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12-20-1993 Regular MeetingDecember 20, 1993 The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held December 20, 1993 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. Also present was City Administrator Bob Thomson, City Clerk Melinda Dameron, City Attorney Charles E. Camp, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Ciaccio, Library Director Laurel Best, Police Chief Stanley Hook, Finance Director Jim Triplett, Fire Chief Larry Williams, Personnel Director Mary Ann White, City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt, Community Relations Director Kathie Barton, Public Works Director Vic Broyles, Building Inspector Scott Stokes and representatives of the press. Invocation was given by John Hearst, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church followed by the pledge to the flag. CITIZENS INPUT: Mayor A. Max Bacon called on Mary Ann White who recognized Lt. Steve Gaddy as the employee of the month for December. Lt. Gaddy was especially recognized for his tireless efforts on behalf of collecting donated toys and stuffed animals for distribution to families in need at Christmas time. Mayor Bacon recognized the Boy Scout Troop from Our Savior Lutheran Church and welcomed them to the meeting. Captain David Farmer, Smyrna Police Department, recognized the children of the Vinings Glen subdivision who went carolling in their neighborhood and collected more than $600 to benefit the family of Connie Bethune. Ms. Bethune is a former employee of the Smyrna Police Department and her home was destroyed by fire in November. Roman Bethune, her son, died as a result of the fire. The money was given to Ms. Bethune to help her with her Christmas expenses. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (A) Rezoning Request - 28.76 Acres on Camp Highland Road from RD (Residential Duplex) to GC (General Commercial) Bob Thomson stated that Mr. Richard Vaughn is making the request to rezone the property to G.C. because of the East/West Connector and the proximity of the new route. The property was zoned Light Industrial in December 1985 and with the connector coming through the property they are requesting that it be rezoned to General Commercial. Mayor Bacon asked if there was anyone in opposition to the rezoning request and there was none. Councilman Wood asked Mr. Vaughn to explain to the Council the specific reasons for his request for the rezoning of the property. Mr. Vaughn stated they were trying to rezone the land back into similar zoning like the Highlands Industrial Park prior to the rezoning that took place in 1985. In 1985 there was a lot of residential development taking place and another developer put the land under contract to build residential duplexes but was unsuccessful in obtaining financing, therefore the property was not developed. Mr. Vaughn stated the ownership of Highlands Park has changed from Wilson Financial Corporation to American Founders Life Insurance which is a Phoenix, Arizona based company, who has a different set of criteria in terms of regulators reviewing their assets. This property is a large asset in their portfolio and as residential based property they do not receive any value for the land use and property. Councilman Lnenicka asked Mr. Vaughn about his plans for developing the property. Mr. Vaughn responded there were no specific plans at this time but indicated they had been given two curb cuts and median cuts by Cobb County Department of Transportation when they acquired the right-of- way for the East/West Connector. Councilman Lnenicka asked if there was a lesser commercial zoning that would meet the reserve requirements of the financial group that would allow Mr. Vaughn to obtain a commercial zoning without having the zoning as GC? Mr. Vaughn responded the zoning categories had been discussed but GC was the best zoning based on the future land use of the property involved. December 20, 1993 meeting - continued Councilman Lnenicka stated he was concerned that the request seemed premature and indicated the City does want to work with the development but wondered if a lesser zoning category would suffice. Mr. Lnenicka further stated he was concerned with the people of Smyrna and the future development of the property and would have a hard time supporting the rezoning based on the speculative rezoning of the property. Councilman Hawkins asked if the property at one time had been zoned GC. Mr. Vaughn responded that it had been zoned Heavy Industrial and not GC. The GC zoning is a lesser zoning that HI. The property had been zoned RD and they are requesting that it be zoned GC. The property is now vacant. Councilman Wood stated the Land Use Plan shows the property as industrially compatible and the Planning and Zoning Board met on November 22 and the request was discussed at length with the members voting unanimously to recommend approval of the rezoning request. Councilman Wood then moved the rezoning request of the 28.76 acres on Camp Highland Road from Residential Duplex (RD) to General Commercial (GC) be approved. The inotion was seconded by Jim Hawkins. Councilman Lnenicka stated he would be opposed to the motion but indicated his opposition in no way reflected on Wilson Development and the job they have done in Highlands Park but is concerned that the Council is setting a dangerous precedent. Councilman Lnenicka feels the rezoning request is based on pure speculation on what the property