05-19-1980 Regular Meeting(Continuation of May 5, 1980 Meeting)
a bad curve there and at times it has been necessary for the Police Department to
move vehicles parked there. Elbert Coalson seconded the motion which carried by
a 7-0 vote.
At the request of Jim Hawkins, Gunter Newsom reported that the City had engaged
a draftsman to update our base map, after which the zoning map will be reconstructed.
After approval by the Planning and Zoning Board, the Mayor and Council will be asked
to readopt the maps.
Jerry Mills made the following report: "I want to report back to you on the progress
the Finance Committee is making in developing the fiscal year 1981 budget. The
department heads are now preparing their individual budget requests and will submit
them to the Finance Committee by May 9th.
As you are all aware, this is an extremely difficult budget to prepare since it is
going to have to reflect a period of high inflation--18% or more --and a period of
economic recession. This means that our expenditures will be rising rapidly while
our income will have little or no growth. Because of this situation, it is going
to be necessary to perform a great deal of additional study and research to balance
the FY81 budget. In order to efficiently and effectively prepare this budget, I
am making special assignments to members of the Finance and Administration Committee.
I, as chairman, will be responsible for the overview of the budget and coordinating
the Finance Committee activities with department heads. Jack Shinall will be
responsible for reviewing all requested expenditures with the goal of: 1) finding
areas in which efficiency can be accomplished that will reduce expenditures, and
2) establish a set of priorities for the level of services and thus curtail expen-
ditures. Jim Hawkins will be responsible for reviewing all revenues and suggesting
adjustments to them that will result in greater revenues.
I believe that this specialization within the Finance Committee will enable us to
prepare a reasonable budget for fiscal year 1981."
Max Bacon reported a new procedure which will be followed by the Sanitation Depart-
ment in picking dp trash, beginning the first week in June. The first three weeks
of each month will be used only for the pickup of limbs, leaves, grass clippings,
etc. The last week of each month will be used to pick up other trash items,
including metal. The City will not remove rocks, dirt, building materials, limbs
or trees taken down by a contractor. Limbs taken down by property owners must
not be over six feet long, six inches in diameter, or over 75 pounds. Hopefully
this new system will work, and enable us to catch up on our trash pickups.
Jim Tolleson announced the pumping station on Highland had been repaired. He
called on Commissioner Wit Carson for assistance from the county in replacing the
pumping station altogether. In answer to a question from Jerry Mills, Jim stated
the recommendation from the county was basically the same as that received from
our city engineer. The county was very satisfied with the job we had done.
Announcements: Elected Officials Barbecue at Six Flags on May 8th; next Council
meeting on May 19th.
Meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
May 19, 1980
The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held on May 19, 1980 at the
City Hall, Smyrna, Georgia. The meeting was called to order by presiding officer
Mayor Frank Johnson at 7:30 o'clock p.m. All Council members were present. Also
present was City Attorney Charles Camp, City Clerk Willouise Spivey, Director of
Finance and Administration Gunter Newsom, Police Chief R. E. Little, Assistant Fire
Chief Hubert Cochran, Water Department Supervisor Larry Dunn, Parks and Recreation
Director Bill Johnston, Building Inspector Dan Steely, Civil Defense Director Jim
Farley and representatives of the press.
Invocation was given by Mayor Frank Johnson followed by the pledge to the flag, led
by Cub Scout Pack 716, Den #2.
(Continuation of May 19, 1980 Meeting)
Max Bacon recognized the Cub Scout Pack and their leader Tommy Singleton. They
cleaned the island at the entrance of Creatwood Subdivision, which was an eyesore
to the community, in order to earn their Citizens Award badge. Max thanked each
member individually for their efforts. Mayor Johnson also thanked Mr. Singleton
for his service to the City and the youth.
There were no citizens reports.
Rezoning request: Carman Wright represented Opal W. Jones in her request for re-
zoning of property located on Matthews Street, LL 593, from R-15 to Light Industrial.
