2024-06-03 June 3, 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
June 03, 2024
7:00 PM
CEREMONIAL MATTERS
1. 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:
5 — Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould, Councilmember Latonia P. Hines,
Councilmember Travis Lindley, Councilmember Charles Welch,
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
Absent:
3 —Mayor Derek Norton, Councilmember Glenn Pickens,
Councilmember Susan Wilkinson
Also Present:
1 —Jeffrey Tucker
Staff:
7 —Olivia Anderson, Joe Bennett, Jill Head, Dat Luu, Landon O'Neal,
Heather Peacon-Corn, and Kristin Robinson
2. Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould called to order the June 3, 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 Christian Salzillo, Life Church Assembly of God (4100 King Springs Rd)
4. Agenda Changes
Mayor Pro Tem Gould explained that PRC2024-015 (Proclamation in Recognition of
Juneteenth) will be moved to the Ward and Staff Reports section to allow time for the
recipient to arrive at the meeting.
5. Mayoral Report
II. DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
Page 1 of 7
June 03, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
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. PRC2024-014 Proclamation in recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month, June 2024
Citywide
Cait Howerton, new Director of Communications and Public Relations for Smyrna is
Fabulous, came forward and announced their 3rd Annual Pride Festival on June 22,
2024 from 12-6 PM. The 2nd annual Drag Show kickoff event will be on Friday, June
21, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Wine Market. All events are family -friendly, and aside from
the Drag Show event, all events are free. This event is able to take place because of
generous sponsorship by local businesses and community members. Also, Smyrna is
Fabulous was fortunate enough to be the recipient of the Pride Across the Peach
State grant. Please go to www.smyrnaisfabulous.org for any information.
A PROCLAMATION
BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA
In Recognition of LGBTQ Pride Month June 2024
Whereas, for more than 50 years, June has been celebrated as LGBTQ Pride Month
nationwide in honor of the LGBTQ citizens that rose up and fought discriminatory laws
at Stonewall; and
Whereas, the historical riot at Stonewall in New York City on June 28, 1969, is
considered a turning point for LGBTQ liberation in the United States; and
Whereas, the City of Smyrna cherishes the value and dignity of each person and
appreciates the importance of equality and freedom; and
Whereas, all are welcome in the City of Smyrna to live, work and play, and every
family, in any shape, deserves a place to call home where they are safe, happy, and
supported by friends and neighbors; and
Whereas, the City of Smyrna denounces prejudice and unfair discrimination based on
age, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, religion, marital status, national
origin, sexual orientation, or physical attributes as an affront to our fundamental
principles; and
Whereas, the City of Smyrna appreciates the cultural, civic, and economic
contributions of the LGBTQ community; and
Whereas, it is imperative that young people in our community, regardless of sexual
orientation, gender identity, and expression, feel valued, safe, empowered, and
supported by their peers and community leaders; NOW
Threrefore, I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, do hereby proclaim and
recognize June 2023 as LGBTQ Pride month in the City of Smyrna, Georgia and urge
residents to recognize the contributions made by members of the LGBTQ community
and actively promote the principles of equality, liberty, and justice.
7. Community Development Items
8. Privilege License and Show Cause Hearing
A. LIC2024-010 Privilege License New License Request — Beer, Wine & Liquor (Pouring
and Sunday Sales) —1061 Concord Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 - Demeter USA, Inc.,
dba Zoya Mediterranean Kitchen with Ryan Limbrick as agent.
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June 03, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
Application was made for privilege license New License for Demeter USA, Inc.dba
Zoya Mediterranean Kitchen for the sale of Beer, Wine & Liquor (Pouring and Sunday
Sales) Ryan Limbrick is the agent applicant.
Ryan Limbrick will be the registered agent responsible for the sale of alcohol at 1061
Concord Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. The applicant has been given a copy of the
Alcoholic Beverage ordinances and attended the mandatory alcohol awareness
workshop.
A background investigation conducted by the Smyrna Police Department failed to
reveal information that would preclude issuance of this license. Mr. Limbrick has
agreed to abide by the guidelines set forth by the City of Smyrna ordinance governing
the sale of alcohol.
