11-03-1980 Regular MeetingNovember 3, 1980
The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held pursuant to the Charter
on November 3, 1980 at City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 o'clock
p.m. by'presiding officer Mayor Frank Johnson. All Council members were present.
Also present was City Attorney Charles Camp, City Clerk Willouise Spivey, Director
of Finance Gunter Newsom, Police Chief R. E. Little, Fire Chief Don Atkinson, Public
Works Director Jim David, Civil Defense Director Jim Farley, Building Inspector
Dan Steely and representatives of the press.
Invocation was given by Jim Hawkins followed by the pledge to the Flag, led by
Brian Eberhart from Boy Scout Troop 88, First Baptist Church.
Citizens Reports: John Hicks stated in January 1978 he sent a letter to Mayor and
Council, which he read, concerning the widening and extension of Cherokee Road and
there has still been no change. Mayor Johnson stated about 6 months ago;:he.and„Jerry
Mills had met with Tom Moreland, Department of Transportation and that was the
subject of their conversation, to extend Cherokee Road to Windy Hill. The problem
is funding, with the biggest problem being the penetration of the railroad tracks.
Last Thursday, he met with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Task Force oil roads and
this project was listed as being the number one priority for the City. In the next
few months, Windy Hill Road will be widened from Cobb Parkway to Six Points. The
next leg of that road would be for it to continue on into Cherokee. Mr. Hicks
stated he had just talked to Commissioner Wit Carson and he had assured him that
the City would have his full support in this effort.
Mr. Hicks also stated that houses, being used as retail outlets along Cherokee and
Concord with 15 foot and some with 12 foot driveways, have created traffic hazards
and have reduced the potential for good solid development that would bring a good
tax base along these primary arteries. He felt consideration should be given to this
in the future and try to get better developments, instead of just repainting the
houses.
Mr. Hicks said the City gives their services freely to non -tax paying, non-profit
organizations. The services these organizations receive is paid for by our tax-
payers, and he felt some consideration should be given to asking these people to pay
a fair share of the burden for the services they receive.
Mr. Hicks also said he had noticed the increase of flea market operations along
South Cobb Drive and he thought something should be done about it. Mayor Johnson
thanked Mr. Hicks for his comments and said the Council has more or less condoned
the flea markets in residential sections and some organized groups have them for their
fund raising projects, so we don't want to take serious issue with it, but still
don't want it to get out of hand.
Jerry Mills and Jack Shinall also thanked Mr. Hicks for his comments concerning
Cherokee and .Jack said it was ironic that he made his comment concerning tax-free
organizations receiving free services because the Georgia Municipal Association had
taken a strong stand against this two years ago, and the cost of these free services
were passed down to taxpayers.
(2) Sue Brissey said she read in the paper that the City was considering buying some
property to build a mini -park for $1500. She wanted to know whose ward this was
in, if the money was budgeted, and why the City is buying an eyesore instead of
seeing that it is cleaned up. Mayor'Johnson said it was, in Mr. Bacon's ward and
the money was in the budget; it would be up to Council to decide whether or not to
approve this expenditure. Mayor Johnson said this item was on the agenda for
tonight, and to approach it at this point was not in order. Jerry Mills said the
City has cleaned the property from time to time, and there is a pump station in the
middle of the property which has to be cleaned out periodically, and this is one
reason they were on the property so much.
Mrs. Brissey said there are three vehicles parked constantly adjacent to the Police
Department and she thought they were in violation of our junk car ordinance. These
are Civil Defense vehicles and Mr. Coalson said if they had a current inspection
sticker and were tagged, they would not be in violation. Mrs. Brissey said'these
vehicles were on private property, and if they belong to the City they should be
moved to our property. Mrs. Brissey was told these vehicles are parked on Dr.
Mainor's property through an agreement with he and Jim David, but she said she
objected to having them parked there. Elbert Coalson told Mrs. Brissey we would
check into it.
Continuation - November 3, 1980
(3) Dan Acker, 4194 Antler Trail asked to make some comments relating to items
15 and 12 on the agenda. Mr. Acker said on item 12, use of city vehicles, he
realized the City had some employees using them for very good reasons, and he also
understood that some of the City personnel were not too well paid. Mr. Acker said
that he, as a citizen, saw nothing wrong with these employees using city vehicles.
