2023-11-20 November 20, 2023 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LFCity Council Meeting Minutes - Final
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Smyrna Community Center
Magnolia Room
200 Village Green Circle
Smyrna, GA 30080
November 20, 2023
7:00 PM
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
Roll Call
Derek Norton, Mayor
Tim Gould, Mayor Pro Tern (Ward 6)
Glenn Pickens (Ward 1)
Latonia P. Hines (Ward 2)
Travis Lindley (Ward 3)
Charles "Corkey" Welch (Ward 4)
Susan Wilkinson (Ward 5)
Kathy Young (Ward 7)
City Attorney Scott Cochran
City Administrator Joseph Bennett
City Clerk Heather K. Peacon-Corn
Present: 8 — Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Glenn Pickens, Councilmember
Latonia P. Hines, Councilmember Travis Lindley, Councilmember
Charles Welch, Councilmember Susan Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern
Councilmember Tim Gould, Councilmember Kathy Young
Also Present: 1 —Scott Cochran
Staff: 7 —Joe Bennett, Richard Garland, Jill Head, Dat Luu, Russell Martin,
Heather Peacon-Corn, and Joey Staubes
2. Call to Order
3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
A. Rev. Joel E. Smit, Smyrna Presbyterian Church (3130 Atlanta Road)
4. Agenda Changes
5. Mayoral Report
Mayor Derek Norton mentioned the following:
• The Veterans Day ceremony was great despite the rain
• November 28 is the Home for the Holidays from 5:00 — 9:00
• December 2 is the next College Football Saturday — SEC Championship
• Park next to the Community Center should be completed by the middle of next month
• Welcomed incoming Councilmember Rickey Oglesby who was present
II. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
Public comment during this portion of the Agenda must be limited to matters on the Agenda for action. If you wish to be
heard, please sign up with the City Clerk, come to the podium when called by the Mayor, state your name and address for
the record and make your remarks. The time allotted for each speaker is as follows: Public Hearing - Five (5) Minutes
Page 1 of 12
November 20, 2023 City of Smyrna 1250 Powder Springs Street
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Magnolia Room
A. Z23-007 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z23-007 - Allow rezoning from LI to OD -
Conditional for use as a climate controlled self -storage facility - Land Lot 668 - 1.88
acres - 3265 Atlanta Road - Atlantic Development Partners LLC.
Ward 1 Councilmember - Glenn Pickens
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following brief background:
Atlantic Development Partners LLC is requesting a rezoning from LI (Light Industrial)
to OD (Office -Distribution) for the ability to construct a climate controlled self -storage
facility. The subject property is zoned LI and has been used for an industrial purpose
as a business to move machinery. The existing building will be demolished for the
construction of a new climate controlled self -storage building. The proposed building
will be 113,596 sq. ft. The building will be three stories with a basement with a
maximum height of 40 feet.
Russell Martin, Community Development Director, provided the following information:
Atlantic Development Partners LLC is requesting a rezoning from LI (Light Industrial)
to OD (Office -Distribution) for the ability to construct a climate controlled self -storage
facility. Planning and Zoning Commission approved this by a vote of 5-0. The subject
property is zoned LI and has been used for an industrial purpose as a business to
move machinery. The existing building will be demolished for the construction of a
new climate controlled self -storage building. The proposed building will be 113,596 sq.
ft. The building will be three stories with a basement with a maximum height of 40 feet.
The elevation visible from Atlanta Road will be three stories and the building will follow
the contour of the property to have a basement level at the rear of the property
adjacent to CSX rail right-of-way. The project consists of a 20 ft. landscape buffer
along the sides of the property adjacent to residential.
The proposed building will utilize stone, EIFS, and metal paneling for the front fagade.
The applicant has provided architectural renders with the zoning application for
reference.
The applicant is providing 11 parking spaces which meets the minimum parking
requirement.
The City Engineer has reviewed the proposed rezoning with respect to transportation,
stormwater management and stream buffer issues. The City Engineer will require a
portion of the access drive be improved to meet city standards. Also, the access drive
will require striping and utility easement from the Atlanta Road entrance to the
property, and curb and gutter within the subject property. There are no stream buffers
affecting the property. The development will utilize a detention pond for stormwater
management.
