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01202004 January 20, 2004 Council Meeting January 20, 2004 ... The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held at Smyrna City Hall. The meeting was called to order by presiding officer Mayor A. Max Bacon at 7:30 o'clock p.m. All council members were present. Also present were City Administrator Wayne Wright, City Clerk Susan Hiott, City Attorney Scott Cochran, Fire Chief Larry Williams, Police Chief Stan Hook, Library Director Michael Seigler, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Ciaccio, Public Works Director Scott Stokes, Keep Smyrna Beautiful Director Ann Kirk, Human Resources Director Chris Corey, City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt, Community Development Director Chris Miller, Community Relations Director Jennifer Bennett, and representatives of the press. Invocation was given by Reverend Lee Delbridge from Smyrna Christian Church, followed by the pledge to the flag. AGENDA CHANGES: Mayor Bacon stated that agenda item #5F (Public Hearing - Variance Requests V03-039 through V03- 044 - Increase in Height for Free-Standing Sign [2]; Increase in Sign Area for Free-Standing Sign [2]; Approval of Use of Pole Sign in place of Monument Sign [2]; Approval of Additional Free-Standing Sign - 2750 Cobb Parkway - Nalley Lexus) will be withdrawn. Council Member Pritchett read to those present the letter from the applicant requesting withdrawal of the variance application. CITIZENS INPUT: ... Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Linda Evans, representing the Friends of the Smyrna Library, and Ms. Evans introduced Ms. Laura McCarty from the Georgia Humanities Council to those present. Ms. McCarty presented a check for grant funds to the Friends of the Smyrna Library, and explained the money will be used to help fund a mystery fiction program. Ms. Evans expressed appreciation to Mayor Bacon and the Council Members for allowing them to have this presentation at this meeting, and provided details of the program to be funded to those present. Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. Curt Johnston, and Mr. Johnston introduced some of the faculty members and students from Belmont Hills Elementary School to those present. The students made a presentation of this month's character education words to those present. Mayor Bacon recognized Capt. David Farmer from the City police department, and Capt. Farmer provided to those present details of a Christmas benefit program in which he is active. Mayor Bacon commented favorably on the efforts of the associates of the S. P. Richards Company to provide assistance to the less fortunate members of the community during the holiday season, and expressed appreciation to Capt. Farmer and the other participants for their efforts. Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Sam Sammon, and Ms. Sammon expressed views regarding development and construction in the City to those present. Ms. Sammon provided details of some perceived deficiencies in the community which she believes need to be addressed. Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Mary Rose Barnes, and Ms. Barnes expressed appreciation to Mr. Hildebrandt and the City's elected officials for installation of certain signs in the area of East-West Connector, South Cobb Drive and Cumberland Parkway. MAYOR'S REPORT: ... Mayor Bacon stated the Rich's-Macy's store at Cobb Center will be closing soon. Mayor Bacon stated efforts will be made to find another business to replace Rich's-Macy's at Cobb Center. January 20, 2004 LAND ISSUES/ZONINGS/ ANNEXATIONS: (A) Land Lots 62, 63, 170, 176, 177, Oakdale Road near Dickerson Road - The Columns Group 1. Public Hearing - Rezoning Request Z03-028 - Cobb County Heavy Industrial (HI), Light Industrial (LI), RA-5 (Multi-Family) and R-20 (SFR) to City of Smyrna RAD Conditional - Land Lots 62,63, 170, 176, 177, Oakdale Road near Dickerson Road - The Columns Group Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked for public comment, and the oath was administered to several persons by Mr. Cochran. Council Member Wood recognized Mr. Garvis Sams, an attorney representing the applicant and property owners, and Mr. Sams introduced Messrs. Curtis Hicks and Bryan Flint from The Columns Group (CG) and property owners Messrs. Jimmy Freeman and Larry Freeman to those present. Mr. Sams stated Mr. Dave Miller, from Nova Engineering (NE), and Mr. Lamarr Scotti are present to answer questions regarding the landfill located on part ofthe subject property. Mr. Sams stated Mr. Ken Wood from Planners and Engineers Collaborative is also present to answer any questions of a technical nature regarding the proposed project. Mr. Sams asked a group of local residents in the audience supporting the proposed annexation and rezoning to stand up and be recognized. Mr. Sams stated the proposed overall density of the planned development is 4.5 units per acre, which is less than the maximum density for development indicated for the subject tract on Cobb County's Future Land Use Map. Mr. Sams stated that Cobb County has interposed no objections to this proposed annexation and development. Mr. Sams stated CG proposes to construct 245 townhouses 95 detached, single-family residences on the subject tract. Mr. Sams stated a 13.4 acre tract located between the two residential components has beens earmarked for conveyance to the City for use as a public park. Mr. Sams stated that City staffhas recommended that the 13.4 acres proposed for public use be owned by the mandatory homeowners association (HOA), and that CG agree to construct the amenities in the park. Mr. Sams stated it is further proposed that the HOA will lease the park property to the City gratis for public use, and that the City will maintain the option of being able to have title to the 13.4 acres voluntarily conveyed to the City when 90% of the certificates of occupancy for the proposed dwellings have been issued. Mr. Sams stated the applicant is agreeable to this proposal recommended by City staff. Mr. Sams stated this proposed development will afford the City with an opportunity to acquire additional park facilities. Mr. Sams stated the developer will comply with the Atlanta Regional Commission's requirements with respect to the Metropolitan River Protection Act. Mr. Sams introduced Mr. Ron Broadnax, president of the Vinings Plantation (VP) homeowners association, to those present, and issued the oath to Mr. Broadnax. Mr. Broadnax stated the VP-HOA is neutral in this matter. Mr. Broadnax stated that CG representatives made a presentation concerning the proposed development at a recent meeting of the VP-HOA. Mr. Broadnax stated the residents ofVP have had numerous concerns regarding the landfill located on the subject tract, and that these concerns have been directed previously to Commissioner Woody Thompson. Mr. Broadnax stated that the dumping of debris on the landfill property has caused the residents ofVP some concern about the appearance of the area. Mr. Broadnax provided numerous reasons to those present which he believes support the proposed development, and stated that the members of all 84 households in the VP community are in favor of the proposed development. Mr. Broadnax stated that the proposed park would be beneficial to the community. Mr. Broadnax stated it is the belief of the residents ofVP that this proposed development would be beneficial to both the surrounding community and to the City as a whole. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Broadnax if the residents ofVP are concerned about the number oftownhouses proposed for the planned project. Mr. Broadnax stated that some residents ofVP were initially concerned about traffic that could possibly be generated by the new homes, but that after reviewing the CG plan, the VP residents have concluded that traffic problems will probably not result from the proposed development. January 20. 2004 3 - Council Member Wood recognized Mr. Chris Miller, and asked Mr. Miller to provide details of staff recommendations for the proposed development to those present. Mr. Miller stated that, if the proposed rezoning is approved, the final construction and engineering plans must conform to the zoning plan that was presented to City staff and officials. Mr. Miller stated the requested density is 4.5 units per acre, and that the developer proposes to build 245 townhouses and 95 singles-family units on the subject property. Mr. Miller read the following list of stipulations, including input from discussion, to those present: I. The development of the proposed residential townhouse community sha1l be limited to 245 units and the single-family community shall be limited to 95 units. The minimum floor area of each unit will be 1,800 square feet for the townhouse units and 2,000 square feet for the single-family residences. The following minimum setbacks and building separations shall be maintained: Setbacks: Oakdale Road - 50' Front Yard (single-family) - 25' Front Yard (townhouse) - 20' Side Yard ( single- family) - 5' Side Y ard (townhouse) - 20' Rear Yard (single-family) - 10' Rear Yard (townhouse) - 40' .. Building Separations (townhouse units): Front to front - 50' Front to side - 40' Side to side - 20' Side to rear - 30' Rear to rear - 40' 2. The development sha1l comply with the elevations included with the application package. However, additional elevations shall be provided along with fu1ly-dimensioned floor plans for each model of single-family and townhouse residential unit. Brick, stone, stucco or architectural shake sha1l be used on at least three sides of each building. A1l buildings which will be adjacent to Oakdale Road shall utilize four-sided brick elevations. No portion of any building sha1l utilize 100% horizontal siding. 3. All townhouse and single-family residences shall be provided with an enclosed garage parking space to accommodate two vehicles. 4. The developer sha1l install a deceleration lane at each of the two entrances for the subdivision. The deceleration lane shall have a minimum length of 150' with a 50' taper. The right-of-way associated with Terry Drive sha1l be abandoned by the City after the annexation/rezoning is approved. 5. Sidewalks shall be provided by the developer inside the subdivision and outside the subdivision adjacent to Oakdale Road consistent with City requirements. A sidewalk or passive trail shall also be provided within the subdivision to connect each portion of the development to the proposed park. 6. The developer shall donate and convey additional right-of-way on Oakdale Road such that a minimum 50' right-of-way width can be achieved as measured from the centerline. ... January 20, 2004 4 7. The developer shall be responsible for the costs associated with the development of the proposed park with the exception of lighting which shall be provided by the City. Before any building permits (including land disturbance) are issued by the City, the developer shall provide Phase I and II Environmental Assessments for the inert landfill. Any costs associated with remediation required to convert the inert landfill into a City park shall be borne by the developer. - All plans for the park shall be approved by the City prior to construction. After construction, the park shall be leased to the City for the sum of $1.00 per year until 90% of the residences in the community have been issued a certificate oCoccupancy. The City shall have the option to obtain the park via a dedication once 90% of the residences have been issued a certificate of occupancy. 8. There shall be protective covenants on all lots and there shall be a mandatory homeowners association for the development for maintenance of any common areas. A copy of the recorded covenants shall be supplied to the City prior to the issuance of any certificate of occupancy. 9. The storm water detention plan shall be designed to create at least a 10% reduction in a 100-year storm event. The City Engineer shall approve all plans. 10. All retention ponds shall be placed and screened appropriately to be unobtrusive to homes inside and outside the development. II. All utilities within the development shall be underground. 12. A strip of brick pavers or stamped concrete shall be installed on the street entrances from Oakdale Road for a minimum distance of20 feet. 13. The development of any streets (including private) shall conform to the City's standards for public rights-of-way. - 14. The protective covenants will require all non-resident property owners to keep the Homeowners Association advised of the current address and phone numbers where they can be reached. The HOA documents shall prohibit the use of any unit in the development for rental purposes. 15. The developer shall obtain all approvals necessary for construction within the 2000' Chattahoochee River Corridor prior to the issuance of any City building permit or land disturbance permit. 16. There shall be a landscaped front entrance, with monument, indicating the name of the development. 17. No debris may be buried on any lot or common area. 18. 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". 19. All yards and common areas are to be sodded, and landscaped. Irrigate as appropriate. 20. All landscape plans must be prepared, stamped, and signed by a Georgia Registered Landscape Architect or a degreed horticulturist for common areas and entrances. All plans must conform to the requirements of the City's Tree Protection Ordinance. - January 20, 2004 5 - 21. Developer shall install a 6' high masonry wall, wrought iron fence, or a combination of both along Oakdale Road for the limits of the development. The frontage along Oakdale Road shall also incorporate a 20' wide undisturbed landscape buffer (except for the development entrance and sidewalk) with one tree every 45'. The developer shall be responsible for constructing an entry sign for the community. 22. A 50' landscape buffer shall be provided along the southern property line of the single-family portion of the development. 