and be recognized.
Chief Lee went on to talk about the Cobb County Public Safety Luncheon that
occurred earlier that day. He introduced Cobb County Public Safety Officer of the
Year Meredith Holt. She is a detective at the City and has a long list of
accomplishments including getting a law passed to turn Pimping" from a
misdemeanor to a felony.
Ms. Holt thanked everyone and expressed her gratitude for all the support that she has
received.
Mayor Bacon said a few words about the excellent Public Safety Department that the
City of Smyrna has and how he will miss interacting with them on a regular basis.
Land Issues/Zonings/Annexations:
2019-318 Public Hearing - Zoning Request Z19-014 - Modification of site plan for
130 unit townhome development at Riverview Landing - 22.57 Acres -
Land Lots 171, 172 - Riverview Road - The Ardent Companies, LLC
Suonsors: Fennel
City Administrator Tammi Saddler Jones provided the background information on this
agenda item. Ardent Companies, LLC is requesting a zoning amendment to modify
the site plan and building elevations for a portion of the 82-acre mixed use Riverview
City of Smyrna Page 2 Printed on 1011612019
City Council
Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2019
Landing development. The applicant is proposing to replace the 65 single family
detached units with 130 townhomes. This would increase the total townhomes units in
the development to 317 units, and remove single family detached product from the
development. Community Development recommended approval of a zoning
amendment to modify the currently approved site plan and building elevations with the
following conditions carried over from Zoning Case Z19-007.
Mayor Bacon announced the public hearing, and no one came forward.
Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch asked Community Development Director
Rusty Martin to provide more details on the request.
Mr. Martin shared a PowerPoint presentation that included the history of the project as
well as the newest proposed changes. The applicant is requesting a zoning
amendment to modify the site plan and building elevations for a portion of the 82-acre
mixed use Riverview Landing development. The applicant is proposing to replace the
65 single family detached units with 129 townhomes. This would increase the total
townhomes units in the development to 317 units, and remove single family detached
product from the development. The subject property is located on the northem side of
Riverview Road and to the east of Nichols Drive (See zoning vicinity map). The site
plan that was adopted as part of Zoning Case Z13-005, reflecting sixty-five (65) single
family detached units on the subject property. The applicant is proposing to build a
129-unit townhome development in the place of the single family detached units. All
other aspects of the master Riverview Landing site plan would remain unchanged. The
Riverview Landing development was originally approved by the Cobb County Board of
Commissioners (BOC) on March 15, 2011 by a vote of 4-1. Prior to rezoning, the
project received positive findings on the required Development of Regional Impact
(DRI) review from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the Georgia Regional
Transportation Authority (GRTA). As part of the rezoning of the property, the County
BOC added zoning stipulations that required the development to meet the
recommendations outlined by GRTA and ARC in the DRI review. Between the rezoning
in Cobb and the annexation into Smyrna, the applicant demolished the existing
buildings, removed all debris and partially graded the site. The subject property was
annexed and rezoned into Smyrna on November 18, 2013 by a vote of 7-0 (Zoning
Case Z13-015) with the zoning conditions carried over from the County. The previous
property owner began construction on the Riverview Road improvements and those
improvements were completed by the Fall of 2018. The originally approved mixed use
development (Zoning Case Z13-015) consisted of 155 single-family residences, 332
townhomes, 165 condominium flats, 200 residential senior housing units and 850
apartment units. Overall, the development consisted of 1702 new residential units and
190, 000 square feet of commercial space for a total square footage of 2,345,550
square feet for the entire development. The density for the site was 19.42 units per
acre or 26,772 square feet per acre. The property owner applied for a zoning
amendment in Spring of 2017 (Zoning Case Z17-003) to reduce the overall
development with respect to residential units and eliminating almost all the commercial
space. The zoning amendment reduced the commercial space down to 3, 000 sq. ft.
and the residential units down to 65 single-family units, 233 townhome units and 310
multi -family units. The zoning amendment was approved by the Mayor and City Council
on March 20, 2017 with 608 residential units and 3, 000 sq. ft. of commercial space.
The zoning amendment resulted in a net change of -1094 residential units and
-187, 000 sq. ft. of commercial space. The property owner applied for a zoning
amendment in the Spring of 2019 (Zoning Case Z19-007) to change residential units
and commercial space within the development from 310 multi -family units to 580 units,
decrease the townhomes from 233 units to 188 units, and increase the commercial
City of Smyrna Page 3 Printed on 1011612019
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2019
floor area from 3, 000 sq. ft. to 17,680 sq. ft. The zoning amendment was approved by
the Mayor and City Council on April 15, 2019. The zoning amendment resulted in a net
change of 225 residential units and 14, 680 sq. ft. of commercial floor area.
