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06-18-1990 Regular MeetingJune 4, 1990 meeting - continued dogs from residents in his ward. Our ordinance now requires complaints from residents of two separate households before a citation can be issued. Mr. Steely said we need to revise our barking dog ordinance to allow for stronger enforcement. Mayor Bacon congratulated Jeff Wilson from Smyrna High School who was honored by the Marietta Daily Journal for making the first team on the all star baseball squad and Jason Motter for making the second team. With no furt siness, meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. A. MAX BACON, MAYOR MELIN+DA DAME$01 ITY CLFJW A zffffloww ,ILL 9CZ0G6fI*---1- �35,-;;P i'S M. HAWKINS, WMDA 00 ,f ++ WID + r •'�+ +'� • 4 SPIN June 18, 1990 The regularly scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held June 18, 1990 at Smyrna City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 o'clock p.m. by presiding officer Mayor A. Max Bacon. All council members were present except for Jack Shinall who was out of town on business. Also present was City Administrator John Patterson, City Clerk Melinda Dameron, City Attorney Charles E. Camp, Parks and Recreation Director Sherry Reavis, Library Director Laurel Best, Public Works Director Vic Broyles, Fire Chief Larry Williams, Communications Director Steve Ciaccio, Finance Director Emory McHugh, Police Major Kent Sims, City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt, Personnel Director Jane Mears, Police Chief Stan Hook and representatives of the press. Invocation was given by Reverend John Creech, pastor of Welcome All Baptist Church. Mayor Bacon introduced Lynda Coker, State Representative candidate for the seat formerly held by Johnny Isakson; Kip Klein State Representative candidate for the seat formerly held by Johnny Gresham; Gary Andrews, candidate for the Georgia Court of Appeals and Doug Wrege, candidate for the School Board Post 6. Mayor Bacon also introduced Senator Hugh Ragan who is running unopposed this year. CITIZENS INPUT: W. T. Waters, a Bank Street resident said he knew the proposed tax increase on the agenda tonight would be approved but felt the budget approval should also include a 15% salary increase for Police and Fire employees, retroactive back to the first of January. Sue Brissey stated she had been a long time supporter of the Police and Fire employees and also felt they should be given salary increases. Officer John Sparks and Lt. Curtis Cook of the Police Department objected to the proposed adjustments to the pay plan which would effectively raise starting salaries only and cause a newly hired patrolman to make the same as a patrolman with 2 years service. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (A) Privilege license - South Cobb Package, 2415 South Cobb Drive - liquor, beer and wine package sales John Patterson stated that Terri R. Anderson had applied for a new license at 2415 South Cobb Drive allowing the sale of packaged liquor, beer and wine. Ms. Anderson has been given a copy of the alcoholic beverage ordinance and has indicated that she understands, and will abide by them. The police June 18, 1990 meeting - continued investigation was favorable and there was no opposition. Attorney Kelsey Ellis represented Ms. Anderson. Ms. Anderson stated although she has never held a license in her name, she has worked in retail stores where alcoholic beverages were sold and is familiar with our ordinance. Kathy Jordan stated the survey indicated a private residence within 200 feet of this location but it is zoned General Commercial on our zoning map. Mr. Camp said if the house is being used as a residence it is apparently grandfathered and the distance requirement would not be applicable. Mrs. Jordan asked if they would sell single drinks. Ms. Anderson said she had not considered sales of single cans and wanted a professional, quality business. Based on her previous experience she would also have a very strict policy about carding customers to prevent any sales to minors. Mrs. Jordan also asked that special attention be paid to the outside of the premises and that it be kept clean and free or debris. After further discussion, Kathy Jordan made a motion the license be approved. Bill Scoggins seconded the motion which carried 6-0. (B) Business license request - Arrow Cab Company, 588 Chamberlin Circle, Marietta John Patterson stated that Sandra Martinez and M. E. Hill have requested a license as owners and operators of Arrow Cab located at 588 Chamberlin Circle in Marietta. While located in Marietta, the license must be obtained before they can pick up customers in the City. There was no opposition. Ms. Martinez said she understood this was a privilege license and would agree to operate within the rate schedule established by the City. Their current rates are $1 for the starting fee and $1 per mile. All vehicles will be e parked at their office in Marietta when not in service. Jim Hawkins made a motion the license be approved as requested. John Steely seconded the motion which carried 6-0. (C) Approval of 1991 budget John Patterson said the 1991 budget is in excess of $20 million, approximately a 14% increase over last year's budget. There are a number of positive steps in this budget, continuing in the tradition established 3 years ago when this council established a strategic plan. This budget has been labeled the "year of public safety" and includes 11 new police officers, 9 firefighters, new fire station, rescue equipment, SWAT equipment, additional radar units and equipment for the STEP units, etc. Jim