Loading...
March 18, 2002 Council Meeting March 18, 2002 - The regular scheduled meeting of Mayor and Council was held at Smyrna City Hall. Thc meeting was called to order by presiding officer Mayor A. Max Bacon at 7:30 o'clock p.m. All Council Members were present except Council Member Hawkins, who was absent because of a family medical emergency. Also present was Interim City Administrator Chris Corey, Deputy City Clerk Lee Miller, City Attorney Scott Cochran, Fire Chief Larry Williams, Finance Director Claudia Edgar, Public Works Director Scott Stokes, Police Chief Stan Hook, Library Director Michael Seigler, Keep Smyrna Beautiful Director Ann Kirk, Community Development Director Chris Miller, Community Relations Director Jennifer Bennett, City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt and representatives of the press. Pastor Keith Crowgey of Locust Grove Baptist Church called for a moment of silence for missing Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Lawson, followed by the invocation and pledge to the flag CITIZENS INPUT/SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Mayor Bacon recognized Ms. Ann Kirk, who recognized Ms. Mary Betty Johnson, who was recognized for ten years of service with the Keep Smyrna Beautiful Commission (KSBC). Ms. Kirk explained that Ms. Johnson is the first Life Member of KSBC and she was presented with a crystal jonquil. Ms. Kirk also called upon the other members of KSBC to come forward and introduced them and expressed appreciation for their efforts. Ms. Kirk also recognized Mr. Scott Stokes and congratulated him for his role in helping the City win the current First Place Waste Minimization Award given by the State. Council Member Cramer expressed his appreciation to Ms. Johnson for her contribution to the success of KSBC. Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. Frank Adams who commended KSBC for the various awards it has garnered over the last several years. - Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. Bill Lnenicka, who provided information regarding the progress of the Veterans Memorial. Mr. Lnenicka stated that rough grading is expected to be complete by March 19. Mr. Lnenicka said that when the stump of the recently removed oak tree was examined, there was evidence of massive lightning damage and there is little doubt that the tree could not have been saved. Mr. Lnenicka stated the construction is expected to be back on schedule by May 3 and that it may be complete by the middle of August with an absolute deadline of September 19. Mr. Lnenicka explained the replanting of trees would be done later in the fall as this is the most favorable season for this type of planting. Mr. Lnenicka advised that 1,500 pavers have been received with 700 more on order and that the total number of available pavers is expected to be 2,700. Mr. Lnenicka reported the expected date of a dedication ceremony is September 21 or 2R. Mayor Bacon explaincd that every effort was made to spare the lightning-damaged oak tree, but every professional opinion indicated that the tree could not be saved. Mayor Bacon stated that Petty Officer Jason Lawson should be recognized for his service to his country, and that the planned dedication ceremony could be a good time for that. Council Member Cramer expressed appreciation for the efforts made on this project by Mr. Lnenicka. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (A) Variance Request - Accessory Structure Beyond Maximum Number Allowed - 3046 Lee Street - Mr. Corey stated the subject property contains a single-family residence and is zoned R-15, and the applicant has requested a variance to permit a new free-standing garage to replace the existing garage. Mr. Corey advised this free-standing garage would be considered an accessory structure in accordance with the City's Zoning Code. Mr. Corey stated Section 501.11 of the Smyrna Zoning Code limits the number of accessory structures to one per lot, and that the applicant is proposing to replace the existing free-standing garage with a new structure large enough to accommodate two full-size vehicles. Mr. Corey stated the new garage is proposed to be located in the same general area adjacent to the existing driveway. Mayor Bacon recognized Mr. L. A. Barto, who owns the subject property. Mayor Bacon stated this is a public hearing and asked for comment. Thcre was none. Mayor Bacon called upon Council Member Scoggins to conduct the variance hearings in Council Member Hawkins' absence. March 18,2002 2 Council Member Scoggins recognized Mr. Chris Miller, who discussed the information in the variance synopsis. Council Member Scoggins asked Mayor Bacon for permission to proceed to hearing items (B) and (C) and Mayor Bacon gave his consent. (B) Variance Request - Oversized Accessory Structure - 3046 Lee Street Council Member Scoggins asked Mr. Barto if wished to build an 852 square feet structure as opposed to the maximum allowed size of 700 square