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06-16-1997 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, Public Works Director Larry Dunn, Assistant Public Works Director Scott Stokes, Police Chief Stan Hook, Library Director Michael Seigler, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Ciaccio, Human Resources Director Mary Ann White, City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt, Chief Building Official Robin Broyles, Community Relations Director Maryclaire Andres, and representatives of the press. Invocation was given by Reverend David Thornton, Sharon Baptist Church, followed by the pledge to the flag. Mayor Bacon recognized Ralph Hancock who spoke in support of the proposed 1% sales tax referendum that will be voted on tomorrow by the citizens of Cobb County. Mr. Hancock urged everyone to vote in support of the special purpose local option sales tax for the benefit of the schools of Cobb County. Mayor Bacon asked Councilman Hawkins to make a special presentation to Larry Dunn. Mr. Hawkins stated each year the Georgia Department of Community Affairs presents certificates of merit and presented this certificate to Public Works Director Larry Dunn. Mr. Dunn accepted the certificate. Mayor Bacon recognized Mary Ann White, Director of Human Resources, who presented Mike Hickenbottom with the "Star" award for performance above and beyond that which is required in the performance of their jobs. Ms. White presented Mike Hickenbottom with the "Star" award as Employee of the Month. Mayor Bacon presented Mike with a certificate, bonus and a meal at a location of his choice. Mr. Hickenbottom expressed his appreciation for being selected for this award. Mayor Bacon recognized Maryclaire Andres. Ms. Andres asked Adea Junious and Jessica Fisher to come forward. Ms. Andres stated on Saturday, May 10, these young ladies found a bag of money - $17,272 - in a book bag on a shelf at K-Mart. They turned the money in to the service desk and the police department investigation found the rightful owners. Ms. Andres presented the girls with an outstanding citizenship award, monogrammed jackets, city mug, city shirt, and a gift certificate from K-Mart. Mayor Bacon stated he was still disappointed that the owners had not contacted the girls and personally thanked them for returning the money. Mayor Bacon again commended the girls for doing the honorable thing by returning the money. Mayor Bacon recognized State Representative Frank Bradford. Representative Bradford expressed his admiration for the two young ladies and commended them for their actions. Representative Bradford then urged the citizens of Cobb County to vote on the referendum tomorrow. Mayor Bacon recognized Gary Graham, former president of Smyrna Athletic Association. Mr. Graham stated through the SAA, the Smyrna Basketball Club was formed for Smyrna Stars. Mr. Graham stated this group was begun last year and now has five teams for children ages 10 and 15, and hopes to grow next year for additional age groups. Mr. Graham stated he is very proud to report the twelve-year old team has qualified for the second year in a row to participate in the National Basketball Championships. He further stated they are one of three teams from Georgia that will represent the state in the National Basketball Championships in Orlando, Florida. He stated funding is parent funded and very expensive. He further stated they have won every tournament they have participated in except one. He stated he is very proud of how this organization has grown and how they have represented the community in the tournaments. He stated in order for his team to attend the National Tournament they need to raise $10,000 and can not afford to do this from parental donations. He stated he would like to request the city council and any interested citizens for financial support. He stated they are conducting fund raising events but would like to appeal for financial support. He stated next year they hope to have six gyms at their disposal and asked that the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department allow them to host a regional tournament in Smyrna. He stated his team has just returned from Asheville and there were 140 teams participating in that tournament and the cost for each team to participate was $185, hotel accommodations and restaurants in the area and talked about the positive financial impact it could have on an area. He stated there will be 600 teams participating in the Orlando tournament at a cost of $500 per team. Mayor Bacon suggested Mr. Graham contact Bill Scoggins and Steve Ciaccio to talk about these plans. Councilwoman Capilouto stated she felt everyone on Council would like to purchase candy that Mr. Graham is selling as part of their fund raising event. Mayor Bacon recognized Martha Samson and Gerry Albro, Smyrna Emory Adventist Hospital, representing June 16, 1997, meeting - continued the Heart Fund. Ms. Samson stated this is a voluntary group of employees that set aside an allotted amount of money from their paychecks each week to help their fellow employees in times of need. Ms. Samson stated they have been very fortunate and have built up this fund to