Also, on item 15, the proposed ordinance change pertaining to mobile homes and
travel trailers, Chapter 13, Item (b), Mr. Acker objected to the time limit being
placed for the parking of mobile homes and trailers on the street and said it was
unrealistic. On Item (e), the part which says "campers or trailers shall not be
parked in the front of any such dwelling except on hard surface pad or driveway
accessory to such dwelling" he also objected to. Mr. Acker said his driveway was
so steep it was almost impossible for him to park there and he felt, that since he
paid taxes he should not be forced to invest in a pad. He asked that these two
portions be stricken from the ordinance, if approved. Elbert Coalson said the
reason for Item (e) was the safety hazard involved. Mr. Acker said he parked his
camper with two wheels on the curb and the rest of it was in his yard. It was
pointed out that this was still in violation of the ordinance and he could not pour
a pad there because it would be on the City right of way, which is 12 feet.
Elbert Coalson made a motion that the rules be suspended in order to move item 11
up on the agenda, to be heard next. John Steely seconded the motion which carried
by a 7-0 vote. At that time, Jerry Mills said there were other citizens who wished
to report and Mayor Johnson said following that, item 11 on the agenda would be
heard next.
(4) Doyle Cox, 878 Parkway Drive also questioned the proposed ordinance change
and asked for a definition between a motor home and mobile home. Elbert Coalson
said his definition would be that a mobile home is stationary and a motor home is
not. Mr. Cox said in that case, then Section 13 (b) would not affect motor homes.
After some discussion Mayor Johnson said we might have some doubts themselves about
the intent of this ordinance and asked for a motion to table this item, at the
proper time.
Ridgeview Institute Resolution: Mayor Johnson said the next item on the agenda would
be the resolution from Ridgeview to offer a new bond issue with the permission of the
City of Smyrna, to construct an addition to the Ridgeview facility on the same .
property site. Elbert Coalson made a motion that the request from Ridgeview to
offer a new bond issue be approved. Jerry Mills seconded the motion. Mayor Johnson
said in that motion, it would permit the Mayor and City Clerk to sign off on that
permission to have a new issue. Mayor Johnson introduced Mr. Bob Fink, President
of the Board of Ridgeview and the attorney for that facility to answer questions.
Jim Tolleson said he thought it would be a good idea again for him to explain to
Council and the public what we were trying to accomplish. Mr. Fink said the
Ridgeview Institute was a 102 bed private, non-profit psychiatric hospital located
in Smyrna., Georgia. It was originally financed with tax exempt bonds, being a non-
profit corporation, and at the end of a bond period, which is 20 years, the property
is deeded to the City, which means that after 20 years, now 18 years, the City will
own the facility. Because of this relationship with the City and the present Mayor
serving as Chairman of the Board required by the by-laws, and several past -Mayors
serving on the Board and because of the relationship with the City, the future
ownership by the City, the bonds are tax exempt. We are presently expanding the
facility from 102 beds by adding another 64 beds; 32 beds for the treatment of
adolescents who have substance abuse problems and also disabled health professionals.
We are also adding a gymnasium for the patients. In order to finance the cost of
this, the hospital is putting up approximately one-third of the cost out of its
own equity funds and two-thirds will be financed with a bond issue of approximately
$3,500,000 at tax exempt interest. The bond issue will be in December. The reason
that we come before City Council is that in order to have the tax exempt status
preserved or continued, there is a resolution by which the City must acknowledge
the project, acknowledge that it is for the betterment of the residents of the City
of Smyrna for Ridgeview to expand, and the resolution does have in bold print several
times there is no liability by the City for payment of principal or interest --it
is strictly the liability of the facility. So the resolution tonight is to acknow-
ledge the need for expansion of the facility and more or less to endorse the project
without any liability on behalf of the City of Smyrna. Mr. Fink said he would be
glad to answer any questions.
Jerry Mills said that Section 2 of the resolution stated "That the incorporation
of the Issuer, for the purposes stated in its Articles of Incorporation, is hereby
Continuation - November 3. 1980
approved by the City" and asked what that meant. Mr. Fink said the purpose of the
corporation as stated in the Articles of Incorporation is to provide mental health
services to the City of Smyrna, Cobb County, State of Georgia and other areas in
specialized areas. So that is the purpose as mentioned --we say you are passing on
the corporate purpose of the issue.
Jerry also said he did not see where it stated the life of the bond issue; payments
and terms in accepting it. Mr. Fink said the life of the original bond issue has a
25 year term, or 23 year term he thought. They had a second issue approximately
a year or two ago and this issue will be 19 years. It does not go --it cannot go
beyond the terms of original issue for tax purposes. The year 2000 is the last
payment date.
Jerry said the last question he had was, he didn't see where they had any reserve
for the retirement of a new bond issue. Mr. Fink said the terms of the bond issue
were not set forth in the resolution. By the requirements of the underwriting or
rating agency and so forth, they were required to have one year of debt service set
aside. They have one year debt service plus, if you want to go into technicalities,
a depreciation reserve which is another principal interest reserve, and right now
had approximately two and one-half years of debt service set aside.