On April 28, 1980, the Planning and Zoning Board had recommended denial of the
rezoning request, by a 4-3 vote. Mr. Wright stated there were no specific plans
for use of the property at this time. They would be willing to work with the City
for any curbing, guttering or widening of the street that might be needed. There
are several commercial establishments on Matthews Street at the present, but this
property borders on residential property. In response to a question from Jim Hawkins,
Mr. Wright stated they are requesting the LI zoning for development purposes and
this zoning would be less restrictive. The applicant had agreed to the stipulation
that there would not be any outside storage. Jerry Mills stated he had met with
Arthur Bacon and some of the neighboring property owners and it was explained to him
that the plans are to construct warehouses, with office space. Mr. Ralph Lacey,
111 Matthews Street, spoke in opposition to the rezoning due to existing drainage
problems, and eventual deterioration of home values in the area. Also, the signs
for rezoning were not posted where they could be seen from the street, and Mr.
Lacey asked for a one -week extension on the decision so that other property owners
in the area could be present. There was some discussion as to whether or not the
signs had been properly posted on the property. Jerry Mills made.a motion the
rezoning request -be approved, seconded by John Steely. Jim Tolleson and Jim Hawkins
stated they would vote against the motion, based upon the recommendation of the
Planning and Zoning Board. Vote on the motion carried by a 4-2-1 vote. Jerry Mills,
Jack Shinall, Elbert Coalson and John Steely voted for. Jim Tolleson and Jim Hawkins
voted against, with Max Bacon abstaining.
Business License request: Richard H. Simpson requested a business license to operate
a taxi company at 1347 Spring Street. Mr. Simpson was present and in answer to a
question from Elbert Coalson, stated that he did have -adequate insurance for his
vehicles. He has two vehicles ready for service now; a 1979 Plymouth Volare and
a 1977 Malibu Classicwhich have been painted a uniform color, are insured and have
meters installed. Mr. Simpson said his vehicles would be stationed at stand-by
points throughout the City and the only times they would come to the office would be
if there was a call for them there. An investigation by the Police Department did
not reflect any factors that would prevent the license from being issued. Elbert
Coalson made a motion the business license be approved. John Steely seconded the
motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Bid opening: Bids for four (4) surplus vehicles were opened, read and are recorded
as follows:
1973 Datsun 1973 Ford 1975 Ford 1970 Plymouth
Felton Berry 155.00
J. R. Johnson 565.50
Jack Collins 50.00
Jim Horne 587.00
Jack Collins 100.00
Jack Collins 680.00
Jack Collins 110.00
J. E. Blow 401.00
Marietta Auto 526.75 185.50 122.50 221.75
Jerry Mills made a motion the bids be turned over to the Garage Committee, to accept
or reject the high bid. Elbert Coalson seconded the motion which carried by a 7-0
vote.
There were no commercial building permits to bring before Council.
Variance request: Ms. Madge Dobbs requested a side yard.variance in order to
construct a carport on her property, within four feet of the adjoining property line.
A letter from John W. Edmondson, the adjoining property owner,'was presented stating
he had no objection to the construction.. Max Bacon made a motion the variance be
approved. Jack Shinall seconded the motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
(Continuation of May 19, 1980 Meeting)
Committee Reports: (Parks & Recreation) John Steely recognized Representative
Ken Nix who was present in the audience.
John made a motion that bids be accepted for a lawn tractor for the Parks Department,
to be appropriated from Revenue Sharing and opened on June 2, 1980. Jim Tolleson
seconded the motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
John Steely presented a sketch from the North Metro Youth Soccer Association for
their plans in helping the City to develop the North Smyrna Park.
Bill Johnston made the following announcements for Parks activities: Jonquil Festival
Road Race on May 24th, beginning at 8:45 a.m.; registration for Summer classes will
begin June 2nd; Senior Citizens Frontier Day at the American Legion on May 21st.
(Civil Defense) Elbert Coalson announced that the Smyrna Civil Defense Department
would participate in the raft race this Saturday. They will also have a meeting on
May loth to go over their new emergency plan and invited everyone to attend.
(Garage) Jack Shinall reported the Garage Committee would make a decision on the
bids just opened for surplus vehicles by 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Jack Shinall said he had earlier given everyone a copy of a proposed ordinance
concerning weight limits on city streets, but after further discussion with the
Chief of Police and City Attorney he had decided not to present it tonight. However,
it has become a serious problem because of tractor -trailer trucks using Powder
Springs Street, Bank Street, and others.