Hawkins stated council has been involved in budget hearings since January. There is probably no one on council that totally agrees with every phase of the budget but this is a compromise of several different points of view. This is a balanced budget totaling $23,307,018 and will be the most long -reaching budget adopted since 1977 which will affect us for years to come. Several years ago, council defined their priorities and made a commitment to revitalize the downtown area and to provide the finest service available in the county, including water and sewer, fire, police, sanitation, library, etc. We have made significant improvements in the fire, police and communications department and other departments as well. Mr. Hawkins said last year it was his hope that we could move forward with the downtown development project without a millage increase. During the past year, however, every source of income was studied for possible increases that would avoid any additional impact on the homeowner. We have raised some fees and could move forward with the downtown development project without a millage increase, but it would not allow funds to fulfill the other commitments. Part of the commitment made was to keep city employees competitive in salary to the surrounding areas and our Personnel Director was asked to prepare a comprehensive salary study of every job classification in the City. Mr. Hawkins said he found out today that word had gotten out that a 15% across the board increase was proposed but assured everyone that there was never any discussion or consideration for an increase such as that. In the study presented by Mrs. Mears, some of the classifications would have received no June 18, 1990 meeting - continued increase, while others would have received 5%, 10% and some at 20% to bring them within the average pay range for the metropolitan area. The decision was to implement the new ranges to allow more years to receive merit raises before top out. However, only those employees at a current salary less than the entry level of the new pay grade will receive any increases. The 2 1/2 percent longevity pay that has been in effect since about 1978 will no longer exist. That is being replaced by a bonus of $30 per year (increased from $10 per year) for every year of service for employees who are topped out. Salaries will be capped at the top of each range and those employees will not receive any increase to their salary until they are promoted and are in a higher range at lower than the "P" step of the reclassification, or the ranges are moved up with future pay plan adjustments. Mr. Hawkins said the Finance Committee is also recommending a millage increase from 10.60 to 12.10 mills and made a motion the total budget of $23,307,018 and the increased millage rate of 12.10 be approved. Ron Waddell of the Smyrna Police Department also urged council to change their mind regarding the salary issue for employees and especially in the Police and Fire departments. Kurt Schulzke of Spring Drive said tonight he had gained an appreciation for the position of the Police Department on some aspects of the budget and wanted them to know that he sincerely appreciated the work they do. Mr. Schulzke said he deplored the market system that was the cause of the inequities in our pay scale and the Council was not responsible for that problem; it is a problem in society as a whole. Mr. Schulzke said he applauded the efforts of council to bring the downtown redevelopment project to fruition which would benefit citizens for many years to come and appreciated the long term investment they were willing to make. Mr. Schulzke encouraged council to move forward with approval of the budget and also look closely at the inequities in the City pay scale. Bill Scoggins seconded the motion to approve the budget. Wade Lnenicka stated the recent tax reassessments by the county has impacted some of the homes in his ward significantly, on top of which we are now proposing a tax increase. A tax increase is difficult and a commitment was made several years ago to remain competitive in salaries with our cities. We have already addressed a compression issue and increased many salaries. We want to continue doing that but it should be done on merit rather than seniority. We could complete the downtown project without a millage increase by eliminating some of the other projects but they need to remain in our budget. Smyrna has been identified as being number 4 in the State in DUI related accidents. We need the funds that were allocated for the DUI task force, crime prevention unit, SWAT equipment, rescue units and others that could also be the cause of the millage increase. Council is committed to the downtown development and to the millage increase to follow through with the other projects. Mr. Lnenicka said he strongly supported the budgets. Kathy Jordan and Bill Scoggins said they also supported the budget and had sacrificed other projects to fund those requested for in the Police Department. John Steely said the budget had been increased over $700,000 and it was done solely to benefit the Police Department and would support the motion. Jim Hawkins stated the homestead exemption for senior citizens and those disabled was increased to $10,000 effective this tax year and those that have filed for this exemption should not receive any increase on their bill and if their homes were not re -assessed by the county, they will probably realize a decrease. Mayor Bacon thanked John Patterson and his staff for preparing the budget as well as the Finance and Administration committee. Jack Shinall