2024-02-12 February 12, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes - SIGNED - LFCity Council Meeting Minutes - Final
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
A. Max Bacon City Hall
Council Chambers
2800 King Street
Smyrna, GA 30080
February 12, 2024
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)
Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. (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 Rickey N. Oglesby Jr.
Also Present: 1 —Scott Cochran
Staff: 9 —Tyler Addison, Jennifer Bennett, Joe Bennett, Mark Binicewicz, Jill
Head, Russell Martin, Eddie Matano, Heather Peacon-Corn, and Joey
Staubes
2. Call to Order
Mayor Derek Norton called to order the February 12, 2024 Mayor and Council
meeting held at A. Max Bacon City Hall in Council Chambers at 7:00 PM.
3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
A. Pastor Tyler Cook, Mt. Zion Baptist Church (1789 Hawthorne Ave)
4. Agenda Changes
6. 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 11
February 12, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
A. 2024-32 Performance by Tomaree Tarpley in honor of Black History Month
Citywide
Tomaree Tarpley provided the following brief history and performed Lift Every Voice
and Sing:
Often referred to as 'The Black National Anthem," Lift Every Voice and Sing was a
hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900. His
brother, John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954), composed the music for the lyrics. A
choir of 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School, where James Weldon
Johnson was principal, first performed the song in public in Jacksonville, Florida to
celebrate President Abraham Lincoln's birthday.
At the turn of the 20th century, Johnson's lyrics eloquently captured the solemn yet
hopeful appeal for the liberty of Black Americans. Set against the religious invocation
of God and the promise of freedom, the song was later adopted by NAACP and
prominently used as a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and
1960s.
B. PRC2024-004 Proclamation in Recognition of Black History Month
Citywide
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines read and presented the following proclamation:
A PROCLAMATION
BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA WW
In Recognition of Black History Month
Whereas: Each year during Black History Month, the City of Smyrna celebrates the
history and culture of African Americans, discovering stories of triumph, courage, and
creativity, through lectures, discussions, exhibits, and educational events; and
Whereas: The origins of Black History Month date back to 1915 when Dr. Carter G.
Woodson founded the organization known today as the Association for the Study of
African American Life and History; and
Whereas: Dr. Woodson initiated Black History Week, February 12, 1926; and for
many years, the second week of February, chosen to coincide with the birthdays of
Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, was celebrated by African Americans in the
United States; and
Whereas: In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, Black History Week was
expanded and established as Black History Month, and is now celebrated all over
North America; and
Whereas: The contributions of African Americans to the fabric of this country should
be recognized and celebrated. In observation of Black History Month, the Smyrna
Public Library will host a series of activities, and the city will host the annual Black
History Month Celebration Dinner; and
Whereas: The Fanny Williams Legacy Project, the continued restoration of Mt. Zion
Cemetery, and the efforts to historically preserve areas in the Rose Garden
community are examples of the City of Smyrna's continuing commitment to solidify the
legacy of black history in the City of Smyrna; Now
Therefore: I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, do hereby proclaim
the month of February 2024, to be Black History Month.
Page 2 of 11
February 12, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
-- Pastor Tyler Cook, Mt. Zion Baptist Church (1789 Hawthorne Ave.), gave a brief
history of the church. It was established in 1877. He is the 7th pastor in 147 years. He
is the youngest pastor at 33 years old. Pastor Cook is grateful to be part of this
community, and he thanked the Mayor and Council.
C. PRC2024.003 Proclamation in Recognition of Georgia Arbor Day, February 16, 2024
Citywide
Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould read and presented the following proclamation:
A PROCLAMATION
BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA
GEORGIA ARBOR DAY
Whereas: The first Arbor Day was celebrated in 1872 in Nebraska as a special day
for planting trees and has grown to thousands of celebrations in communities across
our nation each year; and
Whereas: Community partners, families, and friends will be joined together at local
Arbor Day ceremonies to recognize the benefits of trees and urban forests; and
Whereas: Trees will be planted across the state creating a lasting legacy for future
generations; and
Whereas: Trees improve water quality and quantity, reduce the erosion of precious
topsoil, increase property values and economic vitality in business areas, provide
shade, cleanse the air, create habitat for wildlife, and add beauty to communities, and
Whereas: Trees promote outdoor recreation which improves human health and well-
being and reduces "Nature -Deficit Disorder" in children by encouraging more activity
and connection to the natural world; and
Whereas: All of Georgia benefits from forestry, which contributes billions of dollars
annually to our state's economy and provides employment for more than 100,000
people; and
Whereas: The City of Smyrna has been a Tree City for 21 years due to the
celebration of Arbor Day, now
Therefore: I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia do hereby proclaim
February 16, 2024, as ARBOR DAY in Georgia and encourage our citizens to plant
trees thus leaving a legacy for present and future generations.