Jack Shinall said he knew the new bonds would not burden the City if Ridgeview ever
went into default other than it might hurt our bond rating, but asked if this new
issuance of bonds would place more of a financial burden on Ridgeview than it would
be able to handle: Mr. Fink said he did not understand how in any way possible that
the failure of Ridgeview could affect the bond rating of the City of Smyrna and
people buying the bonds and people who rate the bonds know it is not a city bond.
He could not guarantee it, but saw no way possible that it would affect the City of
Smyrna. As to speaking to the feasibility of the project, in order to build what
they are planning, they had to go through a Certificate of Need process whereby the
local Health System Planning Agency and State had to approve the need for the project.
They had an overwhelming approval at the Local Health System Agency and had approval
from the State agency regarding the need for the facility. As to the financial
feasibility of the bonds; again,,only two-thirds of the cost is being financed, not
the entire cost. They had a feasibility study prepared by a national accounting
firm and the anticipated bond debt'service coverage was twice of what is required.
The bond rating will be approximately a AA, which is a very high rating. In fact,
one rating institution couldn't believe the financial data. He said there was no
way possible an institution could be this successful. The Board feels, based upon
the professional opinion given us, there is no doubt about the feasibility of the
success of the project.
Jack Shinall stated that Ridgeview has definitely been an asset to the City of
Smyrna and when there were any questions regarding it.... Jack said he thought
we -had an argument come up about two years ago about some rented property and at that
time they made a very admirable donation to the City, or statement that they would
make a donation, equal to 50% of the building to be leased for taxes that would be
on that, and Jack said he thought it was very admirable that they came forth with
that.
John Steely said they had the pleasure of going there the other night and touring
the facility and Ridgeview is not only well known in our community, but is also
nationally known for the programs that they have. He would be in favor of any
expansion that they have going on. This expansion program will serve the community
even that much better.
Jack Shinall said he had one more question since he did not have the Articles of
Incorporation and asked at any time --it was his understanding and asked Mr. Fink
to pardon his ignorance on this matter --that Ridgeview does revert to the City when
all the bonds were paid off. Mr. Fink said that was correct. Jack asked if at any
time the institute could be sold and the City not receive it. Mr. Fink said it could
be sold by the City of Smyrna, but not by them.
Vote on the motion to approve the resolution carried by a 7-0 vote.
Mayor Johnson also recognized Mr. Ben Underwood, Administrator of Ridgeview and two
other members of the Board, ex -Mayors Arthur Bacon and John Porterfield.
Zoning Request: Matthews Street and Whitfield Street, from Light Industry to RM-10.
There were two in opposition to the 'rezoning- and"_one~who asked to- speak; in
favor of it and Mayor Johnson asked them to come forward.
Continuation - November 3. 1980
Mr. Ted Jones, real estate broker with Avesta said this property consists of
approximately 9 acres. The City does not have a specific zoning classification
for duplexes and triplexes and they elected to use the RM-10 zoning for single
family attached homes. In order to develop the lots they will require certain
variances because RM-10 is designed for apartment complexes, which this is not.
This development will be divided into 22 separate lots, with the smallest being
15,000 square feet. Their plans are to build all duplexes, but they would like
the option of also building triplexes. John Steely said he had talked to Mr. Jones
previously, and these homes would be VA and FHA approved, and individually owned.
The price range for these units will be from $70,000 to $80,000. John Steely
said it would be an asset to the community--Tumo Construction is building the same
type units in Hawthorne Village and all units were sold before construction began.
Mr. Jones stated they would have to have the variances requested, which was also
on the agenda tonight, before they would desire the zoning.
Mr. Davenport, 715.Highview Drive opposed the zoning because he owns property at
2771 Matthews Street. He was concerned about what would actually be built there
because the property had been posted as RM12. Mayor Johnson said this was an error
on the City's part, and assured Mr. Davenport that the zoning would be RM10.
Ralph Lacey, 111 Matthews Street, a non -city resident, presented a petition with
eleven names opposing the zoning. They preferred the Light Industry zoning because J
it would bring small plants or mini warehouses. They built there because it was a
private, secluded neighborhood and did not want this type development there. Jerry
Mills said he had spent quite a bit of time today with citizens in the area and
explained the zoning and development to them, and they were not objecting to it.
