2023-12-04 December 4, 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
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
1. 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
December 04, 2023
7:00 PM
Present: 7 — Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould, Councilmember Glenn Pickens,
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines, Councilmember Travis Lindley,
Councilmember Charles Welch, Councilmember Susan Wilkinson,
Councilmember Kathy Young
Also Present: 1 —Jeffrey Tucker
Absent: 1 — Mayor Derek Norton
Staff: 7 —Jennifer Bennett, Joe Bennett, Dan Campbell, Lisa Collins, Brian
Marcos, Russell Martin, Heather Peacon-Corn (virtual), and Joey
Staubes
2, Call to Order
3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
A. Pastor Shell Osbon, Life Church Assembly of God (4100 King Springs Rd)
4, Agenda Changes
5, Mayoral Report
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
6. Proclamations and Presentations
Page 1 of 12
December 04, 2023 City of Smyrna 1250 Powder Springs Street
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Magnolia Room
Fire Chief Brian Marcos presented certificates to the eight businesses listed.
7, Community Development Items
A. Z23-004 Public Hearing - Zoning Amendment - Z23-004 - Request to modify the
currently approved density, site plan, and elevations - Land Lot 690 & 691 - 5.4 acres -
4788 & 4840 Hanson Drive and part of 4838 S Cobb Drive - Jason Lewis
Ward 7 Councilmember— Kathy Young
Russell Martin, Community Development Director, presented the following
background:
Mayor & Council Decision:
A motion to approve the request failed by a vote of 3-4 at the June 5, 2023, meeting.
There was no additional motion made to deny the request. Therefore, the application
will be brought to Mayor & Council for a final vote at the December 4, 2023, meeting.
Since the June 5, 2023, meeting the applicant has agreed to revise the unit mix of the
295 units, from 50% reserved for occupants aged 55+ to 60%, and 50% of units
unrestricted to 40%. Additionally, four units will
be set aside for first responders working in Smyrna.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Mayor and Council approved the annexation and rezoning (Z08-010) of the
subject property from R-20 (Cobb County) to MU -Conditional (Smyrna) on December
15, 2008 by a vote of 5-2. The approval of the rezoning allows for the construction of a
mixed use development that would consist of a two-story 69 unit assisted living facility
and a four-story mixed use building consisting of 120 independent senior living units
and 70,000 sq. ft. of commercial retail and office space. The development was
rezoned to a specific site plan and building elevations, which provided an assisted
living facility on the southern portion of the site (phase 1) and a mixed -use building
(retail and office on the ground floor and age restricted condominiums and senior
apartments on the top floors) on the northern portion of the site (phase 11). Both
building were proposed to have parking structures underneath each building to
support each use. The independent senior living units were to be accessed off Hanson
Drive and the assisted living facility was to be accessed off South Cobb Drive. The
specific site plans and building elevations were approved as conditions of the zoning.
Subsequently, in September 2013, the applicant requested a zoning amendment for
assisted living facility in phase I. The zoning amendment for the assisted living facility
dealt with modifications to the site plan and building elevations. These modifications
included the elimination of the structured parking and the increase of the number of
beds from 78 beds to 108 beds because the applicant wanted to add a terrace level to
address geological and topographical issues on site. The Mayor and Council approved
the zoning amendment by a vote of 7-0. Since the approval of the zoning amendment,
the assisted living facility has been constructed and has received its Certificate of
Occupancy.
The applicant requested a zoning amendment to modify the site plan and building
elevations in Zoning Amendment Z15-012 for the independent senior living on the
norther portion of the site (phase 11). The previous zoning plan from Rezoning Case
Z08-010 allowed a mixed use building with 120 independent senior living units over
70,000 sq. ft. of commercial retail space. The building included a four-story building
over a two -level parking deck. The applicant acquired the adjoining residential
property at 4788 Hanson Drive (-0.6 acres) and annexed and rezoned the property to
Page 3 of 12
December 04, 2023
7:00 PM
City of Smyrna
Mayor and Council Meeting
1250 Powder Springs Street
Magnolia Room
A public hearing was called, and no one came forward in favor of or in opposition to
this item.
Councilmember Kathy Young made a motion to approve item Z23-004, a public hearing
and zoning amendment (Z23-004) to modify the currently approved density, site plan,
and elevations on land lot 690 & 691 on 5.4 acres located at 4788 & 4840 Hanson
Drive and part of 4838 S. Cobb Drive by applicant Jason Lewis; seconded by
Councilmember Travis Lindley.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Young
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
Q. Forma! Business
A. AGR2023-042 Approval to award to K.M. Davis Contracting Co. Inc, 3259
Austell Road, Marietta, Ga 30008, in the amount of $486,525.00 to be funded
from Water CIP for the replacement of the water main from 3791 South Cobb
Drive to 4015 South Cobb drive.
Ward 6 Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember - Tim Gould
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
At some point in the past, Cobb Marietta Water Authority installed a 20-inch concrete
transmission water main. This water line was later turned over to the City of Smyrna
Water department. This water main is responsible for supply and demand to wards
3,5,6. The water main replacement will allow City water crews to not only make the
water line easier and faster to work on or repair in the future but will also allow the city
to maintain proper water supply and demand.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item AGR2023-042 to award
to K.M. Davis Contracting Co. Inc. (3259 Austell Road, Marietta, GA 30008) in the
amount of $486,525.00 to be funded from water CIP for the replacement of the water
main from 3791 South Cobb Drive; seconded by Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Young
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
Page 5 of 12
December 04, 2023 City of Smyrna 1250 Powder Springs Street
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Magnolia Room
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item BCA2023-014, the
appointment of Richard Garland, Parks and Recreation Director / Interim Asst. City
Administrator, to serve as the Chair of the License and Variance Board, as well as the
appointment of alternate Board Member Adnrea Worthy, Economic Development
Director, to serve as a regular License and Variance Board member alongside Mr.