Community Development recommended approval of a zoning amendment to modify the
currently approved site plan and building elevations with the following conditions carried
over from Zoning Case Z17-003 & Z19-007.
Council asked Mr. Martin about the total number of units as well as whether or not
there were any major changes to the product. He said the total number of units will be
in the high 800's and the only changes might be from three levels to two. The
materials on the outside of the units will remain the same.
Attorney Garvis Sams, was there to represent the applicant. He spoke briefly of the
great work of Councilmember Ron Fennel on bringing projects into the City. He then
reviewed the information on the project and the amendment that was before Council.
The applicant is requesting to change from single family to town homes to meet the
wants and needs of the current market. The units will be two story mix of front and
rear garage units with two parking spaces in the garage and two more in the driveway.
Price point will be from the high 300's to the mid 400's. There will be a mandatory HOA
with obligations to disclose on a yearly basis those who are leasing units rather than
purchasing. The amendment leverages and focuses the product with the utilization of
the Chattahoochee River.
Council inquired about potential green space, the reason behind the changes, and if
there was a completion date. Mr. Sams said that there is green space throughout the
development including across the street from the proposed units. The change from
single family to town homes is in response to the current real estate market. The
completion date is market driven but the goal is to deliver the totality of the townhomes
within twenty four months.
Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch made a motion to approve Zoning Request
Z19-014 - Modification of site plan for 130 unit townhome development at Riverview
Landing - 22.57 Acres - Land Lots 171, 172 - Riverview Road - The Ardent Companies,
LLC. Councilmember Tim Gould seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Gould
5. Privilege Licenses:
There were no Privilege Licenses.
6. Formal Business:
A. Approval to allocate a total of $830,000, $100,000 from the FY21 city
budget and $730,000 from the FY22 city budget, to fund half of the
required 20% match for a Transportation Improvements Program
Infrastructure and Capital Investment Grant from the Atlanta Regional
Commission for the cost of construction and construction related
activities associated with the construction of a pedestrian bridge over
Cityof Smyrna Page 4 Printed on 1011612019
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2019
Cobb Parkway and to authorize the Mayor to execute any related
documents.
Sponsors: Norton
The information on this item was presented by Ms. Saddler Jones. This pedestrian
bridge project was previously identified in the Spring Road Corridor Study adopted by
Mayor and Council in May 2017. The City of Smyrna has already identified $4M in the
City's proposed 2022 SPLOST project list for this pedestrian bridge project. Staff has
proposed 4 different funding scenarios to address funding this project. One example is
if the 2022 SPLOST passes (a referendum may occur in November of 2020), the City's
portion of the match ($830K) can be reimbursed out of the 2022 SPLOST funds
allocated for the pedestrian bridge once those funds are collected. The pedestrian
bridge project would be a grade separated pedestrian crossing from the west side (the
Smyrna side) of Cobb Parkway to the east side (The Battery side) of Cobb Parkway. It
will provide safe access for pedestrians across eight (8) lanes of traffic on Cobb
Parkway and connect the City of Smyrna to The Battery/Sun Trust Park multi -use
complex. The proposed funding request includes the estimated cost associated with
engineering, right of way acquisition and construction of the proposed pedestrian
bridge. Staff recommended approval.
Councilmember Norton noted that this project has been a long time coming. The
money is there regardless but the grant will be a huge cost saving to the City.
Councilmember Welch wanted to know if they could legally bind the new Council to a
2022 SPLOST project. City Attorney Scott Cochran stated that this would be ratified
by a vote during the first meeting of the new Council.
Councilmember Derek Norton made a motion to approve to allocate a total of $830,000,
$100,000 from the FY21 city budget and $730,000 from the FY22 city budget, to fund
half of the required 20% match for a Transportation Improvements Program
Infrastructure and Capital Investment Grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission for
the cost of construction and construction related activities associated with the
construction of a pedestrian bridge over Cobb Parkway and to authorize the Mayor to
execute any related documents. Councilmember Tim Gould seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Gould
B. Approval to purchase 5 (five) equipped Ford Explorers for the Police
Department as part of the FY20 Vehicle Replacement Fund at a total cost
of $221,037.70. This vehicle purchase will be through state contract -
Wade Ford 3860 S Cobb Dr Smyrna Ga 30080.
Sponsors: Norton
Councilmember Norton, Chair of the Public Safety Committee noted that this was just
vehicle replacement which was previously budgeted.
