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01-06-1997 Regular MeetingThe regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held at Smyrna City Hall. The meeting was called to order by presiding officer Mayor A. Max Bacon at 7:30 o'clock p.m. All council members were present. Also present was City Administrator Howard Smith, City Clerk Melinda Dameron, City Attorney Charles E. Camp, Fire Chief Larry Williams, Finance Director Claudia Edgar, Assistant Public Works Director Scott Stokes, Police Chief Stan Hook, Library Director Michael Seigler, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Ciaccio, Clean and Beautiful Coordinator Ann Kirk, Personnel Technician Chris Corey, City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt, Chief Building Official Robin Broyles, Community Relations Director Maryclaire Andres, Administrative Assistant Susan Hiott and representatives of the press. Invocation was given by Reverend John Hearst, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, followed by the pledge to the flag. Judge Ken Nix administered the oath of office to Cobb County Commissioner Joe Lee Thompson. Commissioner Thompson thanked the city for the opportunity to serve them and for allowing him to receive the oath of office at the council meeting. He stated he is looking forward to serving the citizens of Smyrna during the next term of office. Mayor Bacon asked Councilman Lnenicka to read a proclamation honoring Katie Freeman, Smyrna resident who was selected as the 1996 Miss Georgia - National Teenager. Councilman Lnenicka presented Ms. Freeman the proclamation. Ms. Freeman thanked the city for their support and for the proclamation. Mayor Bacon congratulated Ms. Freeman on her accomplishments and stated the city was very proud of her. Mayor Bacon recognized former School Board representative Ann Brady who was in attendance at the meeting. Mayor Bacon then recognized Curt Johnston and Gary Osborne, candidates to fill the vacant School Board seat created by Ms. Brady's resignation. Both candidates urged the citizens to vote for them in the March 18, 1997, election. Mayor Bacon recognized State Representative Frank Bradford who was in attendance at tonight's meeting. Mayor Bacon recognized Grady Chafin who reported he appreciates the city assisting him and his neighbors in solving a problem with uncontrollable dogs in their neighborhood. Mayor Bacon recognized Charlie Phillips who thanked the Mayor and Council for their foresight in addressing the issue of the teenaged drinking and driving problems. He cited a recent article (Atlanta Constitution Sunday 01-05-97 - Underage Drinking) claiming Smyrna has the strictest laws dealing with drinking and driving. Mayor Bacon recognized Jim Feltman, Smyrna Kiwanis Club, who stated his organization is proud to be a part of the community and thanked the Mayor and Council for the fine job they do in running the City of Smyrna. Mayor Bacon recognized Captain David Farmer, Smyrna Police Department, who reported on the Christmas Program the police department participates in. Captain Farmer stated they received over $1900 in private donations from several individuals and organizations. He stated thanks to the efforts of these people, the police department was able to facilitate Christmas to thirty-four families this year, 90 children and at the request of the Vinings Glen Subdivision were able to provide them with the names of five families in need. Captain Farmer stated the Police Department has conducted this program for the past six years. (A) Request for Location of Recreation and Swimming Pool Area - Residential Property (Section 701.4-6) Mr. Smith stated Barry Teague, representing Walton Park, is present to discuss this request. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of this variance request. There was none. Councilman Wood stated Items 3-A, B, C and D all relate to the same property and indicated the designation of the recreation and swimming area would be handled first. Mr. Teague introduced Rex Bray, Planners and Engineers who does the land planning for their property. Mr. Teague stated they had come before Mayor and Council last year asking for permission to make a park out of 9.5 acres of R-20 land that is between Phase 1 and 2 of Walton Park. Mr. Teague stated his goal in this development is to make this the most attractive apartment community in Smyrna. He stated in order to do that they need the help of the City of Smyrna. He stated they are in the land planning process now and these four items on the agenda will help them improve the appearance of this community. Mr. Teague stated the council's approval will not affect the density at all, the property is zoned for 250 apartments and their current plans has 210 units and whether or not these requests are approved is not going to change that number. He stated the approval will allow them to make a better -looking apartment community. He stated the number one request is for the recreation and pool area to be put on the R-20 land, which is the park area approved by Mayor and Council this past summer. (Mr. Teague indicated the area on the renderings he had displayed on easels.) Mr. Teague stated the connection between Phase 1 and 2 will only be by walking, jogging or bicycling through this park area. He stated their number one request is to allow them to put the pool in an area of the park rather than on an RM-12 area of the property. He further stated the property in the RM-12 portion of the land is very steep and has a great number of rocks on it and the land on the R-20 portion is more suitable. Councilman Wood stated the land (R-20) is already owned by Mr. Teague even though it abuts the RM-12 property and basically this first request is to approve the use of this residentially zoned land for a park, a recreational facility. He stated Mr. Teague is not talking about an athletic field but a park that will serve that area and it is unusual to have a tract of land this size to provide that much recreational space. Councilman Wood asked council if they had any questions relative to Item 3-A relating to the use of the R-20 land for recreational purposes. Mayor Bacon stated for the record that this property was rezoned almost ten years ago and Mr. Teague stated he has owned this property for approximately five years and it was rezoned in 1986 for apartments. Councilman Wood moved approval of the request of Mr. Teague to allow a recreational area and pool on the residential property as outlined in the application. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (B) Variance Request - Mill Pond Road - Reduce Buffer from 75 Feet to 0 Feet Mayor Bacon asked Councilman Wood to handle the next three issues which are all in relation to the same development. Councilman Wood stated the owner (Mr. Teague) wants to reduce the buffer to 0 feet where this property abuts Walton Park which Mr. Teague owns. Mr. Wood stated the applicant, Mr. Teague, owns both pieces of property and normally if separate owners own the property, a buffer is required. Mr. Wood stated since there is a common owner for both pieces of property the request is handled differently. Councilman Wood asked Mr. Teague to come forward and address this request. Mr. Teague stated the RM-12 land requires a 75 foot buffer and the R-20 land requires a 50 foot buffer but he owns both pieces of the property and therefore he is asking the city to remove the buffer requirement between his two pieces of property. He further stated the pool would be in the buffer area if it was not allowed. Mr. Teague further stated Items 3-B and 3-C are the same request except one is for the 75 foot buffer on one side of the line and the other is for the 50 foot buffer on the other side of the line and because the land is two separate zonings, they can not erase that line. Councilman Wood asked if there were any questions from council relative to the variance request to reduce the buffer from 75 feet to 0 feet. There was none. Councilman Wood made a motion that the variance request to reduce the buffer from 75 feet to 0 feet be approved. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (C) Variance Request - Mill Pond Road - Reduce Setback from 50 Feet to 0 Feet Councilman Wood stated this is a setback requirement and again you have the same circumstances only this issue deals with the setback requirement as opposed to a buffer requirement. Mr. Wood stated this is the same issue but requires a separate variance. He stated Mr. Teague owns both parcels and the request is all related to the use of the recreational area. Councilman Wood asked if there was any discussion on this variance request. There was none. Councilman Wood made a motion the variance request to reduce the setback requirement from 50 feet to 0 feet in the application by Mr. Barry Teague relative to the Walton Park property be approved. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (D) Variance Request - Mill Pond Road - Reduce Buffer from 75 Feet to 35 Feet Councilman Wood stated this property does border property owned by a separate property owner. Mr. Wood stated this property adjoins Cobb County School District property used for playground type activities at Griffin Middle School. Mr. Teague stated this variance is being requested in order to free up some room on the property and to eliminate the need for a retaining wall along the property located adjacent to Griffin Middle School Mr. Teague stated he has talked with the principal of the school and she has no problem with the variance requested and he has also met with Danny Jardine, Cobb County School System, and he also has no problem with the variance as it will not affect the school. Mr. Teague indicated Mr. Jardine had asked if a fence would be installed and Mr. Teague responded they plan to install a fence around the entire site. Councilman Wood stated the City Engineer has also looked into this and checked with the School System and his recommendation is approval of the variance request. Mr. Wood asked if any council member had any questions regarding this issue. There was none. Mr. Wood made a motion the variance request to reduce the buffer from 75 feet to 35 feet as specified in the application of the owner be approved. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. Mr. Teague thanked the Mayor and Council for their continued support of his businesses in Smyrna and expressed his appreciation to the entire city staff. (E) Abandonment of Unused Easement (Dunn Street - Hunter Street) Mr. Smith stated Mary Ann Bradley has requested that the un-opened and un-improved portion of an alleyway adjacent to her property be abandoned and one half conveyed to her. Ms. Bradley has also requested that Jim Nichols be conveyed the other half of the property which is contiguous to his property. Mayor Bacon asked if anyone was present who had any interest in the property or had any opposition to the granting of this abandonment of this easement. There was none. Councilman Hawkins stated Ms. Bradley has owned the property on Dunn Street for many years and Mr. Nichols owns the adjacent property facing Hunter Street. He stated there is a common alleyway, 10 feet wide, that runs between the properties. Mr. Hawkins stated prior to the underground garbage can collection system, this alleyway was to allow for garbage pickup. This alleyway is no longer used for this purpose and he made a motion that the city deed five feet of the property in the alleyway to Ms. Bradley and five feet to Mr. Nichols. He further stated the alleyway being considered is the part contiguous to the property currently owned by Ms. Bradley and Mr. Nichols. He also stated the owner of the property will bear the expense of drawing the surveys and the attorney's fees in closing this alleyway. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (F) Ordinance Amendment - Revisions to South Atlanta Road Urban Design Guidelines Mayor Bacon stated both Items 3-F and 3-G are ordinance revisions and asked Councilman Newcomb to handled both items. Councilman Newcomb stated several months ago the Mayor and Council passed new guidelines for Atlanta Road to preserve the historic character and have since realized there are revisions necessary to fine tune the proposed guidelines. Mr. Newcomb stated this is considered a zoning ordinance and therefore this is the first reading of the South Atlanta Road Urban Design Guidelines. Councilman Newcomb highlighted the revisions and stated the proposed amendment will be available in the City Clerk's office. Mr. Newcomb stated this is the first reading. Mayor Bacon asked if there was any public comment. Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. McKay and Ms. Lyle who were present concerning this issue. They were given a copy of the proposed ordinance amendment but did not have any comment on the proposed amendment. There were no comments on the proposed amendment. Councilman Newcomb stated an official vote and action will be taken on the proposed amendment at the January 21, 1997, council meeting. Councilman Lnenicka stated he supported the proposed changes. (G) Ordinance Amendment - Revisions to Spring Road Urban Design Guidelines Councilman Newcomb stated the proposed changes actually fine tune the ordinance and this is the second reading of the proposed amendment (copy available in City Clerk's office). Mr. Newcomb highlighted the revisions to the ordinance. Mayor Bacon asked if anyone was present who would like to make comments concerning this proposed amendment. Mayor Bacon recognized George Mercurius. Mr. Mercurius asked if the proposed John Wieland subdivision planned for the Creatwood Farms property would have to abide by the guidelines in this ordinance. Councilman Newcomb stated they would have to comply with the guidelines. Mr. Mercurius stated he felt this was very commendable. Councilman Newcomb made a motion that the adoption of Spring Road Urban Design Guidelines as amended be approved. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (A) Approval to Uphold Decision of Buildings Hearings Officer - 2627 Argo Drive Mr. Smith stated this is a block building previously utilized as a neighborhood grocery store and has not been occupied in over three years and has not been well maintained. He further stated the property grounds have been used for storage of old appliances and miscellaneous items. Mr. Smith stated the owner has not made any improvements to the property over the last twelve months and the recommendation of the Buildings Hearing Officer is that the property be renovated or demolished within thirty days as of December 9, 1996. He further stated if the owner does not perform, the city should demolish the building and place a lien on the property for costs incurred. Councilman Wood stated the report of the Buildings Hearing Officer was held under Section 18-138, City of Smyrna Code. He stated the property is located at 2627 Argo Drive, Smyrna, Georgia, Cobb County, Land Lot 664, Lot 127, District, 2nd Section, Smyrna, Cobb County, Georgia and the owner is Gerald Carter. He stated the matter was brought before the Hearings Officer on November 13, 1996, after notice was given October 29, 1996, in the offices of E. Alton Curtis, Jr. He further stated the owner was in attendance at that meeting along with Mr. Fain Scott, Building Official for the City of Smyrna, as well as Scott Cochran, representing the City of Smyrna. Mr. Wood stated the Hearings Officer states in his findings of fact that the structure is not capable of being repaired or rehabilitated for less than 50% of it's value. He stated the value of the structure according to the Cobb County Tax Office is $24,584.00 and in the opinion of the Hearings Officer it would take more than $12,000 to rehabilitate the structure, if at all possible, to bring it to within code compliance. Councilman Wood stated the corrective action recommended by the Buildings Hearing Officer is that the building be demolished or destroyed by the owner thereof within 30 days of the report. He further stated if the owner does not wish to demolish the property voluntarily, the Buildings Hearing Officer recommends the Council allow for an appraisal of the property to determine if the value of the property is in excess of 50% of the repair cost of the structure. The Building Hearings Officer recommends the city council enact an order to demolish the premises and assess the costs thereof against the property owner in the form of a lien against the property, if the owner cannot demolish the premises himself and render the property in a safe and sanitary condition. Councilman Wood made a motion to uphold the decision of the Hearings Officer relative to 2627 Argo Drive as stated. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (B) - Bid Opening (##96034) - Fully Actuated Traffic Signal - Intersection of Village Parkway and Lake Park Drive Mayor Bacon asked if there were any bids in the audience. There were none. The bids were opened and read as follows: A & P Signal Company $39,110.00 R. J. Haynie & Associates, Inc. $43,030.00 M. E. Hunter & Associates $52,442.00 Councilman Scoggins made a motion the bids be turned over to the Public Works Committee for their review with a recommendation brought back before council at the January 21, 1997, meeting. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (C) Bid Opening (#96035) - Bates Street Assemblage Subdivision Grading Package Mayor Bacon asked if there were any bids in the audience. There were none. One bid was received, opened and read as follows: B & J Grading and Hauling $45,450.00 Councilman Hawkins made a motion the bids be turned over to the Public Works Committee for their review with a recommendation brought back before council at the January 21, 1997, meeting. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (D) Bid Opening (#96036) - Bates Street Assemblage Subdivision Water, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Mayor Bacon asked if there were any bids in the audience. There were none. The bids were opened and read as follows: Ardito Ditching & Pipeline $45,200.00 Fawcett Contracting $47,688.00 K. M. Davis Contracting $44,940.00 Councilman Wood made a motion the bids be turned over to the Public Works Committee for their review with a recommendation brought back before council at the January 21, 1997, meeting. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (E) Appointment to Clean and Beautiful Commission - Ward 6 Councilman Lnenicka made a maotion to re -appoint the incumbent, Sims Hawkins, to serve as the Ward 6 appointee to serve on the Clean and Beautiful Commission. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (F) Appointment to Parks and Recreation Commission - Ward 6 Councilman Lnenicka stated Kevin Burchfield, who has served in this capacity for a little over a year, has submitted his resignation. Councilman Lnenicka thanked Mr. Burchfield for his service. Councilman Lnenicka made a motion that Hal H. Choyce, 1836 Creat Trail, be appointed to serve the unexpired term of Mr. Burchfield (09/96 - 09/99) as the Ward 6 appointee on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (G) Ordinance Amendment - Section 79-31 - Economic Incentive Program Mr. Smith stated the City of Smyrna adopted an Economic Incentive Ordinance a couple of years ago and one of the requirements of that Ordinance (Section 79-28) is the adoption of an incentive plan that will activate that ordinance. Mr. Smith stated this is the procedure which serves as the Economic Incentive Program (Section 79-31). Councilman Wood stated this