feet, and Mr. Barto answered in the affirmative. Council Member Scoggins asked if there were any objections to this, and none were expressed. (C) Variance Request - Reduction in Setback Requirements - 3046 Lee Street - Council Member Scoggins asked Mr. Miller if the proposed reduction in setback would result in an actual setback of two feet, and Mr. Miller answered in the affirmative. Council Member Scoggins asked Mr. Miller if his staff supports the proposed variance, and Mr. Miller said yes. Mayor Bacon asked Mr. Barto if an existing structure will be demolished and replaced with a new one, and Mr. Barto answered in the affirmative. Council Member Scoggins made a motion to approve a variance request for an accessory structure beyond the maximum number allowed for 3046 Lee Street and the motion was seconded by Council Member Wood. Council Member Newcomb asked if the owners of adjoining property which could be affected had been made aware of the proposed variance request, and Mr. Barto said yes and provided some details. Motion was approved 6 - o. Council Member Scoggins made a motion to approve a variance request for an oversized accessory structure for 3046 Lee Street and the motion was seconded by Council Member Cramer. Motion was approved 6 - o. Council Member Scoggins made a motion to approve a variance request for a reduction in setback requirements for 3046 Lee Street and the motion was seconded by Council Member Newcomb. Motion was approved 6 - o. FORMAL BUSINESS: ... (A) Approval of Authorization for Mayor to Sign Georgia Greenspace Program Grant Award for Fiscal Year 2002 Mr. Corey sated the Department of Natural Resources has advised the City that it has been awarded $220,510 for the Greenspace Program A ward for fiscal year 2002, and that the Finance Director has reviewed a wire transfer notification of this dollar amount and made financial institution information correclions as appropriale. Mr. Corey staled the signatures of the chief elected official and finance officer are required on these agreement documents. Council Member Wood stated the Greenspace funds can only be used for the purpose specified in the program. Council Member Wood made a motion to approve authorization for the Mayor to sign the Georgia Greenspace Program Grant Award Agreement for Fiscal Year 2002, and the motion was seconded by Council Member Cramer. Motion was approved 6 - O. *Council Member Pritchett made a motion to suspend the rules to add an additional appointment under agenda item 4 (B), and the motion was seconded by Council Member Wood. Motion was approved 6 - o. *(B) Appointment of Replacement Members to the Smyrna Housing Authority (SHA) and the Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) ..... Council Member Pritchett made a motion to appoint Marcia Curtis to the to PZB, and the motion was seconded by Council Member Newcomb. Motion was approved 6 - o. Council Member Pritchett made a motion to appoint Lana Chase to the SHA, and the motion was seconded by Council Member Newcomb. Molion was approved 6 - o. March 18, 2002 3 (C) Approval of Authorization to Make Application for Fiscal Year 2003 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds Mr. Corey stated the Parks and Recreation Department (PRO) is requesting permission to appiy for fiscal year 2003 CDnG funds to he used for continued phase development of Chuck Camp Park. Mr. Corey stated funding for Phase I and II has been primarily from CDBG sources, and there are no general fund commitments through the CIP process to build an additional ballfield at Chuck Camp Park in fiscal year 2003. Mr. Corey stated that, because there are no other fund sources assigned, it is the recommendation of PRO to utilize CDBG funds once more. - Council Member Wood made a motion to approve authorization to make application for fiscal year 2003 CDBG funds and the motion was seconded by Council Member Cramer. Motion was approved 6 - O. (D) Approval of Request for Proposals for Construction of New Water Supply Line Council Member Wood advised that bids will be sought for the installation of water service lines for the areas in the south of the City such as the Oakdale Road/Riverside Drive/East-West Connector area. Council Member Wood made a motion to approve request for proposals for construction of a new water supply line, and Council Member Scoggins seconded the motion. Motion was approved 6 - O. CQMMm~CI^t._Bl)ILDlNG PI~RMITS: There were none. BID AWARDS: (A) Award of Bid for Purchase of a Dump Tmck for the Parks Facilities Division (PFD) - Mr. Corey stated the Purchasing Division finds Fontain Truck to be the lowest bidder for the specified F450 Ford dump truck and that, although Fontain will receive the award, the truck portion of the truck end body will be provided by Wade Ford of Smyrna. Council Member Wood made a motion to award the bid for a Ford F450 dump truck for PFD to Fontain Truck in the amount of $32,468.80 and the motion was seconded by Council Memher