Councilmember Derek Norton made a motion to approve to purchase 5 (five) equipped
Ford Explorers for the Police Department as part of the FY20 Vehicle Replacement
Fund at a total cost of $221,037.70. This vehicle purchase will be through state
contract - Wade Ford 3860 S Cobb Dr Smyrna Ga 30080. Councilmember Charles
"Corkey" Welch seconded the motion.
City of Smyrna Page 5 Printed on 10/1012019
City Council
Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2019
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Gould
C. _ Approval to award RFQ 20-002 water line installation Church Street to
the lowest bidder Ardito Construction Company Inc. 1290 Austell Road
Marietta, Georgia 30008 for $250,351.00 from Water CIP, and authorize
the Mayor to execute any related documents.
Sponsors: Welch
Councilmember Welch read aloud the background information relating to this water
line installation project.
Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch made a motion to approve to award RFQ
20-002 water line installation Church Street to the lowest bidder Ardito Construction
Company Inc. 1290 Austell Road Marietta, Georgia 30008 for $250,351.00 from Water
CIP, and authorize the Mayor to execute any related documents. Councilmember
Derek Norton seconded the motion.
D. 2019-343
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Gould
Approval of replacement Extrication Equipment by utilizing the NPPGov
Cooperative Contract #PS17007, to Georgia Fire & Rescue Supply,
LLC, located at 602 Water Tank Rd. Canton, Ga. 30115, in the amount of
$97,277.56, funded from FY2020 CIP and to authorize the Mayor to
execute any related documents.
Sponsors: Norton
City Administrator Saddler Jones and Councilmember Norton reiterated that this is just
vehicle replacement which was previously budgeted for.
Councilmember Derek Norton made a motion to approve of replacement Extrication
Equipment by utilizing the NPPGov Cooperative Contract #PS17007, to Georgia Fire &
Rescue Supply, LLC, located at 602 Water Tank Rd. Canton, Ga. 30115, in the
amount of $97,277.56, funded from FY2020 CIP and to authorize the Mayor to execute
any related documents. Councilmember Tim Gould seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Gould
E. 2019-344 Approval to replace Fire Response Command Vehicle by utilizing City of
Atlanta contract #10590-WS, to Wade Ford 3860 South Cobb Dr.
Smyrna, Ga. 30082, in the amount of $47,516.00, funded by the FY2020
City of Smyma Page 6 Printed on 10116/2019
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2019
Vehicle Replacement Fund and authorize the Mayor to execute any
related documents.
Sponsors: Norton
Councilmember Derek Norton made a motion to approve to replace Fire Response
Command Vehicle by utilizing City of Atlanta contract #10590-WS, to Wade Ford 3860
South Cobb Dr. Smyrna, Ga. 30082, in the amount of $47,516.00, funded by the
FY2020 Vehicle Replacement Fund and authorize the Mayor to execute any related
documents. Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Gould
F. 2019-3,1- Approval of the purchase of a Ford F-550 and a Hydro Dump Bed (RFQ
20-011 FY 2020 Parks Dump Truck Replacement) funded by the FY
2020 Vehicle Replacement Fund using the State of Georgia Contract
#99999-001-SPD-0000155 from Wade Ford located at 3860 South
Cobb Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080 in the amount of $56,626.00 and
authorize the Mayor to execute any related documents.
Sponsors: Bacon
Mr. Norton explained that this was a replacement of a dump truck that had been in use
for seventeen years by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Councilmember Derek Norton made a motion to approve of the purchase of a Ford
F-550 and a Hydro Dump Bed (RFQ 20-011 FY 2020 Parks Dump Truck Replacement)
funded by the FY 2020 Vehicle Replacement Fund using the State of Georgia Contract
#99999-001-SPD-0000155 from Wade Ford located at 3860 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna,
GA 30080 in the amount of $56,626.00 and authorize the Mayor to execute any related
documents. Councilmember Tim Gould seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Gould
G. 2019-345 Approval to enter into an agreement with CivicPlus, 302 South 4th Street
Suite 500 Manhattan, KS. 66502, for their CivicReady mass notification
product in the amount of $15,720.00 and authorize the Mayor to execute
any related documents.
Sponsors: Norton
Ms. Tammi Saddler Jones provided a verbal summary of the agreement and its
purpose. The City of Smyrna is currently utilizing CivicPlus, with their CivicRec
product. The addition of their CivicReady product will be allowed under the existing
Master Service Agreement. Smyrna Emergency Management Agency will use this
product, CivicReady, will allow for mass notification/communication if needed. The Fire
Chief/Emergency Management Director and the Purchasing Manager recommended
approval of the Civic Ready agreement in the amount of $15, 720.00 and authorize the
Mayor to execute any related documents.