Phyllis Owens, Chairperson of Keep Smyrna Beautiful, stated that they will be planting
a tree in Smyrna in Taylor-Brawner Park on February 16, 2024. This is KSB's
40th anniversary, and she thanked Mayor and Council for their support.
7. Community Development Items
A. Z24-001 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z24-001 - Allow rezoning from R-15 to LC -
Conditional for the use as a veterinary clinic and day care facility - 3,01 acres - Land
Lot 452 - 940 Concord Road - STNL Development LLC
Ward 4 Councilmember— Charles "Corkey" Welch
Councilmember Travis Lindley stated that he will recuse himself from this item out of
an abundance of caution because he is Vice -Chair for the Executive Committee for
First Methodist Church who owns this property. Councilmember Lindley left Council
Chambers.
Russell Martin, Community Development Director, provided the following background:
Page 3 of 11
February 12, 2024 City of Smyma 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Maeting Council Chambers
STNL Development LLC is requesting a rezoning from R-15 (Residential) to LC -
Conditional (Limited Commercial) for the ability to construct a 7,000 sq. ft. veterinary
clinic and 10,000 sq. ft. day care facility. The subject property is zoned R-15 and has
been used for an institutional purpose as a church. The existing building will be
demolished for the construction of a new veterinary clinic and day care facility on two
separate parcels. The veterinary clinic parcel is 1.1 acres and the day care facility
parcel is 1.8 acres. The buildings will be two stories with a maximum height of 26 feet.
The project consists of a 10 ft. landscape buffer along the sides of the property
adjacent to residential.
The veterinary clinic building will require two variances with respect to residential
setbacks. Veterinary clinics require a setback of 100 feet from any residentially zoned
property, and any non-residential building requires a setback of 50 feet from any
residentially zoned property. The veterinary clinic requires a reduction of those
setbacks to 40 feet. However, no outdoor kennels are proposed for the clinic, and the
closest adjacent use is a church. Therefore, Community Development believes there
should be no negative impact if the reduction is approved.
The proposed building will utilize stone, EIFS, and metal and cement paneling for the
front fagades. The applicant has provided architectural renderings with the zoning
application for reference.
The applicant is providing 81 parking spaces which is greater than the minimum
parking requirement of 68 spaces.
Community Development has reviewed the zoning proposal against the city's 2040
Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Plan. The zoning proposal to Limited
Commercial is inconsistent with the MEDR land use designation on the Future Land
Use Map. Therefore, a change to NAC will be required.
The rezoning will require the following variances:
1) Allow reduction of veterinary clinic setback from property with a residential zoning
from 100 feet to 40 feet. (Staff Supports)
2) Allow non-residential building setback from any property line which abuts a
residential district from 50 feet to 40 feet. (Staff Supports)
3) Allow new structure with roof slope less than 6/12 pitch. (Staff Supports)
Community Development has reviewed the proposed development against the
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance with respect to the use as a veterinary clinic
and day care facility. The proposed development meets most the zoning requirements
for the proposed uses.
Community Development staff is supportive of the change in zoning from R-15 to LC -
Conditional as it will be compatible with the surrounding uses.
Community Development recommends approval of the rezoning from R-15 to LC -
Conditional on 3.01 acres for a veterinary clinic and day care facility with the following
conditions:
Standard Conditions
Page 4 of 11
February 12, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Meyer oW Council Mwfing Council Chambers
r Requirements # 2, 3, 4, 8, 16 and 17 from Section 1201 of the Zoning Code are
not applicable. The following requirements remain applicable.
1. The composition of the building shall include a mixture of elements including; but
not limited to: brick, stone, shake, hardy plank and stucco. No elevation shall be
comprised of 100 percent hardy plank siding.
