2024-04-22 April 22, 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
April 22, 2024
7:00 PM
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
Roll Call
Derek Norton, Mayor
Tim Gould, Mayor Pro Tem (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: 7 —Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Latonia P. Hines,
Councilmember Travis Lindley, Councilmember Charles Welch,
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Tim Gould, Councilmember Rickey Oglesby Jr.
Absent: 1 —Councilmember Glenn Pickens
Also Present: 1 —Scott Cochran
Staff: 5 —Joe Bennett, Jill Head, H. Houze, Russell Martin, and Heather
Peacon-Corn
2. Call to Order
Mayor Derek Norton called to order the April 22, 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. Rev. Chaloea Hale, Smyrna First United Methodist Church (1315 Concord Rd)
Councilmember Travis Lindley recognized Associate Pastor Reverend Chaloea Hale
as a friend and pastor and announced that she will be leaving Smyrna First UMC to
become senior pastor at Bethel UMC Atlanta. She is an historic appointment that
many are proud of.
4. Agenda Changes
5. Mayoral Report
Page 1 of 8
April 22, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
A. Introduction of Honorary "Mayor for the Day', Lawson Barnes, first grade student at
King Springs Elementary School
Citywide
Mayor Derek Norton introduced Honorary Mayor of the Day, Lawson Barnes. Lawson
was the winner of the "Mayor for the Day" experience offered at the Smyrna First
United Methodist Church silent auction in November 2023. Lawson is 7 years old and
in the first grade at King Springs Elementary School. He attends Smyrna First United
Methodist Church and is very active in their Children's programs and Children's
Ministry. In addition to participating in the city council meeting, Lawson and his mom
(Leah Barnes) also enjoyed:
Tour of the Mayor's office & City Hall, followed by lunch with the Mayor in the
Smyrna Market Village
Tours of the Smyrna Police Dept and Smyrna Fire Dept
Mayor Norton thanked all the volunteers and participants at this past weekend's
Jonquil Jog. There were over 650 runners, and they raised over $40K for the
Campbell Education Foundation and Support Smyrna. He also mentioned that the
Mayor's Education Awards were last Thursday. They recognized three exceptional
students from schools throughout Smyrna. He reminded all that the Jonquil Festival is
next weekend.
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 4
heard, please sign up with the City Clerk, come to the podium when called by the Mayor, state your name and address for P
the record and make your remarks. The time allotted for each speaker is as follows: Public Hearing - Five (5) Minutes p
6. Proclamations and Presentations
7. Community Development Items
A. ATH2024-070 Plat Approval - Approval of subdivision for two single-family homes in
the R-15 Zoning District - Land Lot 384 - 1.46 acres - 3813 N Cooper Lake Rd - Aaron
& Gina McGinnis
Ward 4 Councilmember - Charles "Corkey" Welch
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following information:
Aaron & Gina McGinnis are requesting approval to subdivide property at 3813 N
Cooper Lake Rd into two single-family residential lots. The applicant plans to
subdivide the property within the requirements of the R-15 zoning district, so no
rezoning is required.
Russell Martin, Community Development Director, provided the following background:
Aaron & Gina McGinnis is requesting approval to subdivide property at 3813 N Cooper
Lake Rd into two single-family residential lots. This was heard at the April 15, 2024
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting with an approval of 7-0. The applicant '
plans to subdivide the property within the requirements of the R-15 zoning district, so
no rezoning is required. The subject property is 1.46 acres in size and is zoned R-15
(single-family residential). The proposed subdivision will result in two new lots with
each being approximately 43,826 sq. ft. in and 21,794 sq. ft. in size.
Page 2 of 8
April 22, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
The proposed lots meet all the zoning requirements of the R-15 zoning district.
Community Development has reviewed the proposed subdivision against the
requirements of the R-15 zoning district. Staff believes the proposed subdivision
meets the intent of the requirements of the R-15 zoning district.
Community Development has reviewed the proposed subdivision against the
requirements of the R-15 zoning district. Staff believes the proposed subdivision
meets the intent of the requirements of the R-15 zoning district. Community
Development recommends approval of the requested land subdivision.