23. Compliance with the conclusions and recommendations contained within that certain Archeological Reconnaissance, dated December 8, 2003, prepared by R.S. Webb and Associates. Specifically, the Civil War fortification identified by R. S. Webb and Associates as F-l shall be protected from development both before and after construction. The developer shall also install a bronze plaque, or similar marker, to commemorate the fortification and describe its significance. Such fortifications shall be designated as common area and shall not be included in the legal description of any lot. The protective covenants shall prohibit the disturbance of any such fortifications. The area of the proposed development containing Fortification F-I shall be further protected from development via the use of a chain link fence. This fence shall be installed prior to any land disturbance and shall be sized appropriately such that no portion of the fortification may be subject to damage during construction. A covenant shall be recorded contemporaneously with the plat (or other appropriate instrument) to restrict development upon the portion of the property containing Fortification F-l. The City reserves the right to have the fortification incorporated into the park portion of the development. - Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller to provide additional information regarding the entrance to the park area to those present. Mr. Miller stated the City Engineer was consulted regarding this, and that the park entrance is considered an off-peak use road, which means that generally people are not going to the park during regular commuting hours. Mr. Miller stated the City Engineer has advised that construction of a deceleration lane is not necessary for the park entrance. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller if a deceleration lane could be built at the park entrance if subsequently determined to be needed. Mr. Miller stated that the park entrance would have to be moved southward in order for a deceleration lane to be added. Mr. Miller stated that a requirement for a deceleration lane could also be added during the plan review process. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller if stipulation #5 calls for sidewalks on two sides, and Mr. Miller stated that sidewalks are required on one side on Oakdale Road, and that two-sided sidewalks may be required within the subdivision proper. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller if the lighting called for in stipulation # 18 includes park lights which could disturb nearby residents. Mr. Miller stated it is the City's intent to utilize the park property to its fullest and best potential, and that this will entail use of lighting at the park. Council Member Newcomb stated he wishes it to be clear for the record that the City intends to use lights in the park area. Council Member Newcomb stated that no survey identifying specimen trees appears to be attached to the application, and asked Mr. Miller to provide details regarding tree protection measures for the proposed development. Mr. Miller stated that a tree protection plan for the proposed development has been submitted by the applicant, but that the plan has not yet been reviewed by the City's arborist. Mr. Miller stated the arborist is not expected to review this particular tree protection plan because of an association the arborist has with one of the property owners. Mr. Miller stated the applicant has complied with the City's ordinance by submitting a tree protection plan, and that the applicant must meet the City's tree protection standards. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller if there is sufficient space available to widen Oakdale Road in the event widening ofthis road becomes necessary. Mr. Miller stated enough land will be dedicated to make Oakdale Road a 100' wide corridor. Mr. Miller stated that no widening beyond the construction of the 100' corridor is anticipated. Council Member Lnenicka asked Mr. Miller what measures will be taken to make certain the American Civil War era fortifications referred to in stipulation #23 will be protected. Mr. Miller stated on-site meetings will be - January 20. 2004 held with representatives of R. S. Webb and the developer to physically locate the significant area and place a buffer around it to help ensure the area is protected. Council Member McNabb asked Mr. Miller how it can be determined whether or not the Phase 2 Environmental Assessment is the right kind of assessment, and how it can be determined whether or not any possible remediation work is in compliance with Phase 2 Environmental Assessment guidelines. Mr. Miller stated representatives of the State Environmental Protection Department (EPD) have been consulted in this matter. Mr. Miller stated the Phase 2 Environmental Assessment is more detailed, and prescribes taking soil samples for analysis ofthe soil composition. Mr. Miller stated he has been told that the landfill on the subject tract was used in the past for dumping tree cuttings, and that the gradual decomposition of such material can result in soil subsidence over time. Mr. Miller stated that the City may enlist the aid of a consulting engineer on this project before it is accepted. Council Member McNabb asked if restrooms built to City park standards will be installed in the park area while it is under the ownership of the HOA, and Mr. Sams answered in the affirmative. Mr. Miller stated amenity areas can also be installed in locations other than the former landfill spot if determined by the EPD to be necessary. Council Member Smith asked if there are any specifications determining how the landfill space is to be capped. Mr. Sams stated there are technical specifications pertaining to the landfill, and that Mr. Dave Miller from NE can provide additional information regarding this. Council Member Smith asked if there are any specific details available regarding what materials may be in the landfill. Mr. Sams stated a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment has already been conducted, and that the engineers at NE know very definitively what materials are in the landfill. Council Member Smith asked Mr. Miller, given the density of the proposed project, what criteria were used to justify staffs recommendation for approval of the rezoning. Mr. Miller stated that nine zoning factors, which are listed in the zoning report provided to the City's officials and in the City ordinances, are taken into consideration in the decision making process. Mr. Miller stated that use of these factors provides the City with a consistent means of evaluating proposed zonings in the City. Council Member Newcomb stated for the record that the Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) did not approve this proposed rezoning, but that some changes to the plan initially submitted have been made. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller to provide details to those present regarding some amendments to the project plans which have been made. Mr. Miller stated that some issues, including the presence of ARC's Chattahoochee River Protection Corridor adjacent to the subject property, were a cause of concern among some PZB members. Mr. Miller stated he has consulted with a representative of ARC regarding this, and was advised that there are different categories of property within the 2000' Chattahoochee River Protection Corridor with different percentages of impervious area allowed in the various categories. Mr. Miller stated that the representative of ARC he spoke with has indicated to him that the plan in its current state can be approved. Mr. Miller stated that there was some concern among the PZB members regarding possible hazards associated with materials dumped in the landfill area of the subject tract. Mr. Miller stated that the stipulations have been amended to try to address some of these concerns; e.g., the initial leasing of the park area to the City, the requirement for a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment and Phase 2 Environmental Assessment and requirements for construction to be done to City standards. Mr. Miller stated the proposed density of the planned project has been decreased by some thirty units, and that the project plans have been amended to require all the townhouses to have two-car garages. Mr. Miller stated the townhouse section of the proposed project has been slightly modified by changing some street configurations to accommodate the presence ofthe 2000' Chattahoochee River Protection Corridor. Council Member Lnenicka stated that during a recent inspection tour of local park facilities he participated in, he observed some parking areas with surfaces constructed of permeable materials. Council Member Lnenicka stated it may be a good idea to consider use of such materials in this proposed facility, and to possibly consider incorporating the use of these technologically advanced materials into the City ordinance. Mr. Miller stated that, if this rezoning is approved, the City Parks and Recreation Department will be taking a leading role in the design and construction of the park facility in the subject tract, and that perhaps a parking area more innovative than a conventional asphalt lot can be considered. Mr. Sams stated that at the time this proposal was initially presented to the PZB, the level of community support for the proposed development that is now known to exist was not fully articulated to the PZB. Mr. Sams stated that at the time this proposal was initially presented to the PZB, the 6 - -- - January 20, 2004 7 archaeological reconnaissance conducted in respect to the American Civil War era fortifications in the subject area had not yet been completed, and thus the developer's commitment to protect and preserve this area of historical significance may not have been completely communicated. - Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Mary Rose Barnes, who expressed opposition to development of land which she described as environmentally sensitive. Ms. Barnes expressed the view that the proposed rezoning is not consistent with RAD Conditional guidelines. Ms. Barnes stated that the density of the proposed project is actually higher than what has been represented when calculated without including the property proposed for use as a park. Ms. Barnes provided details to those present regarding various problems experienced over the years with the landfill in the subject area. Ms. Barnes expressed the view that construction of the proposed dwellings on the subject tract would encroach upon the stream bank buffer. Ms. Barnes provided details to those present regarding utility easements which she believes are not addressed by the proposed plan. Ms. Barnes expressed various concerns she has regarding the construction of deceleration lanes in the subject area. Ms. Barnes expressed concerns about possible traffic congestion which could be generated by the construction of the proposed development. - Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Roberta Cook, residing in Grayson Point, and Ms. Cook provided printed information to the Mayor and Council Members regarding the proposed development. Ms. Cook provided details regarding American Civil War era fortifications in the subject area to those present, and expressed the view that such historically significant areas should be protected. Ms. Cook expressed concern about the possible environmental impact of grading and removal of trees in the subject area. Ms. Cook expressed concern about possible traffic congestion which could be generated by the construction of the proposed development. Ms. Cook expressed the view that there do not seem to be adequate retail, restaurant and basic service businesses in the subject area. Ms. Cook stated that some evidence of land disturbance can already be seen near the American Civil War era fortifications in the subject area. Ms. Cook provided details of some additional stipulations for protecting the American Civil War era fortifications in the subject area which she recommends. Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Ann Stephens, residing at 6013 Oakdale Road, who expressed support of the proposed annexation of the subject property. Ms. Stevens expressed concern about American Civil War era fortifications in the subject area which have been lost, and stated that such historically significant areas should be protected. Ms. Stevens provided background details of the property in the subject area containing the landfill to those present. Ms. Stevens stated the roads in the proposed development should be wide enough to accommodate emergency vehicles. Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. Barry Brown, representing the Georgia Civil War Commission (CWC), and Mr. Brown stated the CWC has been tasked by the State legislature to preserve American Civil War era sites in Georgia. Mr. Brown stated he wants to be certain the American Civil War era fortifications located on the subject property are taken into consideration in this rezoning action. Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. Sam Hicks, residing in Johnson's Crossing, and Mr. Hicks expressed concerns about possible traffic congestion, possible damage to the ecosystem of the Chattahoochee River, possible hazards posed by a landfill in the subject area, and possible impact on the cultural and historical significance ofthe area which could result from development of the subject tract. - Mr. Broadnax reiterated the desire of VP residents to see improvements in the subject area. Council Member Smith asked Mr. Broadnax and other members of the audience to indicate by a show of hands if they have experienced difficulty making left turns out of the VP subdivision. Mr. Broadnax stated he has not experienced any difficulty making left turns out of the VP subdivision. Council Member Smith asked Mr. Broadnax and other members of the audience to indicate whether or not, if given an opportunity to purchase their property again with a larger lot, they would be willing to pay a somewhat January 20. 2004 higher price. Mayor Bacon stated he believes most people are interested in having spacious homes with smaller lots which require less yard care. Mayor Bacon asked Mr. Sams to provide information to those present regarding responsibilities which will devolve upon the HOA of the proposed development in regard to the protection of American Civil War era fortifications on the subject property. Mr. Sams stated that, as a condition of zoning, the historically significant parts of the subject property can be preserved in perpetuity. Mr. Sams stated that the HOA would not have to make any unilateral decisions regarding the historically significant parts of the subject property, and that any changes to the zoning conditions would have to be approved by the City's officials. Mr. Sams stated that, as a condition of zoning, the historically significant parts of the subject property can be owned by the mandatory HOA, but will remain inviolate indefinitely. Mr. Sams stated a covenant can be put in place to make the protective measures effective indefinitely. Council Member Lnenicka asked Mr. Sams if the property owners may be willing to convey ownership of the historically significant parts of the subject property to the City as part of the planned park so that it can be maintained by the City. Mr. Sams stated that conveying ownership of the historically significant parts of the subject property to the City would be acceptable to the owners. Council Member Lnenicka stated that City ownership of the land which includes the American Civil War era fortifications could eliminate the need for some stipulations. Council Member Lnenicka stated that the City may also be able to form a citizen committee to help fund and promote preservation of the historically significant area. Mr. Cochran stated that the deed for the subject property should contain a specific covenant to prohibit certain uses in order to prevent subsequent elected bodies from using the property for some other purpose. Council Member Lnenicka asked Mr. Sams if the applicant would be willing to agree to installation of a chain link fence around the fortifications for additional protection, and Mr. Sams answered in the affirmative. Council Member Lnenicka asked Mr. Sams what the price range of the proposed dwellings will be, and Mr. Sams stated they will range in cost from around $200,000 to $350,000. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Sams if the applicant's consulting engineer could provide details regarding the conditions at the landfill located on the subject property to those present. Mr. Sams called upon Mr. Dave Miller from Nova Engineering to comment on this aspect ofthe subject property, and Mr. Sams administered the oath to Mr. Miller. Mr. Miller stated that Nova Engineering (NE) is in the process of preparing a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment of the landfill located on the subject property. Council Member McNabb asked Mr. Miller if NE will also prepare the Phase 2 Environmental Assessment of the landfill, and Mr. Miller answered in the affirmative. Council Member McNabb asked Mr. Miller how much time is expected to elapse between the Phase 1 Environmental Assessment and the Phase 2 Environmental Assessment. Mr. Miller stated the Phase 1 Environmental Assessment will be completed and reviewed by the applicant and, if appropriate, by City officials and EPD representatives. Mr. Miller stated the Phase 2 Environmental Assessment will start after the initial survey is completed. Mr. Miller stated a Phase 2 Environmental Assessment for an inert landfill is somewhat unusual inasmuch as there is no State requirement for monitoring groundwater around an inert landfill. Mr. Miller stated an inert landfill is a landfill which contains materials that do not affect the groundwater. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller what types of testing a Phase 2 Environmental Assessment entails. Mr. Miller stated that, in this particular instance, the Phase I Environmental Assessment being conducted at the subject location is somewhat more comprehensive than is usually the case, and includes the excavation of some test pits. Mr. Miller stated that the contents found in the top 10 feet of the landfill are consistent with records pertaining to the landfill. Mr. Miller stated that, at least in the upper portion of the landfill, materials found include pieces of concrete, rocks, soil and some tree limbs. Mr. Miller stated that no leaking containers or household garbage have been found in the subject landfill. Mr. Miller stated that water running off the subject landfill has been tested for 141 different contaminants, and that no compounds have been detected at levels sufficient to be a cause for concern. Mr. Miller stated the examinations being conducted at the subject landfill are consistent with the historical use of the landfill. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller how extensive the Phase 2 Environmental Assessment will have to be in order to protect the water run-off from this site, which is covered under the River Protection Act. Mr. Miller stated the focus of the Phase 8 - - - January 20, 2004 9 - 2 Environmental Assessment is groundwater contaminant and soil issues. Mr. Miller stated that the project architect and civil engineer can better address storm water run-off and sedimentation concerns. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller if examination of the subject landfill by NE has revealed anything that would cause Mr. Miller to think that terms such as "toxic waste dump" or "superfund site" would correctly apply to the subject location. Mr. Miller stated that nothing has been found at the landfill to cause the associates ofNE to think that such terms would apply to the subject location. Mr. Miller stated that evidence found so far indicates that the subject landfill is an inert waste landfill. Council Member Pritchett asked Mr. Miller if, given the amount of time which has passed since the landfill was placed at the subject location, one could expect to find evidence of contaminants in the area of the landfill. Mr. Miller stated that contaminants would normally be found in the water running off the landfill site if any such materials were leaching out. Mr. Miller stated there is nothing associated with the history of the subject landfill to indicate it was used for anything other than its intended purpose. Mr. Miller stated that if any contaminants were leaching out of the subject landfill, then the presence of such materials would be detected in the stream near the subject location. Council Member Pritchett stated that reference has been made to an incidence of dumping of steel rebar into the subject landfill. Council Member Pritchett asked Mr. Miller what impact a piece of steel would have on the subject landfill. Mr. Miller stated that placing steel in a landfill would have no unfavorable environmental impact, but that rebar should be disposed of in a construction debris landfill. Council Member McNabb asked Mr. Miller if NE has ever been hired to investigate an inert landfill and formulate requirements in Georgia for conversion of such a facility into a recreational park. Mr. Miller stated that NE has not previously done any work of this type in connection with construction of a recreational park, but that NE has investigated inert landfills before, as well as solid waste landfills. 2. Approval of Application for Annexation (100% owners requested annexation) -75.48 Acre Tract - Land Lot 62, Parcel 26; Land Lot 63, Parcels 17, 18, 19 and 43; Land Lot 170, Parcels 1,15 and 18; Land Lot 176, Parcels 1,3,7, and 9; Land Lot 177, Parcels 2, 3, 4,5 and 24; 18th District, 2nd Section - Oakdale Road - Mr. Wright stated that staff has reviewed the application for annexation of the subject property and found it to be complete and in order. MOTION: Council Member Wood made a motion to approve the application for annexation for a 75.48 acre tract in Land Lot 62, Parcel 26; Land Lot 63, Parcels 17, 18, 19 and 43; Land Lot 170, Parcels 1, 15 and 18; Land Lot 176, Parcels 1,3, 7, and 9; Land Lot 177, Parcels 2,3,4, 5 and 24; 18th District, 2nd Section, to become a part of Ward 7 with an effective date of February 1,2004. The motion was seconded by Council Member Lnenicka. Motion was approved 5 - 2, with Council Members McNabb and Smith in opposition. 3. Approval of Rezoning Request Z03-028 .... MOTION: Council Member Wood made a motion to approve Rezoning Request Z03-028 from Cobb County Heavy Industrial (HI), Light Industrial (LI), RA-5 (Multi-Family) and R-20 (SFR) to City of Smyrna RAD Conditional for Land Lots 62,63, 170, 176, 177, Oakdale Road near Dickerson Road for The Columns Group, subject to the 23 stipulations read into the record and with the additional conditions concerning the American Civil War era fortifications in the subject area. The motion was seconded by Council Member Lnenicka. Council Member Pritchett stated that the motion should include covenants suggested by Mr. Sams to preserve the American Civil War fortifications on the subject tract in perpetuity. Council Member Pritchett stated the deed for the subject property should contain a specific covenant, as suggested by Mr. Cochran, to prohibit certain uses in order to prevent subsequent elected bodies from using the property for some other purpose. Council Member Scoggins stated he supports the motion because many residents of the affected area seem to be in favor of this plan. Council Member Scoggins stated he considers the selection of the City as the site of this extensive development to be an indication of the confidence people have in the City. Council Member Scoggins January 20. 2004 10 stated that considerable efforts have been made to make this development acceptable to as many people as possible. Council Member Scoggins commended Council Member Wood and Mr. Chris Miller for their efforts on behalf of the City in this and other projects. Council Member Newcomb stated he supports the motion because a majority of the residents in the area seem to be in favor of the plan. Council Member Newcomb stated the density of the development is within the guidelines set forth in the Cobb County Future Land Use Plan. Council Member Newcomb stated he is reassured by the fact that Mr. Chris Miller has recommended approval of this proposal based on zoning requirements which are based on the results of previous court rulings. Council Member Newcomb stated he appreciates the strong concern for the historically significant areas of the subject property demonstrated by Ms. Cook and other citizens. Council Member Newcomb stated that the provisions of this rezoning will protect the American Civil War era fortifications in the subject area, and that some testimony given at this hearing unfortunately illustrates what can happen to sites of historic value when no measures are in place to protect them. Council Member Newcomb stated that the Metropolitan River Protection Act provides for additional review and approval of some of the plans for this project by an authority other than the City. Council Member Newcomb stated that water is presently running off the subject property into the nearby river, and that the landfill at the subject location will be examined more closely than it has ever been before. Council Member Newcomb provided details of various aspects of the project to those present, and pointed out the advantages which he believes the community will realize from this development. Council Member Smith stated he is opposed to this proposal because of the density. Council Member Lnenicka stated that he believes that the plan is a good one, and that many concerns about the development have been addressed. Council Member Lnenicka expressed appreciation for the willingness of Mr. Sams and the applicant to cooperate with the City's leadership in order to arrive at a development plan which will protect sites of historical significance on the subject tract. Council Member Lnenicka thanked all the citizens who attended this meeting to express their views regarding this project. Council Member McNabb complimented Mr. Sams and the applicant on the well-planned proposal which they brought before the Mayor and Council Members. Council Member McNabb stated he is opposed to this proposal because of the density. Council Member Pritchett commended Mr. Brown, Mr. Sams, Mr. Dave Miller and many others for their beneficial input into this decision-making process. Council Member Pritchett stated that this plan includes provisions for protecting the areas of historical significance on the subject tract which otherwise may not have come about without this development proposal. The motion was approved 5 - 2, with Council Members McNabb and Smith in opposition. - - (B) Public Hearing (2nd) - Adoption of the Livable Centers Initiative [LCI] Study Mr. Wright stated that last year the City was awarded a grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to conduct a Livable Centers Initiative [LCI] study for the northern sector ofthe City. Mr. Wright stated Altamira Design was engaged to conduct the LCI study, and that a number of public hearings were held in connection with the Smyrna Revitalization Authority and the Smyrna Revitalization Task Force. Mr. Wright stated the first public hearing on the LCI study was held on January 5, 2004. Mr. Wright stated copies ofthe LCI study have been made available for public inspection. Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. Chris Miller, and Mr. Miller introduced Mr. Harry Housen from Altamira Design to those present. Mr. Miller provided details of the findings of the LCI study to those present. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller if he understands that the reference to the infill development behind the Community Center is being removed from the study, and Mr. Miller answered in the affirmative. Mr. Miller stated that future measures to consider will be included in the report because this will help establish the City's precedence for funding from ARC and help focus the City's leadership on improvements determined to be needed. Council Member Newcomb asked Mr. Miller to provide details to those present concerning information that will be added to the report. Mr. Miller stated that two recommendations will be added: first, a recommendation to connect the single-family residential area north of Concord Road to the Market Village area and the potential Belmont Hills - January 20, 2004 11 - redevelopment area through the use of additional roads or pedestrian routes; second, a recommendation to incorporate into the final LCI document some existing information from the Concord Road study which has already been completed. Mr. Housen stated that the recommendations are included to indicate that the feasibility of certain plans will be studied, and that inclusion of this information in the study may improve the eligibility of the City for certain grant funds. Council Member Newcomb stated that this information, if included, should be clearly identified as an addendum. Council Member Member Scoggins asked Mr. Miller how the reference to the infill development behind the Community Center came to be included in the study. Mr. Miller stated that this information was added by the consultant as a potential redevelopment project in the LCI study area. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked for public comment. There was none. Council Member Lnenicka commended the members of the Smyrna Revitalization Authority and the Smyrna Revitalization Task Force for their work on this project. ... MOTION: Council Member Newcomb made a motion to adopt the Livable Centers Initiative study as submitted and clarified by discussion. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith. Council Member Pritchett asked if the reference to potential infill development behind the Community Center can be placed in the addendum of recommended areas for additional study in order to improve the City's eligibility for certain grant funds, and Mr. Miller answered in the affirmative. Mr. Housen stated this is a good suggestion and can be accomplished easily. Council Member Newcomb stated he believes that inclusion ofthe reference to infill development behind the Community Center conveys the impression that the City is seeking funding for such a project, which is not the intention ofthe council. Council Member Newcomb stated he sees no reason to include any reference to infill development behind the Community Center in the study. Council Member Pritchett stated that if such a reference is not included in the study, it is likely the City would never be able to undertake such a project. Council Member Pritchett stated that inclusion of a reference to potential infill development behind the Community Center would give the City more options. Mr. Miller stated the Smyrna Revitalization Authority and the Smyrna Revitalization Task Force are still in existence, and it would be possible to make future amendments to the study with their input. Council Member Newcomb stated that reference to a potential mixed-use infill development for the area behind the Community Center could be included in the study addendum. Motion was approved 7 - O. (C) Public Hearing - Rezoning Request Z03-035 - R-15 (SFR) to Light Industrial (LI) - Oakdale Road - Freight Terminals Mr. Wright stated the applicant is proposing to build a new office building at the subject location, and seeks a rezoning from R-15 (SFR) to LI (Light Industrial). Mr. Wright stated the proposed rezoning was approved by PZB. Mr. Wright stated that staff supports the rezoning for LI-Conditional instead of LI with a number of conditions. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked for public comment. There was none. Council Member Wood recognized Mr. Michael Kavich (phonetic), representing Watkins Motor Lines (WML), and asked Mr. Kavich to provide details to those present regarding the type of structure proposed for the subject tract by WML. Mr. Kavich stated the WML building will be a one-storey masonry office building designed to house administrative and clerical staff. ... MOTION: Council Member Wood made a motion to approve Rezoning Request Z03-035 from R-15 (SFR) to Light Industrial-Conditional for Freight Terminals with the stipulations recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Council Member Scoggins. Motion was approved 6 - O. (Clerk's Note: Council Member Pritchett was not present at the time ofthis vote) January 20. 2004 12 (D) Public Hearing - Variance Request V04-001 - Approval of Use of Accent Colors - 2671 South Cobb Drive - Southeast Express Lube Mr. Wright stated the subject property is within the South Cobb Drive Overlay District where buildings are required to use muted earth tone colors. Mr. Wright stated that staff recommends approval of the request to use blue and yellow accent colors provided the color scheme used matches the one illustrated in a photograph submitted by the applicant. - Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked for public comment. There was none. Council Member Smith recognized Mr. Mark Smith, and asked Mr. Smith to explain the need for the requested variance to those present. Mr. Smith explained that Southeast Express Lube stores in Georgia and Florida use the building color scheme for which he is requesting a variance. MOTION: Council Member Smith made a motion to approve Variance Request V04-001 for use of accent colors at 2671 South Cobb Drive for Southeast Express Ll,Jbe. The motion was seconded by Council Member Scoggins. Council Member Newcomb stated that the requested colors, blue and yellow, are not earth tones. Council Member Newcomb stated he does not wish to deviate from the approved range of colors, and that he will not support this motion. Motion was approved 4 - 3, with Council Members Lnenicka, McNabb and Newcomb in opposition. (E) Approval of Amendments to Sign Ordinance - Sec. 82-2 Definitions; Sec. 82-15 (a) (2) and Sec. 82-15 (b) (3) (4) Requirements for All Signs; Sec. 82-3 (a) Signs Not Requiring Permits; Sec. 82-12 (q) (r) Prohibited Signs and Sign Devices Mr. Wright stated staff was directed by the Mayor and Council to analyze different options for changing the sign ordinance as it relates to free-standing signs and other sign issues. Mr. Wright stated the proposed sign ordinance amendment includes provisions for creation of a Cobb Parkway Corridor to allow pole signs within the corridor, to permit real estate signs not located on property for sale, and to prohibit signs on canvas or cloth. - Council Member Newcomb recognized Mr. Miller, and asked Mr. Miller to provide details concerning the proposed City sign ordinance changes to those present. Mr. Miller stated there will be changes in the size and composition of the signs to be allowed in the proposed corridor. Mr. Miller stated that current regulations call for monument based free-standing signs, and that the proposed amendment will allow pole signs in the Cobb Parkway Corridor. Mr. Miller stated that the area of Cobb Parkway not only reflects City of Smyrna zoning guidelines, but those of Marietta and Cobb County as well. Mr. Miller stated that Cobb Parkway is a high-traffic area which is very visible from 1-285. Mr. Miller stated that many of the retail establishments along Cobb Parkway are regional in nature, as opposed to being geared solely to a local market, and have different advertising needs. MOTION: Council Member Newcomb made a motion to approve amendments to the Sign Ordinance, Sec. 82-2 Definitions; Sec. 82-15 (a) (2) and Sec. 82-15 (b) (3) (4) Requirements for All Signs; Sec. 82- 3 (a) Signs Not Requiring Permits; and Sec. 82-12 (q) (r) Prohibited Signs and Sign Devices. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pritchett. Motion was approved 7 - O. (F) Public Hearing - Variance Requests V03-039 through V03-044 - Increase in Height for Free- Standing Sign [2]; Increase in Sign Area for Free-Standing Sign [2]; Approval of Use of Pole Sign in place of Monument Sign [2]; Approval of Additional Free-Standing Sign - 2750 Cobb Parkway - Nalley Lexus -- Mayor Bacon stated that this variance request has been withdrawn. January 20, 2004 13 PRIVILEGE LICENSES: There were none. - FORMAL BUSINESS: (A) Approval of Water Rate Increase from Cobb County - Marietta Water Authority Mr. Wright stated the City purchases drinking water from the Cobb County - Marietta Water Authority (CMW A), and that CMW A has notified the City of a 2.5% water rate increase. Mr. Wright stated it is recommended that the City's retail water rate be raised from $1.78 per 1,000 gallons to $1.82 per 1,000 gallons to reflect this increase. MOTION: Council Member Wood made a motion to approve a City retail water rate increase from $1.78 per 1,000 gallons to $1.82 per 1,000 gallons to be effective on the March, 2004 water billing for February usage. The motion was seconded by Council Member Newcomb. Council Member Newcomb asked Council Member Wood if it is correct that the City will have to pay the increased amount to CMW A regardless of whether or not the City raises its rates for local water customers, and Counci I Member Wood answered in the affirmative. Council Member Scoggins stated he has always opposed raising rates for City water customers to match increases from CMW A because the City has no control over the Authority's actions. Council Member Scoggins stated it is his understanding that CMW A has cash reserves which are quite sizeable. Council Member Scoggins stated that many City water customers on fixed incomes are given no choice in this matter and can only pay the higher price, and that he will not support the increase. Motion was approved 6 - 1, with Council Member Scoggins in opposition. - (B) Adoption of Ordinance for Vehicle for Hire [Taxi] Privilege Licenses Mr. Wright stated the City's vehicle for hire ordinance has been reviewed by staff and recommended changes have been included. Mr. Wright stated the revision includes a requirement for licensees to furnish individual vehicle listings. Mr. Wright stated that staff recommends adoption of the revised vehicle for hire ordinance. Council Member Wood provided details of the proposed changes to the vehicle for hire ordinance to those present. MOTION: Council Member Wood made a motion to approve the adoption of the ordinance for vehicle for hire privilege licenses to be effective immediately. The motion was seconded by Council Member Smith. Motion was approved 7 - O. (C) Approval of Franchise Agreement with Comcast Cable of Georgia Mr. Wright stated the Georgia Municipal Association's telecommunications services group has negotiated an agreement to allow Comcast to provide cable services within the city limits of Smyrna. Mr. Wright stated that key provisions of the proposed 12-year franchise agreement include payment of a 5 percent franchise fee on gross receipts, provision of a channel for government use, requirement of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and a $20,000 performance bond and establishment of customer service standards such as time limits on new installations and service changes. Mr. Wright stated staff recommends approval of this franchise agreement. - Council Member Wood stated that provision of cable service in the City is not exclusive and is open to competition. Council Member Wood stated that Comcast will be able to provide cable service in parts of the City where such service is not currently available. January 20, 2004 14 MOTION: Council Member Wood made a motion to approve the franchise agreement with Comcast Cable of Georgia. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pritchett. Council Member McNabb stated he encourages the representatives of Comcast to consider offering competitive service to City residents, including those in areas which presently have cable service. Motion was approved 7 - O. - (D) Approval of Amendment to Code Section 50-26, Adoption of Fire Codes Mr. Wright stated the City code section that adopts the fire codes enforced by the City needs to be updated to refer to the codes as they are presently known. Mr. Wright stated that language has been added to the ordinance to clarifY the manner in which changes to the code are adopted. Mr. Wright stated that staff recommends approval of this amendment. Council Member Lnenicka stated the ordinance will be changed to reflect reference to the International Fire Code and the International Property Maintenance Code. Council Member Lnenicka stated that language to clarifY the way in which changes to the code are adopted will also be included. MOTION: Council Member Lnenicka made a motion to approve an amendment to Code Section 50-26, Adoption of Fire Codes. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wood. Motion was approved 7 -0. (E) Appointment of Ward 7 Representative to the Keep Smyrna Beautiful Commission MOTION: Council Member Wood made a motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Wayne Waldrip to represent Ward 7 on the Keep Smyrna Beautiful Commission. The motion was seconded by Council Member Lnenicka. Motion was approved 7 - O. COMMERCIAL BUILDING PERMITS: - (A) 8,000 Square Foot Office/Storage Building - U. P. C. S., Inc. - 2435 Dixie Avenue- Allan Khalife Council Member Scoggins asked Mr. Miller if staff recommends approval of this permit application, and Mr. Miller answered in the affirmative. Mr. Miller stated the proposed building is a contractor's office, which is a permitted use for the General Commercial zoning in the subject area. MOTION: Council Member Scoggins made a motion to approve a commercial building permit for an 8,000 square foot office/storage building for U. P. C. S., Inc. at 2435 Dixie Avenue for Allan Khalife. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pritchett. Motion was approved 7 - O. (B) 6,400 Square Foot Office/Warehouse Building - Carmichael Communications - 2600 Matthews Street - John Carmichael MOTION: Council Member Scoggins made a motion to approve a commercial building permit for a 6,400 square foot office/warehouse building for Carmichael Communications at 2600 Matthews Street for John Carmichael. The motion was seconded by Council Member Wood. Motion was approved 7-0. CONSENT AGENDA: (A) (B) Approval of January 5, 2004 Minutes Approval of Deletion of2003 Revisions to the NFPA 1582 Fire Code Staff has recommended deletion of the 2003 amendments to NFP A 1582, the Standard Comprehensive Occupational Medical Code for Fire Departments. - January 20. 2004 15 (C) Approval of Change Order for Chuck Camp Park Engineers took soil borings at 4 field light pole locations and found conditions to be unsuitable to safely set poles in the ground. To correct the conditions for each hole, concrete rubble will be removed, a metal pipe installed in the hole, and concrete added so that a solid base is created for pole installation. Costs are for added engineering, materials and labor. Approval of this change order is recommended. - MOTION: Council Member Wood made a motion to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Council Member Lnenicka. Motion was approved 7 - O. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Council Member Wood expressed appreciation to the citizens who attended this meeting to provide their input into the discussion regarding the development in the area of Oakdale Road. Council Member Lnenicka wished Chief Hook a happy birthday. Council Member Lnenicka thanked the members of the Heritage at Vinings HOA for inviting him to their recent meeting, and for their interest in and support ofthe community. Council Member Lnenicka thanked Chief Hook and Mr. Ciaccio for their help at the HOA meeting. Council Member Lnenicka stated the National Commander of the American Legion will be at the Veterans Memorial park this Saturday to visit the Memorial. Council Member Smith recognized Mr. Corey, and Mr. Corey provided details of positions for which the City is currently recruiting to those present. Council Member McNabb reminded those present that the meeting of the Forest Hills Preservation Society will be held at City Hall tomorrow night. - Council Member McNabb recognized Ms. Bennett, and Ms. Bennett provided details regarding the City's new website to those present. Council Member McNabb recognized Mr. Seigler, and Mr. Seigler provided details of exhibits and programs planned for the City Library to those present. Mr. Seigler also provided details of a tax return preparation assistance program which will be available at the City Library during tax season. Council Member McNabb recognized Mr. Ciaccio, and Mr. Ciaccio provided details of progress on various parks and recreation projects to those present. Council Member Scoggins recognized Ms. Hiott, and Ms. Hiott stated there are now presently three court dates, which is resulting in more efficient scheduling of court cases. Ms. Hiott stated that current council meeting agendas will be posted on the City web site in the near future. Council Member Newcomb recognized Mr. Miller, and Mr. Miller provided current building permit statistics to those present. Council Member Pritchett recognized Mr. Stokes, and Mr. Stokes provided details of various Public Works Department projects to those present. - Council Member Pritchett recognized Ms. Kirk, and Ms. Kirk thanked Sandi Sands, Dale Holmes, June Wolf and Sue Brissey for agreeing to serve additional terms on the Keep Smyrna Beautiful Commission (KSB). Ms. Kirk stated she is glad to have Mr. Waldrip on KSB. Ms. Kirk stated that a new Assistant Director for KSB, Ms. Virginia Davis, started work today. Ms. Kirk stated there will be an Adopt-a- Mile event this Saturday. January 20. 