Councilmember Lindley thanked them for doing business in Smyrna and asked them
to describe the new restaurant. Terry Bailey of T.S. Bailey Law Firm representing the
applicant, Ryan Limbrick, came forward. He explained that the restaurant will be
Mediterranean, and it will have a retractable roof that opens the top and side. It will be
open every day with slightly varying hours. He stated they are familiar with the
ordinances and laws regarding liquor, beer, and wine.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item LIC2024-101; seconded
by Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 4 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 2 — Councilmember Pickens and Councilmember Wilkinson
9. Formal Business
A. 2024-103 Approval of re -appointment of Charles "Corkey" Welch to the Cobb
County -Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA) to serve a one-year term beginning
August 15, 2024.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
The City of Smyrna has an appointment to the CCMWA to be selected by the
governing authority of the City of Smyrna. The member of the authority appointed by
Smyrna shall serve for terms of one year and until their successors are appointed and
shall assume office on August 15 following the expiration of the prior members' term.
Councilmember Charles "Corkey" Welch is the current appointee from the City of
Smyrna, and his term expires on August 14, 2024. The governing authority of the City
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June 03, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
of Smyrna recommends the reappointment of Mr. Welch to the CCMWA to serve
another one-year term from August 15, 2024 — August 14, 2025.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve item 2024-103; seconded by
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 4 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 2 — Councilmember Pickens and Councilmember Wilkinson
B. AGR2024-019 Authorization for the 2024 annual renewal of the Mutual Aid
Agreement between Smyrna Fire Department (SFD) and Cobb County Fire
and Emergency Services (CCFES) and authorize the Mayor to sign and
execute all related documents.
Citywide
Joe Bennett, City Administrator, provided the following background:
Mutual Aid Agreements between neighboring fire departments ensures that
emergency situations are addressed with an adequate number of personnel and
apparatus during times of high call volume. Mutual Aid is also used during specific,
complex situations requiring specialized responses (large structure fires, technical
rescues, hazardous materials incidents, etc). Both SFD and CUES seek to renew the
agreement for the mutual benefit of the citizens within both jurisdictions.
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines made a motion to approve item AGR2024-019;
seconded by Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 4 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 2 — Councilmember Pickens and Councilmember Wilkinson
C. ATH2024-089 Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Citywide
The required public hearing for the FY 2025 proposed budget was held on May 20,
2024.
The total budget, as proposed, is $105,697,703.00.
The General Fund budget is $65,835,675.00
Special Revenue Funds are $9,069,178.00
Capital Project Funds are $1,000,000.00
Internal Service Fund is $1,065,000.00
Enterprise Funds are $28,727,850.00
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June 03, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
For comparative purposes, the total revised FY 2024 budget, to date, is
$128,901,297.00.
The General Fund budget is $66,983,300.00 Special Revenue Funds are
$10,115, 047.00
Capital Project Funds are $23,616,471.00
Internal Service Fund is $1,717,198.00
Enterprise Funds are $26,469,281.00
Staff recommends the adoption of the Fiscal Years 2025 Budget as presented.
Mayor Pro Tern Gould recognized Kristin Robinson, Deputy City Administrator/CFO,
and Landon O'Neal, Budget Officer, for their hard work on the budget.
Councilmember Travis Lindley made a motion to approve ATH2024-089: seconded by
Councilmember Charles Welch.
The motion to approve carried with the following vote:
Aye: 4 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 2 — Councilmember Pickens and Councilmember Wilkinson
10. Consent Agenda
Councilmember Charles Welch 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: 4 — Councilmember Hines, Councilmember Lindley, Councilmember
Welch, Councilmember Oglesby
Nay: 0 — None
Absent: 2 — Councilmember Pickens and Councilmember Wilkinson
A. MIN2024-065 Approval of the May 16, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
B. MIN2024-067 Approval of the May 20, 2024 Pre -Council Meeting Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
C. MIN2024-069 Approval of the May 20, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting
Minutes
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
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June 03, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
D. ATH2O24-087 Authorization for the submittal of the Local Administered Project
(LAP) certification application to the Georgia Department of Transportation
(GDOT), and authorize the Mayor to sign the "Confirmation of Understanding"
letter, the "GDOT LAP Certification Application."