2. The retention pond shall be placed and screened appropriately to be unobtrusive to
homes inside and outside the development. The storm water detention plan shall be
designed to create at least a ten percent reduction in a 100-year storm event. The city
engineer shall approve all plans.
3. All utilities within the development shall be underground.
4. The developer shall be responsible for any traffic improvements (including
additional right-of-way dedications) deemed necessary by either the City or the County
during construction plan review. Sidewalks shall be provided by the developer inside
the subdivision and outside the subdivision adjacent to any public right-of-way
consistent with City's requirements for the extent of the development. A grass buffer
with a minimum width of 2' shall be provided between the back of curb and sidewalk.
5. No debris may be buried on any lot or common area.
6. The developer will install decorative streetlights within the development, subject to
approval by the city engineer. Utilization of low intensity, environmental type lighting,
the illumination of which shall be confined within the perimeter of the subject property
through the use of "full -cutoff lighting".
7. The developer will comply with the City's current tree ordinance. All required tree
protection measures shall be adhered to by the developer during construction.
8. All landscape plans must be prepared, stamped, and signed by a Georgia
Registered Landscape Architect for any common areas or entrances.
9. All yards and common areas are to be sodded and landscaped. Irrigate as
appropriate.
Special Conditions:
10. The development shall maintain the following minimum building setbacks:
Front — 50'
External Side —40'
Internal Side —10'
Rear — 50'
11. In the event the adjacent parcel is redeveloped in the future an inter -parcel access
agreement to Brown Road will be provided.
12. Approval of the subject property for the LC -Conditional zoning district shall be
conditioned upon the development of the property in substantial compliance with the
site plan submitted January 3, 2024, and created by AXIS Infrastructure and all zoning
stipulations above.
13. The applicant shall be bound to the veterinary clinic elevations submitted on
December 8, 2023, and the day care elevations submitted on January 3, 2024.
Approval of any change to the elevations must be obtained from the Director of
Community Development.
Kevin Moore, attorney for the applicant, came forward and presented additional
information. Councilmember Susan Wilkinson asked Mr. Moore how many square feet
the day care will be and how many children will it hold. Mr. Moore stated that it will be
10,000 square feet and hold a maximum of 180 students. Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould
asked if they already have tenants lined up for the facilities. Mr. Moore said they do.
A public hearing was called, and no one came forward in favor of or in opposition to
this item.
Page 5 of 11
February 12, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item Z24-001; seconded by
Councilmember Glenn Pickens.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 1 — Councilmember Lindley
Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
Formal Business
A. ATH2024-027 Approval to award low bid RFQ 24-018 for 6200 linear feet of
waterline replacement in the area of Doeskin Lane as well as Green Forest
Drive to Smith Pipeline Inc. (400 Bohannon Rd, Fairburn, Ga 30213) in the
amount of $806,414.00 to include all materials and labor which will be funded
out of Water CIP as part of the ARPA funded projects and authorize the Mayor
to sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 4 Councilmember - Charles "Corkey" Welch
Councilmember Travis Lindley returned to Council Chambers.
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
As part of the overall funded ARPA projects to abandon and replace all asbestos
cement piping from the city, this project will consist of 6,200 linear feet of water main
and service line replacement in the Doeskin Ln. and Green Forest Dr. area.
The City of Smyrna requested bids for a unit -price contract for the installation of
approximately 6,200 linear feet of new 6-inch PVC water main and reconstruction of
existing water mains, service laterals and fire hydrants. Nine (9) contractors submitted,
and the low bidder is Smith Pipeline, Inc. in the
amount of $806,414.00. Water, Utility and Sewer staff recommend approval.
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item ATH2024-027;
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 Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
Page 6 of 11
February 12, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
B. ATH2024-032 Approval to award low bid RFQ 24-019 for 4800 linear feet of
waterline replacement in the area of Lake Court Drive to Smith Pipeline Inc.
(400 Bohannon Rd, Fairburn, Ga 30213) in the amount of $659,385.00 to
include all materials and labor which will be funded out of Water CIP as part of
the ARPA funded projects and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all
related documents.
Ward 4 Councilmember - Charles "Corkey" Welch
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
As part of the ARPA funded project to abandon and replace all asbestos cement
piping in the City, this project consists of 4,800 linear feet of water main line and
service line replacement in the Lake Court Dr. area.