City of Smyrna Page 7 Printed on 10/16/2019
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2019
Councilmember Derek Norton made a motion to approve to enter into an agreement
with CivicPlus, 302 South 4th Street Suite 500 Manhattan, KS. 66502, for their
CivicReady mass notification product in the amount of $15,720.00 and authorize the
Mayor to execute any related documents. Councilmember Tim Gould seconded the
motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Gould
H. 2019-354 Approve the term sheet between the City and Vinings Bank regarding a
placement agreement of bonds used to refinance the outstanding
obligation incurred to finance public infrastructure at the former Belmont
Hill shopping center and authorize the Mayor to execute any related
documents.
Sponsors; Fennel
Mayor and Council were provided the details of the agenda item by City Administrator
Saddler Jones. When the Atlanta Road Corridor Tax allocation district was formed, the
value of the property as estimated by the Cobb County Tax Assessor, in 2003 was
approximately 73.6 million. Today after the success of the redevelopment the value is
in excess of 252 million. This success of the Belmont Hills Development and the
increase value, this allows the original obligation to be refinanced at favorable terms.
Due to the success of the redevelopment of the former Belmont Hills Shopping Center
at the intersection of Atlanta and Windy Hill Roads, the city can refinance the original
obligation at favorable terms. Staff recommended approval.
Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch made a motion to approve the term sheet
between the City and Vinings Bank regarding a placement agreement of bonds used to
refinance the outstanding obligation incurred to finance public infrastructure at the
former Belmont Hill shopping center and authorize the Mayor to execute any related
documents. Councilmember Derek Norton seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch and Councilmember Gould
Nay: 1 - Councilmember Wilkinson
Approve a Right of Entry with Newburger-Andes & Co., as Administrator
of Windy Hill Joint venture and authorize the Mayor to execute all related
documents.
Sponsors: Fennel
Ms. Saddler Jones read aloud the background information. As part of the Roswell
Street Round -about project the City needs to acquire right of way and construction
easements. This parcel has several title issues and a complicated ownership
structure. The City has prepared an agreement that will allow it to work on the property
prior to resolving the ownership transfers. The city will pay $10,000.00 under this
agreement and that amount will be credited to the city upon final resolution of the
transfer. Staff recommended approval.
City of Smyma Page 8 Printed on 1011612019
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2019
Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch made a motion to approve a Right of Entry
with Newburger-Andes & Co., as Administrator of Windy Hill Joint venture and
authorize the Mayor to execute all related documents. Councilmember Derek Norton
seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Gould
7. Commercial Building Permits:
There were no commercial building permits.
8. Consent Agenda:
Ms. Saddler Jones read aloud the Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Tim Gould made a motion to approve the consent agenda as read
aloud by City Administrator Tammi Saddler Jones. Councilmember Derek Norton
seconded the motion.
The motion to approve was carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Councilmember Norton, Councilmember Blackburn, Councilmember
Blustein, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson and
Councilmember Gould
A. 2019-340 Approval of the September 16, 2019 Mayor and Council Meeting
minutes.
B. 2019-341 Approval of the September 16, 2019 Pre -Council Meeting minutes.
C. 2 Approval of the Thursday, September 12, 2019 Committee of The Whole
Meeting Minutes.
D. 2019-334 Approval of the City's Wellness Program renewal in the amount of
$125,000.00 with Corporate Health Partners and authorize the Mayor to
execute any related documents
Sponsors: Blackburn
E. 2r Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City
of Smyrna and Keep Cobb Beautiful for the Hefty Energy Bag (HEB)
Program and authorize the Mayor to execute any related documents.
Sponsors: Welch
F. 2019-349 Approval to allow Belmont Hills Elementary School to host a Character
Parade on October 25, 2019 from 9:00 - 9:20 AM. Road closures include
a 272 ft. section of Glendale Place and to allow the Mayor to execute any
related documents..
City of Smyrna Page 9 Printed on 10/1612019
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2019
Sponsors: Wilkinson
9. Committee Reports:
Councilmember Gould announced that Campbell High School fall sports season is
wrapping up and several teams have made it to state level play offs including girls'
Volleyball and Softball teams. Mr. Gould addressed the recent influx of contact
regarding pedestrian safety near schools and let everyone know that the City is looking
into possible solutions to the problem.
Councilmember Wilkinson announced that in partnership with the Smyrna Tree Board,
the Smyrna Library will be holding a special story time near the trees on Friday,
October 11, 2019 at 10:30am.
Councilmember Welch encouraged everyone to add November 17, 2019 to their
calendar for the grand re -opening of the Smyrna Museum.