could not be here tonight but he also supported the budget. Vote on the motion to adopt the 1991 budget and millage rate carried 6-0. FORMAL BUSINESS: (A) Certification of Civil Service Election John Steely said the runoff election for the Civil Service Board member was conducted June 8th with Wink Winkenhofer receiving 79 votes to Walt Hendry's June 18, 1990 meeting - continued 29 votes. John Steely made a motion the election results be certified. Jim Hawkins seconded the motion which carried 6-0. Mayor Bacon administered the oath of office to Mr. Winkenhofer for this term which will expire in July, 1994. (B) Approval of ordinance to establish 911 user fees John Patterson stated a recent State law now allows a fee of up to $1.50 per month through subscriber billing to telephone customers to help fund the 911 centers for salaries, training, maintenance, etc. Southern Bell will collect the money from their subscribers and distribute to the cities and counties on a quarterly. basis. Cobb County has announced that they will seek the $1.25 fee and Smyrna therefore, will be required to comply since differing charges for this services are not permitted. John Steely read the proposed ordinance as follows and made a motion it be adopted. ARTICLE II. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER 911 SERVICE Sec. 9-20. Levy and Scope There is hereby levied and assessed a monthly charge to be established by Mayor and Council and on file in the office of the City7y Clerk, per exchange access facility provided to every telephone subscriber within the City of Smyrna or served by the City of Smyrna. This charge is authorized by Official Code of Georgia Section 46-5-122, et seq. Sec. 9-21. Penalty Any subscriber failing to pay such charge is subject to a collection action by the City of Smyrna, including reasonable costs and attorney fees associated with the collection action. It is hereby declared to be the intention of this ordinance that its sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases are severable, and if any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, it shall not affect any of the remaining sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases of this ordinance. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed. This ordinance shall become effective upon approval, subject to Georgia laws 1983, page 4119. The effective date of the implementation of the charge referenced herein shall be one hundred twenty (120) days after the effective date of this ordinance, as determined herein. Kathy Jordan seconded the motion to approve the ordinance which carried 6-0. BID AWARDS: Nothing to report. COMMERCIAL BUILDING REPORTS: CONSENT AGENDA: Nothing to report. (A) Approval of conveyance of property from city to Downtown Development Authority (B) Approval to abandon portion of Woodland Terrace at dead end (C) Approval of 3-year CDBG agreement between city and Cobb County (D) Approval to purchase inserter and feeder machine (E) Adjustments to FY90 budget Kathy Jordan made a motion the consent agenda be approved. Wade Lnenicka seconded the motion which carried 6-0. COUNCIL INPUT: At the request of Bob Davis, Ken Hildebrandt reported on the progress of the light synchronizations along the Concord Road corridor. This is a computerized system which will be controlled by the City after completion and should greatly improve traffic flow. Wade Lnenicka gave a report from the Library and stated the drainage problems identified several months ago in a meeting with Vinings Glen residents are being corrected and asked for their patience until all the problems can be resolved June 18, 1990 meeting - continued Mr. Lnenicka said he was proud of the city staff members and department heads that prepared the budget and also appreciated the support of the citizens. Kathy Barton reported on Clean City activities and thanked Smyrna Hospital for adopting the front lawn at City Hall for maintenance and plantings. Jim Hawkins said he had realized in talking with different employees over the last few months that many did not realize they were on a step and grade system and many assumed they were going to receive a 15% increase. The pay scale that has been adopted will allow them to make more money over a period of time and council is putting more pressure on the department heads to make their employees aware that we are on a merit system and not a seniority system. Mr. Hawkins said he would like to have the old and new pay ranges posted for the employees to see and would also like to have John Patterson and Jane Mears to meet with each department to explain the plan that was adopted tonight. Kathy Jordan said she attended a retirement party last Saturday night for Hubert Cochran and wished him well. John Steely said he was a little surprised with the number of police officers here tonight because that department will receive about $700,000 of the $800,000 generated from the millage increase. Mr. Steely said when he first was appointed to that committee he realized there were many programs that were needed in the Police Department and would not have voted for the budget tonight if those had not been included. Mayor Bacon introduced Kathy Scott, candidate for the Eastern District commission seat now held by Thea Powell. Mayor Bacon stated that next week at the Georgia Municipal Association annual convention, the City would receive the 1990 Innovations Award for our downtown revitalization. With no further business, meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m. W;JE LNE3V BILL • &R1-1 JACK SHINALL�:5WD KATHY 76OKS JORDAN, (JOHN ELY', WARD 7 r