08-04-1958 Regular Meetingmi
August 4, 1958
The regular meeting of Mayor and Council was held at the City Hall, August
4, 1958, 7:00 P. M. Mayor J. M. Gibson presided and the following Councilmen were
present: Messrs. J. B. Ables, L. C. Dodd, G. W. Kreeger, W. B. Sanders and R. H.
Wood. Absent: J. B. Rhodes and J. V. Brooks. (Excused 7:00 to 9:15 - R. H. Wood)
Mayor J. M. Gibson called the meeting to order and requested reports from
citizens. As no requests or conplaints for Council action were brought out, the
first order of business was the reading of the minutes of prior Council meetings
during July 1958.` One correction was noted, and J. B. Ables motioned to'accept
as corrected. On second from G. W. Kreeger, the vote was unanimous.
Council heard a report on the sanitary problem of garbage disposal at Smyrna
city dump and the recommended methods of sanitary land fill from State Health De-
partment official Mr. James Womack, and from photographs distributed by Mr. Clifford
Jessup. The recommendations hinged mostly on State Health requirements, the equip-
ment needed, and reclamation of land for future development.
Item three (3) on council agenda referred to committee report on unsecured
fight -of -ways', South Atlanta Street tie-in. Mr. W. B. Sanders requested additions 1
time to contact "Out of City" .mortgage holders on property involved in sewer ex-
pansion - Federal Grant Project.
On the subject "E3nployment Regulations" (See letter, City Files), Councilman
L. C. Dodd .motioned his proposal be accepted as corrected covering" - Age Limits,
citizenship, vacation eligibility dates, sick leave policy, and leave of absence.
Accepted by unanimous vote on W. B. Sanders' second.
Council authorized city attorney, G. Conley Ingram, to complete negotiations
with A. V. Bolton for settlement over dispute of city's machinery which Mr. Bolton
sought to purchase in 1957. Mr. Ingram stated the proposed agreement would return
all machinery to the city, with repairs and A. V. Bolton to pay all court costs,
if the city would reimburse Mr. Bolton for approved contract work completed in 1957.
Mr. J. B. Ables moved this council authorize the return_ of all equipment subject
to inspection and subject to release contract negotiated by Mr. Ingram and signed
by A. V. Bolton. Motioncseconded by W. B. Sanders. Vote unanimous. (Note: Release,
notarized and signed received - see city files.)
On the material specifications for new jail, Mr. L. C. Dodd motioned to
delegate Hensley & Associates, Inc., to design the jail and city clerk to secure
three bids calling out tubular steel and center rods with one cell of .maximum se-
curity. On. J. B. Ables' second, the vote was unanimous.
Mayor J. M. Gibson requested the committee to consider Mr. Bill Ward's offer
of the old barn at Belmont Hills in their decision to develop on South Cobb Drive,
an area for Little League Ball gounds and a storage building for city owned machi-
nery and equipment.
Progress on study of over -all -drainage problem was deferred to next .meeting.
Based on itemized statements prepared covering July 1958 purchases, Mr. L. C.
Dodd motioned to pay all properly documented bills on or before August 10, 1958/
G. W. Kreeger seconded the .motion - unanimous.
A fifteen minute discussion period followed on whether it was possible or nec-
essary to furnish a.monthly financial report to council. The city's purchasing
procedure was explained as well as disbursement and cash receipt records, and Councl
members were advised the City Hall records were available for examination at any
time. Council was also reminded that subsidiary books of entry and the general led-
ger were in the process of closing during year-end examination and that new per-
sonnel did not have access to the records until March 14, 1958. J. B. Ables' motion
R for a monthly report carried three to one. This report to Council to show prior
month expenses and income by department and current bank balances by fund.
Motion by L. C. Dodd, seconded by W. B. Sanders that the building located at
109 North Atlanta Street be brought up to conformity of fire regulations and the
building code as per inspection report submitted by Mr. C. C. Porterfield and Mr.
W. W. Kidd. Repairs to start within thirty days from date of certified letter
addressed to owner, Mrs. Lola M. Corn, Non-compliance will result in condemnation
proceedings. The vote was unanimous.
Page 2 Continued - August 4, 1958
1957 checks representing uncollectible water bills, business license, etc.
were ordered to be wirtten off on move by G. W. Kreeger. These checks, all flagged
"Insufficient Funds" and charged against our account •by •the Bank of Smyrna in 1957
amounted to $450.00. Police Chief M. L. Pcoinson reduced this amount through
collections to $196.83. Councilman L. C. Dodd -seconded Mr. Kreeger's motion to
write off. The vote carried three to one. J. B. Ables abstained.