Jerry Mills made a motion that the property at the corner of Matthews Street and
Whitfield Street, better known as Cumberland Corners, be rezoned from LI to RM10
for duplexes and triplexes. This rezoning has also been approved by the Planning
and Zoning Board. Jack Shinall seconded the motion. Jerry said with the motion
to approve the zoning he was also giving his commitment to approve the variances
which would come up later. Vote on the motion carried by a 7-0 vote.
Mayor Johnson recognized Carolyn Johnson and the Jeffersonian Cloggers who had
just come in and said this group had just won the National and World National
Clogging title. Mayor Johnson said this was a fine group of local people who have
brought honor and recognition_ to our city. Ms. Johnson introduced the group
individually and said they had been clogging together for 6 years.
Variance Request: Miller Communications, 1359 Spring Street requested a variance
from the 15 foot requirement to 2 feet on the property line adjacent to the Southern
Bell building. He presented a letter from Southern Bell stating they had no objec-
tion provided the building was constructed of non-combustible material, including
the roof. A letter was also provided from Chief Don Atkinson stating he did not
see any fire suppression problems. There was no opposition to the request. Jack
Shinall made a motion the variance be approved. Max Bacon seconded the motion
which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Variance Request: Ed Ogar, representing Tumo Construction Company, requested
variances on their construction at Hawthorne Village. Jerry Mills made a motion
the following variances be approved:
(1) 16 lots to vary from the 100 foot width at the setback line from
street right of way to various widths, the largest varying 30 feet
from the required 100 foot width, and the smallest varying 5 feet
from the required 100 foot width at the setback line.
(2) Variance is also requested, if needed, on the required 75 foot
buffer between RM10 property that abuts or adjoins any single-'
family district.
John Steely seconded the motion which carried by a 7-0 vote. Jerry Mills made a
motion the Mayor be authorized to sign the plats for Hawthorne Village when they
are completed. John Steely seconded the motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Variance Request: Cumberland Corners, Matthews Street & Whitfield Street requested
the following variances:
(1) The minimum front yard setback from street right of way is 50 feet.
Avesta, Inc. requested to vary to 35 feet from the street right of way.
Continuation - November 3. 1980
(2) Minimum sideyard setback from 35 feet to 10 feet.
(3) Rear yard setback -line from 40 feet to 30 feet.
(4) Minimum lot width at the setback line from street right of way is 100
feet. They requested to vary to 85 feet on Lots 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 as
shown on plat.
(5) Variance, if needed,,on the required 75 foot buffer between RM10
property that abuts or adjoins any single-family district.
Mayor Johnson asked if there was any opposition to the variance requests...
Dan Maddox, who stated he lived on the Cobb County side of the street' -expressed
concern about the traffic already on the road and asked whose responsibility the
road would be, and also wanted to know if the road would be widened in any way.
Jerry Mills said the road would be upgraded, with curbing on the City side, and
if it was widened it would be the responsibility of the county.
Rem Bennett said the plans would be ready this week and they would all be proud
of it. Also,, other than the variances requested, everything else would meet require-
ments of RM10 zoning. The striking of the recreational facilities would also be
added to the variances.
Jerry Mills.made.a motion the variances be granted provided there will be no more
than three units per lot and the buffer area and open space requirements be waived.
Jim Tolleson seconded the motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Bid Opening: Bids on (1) 20-cubic yard M-200 rear loader for the Sanitation Depart-
ment were opened, read and recorded as follows:
Truck Transport Equipment Co.
4800 Mendell Court, SW
Atlanta, Ga. 30336
Commercial Equipment Sales
& Service, Inc.
P. 0. Box 488
Marietta, Ga. 30081
$139541.00
$13,741,07 (30 day delivery)
Jim Tolleson made a motion the bids be referred to the Sanitation -Committee with
authority to accept or reject the bids. Jack Shinall seconded the motion which
carried by a 5-2.vote. Voting for was John Steely, Elbert Coalson, Jerry Mills,
Jim Tolleson and Jack Shinall. Max Bacon andJimHawkins opposed.'
Bid Opening: Bids on 600 residential water meters, with_:ard without connections,
were opened, read and recorded as follows: "
(1)
Neptune.Water Meter Co.
$31.40 ea.
$4.00 ea. -.for
trade
200 Permalume Place
in on old
meters
Atlanta, Ga. 30318
(prices good for one
year, invoices net 30
& shipment can be made
at once)
(2)
Southern Meter & Supply
$21.00 ea. with
trade in
P. 0. Box 100463
$24.95 without trade,in
Atlanta, Ga. 30384
(3)
United Utility Sales, Inc. $23.79 ea. �
$4.50 ea.
for trade
Suite 206
(Kent PSM-190)
in on old
meters
2065 Peachtree Ind. Ct.
$27.53 ea.