might be in the future. He feels a specific plan or development to discuss would be preferred in order to exercise some control and influence over the development. Councilman Newcomb stated in his opinion, based on the Land Use Plan, the GC zoning would put the land in sync with what it should be. The motion was approved 6-1 with Mr. Lnenicka opposed. (B) Variance Requests to Exceed the Number of Business Signs, Square Footage and Height Allowed, Applebee's, 2728 Spring Road Bob Thomson stated Ms. Peggy Liggett, representing Applebee's Restaurant, has requested three variances for the signs they intend to erect at the new location at 2728 Spring Road. The site is the former location of the Casa Gallardo Mexican Restaurant. Mayor Bacon asked if there was anyone present in opposition to the variance requests. There were none. Bill Palmer, owner of the restaurant was present, and explained the restaurant was removing the existing signs and putting the Applebee's signs up. He also explained they are not adding any additional height and are actually reducing the square footage from 210' to 165' on the pylon sign facing the expressway. Councilman Hawkins asked if Casa Gallardo had two signs and Mr. Palmer responded they did. There was a sign on the back of the property and one facing Spring Road, which was a smaller sign. Ms. Liggett stated the existing rear sign gives visibility from the 1-285 exit ramp going to US41 and the restaurant feels it would be beneficial to them due to the buffers obscuring the front sign. Councilman Patrick made a motion to approve the variance requests to exceed the number of business signs, square footage and height allowed by the City Ordinance. Councilman Scoggins seconded the motion. Vote on the motion was approved 7-0. (C) Annexation of Five Unincorporated Islands Mr. Thomson stated that pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia, Section 36-36-90, notices were sent to owners of record as shown on the Cobb County tax records for five unincorporated islands. The islands to be annexed are identified as: 2540, 2550 Cobb Parkway - Island 1; 2771, 2861 Hargrove Road, 2670, 2700, 2736, 2750 Cobb Parkway, 2717 New Spring Road - Island 2; 2630, 2624 Cobb Parkway - Island 3; Pool/tennis courts for Martha's Vineyard/Chateau Walk - Island 4; 5220 South Cobb Drive - Island 5. Mr. Thomson stated the recommendation is to annex the property to become effective December 31, 1993. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present who would like to make comments about this issue. There were two and Mayor Bacon asked them to come forward to be sworn in by Mr. Camp. December 20. 1993 meeting- continued Councilman Newcomb stated that within the City of Smyrna there are islands that are less than 50 acres and because of that they qualify under the State law which allows the city the opportunity to annex them into the City. Councilman Newcomb asked those present to come forward and express their opinions about the annexation. Ms. Sonta Henderson, General Manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott, (Island 2, 2771 Hargrove Road) stated she had a few questions for the Council on a couple of concerns. Ms. Henderson stated the Residence Inn by Marriott is currently under a 5 year contract at $272/month for sanitation services that does not expire until November 1995 and wondered if this would be an additional charge for their business and how this would affect them. Councilman Newcomb responded that the existing contract would be honored with their current hauler. He also stated the City would be glad to work with her on the sanitation needs of the complex and determine if she would like to use the city contractor for their needs. Ms. Henderson also asked about the 3% of the 8% occupancy tax (5% goes to the county and 3% stays within the city) and wanted to know the percentage or fixed dollar amount, if any, that would be committed to tourism and how. Councilman Wood responded that the City does receive a certain percentage of that money (3%) and it is restricted for promotion of tourism in Smyrna. Ms. Henderson asked how the City promotes tourism. Councilman Scoggins responded the City has allocated $25,000 to the Community Relations Department to promote tourism through marketing. Also present was Mr. Steve Cummings, attorney at Powell, Goldstein, Fraser and Murphy, representing H. J. Wilson Company which is a wholly -owned subsidiary of Service Merchandise Company, Inc. Mr. Cummings stated his client is vigorously opposed to the annexation proposed by the City of Smyrna and feels they are a part of the city without being annexed into it officially and without having to pay an additional $28,000 in taxes. Mr. Cummings stated his client has had no problems at all with any of the services they currently receive from Cobb County and believes the only thing the annexation will accomplish will be to have them write a check for $28,000 every year in addition to what is already being paid in taxes without any additional benefit from that payment. They also believe the OCGA statute is constitutionally ineffective because it does not provide for due process and is an arbitrary taking of property without just compensation and does not feel it will withstand constitutional review. He further stated his client is vigorously opposed to the annexation and does not want to be annexed. On behalf of his client, Mr. Cummings requested that this annexation be continued until the next