2024-02-26 February 26, 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 26, 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:
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 N. Oglesby, Jr.
Also Present:
1-Scott Cochran
Absent:
1-Councilmember Glenn Pickens
Staff:
6- Joe Bennett, Jill Head, Russell Martin, Heather Peacon-Corn, Enoch
Serna, and Joey Staubes
Call to Order
Mayor Derek Norton called to order the February 26, 2024 Mayor and Council meeting held at
A. Max Bacon City Hall in Council Chambers at 7:00 PM.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
A. Pastor Nick Travitt and Dr. Rhonda Travitt, Restoring the Years Global Ministries (954
Bank Street)
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
Page 1 of 9
February 26, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
6. Proclamations and Presentations
7. Community Development Items
A. Z24-003 Public Hearing - Zoning Amendment - Z24-003 - Allow an addition and site
plan revision to an existing church in the R-15 zoning district - Land Lot 448 - 2.2
acres - 981 Powder Springs Street - Whitney Shakar for Smyrna 2 Foursquare
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following brief background:
The subject property is occupied with a church and accessory facilities on 2.2 acres in
the R-15 zoning district. Churches are allowed in residential zoning districts, however,
their location requires approval by Mayor & Council. The applicant is proposing a site
plan revision and a 19,980 sq. ft. addition to the existing church. Therefore, approval
by Mayor & Council is required for the proposed church expansion.
Russell Martin, Community Development Director, provided the following background:
There are currently two buildings on the property as well as other smaller accessory
structures. The existing church sanctuary building will remain and the second building
will be demolished. The application proposes to build an 19,980 sq. ft. addition along
the eastern boundary of the property. The addition consists of three sections: an 8,800
sq. ft. sanctuary, an 4,050 sq. ft. atrium, and a 7,140 sq. ft. children's ministry. The
building is a pre-engineered metal building with brick exterior. The new building will
face the access drive and the side of the building will face Powder Springs Street. The
applicant is proposing street trees to provide a visual buffer along Powder Springs
Street. Additionally, the applicant will provide a 10' landscape buffer around the sides
and rear of the property to screen from the existing uses. The building height will be
below the maximum height allowed in R-15 of 35 feet, and the proposed building
location is below the grade of the adjacent subdivision. Therefore, height should not
have a negative impact on the adjacent properties.
The proposed addition and existing facilities require a minimum of 153 parking
spaces. The applicant is providing 68 spaces within the subject property. The
applicant has secured a parking agreement with Cobb County Schools to provide the
remaining spaces at Campbell High School.
The subject property has a stream along the western portion of the site from the
northern boundary to the southern boundary. The church building addition is proposed
along the eastern boundary of the site so as not to interfere with the stream. The
applicant is proposing to utilize the western half of the property for the access drive,
parking lot, and underground stormwater detention. A bottomless stream culvert will
run under the parking lot to pipe the stream between headwalls at the northern and
southern ends of the property. The Army Corps of Engineers will make a formal
determination if a permit is required, and whether city and state buffer variances are
required. If the Corps determines that the city buffers apply the city supports stream
buffer variances provided buffer mitigation is provided as required by the City
Engineer. Due to the institutional use in the R-15 zoning district an impervious
coverage from 35% to 62% is requested.
Community Development has reviewed the proposed development against the
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance with respect to the use as a church facility.
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Page 2 of 9
February 26, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Churches are permitted in the R-15 zoning district provided they are approved by
Mayor & Council. The proposed development meets the zoning requirements for a
church facility and requires the following variances:
1. Reduce church and accessory facilities setback from 75' to 10' from the side
property line. (Staff Supports)
2. Reduce church and accessory facilities setback from 75' to 30' for the rear property
line. (Staff Supports)
3. Allow encroachment into City 50' Undisturbed Stream Buffer. (Staff Supports)
4. Allow encroachment into City 75' Impervious Surface Setback. (Staff Supports)
5. Allow increase in impervious coverage from 35% to 62% (Staff Supports)
Community Development recommends approval of the requested zoning amendment
with the following conditions:
Standard Conditions (Requirement #1, 2, 3, 4, 9, and 17 from Section 1201 of the
Zoning Code is not applicable)
1. The detention pond shall be placed and screened appropriately. The storm water
detention plan shall be designed to create at least a 10% reduction in a 2- year to 100-
year storm event. The City Engineer shall approve all plans.
2. All utilities within the project shall be underground.
3. 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 applicant adjacent
to any public right-of-way consistent with City's requirements for the extent of the
project. A grass buffer with a minimum width of 2' shall be provided between the back
of curb and sidewalk.
4. No debris may be buried on any lot or common area.
5. The applicant shall install decorative streetlights 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".
6. The applicant will comply with the City's current tree ordinance (unless noted
elsewhere). All required tree protection measures shall be adhered to by the applicant
during construction.