The Fire Marshal's office has reviewed the current proposal and in general believes
that it meets the Fire Code requirements for fire truck access. A fire hydrant will be
required on the subject property. The building will require an automatic fire
suppression system.
Community Development has reviewed the zoning proposal against the city's 2040
Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Plan. The zoning proposal to Office -
Distribution is consistent with the Industrial Mixed Use land use designation on the
Future Land Use Map.
Page 3 of 12
November 20, 2023 City of Smyrna 1250 Powder Springs Street
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Magnolia Room
12. The developer shall be responsible for any water and sewer improvements
deemed necessary by the Public Works Director during construction plan review.
13. The developer shall be responsible for any stormwater improvements deemed
necessary by the City Engineer.
14. The developer shall improve the access drive to meet city standards set forth in
Appendix D.
15. The access drive will require an ingress and egress easement as well as a utility
easement.
16. The access drive shall be stripped from the subject property and aligned with the
emissions station driveway apron.
17. A 20' landscape buffer shall be planted between the development and adjacent
residential properties.
18. The development will require a fire hydrant within the subject property.
19. Dumpsters shall be positioned so as to prevent visual intrusion from streets,
connection points to community spaces and wherever possible with screening by
landscaping, walls and/or vegetation. Dumpsters shall have rubber lids and bumpers
to minimize noise during emptying. At grade trash compaction shall also be allowed
and screened as appropriate in accordance with the City's regulations.
20. The dumpster will require a hose bibb for washdown within 50 of the pad and the
pad shall have a drain that connects to sanitary sewer.
21. Allow building height of up to 55 feet.
22. Approval of the subject property for the OD -Conditional zoning district shall be
conditioned upon the development of the property in substantial compliance with the
site plan submitted August 4, 2023 and created by Paradigm Engineering Services,
Inc. and all zoning stipulations above.
23. The applicant shall be bound to the elevations submitted on July 13, 2023.
Approval of any change to the elevations must be obtained from the Director of
Community Development.
Councilmember Pickens asked what the current size and height of the building is. Mr.
Martin answered that it is a 20,000 sq. ft. metal building around 20-25 feet high. The
new structure on the front side would be around 40 feet. Measurements are from the
aggregate on all four sides to the midpoint of the sloped roof.
Councilmember Wilkinson asked what the current ordinance says about the height of
buildings. Mr. Martin answered it states 55 feet.
Kevin Moore, attorney for applicant, Atlantic Development (Shamrock Building
Systems) came forward. Mr. Moore stated that LI does not belong in this area. It is a
legacy zoning which was how the area used to be but is now no longer appropriate.
The applicants are committed to building a $15-16M project. It will be a climate -
controlled self -storage facility which can carry with it a negative stigma. But these
businesses are used by the community. It is a low impact use from public service,
traffic, noise, etc. standpoints. It is consistent and compatible with land use and zoning
standpoints.
Councilmember Young asked if the variance request was not considered. Mr. Moore
stated that there was consideration, but because of the constraints of the topography,
the variance request seemed appropriate.
Mayor Pro Tern Gould asked about fencing and security. The applicant stated that
there will be fencing and key code access. They will have office hours between 9:30
AM — 5:30 PM.
Page 5 of 12
November 20, 2023 City of Smyrna 1250 Powder Springs Street
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Magnolia Room
Recuse: 0 — None
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
9. Formal Business
A. RES2024-01 Approval of RES2024-01 for the 2024 Meeting Dates to include
Committee of the Whole, Pre -Council and Mayor and Council.