Invoice covering 1956 and 1957 purchases from Ludlow Valve Company in the
amount of $1,269.00 was authorized by Council to pay amount due from the construction
fund. J. B. Ables moved., L. C. Dodd seconded - unanimous.
Mr. A. G. Haskins of Business Mens' Assurance was allowed time to explain
to Council his company's group insurance proposal. Mayor J. M. Gibson appointed
committee of: L. C. Dodd, Chairman; G. W. Kreeger; and W. B. Sanders to study the
plan and report next .meeting.
Written report from B. F. Reed, Sr. referred to condition of Stephens St.
petition submitted by Robert Lewis referred to surface water damage on Hughes Street.
J. B. Ables, 'Aware of these problems', stated necessary repairs to Stephens Street
would start immediately.
Mr. A. C. Shepherd's letter was read to Council which in substance requested
the city to notify owners of vacant property to keep property cleaned up in the int-
erest of fire protection, sanitation, and health. It was further brought out that
property owner would be billed for cost of clean-up if the city completed the job.
On move by G. W. Kreeger, the city Fire Marshall is authorized to inspect the pro-
perty and notify owner or owners to clean up. Unanimous vote after J. B. Ables'
second. Memo: Ordinance pertaining to clean-up dated August 8, 1950 was located
by C. C. Porterfield and submitted to Council September 25, 1958 for revision.
Mr. A. C. Shepherd (Smyrna Chamber of Commerce) submitted petition to
J. B. Ables on widening of Atlanta Street. Mr. Ables and Sam Hensley to conduct
research on this project and report back to Council. Also the cost of curbing Bank
and Guthrie Street intersection.
Letter read by Mayor J. M. Gibson expressing appreciation for contribu-
tion ($225.00) representing 50% of the cost for booths at teen age canteen.
Mayor J. M. Gibson appointed L. C. Dodd and L. W. Charles to prepare
analysis of account receivable - "Street Paving Notes" - and recommended sale of
notes at face value. Mr. G. W. Kreeger moved that all collections shall be turned
over to street department. On J. B. Ables' second, the vote was unanimous.
Re-evaluation field survey submitted by Monty S. Skinner for city of Smyrna
tax appraisal was tabled. (Cost of survey $6,125.00) tabled for indefinite period by
reason of cost by G. W. Kreeger. Seconded, J. B. Ables - vote unanimous.
Knoxville Foundry request to bid on manhole covers was referred to City
Clerk to secure specifications and prices.
-Letter requesting annexation of the Bassin property was bead by Mr. Sam
Hensley. Mr. Hensley approved the area .called out in plat submitted for drainage
storm, sewers, easements, and paving. R. H. Wood motioned to accept this property
(Cardinal Lake Sub -division) into the city on condition that all existing ordinances
pertaining to sub -dividers shall be submitted for Council approval and that city
taxes shall be assessed January 1, 1959, or an amount equivalent thereto for services
rendered. Voted unanimous on G. W. Kreeg$r's second.
On the traffic situation, North Atlanta St. and Hawthorne, Mr. Sam Hensley
recommended from his study a left turn lane and signal (estimated cost $250.00)
added discussion followed. J. B. Ables motioned to accept engineer's recommendation.
R. H. Wood seconded the motion. Voted unanimous.
Mr. Sam Hensley reported land use plan and related maps in connection with
million dollar Federal loan were in progress and ready for submission at September
meeting.
On the subject "mis-use of city equipment" Councilman J. B. Ables requested
if city ordinance permitted use of police cars for political rallies or out-of-town
motorcades. Mayor J. M. Gibson stated the car was used in a motorcade to Dublin,
Georgia July 12, 1958 for the protection of citizens attending a Vandiver -for -
Governor rally. Action on the issue came when J. B. Ables moved that city taxpayers
shall be rgimbursed at ten cents per mile plus police chief's salary for one day
July 12, 1958) by the person authorizing the Dublin trip. W. B. Sanders seconded the
motion. Voting for: W. B. Sanders, R. H. Wood, G. W. Kreeger, and J. B. Ables.
Voting against, L. C. Dodd.
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9
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SPECIAL MEETING
8-11-58
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SPECIAL MEETING OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL, (/ 4"l
MAYOR PRO—TEM GEORGE W. KREEGER CALLED COUNCIL MEMBERS TO ATTEND A 94ILAL
MEEd
TING AUGUST 11, 1958., 7:30 P.M. AT THE CITY HALL.
