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10-18-1999 Regular MeetingOctober 18, 1999 The 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 Attorneys Chuck Camp and J. Al Cochran, Fire Chief Larry Williams, Finance Director Claudia Edgar, Public Works Director Scott Stokes, Police Chief Stan Hook, Library Director Michael Seigler, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Ciaccio, Keep Smyrna Beautiful Coordinator Ann Kirk, Personnel Officer Jay Joseph, City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt, Community Development Director Robin Broyles and representatives of the press. Invocation was given by Reverend Wayne Johnson, Smyrna First Methodist Church, followed by the pledge to the flag. CITIZENS INPUT: Mayor Bacon read and presented a proclamation designating October as Alpha Delta Kappa Month to Ms. Lee Waters. Councilman Lnenicka asked Rick Hartley, Anderson Hunt & Company, to come forward. Mr. Hartley commended the city on winning their eleventh Certificate of Excellence for Financial Reporting. The award was presented to Finance Director Claudia Edgar and Mike Hickenbottom. Mayor Bacon recognized Don Whitney, Corporate Sports, who reported on the recent US lOK Classic. Mr. Whitney thanked the city for their continuing support and presented the city and the police department with a plaque. Mayor Bacon recognized Holli Cash who announced there will be an Education Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, October 26, 1999, in the council chambers. Mayor Bacon recognized Personnel Officer Jay Joseph. Mr. Joseph presented the STAR Employee of the Month award to Wynn T. Huff, building inspector. Mr. Huff thanked the city for the honor. Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. Eddie Head, candidate for the Ward 3 council seat. Mr. Head stated he will be unable to attend the political forum to be held on Thursday, October 28, as he will be out of town. Mayor Bacon recognized Councilman Cramer who announced he is seeking re-election to the Ward 5 council seat. Mr. Cramer asked the citizens to look at his record and asked for their support. Mayor Bacon announced the political forum will be Thursday, October 28, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers and will be carried live on Smyrna Public Access Channel 13. Mayor Bacon recognized Mark and Malia Read, residents of the Austin Lakes Subdivision. Ms. Read asked the council to delay action on Consent Agenda Item 7-I for two weeks in order to allow them time to contact their attorney to discuss the condemnation of a portion of their property for a sanitary sewer easement. Mayor Bacon recognized Johnny Plunkett, Cobb County resident, who stated he was pleased the recently appointed tax increase review committee has disbanded. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (A) Variance Request - Piedmont Kupp Partners, L.P. (Kuppenheimer's) -2670 Cobb Parkway and Hargrove - Relocate Existing "Doc's" Pole Sign Mr. Smith stated this item has been tabled to each successive meeting since September 7, 1999. (See narrative in those meeting minutes.) 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 no opposition. October 18, 1999, meeting - continued Councilwoman Capilouto asked Mr. Gerald K. Johnson, representing Piedmont KUPP Partners, L.P., to come forward. Mr. Johnson indicated he had provided a variance application signed by Mr. Jimmy Brenner on behalf of Doe's Food & Spirits. Mr. Johnson indicated they are close to completing a co -development agreement with the Brenners and understood that the variance application needed Mr. Brenner's signature before action could be taken by council. Councilwoman Capilouto made a motion that the variance request at 2670 Cobb Parkway to relocate the existing Doc's pole sign be approved. Councilman Lnenicka seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (B) Variance Request - 531 Windy Hill Road - Increase Building Sign Allowed Size from 40 Feet to 111 Feet Mr. Smith stated this variance was tabled from the October 4, 1999, council meeting and further stated that Mr. Cramer had met with Mr. Farkas. The size of the sign being requested has been reduced to 61 feet instead of I I I feet. 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 no opposition. Councilman Cramer asked Mr. Michael Farkas to briefly describe the sign he his proposing for his business. Mr. Farkas stated the letters will be white -molded plastic and will be placed on the sloping roof of the building. Mr. Farkas stated he hopes to open his store the end of this month. Councilman Cramer made a motion that the variance request at 531 Windy Hill Road to increase the building sign allowed size from 40 feet to 61 feet be approved. Councilman Hawkins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. (C) Variance Request - 2424 Goodwood Boulevard - Reduce Side Yard Setback From 10 Feet to 1 Foot Mr. Smith stated Ms. Florence Haines is requesting the variance in order to enlarge her deck. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked if anyone was present in opposition to the granting of this variance request. Those wishing to speak came forward and were administered the oath by City Attorney Chuck Camp. Councilman Newcomb asked Ms. Haines to briefly explain why she is requesting the variance. Ms. Haines indicated she entertains quite frequently and would like to enlarge her deck to accommodate her guests. Mr. Newcomb stated Ms. Haines had requested a similar variance in July, 1997, which had been approved. Mayor Bacon recognized Chrissy Montana and Rachel Ray whose properties adjoin Ms. Haines. Both residents were opposed to the variance request citing they would lose their privacy and felt their property values would be decreased. Councilman Newcomb made a motion to disapprove the variance request at 2424 Goodwood Boulevard to reduce the side yard setback from 10 feet to 1 foot. Councilman Cramer seconded the motion. Motion to deny was passed 7-0. FORMAL BUSINESS: There was none. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS: There was none. BID AWARDS: (A) Bid Award (Bid #99032) - Traffic Signal Loop Detectors Councilman Hawkins stated four bids were received for the traffic signal loop detectors. Mr. Hawkins stated the loop detectors detect the presence of a vehicle at a traffic signal and helps the signal operate more efficiently. He further indicated this was budgeted in the FY 2000 one- October 18, 1999, meeting - continued percent road improvement account. Councilman Hawkins made a motion that the bid award for traffic signal loop detectors be awarded to the low bidder meeting specifications - ABCT Enterprises, for a total cost of $12,425. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. CONSENT AGENDA: (A) Approval of October 4, 1999, Minutes (B) Approval to Use Council Chambers - Tuesday, October 26, 1999 - 6 - 10 p.m. - Education Town Hall Meeting (C) Approval to Use council Chambers - Thursday, October 28, 1999 - 6 - 10 p.m. - 1999 City Election Forum (D) Approval to Install Master Meter at entrance to Cash Farms on cooper Lake Road (E) Approval to Advertise Right-of-way Abandonment - Portions of Argo Road and South Argo Road (F) Approval to Hire Additional Building Inspector - Community Development Department (G) Approval to Close Rhyne Circle - Sunday, October 31, 1999 from 2 - 6 p.m. for Block Party (H) Approval to Request Bids - Asphalt Services - Cobb Center Property (I) Approval of Resolution - Acquisition of Right-of-way and/or Easement for Purpose of Installing Sanitary Sewer and Temporary Construction Easement (J) Approval to Transfer $3,600 From Contingency Fund for Repairs to Smyrna Cemetery Councilman Cramer made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Councilman Wood seconded the motion. Motion was approved 7-0. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilwoman Capilouto stated she had received several calls a couple of weeks ago from some of the property owners of Bell Drive. Ms. Capilouto stated the residents expressed their appreciation to the community services workers and their supervisor, Sue Blaydes, for their work on Bell Drive and further commended Ms. Blaydes for actually assisting the workers. Ms. Capilouto expressed her appreciation to Ms. Blaydes, who works in the library, for her good supervision. Councilman Newcomb asked Chief Williams for a report from the Fire Department. Chief Williams announced the annual fire hydrant testing will be going on during the month of November and cautioned residents to allow their water to run for a few minutes if the water looks discolored and it will clear up. Chief Williams announced his department is Y2K compliant and will be doing their final drill on November 17. He indicated they do not expect any problems but stated the recommendations that have been adopted by the American Red Cross is to prepare for some inconvenience. Chief Williams reported that three deputy fire marshals have attended and become certified for rehabilitation housing inspections - Lt. Gaddy, Lt. Thomas and Inspector Windstein. Mayor Bacon stated he had received a phone call today from a citizen commending the fire department rescue employees on an incident that occurred at the CVS Pharmacy on Concord Road/Hurt Road and expressed his appreciation to those employees involved. Councilman Newcomb asked Chief Hook for a report from the Police Department. Chief Hook reported on the statistics for the first nine months of the year for his department. Councilman Newcomb stated he is looking forward to the landscaping on the Spring Road linear park. Councilman Scoggins asked Michael Seigler for a report from the library. Mr. Seigler reported 12,547 items were circulated last month and 14,674 persons visited the library during September. Mr. Seigler reported 738 people signed up to use the Internet and they went to 59,133 sites. Mr. Seigler reported the Friends of the Library are holding their quarterly meeting on Thursday, 10-21, and encouraged everyone to attend; they will be holding their semi-annual book sale at the Jonquil Festival this weekend. Mr. Seigler reported there are two interesting displays at the library - Lois Reed will be displaying her graphite and pastel drawings and Sharon Croyle will be exhibiting her collection of Heisey glassware. Councilman Scoggins asked Steve Ciaccio for a report from the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Ciaccio announced the Jonquil Festival will be held this Saturday and October 18, 1999, meeting - continued Sunday; the Halloween on the Green event will be held October 30 in lieu of the usual Halloween Carnival. Councilman