Cramer. Motion was approved () - o. CON~EI'{TAQSNJJA (A) Approval of March 4, 2002, Minutes (B) Approval of Use of Council Chambers by Vinings Forest Condominiums HOA for a Meeting on March 20, 2002 Council Member Scoggins made a motion to approve the consent agenda, and the motion was seconded by Council Memher Lnenicka. Motion was approved 7 - n. COMMITTEE REPORTS~ Council Member Newcomb recognized Mr. Chris Miller, who reminded those present of the next Growth Strategies Commission meeting on March 28 at 12:00 p.m. Mr. Miller provided current statistics on construction costs and permits. - Council Member Scoggins recognized Ms. Ann Kirk, who provided details of upcoming events including the Great American Clean Up and the Adopt a Mile programs. Council Member Scoggins recognized Mr. Scott Stokes, who provided details about various repairs and improvements in progress. Mr. Stokes also discussed efforts by Cobb County Health Department to control the spread of West Nile virus. Council Member Scoggins related details of favorable citizen feedback he has received about Mr. Stokes, and cOll1mcndcd him for his efforts. March ] 8, 2002 4 Council Member Cramer commented on construction and HOA activities in the City and the contributions of citizens like Ms. Mary Betty Johnson. Council Member Cramer concluded by encouraging everyone to support the Veterans Memorial. Council Member Lnenicka rccognizcd ChicI' Stan Hook, who providcd dctails regarding the caninc program and currcnt statistics. Council Member Lnenicka recognized Chief Larry Williams, who discussed a recent water billing insert with a message reminding citizens that SBCCI and NFPC regulations require that buildings be marked with a street number. Chief Williams stated that having street numbers on structures facilitates deliveries as well as identifying locations to responding fire/EMS units. Council Member Lnenicka reminded those present of the Vinings Forcst Condominiums HOA meeting on March 20. Council Member Lnenicka expressed his condolences to the family of missing Petty Officer Jason Lawson, and reminded everyone that freedom has its cost. ... Council Member Wood recognized Ms. Jennifer Belmett, who discussed upcoming events including the Jonquil Festival on April 27 and 28 and the Jonquil City Jog. Ms. Bennett advised that on-line registration is available for the jogging event. Council Member Wood recognized Mr. Michael Seigler, who reported that circulation statistics for Smyrna Library continue to trend upward, and that on-line catalog service is available. Mr. Seigler advised that author and former Smyrna resident Miriam Meyers will be at the Smyrna Library on March 21 for a special program, and that the Atlanta Bead Society's exhibit is still on display. Council Mcmbcr Wood rccognizcd Parks and Rccrcation cmploycc Mr. Tommy Jackson who discussed upcoming events, including Easter programs and the opening session of Little League baseball. Mayor Bacon expressed condolences to the family of former Smyrna Council Member and Mayor Pro- Tem Elbert Coalson, who recently passed away. Council Member Lnenicka made a motion to adjourn into executive session in the Second Floor Conference Room at 8:35 p.m. to discuss personnel matters, and the motion was seconded by Council Member Wood. Motion was approved 6 - O. - With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m. - March 18, 2002 5 I I I l~ " iA~ 'J ~ A. MAX BACON, MAYOR LEE MILLER, DEPUTY CITY CLERK - -- c&v~ RON NEWCOMB, WARD 2 w ~~D%~ - - - ~ ~ '-' AFFIDA VIT , Personally appeared before the undersigned attesting officer, duly authorized to administer oaths, Mayor A. Max Bacon, who after being duly sworn, deposes and on oath states the following: (1) I was the presiding officer of a Council Meeting held on the 18th day of March, 2002. (2) That it is my understanding that a.c.G.A. g50-14-4(b) provides as follows: When any meeting of an agency is closed to the public pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section, the chairperson or other person presiding over such meeting shall execute and file with the official minutes of the meeting a notarized affidavit stating under oath that the subject matter of the meeting or the closed portion thereof was devoted to matters within the exceptions provided by law and identifying the specific relevant exception (3) The subject matter ofthe closed meeting or closed portion of the meeting held on the 18th of March, 2002, which was closed for the purpose( s) of discussion of personnel matters as allowed by a.c.G.A., Title 50, chapter 14, was devoted to matters within those exceptions and as provided by law. (4) This affidavit is being executed for the purpose of complying with the mandate of a.c.G.A. g50-14-4(b) that such an affidavit be executed. This 18th day of March, 2002. ~ ------ Mayor/Presiding afficer Sworn to and subscribed before me This 18th day of March, 2002. /rL- ~-~ Notary Public 'v \. 7... L My Commission ~ on ....::...=. .~,V\