2024-03-11 March 11, 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
March 11, 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: 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 —Joe Bennett, Jill Head, Dat Luu, Russell Martin, Eddie Matano, Mary
Moore, Paul Osburn, Heather Peacon-Corn, and Joey Staubes
2. Call to Order
3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
A. Pastor Dyke Verkerk, 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
A. PRC2024-005 Proclamation in Recognition of Women's History Month
Ward 5 Councilmember — Susan Wilkinson
Ward 2 Councilmember - Latonia P. Hines
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March 11, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines and Councilmember Susan Wilkinson read aloud the C
Women's History Month Proclamation and presented it to Library Director Mary Moore I�jtl
A PROCLAMATION
By the Mayor of the City of Smyrna
In Recognition of Women's History Month
Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes that women of every race, class and
ethnic background have made significant and historic contributions to the growth and
strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and
Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes that women have played and continue
to play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere of the life of the
Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and
outside of the home and by providing the majority of the volunteer labor force; and
Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes women were particularly important in
the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our
Nation; and
Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes women of every race, class, and ethnic
background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social
change movement; and
Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes American women who have served our
country courageously in the military; and
Whereas: Women's History Month recognizes women have been leaders, not only in
securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist
movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights
movement, and other movements, especially the peace movement, which create a
more fair and just society for all; and
Whereas: In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week
of March 8th as National Women's History Week. Six years after the proclamation,
Congress declared March of each year as Women's History Month; and
Whereas: The national theme for Women's History Month 2024 is "Women Who
Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion" as announced by the National Women's
History Alliance, which spearheaded the movement for March being declared National
Women's History Month. Women's stories, and the larger human story, expand our
understanding and strengthen our connections with each other; NOW
Therefore: I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, do hereby
recognize the month of March as Women's History Month to honor women
everywhere for their outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to
society.
Mary Moore, Library Director, Smyrna Public Library and Friends of Smyrna Library
are hosting a lecture this Saturday about notable women of Smyrna. May of the
women are women of politics and philanthropy. Also, every Wednesday is Women's
Wednesday.
7. Community Development Items
A. Z24-002 Public Hearing - Zoning Request - Z24-002 - Allow rezoning from GC to OI
for a charter school - Land Lot 779 - 6.87 acres - 2200 Lake Park Drive - Amana t +
Academy Inc. W
Ward 1 Councilmember - Glenn Pickens
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March 11, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Glenn Pickens made a motion to table to the March 25, 2024 Mayor
and Council meeting item Z24-002; seconded by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to table to the March 25, 2024 Mayor and Council meeting carried with the
following vote:
Aye: 7 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Councilmember Wilkinson, Mayor
Pro Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
9. Formal Business
A. CON2024-001 Authorization for the contract renewal of OpenGov, Inc. (660
3rd Street, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94107) in the amount of $389,545.44
over three years through the end of 2026, as noted in the background, for
permitting and licensing services for Community Development and authorize
the Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
Community Development has been utilizing OpenGov for permitting and licensing
since 2022. Renewal of the contract is requested for an additional three years in the
following amounts: $123,567.15 for 2024, $129,745.51 for 2025, and $136,232.78 for
2026. Community Development recommends authorization for the contract renewal of
OpenGov.
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould made a motion to approve item CON2024-001; 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 Tem / Councilmember Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Recuse: 0 — None
B. ATH2O24-044
Request to Authorize Additional Services as requested by Baldwin Paving,
1014 Kenmill Drive NW, Marietta, GA, 30060, for soil remediation for Windy Hill
Boulevard adjacent to the easterly bridge roadway in the amount of
$196,256.87 and authorize the Mayor to execute all related documents.
Ward 5 Councilmember - Susan Wilkinson
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
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March 11, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
During regular inspection and testing prior to paving, the proof roll for the area under 1 ,
the easterly bridge was found to have inadequate bearing capacity, apparently due to y
a high water table. The geotechnical engineer hired to monitor and test for the project
recommended several options for remediation — undercut and backfill with
gravel/Geotech fabric, lime stabilization, and cement stabilization.
The PM and inspection team prefers to install cement stabilized subgrade because
this would preclude time intensive undercut and replacement of unsuitable materials,
and cement is a better stabilizing material than lime. It is the recommendation of the
Public Works Department to authorize Additional Services.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2O24-044;
seconded by Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 6 — Councilmember Pickens, Councilmember Hines, Councilmember
Lindley, Councilmember Welch, Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 1 — Councilmember Wilkinson
Recuse: 0 — None
C. CNV2024-001 Convey a temporary construction easement to Foundry Watkins
Property, LLC for construction and installation of a sanitary sewer easement
across property owned by the city at the intersection of Nickajack Park Road
and Oakdale Road and authorize the mayor to execute all related documents.