7. All landscape plans must be prepared, stamped, and signed by a Georgia
Registered Landscape Architect for any Common areas or entrances.
8. All yards and common areas are to be sodded, and landscaped. Irrigate as
appropriate.
Special Conditions -
9. The development shall maintain the following setbacks:
Front - 40'
Rear - 30'
Side - 10'
10. The church and accessory facilities setback shall be reduced from 75' to 10'.
11. The applicant shall install and maintain a 10' wide landscape buffer in accordance
to Section 503 of the Zoning Ordinance along the eastern, western, and northern
property lines.
Page 3 of 9
February 26, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
12. The applicant shall install street trees to provide screening between the new
building and Powder Springs Street.
13. Approval of a City stream buffer variance is contingent upon the State's approval
of encroachment into, or removal of, the 25-foot undisturbed stream buffer.
14. If a City variance is granted to remove the 50-foot undisturbed stream buffer and
75-foot impervious setback as part of the proposed zoning amendment, a stormwater
mitigation plan may be required. This plan will require approval by the City Engineer. If
a mitigation plan is not approved prior to a zoning amendment, it shall be submitted for
approval with a land disturbance permit application.
15. Impervious coverage shall be increased from 35% to 62%.
16. Approval of the subject property for the zoning amendment shall be conditioned
upon the development of the property in substantial compliance with the submitted site
plan submitted 2/9/2024 created by On Site Civil Group.
17. The applicant shall be bound to the elevations submitted 1/8/2024 created by E3
Design. Approval of any change to the elevations must be obtained from the Director
of Community Development.
Councilmember Welch asked if this is site specific, and can changes be made without
coming before council again? Mr. Martin stated no changes can be made without
coming before council.
Mayor Pro Tern Gould asked about the drainage to the creek. Mr. Martin stated that
the decisions for that have to go through the Army Corp of Engineers.
Councilmember Wilkinson asked if the city has done anything like this before within
city limits. Mr. Martin stated he believed it had been done with the Glock property in
Ward 7.
Phil Manginelli, Lead Pastor of The Square Church (applicant), came forward and
presented a brief history of the church and their partnership with Campbell High
School and the City of Smyrna. They have grown substantially and want to be in this
existing location long-term.
Councilmember Wilkinson asked what the capacity of the current sanctuary is and
what the capacity of the new sanctuary will be. Mr. Manginelli stated the current
sanctuary capacity is roughly 200 adults. The new sanctuary will be around 675 adults
and 150 children. They do not anticipate starting a preschool program.
A public hearing was called, and no one came forward in favor of or in opposition to
this item.
After the vote, Mayor Norton added that the church and their pastor are great
community partners. He is glad to see them thriving, and he congratulated them.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item Z24-003; seconded by
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
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
Page 4 of 9
February 26, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
9. Formal Business
A. AGR2024-008 Authorization to sign the Master Services Agreement with Georgia
Power to begin processing task orders ECM1 — ECM5 for the replacement of end -of -
life equipment throughout the City for a total not to exceed $10,735,243.00 to be paid
monthly on the City's power bill over the term of the agreement and authorize the
Mayor to sign and execute all related documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
As part of the GA Power green energy initiative, as well replacing old end -of -life
equipment throughout the city, this request is to be able to have a consistent and
uniform HVAC and lighting program. This will help in the future for ongoing
maintenance, replacement, and budgeting schedules.
Payment Schedule:
5-Year Monthly Power Bill Fee = $210,853 per month
7-Year Monthly Power Bill Fee = $161,081 per month
ECM1 HVAC Systems Upgrades $ 4,403,290.00
ECM2 Duct Cleaning, Commissioning and Final TAB $ 735,960.00
ECM3 Interior Lighting LED Upgrades $ 696,359.00
ECM4 Switchgear, Transformers, Generators, ATS $ 2,583,337.00
ECM5 LED Sports Lighting for all Parks Fields $ 2,316,297.00
Total Investment $ 10,735,243.00
Councilmember Welch asked if the city is protected pricewise. Mr. Bennett confirmed
the City is protected.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item AGR2024-008;
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. AGR2024-009 Authorization for the City of Smyrna to continue as a
Subrecipient of the Cobb County Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program PY2024, to receive the grant amount of $181,057.85 for
Public Facility Projects and Administration and Planning, authorize the Mayor
to sign and execute the 2024 Subrecipient Agreement documents.
Citywide
Page 5 of 9
February 26, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Mayor Pro Tem / Councilmember Tim Gould made a motion to approve item AGR2024-
009; 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 Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
C. ATH2O24-038 Authorization for the purchase of material from Southern Pipe
and Supply (1850 Freeman Parkway SE, Mableton, GA, 30126) in the amount
of $150,890.00 for the South Cobb Drive water main replacement project
awarded to K.M. Davis Contracting Co, Inc. on November 6, 2023 to be paid
from 2024 Water CIP funding and authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all
related documents.