such a degree that they can reach out and help the community. Ms. Samson presented the city with a check for $2,000 to be used for the senior citizens and the youth of the City of Smyrna. Ms. Albro stated she is a twenty-year employee of the Smyrna Emory Adventist Hospital as supervisor of Admissions and Emergency Room registration. She stated they would like to share this fund with the City of Smyrna. Ms. Albro stated $1,000 of this money will be donated to the senior citizens and $1,000 will be designated for the youth of Smyrna. Mayor Bacon thanked the hospital for their generosity and especially the employees of the hospital. Mayor Bacon stated Smyrna Hospital has a tradition of always being involved with the community and for going above and beyond what normal really means. He further stated they have remained a home -town hospital. Mayor Bacon recognized Suzette Wallace, 3328 Creatwood Trail, who spoke about the drainage concerns of the residents of Creatwood Forest and Vinings North Subdivisions. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (A) Approval to Abandon a Portion of Right -Of -Way - Head Drive Mr. Smith stated this is in association with the Polo Grounds Subdivision and Mr. Russell Barnett is present tonight representing Graystone, Inc. Mr. Smith stated this parcel of land is .18 acres that will become part of the subdivision. Mayor Bacon asked if there was anyone present in opposition to the proposal to abandon a portion of this right of way. There was none. Councilman Cramer asked Mr. Barnett to briefly describe why this request is necessary. Mr. Barnett stated this is one of three parcels that was assembled to make the Polo Club Development. He stated this parcel was shown on the land plan as a "lotted" area due to the fact that Cobb D.O.T. was not allowing these streets to be placed through the project so they are dead-end streets and will not be used in the future. He stated for this reason they are asking for the abandonment of this portion of the right of way on Head Drive. Mr. Barnett stated they do not have ownership of this property but it under contract and have a letter from the property owner, Sam Mathews, stating he is in support of this proposal and the property will be deeded to Mr. Mathews. Councilman Cramer made a motion that the right of way on Head Drive be abandoned and deeded to Sam Mathews (.18 acres). Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (B) Amendment to City of Smyrna Architectural Design Guidelines Mr. Smith stated this is the first reading of the proposed amendment to the City of Smyrna Architectural Design Guidelines that are used to affect signage in the downtown area. He further stated these changes are being proposed to make it clearer as to what kind of signage is being required on some of the new retail and office buildings in the downtown. He stated it also amends the guidelines to allow free standing signs if the property meets the established guidelines. Mr. Smith stated the City of Smyrna is trying to clean up the language in the original version such as "should be" and "preferred" and insert language such as "shall" to require that this is mandatory. He stated this proposed amendment will also allow free standing signs under certain conditions in the downtown area. Mayor Bacon asked if anyone was present who wanted to make any comments concerning the first reading of this proposed amendment. There was none. Councilman Scoggins stated the second reading of this proposed amendment will be July 7, 1997, and a copy of the proposed amendment is on file in the office of the City Clerk. (C) Alcoholic Beverage License - Agent Change - Carrabba's Italian Grill - 2999 Cumberland Circle Mr. Smith stated there is a letter on file from Carrabba's Italian Grill requesting that this request be withdrawn at this time, without prejudice. Mayor Bacon asked if there was anyone present who wanted to make any comments on this issue. There was none. Mayor Bacon stated no official action is required on this item. (D) Alcoholic Beverage License - Agent Change Only - Savji & Brothers, Inc., D/b/a Spring Road Package Store - Retail Package of Beer, Wine and Liquor - 1669 Spring Road Mr. Smith stated this is an agent change only and Christopher J. Hayes has applied to be the agent. Mr. Smith further stated Mr. Hayes has been given a copy of the Alcoholic Beverage License ordinance and currently lives in Cobb County. He further stated the Police Department Investigation revealed nothing that would I preclude Mr. Hayes from being the agent. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of this alcoholic beverage license agent change request. There was none. Councilman Scoggins asked Mr. Hayes if he has been an agent for any establishment before. Mr. Hayes responded he had not. Mr. Scoggins stated the Mayor and Council have been concerned granting licenses, and asked Mr. Hayes to explain how he plans to train his employees. Mr. Hayes responded he plans to have his employees check identification on every person who comes in the door. Mr. Scoggins cautioned Mr. Hayes that the city does conduct sting operations. Councilman Scoggins made a motion the alcoholic beverage license for an agent change only at Spring Road Package Store, 1669 Spring Road, with Mr. Christopher J. Hayes as the agent be approved. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (E) Business License Application - Liberty Group Enterprises, Inc., D/b/a/ Bail Bond R Us - 1869 Cobb Parkway, Suite 600 - Marietta, GA Mr. Smith stated this company is requesting permission to have a bail bondsmen license to operate in the City of Smyrna. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of this license request. There was none. Councilman Lnenicka asked the applicants to identify themselves. Mr. James Jenkins, Secretary and Treasurer of the Corporation identified himself and stated that his wife, Cathy Jenkins, is not present tonight due to a prior commitment. Mr. Jenkins then introduced Mr. Eddie Borges, Vice President of the Corporation. Mr. Jenkins stated they are requesting the City of Smyrna to allow them to operate a bail bonding company through the city jail. Mr. Lnenicka stated he understands that the business address is 1869 Cobb Parkway, Suite 600, Marietta, Georgia. Mr. Jenkins responded that is correct. Mr. Lnenicka asked if the business will be operated from that location. Mr. Jenkins responded it would. Mr. Lnenicka stated for the record that the Police Department investigation revealed nothing that would preclude the issuance of this license request. Mr. Jenkins said he would like to state for the record that he has been a bail bondsman for the City of Smyrna for another company for over a year and has had no complaints and decided to open his own business. Mr. Hawkins asked why Ms. Jenkins applied for the license rather than Mr. Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins responded that one of the conflicts in being a bail bondsman is you can not be an attorney and he and Mr. Borges have both graduated from law school and until they pass the bar exam they intend to operate as bail bondsmen. He stated once he becomes an attorney, rather than redoing all the paperwork, it was simpler to have her apply as the license holder. He further stated Ms. Jenkins is a school teacher in Cobb County. Councilman Wood asked about the requirement that the applicant shall justify the sufficiency of their bonding ability be certified by affidavits/attachments or certified copies of arrangements with surety bonding companies that he/she possesses the qualifications or sufficiencies to become a surety and asked if he has filed that affidavit. Mr. Jenkins stated he believed that was part of the original application that he filed, but if not he stated he had a copy with him tonight. Councilman Lnenicka made a motion that the bail bondsman license application for Bail Bond R Us be approved for the Liberty Group Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Bail Bond R Us with Cathy Holcombe Jenkins as President, 1869 Cobb Parkway, Suite 600, Marietta, GA., be approved. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (F) Variance Request - 2544 Spring Drive - To Build an Oversize Accessory Stricture Mayor Bacon stated Items 3-F and 3-G will be handled as one item. Mr. Smith stated the applicant, Louis Morin, is requesting the variance for both height and size in order to build an accessory structure to protect their cars and provide storage space at their residence. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of these variance requests. There was none. Councilman Newcomb stated the ordinance allows a resident to build an accessory structure up to one-fourth of the size of the house itself. Mr. Morin's house is 1900 square feet which would allow him to build an accessory structure up to 475 square feet. He further states Mr. Morin wants to build a 624 square foot building which requires a variance. He stated this is 149 feet above the allowable size. He stated in terms of the height variance, the ordinance allows a structure to be 15 feet in height and Mr. Morin is requesting permission to build a structure with a height of 20 feet. Mr. Newcomb asked Mr. Morin to state the nature of his hardship and why he is requesting the variances. Mr. Morin stated he currently has no garage on his property and has a lot of storage requirements. He stated he is currently leasing storage space and his daughter is currently living with him and also paying for storage. He stated he needs the additional storage space because his house is full. Councilman Newcomb stated the structure will be a two car garage with a storage loft on top. Mr. Morin stated that is correct. Mr. Morin stated he is also restoring a 1962 Chevy II and has no inside storage and can only work on the car when the weather will permit. Mr. Newcomb advised Mr. Morin he can not operate a business from his home unless it qualifies as a home occupation type business. Mr. Newcomb stated for the record that there are letters from the affected neighbors stating they have no objections to the building of an oversize and over height accessory structure. Councilman Newcomb made a motion that the variance request at 2544 Spring Drive to build an oversize accessory structure, up to 624 square feet per the application submitted, be approved. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (G) Variance Request - 2544 Spring Drive - To Build an Over Height Accessory Structure See discussion above. Councilman Newcomb made a motion the variance request at 2544 Spring Drive to build an over height accessory structure, up to 20 feet high per the application submitted, be approved. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (H) Variance Request - 300 Village Green Circle - To Permit a Free Standing Sign in ADD-1 District Mr. Smith stated earlier tonight the first reading of a proposed amendment to the ADD-1 District was read. He further stated the city has been working with Stan Thomas, the builder of the first retail development in the downtown area. He further stated Mr. Thomas has submitted a variance request to allow for a free standing sign on the Village Green Circle because of the way the building is located on the site. He further stated that Mr. Thomas stated in his application that this addresses a hardship placed on his tenants and that the signage on the buildings is not visible on Atlanta Road because of the way the building is located. He is requesting this variance to allow his tenants visual access from Atlanta Road. 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. Mr. Smith stated the rendering of the sign, included in the package, is consistent with the city's requirements and is similar to the city sign which welcomes visitors into the Village Green Circle. He stated it is a monument type sign made out of the same materials as the building and with a roof of the same material as the building roof. Councilman Scoggins asked Chief Building Official Robin Broyles if he has reviewed the plans for the sign. Mr. Broyles responded he has. Mr. Scoggins stated the way the building is located on the site makes it hard for tenants to be visible from Atlanta Road. Mr. Scoggins stated this sign will not be illuminated. Mr. Broyles stated the restrictions on the wall signs is very strict in the downtown area. Mr. Smith stated the variance is to allow the placement of a sign and the sign actually complies with the standard sign ordinance. Councilman Newcomb asked if the sign complies with the existing standard sign ordinance and does it comply with the amended ADD-1 guidelines. Mr. Broyles stated this sign complies with the standard sign ordinance that covers all the city. He further stated in the proposed amendment the city is proposing that any future signs comply with the South Atlanta Road guidelines which is much stricter. Mr. Newcomb asked if the square footage complies with that requirement and Mr. Broyles stated no, that the sign is actually larger than what is allowed. Mr. Broyles stated it is a little bit smaller than the maximum he would be allowed to build under the standard sign ordinance but it would have to be considerably smaller if it had to fall within the South Atlanta Road guidelines. Councilman Scoggins made a motion that the variance request at 300 Village Green Circle to permit a free standing sign in the ADD-1 District be approved. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 6-0-1 with Mr. Hawkins abstaining. FORMAT. BIJSiNRSS7 (A) Bid Opening (Bid #97021) - Water Piping and Replacement of 3/4" Copper Services for Three Locations (Balmoral Road from Strathmoor Road to Highland Drive; Lochlomand Lane from Highland Drive to Prestwick Drive; Collier Drive and Memory Lane from Pinetree Drive to Memory Lane and on Memory Lane to Northview Drive) Mayor Bacon asked if there were any bids in the audience. There were none. The bids were opened and read as follows: Tune 16, 1997, meeting - continued Miller Davis Contracting $79,000 Ralph Ardito Ditching and Pipeline $65,622 Councilman Hawkins made a motion the bids be turned over to the Public Works Committee for their review with a recommendation to be brought back before Council at the next meeting. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (B) Approval to Authorize Mayor to Execute Franchise Agreement with Marietta Fibernet Mr. Smith stated this is an agreement requested by Marietta Fibernet to install fiber underground along the city right of way in the City of Smyrna to serve commercial business customers in the city. Councilman Hawkins stated this is the first agreement of its kind and feels it will be a far reaching agreement. Mr. Hawkins stated there will be no cable television service from this fiber cable. He stated it will certainly set a precedent and highlighted the agreement as follows: The franchise agreement is between the City of Smyrna and Marietta Fibernet and the term is for five years. The franchise granted under this agreement is non-exclusive and allows the franchisee to provide telecommunications services as such term is defined by the Telecommunications Acto of 1996. Marietta Fibernet will pay to the city, 5% of its gross revenues derived from services provided over its network. Franchise fee payments are to be made quarterly and submitted along with a franchise fee report. Interest is due on late payment of franchise fees. All amounts paid shall be subject to audit and recomputation. Marietta Fibernet will construct, maintain and operate a state-of-the-art electronically redundant, self -healing, digital, synchronous optical (SONET based) network. The Network shall be extended throughout the City's business areas. Marietta Fibernet will provide the city for its use, six multimode optical fibers for the transmission of data, voice, and video signals. Marietta Fibernet will provide two T-1 interconnect circuits for service between the new Public Safety Building and the Cobb E-911 Center at a cost of $500 per month. Marietta Fibernet is required to maintain insurance in the amount of $2,000,000 for property and liability coverage concerning each and every claim. Councilman Hawkins made a motion that the mayor be authorized to sign the contract, franchise agreement between the City of Smyrna and Marietta Fibernet. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (C) Approval to Extend Apartment Moratorium - July 7, 1997, to January 7,1998 Councilman Scoggins stated the Mayor and Council have tried consistently for the last three to four years to maintain a balance of single family dwellings and apartment buildings and the current moratorium is due to expire in July of this year. Councilman Scoggins made a motion that the apartment moratorium be extended from July 7, 1997, to January 7, 1998. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Councilman Newcomb stated he supports the motion and the decision to implement an apartment moratorium was based on a study conducted by John Moeller. Motion was approved 7-0. (D) Approval to Authorize Mayor to Execute Contract with Sweeping Corporation of America, Inc., for City of Smyrna Street Sweeping Councilman Hawkins stated for a number of years, BFI has had a contract to sweep the streets in Smyrna. He further stated several months ago, BFI determined it was not profitable for them to continue this contract. Mr. Hawkins stated Sweeping Corporation of America came in and finished the term of the contract held by BFI and now that contract is up for renewal. Mr. Hawkins stated Sweeping Corporation of America has done a good job and quoted the city a price of $35/mile and will be sweeping 45.15 miles of streets in Smyrna. Mr. Hawkins further stated the list of streets will be maintained in the office of the City Clerk. Councilman Hawkins made a motion that the Mayor be authorized to execute the contract with Sweeping Corporation of America, Inc., for City of Smyrna street sweeping for 1997. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (E) Approval To Authorize Mayor to Execute CDBG FY97 Subrecipient Agreement Councilman Lnenicka stated the Mayor had been notified earlier this year that the City of Smyrna had been awarded a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $225,668 by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. He stated five projects have been identified to utilize the funds and listed them as follows: $110,000 Purchase and installation of playground system at Cobb Park $ 30,000 Mini -bus for senior citizens June 16, 1997, meeting - continued $ 50,668 Purchase and construction of pavilion and shuffle board course at Senior Center $ 25,000 Donation to MUST, Inc., for acquisition and/or renovation of facility $_10,000 Therapeutic aquatic tub at the Church Street Senior Aquatic Center $225,668 Councilman Lnenicka made a motion that the City of Smyrna approve the execution of the FY97 CDBG funds and execute the contract with Cobb County, Georgia, and the City of Smyrna and by the approved signature of the Mayor of the City of Smyrna. Councilman Newcomb seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. There were none. (A) Bid #97019 - Concrete Floor Saw - Public Works Department Councilman Hawkins stated two bids were received and reviewed by the Public Works Committee. He stated the committee recommends the bid be awarded to Great Southern Rental for a total delivered price of $6,945.83. Councilman Hawkins made a motion the bid for the concrete floor saw be awarded to Great Southern Rental, low bidder meeting specifications, at a cost of $6,945.83. Councilman Newcomb seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (A) Approval of June 2, 1997, Minutes (B) Approval of Quit Claim Deed - Abandoned Sewer Easement at Heritage Pavilion Shopping Center (C) Approval to Use Council Chambers - June 12, 1997 - 6:30 - 10 P.M. for Ward 6 Meeting (Cedar Cliffs Neighborhood Association) (D) Budget Adjustment - FY 1998 One Percent Road Improvement Budget (E) Approval to Request Bids - Trailer -mounted Sewer Jet Machine - Water/Sewer - CIP Item (F) Approval to Advertise for Abandonment of Unused Right of Way - Shawnee Trail Councilman Lnenicka made a motion the consent agenda be approved. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. Mayor Bacon stated he was happy to have Adea Junious and Jessica Fisher present tonight and commended them for their honesty. Councilwoman Capilouto asked Chief Williams for a report from the Fire Department. Chief Williams urged everyone to be prepared for the severe weather season. Chief Williams stated when the warning sirens go off they are warning of impending severe weather and urged the citizens to turn to Channel 9 or WGST or WSB radio for further details when the sirens go off. Councilman Newcomb asked Chief Hook for a report from the Police Department. Chief Hook reported on the statistics for the first four months of this year. Chief Hook also reported the administrative portion of the Police Department will be moving into their new facility in July; jail will move in August; and the 911 Center will move in November or December. Councilman Newcomb stated the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility is scheduled for August 2, 1997, at 10:00 a.m. Chief Hook also reported the new police cars will be white and wanted to advise the citizens the city is making this change. Councilman Scoggins asked Robin Broyles for a report from Community Development. Mr. Broyles reported the statistics for his department. Councilman Scoggins asked Steve Ciaccio for a report from the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Ciaccio reminded the citizens there are expanded hours for open gym. Mr. Ciaccio reported summer camp Tune 16,1997, meeting - continued began today at Tolleson Park. He also reminded everyone the newly refurbished Tolleson Pool opened today. Mr. Ciaccio expressed his appreciation to Smyrna Hospital for their donation of $2,000 to be used by the Senior and youth of Smyrna. Councilman Hawkins asked Scott Stokes for a report from the Public Works Department. Mr. Stokes reported the FY96 and FY97 1% projects are approximately 95% complete and should be finished by July 1, 1997. Mr. Stokes also reminded the citizens the public works facility is open on Saturday for pick up of mulch and wood chips. Councilman Hawkins reported the Georgia Kidney Foundation has a program whereby they will pick up old cars, provided you have a title to the vehicle. Councilman Cramer asked Nancy Hancock for a report on the Cemetery Commission. Ms. Hancock stated two historical markers have been installed at the Smyrna Memorial Cemetery and there will be six additional markers installed over the next three years. Ms. Hancock stated there are several volunteers involved with the cemetery and encouraged any interested citizen to contact her if they are willing to volunteer their time. Ms. Hancock stated there are several planters available at the cemetery and stated anyone interested in picking them up are encouraged to do so. Councilman Cramer asked Maryclaire Andres for a report from the Community Relations Department. Ms. Andres reported the second concert series will be this Friday night on the Village Green. She further stated the Campbell High School Orchestra will open for the featured band, Little Mercy and the concert will begin at 8:00 p.m. Ms. Andres encouraged everyone to bring a picnic dinner or buy hot dogs being sold by the Smyrna Business Association. Ms. Andres reported the 125th birthday celebration is scheduled for August 1 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Ms. Andres announced Marc Pickard, Channel 11, will be the emcee for the event, and on August 2 the City of Smyrna will host the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Andres asked anyone interested in purchasing advertisement in the 125th Commemorative History Book to contact her at City Hall. Councilman Lnenicka asked Claudia Edgar for a report from the Finance Department. Ms. Edgar congratulated Mike Hickenbottom for receiving the Star Award. Ms. Edgar reminded the citizens we do have a direct debit program available for payment of the water/sanitation bills. Ms. Edgar reported the CCT survey included in the water bills are being returned. Councilman Wood urged everyone to return those surveys. Councilman Lnenicka stated he supports the support of the council to contract for a drainage study to be done by Welker and Associates in relation the Creatwood drainage problems. Councilman Wood asked Mary Ann White for a report on the Human Resources Department. Ms. White thanked the departments for their cooperation in completing the annual evaluation appraisals for the city employees. Ms. White announced there are several job openings in the city. Councilman Wood asked Michael Seigler for a report from the Library. Mr. Seigler reported the circulation for the library last month was 11,770 and attendance was 14,536. Mr. Seigler stated this Thursday evening the Library is hosting a speaker program with Dr. Antoine Corlett, who was a consultant on the Atlanta bombings. Mr. Seigler reported there are two excellent exhibits at the Library -- antique wedding dresses and accessories by Diana Abernathy; and Cathy Gogan has a display of photography. Mr. Seigler reported there are three new items available at the Library - the louder ear, which allows aid for the hearing impaired; lighted magnifying glasses; and a new word processor for public use. Councilman Wood stated he noticed the Internet usage is very much increased at the library and Mr. Seigler stated the library may have to add an additional line. Mayor Bacon encourage everyone to vote in the referendum tomorrow. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m. A. MAX BACON, MAYOR MELINDA DAMERON, CITY CLERK II _, CHARLENE CAPILOUTO, WARD 1 RO NEWCOMB, WARD 2 BILL SC6GGINS, WAR JAMES M. HAWKINS, WARD 4 9ACKCRAMER, WARD 5 CHARLES PETE WOOD, WARD 7