Councilmember Blackburn welcomed new employees and offered congratulations to
the Youth Council members. Ms. Blackburn announced that earlier that morning
Smyrna Detective Meredith Holt was honored at the Cobb County Public Safety
Appreciation event.
Councilmember Blustein spoke briefly about the pleasant cooler temperatures
Councilmember Norton made a statement about Ron Fennel and the contributions that
he made to the City. He also reminded everyone of public safety appreciation week.
City Administrator Saddler Jones recognized Ms. Masala Machochi, an exchange
student from South Africa that currently goes to Campbell High School. She
shadowed Ms. Saddler Jones to learn more about local government.
City Clerk Terri Graham spoke about the upcoming Municipal Election and provided
details about advanced voting that starts on October 14, 2019.
10. Show Cause Hearings:
11. Citizen Input:
There were no show cause hearings.
Ms. Pat Burns, 10 Concord Road, a 30 plus year resident of Smyrna spoke about how
stories hold families together. Over 15 years ago she began collecting stories, photos
and video histories about the history of Smyrna. A film was made about her research.
Smyrna's first Spanish Heritage Celebration will be celebrated soon with posters and
stories. Stories are our roots no matter where we come from and she wants to see
diversity celebrated and honored.
Mr. Lewis Wheaton, 4828 Clay Brooke Drive, announced his candidacy for Ward 7
Council seat. He encouraged everyone to maintain vigor for the community and its
diversity. He asked that everyone go out and vote and be an active part of the
process.
Mr. Doug Hoffmann, 2221 Austin Lake Drive, showed two videos where drivers were
illegally passing over double yellow lines. He feels that something needs to be done
City of Smyrna Page 10 Printed on 1011812019
City Council Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2019
12. Adjournment:
about unsafe driving. Both events were not in the City limits but were close by. He
has lived here for almost 22 years and this problem is relatively new to him but would
like to see something done before it gets worse.
Ms. Jenny Bartee, 4094 Laurel Springs Way, spoke about sustainability and her time
here in the City. She loved the curbside recycling and quaint downtown area. She
feels that the city needs to do something to keep up with climate change and global
warming. There needs to be fresh new ideas and large scale changes to be done at
every level of government People are becoming enraged and engaged and they want
clean energy. Replace with solar energy which is cheaper than the already existing
fossil fuels. She feels that there needs to be more diversity represented on the
Council. Time for Smyrna to assume its role as a leader in Cobb County for
sustainability.
Mr. Steve Rasin, 1512 Grace Meadows Lane SE, a proud 25 year resident of the City
of Smyrna and announced the he is running for Mayor. He has a combined 45 years of
experience from the military and various jobs throughout his life including being a
commercial pilot and working in real estate. Those working with him on his campaign
have been wonderful. He encouraged everyone to vote.
Ms. Maryline Blackburn, 1034 Huntington Trace, announced that she is running for
re-election for Ward 3 Council seat. She said that she is a nineteen year resident of
Smyrna and a thirty year resident of the state of Georgia. She feels that the
environment is key and economic development is key for the City's Vision Plan. Some
other issues she finds important are transit, safety, and workforce housing. Thinks
that Smyrna needs an inclusive government. She gave her information and asked
those to come out and vote.
Ms. Susan Wilkinson, 2805 Stone Creek Road, spoke about running for re-election.
She has lived in the City of Smyrna for thirty three years in Ward 5. She invited
everyone to come out and vote on November 5th.
Mayor Bacon announced that the Braves had lost. He spoke about the crazy drivers
that were shown on the videos during public appearance. The Mayor said that the
Police Department does an outstanding job but there is a lot of work that still needs to
be done about the crazy drivers.
Mr. Thomas Starr, 2598 Bates Street, spoke about a dumping problem near his home.
He said that Public Works has been out three times to clean it up, but it just keeps
happening. Mr. Starr would like to see if something can be done to stop the dumping
all together.
Mayor Bacon adjourned the October 7, 2019 Mayor and Council meeting at 8:36 PM.
C►ty of Smyma Page 11 Printed on 1011612019
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
A. MAX BACON,
ANDREA BLUSTEIN, WARD 2
all S/MI no J�
CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4
" 'l-wk
TIM GOULD, WARD 6
TERRI GRAHAM, CITY CLERK
A
//'nn :L16-6-
I.
V-
DEREK NORTON, WARD 1
ARYLINE BLACKBURN, WARD 3
SIXAN WILKINSON, WARD 5
No Q d h C,Oupc" / "V11.7019
RON FEN EL, WARD 7
OF..S41
OFFICIAL -
SEAL
''//11►111111\\