Chamblee, Ga. 30341
(Kent C-700)
(4)
Gwinnett Utilities, Inc.
$28.45 ea.
$4.50 ea.
for trade
P. 0. Box 432
in on old
meters
Snellville, Ga. 36278
(5)
Rockwell International
$26.90 ea.
$4.00"ea.'for
trade
3500 McCall Place
in on old
meters
Atlanta, Ga. 30340
Continuation - November 3, 1980
Jack Shinall made a motion the bids be turned over to the Water Committee for
review and authority to accept or reject all bids. Elbert Coalson seconded the
motion. John Steely and Jim Hawkins agreed that since five bids were received they
felt the motion should be.stated to accept the low bid or return to full Council
with recommendations. After further discussion, Jack stated the original motion
would stand. Vote on the motion was 3-3-1. Voting for -was Jack Shinall, Jerry
Mills and Elbert Coalson. Voting against was Jim Hawkins, Max Bacon, and John
Steely. Jim Tolleson abstained, making it necessary for Mayor Johnson to vote and
break the tie. He voted against'and the motion then failed by.a 3-4-.1 vote.
Jim Hawkins made a motion the bids be turned over to the Water Committee with authority
to accept the low bid if it meets the specifications. Max Bacon seconded the motion
which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Bid Opening: Bids for (1) hydraulic sewer cleaner were opened, read and recorded
as follows:
Industrial Sewer & Water Services $19,745.00 120 day delivery
P. 0. Box 4783
Martinez, Ga. 20907
Enviroquip $17,220.00 75 to 90 day delivery
P. 0. Box 1343 1,177.00 (optional equipment)
Forest Park, Ga. 30050
Jack Shinall made a motion the bid be awarded to the lowest bidder. Motion died
for lack of a second.
Jerry Mills made a motion to table action on bids to the next meeting. Jim
Hawkins seconded the motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
There were no commercial building permits to bring before Council.
Resolution - Use of City Vehicles: John Steely said at the last Council meeting
he gave everyone a copy of a proposed resolution concerning the use of city vehicles
as follows:
"Now be it resolved that the Mayor and Council of the City of Smyrna adopt
the following resolution concerning the use of municipally owned and operated
vehicles. All municipal vehicles will be operated only on official city
business and no vehicle shall be taken home by any city employee, with the
following exceptions:
1) Each department head who has an assigned vehicle shall have the right
to take said vehicle home with them provided they reimburse the City
for all gasoline used for mileage driven outside of the corporate
limits of the City of Smyrna.
2) Each employee who is on call for emergency services shall have the
right to take the emergency service vehicle home with them. This
exception shall be exercised under the direction of the concerned
department head.
The enforcement and compliance to the aforestated policy shall be the responsibility
of the concerned department head and the concerned department head will be held
individually responsible for the compliance. This policy shall take effect on
November 4, 1980,"and shall remain in effect until such time as it is modified by
the Mayor and Council of the City of Smyrna."
John made a motion the resolution be approved. Attorney Camp said before he made
it into a motion he might want to consider changing in the second line the word
"resolution" to "policy", as he referred to policy in the last paragraph. John
changed the motion to state the policy be approved. Jim Tolleson seconded the
motion.
John said the reason he feels so strongly about this is because of the rising cost
of gasoline and in no way reflects upon these department heads: Elbert Coalson
said he partly agreed, but we did have some department heads in this city who
were promised a car when they were hired, and he also felt the department heads
could run their own departments. John said it would not limit any department head
from taking his vehicle home; we are only asking for reimbursement for gasoline
cost for travel outside the City, at a set cost per mile.
Continuation - November 3, 1980
Gunter Newsom explained how the cost would be computed for mileage. In answer to
a question from Jerry Mills, Gunter said there were 3 or 4 vehicles that would fall
under the provisions of Section 1 of the policy. John Steely said Hertz had just
done a survey on .the cost of operation for a large car and it comes to 48.1(,' per
mile which also includes wear and tear on the car, insurance and maintenance, but
we are talking about reimbursement on gasoline only on a per mileage basis. John
said we were actually talking -about more than 3 vehicles when you include all
employees who are driving vehicles home now. Max Bacon said the abuse of this
privilege was not so much with department heads, but with employees and said he would
like to see this referred back to committee and let each department head get with
their committee chairman and decide.which vehicles need to.go home.. Elbert Coalson
said the problem was that no two.departments.are run alike--the.police chief and
fire chief are on call 24 hours a day. John,.said that.last year we had spent
approximately $40,000 for gasoline and mileage and this was for all automobiles
going home.