Ward 7 Councilmember - Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
This temporary construction easement would allow Foundry Watkins Property, LLC to
install a sanitary sewer line across property owned by the city. Upon completion, the
sewer line within the city limits would be dedicated to the city. Foundry Watkins
Property, LLC would also install a lateral sanitary sewer line from the proposed main
sanitary sewer line to a clean out located approximately 10 feet from said main sewer
line, such location to be approved and coordinated by designated city staff. Upon
completion and dedication of such lateral sewer line, sewer would be available for
future development of Grantor's Property for recreational use, at the option of Grantor.
The sewer line would be parallel to an existing water line. Staff recommends
conveyance of a temporary construction easement to Foundry Watkins Property,
LLC.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby Jr. made a motion to approve item CNV2024-001;
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
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March 11, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Recuse: 0 — None
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: 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. MIN2024-029 Approval of the February 22, 2024 Committee of the Whole
Meeting Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2024-030 Approval of the February 26, 2024 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2024-031 Approval of the February 26, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting
Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. ATH2024-042 Authorization of Road Closure at King Springs and South Cobb
Drive beginning April 1st through April 5th forthe installation of 12" main water
line performed by KM Davis Contracting.
Ward 6 Councilmember— Tim Gould
Ward 3 Councilmember— Travis Lindley
Ward 5 Councilmember - Susan Wilkinson
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
E. ATH2024-046 Approval for Atkins Park through event coordination by Redbird
Events to hold the Annual Crawfish Boil - two days of New Orleans style
crawfish/food and music themed festival - in the Market Village taking place in
2024 on Saturday, April 20 from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. (outdoor music
ending at 10:00 p.m.), and Sunday, April 21 from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
(outdoor music ending at 10:00 p.m. - with setup beginning on the afternoon of
Friday, April 19 with all event/festival items removed or out of sight by midnight
on Sunday, April 21 for pickup on Monday, April 22, 2024. Approval includes
associated street closure request conforming to work in tandem with the City of
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March 11, 2024 - City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Smyrna Jonquil City Jog on Saturday, April 20 am. Street closings include
Market Village from S. Atlanta Rd to the end of the top traffic circle at the edge
of the fountain area from 7:00 am until after the close and breakdown of the
Jonquil City Jog around 10:00 /11:00 am on Saturday. Once the Jonquil City
Jog has concluded, expansion of event space may move into the Market
Village, but not prior. On Sunday, April 21, setup may begin at 7:00 am and
include the Market Village from S. Atlanta Road toward City Hall. At least one
cross way must remain open at all times to allow traffic to move between both
parking area sides of the Market Village. The traffic circle will be open both
Saturday and Sunday night ASAP after the last band has finished with all
streets to open concluding event close and cleanup on Sunday, April 21.
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
11. Ward and Staff Reports
Councilmember Glenn Pickens thanked the Atlanta Track Club and the Smyrna
Police Department for hosting the 1 OK this past weekend.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines mentioned how wonderful it was to see the
participants who are participating in this year's Citizens' Academy. She mentioned
again that it is Women's History Month and that she and Laura Norton (Mayor
Norton's wife), and Former Councilmember Kathy Young are coordinating a
celebration to recognize women in Smyrna.
Councilmember Charles Welch announced that this Saturday is the paper shredding
event from 9-12 at the Wolfe Center. And on May 4, 2024, this year's Garden Tours
sponsored by Keep Smyrna Beautiful will be going on from 10-4.
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson wished Councilmember Welch a happy birthday
and expressed that her favorite event is the Garden Tour he mentioned. She
thanked all the women in the community who contribute to businesses and who
volunteer.
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould mentioned that this past Thursday, the Education
Committee hosted a roundtable with local school foundations to discuss successes.
Approximately 35-40 people were in attendance. He also spoke about the Teach of
the Year lunch (Jessye Coleman Council PTA) with 10 or 12 teachers in attendance
who were recognized. Campbell High school will be holding a major fundraiser (golf
outing) on April 22, and the Jonquil Jog will be held on April 20 which helps Support
Smyrna and the Campbell High School Foundation.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. mentioned he had the honor of volunteering
at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Expo. He was proud to see so
many successful students from Smyrna. He also wished all the Little Leaguers (track
& field, baseball, softball, etc.) a great season,
Ill. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION `
Public comment during this portion of the agenda must be limited to matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council. No 1�
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
Page 6 of 7
March 11, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
for the record and make your remarks. The time allotted for each speaker is as follows: Public Comment - Three (3)
Minutes
12. Public Comment
Debra Scott — 3464 Cedar Valley Ct (Ward 6) — She came forward to express
concern about Lake Court Park, the dog park area, and the owners that put pronged
or pinch collars on their dogs. Those collars can be and are harmful to other dogs as
they have witnessed recently. She has asked that signage be changed to include
"No Pronged or Pinch Collars."
Mayor Norton told Ms. Scott the City would be happy to change the signage and
make available enforcement of that.
Neal lonnae — Had come to speak about the same issue about dog collars but felt
that the issue had been addressed.
13. Adjournment
Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the March 11, 2024 Mayor and Council meeting at 7:28 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
City Hall, 2800 King Street SE, Notice Boards
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