2004 CITIZENS INPUT: There was none. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11 :26 p.m. A. MAX BACON, MAYOR /........\ , /~; . </!z{ ~~;Z~J((t!- ITCHETT, WARD 1 . ~ ~'" e~t<JJ, CHARLES PETE WOOD, WARD 7 ~ ' ~41 I), 71 U AN D. HIOTT, CITY CLE~ ,2=.J /0}ue / RON NEWCOMB, WARD 2 16 - - - ORDINANCE ANNEXING PROPERTY INTO THE CITY OF SMYRNA -- Ordinance Number 2003-34 Land Lot 62.63. 170. 176. 177 Acres 75.48 WHEREAS, the City of Smyrna is authorized pursuant to Title 36, Article 2, of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to allow annexation of property; and WHEREAS, the owners of 100 percent of the land described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto have been notified of the City's desire that their property be annexed into the City of Smyrna as shown on said Exhibit; and WHEREAS, the City of Smyrna held a public hearing on such on January 20. 2004 after first providing notice as required by law; and WHEREAS, the City of Smyrna has determined, and does hereby determine that the annexation of said property into the municipality would be in the best interests of the property owners of the area to be annexed and of the citizens of the municipality; and WHEREAS, at a regular meeting of the City Council of Smyrna the motion to approve the annexation of said property passed by a majority vote without veto; and .. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, and it is hereby ordained that the Charter of the City of Smyrna be amended and the same is hereby amended by adding to the description of the City Limits the property herein annexed. Such legal description is attached hereto as Exhibit "A." BE IT ALSO ORDAINED that the Official Map of the City of Smyrna be amended to show the annexation of said property. SO ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Smyrna, this 20th January. 2004 ~ day of A. Max Bacon, Mayor Sus D. Hiott, City Clerk City of Smyrna JIIIII Ity Attorney - - - Ordinance 2003-34 Exhibit "A" All that tract of parcel or land lying and being in Land Lots 62, 63, 170, 171, 176, & 177 of the 18th District and 2nd Section of Cobb County, Georgia and being more particularly described as follows: To find the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING, commence from a point along Oakdale Road (variable R/W), following a course North 51 degrees 2 minutes 21 seconds East approximately 132.5 feet North from centerline of driveway of Terry Drive to a point and the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING, from the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING, as thus established, thence South 46 degrees 06 minutes 07 seconds East a distance of 194.96 feet to a point; thence North 51 degrees 02 minutes 21 seconds East a distance of 104.68 feet to a point; thence North 46 degrees 06 minutes 07 seconds West a distance of 194.96 feet to a point; thence North 51 degrees 02 minutes 22 seconds East a distance of 30.97 feet to a point; thence 179.37' feet along an arc of a curve to the left, said curve having a radius of 769.30 feet and a chord bearing and distance of North 44 degrees 21 minutes 34 seconds East a distance of 178.97 feet to a point; thence South 54 degrees 58 minutes 17 seconds East a distance of 170.00 feet to a point; thence North 34 degrees 26 minutes 38 seconds East a distance of 89.84 feet to a point; thence North 60 degrees 39 minutes 20 seconds West a distance of 170.00 feet to a point; thence North 28 degrees 02 minutes 19 seconds East a distance of 112.84 feet to a point; thence North 22 degrees 26 minutes 47 seconds East a distance of 118.57 feet to a point; thence South 61 degrees 51 minutes 39 seconds East a distance of 194.36 feet to a point; thence North 23 degrees 13 minutes 45 seconds East a distance of99.87 feet to a point; thence South 62 degrees 12 minutes 18 seconds East a distance of9.90 feet to a point; thence North 23 degrees 02 minutes 27 seconds East a distance of 196.55 feet to a point; thence North 24 degrees 36 minutes 51 seconds East a distance of 100.00 feet to a point; thence North 24 degrees 36 minutes 51 seconds East a distance of 80.00 feet to a point; thence North 61 degrees 40 minutes 38 seconds West a distance of205.00 feet to a point; thence North 32 degrees 04 minutes 30 seconds East a distance of 113.41 feet to a point; thence South 57 degrees 41 minutes 07 seconds East a dista.1ce of202.09 feet to a point; thence North 32 degrees 15 minutes 27 seconds East a distance of 50.02 feet to a point; thence North 41 degrees 17 minutes 44 seconds East a distance of 100.12 feet to a point; thence North 45 degrees 46 minutes 28 seconds East a distance of 100.36 feet to a point; thence North 48 degrees 56 minutes 36 seconds East a distance of 100.15 feet to a point; thence North 49 degrees 59 minutes 18 seconds East a distance of99.97 feet to a point; thence North 49 degrees 09 minutes 59 seconds East a distance of 100.41 feet to a point; thence North 57 degrees 25 minutes 16 seconds West a distance of 150.85 feet to a point; thence North 69 degrees 57 minutes 38 seconds West a distance of 57.00 feet to a point; thence North 45 degrees 06 minutes 53 seconds East a distance of 66.41 feet to a point; thence North 45 degrees 05 minutes 07 seconds East a distance of296.72 feet to a point; thence North 42 degrees 48 minutes 04 seconds East a distance of 100.00 feet to a point; thence North 40 degrees 29 minutes 22 seconds East a distance of 304.77 feet to a point; thence South 5] degrees 32 minutes 34 seconds East a distance of2] ] .53 feet to a point; thence North 03 degrees 56 minutes 21 seconds East a distance of21.8] feet to a point; thence North 42 degrees 49 minutes 49 seconds East a distance of 92.] 7 feet to a point; thence North 51 degrees 30 minutes 25 seconds West a distance of206.30 feet to a point; thence North 38 degrees 29 minutes 35 seconds East a distance of 45.26 feet to a point; thence South 51 degrees 30 minutes 25 seconds East a distance of 206.18 feet to a point; thence North 38 degrees ]4 minutes 51 seconds East a distance of 114.25 feet to a point; thence North 33 degrees 28 minutes 07 seconds East a distance of65.98 feet to a point; thence South 56 degrees 11 minutes 44 seconds East a distance of 199.91 feet to a point; thence South 57 degrees 13 minutes 11 seconds East a distance of 140.98 feet to a point; thence South 56 degrees 35 minutes 23 seconds East a distance of 155.42 feet to a point; thence North 32 degrees 51 minutes 52 seconds East a distance of 193.10 feet to a point; thence South 59 degrees 47 minutes 24 seconds East a distance of 191.40 feet to a point; - - - 2 thence South 34 degrees 04 minutes 45 seconds West a distance of677.52 feet to a point; thence North 88 degrees 52 minutes 45 seconds West a distance of 538.00 feet to a point; thence North 83 degrees 20 minutes 49 seconds West a distance of29.78 feet to a point; thence South 00 degrees 16 minutes 42 seconds West a distance of954.80 feet to a point; thence South 57 degrees 44 minutes 03 seconds East a distance of 139.72 feet to a point; thence South 07 degrees 03 minutes 13 seconds West a distance of 55.84 feet to a point; thence South 52 degrees 28 minutes 22 seconds West a distance of 111.37 feet to a point; thence South 52 degrees 46 minutes 35 seconds West a distance of 166.66 feet to a point; thence South 53 degrees 47 minutes 45 seconds West a distance of 137.12 feet to a point; thence South 47 degrees 48 minutes 38 seconds West a distance of 77.84 feet to a point; thence South 29 degrees 51 minutes 30 seconds West a distance of 324.18 feet to a point; thence South 29 degrees 52 minutes 53 seconds West a distance of 104.17 feet to a point; thence North 54 degrees 55 minutes 05 seconds West a distance of 1.66 feet to a point; thence South 51 degrees 02 minutes 33 seconds West a distance of387.03 feet to a point; thence South 47 degrees 59 minutes 23 seconds West a distance of396.88 feet to a point; thence South 44 degrees 45 minutes 22 seconds West a distance of346.90 feet to a point; thence North 42 degrees 22 minutes 41 seconds West a distance of257.77 feet to a point; thence South 49 degrees 12 minutes 58 seconds West a distance of89.15 feet to a point; thence North 42 degrees 57 minutes 19 seconds West a distance of293.59 feet to a point; thence North 42 degrees 11 minutes 01 seconds West a distance of 18.60 feet to a point; thence North 41 degrees 57 minutes 05 seconds West a distance of 419.73 feet to a point; thence 46.68 feet along an arc ofa curve to the left, said curve having a radius of 1266.91 feet and a chord bearing and distance of North 22 degrees 31 minutes 13 seconds East a distance of 46.68 feet to a point; thence North 23 degrees 34 minutes 33 seconds East a distance of 18.05 feet to a point; thence 110.77 feet along an arc of a curve to the right, said curve having a radius of 733.94 feet and a chord bearing and distance of North 27 degrees 53 minutes 59 seconds East a distance of 110.67 feet to a point; thence 193.33 feet along an arc of a curve to the left, said cl'rve having a radius of 733.94 feet and a chord bearing and distance of North 39 degrees 46 minutes 10 seconds East a distance of 192.77 feet to a point; thence 47.70 feet along an arc ofa curve to the left, said curve having a radius of733.94 feet and a chord bearing and distance of North 49 degrees 10 minutes 40 seconds East a distance of 47.69 feet to a point; thence North 51 degrees 02 minutes 21 seconds East a distance of27.45 feet to a point; thence North 51 degrees 02 minutes 21 seconds East a distance of73.49 feet to a point; thence North 51 degrees 02 minutes 21 seconds East a distance of 163.03 feet to a point and the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING. Said tract containing approximately 75.48acres (3,287,908.8 square feet), as shown on the rezoning site plan for Columns Group by Planners and Engineers Collaborative dated September 30th, 2003. This legal description has been compiled using deeds and maps of record. ORDINANCE No. 2004-2 ... AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA, PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA, SEC. 50-26 ADOPTION OF FIRE CODES, PARAGRAPH (a), TO REFERENCE REGULATIONS KNOWN AS THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE AND THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, AND TO CLARIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH CHANGES TO THE CODE ARE ADOPTED BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA: That Section 50-26 (a) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, be amended so that such sections shall read as follows: - "There are hereby adopted by the city, for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion, those certain codes known as the International Fire Code and the International Property Maintenance Code, published by the International Code Council being particularly the current edition thereof, as amended from time to time; and the National Fire Codes, all volumes, being particularly the current edition thereof, published by the National Fire Protection Association; and the whole thereof, as amended from time to time, save and except such portions as are hereafter deleted, modified or amended by the Mayor and City Councilor are in conflict with this Code, of which codes at least one copy of each has been and is now filed in the office of the fire marshal, and the fire codes are hereby adopted and incorporated as fully as if set out at length in this article, and the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of the city, with revisions, amendments, and new editions published by the National Fire Protection Association being in effect six months after issue." All ordinances, parts of ordinances, or regulations in conflict herewith are repealed as of the effective date of this ordinance. Severability: Should any section of this Ordinance be declared invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any part thereof which is not specifically declared to be invalid or unconstitutional. , I .. ORDINANCE No. 2004-2 - Approved by Mayor and Conncil Ibis 20th./~ ~ Attest: ~ ~ ~f). S san D. Hiott, City Clerk City of Smyrna A. Max Bacon, Mayor Approved as to form: - Scott A. Cochran, City Attorney City of Smyrna - 2 Ordinance 2004-4 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA, PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 82 - SIGNS, BE AMENDED BY REVISING SECTIONS 82-2, 82-3, 82-12, AND 82-15, PROVIDING A DEFINITION OF COBB PARKWAY CORRIDOR AND WINDOW SIGN, TO DEFINE CERTAIN TYPES OF PROHIBITED SIGNS, AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SPECIFICS PERTAINING TO SIGN REGULATION BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA: That Sections 82-2, 82-3, 82-12, and 82-15 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, be amended so that such sections shall read as follows: Section 82-2. Definitions shall be amended by the addition of the following definitions: "Cobb Parkway Corridor means any property which has frontage on Cobb Parkway within the City limits of City of Smyrna. Window sign means a sign painted upon or affixed so as to be visible through or upon a window." Section 82-3 (a) Signs Not Requiring Permits shall be amended to read as follows: - "NoniIIuminated real estate signs provided such signs are not located on any public right-of-way. Such signs shall be removed within ten days after the subject lot or building is leased or sold." Section 82-12 Prohibited signs and sign devices, shall be amended by the addition of the following subsections: "(15) Permanent signs which are placed on canvas, cloth or other similar materials (excluding signs on awnings). (16) Permanent or temporary signs which have: missing or damaged lenses, exposed lighting/electrical materials or otherwise damaged (including rust) support structures/sign cabinets. " Section 82-15 Requirements for all signs, subsection (a) (2), shall be amended to read as follows: "If a permanent sign (excluding wall signs) requires a sign permit then the sign structure must be a ground based monument sign structure. This shall not apply to properties located in the Cobb Parkway Corridor which are permitted to have pole signs." - Ordinance 2004-4 Section 82-15 Requirements for all signs, subsection (b), shall be amended by the addition of the following subsections: - "(4) Commercial identification within the Cobb Parkway Corridor on property zoned CBD, LC, 01, GC, OD, LI or PS with less than 5 acres a. Each building shall be permitted one free-standing sign (either pole or monument) per street frontage with a maximum area of 100 square feet and a maximum height of 25 feet. The sign height shall be measured in a plane from ground level to the top of the sign. No