Jack Shinall reported that the businesses in the area of South Cobb Plaza had
requested stricter enforcement of the sign ordinance. Jim Hawkins said his committee
was working on the new ordinances now, and would be ready to present to Council in
the very near future.
Jack stated that at the last Council meeting, Jerry Mills had assigned him to over-
view the expenditure side of the budgetary system. All department heads have turned
in their proposed expenditures for the fiscal year 1980-81 budget, with the exception
of two, and Jack requested that they be submitted as soon as possible to the committee.
Jack Shinall reported that the City would be receiving a new truck for animal control,
thanks to the efforts of Jerry Mills and Ernest Barrett. This will save the City
approximately $6,000 from the 1980-81 budget.
Jack said he had received a list of Federal priorities which had been sent to all
congressmen. Revenue Sharing and the 201 Sewer Study headed this list. The list
was prepared by canvassing all municipalities throughout the State and he hoped
that this would help them to realize that these programs are two of our highest
priority items.
Jim Hawkins said he had begun his study of new revenues for the City. He is working
closely with Gunter Newsom and should have some recommendations for the Finance
Committee and full Council soon.
(Finance) Jerry Mills reported the Finance Committee would meet May 20th to go over
the budget worksheets, provided they are all in.
Jerry Mills asked Jim Tolleson for a report on the proposed new sewer line on
Highland Drive that Commissioner Wit Carson had promised. Jim said Mr. Carson
would be presenting the proposal to the commission shortly for their approval.
(Sanitation) Max Bacon recognized Linda Singleton, who is the Den Mother for Cub
Scout Pack 716. Max reminded everyone that beginning the first week of June, the
new system for collection of trash would go into effect.
(Fire) Jim Tolleson expressed his thanks personally to Wit Carson for the new
animal control truck. He had Jim David write a letter to Mr. Carson three or four
weeks ago, requesting the new truck and now we will get one, thanks to Wit.
Jim Tolleson stated that several month ago, the City of Marietta and Cobb County ,
Fire Departments had consolidated their communication department, on a trial basis.
At the same time, they adopted the first -alarm response program which means the
closest station to a fire responds, whether in the City or county. Marietta has a
fire rating of 3, the County 5, and Smyrna 6. Jim asked permission for himself
and Chief Atkinson to meet with Marietta and the County to discuss the possibility
of consolidating our communication system with theirs. This would not mean the
departments; just communication. Jim stated he thought it would mean a savings of
approximately $40,000 a year to the City. pr-e lea ;;4#:h
(Amended 6/2/80)
(Continuation of May 19, 1980 Meeting)
(SEE BELOW)
Marietta was that they, were not capable of providing adeqtiate fire protection &R-
a fes"It ai their annexation policies, and they had a;dupted th±s prurraLft tu have
the Getiftty take eare ef their fringe areas, and.this was not the case with the Gity
0i smyr"!7f Assistant Fire Chief Hubert Cochran said the City has a mutual aid
agreement with the County, and we would not gain anything by a consolidation of
the communication system. Also, he felt one advantage the City had to offer in
annexation attempts was good fire protection. After further discussion, it was
agreed that Jim Tolleson could'meet with the County and City of Marietta to discuss
the merits of this new system.
Jerry Mills recognized Larry Dunn and commended him on the fine job he has been
doing for the City.
Announcements: Next Council meeting on June 2nd; quarterly CMA meeting on June
loth which may be held in Smyrna; the GMA convention beginning June 22nd.
Meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
. JOHNSON,
JAMES E. TOLLESON, WARD 1
KILLOUISE C. SPIVEY, CIO CLERK
MAX BACON, WARD 2
J Y MILLS, VARD 3 /A�M�ES. HAWKINS, WARD 4
SHINALL, WARD 5 ELBERT R. COALSON, WARD 6
J(}HN /STEELY '-WARD 7
AMENDED AS FOLLClA7S: Mayor Johnson said that one thing that has happened with the
City of Marietta is that they have so gerrymandered by running down these highways
to annex, that they are not capable of providing adequate fire service so they
have gotten the county to take care of their fringe areas. That is not true
with us here in our City. We give excellent fire protection for those who are
in our city and pay city taxes for that fire protection. 04�7