Richard Garland and Mr. Bo Jones effective December 5, 2023; seconded by
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Young
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
D. RES2023-012 Approval of RES2023-012 for the adoption of the City of Smyrna
Emergency Plan (EOP), approve the plan as attached and authorize the Mayor
to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City of Smyrna is required to maintain and submit a revised Local Emergency
Operations Plan to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency on a four-year cycle.
Smyrna's proposed plan is based on a FEMA approved template and provides a
comprehensive framework for City-wide emergency management in that it addresses
the roles and responsibilities of government organizations and provides a link to local,
State, Federal, and private organizations and resources that may be activated to
address disasters and emergencies in the City of Smyrna. The plan ensures
consistency with current policy guidance and describes the interrelationship with other
levels of government and will continue to evolve, responding to lessons learned from
actual disaster and emergency experiences, ongoing planning efforts, training and
exercise activities, and Federal guidance.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item RES2023-012, the
resolution (RES2023-012) for the adoption of the City of Smyrna Emergency Plan
(EOP) and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents; seconded
by Councilmember Kathy Young.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Young
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
E. AGR2023-044 Proposed intent to develop a Disaster Recovery Support
Program for citizens who have property damage related to an emergency.
Page 7 of 12
December 04, 2023 City of Smyrna 1250 Powder Springs Street
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Magnolia Room
Recuse: 0 — None
G. ATH2O23-66 Authorization to place the City's Worker's Compensation
Insurance program with National Liability and Fire Insurance Company with a
$508,996.00 premium and $2,500 deductible with Oakbridge Insurance/John
Knop as the broker, implement Oakbridge Proactive Services and a 2-3 year
plan to reduce claims and lower first dollar/low deductible premiums for next
few renewals and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related
documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City's Worker's Compensation insurance program renews on January 1, 2024.
The City's coverage has been with Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) for the past
20+ years. Mr. John Knop from Oakbridge Insurance will present an alternative to
renewing with GMA. This change would lower costs and provide enhanced, proactive
risk management services.
GMA plan carries a $100,000 deductible per occurrence. The 2023 premium was
$305,000. Total annual average (2019-20223) cost is $516,996.
Proposed National Liability & Fire Insurance Company plan offers a $2,500 deductible
per occurrence for a total annual premium of $508,996.
Staff would like to recommend the following:
Approval to place the City's Worker's Compensation Insurance program with National
Liability and Fire Insurance Company with Oakbridge Insurance/John Knop as the
broker.
•$508,996 annual premium with $2,500 deductible
-implement Oakbridge's Proactive Services to improve safety and risk management
culture
-implement 2-3 year plan to reduce claims and lower first dollarllow deductible
premiums for next few renewals
-Review claims after 2-3 years of proper proper risk management to determine if
taking greater risk is appropriate to lower cost even further
Human Resources and Finance state recommend approval.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2O23-55 to place
the City's Worker's Compensation Insurance Program with National Liability and Fire
Insurance Company with a $508,996.00 premium and $2,500.00 deductible with
Oakbridge Insurance/John Knop as the broker, implement Oakbridge Proactive
Services and a 2-3 year plan to reduce claims and lower first dollar/low deductible
premiums for next few renewals and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all
related documents; seconded by Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson,
Councilmember Young
Page 9 of 12
December 04, 2023 City of Smyrna 1260 Powder Springs Street
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Magnolia Room
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
A. MIN2023-119 Approval of the November 15, 2023 Committee of the Whole
Meeting Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2023-120 Approval of the November 20, 2023 Pre -Council Meeting
Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2023-121 Approval of the November 20, 2023 Mayor and Council Meeting
Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. ATH2O23-56 Authorization to change the April 18, 2024 Committee of the
Whole Meeting to Wednesday, April 17, 2024 to accommodate the Mayor's
Education Awards scheduled for Thursday April 18, 2024.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
11. Ward and Staff Reports
Councilmember Charles Welch — Smyrna Optimist Club is sponsoring the Santa House at
Brawner Hall. Information can be found on the website.
Councilmember Travis Lindley — Thanked staff for the Home for the Holidays tree lighting.
He also encouraged everyone to check out Highland Rivers Behavioral Health and all they
do in the community.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines — She also thanked staff for the tree lighting event.
Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould — The Home for the Holidays event was wonderful, and Richard
Garland and staff did a great job organizing it.
Joe Bennett — Announced that the administration hall is open and staff is moving back into
their offices.
III. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Public comment during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council. No
subject may be acted upon by the City Council unless that subject is on the agenda and is scheduled 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 Comment - Three (3)
Minutes
Page 11 of 12
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
ABSENT
DEREK NORTON
MAYOR
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LATONIA P. HINES, WAk6 2
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CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4
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TIM GOULD, WARD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
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CITY CLERK
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TRAMS LINDLEY, WARD 3
SUSAN WILKINSON, `WARO 5
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