amendment defines targeted businesses or residential development which meets the requirements of the article and they may be offered a combination of incentives under this plan as previously approved. He stated it specifies definite incentives offered to any candidate and will be approved by the Mayor and Council at the regular meetings. This procedure also deals with the confidentiality of the specific business where confidentiality is a critical element with respect to granting incentives. He further stated the City of Smyrna would not have to divulge that name until after public knowledge of that business' intent to locate within the City of Smyrna. The procedure also states the effective date of the incentives, and provides that no targeted business or residential development shall be denied participation under the Economic Incentive Program solely on the basis that they are not within the developed and approved inventory of perspective properties and this makes it the decision of the Mayor and Council. Mr. Wood stated all incentives offered and accepted shall be filed of record on the date they become effective within the office of the City Clerk of the City of Smyrna. Mr. Wood stated basically this proposed amendment is of a housekeeping nature for the Economic Incentive Ordinance that was approved by council some two to three years ago. Councilman Wood made a motion the Ordinance amendment - Section 79-31 - Economic Incentive Program be approved. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (H) Extension of Apartment Moratorium - January 6 - July 7, 1997 Councilman Newcomb stated for the last three years it has been the policy of the Mayor and Council to have in place an apartment moratorium. He further stated the basis for this was the density study done by John Moeller which outlined dramatically the problem with high density in the City of Smyrna and the surrounding area. Mr. Newcomb stated the purpose of this agenda item is to extend the apartment moratorium from today through July 7, 1997. Councilman Newcomb made a motion the apartment moratorium be extended from January 6, 1997, through July 7, 1997. Councilman Scoggins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (1) Approval of Worker's Compensation Policy Councilman Newcomb stated the purpose of this agenda item is to put into the Personnel Policies and Procedures a written policy on Worker's Compensation Policy, to establish clear guidelines regarding the city's worker's comp. program and to ensure that we are in compliance with all applicable worker's compensation laws of the State of Georgia. Mr. Newcomb stated it is the policy of the City of Smyrna to fully comply with all such laws. Mr. Newcomb made a motion Worker's Compensation Policy be approved and made effective immediately. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (J) Approval of AT&T Contract (Radio Tower) and Auathorize Mayor to Execute Contract Mr. Smith stated a couple of meetings ago, the city approved a variance to allow the City of Smyrna to place a communication tower in the downtown district next to the new public safety facility. He stated the AT&T cellular tower will enable the police and fire to use this for backup radio systems, emergency management and Public Works radio system at a cost savings of up to $70,000 to the City of Smyrna. Mr. Smith stated the contract presented tonight has been reviewed by the attorneys. Councilman Lnenicka stated in addition to the cost savings from this tower not having to be built by the city, it provides future revenue during the life of the contract and so represents a good public/private partnership in many ways. Councilman Lnenicka made a motion that the AT&T contract be approved and that the Mayor be authorized to execute the appropriate documents. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. COMMERCIAL R JTLDiN('T PF.RMM, - There were none. (A) Bid #96032 - 1997 Crown Victoria Police Car Councilman Lnenicka stated three bids were received on this car and the low bidder meeting specifications was Jim Tidwell Ford for a total cost of $19,609. Councilman Lnenicka made a motion the bid be awarded to Jim Tidwell Ford. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (B) Bid #96033 - Landscape Services - Downtown Area Mr. Smith stated seven bids were received for this service. He further stated the City of Smyrna asked for a primary bid as well as an alternate bid and a comparison of additional square foot costs for additions that the city may add to the bid. He stated the bids have been reviewed and recommended the bid be awarded to Post Landscape, which has been providing landscape services in the Village Green area. He stated the new bid will include the municipal services building and the parking area. He further stated he recomends the city take the primary bid because it will keep us in line with the budget this year. He stated there was one bid that was $24 lower than Post Properties but based on the fact that Post Properties has provided excellent service since the beginning of the village green area warrants the continuation of their services. Councilman Hawkins made a motion the bid for landscape services be awarded to Post Landscape for a total price of $48,707 for a two year contract. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (A) Approval of December 16, 1996, Minutes (B) Approval to Change Name of Cameron Court Apartments to "The Gregory at Windy Hill" January 6, 1997, meeting - continued (C) Approval to Use Council Chambers Thursday, January 9, 1997, From 7 - 9 P.M. for Rose Garden/Davenport Town Community Meeting (D) Budget Adjustment - Moving Costs (Municipal Services Building) (E) Budget Adjustment - 1% Road Improvements Program (F) Budget Adjustment - Grounds Maintenance Councilman Lnenicka made a motion the consent agenda be approved. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. Councilwoman Capilouto stated one of our citizens, who grew up in Smyrna and attended Argyle School, is now starring in a daytime soap opera "Sunset Beach" and his name is Dax Griffith. Ms. Capilouto stated his mother, Charlotte Griffith, still resides in Smyrna. Councilwoman Capilouto asked Steve Ciaccio for a report on the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Ciaccio reported the hours of operation at the Church Street Senior Citizens Center have been modified for the winter months and this schedule will conclude March 29, 1997. He stated the hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday - 12:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mr. Ciaccio stated the hours were changed in order to accommodate people who preferred the evening hours. Mr. Ciaccio also reported statistics on use of the community center for 1996 as compared to 1995. He stated in 1995 there were 1557 bookings and in 1996 there were 1897 which is an increase of 18%; most importantly, as it relates to meetings, seminars, conferences and workshops there was a 19.6% increase from 1251 to 1555. He stated for the most part the center is booked completely at night and is difficult to find an unbooked hour in the center during evening hours. He stated in 1995 there were 195,430 people came through the center and the number at the 1996 year end was 213,216. Councilwoman Capilouto asked Michael Seigler for a report on the Library. Mr. Seigler reported during the month of December, 9345 items were checked out for an increase of 9.3% over last year; 11,029 people visited the library during the month which is a half -percent increase. He stated there are two excellent exhibits on display at the Library: Max Morris has an exhibit of nature art; Sam Lyons has an exhibit in the art gallery. Mr. Seigler reported the book discussion group is meeting tomorrow night to discuss "The Pillars of Earth" by Ken Follett and urged everyone to come. Councilman Newcomb asked Robin Broyles for a report on the Community Development Department. Mr. Broyles reported the estimated construction cost for residential property was $1,840,000 compared to last year's figure of $2,349,000; actual permit costs this year is $9,200 compared to last year's figure of $11,751; commercial estimated construction cost $6 million compared to last year's figure of 1,990,000; actual permit costs this year is $15,000 compared to last year's figure of $9,950. He stated his department, for the last seven months, has done 6,425 inspections which averages 918 inspections per month. Councilman Newcomb stated there is no report from the Human Resources Department this evening. Mr. Newcomb stated the city's thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Ann White, Director of Human Resources, during this time of family illness and stated he hopes things continue to go well for her and her family. Councilman Scoggins asked Ann Kirk for a report on Smyrna Clean and Beautiful. Ms. Kirk reported on the successful "Bring One for the Chipper" program held January 4, 1997, at the Home Depot. Ms. Kirk stated 723 trees were delivered and chipped. Ms. Kirk thanked Joan Harding, chairman for that event, and all the volunteers and Mrs. Winners Restaurant who provided soda/coffee/etc. for the event and the Home Depot as well as the elected officials who attend the event. Ms. Kirk displayed the City of Smyrna new "Adopt a Mile" signs. Ms. Kirk stated the State will no longer provide "adopt-a-mile"signs for non -state highways. Councilman Scoggins asked Scott Stokes for a report on the Public Works Department. Mr. Stokes reported the sidewalk project on South Cobb Drive is 90% complete on the east side and hopefully work will begin on the west side next week. Mr. Stokes also reported the city will have a new chipper/grinder on either the 7th or 8th of the month and they will begin chipping and grinding the trees at