free-standing sign shall be setback more than 50 feet from any public right-of-way. b. Individual signs qualifYing as wall or fascia signs may be permitted for each business or building. Square footage will be determined by the following formula: 1 square foot multiplied by the number of feet of frontage of the business or building. The total permitted area may be increased at a rate of 15% for every 50 feet of building setback from the right-of-way. In no instance shall the total sign area exceed 325 square feet. Commercial identification within the Cobb Parkway Corridor on property zoned CBD, LC, 01, GC, OD, LI or PS with 5 or more acres a. Each building shall be permitted one free-standing sign (either pole or monument) per street frontage with a maximum area of 150 square feet and a maximum height of 50 feet. The sign height shall be measured in a plane from ground level to the top of the sign. No free-standing sign shall be setback more than 50 feet from any public right-of-way. - b. Individual signs qualifYing as wall or fascia signs may be permitted for each business or building. Square footage will be determined by the following formula: I square foot multiplied by the number of feet of frontage of the business or building. The total permitted area may be increased at a rate of 15% for every 50 feet of building setback from the right-of-way. In no instance shall the total sign area exceed 325 square feet. All ordinances, parts of ordinances, or regulations in conflict herewith are repealed as of the effective date of this ordinance. Severability: Should any section of this Ordinance be declared invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any part thereof which is not specifically declared to be invalid or unconstitutional. - 2 Ordinance 2004-4 Approved by Mayor and Council this 20th day of January, 2004. .. Attest: A. Max Bacon, Mayor ~,Y(~ Susan D. Hiott, City Clerk City of Smyrna Scott A. Cochran, City Attorney City of Smyrna - - 3 ORDINANCE No. 2004-3 - AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA, PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA, CHAPTER 110, VEHICLES FOR HIRE, TO PROVIDE FOR A REQUIREMENT FOR LICENSEES TO FURNISH INDIVIDUAL VEHICLE LISTINGS, AND TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR VEHICLE FOR HIRE OPERATIONS, BY REPEALING THE EXISTING CHAPTER 110 IN ITS ENTIRETY AND SUPPLANTING SAID CHAPTER WITH A REVAMPED CODE SECTION BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA, GEORGIA: That Chapter 110 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Smyrna, Georgia, be amended so that such Chapter shall read as follows: Chapter 110 VEHICLES FOR HIRE* - Article I. In General Sees. 110-1--110-62. Reserved. Article II. Operation and Business Regulations - Sec. 110-63. Definitions. Sec. 110-64. Engaged in business of vehicles for hire defined. Sec. 110-64.1. Sedan carriers and chauffeurs. Sec. 110-65. License generally. Sec. 110-66. Insurance required for license. Sec. 110-67. Vehicle permit stickers with license. Sec. 110-68. Vehicle safety standards; verification. Sec. 110-69. Denial, suspension and revocation of business license; hearing. Sec. 11 0-70. Regulation of drivers of vehicles for hire. Sec. 110-71. Denial, suspension, revocation of operator's permits; hearing. Sec. 110-72. Previous denial or revocation of business license or operator's permit. Sec. 110-73. Vehicle markings; rates. Sec. 110-74. Interior requirements of vehicles for hire. Sec. 110-75. Parking of taxicabs. Sec. 110-76. Trip sheets or logs. Sec. 110-77. Cruising. Sec. 110-78. Call jumping. Sec. 110-79. Appearance and hygiene of drivers. Sec. 110-80. Audits. Sec. 110-81. Miscellaneous regulations. Sec. 110-82. Complaints. Sec. 110-83. Reserved. Sec. 110-84. Severability. Sec. 110-85. Enforcement and penalty. Ordinance No. 2004-3 Sec. 110-86. Effective date. - ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL Sees. 110-1--110-62. Reserved. ARTICLE II. OPERA TION AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS See. 110-63. Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Business license means the license required of all persons, firms or corporations engaged in business in the city. - Chauffeur means, for purposes of this article, any person with a state driver's license who meets the qualifications as prescribed in a.c.G.A. ~ 46-7-85.10 and who is authorized by the public service commission to drive a sedan. Director means the police chief. Dispatcher means a person assigned to a base of operations, in contact with taxicabs of the licensee's company having access to a telephone to talk with passengers or place phone calls in the event of an emergency. Domicile means the place where the corporate establishment is maintained, its principal place of business. Licensee means a person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity licensed by the city business license office to engage in the vehicle for hire business. Limousine means any motor vehicle that meets the manufacturer's specifications for luxury limousine with a designed seating capacity for no more than ten passengers with a minimum of five seats located behind the operator of the vehicle, and which does not have a door at the rear of the vehicle designed to allow passenger entry or exit; further, no vehicle shall be permitted to be operated both as a taxicab and as a limousine. - 2 Ordinance No. 2004-3 Limousines and limousine carriers shall be fully regulated by the state under the public . . . serVIce commIssIOn. - Motor vehicle safety standards means standards promulgated by the police department for approval by the governing authority that all vehicles for hire regulated under this article must meet. Operator's permit means the written authority granted by the police department to persons who qualify to operate vehicles for hire. Sometimes referred to as driver's permit. Permittee means a person granted a permit to operate vehicles for hire in the city. Sedan means any luxury or nonluxury sedan or town car type vehicle which has a seating capacity of not more than five passengers and the driver and which does not contain a taximeter designed to measure electronically or mechanically the distance traveled or time. Sedan carrier means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association or joint-stock association operating a service regularly rendered to the public by furnishing transportation as a motor common carrier for hire, not over fixed routes, by means of sedans driven by chauffeurs on the basis of telephone contract, written contract or other prearrangement. - Taxicab means a motor vehicle used as a public conveyance which does not meet the requirements of a limousine, is not a van, minibus or sedan, has a taximeter and is subject to the rules and regulations of this article, and in which the number of persons carried does not exceed the manufacturer's specifications for number of passengers for which the car was designed, with the driver counted as one such person. Taxicab stand means any area on privately owned property which is approved and designated for the parking, stopping or standing of taxicabs by the property owner or person lawfully responsible for the property for the purpose of accepting or soliciting any consideration, charge or fee in exchange for transportation by or other use of the taxicabs. Such designation must be made in writing granting express authority to the licensee to operate from or within a taxicab stand by the property owner or person responsible for the property and kept on file at the business license office for each current year of the designation. Such area must be zoned for such use by the zoning ordinances of the city and must be approved for such use in the application submitted to the city. Valid complaint means a complaint against an operator or business to the business license office where the complainant provides his or her name, address and substance of complaint, and expresses a willingness to attend any hearing regarding his/her complaint. - Van means any motor vehicle, other than a limousine, extended limousine, minibus or a sedan with a designed seating capacity for no more than 15 passengers, including the driver. 3 Ordinance No. 2004-3 Vehicle for hire means any motor vehicle designed or used for the purpose of transporting passengers for consideration or charges which are determined by agreement, contract, mileage or by the length of time the vehicle is used. Such term does not include vehicles regulated by the state public service commission. For the purposes of this article, vehicles for hire shall mean taxicabs and sedans. - Vehicle permit sticker means the sticker issued to licensee upon proof of insurance and verification of compliance with city vehicle mechanical safety standards to be placed on each vehicle for hire operated under this article and renewed annually. Sec. 110-64. Engaged in business of vehicles for hire defined. Engaged in business of vehicles for hire means any person, firm or corporation who has an office within The City of Smyrna and within the city engages in picking up passengers and accepting or soliciting any consideration, charge or fee, which is determined by an agreement, by mileage, by the length of time the vehicle is used or by contract for the use of any motor vehicle or other vehicle designed or used for the purpose of transporting. Sec. 110-64.1. Sedan carriers and chauffeurs. (a) The following provisions of this article shall not apply to sedan carriers: (1) Section 110-65(c)(4) regarding a copy of the rate schedule and operation hours. - (2) Section 110-65 (c)(8) regarding dispatcher's address and operating hours. (3) Section 110-67(l)a. regarding submitting a company logo and/or identification color scheme. (4) Section 110-73(a), (b) and (c) regarding vehicle markings and rates. (5) Section 110-74(c) regarding the prominent display of the telephone number of the business license office. (6) Section 110-81 (a) regarding the first sentence pertaining to notification of a dispatcher concerning personal property left behind. (7) Section 110-82(a), second sentence, regarding display of the business license office telephone number. (b) The following provisions shall not apply to a chauffeur if such chauffeur can show he/she has provided substantially the same information to the public service commission within the last 12 months: - 4 Ordinance No. 2004-3 (1) Section 110-65(c) regarding submitting to a police clearance consisting of a background investigation and/or fingerprinting. - (2) Section IIO-70(c) regarding submitting to a police clearance consisting of a background investigation and/or fingerprinting. (c) All other provisions of this article shall remain in full force and effect with regard to sedan carriers and chauffeurs. Sec. 110-65. License requirements generally. - (a) No person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity shall engage in the business of operating vehicles for hire, except limousines, in the city without first having been issued a business license. Limousine carriers and other vehicles not regulated by this article but engaged in the business of vehicles for hire which are domiciled within the city must be issued a business license and pay business license fees including a nonrefundable application fee. A business license shall be granted by the supervisor of the business license office if the application meets all the legal requirements of this article and the police department provides a clearance consistent with the requirements of this article. If the application does not meet all the legal requirements of this article or the police department does not provide a clearance on the application, it shall be denied by the supervisor of the business license office. Any decision of the supervisor of the business license office shall be final unless an appeal is filed by any aggrieved party within ten days of the date of notice to the applicant regarding denial of the application. This appeal shall be to the full mayor and council. (b) The license must be posted in public view at the license location. (c) In order to secure a business license to operate a taxicab service or as a sedan carrier, an applicant must provide information showing its qualifications on a form provided by the business license office of the city, must provide information requested by the police department and must submit to a police clearance consisting of a background investigation and/or fingerprinting. If the applicant is other than a sole proprietor, all partners, officers, managers and stockholders holding a 20 percent or more interest in the company shall be subject to the provisions of this section. An applicant must: (1) Be at least 21 years of age; (2) Be a citizen of the United States or an alien admitted for permanent residence or a person who has otherwise been granted employment authorization by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service; (3) a. Not have been convicted, plead guilty, plead nolo contendere or - 5 Ordinance No. 2004-3 been on probation or parole for a period of five years previous to the date of application for the violation of any of the following criminal offenses of the state or any other state or of the United States: Criminal homicide; rape; aggravated battery; mayhem; burglary; aggravated assault; kidnapping; robbery; child molestation; any sex-related offense; driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating beverages or drugs; leaving the scene of an accident; criminal solicitation to commit any of these listed offenses; attempts to commit any of these listed offenses; any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used; perjury or false swearing; any crime of violence or theft, or possession, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs, barbituric acid derivatives or central nervous system stimulants, any felony, any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; provided, however, that all applicants shall be entitled to the full benefits of article 3 of chapter 8 of title 42, O.c.G.A., relating to first offender status; - b. If at the time of application the applicant is charged with any of the offenses described in paragraph (c) (3) a. of this Section, consideration of the application shall be suspended until a final resolution of the charges. (4) Provide a copy of the rate schedule and the daily hours of operation; (5) Provide the name, address and telephone number of a responsible individual who is a full-time employee in a management position ofthe applicant residing [in] the city who will be the registered agent for the purpose of serving of process; - (6) Provide proof of insurance pursuant to section 110-66 of this article; (7) Provide information and verification pursuant to section 110-67 of this article; (8) Provide the address of an office staffed by company agents or employees, including