Jim Tolleson asked John if he would be in agreement to amend Item 1 to allow each
department head who has an assigned vehicle to take said vehicle home, since we
are only talking about 3 vehicles for department heads,.and leave Item 2 as is.
Jerry Mills agreed with Jim Tolleson on his recommendation.
Jim Tolleson moved the policy be amended to read in Item 1, "Each department head
who'has an assigned vehicle shall have the right to take said vehicle home." Jack
Shinall seconded the amendment. Gunter Newsom said the dollar savings to the City
for these 3 vehicles would be insignificant, but the savings would come by elim-
inating vehicle use by other city employees. Vote on the amendment carried by a
7-0 vote. Vote on the main motion carried by a 7-0 vote.
John Steely thanke& Sue Brissey.for her -concern over the East Twin Oaks property.
John said there was a pump station right in the middle of the property, and,it had
been to the point of condemnation from the City because of the way it was kept.
The cost of.condemnation would: -have been well above the cost to buy the property,
and this,motion,•in no way; would include the construction.of a mini park there.
We now have flooding, sewer problems, problems with rats, etc.:; causing problems
for the homeowners in the area. The total -price, which is the assessed value of
the land is $1404.95.,r_Back taxes would -have -to be paid amounting!,to $95.05; giving
us a total of :$1500. In last year's,budget,_$2500 was allocated out of. -Revenue.
Sharing for the property, and this money will come from last year's budget. John
Steely made a motion that we purchase this land, at a total cost of $1500. Max
Bacon seconded the motion.
After considerable discussion, Sue Brissey asked if she could speak. Jerry Mills
made a motion to suspend the rules and allow her questions. Max Bacon.seconded.
the motion which carried by a 770 vote. .Mrs. Brissey?said she had just read in the
paper where the City had just had an increase in taxes, and then they were going
to build a mini park, and we don't need any more parks. We don't have:the personnel
-to maintain what.we have now. John.said to a.small degree that was true, but the
mini park would not come from the City. We have parks in the City'that .have.had_equip-
ment donated; -:such as the one in Ward 4. We hope --one of these civic.�groups would
be responsible for putting the equipment on the property.
Jim Tolleson said the City has spent considerable amounts of money over the past
4 or 5 years cleaning the property and -the owner has-been fined, when he could.b e
located. The owner realizes it will cost him almost as,much as the appraised value
to go ,to court on a condemnation, and he will be better off to sell it to the City
under these circumstances. Attorney�Camp-also said he felt it would be better for
the City to -purchase the land for $1500 rather than pay his fee o.f the same amount
to•condemn the property. Vote on the motion .to purchase the property carried by a
5-2 vote, with Jack'Shinall-and Jim Hawkins. voting against.
Jim�Tolleson said.he had met..several.)times_with.a.committee appointed.by the Mayor
to look at the feasibility of consolidating emergency.telephone services here.
They have come -up with the prices and like -what •they see:- It should r.esult.in a
cost savings'to the City, but.that's not-realiy.the intent.-- The intent is to estab-
lish a.central emergency answering system which means one telephone number will be
established-in_.the City for,any type emergency --police:, fire,: ambulance,..civil ,
defense, or whatever. The citizens will have one number to,call, which will be
the Fire Department number, 434-6666. The total communications system will be moved
to the police dispatchers. Their salary will be upgraded to dispatchers position,
rather than -telephone receptionists. The radio console will be.moved from the
Fire•Department to the Police Department:which_will give us-two,.operators .in the.
Continuation - November 3, 1980
same area and they could work simultaneously. It will give Public Works and Parks
& Recreation easy access for after hours calls. It will relieve 3 firemen to fight
fires. Jim said the main thing they were after is to allow the citizens, whether
a resident here or someone passing through involved in an accident, one number to
call. Jim said they were talking about upgrading the teleprinter in the Fire
Department from a TC500 to an AE501 which is a faster speed, more up to date. The
decoders will be moved from the Fire Department which will enable operators to
contact the sub -stations. Timers will be installed -on the doors at the main station
so that when they have a call and leave the station, the doors automatically shut.
Also, more modern telephone equipment will be installed. Jim said all in all,
they think they have put together a good system --one that will work and provide a
much better emergency service for the citizens of Smyrna. The cost to start will
be $1200 and the monthly rate will actually reduce.
Elbert Coalson made a motion that we adopt this emergency telephone dispatch system
for Police, Fire�Civil Defense and any other citizens emergency and that the money
be allocated from the -contingency fund, not to exceed $1200. Jim Hawkins seconded
the motion.