The City of Smyrna requested bids for a unit -price contract for the installation of
approximately 4,800 linear feet of new 6-inch PVC and 8-inch PVC water main and
reconnections of existing water mains, service laterals and fire hydrants. Seven (7)
contractors submitted, and the low bidder is Smith Pipeline, Inc. in the amount of
$659,385.00. Water, Sewer and Utility staff recommend approval.
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item ATH2024-032;
seconded by Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
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 Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
C. ATH2024-029 Approval to award low bid RFQ 24-020 for 10,800 linear feet of
waterline replacement in the area of Spring Drive to Smith Pipeline Inc. (400
Bohannon Rd, Fairburn, Ga 30213) in the amount of $1,381,914.10 to include
materials and labor which will be funded out of Water CIP as part of the ARPA
funded projects and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related
documents.
Ward 1 Councilmember - Glenn Pickens
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
As part of the overall ARPA funded projects to abandon and replace all asbestos
cement pipe within the city. This project will consist of 10,800 linear feet of pipe and
service line replacement in the Spring Dr. area.
The City of Smyrna requested bids for a unit -price contract for the installation of
approximately 10,800 linear feet of new 6-inch PVC, 8-inch PVC and 10-inch PVC
water main and reconnections of existing water mains, service laterals and fire
hydrants. Eight (8) contractors submitted, and the low bidder is Smith Pipeline, Inc. in
the amount of $1,381,914.10. Water, Sewer and Utility staff recommend approval.
Page 7 of 11
February 12, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Glenn Pickens made a motion to approve item ATH2O24-029;
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 Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
D. ATH2O24-036 Authorization to revise the downtown concept plan to remove
the parking deck from Atlanta Road, withdraw the award of the Construction
Manager at Risk contract for construction of the parking deck in that location,
reallocate SPLOST funds from the parking deck at that location to other
approved SPLOST projects, amend 2022 SPLOST projects, and authorize the
mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Ward 3 Councilmember- Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City previously approved a downtown concept plan that includes a parking deck
on the site of the current records center building on Atlanta Road, approved the plan
for the deck, awarded a construction Manager at Risk to Winter Construction
Company for the build of the deck and allocated SPLOST funds for construction of the
deck on that location.
Based on subsequent circumstances, and other redevelopment planned within the
downtown area, the City believes that the deck should not be built on this parcel.
Mayor Norton further explained that at the January retreat they discussed this project.
The project originally was approved in 2021. The cost since then has more than
doubled. This is not a good use of taxpayer dollars, so they have pivoted, the plan is
now to knock down the old records building and create a surface lot.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2O24-036:
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 Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
E. ATH2O24-034 Authorization to approve the purchase of three 2023 Ford Pursuit
Vehicles from Phil Brannan Ford (US Highway 41 South, Perry, GA 31069-9601) in
the amount of $43,471.00 per vehicle ($130,413.00), establish a new project in the _
Vehicle Replacement Fund for Police Vehicles and increase the project budget and
authorize the use of emergency replacement funds budgeted in the FY 2024 Adopted
Page 8 of 11
February 12, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
-- Budget in the amount of $147,376.44 to include the cost of the cars and equipment
outfitting, and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The Police Department needs to replace three (3) pursuit utility vehicles that were
previously wrecked. The Police department has reusable equipment (cages and radio
consoles) that can be fitted on new 2023 vehicles. The option to reuse our existing
equipment will save time and money as the turnaround time for new equipment is 4 to
5 months. Police and Purchasing contacted Wade Ford, Allan Vigil Ford, and Phil
Brannen Ford for availability of vehicles. Wade Ford has 2024 pursuit vehicles on
order that could be delivered sometime in March, but the models are not compatible
with the reusable equipment. Allan Vigil Ford did not provide information. Phil Brannen
Ford has three (3) 2023 models available that are compatible with our reusable
equipment and can be delivered as soon as possible. Police and purchasing
recommend approval.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines made a motion to approve item ATH2024-034;
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 Oglesby
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
Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
A. MIN2024-016 Approval of the January 25, 2024 Committee of the Whole
Meeting Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2024-016 Approval of the January 29, 2024 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
Citywide
Page 9 of 11
February 12, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2024-017 Approval of the January 29, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting
Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. ATH2O24-031 Authorization for the closing of the upper area of Market Village
immediately around the fountain, to include denying vehicle access from
Atlanta Road and portions of the Market Village streets as well as parking in
areas mentioned for the purpose of special event series on Saturday,
September 28, 2024, Saturday, October 19, 2024, Saturday, November 16,
2024, and Saturday, December 7, 2024, titled "College Football Saturday in
Smyrna"
Ward 3 Councilmember- Travis Lindley
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
11. Ward and Staff Reports
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines reminded all of the Black History Month celebration
on February 23 hosting Dr. Daniel Black from Clark Atlanta University. She also
mentioned that Smyrna's library is a great resource to find out what is going on in the
city as well as The Tap magazine with is the Parks & Recreation magazine that has
many announcements and events listed.