a dispatcher, that will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and during any additional hours that any vehicle for hire associated with that company is being operated. (9) All taxicab companies and vehicle for hire companies based within the Smyrna City Limits shall submit to the city business license division a list containing each make, model, separate vehicle number, vehicle identification number, tag number, and insurance for each taxicab or vehicle. - 6 Ordinance No. 2004-3 (d) All licenses obtained through the business license office of the city for taxicab companies or other entities shall not be transferable. ... Sec. 110-66. Insurance required for license. (a) An applicant for a business license to operate a taxicab service or as a sedan carrier shall provide with the application proof of motor vehicle insurance indicating the vehicle(s) as a vehicle(s) to be used as a vehicle for hire, covering public liability and property damage naming the city as insured under the policy, issued by an insurer approved by the state and in the applicant's name, in the following amounts per vehicle: (1) $25,000.00 per death or bodily injury per person; (2) $50,000.00 per death or bodily injury per occurrence; (3) $25,000.00 personal property damage. - Should the state law which requires motor vehicle liability minimum insurance coverage as evidence of security for bodily injury and property damage liability (O.c.G.A. chapter 9 of title 40; the "Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act") be changed to require greater minimums in any category of liability listed above, the minimum amounts listed herein shall be automatically amended to require such amount(s) upon the effective date of such legislation with no additional notice to the public and no formal action required by the governing authority. Additionally, should there be enacted at any time laws affecting insurance requirements of vehicles for hire particularly, this article will automatically incorporate such requirements with no additional notice to the public and no formal action required by the governing authority. (b) All persons, firms, partnerships, companies or other entities licensed to operate a taxicab service or as a sedan carrier in the city as of the date of adoption of this article shall be entitled to continue doing business provided such person or entity submits to the business license office of the city proof of current insurance in the manner and amounts described above and verification pursuant to section 110-68 of this article on or before the effective date of this article. (c) Proof of insurance must be submitted in accordance with the term of the individual policy, but in any event at least on an annual basis showing proof of insurance for the subsequent year. Such proof may be made by: (1) By providing a verified statement from a licensed insurance agent or licensed insurance company within this state setting forth the identity of the vehicle(s) for which coverage has been procured (by vehicle identification number, make and model), the amount of coverage afforded to each such vehicle, indication that the vehicle is being operated as a taxicab and the term for which such coverage has been prepared by the - 7 Ordinance No. 2004-3 licensed company or entity. (2) Reserved. - (d) Before the policy is cancelled for nonpayment of premium or other cause, notice thereof shall be given by the insurance company in writing to the business license office of the city at least 30 days before the policy lapses. (e) A licensee shall report any additional vehicles to be operated pursuant to this article to the business license office and shall provide proof of insurance on such vehicle(s) pursuant to this section. Sec. 110-67. Vehicle permit stickers with license. A business duly licensed to operate a taxicab service or as a sedan carrier pursuant to this article will be issued, at the time of licensing or at the time of providing proof of insurance as required by section 11 0-66(b) of this article, vehicle permitting stickers for each vehicle owned, leased or operated by such business, pursuant to the following conditions: (1) The applicant or licensee must: a. List all vehicles to be operated in the business indicating their make, model, year, VIN, tag number and color on a form to be provided by the business license office. Each company shall submit a company logo and/or identification/color scheme which shall not be the same or similar to any other company. The logo and/or identification/color scheme shall be approved by the business license office. - b. Execute a verification statement concerning the mechanical safety of each vehicle listed subsection (1 )a. above pursuant to section 110-68 of this article. c. Provide proof of insurance for each vehicle listed in subsection (l)a. above as set forth in section 110-66 along with vehicle registration, both of which must be in the applicant's name. d. Pays a fee for vehicle permit sticker. (2) Stickers must at all times be displayed on the passenger's rear side window and in the front windshield, bottom right-hand corner for sedan carriers. Each vehicle will be assigned a numbered sticker and that sticker may not be used on any other vehicle. (3) No vehicle permit sticker issued under this article may be leased, - 8 - (4) (5) (6) - Ordinance No. 2004-3 subleased, assigned or otherwise transferred. No vehicle to which a permit sticker is affixed may be leased, subleased or otherwise assigned for the purpose of operating a taxicab service or as a sedan carrier under this article. A licensee shall report any additional vehicles to be operated pursuant to this article and shall provide all information necessary and pay all fees required to obtain additional vehicle permit stickers. A fee schedule for vehicle permit stickers will be recommended by the supervisor of the business license office and approved from time to time by the governing authority. Such schedule will be on file with the clerk of the city, the business license office and the police department. It shall be the responsibility of the licensee to renew vehicle permit stickers annually. Any licensee who fails to timely renew its vehicle permit and pay such fee when due shall pay, in addition to such fee, a separate penalty equal to ten percent of the permit sticker fee for each period of 30 days, or portion thereof, following the due date. To be considered a city business for purposes of determining vehicle sticker permit fees, a business must have or operate out of one or more offices within the city. A post office box will not constitute an office. If a business license is suspended for any length of time, all vehicle permit stickers associated with such license shall be null and void for the period of the suspension only. If the suspension is in effect on the annual renewal date of the business license or on the annual renewal date of the vehicle permit sticker, then immediately upon the suspension ending, such person or entity shall renew its license and vehicle permit sticker(s). Sec. 110-68. Vehicle safety standards; verification. (a) Each person, firm, partnership, company or other entity operating a taxicab service or as a sedan carrier shall maintain each vehicle thus operated in a good, safe and serviceable mechanical condition. (b) The police department shall recommend minimum motor vehicle safety standards for approval by the governing authority. These standards will be filed with the clerk of the city, the business license office and the police department. All persons or entities operating, owning or leasing vehicles for hire shall be presumed to have knowledge of such standards. All vehicles for hire operating on the roads and streets of the city will be required to maintain their motor vehicles in compliance with such standards. A verification statement that the motor vehicles to be used in the business meet or exceed the requirements and standards approved by the governing authority shall be required and shall be submitted to the business license office in such form as the business license office shall require before vehicle permit stickers may be issued. Such verification must be signed by a technician at a location properly licensed to do business and also - 9 Ordinance No. 2004-3 executed by the sole proprietor, named partner or president or CEO of a corporation. (c) Vehicles shall be subject to random inspections at any time by the police department or the business license office. A vehicle found to be substandard shall be removed from service immediately and will remain removed from service until adequate proof is provided to the police chief or his designee or the supervisor of the business license office that the vehicle is compliant with the standards approved by the city. Proof that a vehicle has been brought into compliance with the standards shall not affect the ability to assess any and all civil or criminal penalties or actions against the business or driver for violation of this Code. - Sec. 110-69. Denial, suspension and revocation of business license; hearing. (a) A business license or an application for a business license under this article may be denied, suspended or revoked for due cause as defined in subsection (c) hereof. (b) A business license previously issued by this city may be revoked only after a hearing before the governing authority on a prior written notice to the licensee setting forth the time, place and purpose of such hearing and a statement of the reason why the license would be revoked. Unless the circumstances justify otherwise, three days' notice shall be deemed reasonable, but shorter or longer periods of notice shall be authorized as the governing authority may deem the circumstances justify. The hearing shall be held no later than 30 days after the supervisor notifies licensee of a hearing before the governing authority. After a hearing, if the governing authority determines due cause to exist, the governing authority may suspend, revoke or place on probation for a maximum of 12 months, with or without conditions, the license or licensee. - (c) A business license may be denied, suspended or revoked for any of the following reasons: (1) Where the applicant furnishes fraudulent or untruthful information or omits information requested in the application for a business license. (2) For failure to pay all fees, taxes, penalties or other charges imposed by the provisions of this article, and of the City Code, and as they may be amended. (3) F or failure to have or maintain all of the general qualifications applicable to the initial issuance of a license. (4) F or violation of any part of this article by the licensee, its agents, partners, officers, employees or contractors. (5) Allowing the required insurance coverage to lapse. - 10 Ordinance No. 2004-3 (6) Allowing taxicabs to operate [within] the city that do not meet the requirements and standards adopted by the governing authority pursuant to section 110-68 of this article. - (7) Violation of any provisions contained in paragraph (c) of section 110-81 of this article. (8) Three valid violation complaints received and substantiated pursuant to section 110-82 of this article. (d) Licensees under this article are responsible for violations of this article by their vehicle operators whether such operators are direct employees or independent contractors. Sec. 110-70. Regulation of drivers of vehicles for hire. (a) No person shall operate a taxicab or sedan without an operator's permit issued by the police department. No business licensed to operate a taxicab service or as a sedan carrier shall employ any driver who has not been issued an operator's permit. (b) Operator's permits shall not be issued to any driver not employed by or representing a licensed company. Proof of employment or representation shall be presented upon application of a permit. ... (c) An applicant for a permit must furnish information requested on a form to be provided by the police department and submit to a police clearance consisting of a background investigation and/or fingerprinting. Operator permit applicants must meet the following requirements: (1) Be at least 21 years of age; provided, however, any driver between the age of 18 and 21 who was operating a taxicab on or before the effective date of this article shall not be subject to this age provision. (2) Be a citizen of the United States or an alien admitted for permanent residence or a person who has otherwise been granted employment authorization by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. (3) Possess a current, valid state driver's license, which must not be limited as defined in a.c.G.A. ~~ 40-5-58 and 40-5-64. (4) Exhibit a proficiency with the English language so as to be able to comprehend and interpret traffic signs, read a map in order to find streets, issue written receipts to passengers and obey lawful orders of police and others in lawful authority. - 11 (5) Ordinance No. 2004-3 a. Not have been convicted, plead guilty, plead nolo contendere or been on probation or parole for a period of five years previous to the date of application for the violation of any of the following criminal offenses of the state or any other state or of the United States: Criminal homicide; rape; aggravated battery; mayhem; burglary; aggravated assault; kidnapping; robbery; child molestation; any sex-related offense; driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating beverages or drugs; leaving the scene of an accident; criminal solicitation to commit any of these listed offenses; attempts to commit any of these listed offenses; any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used; perjury or false swearing; any crime of violence or theft, or possession, sale or distribution of narcotic drugs, barbituric acid derivatives or central nervous system stimulants, any felony; any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; provided, however, that all applicants shall be entitled to the full benefits of article 3 of chapter 8 of title 42, O.C.G.A., relating to first offender status. - b. If at the time of application the applicant is charged with any of the offenses prescribed in subparagraph a. of this paragraph, consideration of the application shall be suspended until entry of a plea or verdict or dismissal. (d) All operator permits automatically expire two years from the date they are issued. It shall be the responsibility of the operator to renew his/her permit and pay the applicable fee. - (e) Drivers are responsible for reporting any change in qualifications or status from information previously supplied to the police department within ten days of such change. (f) Operator permits must be posted on the dash or sun visor of the vehicle being driven so that it is visible from the passenger area. Drivers of sedans must have their operator's permits in their possession and they