Jack Shinall asked when the system would be implemented, and Jim said it should -be
implemented around January, 1981. When the system is implemented, they would like
to distribute 6,000 or 8,000 stickers for telephones with the number on it. Follow-
ing a question from Jerry Mills, Jim said ambulance service would probably be zoned
and Winkenhofer would riot have exclusive, rights to ambulance service in Smyrna.
Jerry asked if the City would have any liability where we don't have an ambulance
service established. Chuck Camp said we would, only if we established the policy
and did not call for an ambulance. Jim Tolleson said we had been fortunate to find
a recording system from another municipality that they are donating to us. It's a
24-hour logging recording machine and will be installed too, and will be used for
training. Vote -on the motion carried by a 7-0 vote.
Elbert Coalson made a motion that the proposed amendment to the Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 13, Mobile Homes and Travel Trailers, be tabled. Jerry Mills seconded the
motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Jim Hawkins -made a motion the proposed ordinance change concerning billboards be
tabled until the committee had a chance to review it. Jim Tolleson seconded the
motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Jim Tolleson made a motion the minutes of October 6, 1980 be approved as submitted.
Elbert Coalson seconded the motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Elbert Coalson made a motion the minutes of October 20, 1980 be approved as submitted.
Max Bacon seconded the motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Committee Reports: Jim Tolleson said he had received a letter from Bob Sutton
and he has done everything but commit to replacing the Highland Drive pump station.
He did not say when, but said it would be done. Jim said he appreciated the Council
approving the emergency dispatch system and we would all benefit from it.
(Fire) Max Bacon said he would like to apologize to Chief Atkinson. He whole-
heartedly supported the new dispatch system and knew Chief Atkinson had some reser-
vations about that he did not bring up. Max said he did not know it would come up
for a vote tonight, the thought it would be for discussion only.
Jerry Mills said at the last meeting a motion was tabled to put the Fire Department
on 12-hour shifts and 8 holidays and since it was not placed on the agenda wanted
to know,if he should assume it was adopted, or are we going to deny it or approve
it. Mayor Johnson said it would require a motion to bring off table. Jerry made
a motion this item be brought off table, seconded by Jack Shinall. Vote on the
motion carried by a 7-0 vote. Jerry restated his motion that the Fire Department
be placed on 12-hour shifts, 4 days on and 4 days off, and be given 8 holidays as
scheduled by the Chief of the Fire Department. Jack Shinall seconded the motion.
Max Bacon said the leave policy which was adopted at the last Council meeting had
helped morale more than anything, and he would like to leave it as it is now. Vote
on the motion failed by a 2-5 vote. Voting for was Jerry Mills and Jack Shinall.
Voting against was John Steely, Elbert Coalson, Jim Tolleson, Jim Hawkins and Max
Bacon.
Jerry Mills said he was still getting a lot of complaints from citizens about the
6% factor added to their taxes. Jerry said the people in his area were totally
Continuation - November 3, 1980
against the'assessment and he had to go along with the people he represents whether
he believes in it or not. Jerry made a motion that the millage rate for 1980 be
reduced from 14 to 13.75. Jack Shinall said he would second the motion because he
agreed with Jerry and felt we should reduce the millage rate, just as the county did.
John Steely said he thought we were being double taxed on just every service we have
in Smyrna but he could not see -how we�could decrease the millage and operate in a
sufficient manner. There was a mistake in the budget and the $86,000 that was
factored went back into the budget. If we don't accept it, then the City would be
adopting a deficit budget.
Jack Shinall said-he.felt they should.represent.their,city;and ward. That's what
he did at the last meeting and that's what he's doing now.
Elbert Coalson said he.was going to propose,giving a 5% cost.of,living.raise from
the factor, but due to the error he cannot.
Jim Hawkins said the factor was..anticipated by everyone but is„now having to make
up for the miscalculation in tax receivables.
Jerry pointed out that during budget hearings with the entire Council he said he
would.go along with.,the,2 mill increase, but.not.the factor.,, In 1980, this city
has raised.garbage_rates, sewer rates twice, water rates, taxes, and now we have
assessment -and that is what.the people I represent are.complaining about.
John Steely said he was for the sewer increase but at.the time was comparing it
with his own bill of a family of four and thought it would be suitable for everyone
else around him, but he found out that sewer rates in Bennett Woods have gone up 300%
and he did object to that. John said he was going to look,intolways of lowering
it later.on. _
Jerry said we were called in one night and told the assessments were here and didn't
have a chance to vote on it until tonight. They didn't have a -chance to actually
take a vote on whether they wanted it, or wanted to turn it down, and he did not
have an opportunity to vote against it. Mayor Johnson explained that we got the
digest on a Thursday, and the county had to know our millage rate on Friday morning.