Ward 5 Councilmember— Susan Wilkinson
Ward 6 Councilmember— Tim Gould
Ward 3 Councilmember— Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background
The water main responsible for supply and demand to Wards 3, 5 and 6 is being
replaced by K.M. Davis Contracting in the area of 3791 South Cobb Drive to 4015
South Cobb Drive as approved at the November 6, 2023 Mayor and Council meeting.
The pipe material is already in stock at Public Works however, additional materials
need to be purchased for this project.
Southern Pipe and Supply submitted a quote in the amount of $150,890.00 for the
needed materials.
Additional vendors also submitted quotes as noted:
Empire Pipe and Supply — $ 158,737.70
Ferguson Waterworks — $ 175,203.19
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item ATH2O24-038;
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
D. CHOR2024-001 Authorization for modification to Purchase Order #24002739
being completed by Ardito Construction Company (1290 Austell Road SE,
Page 6 of 9
February 26, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
-- Marietta, GA, 30008) for the River Valley Drainage project in the amount of an
additional $243,087.30 (not to exceed a total PO Amount of $643,096.89) to
manage current additional invoicing for unexpected granite conflicts as well as
sidewalk and pathway connectivity and add monies for possible additional
expenses related to the granite conflict 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:
This is a request for modification to existing PO # 24002739 ($400,009.59) to add an
additional $243,087.30 to manage unforeseen granite conflicts during the installation
of the storm drain as well as add sidewalks and pathways to complete connectivity on
the project.
Current Additional Invoices:
- $146,247.30 to be paid from Stormwater for the granite conflict
- $21,840.00 to be paid from 2016 SPLOST Sidewalks and Pathways Account
Additional possible expenses (as recommended by Public Works and Finance based
on the potential to hit more granite on this project and to expand the sidewalk
connectivity between River Valley Drive and Green Forest Parkway on the western
side of Reed Rd.)
- $75,000.00
Additional expenses, should they occur, above the requested amount of this item, will
be brought before Council for additional approval.
Councilmember Charles Welch made a motion to approve item CHOR2024-001;
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
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 Tem / Councilmember
Gould, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 1 — Councilmember Pickens
Page 7 of 9
February 26, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
A. MIN2024-022 Approval of the February 8, Committee of the Whole Meeting
Minutes.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2024-023 Approval of the February 12, 2024 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2024-024 Approval of the February 12, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting
Minutes.
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
D. ATH2024-040 Approval of dates for 2024 City of Smyrna organized community
event dates, street closings, and other event management details as outlined in
approval documents.
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
E. BCA2024-006 Approval of the appointment of Ward 5 resident, Meg Perry, to the Parks and Recreation Commission. This is a two-year term that expires
12/31 /2025.
Ward 5 Councilmember— Susan Wilkinson
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
11. Ward and Staff Reports
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines thanked Mayor and fellow council members for the
Black History Month event. It was a wonderful, sold -out event. She also extended
recognition to the library and the Library Director, Mary Moore, for her work in not
only assisting with the Black History Month event but also another program
beginning this Sunday when they will be profiling significant women from Smyrna
throughout history for the month of March and Women's History Month.
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson reiterated Councilmember Hines' comments about
the Black History Month event which was a great a event. She recognized in the
audience former council member Maryline Blackburn who was the first black member
to serve on Smyrna's council.
Mayor Pro Tern Tim Gould announced that the Education Committee made up of
himself, Councilmember Wilkinson, and Councilmember Oglesby will be hosting a
meeting of Smyrna area school foundations. They will share best practices, success
stories, etc. on March 7. He also shared that Campbell High school basketball teams
have experienced great success.
Page 8 of 9
February 26, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. shared some black history facts about
Smyrna. When Smyrna was founded in 1872, it had an African American population
of 13%. It now has an African American population of 33%. Smyrna is a more
diverse city and a great place to raise a family.
City Clerk Heather Peacon-Corn announced that advanced voting for the presidential
preference primary are ongoing at the Smyrna Community Center. The times and
dates can be found on the Smyrna website as well as the Coubb County Elections
website. The date of election is March 12, 2024 which will also be held at the Smyrna
Community Center.
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
13. Adjournment
Mayor Derek Norton adjourned the February 26, 2024 Mayor and Council meeting at 7:38 PM.
Facilities are provided throughout City Hall for 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 9 of 9
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
K NORTON
MAYOR
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TIM GOULD, WARD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
HEATHER K. PEACON-CORN
CITY CLERK
GLENN PICKENS,
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TRAVIS LINDLEY, WAkD 3
CITY SEAL
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