Councilmember Travis Lindley noted the passing of business leader in Smyrna,
Randy Carmichael of Carmichael Funeral Home, keeping his sons and family in his
thoughts and prayers.
Councilmember Charles Welch also offered his condolences to the Carmichael
family. He also mentioned that he attended the Smyrna Public Safety Gala to raise
money for public safety and first responders, and he encouraged others to support
similarly.
Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould echoed Councilmember Welch's comments about the
Public Safety gala. That organization does a great job of supporting first responders.
He also mentioned the Education Committee of the City has just organized a
meeting of the Smyrna area school foundations for March 7 in order to share best
practices and share stories.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. stated that he met with the Beltline Extension
group or Georgia Path. There were a lot of questions from a large crowd of people.
There will be a town hall in the coming month. For more information on the Silver
Comet Trail extension, go to www.pathfoundation.org. Construction is already
underway. He also mentioned he was a guest judge at King Springs Elementary
Science Fair, and he was impressed with all of the students.
Mayor Derek Norton expressed that he was happy to have City Attorney Scott
Cochran back after his long absence.
Page 10 of 11
February 12, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
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
12. Public Comment
Uriah Love — She spoke of an incident on February 2, 2024 in Marietta. She and her
friends attended a sleepover. They decided to go to Smyrna's QT to get some
snacks. A woman pursued them, screamed at them, cussed at them, and then pulled
a gun on them. They are here to let the Mayor and Council know what happened to
make them aware that though Smyrna is usually a safe place, these things are
occurring here. She also expressed her thanks to the police department for the help
they have been providing since this occurrence.
Jaiden Purnell — An accomplished Campbell High School student who came forward
and was part of this group of friends at the sleepover. She stated that the woman
who pursued them accused them of cutting her off and making offensive hand
gestures at her. She was angry and pulled a gun on them. The store clerk pushed
the panic button after seeing the confrontation, but the police never showed up. The
young ladies eventually left the QT and returned to the hotel where they were
staying. They all felt that no one cared for their wellbeing. She urged the elected
officials to be mindful of the safety and wellbeing of its residents and young people.
r p Madison Hampton — She also spoke of the incident that frightened all of them. She
I ] spoke of the issue and seriousness of road rage and how no one came when the
panic button was pushed.
Mayor Derek Norton expressed his appreciation for them coming to speak and tell
their story. He stated that this is not indicative of what happens in this community.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines stated that it takes a lot of courage to come before
a body like this. She commended them for staying calm in the situation and not
escalating the situation. She agreed with them that drivers' behaviors are awful at
times and that it is a shame that an adult behaved so poorly.
Deputy Chief Binicewicz stated that he has been in contact with one of their mothers.
He apologized to them and apologized for what they experienced. He explained that
the police department never received a panic alarm. If they had, they certainly would
have responded because they would never not respond to help being sought.
Unfortunately, the panic button that was pressed never communicated with the
police department. They are investigating what happened. He stated this should
never have happened, and should it ever happen again to please call 911.
13. Adjournment
Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the February 12, 2024 Mayor and Council meeting at 8:01 PM.
Facilities are provided throughout City Hall for the convenience of persons with disabilities.
THIS MEETING WAS PROPERLY NOTICED AND POSTED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NOTICING
STANDARDS AS OUTLINED IN O.C.G.A. 50-14.3:
The City of Smyrna website — www.smymaga.gov I City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards
Page 11 of 11
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
D REK NORTON
MAYOR
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CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4
TIM GOULD, WARD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
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14EATHER K. PEACON-CORN
CITY CLERK
GLENN PICKENS,
WARD I
TRAVIS UNDLEY, WARD 3
SUSAN WILKINSON, WARD 5
CITY SEAL
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