MAYOR PRO—TEM G. W. KREEGER PRESIDED IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR J. M. GIBSON.
THE FOLLOWING COUNCILMEN WERE PRESENT: J. B. ABLES, J. B. RHODES, W. B. SANDERS,
R. H. WOOD, AND L. C. DODD. ON VACATION: J. V. BROOKS.
THE SPECIAL MEETING RESOLVED INTO AN ATTEMPT TO DISCUSS OR INVESTIGATE A RUMOR
INVOLVING THE PAYMENT OF VACATION ALLOWANCE EARNED BY A FORMER CITY EMPLOYEE.
MOST OF THE DISCUSSION HINGED ON WHETHER TO PROCEED TO HOLD AN OFFICIAL MEETING.
MAYOR PRO—TEM G. W. KREEGER SUGGESTED TO DEFER AND CALL ANOTHER MEETING WITH ALL
PRESENT. COUNCILMAN L. C. DODD THEN MOVED, tITHAT UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES WE ADJOURN
THIS MEETING.11 J. B. RHODES SECONDED THE MOTION,
J. B. ABLES AMMENDMENT TO THE MOTION TO RE —CALL MEETING IMMEDIATELY AFTER
f
ADJOURNMENT AS AN EXECUTIVE TYPE SESSION WAS LATER WITHDRAWN.
THE VOTE ON ORIGINAL MOTION TO ADJOURN: — L. C. DODD AND J. B. RHODES.
THE VOTE TO CONTINUE THE MEETING: W. B. SANDERS, R. H. WOOD, AND J. $. ABLES.
J. B. ABLES THEN MOTIONED THAT WE CONSIDER THIS MEETING AN OFFICIAL CALLED
MEETING. W. B. SANDERS SECONDED, VOTING FOR: — R. H. WOOD, W. B. SANDERS, AND
J. B. ABLES. VOTING AGAINST: — J. B. RHODES AND L. C. DODD.
J. B. ABLES MOTION LOST AS CITY ATTORNEY G. CONLEY INGRAM RULED THAT CONSENT
FOR AN OFFICIAL CALLED MEETING REQUIRES A QUOREM OF COU14CIL MEMBERS.
MAYOR PRO—TEM G. W. KREEGER MOTIONED TO ADJOURN CHARGING SOME COUNCILMEN WITH
kC-cd9Q6l NIANTCT�
DODGING THE ISSUE, WHICH FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE D WAS DENIED.
t ADJOURN 8:10 P. M. 8-11-58
Continuation of August 4, 1958
Mr. E. Jones, Tax Assessor, requested council action on transfer of Fi Fas .
L. C. Dodd moved to transfer and release Fi Fas upon authorized request, retain-
ing duplicate copy in city files. Second, G. W. Kreeger, Voted unanimous.
Fire Department current salaries versus police department salaries was dis-
cussed in the light of variations and rate scales. Mr. G. W. Kreeger motioned to
adjust current rates of riemen to the same scale of policemen and that further
increases shall be comparable in both departments. R. H. Wood seconded the motion
The vote was unanimous. Note: These rate increases ($345.00 per month) affecting
seven employees were added to semi-monthly payroll of Eire department as of period
ended 8-15-58.
J. B. Ables motioned to set up pay scales affecting all departments and classi-
fications on an equitable basis. R. H. Wood seconded. Voted unanimous. -
The question.brought before Council by Mayor J. M. Gibson hinged on violation
of city ordinance pertaining to issuance.of building permit to D. M. Scarboro and
a non-resident contractor hired to erect a carport in violation of business license
ordinance. G. W. Kreeger then moved if ordinances were violated that Mr. Scarboro
and the contractor be brought before council. Mr. L. C. Dodd seconded the motion.
Voting for: G. W. Kreeger, L. C. Dodd. W. B. Sanders, and R.~H. Wood. Voting against:
J. B. Ables.
By authority of council, Police Chief M. L. Robinson was requested to secure
and erect one traffic sign (Slow - Children at Play) for Mr. J. M. McEntire.
L. C. Dodd motioned to adjourn. J. B. Ables seconded the motion.
Meeting adjourned 11:10 P. M.
Next regular meeting set for first Monday in September 1958 and deferred to
September 15th 1958 by reason of Legal Holiday per Mayor J. M. Gibson.
P�M
Cou anJ. T. Brooks
Coun i. C . Dodd
CouncilmanG. W Kreeg
. w. unaries,
Councilman J. B. Rhodes
Co ilman T. B. Sanders
Councilman R. H. Wood