City Council meeting which would allow his client an opportunity to be better prepared to discuss this issue. Mayor Bacon responded that his office had tried to contact the appropriate persons at Service Merchandise for at least two weeks to discuss annexation and had not even had the courtesy of a return phone call. Our units patrol the Service Merchandise area on a regular basis so they are already receiving some benefits of city services. Councilman Newcomb said there is a jurisdictional issue that should be addressed. Within this city there are areas where service areas overlap which is a jurisdictional nightmare. The second issue is equity. All other homeowners, businesses and even apartment dwellers through their rent, contribute to the services provided by the City. The question then,; is whether the others surrounded by the city should help pay for these services. Mr. Cummings even stated tonight that "we feel that we are already a part of the city without being officially annexed." They should feel a part of the city because they are completely surrounded and share in many of the benefits. Another question is the constitutional question raised by the attorney. This law was passed by the general assembly, signed by the Governor and has been exercised in many other areas of the State. If, is an issue to be litigated it would not be only with the City, but with the State Attorney General as well. The City has complied fully with state law through the notices that were mailed and meeting the definitions of an island. Councilman Newcomb said that the'City worked over 300 accidents last year on the 3 block area of Hargrove, Cobb Parkway to Spring Road which translates into thousands of accidents that have been worked over the past years. That is not equitable for the current homeowners, businesses and people who are paying city fees. The average traffic count on Spring Road is 33,000 and on Cobb Parkway it is 47,000 cars per day and our officers are the ones that work that area. December 20, 1993 meeting - continued Councilman Newcomb made a motion that we annex the unincorporated island as defined in Section 36- 36-90 of the Official Code of Georgia, identified tonight as Island #1 and located in Land Lot 849 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia containing approximately 1.6 acres, to the corporate limits to become a part of Ward 1, as delineated on the tax plat to become a part of these minutes. This annexation will become effective December 31, 1993 and is approved contingent upon preclearance by the U.S. Justice Department, pursuant to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion which carried 7-0. Mr. Cummings filed a letter of objection to the annexation of Island #2 on behalf of Service Merchandise. Councilman Newcomb made a motion that we annex the unincorporated island as defined in Section 36- 36-90 of the Official Code of Georgia, identified tonight as Island #2 and located in Land Lots 847, 848, 879 and 880 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia containing approximately 21.9 acres, to the corporate limits to become a part of Ward 1, as delineated on the tax plat to become a part of these minutes. This annexation will become effective December 31, 1993 and is approved contingent upon preclearance by the U.S. Justice Department, pursuant to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion which carried 7-0. Councilman Newcomb made a motion that we annex the unincorporated island as defined in Section 36- 36-90 of the Official Code of Georgia, identified tonight as Island #3 and located in Land Lot 848 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia containing approximately 2.5 acres, to the corporate limits to become a part of Ward 1, as delineated on the tax plat to become a part of these minutes. This annexation will become effective December 31, 1993 and is approved contingent upon preclearance by the U./S. Justice Department, pursuant to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion which carried 7-0. Councilman Newcomb made a motion that we annex the unincorporated island as defined n Section 36- 36-90 of the Official Code of Georgia, identified tonight as Island #4 and located in Land Lot 272 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia containing approximately 1.7 acres, to the corporate limits to become a part of Ward 5, as delineated on the tax plat to become a part of these minutes. This annexation will become effective December 31, 1993 and is approve contingent upon preclearance by the U.S. Justice Department, pursuant to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion which carried 7-0. E Councilman Newcomb made a motion that we annex the unincorporated island as defined in Section 36- 36-90 of the Official Code of Georgia, identified tonight as Island #5 and located in Land Lot 753 of the 17th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia containing approximately 1.6 acres, to the corporate limits to become a part of Ward 7, as delineated on the tax plat to become a part of these minutes. This annexation will become effective December 31, 1993 and is approved contingent upon preclearance by the U.S. Justice Department, pursuant to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Councilman Pete Wood seconded the motion which carried 7-0. FORMAL BUSINESS: (A) Appointment to Clean City Commission - Ward 1 Councilman Patrick made a motion that Joann Cowan be reappointed to the Clean City Commission representing Ward 1 for a full two year term. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion which carried 7-0. (B) Appointment to Planning and Zoning Board - Ward 6 Councilman Lnenicka made a motion that Edwart4,Paden be reappointed to the Planing and Zoning Board for a two year term. Councilman Hawkins secon" the motion which carried 7-0. (C) Bid opening - jet truck for Public Works Department Bids were opened, read and recorded as follows: Sreco Flexible $71,196.70 $10,000.00 trade in $60,696.70 total price December 20, 1993 meeting - continued Alternate #1 - #62,689.68 Alternate #2 - $59,767.19 Alternate #3 - $58,964.08 Troy Allen, Mustang Unit Company - No Bid EnviroQuip Adams Equipment Smyrna Truck & Equip. $64,750.00 $ 5,500.00 trade in $59,250.00 total price $68,486.00 $10,000.00 trade in $58,486.00 total price $67,212.00 (includes freight) $ 7,000.00 trade in $60,212.00 total price Councilman Bill Scoggins made a motion the bids be referred to the Public Works Committee for their recommendation back to full council. Councilman Wood seconded the motion which carried 7-0. (D) Bid opening - protective clothing for Fire Department Bids were opened, read and recorded as follows: Safety Supply American $ 9,443.06 Folkston Fire Protection $11,935.00 Alternate #1 - $11,856.24 Alternate #3 - $14,531.66 Harolds Sales & Service $10,225.60 Firefighting Supplies $ 8,827.50 Rescue Systems, Inc. No Bid Councilman Hawkins made a motion the bids be turned over to the Fire Committee for their recommendation back to full council. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion which carried 7-0. (E) Bid opening - hydraulic rescue system (jaws of life) for Fire Department Bids were opened, read and recorded as follows: Safety Supply America No°Bid Rescue Systems, Inc. $10,419.18 American Safety & Fire House $14,844.00 Alternate #1 - $16,355 (diesel) Matrx Medical, Inc. $13,700.00 Alternate #1 - $15,000 Safety Equipment Co. No Bid Harless Fire Equipment $17.,175.00 Folkston Fire Protection $14,786.00 Alternate #1 - add $3,600 for diesel Harolds Sales & Service $ 8,695.00 December 20 1993 meeting` continued Councilman Hawkins made a motion the bids be turned over to the Fire Committee for their recommendation back to full council. Councilman Wood seconded the motion which carried 7-0. (F) Bid opening - copier for Fire Department Bids were opened, read and recorded as follows: Omni Business Products $ 5,142.90 Acme Business Products $ 5,074.70 AB Dick $ 5,026.00 All South Copiers $ 4,665.00 Zeno Systems $ 5,642.00 Allstate Business Systems $ 4,935.00 Councilman Hawkins made a motion the bids ' be turned over to the Fire Committee for their recommendation back to full council. Councilman Wood seconded the motion which carried 7-0. (G) Validate petition to annex property in Land L'ot 592, located at 2579 Old Roswell Road Bob Thomson stated that P. Scott Moore has requested the annexation of this small residential parcel containing 0.72 acres. Councilman Scoggins made a motion the petition be validated and a public hearing scheduled for January 18, 1994. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion which carried 7-0. (H) Approval of Fire Department Rules and Regulations Grievance Procedure modifications Bob Thomson stated the Fire Department Rules and Regulations contain a grievance procedure as does the newly adopted Policy and Procedures manual for employees. The grievance procedure used by the Fire Department does not reference the City Administrator in the chain of command and the two different procedures could present confusion as to which is applicable. The procedure adopted and approved in the Policy and Procedure manual has been presented to every employee and does not in any way diminish any rights or protection. Councilman Hawkins said this action tonight will amend the Fire Department Rules and Regulations to change the grievance procedure to be the same as all other city employees. The basic difference is that under the new policy, grievances will go first to the Chief and then to the City Administrator rather than the Fire Committee and should eliminate any confusion. Councilman Hawkins made a motion the Fire Department Rules and Regulations be amended by changing the grievance procedure to conform to the grievance procedure in the Policy nd Procedures manual for city employees. Councilman Wood seconded the motion which carried 7-0. (I) Ordinance amendment - sprinkler system requirements and fire lane marking Bob Thomson stated that the Fire Protection ordinance should be amended in sections regarding sprinkler systems and marking of fire lanes which adopts the uniform marking recommended by the State. Current code requires all commercial buildings have a sprinkler system which places an undue financial hardship on older buildings that are being converted to commercial use. Councilman Hawkins made a motion the ordinance be amended by deleting Section 10-26 (k) (1) in its entirety and replacing with the following new section. (k) The fire prevention code is amended as follows: Use of sprinkler systems in multifamily structures and small commercial buildings. 