Citywide
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item RES2024-01 for the
2024 meeting dates to include Committee of the Whole, Pre -Council, and Mayor and
Council; seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Young
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
B. ATH2023-51 Approval of an Amended and Restated Galleria Convention
Funding Agreement between the City of Smyrna and the Cobb -Marietta
Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority and authorize the Mayor to execute all
related documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The Cobb -Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority (CMCEHA) has requested the
City to amend and restate the existing Funding Agreement between CMCEHA and the
City of Smyrna. The renewal would extend the agreement term until no later than
October 1, 2053. The requested extension is to enable the Authority to have a funding
source for revenue bonds that will be issued for planned infrastructure improvements,
capital projects and upgrades to existing facilities. The funding formulas in the new
agreement remain the same. Sixty-two and a half percent (62.5%) of Hotel -Motel Tax
revenue collected within city limits will be dispensed to CMCEHA to fund its
operations. Forty (40%) of Hotel -Motel Tax collected is returned to the city. However,
the agreement changes so that collection fees are paid to the city monthly rather than
annually. Also, the city shares in annual excess tax payment distributions as well as
excess fund cap distributions.
CMCEHA owns and operates the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts
Centre, and Galleria Specialty Shops. Staff recommends approval.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2023-51, an
amended and restated Galleria Convention Funding Agreement between the City of
Smyrna and the Cobb -Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority and authorize the
Mayor to sign and execute all related documents; seconded by Councilmember Latonia
P. Hines.
Page 7 of 12
November 20, 2023 City of Smyrna 1250 Powder Springs Street
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Magnolia Room
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Young
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
E. ATH2O23-53 Authorization for the River Valley drainage project to be
completed by Ardito Construction Company, Inc. (1290 Austell Road, SE,
Marietta, Ga 30008) in the amount of $400,009.59 from 23/24 Storm Water CIP
and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 4 Councilmember - Charles
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
River Valley drainage project for 2 affected homeowners of 5015 & 5025 River Valley
Drive. These homeowners have been dealing with significant runoff issues through
their back yards. This project is to be funded out of 23/24 storm water CIP at the cost
of $400,009.59. Public Works staff recommend approval.
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item ATH2O23-53, the River
Valley drainage project to be completed by Ardito Construction Company, Inc. (1290
Austell Road SE, Marietta, GA 30008) in the amount of $400,009.59 from 23/24 Storm
Water CIP and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents;
seconded by Councilmember Travis Lindley.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Young
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
F. RFP24-015 Authorization to award RFP 24-015 Turf Field Conversion at River
Line Park and Jonquil Park to Deluxe Athletics in the (80 Scott Dr SE, Marietta,
GA 30067) amount of $3,070,950.00 to be paid from the General Fund and
authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 7 Councilmember- Kathy Young
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City of Smyrna requested proposals to convert one of the existing fields at River
Line Park and Jonquil Park to artificial turf. Five proposals were received and
evaluated by Parks & Recreation staff and CROY Engineering based on Company
Background/Financial Stability, Qualifications/Experience/Methodology, Previous
Performance/References and Cost. Deluxe Athletics was determined to be the
superior choice. Parks & Recreation and Purchasing recommend approval.
Page 9 of 12
November 20, 2023 City of Smyrna 1250 Powder Springs Street
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Magnolia Room
Councilmember Welch asked if this had been bid out. Richard Garland, Parks &
Recreations Director, stated it had not been bid out because the vendor is the current
and authorized vendor with the service agreement.
City Attorney Scott Cochran recommended this item be tabled for review.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to table to the December 4, 2023 Mayor
and Council meeting item 2023-223, authorization for the replacement of The Wolfe
Recreation Center PoolPak by Stephens & McRae Mechanical, LLC (125 Fishers Mill
Dr., McDonough, GA 30252) in the amount of $637,125.00 to be paid from the General
Fund and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents; seconded by
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to table carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Young
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
10. Consent Agenda
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented;
seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley,
Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem /
Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Young
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
A. MIN2023-116 Approval of the November 1, 2023 Committee of the Whole
Meeting Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2023-117 Approval of the November 6, 2023 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2023-118 Approval of the November 6, 2023 Mayor and Council Meeting
Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
Page 11 of 12
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
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Fr
EREK NORTON
MAYOR
LATONIAP. HINES, WARD 2
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TIM GOULD, W RD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
H ATHER K. PEACON-CORN
CITY CLERK
GLENN PICKENS, WARD 1
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TRAVIS LINDLEY, WARD 3
SUSAN WILKINSO ,WARD 5
KATHY YOUN , WM,D 7
CITY SEAL