Citywide
This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.
11. Ward and Staff Reports
A. PRC2024-016 Proclamation in recognition of Juneteenth, June 19, 2024
Ward 2 Councilmember— Latonia P. Hines
Ward 7 Councilmember— Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr.
Jeriene Bonner -Willis, President of the Cobb County NAACP, came forward to
announce the countywide celebrations taking place in honor of Juneteenth. She was
present to accept the proclamation.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. read and presented the following proclamation:
A PROCLAMATION
BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA
In Recognition of Juneteenth
June 19. 2024
Whereas, Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is
celebrated each year on June 19th in the United States to commemorate the end of
slavery; and
Whereas, though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued on September 22,
1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863, it had minimal immediate effect on
most slaves' day-to-day lives, particularly in Texas, which was almost entirely under
Confederate control, and
Whereas, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon
Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take possession of
the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves; and
Whereas, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. The
celebration of June 19th was coined "Juneteenth" and grew with more participation
from descendants. Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom while
encouraging self -development and respect for all cultures; and
Whereas, on June 17, 2021, the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was
signed into law, which established Juneteenth as an official federal holiday, and
Whereas, the City of Smyrna approved the observance of Juneteenth as an official
city holiday in 2022. In recognizing the holiday of Juneteenth in the City of Smyrna, we
acknowledge the challenges, successes, tribulations, and perseverance of all those
who lived during these periods in our history; Now
Therefore, I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, do hereby proclaim
June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth in the City of Smyrna and encourage the community to
join the commitment for anti -racism, racial and social justice, by encouraging a day of
reflection, recognition, acknowledgement, and healing.
Page 6 of 7
June 03, 2024 City of Smyrna 2800 King Street SE
7:00 PM Mayor and Council Meeting Council Chambers
Councilmember Latonia P. Hines stated her pride for this City and all of the
wonderful events. The Rose Garden Spring Festival will be this Saturday from 12-5
at Rose Garden Park. She also announced she will be hosting a Ward 2 meeting on
June 26 in Council Chambers. Ms. Hines thanked the Cobb County Board of
Commissioners for recognizing the 1471 anniversary of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Councilmember Travis Lindley mentioned that the first of the summer concert series
kicks off this weekend. He also announced the Smyrna is Fabulous Pride Festival on
June 22. He also encouraged people to visit the museum to see the new exhibit.
Councilmember Charles Welch encouraged all to come out to the concerts this
weekend.
Councilmember Rickey N. Oglesby, Jr. mentioned that they had the first meeting of
the public art committee. They will be working with Design Local. He also stated that
he has been working on the Ward 7 zip code issue. He contacted Senator Ossoffs
office, and they have now assigned a U.S. Postal Service Investigator. He also
announced that in commemoration of Juneteenth, the City will host a festive event
for 2025. The details are to be announced.
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould thanked the Zhiss family for their contribution to the
Forest Hills Preservation efforts.
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
Pat Burns (10 Concord Road) of Friends of the Concord Road Covered Bridge Historic District,
spoke about the Toni Morrison Society benches that have been installed at "revered and
significant" locations. The Friends of the Concord Road Covered Bridge Historic Bridge were
awarded a Toni Morrison Bench in honor of Matlida Ruff, a former slave, and her family to be
placed at the entrance of the Silver Comet Trail on Concord Rd. The area will be known as
Matilda's Garden. The dedication of the bench will be held on June 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM.
13. Adjournment
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gould adjourned the June 3, 2024 Mayor and Council Meeting at 7:36
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
Page 7 of 7
tiI e , ?0? l 7:OOPMMAYOR AND COUNCIL
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ABSENT
DEREK NORTON, MAYOR
P. HINES, WARD 2
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TIM GOULD, WARD 6
MAYOR PRO TEM
HEATHER K. PEACON-CORN
CITY CLERK
ABSENT
GLENN PICKENS, WARD I
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TRAVIS LINDLEY, WARD 3
ABSENT
SUSAN WILKINSON, WARD 5
CITY SEAL