Councilmember Wilkinson asked if the existing home will stay and if the driveway of
the existing home is on N. Cooper Lake. Mr. Martin stated that the existing driveway is
on N. Cooper Lake, and the new house will be built on the new lot to the east with a
driveway on Austin Dr. Councilmember Welch asked if the sewer easement goes all
the way across the back. Mr. Martin stated that access to sewer will be through that
easement, and there will be a water quality pond right behind the house just in front of
the sewer easement.
Gina McGinnis — authorized agent of the owner — came forward. Councilmember
Welch asked if the owner was building the house for herself. Ms. McGinnis stated that
is still in debate.
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item ATH2024-070;
seconded by Councilmember Travis Lindley.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
9. Formal Business
A. RFP24-029 Approval to award RFP24-029 for public art consulting services to
Designing Local (20 E. Broad Street, Suite 1010, Columbus, OH 43215) for an
amount not to exceed $25,000.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute
all related documents
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City requested proposals from qualified individuals or firms to provide public art
consultation services. The primary duties include identifying existing public art
resources and needs, establishing current and future goals and priorities, and working
with City staff to develop timelines, scope, budget requirements, and implementation
process for artist selection and installationtfabrication of selected art.
Page 3 of 8
April 22, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Administration, Economic Development, and Parks and Recreation staff reviewed five
(5) proposals and unanimously selected Designing Local. Designing Local staff were
interviewed on Friday, April 5, 2024, and the team recommend them as the selected
firm. The proposed cost for the initial term is not to exceed $25,000.00.
Mayor Norton explained that Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. will be the council
liaison, and here will be two from the Smyrna Arts Council and two from from the India
Arts Alliance along with a couple members -at -large under the direction of this firm
should it be approved.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item RFP24-029;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Tim Gould.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
B. BCA2024-008 Approval of the appointment of Ward 7 resident, Mr. David
Whitt, to the Smyrna Tree Board to fulfill current term through August 2024.
Ward 7 Councilmember - Rickey N. Oglesby Jr.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. made a motion to approve item BCA2024-008;
seconded by Councilmember Travis Lindley.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
C. AGR2024-014 Authorization to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement
from May 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025 between the City of Roswell,
Georgia and the City of Smyrna, Georgia for the Housing of Prison Inmates at
a per diem rate of $70.00 per 24 hour period for each inmate housed in the
Smyrna Detention Center 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 of Roswell, Georgia has requested the City of Smyrna, Georgia begin
housing Roswell prison inmates and bonding Roswell inmates on May 1, 2024 and
continuing until December 31, 2029 unless the agreement is terminated by means
stated in the Intergovernmental Agreement. The City of Roswell has agreed to pay the
City of Smyrna the per diem rate of $ 70.00 per 24 hour period a Roswell prisoner is
Page 4 of 8
April 22, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambem
housed at the City of Smyrna jail. Said amount includes the bonding of Roswell
prisoners by employees of the Smyrna Jail by procedures that are mutually agreeable
to both parties.
An Intergovernmental Agreement was drafted which delineated the performance of
such functions as well as the per diem rate for housing and bonding. Police
Department and Finance staff recommend approval.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item AGR2024-014;
seconded by Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
D. CON2024-03 Approval of property/liability insurance provider change to Travelers
Insurance with OakBridge/Saville as the Brokers of record in the amount of
$1,148,636.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
i
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City maintains property and liability insurance with an annual coverage period of
May 1 - April 30. The City maintains property and liability insurance with an annual
coverage period of May 1, 2024 — April 30, 2025. Rates are based on a look back of
past claims, losses, and liability exposure; taking into account the newly installed turf
soccer fields. This policy includes risk management services provided by the brokers
of record.
Councilmember Lindley stated that the plan before the council ensures the city is fully
covered. Through conversations and presentations with the broker, the council will get
6-month updates in order to properly prepare.
Councilmember Hines stated that it is her understanding that in a year the council can
reevaluate. She expressed she does not feel good about the current state of coverage
that the city has. The city does not have a Risk Manager, and this company will do
that as well as provide a risk assessment report.
Mayor Pro Tern Gould stated that the city is currently in a risk pool versus an
insurance company. The pool held by GIRMA, unfortunately, continues to shrink
drastically. There are long-term benefits moving to an insurance plan.
Councilmember Wilkinson stated that the information she gathered reflected there are
some larger cities still in the pool. She has concerns about the increased cost, so she
will not support it.