1. All new commercial buildings shall be sprinkled throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system. (a) Existing buildings, over 1500 square feet shall have installed an approved automatic sprinkler system when one or more of the following conditions apply: December 20, 1993 meeting= continued 1. Being vacant for a period greater than one (1) year 2. Change of occupancy (usage) 3. Additions to an existing building greater than 50 percent of area of building 4. An increase in occupant load (capacity 5. As required by other applicable codes Delete Section 10-27 in its entirety and replace with the following new section: Sec. 10-27. Occupancy and use permits. Buildings shall be occupied or utilized only after first obtaining an occupancy and use permit from the Fire Department, certifying that all provisions of the codes have been met. Buildings above mentioned shall include those newly constructed or remodeled, or additions thereto, change of occupancy (usage) excluding only single family residential dwellings. Delete Section 10-25 in its entirety and replace with the following new section: Sec. 10-25. Establishment of fire lanes on private property devoted to public use. The fire lanes, as established by the chief of the Fire Department and the chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention or the designees in the bureau of fire prevention, shall be those lanes established and so designated in writing, where the parking of motor vehicles or other obstruction may interfere with the ingress and egress of the fire department vehicles necessary for the protection of persons and property on private property devoted to public use, such as shopping centers, apartment complexes, schools, theaters, hospitals, churches and other similar commercial establishments. The width of all fire lanes shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet. (a) Fire lanes shall be marked with yellow painted curbing and posted with signs stating "No Parking Fire Lane" i (b) It shall be the owners responsibility to maintain the painted curbing and the visibility of the signs (c) Signs shall be 24 inches by 30 inches or 18 inches by 24 inches (d) Fire lanes shall be able to withstand live loads of fire apparatus and have a minimum height clearance of 13 feet and 6 inches (e) An approved turnaround for fire apparatus shall be provided where an access road is a dead end and is in excess of 150 feet in length. The turnaround shall have a minimum centerline radius of 50 feet (f) It shall be unlawful to denote a fire lane that has not been so designated as described in this section. Councilman Newcomb second the motion to approve the amendments which carried 7-0. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS: (A) Covered Bridge Emission Service requested a 6 month permit for a temporary emission station at Jonquil Plaza Shopping Center. Councilman Scoggins made a motion the permit be approved. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion which carried 7-0. (B) Tommy Tarmack requested a 6 month permit for a tarped accessory structure at his home at 985 Church Street. Mr. Tarmack said he needs the shelter to protect an antique truck that he is restoring from weather and rusting. Mr. Tarmack said the shelter has been in place for some time now, but he felt he could complete the restoration within 6 months and would have the tarp removed within that time period even if the job was not complete. The Building Inspector felt that the tarp was in violation of the code because it is covered, and constitutes an accessory building. Councilman Hawkins made a motion the permit be approved for a 6 month period. Councilman Scoggins seconded the motion which carried 7-0. BID AWARDS: Councilman Wood made a motion the rules be 'suspended to consider an item not on the agenda. Councilman Newcomb seconded the motion which' carried 7-0. Councilman Wood said last month we opened bids for HVAC maintenance and received three. The apparent low bid was insufficient and Councilman Wood made a motion that we reject the remaining bids December 20 1993 meeting - continued and that the responsibility of HVAC service and maintenance at the Community Center and other city buildings be left to the decision of the City Administrator to contract month to month until other bids can be received from qualified vendors. Councilman Newcomb seconded the motion which carried 7-0. CONSENT AGENDA: (A) Approval of December 6, 1993 minutes (B) Budget adjustment - Parks Facilities (C) Change date of second council meeting in January from January 17 to January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Holiday (D) Approval to install three way stop signs on Kennesaw Drive at Old Spring Road and Trailwood Drive (E) Approval to install three way stop signs on Plaza Drive at Sherwood Road and Cobb Circle (F) Approval to request bids for construction of detention pond at Campbell High School (G) Approval to solicit bids for grounds maintenance - Village Green area Councilman Patrick made a motion the consent agenda be approved. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion which carried 7-0. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mayor Bacon wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and stated he hoped that 1994 would be as good a year for the City as 1993 has been. He also stated he hopes everyone will have a safe holiday and reminded everyone not to drink and drive. John Patrick wished everyone a happy holiday season and indicated the Library is winding up a very successful year and reminded everyone of the exhibit at the Library of the Brown/Argyle and Belmont Hills elementary schools' art exhibits by the children. Laurel Best reminded everyone of registration for the winter and spring story hours which will begin January 10 and informed the public that registration could be handled by a phone call or by coming by the Library but also stated that enrollment is limited. Ron Newcomb stated that neither Ken Hildebrandt nor Mary Ann White had anything to report this evening. a Councilman Newcomb reported that the item on the consent agenda regarding the detention pond at Campbell High School will help with the flooding problems in the Highland Drive area. He also thanked the Cobb County Public Schools for their cooperation in assisting the City on this project. Councilman Newcomb also informed the citizens who had asked about the stakes on Spring Road and if they had anything to do with the widening of Spring Road, that they did and did not. He indicated that Spring Road will go from four lanes to five lanes, four lanes with a turn lane and the stakes do not represent where the road will be widened next year. They simply represent reference points for the first effotts of the surveyors to whom the County has let the contract for engineering and reiterated they do not represent the width of the widening of Spring Road. Councilman Scoggins called on Kathie Barton for a report. Kathie Barton reported that the Residence Inn by Marriott had adopted two miles on Spring Road about two years ago and have been cleaning up Spring Road about four times a year. Ms. Barton also commended Captain Farmer for his efforts in assisting needy families this year. Ms. Barton indicated the Photo -Metric Index has been completed. This survey measures the amount of litter in our city and is proud to announce that the City is 79% cleaner than when the project began in 1984. She also thanked the Scouts who joined her this past Saturday at Centennial Park who decorated the old Christmas tree with animal food ornaments that were handmade. There were over eighty Scouts who participated in this event. She commended the Hands, Feet and Mouth organization of Rose Garden who had seventeen children and eight adults who helped clean up their community two Saturday's ago. December 20, 1993 meeting - continued Ms. Barton stated the Keep America Beautiful had recently sent the City another award for our work with the Keep America Beautiful Program. The most recent award is for the reporting procedures and accountability. Ms. Barton reminded everyone that the Christmas tree recycling date is Saturday, January 8, 1994, at the Southern States Transfer Station from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Vic Broyles thanked the Mayor and Council on behalf of the Public Works employees for the gift certificates and invited everyone to join his department for Christmas lunch on Thursday, December 23, 1993. Bill Scoggins wished everyone in the City a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and commended the other members of council for their accomplishments during this past year. He mentioned the Atlanta Road widening project; the new commercial sanitation contract which will, save the citizens about $600,000 a year over a period of five years; the addition to the Public Works Complex which will be occupied very soon; the approval of 530 single family dwellings that will be coming into the City within the next two years. Jim Hawkins called on Larry Williams for a report from the Fire Department. Chief Williams said there was nothing to report from his department but wanted to take an opportunity to wish everyone a happy holiday. Jim Hawkins wished everyone a Merry Christmas. r' Jack Cramer called on Steve Ciaccio for a report from the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Ciaccio reported that from 12:00 noon on Thursday, December 23 through Monday, December 27, the Community Center will be closed and stated that he hoped all citizens were enjoying the lights at the Community Center. Mr. Ciaccio wished everyone a Merry Christmas. The Mayor and Council commended Steve and his staff for the excellent Christmas tree lighting festivities and thanked the entire staff for their hard work during this busy season. Jack Cramer also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Wade Lnenicka asked Chief Stan Hook for a report on the Police Department. Chief Hook complimented the Parks and Recreation Department on the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Chief Hook also thanked the Mayor and Council for the gift certificates on behalf of the Police Department and the 911 Center. Chief Hook reported that Officer Larry Mazzoni was selected as "Officer of the Quarter" by the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. Councilman Lnenicka thanked Commissioner Joe Lee Thompson and the citizens from Ward 6 for their efforts in preventing a controversial zoning issue concerning apartment developments on Atlanta Road. Councilman Lnenicka then wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Councilman Wood asked Jim Triplett for a report -from the Finance Department. Jim reported that as of close of business today, December 20, 1993, the City has collected 92% of the taxes due the City of Smyrna. He stated the penalty letters will be mailed on December 22, 1993. Pete Wood then wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season. December 20, 1993 meeting - continued With no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. A. MAX BACON, MAYOR n z -- J HN PATRICK, WARD 1 BILL SC6GGINS, WhAO 3 ACK CRAMER, WARD 5 CAME=- 4 ( CHARLES PETE WOOD, WARD 7 MELINDA DAMERON, CITY CLERK RON NEWCOMB, WARD 2 WADE S. 0