must be visible to passengers. Licensees under this article are responsible for checking to ensure that each driver has a current operator's permit in his or her possession and that such permit is posted on the dash or sun visor of the vehicle being operated. (g) A schedule of operator permit fees, as adopted from time to time by the governing authority, shall be posted in the offices of the clerk of the city and the police department. Any permittee who fails to timely renew his or her permit and fails to pay such fee when due shall pay, in addition to such fee, a separate penalty equal to ten percent of the required fee, for each period of 30 days, or portion thereof, following the due date. If the fees adopted from time to time by the governing authority provide for different fees for city drivers/operators than for non-city drivers/operators, to be considered a city driver/operator and pay fees associated therewith, a driver must have or - 12 Ordinance No. 2004-3 - operate out of one or more offices in the unincorporated part of the city; a post office box will not constitute an office. Proof of a current lease, if applicable, for the company premises, an affidavit as to ownership or occupancy or proof of association with a city licensee must be submitted to the police department upon request. Sec. 110-71. Denial, suspension, revocation of operator's permits; hearing. (a) An operator's permit or an application for an operator's permit under this article may be denied, suspended or revoked for due cause as defined in subsection (d) hereof. An operator's permit shall be granted by the police chief or his designee if the application meets all the legal requirements of this article and the police department provides a clearance consistent with the provisions of this article. If the application does not meet all the legal requirements of this article or the police department does not provide a clearance on the application, it shall not be granted by the police chief or his designee. Any decision of the police chief or his designee shall be final unless an appeal is filed by any aggrieved party within ten days from the date of notice to the applicant regarding denial of the application. The appeal shall be to the police committee of the governing body. - (b) The police chief or his designee may suspend or revoke an operator's permit for due cause as defined in subsection (d) hereof. The suspension or revocation may be appealed in writing to the police committee of the governing body and the committee will hold a hearing within 30 days of the date the appeal is received. A notice shall be sent to the permittee setting forth the time, place and purpose of the meeting. After the hearing, the police committee may affirm the decision of the police chief to suspend or revoke the permit, or place on probation for a maximum of 12 months, with or without the conditions, the permit or operator. If the decision of the police chief is disaffirmed, the permit shall be returned to the permittee immediately. (c) The decision of the police committee shall be final unless appealed to the full mayor and council. (d) An operator's permit may be denied, suspended or revoked for any of the following reasons: (1) For violation of any part of this article. (2) Where the applicant furnishes fraudulent or untruthful information or omits information requested in the application for a permit. (3) For failure to pay any fees imposed by the provisions of this article. (4) For failure to maintain all the general qualifications applicable to the initial issuance of a driver's permit. - (5) Having four or more moving traffic violations in any 12-month period. 13 Ordinance No. 2004-3 (6) Refusing to accept a passenger solely on the basis of race, color, national origin or religious belief. (7) Operating a vehicle with knowledge, actual or implied, that the required insurance coverage is not current or has lapsed. -- (8) For operating a vehicle in a manner which threatens a passenger or anyone else. (9) For operating a vehicle the driver knows or should know is not in compliance with the motor vehicle safety standards approved by the governing authority. (10) The permit applicant, during the 12-month period next preceding the filing of his application, has suffered a revocation of his operator's permit. (11) A complaint is received pursuant to section 110-82 of this article and determined to be valid by the license review board. (e) Notwithstanding any of the provisions in this section, any permits issued through administrative error or an error in the completion of a background investigation may be terminated by the police chief or his designee. Sec. 110-72. Previous denial or revocation of business license or operator's permit. - All persons or entities that have had their business license or operator's permit revoked must reapply for a license or permit. No license or operator's permit shall be issued to an applicant if within 12 months immediately preceding the filing of the application the applicant for a license, operator's permit or renewal has had an application denied or a license or operator's permit revoked. Sec. 110-73. Vehicle markings; rates. (a) Each taxicab shall plainly and prominently advertise the name and telephone number of the person, firm or corporation that holds the business license to operate the vehicle. Such advertisement shall be permanently affixed to both sides of the vehicle in a manner that prohibits the transfer of the advertisement from one vehicle to another. (b) A schedule of rates and hours of operation shall be marked on the side of the taxicab so as to be plainly visible to persons seeking to engage such vehicle for hire and shall be posted inside the vehicle and shall be filed with the business license office by the licensee. (c) Each taxicab shall have a taxi roof light mounted on the roof of the vehicle. Such roof light shall have a lighting system functional for nighttime operation. - 14 Ordinance No. 2004-3 Sec. 110-74. Interior requirements of vehicles for hire. .. (a) The interior of each vehicle for hire, including the trunk, shall be maintained in a clean condition, free of foreign matter and offensive odors. There shall be no litter in the vehicle or trunk and the seats shall be kept clean and without holes or large wear spots. (b) All vehicles for hire shall present a clean environment for passengers. (c) The telephone number of the business license office shall be prominently displayed within the taxicab designating such number as the number to call when filing complaints. (d) Permittees and licensees shall be responsible for compliance with this section. (e) The police chief or supervisor of the business license office may conduct inspections of the interior without notice to ensure compliance. Sec. 110-75. Parking oftaxicabs. - The driver of a taxicab shall not park on any street in any business district at any place other than at a taxicab stand, except that this provision shall not prevent the driver of such vehicle from temporarily stopping in accordance with other stopping or parking regulations at any place for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading and unloading passengers, and from making emergency repairs. Sec. 110-76. Daily dispatch log sheets. In order to maintain a license to operate a vehicle for hire service, a licensee must maintain daily dispatch log sheets, which shall be kept on file at the licensed business premises for a minimum of one year. Dispatch log sheets shall indicate all passengers carried, the time, place of entry and destination of each passenger, the amount charged and an itemization of any personal property left in the vehicle for hire. Sec. 110-77. Cruising. Operators of taxicabs are prohibited from "cruising." Cruising is defined as moving about the streets of the city or any private property for the purpose of picking up and transporting passengers who have not previously requested such service by telephone or by personal command. Licensees under this article are responsible for ensuring that no driver participates in cruising. Sec. 110-78. Call jumping. - Licensees under this article shall not participate in nor allow their drivers to 15 Ordinance No. 2004-3 practice call jumping or the act of intercepting a passenger who has requested service from another company. Sec. 110-79. Appearance and hygiene of drivers. -- Drivers of vehicles for hire must practice good personal hygiene and wear proper dress while operating a vehicle for hire. Proper dress shall mean the wearing of shoes, ankle-length pants, a shirt or blouse with sleeves and collar. Clothing must be clean and not visibly soiled. Sec. 110-80. Audits. Each person, firm or company licensed to do business under the provisions of this article and City Code, including limousine carriers, shall be subject to audit by the city. The city may conduct such audit at reasonable times and with prior notice to the licensee. Sec. 110-81. Drivers' duties and responsibilities. (a) Drivers of taxicabs shall notify their dispatcher of any personal property left in the vehicle for hire and such property shall be noted on the daily dispatch log sheets, Within 24 hours of discovery of any personal property left by a passenger, a driver shall forward such property to the police department or to its company's headquarters. Licensees shall maintain an accurate log of all private property held by them and the names of all persons claiming and receiving such property for a minimum of one year. - (b) A driver shall take the most direct route to a passenger's destination unless otherwise authorized or directed by the passenger. (c) It shall be unlawful for any driver of a vehicle for hire who is not permitted and for any person or entity which is not licensed to solicit or engage passengers within the city. (d) No driver shall refuse to accept a passenger unless the passenger is obviously intoxicated or dangerous. (e) No driver shall refuse to accept a passenger solely on the basis ofrace, color, national origin or religious belief. (f) No driver shall be permitted to carry nonpaying passengers in a taxicab while transporting a paying passenger or passengers except for the purpose of driver training. (g) It shall be unlawful for a driver to operate his vehicle in a manner which threatens a passenger or anyone else, or to threaten or otherwise abuse a passenger. ... 16 Ordinance No. 2004-3 ~ (h) It shall be unlawful for a driver to discharge any passenger before reaching the passenger's destination unless the driver has a reasonable belief that the passenger is dangerous, or unless street or area conditions do not permit a safe discharge to either the passenger or driver. (i) No television sets may be operated on the front seat on which the driver sits inside of a moving vehicle. (j) It shall be unlawful for drivers to drive, or for companies or other entities to allow to be driven, any vehicle for hire which does not have a valid inspection sticker, is not validly insured or, if a taxicab, has an unsealed or improperly working taxi fare meter. (k) Persons or other entities operating a taxicab service or as a sedan carrier shall be prohibited from allowing such vehicles to be operated by persons not holding valid operator permits. (1) Drivers shall not be required to carry more than $15.00 in change. (m) Upon request of a passenger of a taxicab, drivers shall give receipts showing the amount of fare paid, name of company, license number, number of passengers, location of trip, origination and location of trip termination. Upon request of a passenger of a sedan carrier, drivers of sedans shall give receipts showing the amount paid. ... Sec. 110-82. Complaints; records. (a) The business license office shall be responsible for receiving complaints concerning the operation of vehicles for hire in the city. The telephone number of the business license office shall be prominently displayed outside and inside the taxicab and shall designate such number as the number to call for filing complaints. (b) The business license office shall maintain true and accurate records of the names and identification numbers of each driver permitted to drive vehicles for hire and each business licensed to operate a taxicab service or as a sedan carrier, together with other requirements of this article, and shall maintain a log of all complaints for each operator and licensee. Sec. 110-83. Reserved. Sec. 110-84. Severability. - The sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this article are severable; and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this article shall be declared unconstitutional or unreasonable and thus void by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, that unconstitutionality or declaration of 17 Ordinance No. 2004-3 unreasonableness shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs or sections of this article, since they would have been enacted without the unconstitutional or unreasonable phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section. - Sec. 110-85. Enforcement and penalty. (a) The police department, city marshalls and the business license office shall enforce the regulations contained in this article. (b) Violations of the provisions of this article shall be punished as provided in section 1-8 in the Smyrna ordinances. Each separate occurrence shall be deemed a separate offense. (c) The violation of the provisions of this article by any person, corporation, partnership or other entity, whether a licensee or permittee may be enjoined by instituting appropriate proceedings for injunctions in the courts of competent jurisdiction in this state. Such actions may be maintained notwithstanding that other adequate remedies at law exist. Such actions may be instituted in the name of the governing authority of the city. (d) Violations of any provision of this article by any licensee or permittee shall be due cause for revocation of any city business license, and/or permit, after notice and hearing as provided herein. (e) The above remedies are cumulative to each other. - Sec. 110-86. Effective date. This article shall take effect three months from the date of its adoption by the governing authority. All businesses currently licensed to operate vehicles for hire in the city must be in compliance with this article by the effective date. All ordinances, parts of ordinances, or regulations in conflict herewith are repealed as of the effective date of this ordinance. Severability: Should any section of this Ordinance be declared invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any part thereof which is not specifically declared to be invalid or unconstitutional. -- 18 Ordinance No. 2004-3 ... Approved by Mayor and Council this 20th day of January, 2004. /d~ Attest: A. Max Bacon, Mayor ~Q.~ Susan D. Hiott, City Clerk City of Smyrna AJ:;rm __ Scott A. Cochran, City Attorney City of Smyrna - - 19