Councilmember Oglesby stated that the benefit is having risk management at all times
to fulfill the long-term goals of lowering the city's premiums.
Page 5 of 8
April 22, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Welch explained that the price of moving to insurance versus staying
with GIRMA is significantly higher, but he does not agree with the business practices
of the prior policy holder. The city should get better service from this new company.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item CON2024-03; seconded
by Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Tim Gould.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 5 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember
Oglesby
Nay: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
10. Consent Agenda
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented, seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor Pro Tern / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
A. MIN2024-048 Approval of the April 4, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2024-049 Approval of the April 8, 2024 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2024-050 Approval of the April 8, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting
Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. ATH2024-068 Approve the street closures for the 2024 Smyrna Market
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Page 6 of 8
April 22, 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.
11. Ward and Staff Reports
Councilmemebr Latonia P. Hines thanked Councilmember Lindley for partnering with
her and the Magistrate Court of Cobb County for the first ever pop-up legal clinic
hosted at Smyrna First United Methodist this Saturday from 10-12. She also
announced that the Fire Department will be having their community engagement
event on April 27, 2024. Smyrna Fire Department participated in Fight for Air Climb
Atlanta with the American Lung Association. They took the top spot for the fastest
time. They climbed over 40 floors, over 800 steps in full gear. She also wished City
Administrator Joe Bennett a happy birthday.
Councilmember Travis Lindley mentioned that the Fire Department open house will
also be showcasing the new fire truck. The Smyrna Safe Business Appreciation
application will be in May.
Councilmember Charles Welch reminded all about the May 4 Smyrna Garden Tour.
Tickets can be found through Keep Smyrna Beautiful website.
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson also announced that Keep Smyrna Beautiful will
have a plant sale at Taylor-Brawner, and the following day the Jonquil Garden Club
will have a plant sale in the downtown market.
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould mentioned the Mayor's Education Awards which is a
great event to recognize excellent students throughout Smyrna. The Jonquil Jog took
place which supported both Campbell Education Foundation and Support Smyrna.
The Education Foundation helps fund two college and career counselors. Campbell
High School is the most diverse and largest high school in Cobb County. Mr. Gould
also thanked Robert Harrison for hosting the IB art students and showcasing their
work.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. announced that the old Smyrna firehouse will
be hosting a jazz concert to support the Arts Council. Campbell High School has
their upcoming show for"All Shook Up" April 26-27. The Smyrna Elite Track Club
participated in the district track meet in Dalton. Twenty-two of the kids made it to
state at Morrow High School. Many of these kids are new to track and they range
from 8 to 14 years of age.
City Clerk Heather Peacon-Corn announced the Cobb County has advanced voting
for the General Primary on May 21, 2024. It will be held at the Smyrna Community
Center from April 9 — May 17. This information can be found on the City of Smyrna
website and Cobb County's website.
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
Page 7 of 8
April 22. 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street BE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Kenny Staten — resident of Atlanta — commended the city for being one of the
cleanest and most efficient cities. Mr. Staten spoke of the following:
• Seeing homeless women and children who need resources;
• Affordability of housing, especially for young professionals.
Mayor Norton thanked Mr. Staten for his passion and comments. He stated that one
of the greatest honors he has had is working with Support Smyrna which helps
families who are in need. One of the biggest challenges is connecting resources with
people in need. They work with American Legion and social workers but would be
grateful to work with Mr. Staten. Councilmember Hines also mentioned another
organization in Cobb County, MUST Ministries, who help with temporary housing.
Ken Hymes —151 Ennisbrook Dr. — mentioned the following concerns:
• Neighborhood flooding;
• Unaffordable housing;
• Unsafe school walkways;
• Need for a small business incubator;
• Need for more recreational opportunities for youth;
• Need more transparency for city's large projects.
13. Adjournment
Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the April 22, 2024 Mayor and Council meeting at 7:45 PM. U
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
City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards
Page 8 of 8
April 22. 3034 7:0013ni , MAYOR AND COUNCIL
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DEREK NORTON, MAYOR
A 4TP. H WARD 2
CHARLES A.WELCH, WARD 4
TIM GOULD, WARD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
HEATHER K. PEACON-CORN
CITY CLERK
GLENN PICKENS, WA I
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TRAVIS LINDLEY, WARD 3
CITY SEAL