the complex. Mr. Stokes reported the contractor responsible for the brick pavers for the sidewalks in the new residential downtown area promised to begin work today; the water line is complete that links Hamby Street to King Street and stated the new curb and gutter will go in next week and hopefully the sidewalk will start toward the Community Center. Mayor Bacon asked about the width of the proposed sidewalks and Mr. Stokes responded the steep slopes on the Village Green and Hamby Street prevent 10 foot wide sidewalks so they are compromising with 6 foot with hopes of bringing around the sidewalk and tying it into the Village Green and maybe bringing it all the way down to the circle with 10 feet. He stated they are basically starting with 6 feet but hope to bring it up to 10 feet at the Village Green. Councilman Hawkins stated the Mayor has recently re -assigned committee assignments. Mr. Hawkins expressed his appreciation for having the opportunity to have served as Chairman for the Court Services Committee and the Historical Review Committee for the past several years. He expressed his appreciation to Melinda Dameron, Court Administrator, Betty Longdin, Deputy Clerk of the Court, and Judge Mike Whaley for their efforts as well as Nancy Hancock who has served as chairperson for the Smyrna Cemetery Association/Historical Review Committee. Councilman Cramer asked Chief Larry Williams for a report on the Fire Department. Chief Williams reported their Christmas program this year assisted 1100 children, providing them with Christmas toys. He stated this is a voluntary effort the firefighters do in cooperation with businesses in the area. Chief Williams the annual report for the Fire Department will be available next week. Chief Williams did report that for the first time, there was a reduced number of calls to the Fire Department. He stated the calls from 1995 to 1996 was down approximately 7.5% (3,960 calls in 1995 and 3,709 calls in 1996). Chief Williams credited the bum restrictions for the past nine months as a contributing factor for this reduction. Chief Williams reported the dollar loss from fire is down from $1,684,585 in 1995 to $355,000 in 1996; he also stated the response time is down to 3.3 minutes. Councilman Lnenicka asked Chief Stan Hook for a report on the Police Department. Mr. Lnenicka read excerpts from a letter commending the Police Department. Chief Hook reported his department recently solved several armed robberies recently; warrant arrests over the weekend. Councilman Lnenicka stated he has enjoyed serving as chairman of the Police Committee for the past several years. Councilman Lnenicka stated John Wieland officially closed on the Creatwood Farms property today and that project is moving ahead. Councilman Lnenicka stated he has received a number of calls about the rezoning of the property on Campbell Road which is across from the Aunt Fanny's Cabin property. He stated all that property is in Cobb County and the rezoning will go before the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. He stated there is approximately 70 acres in that tract and the hearing is scheduled before the Cobb County Planning and Zoning Board on February 4 at 9:00 a.m. and before the Cobb County Board of Commissioners on February 18 at 9:00 a.m. Councilman Lnenicka asked Chuck Camp, City Attorney, to research if the property being considered for rezoning by Cobb County which abuts Ann Road, can open the cul-de-sac at the end of Ann Road. He stated that cul-d-sac was closed by the Mayor and Council in the 1980's and the residents in that area expect it to remain closed. Councilman Wood stated there is no report tonight from the Finance Department. Councilman Wood stated December 26, 1996, was a milestone for a couple of his residents in Ward 7. He announced that Mr. and Mrs. McLendon celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary and he congratulated them on reaching that milestone. Mayor Bacon reported that Mayes Hamby, former mayor for the City of Smyrna during the 1940's, passed away recently and expressed his condolences to the family. Mayor Bacon reported that he had recently reassigned the committees and stated he was looking forward to working with the new committees during 1997. Mayor Bacon then recognized the two political candidates for the School Board position, Gary Osborne and Curt Johnston, for remaining for the entire meeting. Mr. Smith introduced the new Community Relations Director, Maryclaire Andres, and his Administrative Assistant, Susan Hiott. Ms. Andres stated she was pleased to join the staff and looks forward to working with the City of Smyrna. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. A. MAX BACON, MAYOR &mwu- CHARLENE CAPILOUTO, WARD 1 BILL SCOGGINS, W 3 CRAMER, WARD 5 CHARLES PETE WOOD, WARD 7 A4 '4 MELINDA AMERON, CITY CLERK -.J e�� RON NEWCOMB, WARD 2 `, .D. D� S. LNENICKA, WARD .