Vote on the motion to cut the millage rate failed by a 2-5-vote. Voting for was
Jerry Mills and Jack Shinall. Voting against was John Steely, Elbert Coalson, Jim
Tolleson, Max Bacon and Jim Hawkins.
(Water)...Jack Shinall said .they were having,trouble with the,lift station.on Ann
Road. It is 19 years old, it is out now and .there..is,.a problem., The cost given
him today by -,Mr. David is $1,394.97 and will take 4 to 6 weeks for the parts to
get here. There is another moto.r;that.is working, but not.the best. Jack made.a
motion that..we go ahead and order the parts at a total cost not to,exceed $1400.
Mayor Johnson -said it was.a- bsdable item, but -in an emergency -situation he
recommended we go ahead.and make a purchase. Elbert Coalson seconded the motion
which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Jack Shinall said the Scottish Rite Hospital will.,be..holding a pledge walk this
weekend starting at Cobb Center and asked each councilman to pledge funds to see
him walk the 15 kilometers.
(Finance) ..Elbert Coalson said the citizens should be receiving their tax bills
tomorrow.
(Parks) John Steely said King. Springs Park is closed for the season. John said
they were considering installing net meters on.our tennis courts where the nets would
stay rolled up -until a coinwas inserted fora 30.minute or 1 hourinterval of play.
John said they,were not trying to charge our citizens any more money, but this is a
way we can .control our park.usage.with the county residents. John said he and Max
Bacon would be attending the.GRPS convention. Elbert Coalson asked if this was.a
budgeted item and John said it was.
John said.he was..still.havin.g some problems,with.the.Willowbrook .pump station and
has-2 or 3 in -his ward he..would like to eliminate. He.said he was still looking
into it and was very much opposed to raw sewage being dumped into creeks from
the old system we have now.
Continuation - November 3, 1980
Announcements: Next Council meeting on November 17th and the CMA annual Christmas
meeting on December 9th.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
November 10. 1980
The Special Called Meeting of Mayor and Council was held November 10, 1980 at_the
City Hall, Smyrna, Georgia. -The meeting was called to order at 5:30 o'clock p.m.
by presiding officer Mayor Frank Johnson. All Council members were present. Also
present was City Clerk Willouise Spivey and Finance Director Gunter Newsom.
Mayor Johnson stated the purpose of this called meeting was to adopt a resolution
covering acquisition and clearance of rights of way with control of future encroach-
ments and regulation of vehicular traffic on highway construction; spedifically,
the 1.263 miles of Pasadena Boulevard, PR-8530-(067).
Mayor Johnson said the State would give us $80,000 for the project, John Williams
would give $40,000 and we are trying to get Cobb County to do the sub -base work,
which would amount to an expenditure of around $80,000, and the City will pay
$80,000. The cost of any overrun will be born by the City. As yet, the county
has not committed to this project.
After discussion, Jim Tolleson made a motion to adopt the resolution covering
acquisition and clearance�of right of way on the 1.263 miles of Pasadena Boulevard,
as submitted by the State Department of Transportation. John Steely seconded the
motion which carried by a 7-0 vote.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
November 17, 1980
The regular meeting of Mayor and Council was held November 17, 1980 at City Hall.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Protem Elbert Coalson at 7:30 o'clock p.m.
in the absence of Mayor Frank Johnson who was on vacation. All Council members
were present. Also present was City Attorney Charles Camp, City Clerk Willouise
Spivey, Finance Director Gunter Newsom, Police Chief R. E. Little, Assistant Fire
Chief Hubert Cochran, Water 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 Councilman Jim Hawkins, followed by the pledge to the Flag.
There were no citizens reports, but John Steely said he had someone special in
the audience he would like to introduce. Larry Shinall is a local tennis professional
here and he had just brought them through with a C2 ALTA mens championship.
Resolution: Jerry Mills said that in November 1978 a resolution was approved by
Mayor and Council approving an increase of Homestead Exemption. This increase was
approved by the General Assembly in March of 1979 and by the voters of Smyrna on
November 6, 1979. We later found out this had to appear on a ballot in the General
Election as an Amendment to the State Constitution, which was voted on and passed
November 4, 1980. This resolution tonight is to increase homestead exemption from
$2500 to $4000, effective for the year 1980 rather than 1981.
"WHEREAS: On November 4, 1980, the electorate of the City of Smyrna voted
to amend Article 7,,Section 1, paragraph 4 of the Constitution of the State
of Georgia to allow for an increase of a certain type of Homestead Exemption
from $2500 to $4000, and