Hawkins asked Ann Kirk for a report from the Keep Smyrna Beautiful Department. Mr. Hawkins announced Ms. Kirk has been appointed to serve on a national awards committee and Ms. Kirk stated that due to the city's success in applying for awards at the national level, she had been asked to serve on their committee. Ms. Kirk stated she will be serving on that committee and will be attending a conference in Tampa this week. Mr. Hawkins stated the city is very proud of Ms. Kirk and her efforts. Ms. Kirk thanked all the volunteers who helped clean up the Chattahoochee River and Rottenwood Creek on October 9 and expressed a special thanks to American Medical Response, Kroger and the U.S. Parks Service and Ranger Jerry Hightower for their assistance in this event. Ms. Kirk thanked all her volunteers and announced Keep Smyrna Beautiful was notified the city has won third place in North America among affiliates of 30,000 - 75,000 population group and the award will be picked up in December. Ms. Kirk announced the Jonquil bulbs have arrived and are available at the recycling center and Burger's Farm Market. Councilman Hawkins asked Robin Broyles for a report from the Community Development Department. Mr. Broyles reported on the building permit numbers for September as follows: estimated construction costs this year of $123,990,000 compared to last year's $74,975,000; building permit costs last year - $257,400 and this year so far is $421,255; number of units last year - 613 and this year so far is 997; number of buildings last year - 326 compared to 609 this year. Councilman Hawkins asked Scott Stokes for a report from the Public Works Department. Mr. Stokes reported the leaf vacuum program will start November 1 and is a four -month program. Mr. Stokes stated the Thanksgiving schedule for sanitation services will be included in the next water bill. Mr. Stokes stated the water main replacement on Bell Drive has been completed and final landscaping will be done after the sewer main is installed which hopefully will begin within a month. Mr. Stokes stated the demolition of the four city -owned buildings is complete. Mr. Stokes stated the storm drain replacement on Wooddale Drive should begin this week. Councilman Cramer reported the Veterans Memorial Association of Smyrna, Georgia met and installed the board members and the board of directors - Arthur Crowe, Chief Fundraiser; Bill Brown, Vice President; Ron Davis, Treasurer; Mark Curtis, Secretary; Al Cochran, legal member; Ken Burke, member of the board; Bill Lnenicka, President. He stated they have come up with a preliminary design. Councilman Lnenicka stated there is no report from the Finance Department this evening and commended Ms. Edgar and her staff for again receiving the Excellence in Financial Reporting award. Councilman Lnenicka stated there was a meeting on October 13 at City Hall with the Vinings Forest Homeowners Association and thanked Chief Williams and Robin Broyles for attending that meeting. Councilman Lnenicka stated he is having another meeting at the Community Center this Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. with the Heritage at Vinings subdivision and it is their annual homeowners association meeting and election for their advisory committee. Councilman Lnenicka stated he met recently with residents of Vinings Glen and they discussed technology related issues in the city and stated they would be interested in serving on a technology advisory committee if the city so desired. Councilman Lnenicka announced signs will be posted on Atlanta Road, the west side of Atlanta Road south of Campbell Road and north of Ridge Road. He stated Pulte Developers has put together an assemblage of parcels and rezoning signs will be posted and some will indicate land use changes. Mr. Lnenicka stated Pulte has reached a contractual status with a number of property owners and are putting forward plans for a subdivision to be built on that property with the entrance being on Atlanta Road and indicated the prices will be comparable to what is in the area. Mr. Lnenicka stated the density of the proposed development will be comparable to that of the Heritage at Vinings but he has not seen any plans yet. Mr. Lnenicka stated the Planning and Zoning Board will hear and see the plans at their October 25 meeting and will come before - council November 15. Councilman Wood asked Jay Joseph for a report from the Human Resources Department. Mr. Joseph reported on the existing job openings and stated the entry-level police and fire positions are going on now. Mr. Joseph stated he wanted to welcome Ms. Julie Cox to their department. Councilman Wood announced that for the November 2 city election all Ward 7 residents will vote at King Springs Elementary School October 18, 1999, meeting - continued Councilman Wood announced that for the November 2 city election all Ward 7 residents will vote at King Springs Elementary School City Clerk Melinda Dameron announced absentee ballots are available in her office at City Hall or residents can request an application for absentee ballots and receive a ballot by mail. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. --�Z� ut�'-66- M""" A. MAX BACON, MAYOR MELINDA DAMERON, CITY CLERK CHARLENE CAPILOUT , WARD 1 R N NEWCOMB, WARD 2 R 4�- ACK CRAMER, WARD 5 CHARLES PETE WOOD, WARD 7